April 2011 test

April 2011

The Best-SummerEver Guide Hundreds of great camps and activities

to keep your kids busy and learning

Bully Zappers: PLUS: Enjoy the beauty of Muskogee’s Azalea Festival

Help your child turn the tables on bullying

metrofamilymagazine.com

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| April 2011

CAMP A 3-7-11

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MAKE MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME For many children and teens, it just wouldn’t be summer without YMCA CAMP CLASSEN. Our resident camp offers a few days to a few weeks in the scenic Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, OK. Making new friends, getting outdoors and enjoying camp adventures is an experience of a lifetime. Y camps help youth develop character, an appreciation for nature and new skills in a safe and supportive environment led by caring adults. So give your child memories for a lifetime by enrolling at YMCA CAMP CLASSEN this summer.

Visit www.itsmycamp.org to learn more!

Adventures in Fun. Give your children the best summer ever!

Enroll Now for Summer and Get One Week

FREE!*

• Flexible scheduling for you and a great summer for them!

• Sessions in arts and crafts, sports, music, and more* • Guests, activities and field trips to make every day fun*

It’s everything you want for your child, and more!

• Perfect for children ages 6-12 and great for younger ones too (6 weeks-5 years)*

See how much fun your child can have!

• They’ll also be learning with our school readiness program

For details call 866-961-7591 to locate a school near you and to schedule a visit.

*Available at participating locations only. Rules and restrictions apply. See school for 0-5-year-old and 6-12-year-old summer offer details and restrictions. Sessions, programs, field trips, and hours vary by school. CODE: Use current summer offer disclaimers and code(s).

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www.lapetite.com

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April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Join the Fun with MetroFamily

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Where do metro parents click for all the family news in the area? It’s metrofamilymagazine.com, your one source for all things local and related to your family! Finishing touches are being made to our NEW website, launching with a new look and great new features and content, including a huge, comprehensive, searchable calendar and a handy directory to the family services you need. Check it out daily! And join us on Facebook (facebook.com/metrofamily) and Twitter (twitter.com/ metrofamily).

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Now’s the time to sign up for our soon-to-launch Mother Lode deals program.

This project will offer subscribers the opportunity to buy the local family products and services you love (or will certainly love) at 50% discounts and more! Subscribe TODAY at metrofamilymagazine.com/mother-lode.

Our very popular Easter Activities List is available on our website. Hop on over to metrofamilymagazine.com/easter-activities and plan your Easter fun today!

Next month’s MetroFamily features the award-winning Exploring Oklahoma with Children travel guide, one of our most popular issues of the year. Contact us today to find out how to advertise your attraction, restaurant, accommodation or other business in this annual guide distributed throughout the state. Deadlines are coming quickly: Exploring Oklahoma issue ad space reservation is April 11; the May issue is April 14. Call 405-601-2081 or email ads@metrofamilymagazine.com TODAY!

Refresh.

Coming soon: Our NEW website, complete with all the features you love about MetroFamily and many new ones.

Launching in a web browser near you....

metrofamilymagazine.com 4

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Enter our Contests

You could win big!

Sign up to be eligible for these great prizes at

metrofamilymagazine.com/contests • A complete, fun weekend trip to Enid for a family of four includes two-night stay, food, $75 VISA card for fuel, tickets to attractions and even disposable cameras to record your memorable trip. Valued over $500. Deadline April 30th.

• Our monthly FS Giveaway features many great family products and is valued at over $500. Deadline April 21st.

• One of six Character Tales DVD and set of activity guides. Deadline April 21st.

The Best-Summer-Ever issue

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Ready to jump into summer?

We’ve got our popular, annual list of the Metro’s best camps plus great tips from the American Camp Association.

April 2011 50 Calendar

Dozens of events and activities for family fun and enrichment

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Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

48 Exploring Oklahoma Visit Muskogee for the annual Azalea Festival

44 Family Finances

Read the fine print—and this guide to contracts—before you sign that contract

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Having trouble with bullies?

Read how to Zap a Bully right out of the picture.

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Can’t we all just get along? Tips to get your kids to STOP the bickering!

On the cover: Eight-year-old Katie Norris, daughter of Larry & Andrea Norris of Edmond, enjoys a RIVERSPORT camp at Lake Overholser (Rt 66 Boathouse) in 2010. Photo by Georgia Read.

Family Shorts

Community news and parenting resources

38 Focus on Education

How does your school district handle bullying?

40 Oklahoma Reads

Book reviews for all ages and interests

62 Photo Gallery

Our readers share photos of spring break fun plus we introduce the OKC Barons MetroFamily Fan of the Game

32 Real Moms of the Metro

Meet Debbie Wog: wife, mom and fitness enthusiast

46 Your Healthy Family

What you need to know about the newly-defined dietary guidelines

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Dear MetroFamily readers, It’s an old joke that you talk most about the weather when you’re visiting with someone you don’t have much in common with. But, in Oklahoma, it’s a valid conversation point.

The weather here turns on a dime and lately the weather has been offering a taste of summer—quite fitting as we’ve been working on this summer camps issue! This is the one that parents wait for, with our list of great summer camps. I encourage you to use this issue to plan your family's best summer ever!

This issue also focuses on a topic that’s always an important one for parents— bullying. We’ve included a great feature that provides unique solutions to help your kids handle bullies while our education column reviews the bullying policies of local school districts.

April is also the beginning of a new chapter in my family’s life. As I write this, we've just celebrated my husband's military retirement ceremony. He retires after 23 years of active duty military service. It’s a big change for us, but one we are excited to make. The military has defined our lives from the moment we met. It brought us together, it sent him away on more than one occasion and it brought us to Oklahoma. I’m so proud of all that he’s accomplished in his career and look forward to starting this new adventure with him. We came to Oklahoma because we had to; but we’re staying because we want to.

Until next month!

Cheers!

info And Questions: 405-601-2081 To submit events to our calendar calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing editor@metrofamilymagazine.com Art Director Mitzi Massie mitzi@metrofamilymagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price Amy Lou Tuzicka ads@metrofamilymagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty kathy@metrofamilymagazine.com Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett brooke@metrofamilymagazine.com Calendar Editor Sara Riester calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett, Marla Coleman, Julie Dill, Shannon Fields, Karen Mitchell, Sue Lynn Sasser, Leanne Stan-Fifield Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.

We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Fax: (405) 445-7509 E-mail: info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 14, Number 4

Photos, from top: A working trip to South Carolina provided some beautiful memories and photo opportunities for Lauren and me. Having fun at the Museum of Osteology over spring break (from left: Aubree Snider, Lauren and Spencer). The family gathered together for my husband’s retirement ceremony, LtCol Uhrig and MSgt Farthing (retired) holding his official retirement orders. Photo by SSgt Michael Evans.

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P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Design Your Own Camp!

Sign Up for SUMMER

At our camps, you can do what you want!

and Get One Free Week!*

Smiles, learning and quality care.

ing!

Go Swimm

It’s everything you want for your child, and more!

• Scheduling flexibility for you…a great summer for them • Special sessions in arts and crafts, sports, music, and more* • Special guests, unique activities and field trips to make every day fun* • Perfect for school-age children (6-12 years) and great for younger ones (6 weeks-5 years), too* • Shhh…don’t tell them they’ll also be learning with our special school readiness program

Ride Hors

es!

Learn Arc & So Much hery More!

Camp sessions are open to any girl age 5-17!

www.childtime.com

See how much fun your child can have!

For details call 877-299-9089

June 12-30 & July 10-17 Resident & Day Camps Family Camp starts at $85

to locate a school near you and schedule a visit.

Online Registration Now Open!

Register online at: www.gswestok.org 800-698-0022 405-528-GIRL

*Available at participating locations only. Rules and restrictions apply. See school for 0-5-year-old and 6-12-year-old summer offer details and restrictions. Sessions, programs, field trips, and hours vary by school. CODE: Use current summer offer disclaimers and code(s).

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Treat your child to an experience that’s unforgettable! A fun-filled, educational, and bonding experience with the “Wonderments of a Horse”. Each week-long camp offers new action-packed curriculum, ending with a prideful Horse Show & Awards Ceremony.

Summer Riding Camps

Weekly Session Fee

$195 /child

(Sessions fill fast, so call now!)

• Great Way to Introduce Children to Horses • For Ages: 6 -13 • Fun, Educational Week-Long Summer Camps

2/10/11 8:23 AM

Choose from available camps beginning each Monday from 1p.m. to 5 p.m.

June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27

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June 10 June 17 June 24 July 1

July July July July

5 11 18 25

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July 8* July 15 July 22 July 29

* The week of July 4th will be Tuesday through Friday at the discounted rate of $156.

• Award-Winning Equestrian Facility since 1963 • Grooming, tacking, safety, horse chores, crafts, games, riding lessons & more!

• Friday Afternoon “Horse Show & Awards Ceremony”

For more info. or to register, contact Counselor Terry: 245-0110 or Main Barn: 340-3432 2200 NW 192nd Street (SW Corner of Danforth & Penn) Edmond, OK 73012 CrossCreekStablesOKC.com

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Julie Dill, Mari Farthing

Heloise of “Hints by Heloise” to Highlight Fundraising Luncheon for Community Literacy Centers Community Literacy Centers, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching adults to read. Since its inception, CLC has helped over 29,000 individuals with reading skills.

The volunteers, donors and supporters of this organization will be honored through an awards luncheon called Literacy Live with Heloise on Wednesday, May 4th, 11:30am1:00pm at the Oklahoma City Marriott located at 3233 NW Expressway.

The keynote speaker, acclaimed author Heloise of Hints by Heloise, will entertain the crowd with her Texas charm and her story of how she turned “hints” into a thriving business that takes Heloise and her six assistants to run.

She is the author of 11 bestselling books, including In the Kitchen with Heloise, and her latest, Handy Household Hints from Heloise.

In addition to the keynote speaker, the luncheon will feature awards presented to Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, as well as a special CLC instructor and generous donor. Through this fundraising event, CLC will be able to provide classes in a wider variety of settings and help more illiterate adults learn to read.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Community Literacy Centers at 405-524-7323 or visit communityliteracy.com.

Tickets are $75 per person and include a complimentary autographed copy of Heloise’s latest book.

Question of the Month Where is your favorite place to travel in Oklahoma?

Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/fs-giveaway to answer this question and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $500.

Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 21.

Your comments may also be used in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine or on our website.

The full contents of the prize package are listed with the entry form. A winner will be drawn at random and notified by phone or email. The winner agrees to pick up items from the MetroFamily office, 725 NW 11th, Oklahoma City.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

How Will Your Family Spend Summer Break?

The weather is warming, the end of school is in 6% sight, and it’s time to make plans for summer fun. Our March Question 29% of the Month asked you 48% to share your summer 7% plans with us and we are excited to hear about 3% all the great things you 7% have planned for the upcoming break.

Total responses: 255 More than 45 percent ■ 123 We love the downtime! Hanging out with of you told us that family and friends is the plan. your plans for summer ■ 18 Bring on the outdoor fun! We love active include downtime and sport camps. enjoying fun with family ■ 8 A great time to get creative! Our kids and friends. Nearly 30 participate in arts and crafts camps. percent of you will be exploring Oklahoma and ■ 19 Travel! We pack a bag and head out of state. seeing all the fantastic ■ 73 Keeping it local! We love to travel and see all things our state has that Oklahoma has to offer. to offer. Many of you 14 Other.

■ also plan to help your children be active with sports camps and activities, while others will take the creative route with arts-based summer camps.

Jennifer D. of Norman explains how summer opens up new opportunities for her children: “I like to use the summer break to expose my kids to new things—and get a slight break for myself!”

Deanna A. of El Reno will be exploring Oklahoma looking for summer fun: “We love to see all the different things our state has to offer.”

Erin M. of Del City looks forward to sharing her favorite childhood memories with her son: “My toddler is very active and very interested in things. I look forward to taking him to places in Oklahoma that I enjoyed growing up, and seeing how he'll open my eyes to things I'd never considered…he always shows me a new view of things.”

Dawrenda C. of Oklahoma City says she and her family are avid explorers around our state: “During the summer we go every weekend to a destination in Oklahoma. Soon, we will have seen all of Oklahoma!”

Stacy B. of Oklahoma City is also a fan of travel around the state: “We like taking day trips around Oklahoma. I have lived here all my life and still find new fun things to do every year.”

For Kristi D. of Bethany, a little bit of everything adds up to big summer fun: “We'll actually be doing a little bit of everything... hanging out at home, playing in the backyard pool, family-friendly stuff around the city, as well as road trips around the state and perhaps a ‘big’ one out of state!”

Rebekah N. of Midwest City has a great summer surprise lined up for her kids: “My hubby and I are surprising our two kiddos—ages six and 10—with a roadtrip to Disney World the day after school lets out. They think we’re going to Branson!”

As you begin to make plans to enjoy your summer, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/reader-response-april-2011 to see all the great ideas for summer fun suggested by our readers.

Problem-Solvers

When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the interesting items we’ve recently found. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

The kids need motivation to get moving.

Solution:

Geopalz activity trackers ($20) pedometers are fun for kids to wear and encourage movement with a website that encourages healthy competition. (geopalz.com)

Problem:

Bullying is a hard topic to discuss.

Solution:

The Skinny on Bullying book ($13) provides tips for all ages to manage bullies and difficult situations. (theskinnyon.com)

Character Corner: Boldness

Being bold means that you do not fear what others think and you do not lower your standards of good conduct to please others.

A bold man is better in all things.

To promote boldness in your home: ~ Homer's • Consistently live by the example of the character Odyssey standards that your family has defined. If family members do not demonstrate good character, bring it to their attention in a loving manner.

• Share your commitment to good character with others. Don’t be afraid to walk away from others engaging in foolish or harmful activities.

Encourage boldness in your home by committing to the following statements. Say these “I will” statements aloud with your children, and encourage them to apply them to situations in their everyday life.

I will: ... not be afraid to speak the truth. ... keep a clear conscience. ... support others when they are right. ... be willing to stand alone. ... speak with humility.

Contact Character First! for more character-building resources. To learn more, call 405-815-0001 or visit characterfirst.com.

Problem:

How can you introduce your kids to fitness?

Solution:

Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle DVD ($18) provides an entry into yoga for young children. (yogacalm. com)

Problem:

You want a kid-friendly BPAfree bottle for your baby.

Solution:

OrganicKidz Stainless Steel bottles ($18) are a green alternative that grows with your child. (organickidz.ca) Camping is a fun and exciting summertime experience for your kids; and having some fun, camp-friendly products can make all the difference.

• The Spork Little ($7/3 pack) is a fork and spoon in one that replaces disposable plastic silverware in lunches. (lightmyfire.com) • ECOzip bags ($4 per package) are the perfectsize bag because it zippers in half to make three bags in one (one large bag if unzippered, or two bags connected). (ecozipbags.com) • Medibands ($2.50 & up) provide inexpensive and bright designs that are fun for kids to wear. (mediband.com) • CrispyGreen dried fruit ($5 each) make healthy snacks portable and fun to eat. (crispygreen.com) • Qwik Shower wipes ($1 each) are a shower in a wipe, making on-the-go hygiene easy to maintain. (qwikshower.com) • Easy Lunch Boxes ($14/4) and Bags ($8) make eco-friendly lunch easy to carry around. (easylunchboxes.com)

Hope Pregnancy Centers

Hope Pregnancy Centers assist those who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. All services provided by the center are confidential and given at no cost to the client, and clients have no pre-conditions for requirement aside from pregnancy or the need for pre-pregnancy counseling.

Last year in the Oklahoma City area, Hope Pregnancy Centers served 1,337 new clients. New clients receive factual information regarding their pregnancy.

Services of the center include: • pregnancy tests.

• limited ultrasounds.

• Earn While You Learn—a learning, incentive program where “Baby Bucks” can be earned for the center’s Baby Boutique in exchange for mother’s participation in prenatal and parenting classes.

• fatherhood program—available on Thursday evenings.

• breastfeeding assistance.

• newborn photos.

• adoption information.

• community referrals.

Ultrasounds at the center are not for medical/diagnostic purposes. “Ultrasounds make it [pregnancy] real and give mothers a chance to see their babies beating heart,” says Deborah Young, Development Representative at Hope Pregnancy Center.

Donations of baby items are welcome, and volunteers are needed. “Everything is volunteer-driven,” Young states, “We want to give parents the tools they need to make their life and their baby’s life different.”

Hope Pregnancy Center has two locations: North (10327 N May Ave, 405-755-5433) and South (1624 SW 82nd St, 405-6888700). More information may also be found at thinkimpregnant.org.

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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First Time at Camp?

Sending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone filled with excitement, anticipation and perhaps even some anxiety. Though camp is certainly about making friends and having fun, it is also about being on your own and being a part of a community. One of the most important things you as a parent can do is to help prepare your child ahead of time.

The following are some sample topics for discussion that will help prepare your child emotionally for their big adventure: • Friends. Remind your child that not everyone in his cabin, bunk or group has to be a friend—and he doesn’t have to make friends with everyone. As long as he treats others with respect and they do the same, that’s the most important lesson.

• Activities. There are many exciting things to do at camp, many of which you may have never tried before. She may not like all the activities, or she may be better at some than others. The most important thing is try something new. Explain that the more she puts into camp, the more she will get out of it!

• Cooperating. It’s important to cooperate with others and help out. That’s part of what makes camp so special—kids helping each other out. Your child needs to take time to get acclimated; almost everything is a new experience. It takes a few days to get adjusted, so patience is important.

• Getting help. Everyone has good days and bad days.

If your child has a problem, they should remember the counselor is there to help. If your counselor doesn’t know about the problem, how can they provide help? Parents should know who the counselors, unit directors and head counselors are and how their child will recognize them if they need to.

• Be positive. It’s a great thing to remind your first-time camper about her strong points. Focus not just on what they do well, but their positive qualities as well, such as what makes them a good friend or the type of person other kids would want to know. Helping children identify their strengths can help them when they are having a setback— one of those inevitable growing pains all children have from time to time.

Talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step on the road to being more resilient and selfreliant. For you as a parent, it can give you peace of mind as you allow your child to participate safely in a broader world.

Bob Ditter is a child and family therapist living in Boston who consults extensively with people who work with children.

Visit campparents.org, or call 800-428-2267 to learn more.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Learn more about how you can help at metrofamilymagazine. com/child-abuse-prevention.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

infant Crisis Services Auction to Raise Funds for Oklahoma Babies in Need

As a part of their mission that no baby should go hungry, Infant Crisis Services (ICS) provides life sustaining formula, food and diapers to babies and toddlers in times of crisis and serves over 12,000 babies and toddlers in central Oklahoma each year.

According to Beth Lykins, ICS’s Director of Volunteers, the ICS’s Teen Associate Board conducts one of the organization’s most successful volunteer fundraising efforts. On Friday, May 6, the Teen Associate Board will host “Baby on Board,” an annual auction and dinner at the OKC Golf & Country Club. The auction will include 200-300 items, including a week-long stay at Crested Butte, a week-long stay at Vail, autographed Teen volunteers at Infant Crisis Services with sports memorabilia, jewelry, home a few of the babies they serve with their accessories, movie passes, and more. fundraising efforts.

“Last year, the Teen Associate Board raised $54,000 and they are hoping to raise $60,000 to help babies this year,” Lykins explains. “We invite the public to join us for this special event that directly helps feed and diaper babies in need.”

“The Teen Associate Board is a real delight to work with, and it is truly their event,” Lykins continues. “Each member is responsible for collecting auction items, and they are solely responsible for organizing, promoting, decorating and getting sponsors.” The Teen Board is comprised of 36 kids in grades 9-12 from schools all around the metro area, charged with creating awareness of ICS and raising funds to help support its mission. “It’s so rewarding to be involved with our next generation of volunteers and to see how these teens absolutely love it,” Lykins explains.

Individual tickets may be purchased for $50. For more information about ICS or to purchase tickets, call 405-528-3663 or visit infantcrisis.org.

American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure

It’s a staggering statistic: diabetes affects the lives of over 420,000 Oklahomans. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) works to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for this often debilitating disease.

The Tour de Cure bicycle ride is held in 43 states (including Oklahoma) to benefit the ADA. The tour is a ride, not a race, and has routes for inexperienced and experienced cyclists alike.

The Oklahoma Tour de Cure will be held June 25 at the Wild Horse Park Town Center in Mustang, and the tour features: a 2-mile fun ride, 18-, 30- and 48-mile and a 100K. Advance registration for the Tour is $25 ($35 on event day), and there is a $150 fundraising minimum. Ride check-in times begin at 6:00am on event day.

Register in person at the Tour de Cure Get Geared Up Kickoff! at Schlegel’s Bicycles (900 N Broadway, OKC) on April 7 from 6:30-8:30pm. The registration event includes giveaways and Q&A sessions.

For more information about the Tour De Cure, contact Ariane Cash, Associate Manager at the ADA, acash@diabetes.org or call 888-DIABETES, extension 6048.

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3/10/11 8:56 AM April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Join Team GoMitchGo to Help Fight Blood and Bone Related Cancers Did you know that blood and bone related cancers are the greatest cancer threat to young people under the age of 20? Every four minutes a new case is diagnosed and every 10 minutes another young person dies from these diseases.

Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the OU Children’s Hospital. In Mitchell’s memory, John and Tracy have established a family goal to raise one million dollars in their lifetime for blood cancer research.

These numbers are all too familiar to John and Tracy Mitchell, who created the GoMitchGo Foundation in honor of their 10-year-old son Mitchell Whitaker, who lost his life after a 26-month battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. His last words to his parents were “keep fighting” and the couple has created a charitable foundation designed to raise funds for blood cancer research, offer support for the children and families battling this disease, and provide assistance to families in crisis.

Since Mitchell’s passing, the family has raised $430,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and is continuing to pursue their goal through affiliations with multiple charitable organizations and active involvement in a widerange of activities. In 2009, Tracy and nearly 50 friends ran in the Phoenix Marathon, raising nearly $240,000 under the team name of “Mitchell’s Angels.”

Mitchell was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at age 8. During Mitchell’s illness, John, Tracy, Mitchell, and his sister Meredith constantly found ways to assist and encourage other children with blood cancers and their respective families. They organized fundraisers, provided supplies, enlisted support, gave encouragement and participated in many events sponsored by the

Photo: Lisa Doss ❘ lisadossphotography.com

John and Tracy Whitaker are pictured with children Mitchell and Meredith. Mitchell passed away of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2007 and since then, the family has worked to raise funds for blood cancer research and other related causes. They are working to recruit 300 runners to raise funds by participating in the upcoming OKC Memorial Marathon.

National 9/11 Flag Comes to OKC National Memorial

The 16th anniversary of the bombing on April 19, 1995 that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown OKC and took 168 lives will include a unique ceremony this year. On the anniversary date at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, New York City firefighters will assist local service heroes in sewing the Oklahoma restorative patch onto the historic National 9/11 Flag.

“The addition of this patch will mirror the unity of our cities—and nation— following the tragic events that occurred in both New York and Oklahoma,” said Kari Watkins, executive director, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

The New York Says Thank You Foundation is asking local civic organizations and the public to attend the ceremony and to nominate local service heroes from Oklahoma who deserve the honor of stitching The National 9/11 Flag. Nominees can be people of all ages who are shining examples of service and sacrifice to their local communities and to the Nation and may be a wounded warrior, military veteran, first responder, educator, student or volunteer service leader.

Nominations must be received by April 8 and must be submitted online at National911Flag.org by clicking on “Nominate a Service Hero.” In addition, the public is invited to visit the website and volunteer to “Sponsor A Stitch” for $5 to help underwrite the restoration of this national treasure. No donation is required to participate in the stitching ceremony.

For more information about the 9/11 flag, visit National911Flag.org. For more information about the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, call 888542-HOPE or visit oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.

Currently, the family is organizing a team to represent the GoMitchGo foundation at the 2011 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and they hope to recruit 300 runners to join them. To get involved, register for the race at okcmarathon.com by April 25 and chose the distance you wish to run.

For more information about joining the GoMitchGo team or other ways to support the foundation, visit gomitchgo.com.

New Vaccine Requirement

In an effort to fight the spread of whooping cough in Oklahoma schools and communities, all students entering seventh grade in the 2011-12 school year will be required to have one dose of Tdap, a combination vaccine that provides a booster dose of pertussis (whooping cough) along with a tetanus and diphtheria booster. The Tdap vaccine is routinely recommended for all children at 11-12 years of age.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) believes that the new requirement will help Oklahoma avoid outbreaks of the disease that other parts of the country are experiencing. “While Oklahoma has been fortunate thus far in avoiding an outbreak of whooping cough, we did see an increase in the number of cases reported in the state last year,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline. “We are hopeful that this new vaccine requirement will help assure our students, families and communities are protected against this dangerous disease.”

OSDH officials urge parents of sixth graders to seek vaccination for their children now rather than waiting for the July and August back-to-school rush. There is no grace period allowed for students to comply with this requirement, with the exception of military children transferring from another state who are given 30 days to obtain state required immunizations. All other students must receive the vaccine and present an immunization record before entering the seventh grade.

The Tdap vaccine is available from your doctor, local health clinics, and county health departments statewide.

For more information, contact your health care provider or the Oklahoma City-County Health Department at 405-427-8651.

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Discover Oklahoma City’s Eco-Baby Store Today Let us help you select baby products that fit your lifestyle AND your pocketbook.

Simple • Affordable • Responsible

Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM 5113 N Shartel Ave • OKC • 405-848-2330

FREE Cloth Diaper Basic Classes

April 13th & 27th, 6PM Class sizes limited • Please RSVP

Green-Bambino.com LEWIS ORTHODONTICS SHANNON LEWIS, DDS, MS, PC

Silver Phoenix Drama Camptacular presents

The Missoula Children’s Theatre production of

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs July 11-15 from 9:30-2:30 Performance Friday 15th at 7:00PM 60 campers accepted - children entering 1st-9th grade Cost $195. All campers are cast in the production

The Wizard

of Oz 2010

330.5095

2900 N. KELLY AVENUE, EDMOND OK

WWW.LEWISBRACES.COM

Leslie McElroy at 405-816-6588 Email: thechildrensmusical@hotmail.com

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

CAMPS Post / Age 10-18 June 2-3 Little Dribblers / Age 5-6 June 6-7 Individual Skills / Age 7-9 June 6-7 3000 Shot / Age 10-18 June 8-10 Extreme / Age High School June 26-July 1 CBYA/Waymans Lightning / Age 6-9 July 11-12 Speed / Age 10-18 July 25-28 Last Shot / Age 9-12 August 1-3

SESSION June 8-July 21 Wednesdays / Little Dribblers

Thursdays / Total Player www.sbabasketball.net 405-816-HOOP

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

13

Arts Trek! 2011 at MabeeGerrer Museum of Art

Shawnee’s Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art presents the 2011 Arts Trek! on Saturday April 17, 10:00am-4:00pm. This free community event features a variety of activities, including: • Make and take art projects and face painting.

• Performances by vocal, instrumental, dance, theatre and fine-arts performance artists.

• A collaborative community art project.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum was founded in 1919 by Father Gregory Gerrer, a Benedictine monk. It is one of the oldest museums in the state and features many objects collected by Father Gerrer in his travles to Europe, Africa and South America—including Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects, Renaissance art and Native American cultural artifacts.

The Museum is located on the campus of St. Gregory’s University at 1900 W. MacArthur in Shawnee. Learn more about this and other programs by calling 405-8785300 or visiting mgmoa.org.

Free Wildlife Department Youth Camp

Oklahoma youth can explore careers in wildlife-related fields at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s annual Wildlife Youth Camp. Held July 10-15 at Lake Texoma, the camp is open to Oklahoma residents age 14-16.

“The free camp allows youth to gain first-hand knowledge of careers in wildlife and fisheries management as well as law enforcement,” said Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the Wildlife Department. “Some participants even move on to rewarding careers as employees of the Wildlife Department.”

Courses planned for the week include rifle and shotgun training, muzzleloading, wildlife identification, wildlife law enforcement, fishing, fisheries management, ropes and rappelling, swimming, and turkey and waterfowl hunting, management and enforcement.

The camp will be open to a maximum of 35 teens, and applications will be accepted through April 15. More information and applications, as well as photographs from previous youth camps are available by visiting wildlifedepartment.com/youthcamp.htm.

Kindie Rock with Spaghetti Eddie

You may not have heard of Brendan Parker, but your children have probably heard of Spaghetti Eddie. Parker is a part of the growing Oklahoma City “Kindie” (Kid + Indie) music scene, and Spaghetti Eddie is the name of his CD (and one of his popular songs).

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Parker created his silly but educational album as a gift for his goddaughter. A musician for many years, he tried to craft songs that would be appreciated by young and old alike.

You can catch Parker performing songs from the CD (including my kids’ favorites, “Body Parts” and “Ways to Go,” at one of his performances at local venues, including the upcoming Norman Music Festival and Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts (see pages 50-51 for details). Find out more at brendanparkermusic.com.

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Parents Assistance Center

Serving approximately 1500 parents and children each year, Parents Assistance Center (PAC) strives to prevent child abuse and neglect in the greater Oklahoma City area.

Through funding provided by various organizations (including the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the United Way of Central Oklahoma), plus service fees and private donations, the PAC supports the following programs: • Parenting program: an interactive, psychoeducational program that teaches parents the skills to love, nurture and care for their children.

• Parent-Child interaction therapy: an evidenced-based parenting skills training involving step-by-step live coaching and engaging parents in direct interaction with their child(ren).

• Batterer’s intervention program: a 52-week program accredited by the Office of the Attorney General that focuses on reducing violence in the home.

• Supervised visitation program: a service that provides a safe, supervised environment to facilitate visits between children and their non-custodial parent “It is amazing to see the impact PAC has on their clients and to get to see immediate results,” says Haley McIntosh, a member of Americorps, an organization that sponsors several volunteers at PAC. “The classes that clients go through have such a positive influence on their lives and their children's lives. Whether you help one or ten families, knowing you have helped a family stay together is so incredibly rewarding.”

Volunteers are always needed at PAC to help with childcare for parents attending group sessions; cleaning toys and play areas; groundskeeping; and various office duties, including filing and copying.

PAC will celebrate its 35th year on April 29 at the Oklahoma History Center with a silent auction and cocktails at 6:00pm followed by dinner and a program at 7:00pm. Entertainment for the evening includes the Stringents and saxophonist Ann Booze. The honorees for this event are Ann Hardy and W. A. Drew Edmondson. Cherokee Ballard will be the emcee and will be recognized as the honorary chair.

The Parents Assistance Center is located at 415 NW 5th St in Oklahoma City. To learn more, call 405-232-8226 or visit parentsassistancecenter. org. For volunteering information, contact Mallory Carey at mcarey@pacemail.org.

Short Trip

BIG

Adventure

Located a short drive northwest of OKC, Enid offers amazing attractions, vibrant shopping and stories of heritage throughout the community.

Don’t miss these two great museums and others. Add in lunch at one of Enid’s many delicious restaurants and you’ll have a memorable day trip for everyone in your family.

Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse & Adventure Quest 200 E Maple, Enid • 580.233.2787 • leonardos.org.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center 507 S 4th Street, Enid • 580.237.1907 • csrhc.org.

You’ll meet an array of historical figures when you visit the Smithsonian-quality Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center that tells the history and development of the Cherokee Outlet in and around Enid. Includes many hands-on and high-tech exhibits as well as an original one-room schoolhouse.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm.

Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors, students, military.

Children under 5 free.

Learning is fun inside this hands-on museum with experiences for youngsters in the arts and science. Touch a real dinosaur egg, slide down a three-story slide, build your own castle in the carpentry shop, travel to the moon in a simulated space shuttle, and enjoy Adventure Quest (pictured above), an outdoor science playground featuring a three-story castle!

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm.

All-day admission $7. Children under 2 free.

877-999-ENID (3643) • www.VisitEnid.org

How to Decide When Your Child is Ready

Children are ready for new experiences at different stages.

Parents know their children best and these questions can help gauge whether this is the summer your child will start camp.

• What is your child’s age? Children under age seven may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.

• Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?

• What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.

• Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

Near or Far?

Camp can last for just a few days or stretch to all summer long.

It’s well worth the trouble to investigate the variety of choices offered by camps before your child packs a backpack. These questions help you consider the options.

• Where do you want your child to go to camp? Locally or far away? While each camp experience has something unique to offer your child, this is an opportunity for families to assess what they value for their campers.

• Benefits of Camp Nearby Easier to evaluate and visit Friends and family are likely familiar with camp Minimal travel costs Likely contact with classmates or children from same region • Benefits of Camp Far Away More choices Different experiences, different geography, e.g., mountains or oceans—even different languages Promotes independence, particularly for early and late adolescent campers Diversity of campers Chance for family to visit and vacation at close of camp

Finding the Right Camp for Your Child

You are considering a summer camp, but how to choose? There’s a camp that is ideally suited for every child, providing a summer of growth and fun whether your child attends a day or overnight camp, a specialized or traditional camp. With spring’s arrival, parents and children can look forward to planning for the future—a future that includes the opportunities for exploration and discovery that arrives with summer camp.

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Session Length Offers Another Choice

Camps offer widely varying options to help parents and children reach their goals for summer fun and exploration.

Talking with your child about the goals you both share helps determine which choice is right for you.

• Benefits of Short Sessions (one-three weeks) First-time or younger campers have a chance to learn new skills Bonds develop with other campers and staff Great exposure to camp experience with less expense Minimizes homesickness • Benefits of Longer Sessions (four-twelve weeks) Strong sense of belonging to camp community Chance to learn new skills Development of specialized skills Multiple opportunities for learning and enrichment Lifelong friendships Opportunities to contribute to camp culture

Boys Only, Girls Only, or Co-ed?

Now may be the opportunity to explore the choices and benefits of all boys, all girls or co-ed camps.

• Benefits of Single Sex Camps More opportunities to “be yourself” without impressing or competing with the opposite sex Camp philosophy may be tuned into gender strengths and weaknesses Brother or sister camps may share activities • Benefits of Co-ed Camps Mirrors and prepares campers for everyday living in a co-ed world - Allows families with a boy and a girl to attend the same camp Offers diverse points of view Breaks through rigid divisions set up in school when campers participate in equal footing

A Camp for Every Child—Traditional, Specialty, and Special Needs

Choices abound when it comes to camp programs. One may highlight a wide variety of activities geared to campers of all ages and skill levels, others, because of their setting and expertise, may concentrate on one or two activities while providing traditional activities as well. Parents of children with special needs may be pleased to learn about the range of camp activities that help kids be kids first.

• Benefits of Traditional Camps - Wide variety of activities Chance for campers to try new activities Exposure to more campers and staff at varying activities • Benefits of Specialty Camps One or two specialized activities (often combined with traditional offerings) Expectation for increased proficiency during camping session Deepens knowledge and skill in particular area of interest or ability

• Benefits of Special Needs Camps - Activities geared to campers’ abilities Knowledgeable staff with expertise to understand campers’ strengths and challenges Supportive and fun atmosphere to share with others

Questions To Ask Camp Directors

When you receive a camp's brochure, you will invariably have questions for the camp director. Get to know the camp director as a person through telephone conversations, correspondence, and a personal visit.

Have the director describe the camp's philosophy and how the staff implements it.

• What is the camp’s philosophy and program emphasis?

Does it complement your own parenting philosophy?

• What is the camp director’s background?

American Camp Association (ACA) minimum standards recommend directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.

• What training do counselors receive?

At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

• What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?

ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs.

• What are the ages of the counselors?

ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the counseling/program staff be at least 18 years old. Staff must be at least sixteen years old and be at least two years older than the campers with whom they work.

• What are desired qualities in camp staff?

The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued commodities in camp employees.

• How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?

Positive reinforcement, assertive role modeling and a sense of fair play are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and leadership.

• How does the camp handle special needs?

If your child has special requirements, ask the camp director about needed provisions and facilities.

• How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?

Again, the camp’s philosophy on helping children adjust is important. Be sure you are comfortable with the camp's guidelines on parent/child contact.

The Value of Camp for Every Child

What happens when you make the decision to choose camp?

You open up a world of discovery and learning for your child, a world that values children for who they are and who they will become. Camp gives each child a world of good.

Marla Coleman is the parent liaison at Camp Echo in Burlingham, New York. Adapted from CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association ©2006 American Camping Association, Inc.

Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2005 American Camping Association, Inc. April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Academy of Dance Arts

328 S Mustang Rd, Yukon

405-324-7600, June 6–July 30 academydanceartsok. com

$50-$200

Before/after care available, no scholarships, enrollment due 5/6.

1-2 week intensive dance day camps; also 4-8 week afternoon & evening dance classes available.

All American Martial Arts

4731 SE 29th St, Del City

405-601-0639, aama2010.com

Day camp, May 23-August 5

Call for fees; discounts for multiple weeks discounts available

Before/after care available, scholarships available, enrollment open until full.

Martial arts training, games, activities for ages 5-13; no martial arts experience required.

Artworks

Camp held at First Baptist Church, OKC (1201 N Robinson)

405-329-0170, artworksok.org

Day camp; June 13-30 & July 5-22

$375 /3-week session

Before/after care available, scholarships available, enroll until full.

Full-day art camps for kids ages 8-12 includes theatre, dance, music & art.

Be Wild For Art

1106 24th Ave NW, Suite 130, Norman

405-307-9971, bewildforart.com

Day camp, June 21-24, July 12-15

$150; family discounts offered

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll by 6/1 or 7/1 based on camp start date.

Both sessions: ages 5-7, 10am-noon, ages 8+, 1:303:30pm, snacks & drinks provided. June session will make bird feeder, plaque & snack set; July session will make clock, planter & snack set.

Camp DaKaNi

3309 E Hefner Rd, OKC 405-478-5646, campfireusa-ok.org

Day camp, June 7-July 23

$130/members, $150/nonmembers per week

Before/after care available, scholarships available, enrollment until full.

Camps for kids kindergarten-grade 6. Activities include canoeing, fishing, sports, games, crafts, nature study.

Camp McFadden

Located on the west shores of Kaw Lake near Ponca City

580-762-9955, campmcfadden.com

Overnight camp, $130-$260 June 13-July 15

No before/after care, scholarships available, enroll by 6/1.

3 and 5 day adventure camp includes fishing, hiking, canoeing & archery for ages 6-15. Ropes courses available for older children.

Casady School Summer by the Lake

9500 N Penn, OKC

405-749-3193, casady.org

Day camp, June 6-July 22

$69-$319

Before/after care available, no scholarships, open enrollment.

Various camps for grades PreK-12; full details for camps and enrollment available online.

Childtime Learning Center

Several metro-area locations

866-961-3945, childtime.com

Day camp, throughout summer

Fees vary

Before/after care available, no scholarships.

Summer program for ages 6 weeks-12 years. Includes activities, field trips and games.

City Arts Center

3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC

405-951-0000, cityartscenter.org

Day camp, May 31-August 19

$150

Before/after care available, scholarships available, enrollment varies by camp start date.

Diary of an Artsy Kid! week-long camps for ages 5-7; 8-10 and 11-13.

Cross Creek Stables

2200 NW 192nd St, Edmond

405-340-3432, Day camp; crosscreekstablesokc. June 1-July 25 com

$195/week

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until full.

Campers are paired with a horse and learn horsemanship in a safe, interactive environment.

Edmond Parks & Recreation

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond

405-359-4630, Day camp, July edmondok.com/parks/ 18-22 & 25-29 rec

$150 / $115 additional sibling

No before/after care, scholarships available, enroll by 7/8 for Tshirt (or up to camp start date).

Games, pottery, art activities, swimming and more for ages 5½-12 from 7:30am-5:30pm. Full details online.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

27 E Edwards, Edmond

405-340-4481, edmondfinearts.com

Day camp, June 6-August 13

$85-$200

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until camp begins (opens 5/1).

Art and drama camps for kids from preschool through high school.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center

12777 N Rockwell Ave, OKC

405-717-4900, francistuttle.edu/ summer

Day camp, June 6-July 1

$69/class, $5 discount on additional classes

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until class start date.

Classes for ages 11-14 held Monday-Friday mornings (8:30-11:30am) or afternoons (noon-3:00pm). Full listing online. Can take two classes per week.

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Dates

Fees

Details

Fun Summer classes for students ages 11-14 Take classes such as CO2 Dragster, Creative Web Designer, Junior Chef, Lights Camera Action, Robotics and many more!

Interactive projects for only $69

$5 OFF for each additional class

DATES for 2011:

GEAR UP FOR

June June June June

6 - 10 13 - 17 20 - 24 27 - July 1

enroll at francistuttle.edu/summer or call 717-4900 April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

19

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Girl Scouts-Western OK

Resident camp: Camp E-Kow Wah, Marlow, OK (ACA Accredited)

405-528-4475, gswestok.org/camp

Day & overnight camp, June 1230 & July 10-17

$85-$995

No before/after care, scholarships available, enrollment deadline varies.

“Create Your Own” Camps for girls includes activities such as horseback riding, swimming and more.

Gymboree Play & Music of OKC

11928 N May Ave, OKC

405-755-3445, gymboreeclasses. com

Day camp; June & August

$125

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until full.

Storybook Adventure camp 6/13-17 & Sports Skills camp 8/8-12. Includes art, music, play and parachute time, 1:30-3:30pm for ages 3-5.

Harn Homestead Museum

1721 N. Lincoln Blvd, OKC

405-235-4058, harnhomestead.com

Day camp, June 13-17

$40/day or $125/week

Before/after care available, no scholarships, enroll until 6/1 or full.

9am-3pm daily, each day has a theme: Monday (Pioneer), Tuesday (Nature), Wednesday (Bugs), Thursday (Green) & Friday (Dairy).

Henderson Hills Baptist Church

1200 E I-35 Frontage Rd, Edmond

405-341-4639, hhbc.com

Overnight camps, MayAugust

Fees vary

No scholarships, enrollment varies.

Middle School Camp (completed grades 6-8) held 5/306/3 in Gerty, OK; High School Camp (completed grades 9-12) held 7/24-30 in Panama City, FL; Kid’s Camp (completed grades 3-5) held 8/1-4 in Quapaw, OK.

Invent Now!

Various Oklahoma locations

800-968-4332, campinvention.org

Day camp, June 6-July 14

$215

No before/after care, scholarships available, early enrollment preferred. Hands-on learning camps for kids entering grades 1-6 held around the state: Mounds: 6/610; Westminster School, OKC: 6/13-17 (see separate listing); Bristow: 6/20-24; Sapulpa: 6/27-30; Jenks: July 11-14.

Jewish Federation of Greater OKC & Camp Chaverim

4901 N Penn, OKC

405-848-3132, jfedokc.org

Day camp; June 6-July 29

$30-$35/day

Before/after care available, no scholarships, enrollment due by 5/23 for session 1.

Open to all children ages 2-14, includes swimming, indoor & outdoor play, arts, music, drama and sailing.

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Details

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center

1100 N Plum, Hutchinson, KS

800-397-0330, cosmo.org

May 15– September 15

$105-$2,150

Before/after care available, scholarships available, day and overnight camps available, enroll until full.

Variety of space and science-themed day and overnight camps for school-age children. See website for details.

Karen’s Kids Studio of Dance

1110 S Air Depot, #11, Midwest City

405-732-7722, karenskidsstudioof dance.com

Day camp, June 21-July 22

$75-$155

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until full.

June 21-22: ballet, tap, jazz, modern & hip-hop classes for ages 7-11, noon-6:00pm. July 11-15: Kids Dance Kamp for ages 3-6, 10:00am-noon. July 18-22: Dance Intensive for ages 7 & up, 10:00am-3:00pm.

Kids Camp-Yukon Parks & Recreation

2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon

405-354-8442, cityofyukonok.gov

Day camp; June 6-August 5 (no camp held July 4-8)

$75 for residents, $85 non-residents; multi-child discounts

No before/after care; no scholarships; ongoing enrollment.

Camp activities include field trips (additional fee of $10 or less), swimming, special guests, hands-on activities and hiking for kids entering grades K-5.

La Petite Academy

Several metro-area locations

877-704-6313, lapetite.com

Day camp, throughout summer

Fees vary

Before/after care available, no scholarships.

Adventures in Summer Fun program for ages 6 weeks-12 years. Includes activities, field trips and games.

Mad Science 43

344 S Santa Fe Ave, Edmond

405-285-9643, madscience.org/okc

Day camp, June 13-July 15

$125/up

No before/after care, scholarships available, ongoing enrollment.

Camp themes include Secret Agent Lab, Moving with Science, Science Adventures for grades 2-6; The World Around Me and Science in Motion for PreK-1.

Moore Norman Technology Center

4701 12th Ave NW, Norman

405-364-5763, mntechnology.com/ sya

Day camp; June 6-30

$70/one-week class; $135 for CSI & Med Camp

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment opens 4/21.

Summer Youth Academy for kids ages 9-14, half-day sessions. CSI & Med Camp 9am-4pm. Full details online.

College for Kids & Summer Sports Camps Have Fun, Be Creative and Learn All Summer Long

June 6–July 29

OPEN ENROLLMENT

begins the week of April 25, 2011

7777 South May Avenue

Receive a 10% discount on summer programs by enrolling the week of April 25.

For information and to enroll: 405-686-OCCC www.occc.edu April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

21

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School

2801 S Shartel, OKC

405-631-8865, mountstmary.org

Day camp, May 15-August 11

$20-$200

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment deadline varies by camp.

Variety of camps available for kids K-8th grade; full listing available online.

Museum of the Great Plains

601 NW Ferris Ave, Lawton

580-581-3460, museumgreatplains. org

Day camp, June 7-July 30

$50/week for half-day program

No before/after care, scholarships available, enroll until camp start date.

Summer Arts Program held mornings (9am-noon) & afternoon (1-4pm) for PreK & up, enroll for day, week or month.

OKC Boathouse Foundation & RIVERSPORT

Camps held at either Route 66 Boathouse (3115 E Overholser Dr) or Chesapeake Boathouse (725 S Lincoln Blvd)

405-552-4040, riversportokc.org/ camps

Day camp, 4 and 5 day sessions held through June/ July

All camps $150 except for High Performance Juniors Camp ($350)

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment until full.

Kayak Adventure Camps, ages 8-12, include kayaking, dragon boating, cycling & outdoor games; Introductory & Novice Spring Kayaking Camps, ages 12-15, teach basics of spring kayaking (participants eligible to join the RIVERSPORT Junior Sprint Kayak team); Novice & Intermediate Rowing Camps (ages 13-19) teach basics of rowing & fine tune skills (participants eligible to join the Chesapeake Junior Crew); OKC National High Performance Center Juniors Camp (ages 13-19), experience required. See website for details, locations & registration info.

OKC Museum of Art

415 Couch Dr, OKC

405-236-3100, okcmoa.com

Day camp; June 7– August 5

$120-$130/ week

Before/after care available, scholarships available, enrollment until full.

Themed sessions led by professional educators for ages 4-16 based on exhibitions & collections. Student exhibition held at end of each camp.

OKC Thunder

Camps held at various locations around metro

405-229-9619, thunder.nba.com (Thunder Youth Basketball under Community tab)

Day camp, June 6-August 12

$180-$225

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll early.

Week-long summer youth basketball camps for ages 5-16. Participants receive game ticket for next season, camp Tshirt, headband and basketball.

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY 1889

Success is Created Here!

With a structured program focused on academic performance, character development and athletic achievement, MMA can bring out the best in boys grades 6-12 and prepare them for college.

Call 602-8557

$2 Administration fee for each ticket. Valid with coupon.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/28/2011

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Visit us online for more information about the success of young men just like your son - learn how the Class of 2010 earned $3.1 million in college scholarships.

573.581.1776 ~ www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

Structure for Learning ... Leadership for Life!

Adventure Camp Sign up today!

Canoeing, fishing, hiking, archery and ropes course (for older campers)

Three to five day camps for ages 6 to 15

Located along the west shores of Kaw Lake (near Ponca City) 580-762-9955 • campmcfadden.com

Voted Best of Mustang 6th year in a row!

Taking science education to new heights Register online for summer camps.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

10th Anniversary Season Celebration!

We Can Make Your Next

A Blast!

Daycare Programs Birthday Parties School Programs

Tons of Affordable FUN! www.madscience.org/okc 405-285-9643 April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

23

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

OKC Zoo

2101 NE 50th, OKC

405-425-0218, zoofieldtrips.com

Day camp; June–August

$90-$100/week

No before/after care, no scholarships. Enroll until 1 week prior to camp start or until full.

Half-day mornings with age-appropriate animal encounters, nature play & zoo exploration for ages 4/5, 6/7, 8-11 & 12-15.

Oklahoma Center for Arts Education

100 N University Dr, Edmond

405-974-3754, ocae.net

Day camps, held various dates June 6-July 29

$80-$200

No before/after care, scholarships available, enrollment varies by class start date. See website for full details.

Music, drama, graphic design and interior design camps for kids age 7-18.

Oklahoma Center for Arts Education

100 N University Dr, Edmond

405-974-3754, ocae.net

Day camp, June 20-24

$100

No before/after care, scholarships available, enrollment due 6/15.

Dance & Down Syndrome music theatre camp for ages 13/up features daily dance classes & rehearsals.

Oklahoma Children's Theatre

2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC

405-606-7003, oklahomachildrens theatre.org

Day camp, May 31-August 12

$100-$450

Before/after care available, scholarships available, continuous enrollment.

Ocean-adventure-themed theater camp for ages 3-15.

Theater, dance, magic, musical theater and filmmaking.

Orr Family Farm

14400 S Western, OKC

405-799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com

Day camp; June 14-17, July 12-15

$160/session

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll by 4 days prior to camp start or until full.

4-day camps for kids (entering K-6th grade) to learn about animals, farm life and much more.

OU Sooner Flight Academy

1928 Goddard Ave, 405-325-1635, Norman (Airport located flightcamp.ou.edu just NW of Norman)

Day camp; June 1–July 15

$405–$625

No before/after care, scholarships available, enrollment deadline 3 days prior to camp start date but early enrollment encouraged.

Day camps for children ages 6–18 held at the Max Westheimer Airport. See website for details.

Play School at Highpointe Church

6810 NW 122nd, OKC

Day camp, June 7-July 28

$100-$500

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment open until full.

Educational activity summer sessions with VBS atmosphere held Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30am-2:30pm for ages 1 year-5th grade.

Occupational and Speech Therapy Services Available

Down Syndrome • Autism • ADD and ADHD • Sensory Processing Disorder • Cerebral Palsy • Typical children with handwriting problems and/or speech-language delays

Now Introducing

Jeff Plunkett, M.A.

Specializing in counseling for children and their families

405-840-1686

14715 Bristol Park Blvd.

N.E. Oklahoma City

Blue Cross Blue Shield • Tricare • Soonercare

405-722-1871, highpointe.tv

PLAY HERE SHAPE HER FUTURE

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

JOIN IN At the Y, we exist to strengthen community.

Together with people like you, we nurture the potential of kids, help people understand and improve their health, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. So join our cause. And create meaningful change not just for you, but also for your community.

Visit www.ymca.net to find a Y near you!

SensationalKidsOKC.com

24

Details

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman

405-325-4712, Day camp; samnoblemuseum.org June 6– August 5

$50-$70

No before/after care; scholarships available, enrollment until full.

Summer Explorers natural history camps for ages 4-14 are 3-5 days in length & include indoor & outdoor fun.

Science Museum Oklahoma

2100 NE 52nd St, OKC

405-602-3760, sciencemuseumok. org

Day camp, June 20-July 22

$235 ($200 members)/week

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment deadline prior to each week of camp.

Did You Ever... science day camp for ages 5-12 includes wide variety of hands-on science activities. 9am-4pm.

Shock Basketball Academy

3333 W Hefner Rd, OKC

405-816-HOOP, sbabasketball.net

Day & overnight camp, June 2-August 3

$65-$699

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll online until camp start date.

Fundamental skills camps for boys & girls age 5-18.

The Sooner Theatre

101 E Main, Norman

405-321-9600, soonertheatre.org

Day Camp, June/July

$100-$375

No before/after care, scholarships available, enrollment until full (starts April 7, early enrollment encouraged).

Variety of 1-, 2- & 3-week performing arts camps for kids Pre-K to grade 12. Full camp listings available online. Some camps require auditions.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Camps held on SWOSU 580-774-3782, swosu. Overnight & day campus in Weatherford, edu/resources/2011camps held all OK and elsewhere summercamps.pdf summer

Fees vary

Before/after care available, scholarships available.

Variety of activity-based camps for ages 4-entering college freshmen. Options include cheerleading, sports, science, academics, music and more.

Stafford Air & Space Museum

3000 East Logan Rd, Weatherford

580-772-5871, staffordmuseum.com

Day camp, June 27-30

$95

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until full.

Air & space camp sessions for entering grades 1-6 held from 8am-noon; for grades 5-6, 8am-2pm.

Tippi Toes Dance Company

Various metro-area locations

405-361-3620, tippitoesdance.com

Day camp & ongoing classes

$72-$150

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll until camp start date.

Princess Camp (6/14-17, morning or afternoon at 5107 N Shartel). Summer classes held once per week 6/14-7/29).

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

SUMMER ARTS CAMPS

THEATRE THEATRE ARTS ARTS

MUSIC/DANCE MUSIC/DANCE

DESIGN DESIGN

Design Tech Workshop—June 6-10 Ages 13-18. Hands-on projects and classes in lighting, sound, costumes, props and sets.

Flute Camp—June 6-9 Ages 11-15. Daily master classes, music theory, flute choir and performance opportunities.

High School Drama Workshop—June 13-17 “Into the Woods, Jr.” Ages 13-18. Classes in props, music, movement and acting.

Dance Workshop—June 13-17 Ages 8 and up. An intensive workshop with classes in all forms of dance.

Graphic Design Workshop I & II July 11-19 & 20-29 Open to high school juniors and seniors. An intensive overview of graphic design with hands-on projects and professional site visits. Level II participants gain in-depth knowledge and college preparatory skills.

Taught by UCO Design Chair and professors. Level I must be completed to enroll in Level II.

Drama Day Camp 1—June 20-24 “Jungle Book Kids” Ages 7-12. Classes in acting, makeup, scenery, props, movement and music.

Drama Day Camp II— July 11-15 “Music Man, Jr.” Ages 7-12. Classes in acting, makeup, scenery, props, movement and music.

Drama Day Camp III—July 25-29 “Aladdin, Jr.” Ages 7-12. Classes in acting, makeup, scenery, props, movement and music.

Jazz Guitar Workshop—June 14-16 All ages. One year experience, master classes taught

by Danny Vaughan.

Strings Chamber Music Camp—July 18-22, Placement Auditions on July 17 Ages 9 to18. Daily small group and ensemble opportunities. Young musician, intermediate and advanced tracks available.

Interior Design Workshop—July 11-19 Open to high school juniors and seniors. An intensive overview of interior design with hands-on projects and professional site visits. Participants are taught by UCO professors and gain an overview of the profession.

Summer Choral Institute—July 12-16 April Auditions – see website for dates/locations Open to all high school freshmen—juniors. Invited students receive a scholarship and spend a week at UCO in master classes, rehearsals and performance.

All Drama productions presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

www.ocae.net • Early Bird Discounts if enrolled olled by April 30 • 405-974-3754 April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

25

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Trinity School

321 NW 36th, OKC

405-525-5600, trinityschoolokc.org

Day camp, June 7-July 14

$350-$950

Before/after care available, no scholarships, enroll until full.

Language, math and reading intensive sessions for school-age children (limited numbers allowed in sessions). Summer Fun program for school age children, 11am-3:30pm includes school skills and activities group by grade level.

Twist and Shout Training Center

14801 N Lincoln, Edmond

405-775-9491, shouterspirit.com

Day camp, June 1-July 31

$75/four-day camp (two hours per day)

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment open until full.

Beginning, intermediate & advanced tumbling & cheer camps for ages 6 & up.

University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab

100 N University Dr, Edmond

405-359-7989, ocae.net

Day camp, June 20-24

$300

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll by 6/15.

Summer Jazz Performance Workshop for ages 14/up with 2+ years experience. Includes jazz combo, master class, jazz theory & history.

Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts Studio

844 W Danforth Rd, Edmond

405-285-5803, Day camp, upstagetheatreok.com June 6-24

$140 includes Tshirt

After care available ($30/day), scholarships available, enrollment until camp start date.

Week-long theater/performance camps held for grades PreK-2, 3-7, 8-12, 9am-1pm.

Velocity Dance Center 11122 N Rockwell Ave, Suite A-11, OKC

405-721-8807, velocitydancecenter okc.com

Day camp, June 14-July 29

$50-$150

No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment from 4/15 until full.

Mini Princess Dance Camp (ages 2½-3), 6/14-16 or 7/12-14; Princess Dance Camp (ages 4-6),6/27-7/1 or 7/18-22; My American Girl and Me Camp (ages 6-10), 6/20-24; Pop Star Dance Camp (ages 5-8), 7/25-29.

Westminster Jr. West Camp

405-524-7120

Day camp, June 6-August 5 for full-time camp; June 14-July 28 for part-time camp

$850/5-week full time session or $500 part time camp

Before/after care available, no scholarships, enrollment deadline 4/30.

Camp for kids age 4-entering 1st grade. Weekly units include hands-on activities and learning, including author & magician visits, science learning, Thunder Book Bus & more. Full time camp 6/6-8/5; part time (2 days per week) camps 6/14-7/28.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N Shartel, OKC

Perfect fill in the to between gaps ca & vacatio mps ns!

Let College Nannies be your summer childcare solution.

Wouldn’t you love it if your child could have the kind of summer you remember? Days outside. Time with friends. Playing catch. A picnic at the zoo. Fun, but supervised.

College Nannies are: • Active, responsible female and male role models.

• Custom matched to your family’s needs and personality.

• Available for occasional, weekly or full summer placements.

• Personally screened, interviewed and trained.

Serving the Edmond & NW OKC area 1333 N. Santa Fe Ave. Suite 116

405-513-6060

collegenannies.com/edmondok

26

Summer Nannies.

Full time, Part time, Weekly, Daily

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Details

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 31-August 19 | OKC Fairgrounds Camp tuition is $150.

Camps run in week-long increments.

Before and aftercare available. for additional $6 per day.

Camps for 5—13 year olds!

Scholarships available!

Call or visit us online, 951-0000

www.cityartscenter.org

Read Across Oklahoma 2011

R is for Reading!

April 12, 2011 at the

9:30AM–1PM

Oklahoma City Zoo

Westminster Jr. West Camp A fun filled summer experience for children age 4 through completed kindergarten.

Take your child’s summer camp experience from ordinary to extraordinary this year at Westminster Jr. West Camp!

Full Time

Free events —with paid zoo admission

Free book for first 1,000 kids • Meet Super Why! and Clifford the Big Red Dog • Special performances by Stacy Nyikos, author of Rope‘Em, Spaghetti Eddie and The Oklahoma Kid 2011 Sponsors: Capitol Hill High School FCCLA & ROTC • Chesapeake Energy • Krueger Charitable Foundation • Metro Technology Centers • OETA-The Oklahoma Network • Oklahoma Department of Libraries • OZS ZooFriends • Rotary International • Target • The Zoo

Monday -Friday 7:30-5:30 June 6, 2011—August 5, 2011

Part Time

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-3:00 June 14– July 28

For information contact Sarah Stone 524.7120 or childcare@wpcokc.org

Princess Camp

Enjoy a week of dancing, story-telling, and crafts with the magical princesses of Tippi Toes!

Tuesday June 14-Friday June 17 Cost: $150 Tippi Toes Dance Summer Classes For class times and locations please call (405) 361-3620

Cost: $72

www.tippitoesdance.com

Camp DaKaNi Classes Forming Now Call TODAY!

Outdoor Day Camping in the Heart of OKC Canoeing & Fishing Outdoor Cooking Sports & Games Arts & Crafts

Nature Study Boys & Girls K-6th Grade

405-478-5646

www.campfireusa-ok.org

Teen & Adult Volunteer Opportunities!

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

27

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Westminster School: Camp Invention

600 NW 44 Street, OKC

405-524-0631, westminsterschool. org

Day camp; June 13-17

$215

YMCA Camp Classen

10840 Main Camp Rd, Davis

580-369-2272, itsmycamp.org

Overnight camp, $400-$1,250 June 5-July 29

Scholarships available, enrollment until full.

Main Camp for ages 7-15 (includes chapel time, canoeing, horseback riding, campfires, carnivals & much more). Wrangers-in-training 3-week program for ages 16-17 includes horsemanship training.

Counselors-in-training 3-week program for ages 16-17 (both require additional applications).

YMCA of Greater OKC

Camps held at OKCarea YMCA branches

405-297-7777, ymcaokc.org

Day camp, May 23-August 19

Before/after care available, scholarships available, enrollment until full.

Traditional & themed day camps for kids age 5-12. Teen camp for ages 13-15.

$85-$125

Details No before/after care, no scholarships, enrollment deadline 6/3.

Creative thinking and hands-on camp for grades K-5 to work as a team to find solutions to real-world problems.

Other Summer Activities Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Andy Alligator's Fun Park

I-35 & Indian Hills Rd, Norman

405-321-7275, andyalligators.com

Through summer months

Fees vary

Indoor and outdoor activities for kids of all ages.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan

580-252-6692, onthechisholmtrail.com

June 1August 12

$3 per child

No before/after care, no scholarships, open enrollment.

One-day field trips for groups of 15 or more children of all ages.

Club Z! Tutoring

3200 E Memorial, Edmond

405-478-3515, clubztutoring.com

All summer

Fees vary

Summer Academy open enrollment. Contact for program details.

M ost ally n Natio niz ed g o c Re e State! in th

NCA N Cha m a tion al pi ons !

Non competit ive te ams offer ed!

Che er W orld ze and Bron dali st!

Me i S lve r

Birthday Parties

Recreational Cheer

Preschool Tumbling

Competitive Cheer

Coed Classes

Powertumbling

Now forming 2011 -2012 Cheer teams!

Age 6 & up! Call for details!

Cheer & Tumble or Dodge ball birthday parties!

Cheer and Tumbling Summer Camps Now offering Adult fit body Boot Camp @ Edmond location!

Cheer to Have Fun or Cheer to be a Champion! We Have a Team for Both!

Edmond 405-775-9491 ★ Midwest City 405-732-2100 ★ Tulsa 918-622-5867 ★ www.shouterspirit.com

28

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Details

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725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103

405-601-2081 • metrofamilymagazine.com • info@metrofamilymagazine.com

Special Advertising Section

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates

Fees

Coliseum Sports Academy

3916 E I-240 Service Rd, OKC

214-682-1928, coliseumsportsacademy. com

June 1-July 31

$100/month

No before/after care, no scholarships, register by 5/27 or until full.

Monthly girls youth volleyball league for ages 10-18.

Two team practices & one match per week.

College Nannies & Tutors

1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 116, Edmond

405-513-6060, collegetutors.com/ edmondok

June 1August 15

Fees vary

One-on-one instruction, call for pricing. Ongoing enrollment. Summer academies, subject-specific enrichment, college prep coaching.

Creative Adventures

10455 N May, OKC

405-751-1002, creativeadventures.net

Saturdays

$20-$120

Saturday classes for kids ages 5-11 include art, cooking, guitar, science, knitting & weaving, creative movement. Either drop-in or 4-week sessions available, full details on website.

Guitar for Kids

201 E Campbell, #108, Edmond

405-340-8294, guitarforcoolkids.com

Day camp, June 6-August 12

$250 includes materials

No before/after care, no scholarships, enroll by 6/1.

Beginning electric guitar or acoustic guitar focuses on basics & beyond. One 40-minute session per week for 8 weeks.

Kumon Math & Reading

Edmond (245 S Santa Fe), 405-216-9800 N Edmond (775 W Covell), 405-715-1111 Mustang (204 N Mustang Mall Terr), 405-376-6400 Norman (1320 N Interstate Dr), 405-364-1600 NW OKC (764 NW Expy), 405-721-7323, kumon.com

Through summer months

Fees vary

No before/after care, no scholarships.

Summer Start Up Program for ages 3-18 teaches strong study and time management skills plus goal setting. Enrollment starts in May.

OK History Center

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC

405-522-0765, okhistorycenter.org

June 1-July 27

$2 per day

Okietales summer reading program held each Wednesday for ages 4-9, 10:30am-noon.

Reservations recommended, call 405-522-5248.

Paint Your Art Out

100 N Broadway, Suite 100, Edmond

405-513-5333, painyourartout.net

June-August

$20 & up

No before/after care, no scholarships, reservation information on website.

Open studio & children's sessions available through summer break, 11am-5pm.

405-340-7584, unpluggits.com

June-July

$25-$75

2-hour sessions for ages 4-12. Ceramic glazing single session or 2 session workshop (hand building then glazing).

Unpluggits Playstudio 575 Enterprise Dr, Suite 110, Edmond

Details

CLEAN MY GRILL

.com

we clean green

Clean My Grill provides an eco-friendly deep cleaning service for all smokers, gas & infrared barbecues.

We safely remove all traces of grease, fat and carbon deposits using eco-friendly chemicals and a unique steam bath cleaning system.

START YOUR SEASON CLEAN

$10 OFF

your first cleaning

must present coupon at time of service Exp. 5/31/11

CALL 657-9537 TODAY!

we clean green

30

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

we clean green

An Exciting Summer Education Program For Youth Summer Youth Academy 2011!

Enrollment begins April 21.

Over 100 options for youth ages 9-14.

Classes in Health, Engineering, Computers and Arts.

All classes held at MNTC’s Franklin Road Campus.

Enroll in person, online or by phone. www.mntechnology.com/sya2011 | 364.5763, ext.7260 Franklin Road Campus 4701 12th Avenue NW Norman, OK 73069

South Penn Campus 13301 S. Pennsylvania OKC, OK 73170

MOORE NORMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Are you a child care provider who would like to earn a CDA?

15th Annual USA Chess National Summer Chess Camp Tour USA Chess is the largest and premier summer chess camp organizer for children in the U.S. with more than 100 schools nationwide. Our staff is comprised of the finest children's chess instructors. Campers experience a fun filled week while learning the skills needed to play casual and/or competitive chess.

June 6-10th & July 18-22nd Heritage Hall School Oklahoma City, OK

Scholars for Excellence in Child Care has a Pathway for you!

June 27th-July 1st

Metro Christian Academy Tulsa, OK

Tuition includes tee-shirt, trophy, chess board and pieces and much more.

• Beginners - Advanced Welcome! • Co-ed, ages 5-15 • Group & Sibling Discounts • Morning, Afternoon & All-day Sessions Register Online:

www.chesscamp.com 888•65•CHESS

I just created a video game!

Intro Video Game Creation

June 6-10 & July 18-22 At Game Builder Creation Camp your Heritage Hall, OKC child will actually design, develop and June 27 - July 1 create a one of a kind video game.

Metro Christian Academy, Tulsa We combine learning and fun and bring it Video Game Creation-The Sequel to a whole new level. Enroll at June 6-10 & July 18-22 gamebuildercamp.com/video.htm Heritage Hall, OKC

888.652.4377

Animation Creation

June 6-10 Heritage Hall, OKC

• Training for the CDA Credential • Scholarship for Early Education: Pathway to CDA program for those who qualify • Available at local technology centers and online

Contact us today!

Gina McPherson 405-225-9396 www.okhighered.org/scholars

Learn To Fly

June 6-10 Heritage Hall, OKC April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

31

Real Moms of the Metro Debbie Wog

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’ve been vegan for almost 6 years.

What are you passionate about?

Health, wellness and nutrition. And family!

How has motherhood changed you?

It taught me that life isn’t all about me and my needs. It taught me to be unselfish and truly put the needs of someone else before my own. Being a mom showed me how incredibly precious life is and how fast time goes by—make the most of every moment, every memory!

How do you banish stress?

Exercise!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by people who don’t allow unfortunate circumstances or health issues get in their way of achieving something and/ or reaching goals. People who serve and work for causes are incredibly inspiring— how they put the needs of others before their own.

Where do you work?

I opened my own yoga studio, Namaste Yoga, in January, where I teach group yoga and pilates.

What do you like most about your job?

Everything! I love getting to know and interact with people—having the privilege to teach them skills that will improve their life is very powerful.

Quick Facts about Debbie:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What 5 words describe you?

Driven, spiritual, shy, determined, compassionate, adventurous What is your favorite indulgence?

Reese’s Peanut Butter cups

What can’t you live without?

My husband, my family and my Day-Timer!

What’s your favorite family outing?

Hiking at Medicine Park

What’s always in your handbag?

Hand Sanitizer because I’m a germophobe!

32

What is on your wish list?

A VACATION. It’s been almost two years since my last one!

What are you most proud of?

My kids and family rank #1, but I went back to school to finish my Bachelors of Science in Business Economics (minor political science) after I had my kids. It was definitely a challenge, but I am proud that I went back and graduated—with great grades, I might add!

I am also extremely proud of opening my own business.

Photos by: Aimee Adams | aimeeadamsphoto.com

D

ebbie Wog is a wife, mother, fitness enthusiast, and entrepreneur. How does she manage the inevitable stresses that come with a life so filled with blessings? We caught up with Debbie to see how she does it.

Debbie Wog strikes a pose with daughter Morgan, husband Scott and son Travis.

Photographed at Namaste Yoga Studio (Debbie’s business) in SW Oklahoma City.

What motivates you?

My husband motivates me to be the best I can be and to strive for greatness. My children believe “mom can do anything”—a tough thing to live up to sometimes.

As far as exercise goals and wellness—I am motivated by the fact that my family has such a “challenging” medical history— including heart disease and cancer. I want to do everything I can do to beat those odds. I can’t control some things, but there are many things I can control through diet, exercise and diligence.

How do you find balance in your life?

I schedule “fun time.” Sad, but true. If I don’t, things get way too busy! I don’t work on Sundays (unless a dire emergency). The Sabbath is my day to recharge, reconnect.

Advice for other moms?

Being a mom is a sacrifice, no question; however, you don’t have to give up everything that is important to you in order to be a great mom. Having things that you are passionate about helps you to be a great mom. As a mom with a daughter, I want to show her that the sky’s the limit for her— that she can be a mom, wife, work and have passions.

Where are you from originally? What brought you to Oklahoma?

I was born in New York and lived there until I was 12. My father worked for the FAA and we moved to Oklahoma City. After my senior year at Putnam City North, they moved to Alaska where I met my husband,

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Scott. After several other moves due to Scott’s military career, we moved back to Oklahoma in 2005.

What’s the biggest challenge in your life?

Finding time for everything. I homeschool my children, teach at the Earlywine YMCA, now run my own business, plus I train for marathons and triathlons. There sometimes doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.

How do you help others?

I try to be a sounding board. Sometimes people need to vent their circumstances or problems without wanting a “fix” for them. I also try to teach my clients how to use yoga techniques to cope and deal with stress.

I try to participate in service-related activities whether through church or other organizations as often as I can—giving back to others. Serving others not only helps those that you serve but it helps you take the focus off of your own life and stresses.

What is your parenting style?

Now that my kids are teenagers, I try to be democratic. We sit down and discuss the issues that are important and work together. I encourage open dialogue about EVERYTHING. We have tried to develop a mutual respect with our kids—we are not too strict, but there are definitely welldefined boundaries.

Mari Farthing is the editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

TROUBLE GETTING A HOLD ON

YOUR ASTHMA?

Invent Now proudly presents the wonder and excitement of the Camp Invention program. Led by local educators, this engaging program immerses children in grades one through six in hands-on, inquiry-based activities disguised as fun!

Discounts are available – register today!

Visit www.campinvention.org for all locations and dates!

www.campinvention.org • 800.968.4332 In partnership with: United States Patent and Trademark Office

© 2010 Invent Now, Inc. All rights reserved. Photography: © Ableimages/Getty Images

WE’D LIKE TO GET A HOLD OF YOU. JOIN OUR ASTHMA STUDY. Our office is conducting a clinical research study of an investigational medication combined with a currently available asthma medication.

To be eligible: • You must be female and at least 12 years or older • Your current medications are not fully controlling your asthma symptoms, and you still need to use your rescue-inhaler (i.e. albuterol) to help control your symptoms.

• You must not have been hospitalized for asthma during the last 6 months, or needed oral steroids (such as prednisone) for asthma during the last 3 months.

Other criteria will be reviewed by our staff. The study lasts up to 7 months, involving 6 morning visits to our offi ce, plus a follow up call at the end of the study. During the study you will receive study-related medicines, exams and lab tests at no cost to you, plus compensation for time and travel.

To find out if you are eligible to participate, please contact:

Oklahoma’s Art Entertainment Studio

Artist led adult evening sessions Private parties • Birthday Parties • Children's sessions Open Studio Times • Onsite events • Gift Certificates available 100 N Broadway, Ste 160 • Edmond

405.513.5333

INTEGRITY|PEOPLE|SERVICE

405-235-8188 Or visit WomensAsthmaStudy.com

www.PaintYourArtOut.net for monthly art schedule April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

33

Equipping Your Child to Turn the Tables on Bullying “You are SOOOOO weird!”

For Dr. Jackie Humans, hearing these words hurled at her young daughter at the school bus stop would change the direction and focus of her life—transforming her from a stay-at-home mom to published author, bullying prevention program leader and anti-bullying advocate.

Humans’ daughter Nikki has Asperger Syndrome and, by the time she reached school age, she was no stranger to the harsh words, intimidation and judgments of her peers. “Things that were easy and natural for others kids weren’t for her,” Dr. Humans explained. “She was bullied a lot. Bullies gravitate towards kids that have disabilities or that are different in some way. There was a big disconnect between her and her peers, and she suffered a lot with that.”

“I was bullied as a child and, as humans, we tend to remember these things,” Dr. Humans continued. “I began doing research and realized that all the existing books for kids that are being bullied basically said three things. One, bullying is wrong. Two, it’s not your fault and three, go tell an adult who will solve it for you. I agree with the first two without question, and I do agree that kids should tell an adult. But, I want to empower kids to have a toolbox of options at their disposal for when they are being bullied.”

As a result of her first-hand experience with bullying in the schools, Dr. Humans wrote 15 Ways to ZAP a Bully! to give parents and

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

children a new perspective on the bullying dynamic. Her inspiration came largely from her daughter, who became very good at deflecting bullying over time. “It occurred to her that the bullies were never going to accept her, so she decided to have fun beating them,” Dr. Humans recalls. “She learned to discombobulate the bullies and throw them for a loop.”

The Face of Bullying Today

Bullying has become a serious issue in modern society, whether the name-calling, peer pressure or physical intimidation occurs in schools, in neighborhoods or online. Bullying can have a lasting psychological impact, often causing a decrease in school performance, long-lasting social anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and even suicide.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that nearly 50 percent of all children are bullied at some point, with 10 percent of students today being bullied on a regular basis. Eighteen percent of teens say that they have dealt with rumors or gossip being spread about them, and four percent have their personal belongings destroyed by bullies. Despite it’s prevalence in schools across the nation and the devastating psychological effects it can leave in its wake, only about one-third of victims ever report the bullying.

Cyberbullying is also alarmingly common among adolescents and teens—and is often more difficult for parents to detect since it leaves virtually no physical evidence and few witnesses. According to the i-SAFE Foundation, 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online, and one in four have had it happen more than once. An amazing

The cycle continues

The bully picks a targ e

t

The bully feels pleasure

35 percent have been threatened online and 58 percent report that someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online, by email, or text message. Similar to face-to-face bulling, nearly 60 percent of kids experiencing cyberbullying do not report it to their parents, teachers or other adult.

In Oklahoma’s public schools, the picture is just as bleak. During the 2009-10 public school year, the Oklahoma State Department of Education reported 15,967 incidents of bullying, with 648 resulting in physical injury.

Magic Sentences & Verbal Judo

Part of Dr. Humans’ inspiration to write her book came after speaking about bullying prevention to a local PTA group. The parents in attendance asked her for “a magic sentence to say when their child is being bullied” and were desperately seeking bullying prevention methods to teach their children.

The magic words that Dr. Humans developed came in the form of 15 sophisticated techniques, many involving humor or snappy comebacks, that provide children with options that help them to feel more confident. “As I continued with my research, I decided that a book was needed to show kids how to feel empowered to fight back against bullies effectively,” Dr. Humans said. “My daughter got so good at deflecting bullies with what we called ‘verbal judo’ that I actually started feeling sorry for the bullies.”

The Bully Game

According to Dr. Humans, the biggest problem for families struggling with bullying is that most kids and adults don’t look at the “bully game” and break it down to what it really is. Her experience is that the bully game is relatively simple and breaking free simply requires a change of perspective.

• • • • •

Step 1. The bully picks target Step 2. The bully acts mean Step 3. The victim gets upset Step 4. The bully feels pleasure Step 5. The cycle continues

The bully acts mean The victim acts upset

“Steps one, two and four are completely beyond our control. The only thing we can do is change step three,” Dr. Humans explained. “If the victim lets her feelings get hurt, they are playing the bully’s game.”

Humans says her anti-bullying techniques are easy to adopt once the perspective is changed to give victims the upper hand, realizing that the bully is dependent on his or her reaction to gain satisfaction. “I encourage kids to say to themselves ‘This kid wants me to play the bully game. That’s fun for him, but not for me. If we are going to play, then we are going to play by my rules,’” she continues. “It changes the whole dynamic and the child is no longer a powerless victim. If they are able to successfully treat the bully like they are no longer important, it leaves them nowhere to go and the cycle ends.”

Zapping Bullies

“These bully-zapping techniques are designed to give kids a sense of self confidence,” Humans explains. “It teaches them that they are a strong person and they can defend themselves.”

Among the tips for younger kids, Humans suggests two bully-zapping techniques to help them gain the upper hand in the bully game:

• Spy on the bully. Watch to see what other kids the bully picks on and align with them. “Bullies hate being outnumbered,” Humans explains. “Finding another target to hang out with is an easy technique and doesn’t take a lot of courage, so it is easy for young kids to do.”

• Silently repeat a feel good sentence. “Ignoring a bully can be hard,” Humans says, but silently repeating something that makes the child feel good inside can help keep them from acting upset and feeding the cycle. Humans suggests: “I may not be perfect but nothing’s worse than being a bully!”

For older children and teens, two bully-zapping techniques that Humans recommends are:

• Make the bully look silly. When the bully makes fun of an obvious physical characteristic (height, weight, birthmark, etc.), the child can make them look silly by saying something like “Wow! Who April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

35

told you?” and feigning shock and disbelief. “For older kids, a snappy comeback can be very effective. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it,” Humans says. “Make sure that your words and body language are saying the same thing.” When standing up to a bully, appearances are everything. “The truth is that the exact words don’t matter nearly as much as the way your child is delivering them.”

• Call the bully the wrong name. Teens can show the bully how unimportant they are by pretending to not know their name, or by calling them the wrong name when responding to them.

Humans offers more advice for parents struggling with bullying.

1.

2.

Think twice before telling your child to just outright ignore the bully and do nothing to change it. “With that approach, you have to be prepared for it to get worse before it gets better,” Humans cautions. “The bully will try to be meaner to get that same reaction.

Instead, teach them tools to break the cycle.”

Brainstorm with their children and practice coming up with their own “zappers” to say in a bullying situation. Practicing at home equips kids with snappy comebacks to use when faced with the situation at school. “When kids come up with their own ideas for deflating bullies, they’re not only more likely to remember them, they’re more likely to implement them, too,” Humans says. The best zappers are safe to use in a school setting, aren’t terribly hurtful, and are easy to recall.

3.

Cast the bully as someone that your child should feel sorry for to help them realize that the bully is the one who has a major problem, not them. This realization helps kids to stop responding out of anger, frustration or sadness—the kind of reaction bullies thrive on—and helps the child to view the bullying in a dispassionate, intellectual way. “Reaching this stage of the game is literally half the battle,” Humans says. She does note that any type of physical abuse, however, is in a different league and should immediately be turned over to adults.

Lastly, teach your child the 5 W’s of reporting bullying: who, what, when, where, and most importantly, witnesses. “When schools can corroborate a student’s claims of being bullied by independently and discreetly interviewing bystanders who saw what happened, it’s no longer a question of expecting the school to take your child’s word against the bully’s,” Humans explains. “By teaching children how to deal with a bully, we’re protecting them for a lifetime.”

For more information about Dr Humans, visit JackieHumans.com. 15 Ways to ZAP a Bully! can be found at your favorite bookseller.

For five steps to help you coach your child against bullying, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/bully-coaching.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine and hopes to always help both of her young children find their inner superhero.

A Look at Bullying Today with Local Expert, Dr. Paul Tobin MFM: Is bullying more prevalent today?

PT: It has always been part of our culture. Modern technology makes people less accountable. Bullying today can occur without faceto-face interaction.

The face of bullying has changed—it’s not just the stereotypical big, mad boy anymore. There is an increase in girl bullies, especially in group “mean girl” type of situations.

MFM: What types of kids end up being the target of cyberbullying?

PT: There is no accountability with online bullying. It occurs through social network connections, often stemming from jealousy or meanness. Often, kids are targeted just because the opportunity is there.

But some are targeted by bullies who know them. Perhaps they are jealous of the target’s social status or simply see them as a more vulnerable young person.

MFM: How can we help our child if they are being bullied in school or online?

PT: First, through early detection and through educational programs in the schools that will help our kids understand that suffering in silence is never okay. Second, we can help them to recognize their personal power and be assertive.

Teach kids that fighting back is not the best solution; adults can help. Talk about it and rehearse what can be said to a bully to counteract the attack. Sometimes just talking will help you to find the best solution.

MFM: What are some signs that parents need to be aware of that indicate their child is being bullied?

PT: Look for any significant change or withdrawal from normal behavior. A reduction in academic performance is a sign, as are fear, anxiety or other stress-related symptoms. The key is to look for a change in normal behavior and social engagement, or an unwillingness to participate in school or social situations.

MFM: What can parents do?

PT: Don’t hesitate to involve school administration and use school resources. Monitor your child’s social network pages and look for any behavior that could be considered cyberbullying. If necessary, inform the police about what you find—federal laws protect us from cyberbullies.

Bullying is a serious issue and it is important to teach your child to take accountable action and to let them know that they have the support of the adult in their life.

An Oklahoma licensed health services psychologist in Edmond, Dr. Paul Tobin provides both mental health services and organizational consulting services. For more information, visit counselingandconsultations.com.

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April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

37

Focus on Education A Close Look at Our Schools and the Bullying Issue

I

n an unfortunate sign of the times, local school districts have created and implemented policies and procedures on bullying and harassment. These policies are continuously reevaluated to best address the problem, but it can be tricky. How do you define bullying?

Oklahoma City Public Schools

As stated in their student handbook, Oklahoma City Public Schools defines bullying as “intentional, repeated hurtful acts, words or other behavior, such as name calling, threatening and/or shunning, that is committed by one or more children against each other. Bullying may be physical, verbal, emotional or sexual.” With nearly 80 schools, it’s no surprise that bullying is a daily occurrence within the OKC Public School District.

Tracy Alvarez, the district’s Safe and Drug Free Schools Counselor, describes the biggest challenge concerning bullying to be “a difference of the parents’ values or lack of parental support.” She explains that often parents encourage their children to “fight back” or take matters into their own hands, when in reality the situation should be handled by school personnel. Alvarez continues to seek bullying resolutions, and is most recently encouraged by a bullyingintervention computer program called CogniFlex (see sidebar for details).

Moore Public Schools

Within the Moore Public Schools, Robert Romines, Assistant Superintendent, says one of the biggest challenges concerning bullying is making the determination as to whether each reported incident is a true act of bullying. He explains, “We take everything seriously, we have to in this day and age.

However, it does take investigating to determine if the reported bullying is repeated harassment.”

CogniFlex: An Online Solution to Bullying?

Not to be mistaken as “bullying curriculum,” CogniFlex is a locally-developed online computer-monitored detention program. Participants experience individually-tailored intervention content that has been designed by school counselors.

When school personnel identify a need, they report what they have found to be the most effective strategies in addressing that specific issue. In turn, CogniFlex creates a module of textual content, in addition to graphic and video elements, that walks students through relevant solutions. The nationwide program can be used by multiple students and is continuously updated to meet specific needs as they occur.

CogniFlex is designed to provide both a detention and educational mechanism for addressing disciplinary issues, including bullying. Learn more about the program at cogniflex.com.

learning environment. Any student found guilty of bullying is given a mandatory suspension that can range from a minimum of one day to a long-term suspension of 10 days.

Edmond Public Schools

Edmond Santa Fe High School Principal Jason Brown recognizes bullying to be the number one discipline issue in secondary schools. He states, “Although cyber-bullying tends to be the fastest rising form of bullying—or the latest trend—there is still a lot of interaction between the students, and we are still battling one-on-one bullying.”

When asked about the frequency of bullying incidents, Brown explains, “Although there may not be a new case of bullying every day, [the investigation of multiple cases] is something the schools are dealing with on a daily basis.”

To date this school year, Edmond has given 15 student suspensions at the secondary level—the length of each suspension depending on the frequency and severity of the case.

The frequency of bullying occurrences varies from school to school in the Moore District.

Social media and texting have increased the number of potential bullying cases. Typically, the district does not get involved in matters that take place outside of school grounds; however, when it carries over into the school day and affects a student’s learning, the district does become involved.

Norman Public Schools

As defined in the Moore Public Schools’ Parent/Student Handbook, harassment, intimidation or bullying refers to physical, written or verbal actions that knowingly cause harm to others or interfere with the

As with other districts, Norman prohibits any type of cyber-bullying, which becomes a punishable offense when it disrupts any part of the school environment. Disclosure is encouraged, as stated in the Norman Public

38

Sharon Heatly, Director of Guidance and Counseling for Norman Public Schools believes that cyber-bullying presents a big challenge in the sense that it is “very hard to monitor activities outside of school days.” In many cases, those incidents are carried over into the school day when the kids return to school and bring those issues with them.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Schools Handbook: “If you (student) are being bullied or know someone who is being bullied, please let an adult know. Do not keep bullying a secret if someone is doing something harmful on purpose.” Students who are the “messengers” of harassment statements or actions from the bully may also suffer disciplinary consequences.

It’s evident that local districts are actively working to protect students in the everchanging school environment.

But is it enough? Here are tips for parents to help control bullying: • Keep lines of communication open with your child. Don’t assume that if your child stops discussing encounters with a bully that the problem has been resolved.

• When necessary, involve school personnel such as a school counselor, principal and teachers.

• Keep a close watch over your child’s activity on social media, email and text messages.

• Encourage and nurture friendships with trustworthy classmates. There is safety in numbers!

• Document bullying incidents. Write down what happened, when, and where and list witnesses to the event. This will be helpful in recalling information if a formal complaint becomes necessary.

Julie Dill is a National Board Certified Teacher from Oklahoma City and mother of two.

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Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for Everyone Pre- and Early Readers

My Name is Not Alexander

By Jennifer Fosberry, Illustrated by Mike Litwin (Source Books, hardcover, $17) Engage your kids in history with this fun read-aloud book. Young Alexander channels famous historical characters (from Teddy Roosevelt to Jackie Robinson) as he makes his way through the day.

My Silly Body and Book

By Paul Hanson, Illustrated

by Eric Nagourney (Workman Press, hardcover, $14) A body user manual for boys and girls, including a life-size fold-out body that puts it all into perspective.

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? The Story of Food

By Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $13) Get your kids thinking about where their food comes from at an early age with this book that uncovers where our everyday food comes from plus tips for healthy eating. Quirky retro-style artwork makes it especially fun and colorful.

Camp K-9

By Mary Ann Rodman, illustrated by Nancy Hayashi (Peachtree Publishers, hardcover, $16) A great title especially if you have a first-time camper this year. How does Roxie manage camp, bullies and the secret of the blankie she brought along with her? This title offers up tips for coping along with a fun-to-read tale.

Grades 3+

How the Weather Works: A Hands-On Guide to Our Changing Climate

By Christiane Dorion, illustrated by Beverley Young (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $18) Springtime in Oklahoma brings crazy weather. This title will answer all your kids’ questions, from “what causes wind?” to “how is our climate changing?”

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All Ages

Gaia Warriors

by Nicola Davies and James Lovelock (Candlewick Press, softcover, $15) We’re raising a generation of children who want to make a difference, create an impact and potentially change the world—but where can they start?

This book features stories about people across the world who have made an effort to positively impact the planet—from easy changes (biking or walking instead of driving) to more far-reaching changes (lawyers advocating on behalf of the planet).

Spinning Globe: World Atlas

By Sarah Levete (Silver Dolphin Books, spiral, $19) A trip around the world awaits in the pages of this book, through vivid images and an interactive spinning globe. The traditional atlas format is taken one step further. Geared for older kids, but fun for younger kids to explore as well.

The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science

By Sean Connolly (Workman Press, hardcover, $14) Science is all around us! Let your kids embrace their scientific mind with this fun title, filled with science experiments using everyday objects that would make MacGyver proud.

Lend a Hand (American Girl, softcover, $10) Engage your girls with ideas for helping others with this title, designed just for them. Includes easy ideas to make an impact in your neighborhood, community and the planet as a whole. Whimsical illustrations throughout turn this guide to goodness into a fun read.

Parents

In! College Admissions and Beyond

By Lillian Luterman and Jennifer Bloom (Abbeville Press, softcover, $15) Prepare yourself for the college admissions process with this guide that offers tips on every part of the process, plus case studies and resource listings. A required resource for parents with soon-tobe college-bound kids

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

How To Unspoil Your Child Fast

By Richard Bromfield (Sourcebooks, softcover, $15) Worried that your children are suffering the effects of “too much?” This book offers helpful advice to counteract the negative effects of living with excess.

Still a Family

By Dr. Lisa Rene Reynolds (AMACOM Books, softcover, $17) Divorce is difficult, but for many families, it’s an unfortunate fact of life. This title is designed to guide parents through this difficult time while also giving love and support to their children.

Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief

By Dale McGowan, Molleen Matsumura, Amanda Metskas, Jan Devor (AMACOM Books, softcover, $18) For families who are nonreligious, this book offers guidance to raising independent and caring children, developing morals and dealing with issues of life and death.

Cinderella Ate My Daughter

By Peggy Orenstein (Harper, hardcover, $26) Do you have a daughter enamored by the princesses that she sees virtually everywhere today? This book digs into the world of princesses that are marketed toward our daughters, to discover the effects on our children.

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

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41

How To Stop Your Kids From Bickering This past spring break, after a nine-hour weather delay, my family checked into a beautiful Disney World resort. We were exhausted and all I wanted to do was drop into bed. As we stepped through the suite doorway and set down our suitcases, I couldn’t believe my ears when my three children started bickering over where they would all sleep.

Bickering is that relentless, whiny squabbling that can drive even the most patient mom or dad around the bend. But how do you get it to stop?

Children will never get along all the time but there are a few steps you can follow to try and encourage your children to stop bickering.

Step One: Check If You’re Needed

As much as you’d probably like to hide when your kids are squabbling, the first thing you need to do is enter the fray to see if you can intervene and sort out what the real problem is. Are your kids tired, hungry or bored? Are they simply fighting to get your attention? If you can figure out what’s really going on and take preventative action you can usually stop the bickering before it escalates into a full-fledged brawl.

sibling is annoying them; then try inviting another child over to play or send one of your children over to a friend’s home. If having other kids over isn’t an option, try sending each child to a different part of the house. If your children are not within yelling distance of each other, it’s a lot harder to bicker.

Kelly, a mother of three, often finds that it’s at the end of a family vacation that her kids bicker the most. “They’ve had enough of each other and honestly family time is great, but sometimes we just all need to be apart for a while so when we get back together we can truly enjoy each other’s company again.”

Step Four: Walk away

Kids often bicker just to get your attention so if trying to help them resolve the conflict isn’t working, and your kids are old enough to be left alone in a room together, try walking away and letting them sort out their differences for themselves. You may discover that when the audience disappears the bickering stops.

Step Five: Praise Non-Bickering Behavior

When your children are playing nicely together, acknowledge it.

Always compliment your children on their harmonious behavior.

Rewarding your kids for working together and getting along is positive reinforcement that can go a long way in motivating kids to stop squabbling and working to create a peaceful family?

It also helps to remember that disagreements are normal among people who live together and that kids often quarrel simply because they don’t have the maturity, patience and verbal skills that will someday allow them to express their negative feelings more effectively.

Step Two: Redirect them

Perhaps the best course of action for a parent is to try to remember that this, too, shall pass. Paula Servin, a counselor in private practice, advises, “For all the concerns about bickering, this is actually one of the many healthy ways for siblings to be connected. Sibling relationships are the first significant peer relationships in life, and bickering provides relatively risk-free opportunities for children to express themselves as well as develop skills in communication and conflict resolution.”

Step Three: Separate them

On our vacation, I finally made my children flip a coin to decide who got which bed and then we all finally got some sleep. Because, while bickering may be normal and healthy, I’ve also discovered that sleeping children don’t bicker and for that I am very grateful.

If your kids are bickering purely for their own entertainment then you need to find your children something else to do. Send them outside, bake a cake with them or give them each a chore to do. Try and find your kids something else to amuse themselves with other then just sniping at each other because busy kids are usually too preoccupied to bother bickering.

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April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

43

Family Finances Contracts: Think, Read and Study Before You Sign

T

his time of year, many people are ready to start remodeling or home improvement projects. And car dealerships are advertising special deals to use your tax refund to buy a new car.

Failure to read or understand the agreement is not a legal defense and can be a very expensive decision.

Whether you are hiring someone to repair a roof, build a new room, care for your children or buy a new car, chances are it will involve signing some kind of contract for services. A contract, simply put, is a legally-enforceable agreement between two or more parties, spelling out the rights and responsibilities for everyone involved in the transaction.

Generally, anyone over the age of 18 can legally enter into a contractual agreement or sign a contract. Almost everything you buy, sell, lease, loan, rent, repair, borrow or trade involves signing a contract.

Most contracts are written in legal jargon, making them difficult for the average person to read and understand. Commonly called “legalese,” this style of writing can be extremely technical and formal. However complicated it seems to be, you are required to abide by all the terms specified in that contract once you have signed it. Failure to read or understand the agreement is not a legal defense and can be a very expensive decision.

While verbal agreements and contracts may be legally binding, they also have great potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Even honest people can forget what they agreed to do or remember it differently from you. Putting everything in writing before finalizing the deal is always the best option, but even that is not fool-proof.

Following are few suggestions to consider before signing a contract: • Assume nothing! Read the entire contract carefully before signing it. Ask questions about any part of the contract that you do not understand. Depending upon the

•

•

•

•

situation, you may want to have your attorney review it to be sure your rights are protected. And just because it’s a preprinted, standardized form does not mean it is in your best interest to sign it.

Avoid being intimidated. Overly aggressive sales people often try to push you into signing on the dotted line. If they will not allow you sufficient time to carefully read, ask questions and think about your decision, it is probably in your best interest to just walk away. Sometimes, the opposite is also true. A sales person may be so charming and create a “too friendly” environment, making it hard to say no. Be careful about being too trusting.

Business is business and friends are friends. Even when you decide to do business with friends, business transactions are still business and should be treated as such. Putting agreements in writing and following guidelines for contractual relationships will not only help keep them as business, it may also ensure that you remain friends afterwards.

Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Either cross out those areas and initial it or fill in the blanks before signing. Otherwise, someone else may fill them in for you, creating situations that place you at a severe disadvantage.

Be very careful about paying first.

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but to pay for services before they are rendered—but be extremely careful about doing so. It’s generally recommended that you pay a small percentage of the total amount once the contract is signed with a pre-agreed schedule of smaller payments as the work is completed or one final payment due upon completion.

• Get a copy of what you sign. Once you have satisfied your questions and feel confident about signing the contract, get a copy of that document. Take it home and put it in a safe place for future reference.

Entering into a contractual agreement can have both short-term and long-term financial consequences. Knowing what you are signing and agreeing to do is essential to protect yourself and your money. A wellwritten contract gives both parties a mutual understanding of what is expected and improves the chances that the expectations on both sides of the agreement will be met.

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.

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NW 13TH STREET & SHARTEL AVENUE • OKC 405.235.4458 • WWW.OKLAHOMAHERITAGE.COM

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

45

Your Healthy Family New Dietary Guidelines

W

ith spring in full swing and many parents and children already looking ahead to summer vacation, it's time to get in shape and go swimsuit shopping! I don't know about you, but just thinking about that shopping trip reminds me I should be watching what I eat and getting more exercise.

This year, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services are urging Americans across the country to get fit with the release of new dietary guidelines that clearly focus on promoting health and well-being and putting the brakes on our country’s ever-rising obesity rates. Because more than one-third of children and two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places a strong emphasis on reducing caloric intake and increasing physical activity.

During the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack pointed out that the guidelines are coming at a time when the country’s health crisis can no longer be ignored. “These new and improved dietary recommendations give individuals the information to make thoughtful choices for healthier foods in the right portions and to complement these choices with physical activity. The bottom line is that MOST Americans need to trim our waistlines to reduce risk of developing diet-related chronic disease.”

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are often closely linked with diet and lifestyle choices and cost consumers and the government billions of dollars every year.

By actively choosing to live a healthier life, Americans can substantially lower health care costs and enjoy a better quality of life.

Are strong warnings and new recommendations from two departments of the U.S government enough to make consumers pay attention? What exactly do these new guidelines say, and how do they differ from the old ones?

Breaking Down the Changes

Some have suggested that previous editions of USDA dietary guidelines have favored hard-lobbying farm interest groups. However, a review of the new guidelines shows that they offer comprehensive, sensible, sciencebased guidelines that clearly favor the health of consumers. While the publication itself is 60 pages long, the new guidelines highlight 23 key recommendations for all Americans, along with six additional key recommendations for specific population

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groups, such as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. These recommendations are further divided into subgroups.

Balancing Calories to Manage Weight

While it has always been important to balance calories, the new dietary guidelines take it a step further by highlighting that not all calories are created equally. This section explains how metabolism works, and more importantly, focuses just as much attention on increasing physical activity as it does caloric intake. It offers practical tips, encouraging Americans to prepare meals at home and eat out less often, eat a nutrient-rich breakfast, reduce portions, and reduce time spent watching television and playing video games.

Foods and Food Components to Reduce

Certain foods have no place in our regular diet, such as those with saturated fatty acids or trans fats. The report also encourages calorie-free beverages such as water, coffee and tea and to replace soft drinks and energy drinks with 100 percent fruit juice, but only in moderation. Other components should be consumed sparingly, including alcohol, refined grains, and products containing added sugars. Sodium should be reduced to less than 2300mg daily, and should be further reduced to 1500mg for anyone over 50, as well as those with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease and African Americans of any age.

Chances are, these recommendations will be a tall order, as the report states that the number one source of caloric intake across age groups are grain-based desserts, followed closely by yeast breads, pizza and soft drinks.

Also included in the top ten are alcohol, pasta, potato chips and tortilla products such as tacos and burritos. With these items clearly being the chosen food staples in America, many consumers will be left wondering what to eat in light of the government recommendation to use all of these products sparingly.

Foods and Nutrients to Increase

While taking into account their caloric needs, Americans need to focus on getting their nutrients from different sources.

Trans fats and hydrogenated fats should be eliminated and replaced with natural oils such as olive, canola, peanut and sunflower oil, all of which can lower LDL cholesterol.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Refined grains should be replaced with whole grains, and fruit and vegetable intake needs to be increased across the board to at least five to seven servings per day, while increasing variety. Specifically, the report urges increased intake of dark-green, red and orange vegetables. Variety is also key when it comes to protein, and consumers should be choosing leaner sources such as seafood, poultry, eggs, lean meats, beans, soy products, nuts and seeds. The new guidelines also encourage consumers to increase their intake of seafood, which is an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

Overall, Americans are encouraged to choose foods that contain higher levels of dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D, which are below optimum levels in many Americans. By choosing more natural, minimally-processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean dairy products, consumers can increase their dietary levels of these important nutrients.

Building Healthy Eating Patterns

The new guidelines offer some very practical tips for improving eating habits. For example, it suggests consumers should try filling at least half of their plate with fruits and vegetables, and that all dietary choices should be accounted for. Registered dietitian Mike Bowles of Oklahoma City's Kindred Hospital feels the new guidelines have done a good job of simplifying what many Americans find confusing. “The need for more fruits and veggies is very important for cellular health.

Rather than trying to calculate the number of servings of these foods, filling half or more of your plate with fruits and vegetables makes it much easier to measure.”

Bowles feels that overall the changes are very positive. “You can’t go wrong with decreasing sugar and sodium in your diet. Sugars are a huge contributor to the increase in obesity in our country.”

For more information on the new dietary guidelines, visit dietaryguidelines.gov.

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer from Edmond and a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.

PROGRAMS AGES 4 THROUGH 14

For more information, go to www.snomnh.ou.edu

June 14-17 July 12-15 Full Day Camp Learn how to make rope, soap & butter! Cowboy Days Fun, Pony Rides, Animal Care, Fishing, Train Ride, Hay Ride, Pedal Car Derby, Scavenger Hunt, Mining for Gemstones, Fun in the Amazin Maze, Camp T-shirts and Much More!

Lunch provided.

$160.00 per person 14400 S. Western, OKC THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

(405) 325-4712 www.snomnh.ou.edu

799-FARM (3276)

www.orrfamilyfarm.com

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

Summer Performances Camps Shipwrecked!

Pirates, Mermaids, & Other Sea Adventures May 31 – August 12, 2011 9:00am – 4:00pm

Call 606-7003

“The Little Mermaid”

June 15 – 19, 2011

“Dr. Doolittle” July 27 – 31, 2011

Call 951-0011

www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

Mercedes-Benz of OKC Latchkey Child Services

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

47

Exploring Oklahoma Muskogee Azalea Festival

A

fter the blizzards of 2011, we could all use a little spring, and nothing shouts “spring” like an emergence of colorful blossoms. One of my most enjoyable, memorable birthdays was spent with my family on a sunny, spring day at Honor Heights Park at the Muskogee Azalea Festival.

Perhaps best known for being immortalized in song, Muskogee is a special place.

“Muskogee was thrust onto the world stage

by Merle Haggard’s country song, and to this day, Muskogee is known for its small town hospitality and good old fashioned values,” said Treasure McKenzie, Vice President of Tourism and Marketing in Muskogee.

“Muskogee hosts visitors from all over the nation for the Annual Azalea Festival and we invite anyone who would like to see the world from Merle’s point of view to come see us.”

For over 40 years, the City of Muskogee in Eastern Oklahoma has hosted this colorful festival throughout the month of April. Nearly 40 acres of this 122-acre park explode with color, highlighted by nearly 30,000 Azalea bushes of 625 varieties and augmented by dogwood trees, tulips and other plants which turn this park into a natural crayon box. Like nature’s own oil painting, shades of pink, purple, white and yellow blanket the grounds as if painted from God’s own color palette.

“Muskogee blossoms in the month of April and it’s not just the flowers that are popping,” said McKenzie. “The Azalea Festival includes a full month of fun events all over town that make Muskogee the best place to visit for a quick getaway.”

For our trip to Muskogee to celebrate my

A Month of Azalea Festival Events

The Azalea Festival is celebrated through the month of April with a variety of events, including:

• The Azalea Arts & Crafts Festival at the Muskogee Civic Center, April 2-3.

• The Azalea Festival Parade runs through downtown Muskogee April 9. The Muskogee Exchange Club’s Annual Chili & Barbeque Cook-Off follows.

• The Party in the Park on April 16 includes wine tasting and live jazz music at Honor Heights Park. The Muskogee Farmers Market opens the same day.

• The Flower Power Bike Ride on April 23 features 100- and 68-mile routes.

For more information on events or lodging in the Muskogee area, go to travelok.com/ muskogee or contact the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce at 918-682-2403.

birthday, we set out early from Oklahoma City for the two-and-a-half hour trip to Muskogee, packing a picnic lunch. While you can take a driving tour through the park, we elected to park and walk the trails among the blossoms, picnic basket in hand.

The manicured gardens were the perfect setting for our family picnic and an amazing backdrop for a few family photos. Most of all, just enjoying a relaxing, quiet day with family was such a gift and nature provided the perfect, peaceful setting.

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48

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

The Five Civilized Tribes Museum located outside the park provides another venue worth visiting. This museum highlights the art, history and culture of the Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee and Seminole Native American tribes. On April 17th, the museum hosts the Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival.

Other events (see sidebar) are peppered throughout the month of April to commemorate this popular festival that hosts nearly 300,000 visitors a year. So, take the time to stop and smell the roses (or Azaleas) and load the family up for a day or weekend trip that is sure to give the gift of colorful memories.

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends OSU in Stillwater.

Easter Brunch • April 24 Mother’s Day Brunch • May 8

Territorial T Te rritorial Fu Fun un Summer un S Camp

June 13-17 9am - 3pm before/after care available

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Pioneer Day Nature Day Bug Day Learn about life Explore the Investigate the in territorial great outdoors lives of creepy, Oklahoma crawly critters

Thursday

Friday

Green Day Focus on recycling

Dairy Day See the life of cows, make ice cream!

$125 for a week of fun, or $40 a day. Call 405.235.4058 or visit www.harnhomestead.com for more information or to register

Enjoy these special buffets hosted by the Museum’s Dining on Persimmon Hill restaurant in the grand Sam Noble Special Events Center.

Museum admission included Brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Reservations required, (405) 478-2250, Ext. 281

1700 NE 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK • (405) 478-2250

www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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The 16th Annual Remembrance Ceremony honoring “those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever” in the tragic bombing of the Alfred P Murrah Building will be held on April 19th at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Beginning at 8:55am, the ceremony will include 168 seconds of silence, a reading of the victims’ names and speeches by dignataries.

As a part of the day of remembrance, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will be open free to the public. The memorial and museum educates visitors about the impact of violence and terrorism and teaches the lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.

Held as a tribute to the victims, family members and survivors of the bombing, the 11th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is scheduled for May 1. Included in the event are a full marathon, a half marathon, a relay marathon, a 5K run and a children’s marathon. Online registration is open until April 25th at noon. To register, visit okcmarathon.com.

For more information on either event and the museum, call 405-235-3313 or visit oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.

The Fourth Annual Norman Music Festival will rock downtown Norman from Thursday, April 28 to Saturday, April 30. The free indie music festival features headliners The Walkmen and Peelander-Z, in addition to more than 50 acts from across the nation.

The Little Rockers Kid Stage, located at Crawford and Gray Street, will include family fun on Saturday, 11am-6pm. Eco-friendly fun will be available as Form+Function Lab helps kids use recyclable items to create musical instruments. “We want to teach kids about reusing and recycling, and making musical instruments from everyday materials seemed like a natural fit,” said Lauren Sonder, organizer for the Little Rockers Kid Stage. “We will be using these items to make rain-sticks and guitars.”

The Little Rockers Kid Stage will also be hosting a food drive for Food and Shelter, Inc, and families are invited to bring donations of non-perishable food items. For the latest information on headliners and a schedule of performances, visit normanmusicfestival. com or Facebook.com/ NormanMusicFestival.

Festival of the Arts

Ranked in the top 20 of the 100 Fine Arts Fairs across the nation, the Festival of the Arts has been bringing the best in fine arts and culinary delights in the state since 1967.

The festival welcomes more than 750,000 visitors each year and serves as the metro area’s rite of spring, held in downtown Oklahoma City from Walker Avenue west to Robinson, and from Reno north to Sheridan. This year’s Festival will be held April 26-May 1.

Visual art highlights will include 144 artists from across the nation exhibiting on Hudson Avenue; Windscapes, a kinetic art exhibit in the Myriad Botanical Gardens; and a large-scale Lexus Sculpture Park exhibit in the Stage Center Lawn. The culinary arts are found on International Food Row, where each vendor is partnered with an area non-profit organization. The events include four stages of non-stop performing arts and entertainment, as well as street performers roaming the grounds. There are also activities for children and families in the Youth Plaza and throughout the Festival, including the hands-on Children’s Art Field for $2. The Young-at-Art Mart returns as the children-only shopping venue with all artwork affordably priced for $5 or less. Families can also visit face painting and Pottery Place and Creation Station for more fun!

Festival hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. Admission is free, and pets are not allowed. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or visit artscouncilokc.com.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

The Aluminum Show

An international theatrical sensation, The Aluminum Show is a unique and energetic experience for the entire family. The show combines movement, dance and visual theater, with the company breathing life into anything aluminum and accomplishing extraordinary special effects.

The Aluminum Show takes the stage at the Civic Center Music Hall for eight shows only April 12th-17th.

Learn more and find tickets at CelebrityAttractions.com.

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Quick Reference American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, banjomuseum.org City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, cityartscenter.org Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, edmondfinearts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com Myriad Botanical Gardens Closed for renovations; opening in 2011.

297-3995, myriadgardens.com National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, okaquarium.org OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, okcmoa.org OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, okczoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC 522-5248, oklahomahistorycenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org Do you have an event for our calendar?

Send an email to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Weekly Events FREE Norman Sooner Mall Outreach Story Time is an interactive story time held outside Sears in Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.

FREE Admission at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesdays. 10am-5pm. Activities include Art Adventures for children ages 3-5 with adult (10:30am) & Tuesday Noon Concerts 30-minute musical performances by the University of Oklahoma School of Music students & faculty (12pm).

Toddler Time at the Mustang Recreation Center at Town Center (1501 N Mustang Rd) fun for toddlers & young children with parent. FREE with community center membership, or $2 per child. Tuesday & Thursday, 9am-Noon. 376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) 4:30-8pm every Tuesday & Thursday. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. For open play hours call 200-1691, JumpZoneParty.com.

Toddler Time at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Discovery Room includes fun & educational activities for ages 18 months-3 years.

FREE with paid museum admission. Tuesdays, 4-4:30pm; Saturdays, 10:30-11am.

Glass Pendant Studio at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) allows individuals to create beautiful & wearable works of art. Drop in sessions on Tuesdays, 4-6pm & Fridays, 12-2pm. Workshops the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 7-9pm.340-7584, unpluggits.com.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. For all ages. Held every Wednesday of the month, 6-8pm. 231-8650.

FREE Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm.

Fun Friday Preschool Activities at Mustang's Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) includes fun activities, crafts, games & snack each week for children ages 6 & under with parent. $3 per child. Fridays, 10:30am. 376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday & Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 & under. 359-7989, UCOJazzLab.com.

Oklahoma River Cruises Classic Cartoon Cruises held each Saturday, departing from Regatta Park or the Exchange Landing on the Oklahoma River. Departure times vary. $6 for adults, $3 children ages 6-12. 7027755, okrivercruises.com.

It’s Feeding Time! at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Discovery Room allows children to observe some local reptiles, amphibians & fish during their feeding time & learn more about these Oklahoma animals. FREE with paid museum admission. Saturdays, 11:30am-noon.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Discovery Saturdays & Sundays at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in the Discovery Room includes interactive, hands-on activities with stories, crafts & touchable specimens. FREE with paid museum admission. Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 2:30pm FREE Build & Grow Kid’s Clinics at Lowe’s stores offers kids an opportunity to complete a wooden project. Each participant also receives an apron, goggles, a project-themed patch & certificate of merit.

Saturdays, 10am. lowesbuildandgrow.com.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, FullCircleBooks.com.

FREE 1-2-3 Play With Me at the Warr Acres Library for children ages 4 & younger with caregivers. Saturdays, 10:30am.

FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Make & Take crafts at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), Saturdays, 11am-3pm. Ages 3 & up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Saturdays, 1-4pm. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, & special occasions. FREE with paid admission.

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13. The “Gang” works on conservation projects in Martin Park Saturdays from 2-5pm throughout the school year.

755-0676.

Silly Sundays at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond) every Sunday, 1-6pm. FREE face painting with paid admission or craft purchase.

340-7584, unpluggits.com.

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center.

Guided park tour & nature hike each Sunday 2:30pm.

Reservations & $2 fee required. 755-0676.

Ongoing Events Through April 7 Creating a Mural at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Visitors may watch a mural being created for the museum in conjunction with the exhibit “Allen True’s West” by the internship students of Dr. Robert Palmer.

Through April 8 The Planet of the Perfectly Awful People at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. Wednesday & Friday, 11am-12pm; Saturday & Sunday, 2-3pm. $7 adults, $5 children..

Through April 9 Boeing, Boeing at Lyric at the Plaza is the Tony Award-winning comedy of a handsome bachelor

APRiL juggling three international flight attendant fiancés.

Rated PG13. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; FridaySaturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. $40. 524-9312, lyrictheatreokc.com.

5th Annual Oklahoma Friendly Juried Art Show at the IAO Gallery (706 W Sheridan) features works by artists from all over the United States divided into categories that reflect an Oklahoma-friendly theme. okartguild.com.

Through April 10 The Wedding Singer at the Sooner Theatre in Norman is based on the popular movie. Rated PG. $20 & up. Friday and Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 3219600, soonertheatre.org.

The Odyssey: A Play at the Weitzenhoffer Theater in the OU Fine Arts Center (555 Elm, Norman) presents an irreverent twist on Homer’s classic tale.

Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. $22 adults, $14 students. 325-4101, theatre.ou.edu.

Through April 17 Mediterranean Treasures: Selections from the Classics Collection at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features 100 of the most significant objects from the museum’s classics collection.

Through April 18 FREE Corazon Watkins and Carolyn Faseler Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center (444 S Flood, Norman) features the work of mixed media artist Corazon Watkins & mixed media painter Carolyn Faseler. Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm. 329-4523, normanfirehouse.com.

Through April 30 Southeastern Style Basket Weaving Class at the Jacobson House Native Art Center (609 Chatauqua Ave, Norman) features Southeastern weaving techniques. Preregister. 6:30-8:30pm. $30-$60 for materials; limited scholarships available. 366-1667, jacobsonhouse.com.

Early Bird Classes by Smart Start Central OK provide information, resources, educational toys & books for parents of children up to age 5. Participants must live within the school district of each class to attend. Childcare available. OKC 4/2 & 5, Putnam City 4/9, 11 & 12, Western Heights 4/26 & 28, Mid-Del 4/28 & 30. smartstartcentraloklahoma.org.

Through May 1 FREE Jim Richey: Just Down the Road at the Oklahoma State Capitol's North Gallery includes a collection of photography by the Alva artist. MondayFriday, 8am-6pm; Weekends, 9am-4pm. 521-2931, arts.ok.gov/capitol.

S

Through May 5 Art in Architecture at Visions in the Paseo features photographs of new buildings & other structures by Michael Stano. Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 1-4pm. 557-1229, visionsinthepaseo.com.

Through May 8 American Indian Printmakers from The Silberman Collection at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the museum’s first exhibition to focus solely on the printmaking aspect of American Indian fine art.

George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher at the OKC Museum of Art celebrates the work of the iconic American designer.

Jill Downen: COUNTERPARTS at OKC Museum of Art is the third installment of the NEW FRONTIERS: Series for Contemporary Art & exhibits ten architectural sculptures combining human anatomy with the constructed environment.

FREE D.J. Lafon Exhibit in the Oklahoma State Capitol's East Gallery honors visual artist D.J. Lafon, a noted member of the Oklahoma Arts Community who passed away in January. Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm; Weekends, 9am-4pm. 521-2931, arts.ok.gov/capitol.

Through May 11 Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit at the Science Museum Oklahoma includes colorful collaborations by students throughout Oklahoma who are exploring diversity through the arts. FREE with paid museum admission. 359-0369, respectdiversity.org.

Through May 14

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Metropolitan Library System metrolibrary.org

Belle Isle................5501 N Villa ..........843-9601 Bethany ...............3510 N Mueller ........789-8363 Capitol Hill ........... 334 SW 26th ..........634-6308 Choctaw ................2525 Muzzy...........390-8418 Del City .................4509 SE 15th ..........672-1377 Downtown ............300 Park Ave ......... 231-8650 Edmond .............. 10 S Boulevard ........ 341-9282 Midwest City ........ 8143 E Reno .......... 732-4828 Ralph Ellison ...... 2000 NE 23rd ..........424-1437 Southern Oaks ...6900 S Walker ........631-4468 The Village .......... 10307 N Penn ......... 755-0710 Warr Acres ..........5901 NW 63rd..........721-2616 Harrah ..............1930 N Church Ave.....454-2001 Jones ......................111 E Main ...........399-5471 Luther .....................310 NE 3rd ........... 277-9967 Nicoma Park ..... 2240 Overholser .......769-9452 Wright Library ... 2101 Exchange ........235-5035

Pioneer Library System

Maggie Casey: Bearing the Echo of Proving Ground at the City Arts Center features the work of a leading contemporary fiber artist/sculptor.

Through May 15 Stare Stare Stereo at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a student-curated exhibition featuring items from the museum's permanent collection.

Mediterranea: American Art from the Graham D. Williford Collection at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art explores the major cultures & monuments of the Mediterranean.

pls.lib.ok.us

Blanchard.............. 300 N Main ........... 485-2275 McLoud...................133 N Main ...........964-2960 Moore................... 225 S Howard ......... 793-5100 Newcastle............ 705 NW Tenth ......... 387-5076 Noble .......................204 N 5th .............872-5713 Norman ................225 N Webster ........ 701-2600 Purcell ................... 919 N Ninth ........... 527-5546 Shawnee ...........101 N Philadelphia .....275-6353 Tecumseh ...........114 N Broadway .......598-5955

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Tea & Immortality: Contemporary Chinese Yixing Teapots is a selection of contemporary Yixing teapots from the James T. Bialac collection created using Yixing clay to create aesthetically sophisticated teapots.

To Picture the Words: Artist-Illustrators from the Permanent Collection at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum highlights the museum’s rich collections of original and published works by western illustrators.

4 • Monday FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

4-5

Allen True's West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum focuses on the life and work of the Colorado artist, illustrator & muralist.

Ninth Annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features school-age children competing in spoken word, poster, and music categories in their native languages. 10am-3pm.

Through June 9

5 • Tuesday

Exploring God's Word Bible Study at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln). Thursdays, 7pm. If interested in attending, call 227-4050 or email info@bouncetochrist. com. bouncincraze.com.

Through November 13 The Art of the Tool Exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma combines form with function by examining the tools that creative professionals use. FREE with paid museum admission.

Through November 20 The Bowie Knife: Icon of American Character at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum looks at the history, art & legacy of the Bowie Knife.

Through 2011 The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists at the Oklahoma History Center explores how Oklahomans have played a major role in the evolution of comic books, comic strips, & editorial cartoons.

FREE Oklahoma City! Sooner or Later on the second floor of City Hall (200 N Walker) presents the history of city government from 1889 to the present. MondayFriday 8am-5pm. 297-2391.

April 2011

Hop On Over to

metrofamilymagazine.com/ easter-activities to find communitywide Easter related events throughout the month of April!

3 • Sunday Bricktown Brawlers vs. Colorado Ice at the Cox Convention Center. 3:05pm. 602-8557, bricktownbrawlers.com. Also playing 4/23.

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Homeschool Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium provides discounted rates for homeschooling families & groups. $7 students, $10 adults. Preregister.

FREE Maureen Johnson Lecture at the Bethany Library features a talk by the popular young adult author. 9:30am. metrolibrary.org. Also held 4/6 at Edmond (9:30am), Midwest City (1pm), The Village (7pm); 4/7 Capitol Hill (9:30am.)

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store. Build a new model every month. Held the first Tuesday of the month, Quantities are limited. For ages 6-14. 5pm. 840-9993, Stores.Lego.com.

FREE Family Night Out at Quail Springs Mall in the Food Court includes entertainment & prizes. 5:307:30pm. 755-6530, quailspringsmall.com.

5-30 FREE Civil War 150th Anniversary Exhibit at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard). Donations accepted. TuesdayFriday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-4pm. 340-0078, edmondhistory.org.

6 • Wednesday OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers at the OKC Arena, Tickets, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. 7pm. nba. com/thunder. Other home games this month: 4/8, 13.

7-9 2nd Annual INDOOR Sale to Benefit Autism Speaks at the Knob Hill Baptist Church (2700 SW 59th, OKC).

Thursday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. 833-8999.

7-17 Alice in Wonderland at Rose State College (6420 SE 15, Midwest City) brings Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s story to life in an all-ages show. ThursdaySaturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. Special matinee on 4/15, 10am. $3. 733-7430, rose.edu.

8 • Friday Mom & Me Ceramics at Unpluggits Playstudio (575

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Enterprise, Edmond) capture handprints & footprints with fun seasonal themes, $15. 10:30am-12pm. 3407584, unpluggits.com. Also held: 4/10, 14.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, 2ndfridaynorman.com.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza held in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the 2nd Friday of the month includes artwalk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. plazadistrict.wordpress.com.

9 • Saturday FREE Norman Garden Festival at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman) includes educational speakers, a seed swap & Master Gardeners answering questions. 8am-3pm. 321-4774.

Hat Making Workshop-Straw Hats & Bonnets at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 9am4:30pm. $50, most supplies provided. Preregister.

Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day at the OKC Zoo offers $1 admission per person for National Guard members & families. Children under 2 FREE. Military ID required. Coupons available at the National Guard table located at the front entrance. 9am-5pm.

Frontier City kicks off the 2011 operating season. $32.99 general admission, $24.99 junior/senior/ handicap admission, $22.99 military admission, FREE children 3 & under. 478-2140, frontiercity.com.

Atlatl: The Paleo Indian Bison Hunters Weapon of Choice at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History includes lecture & opportunity to throw six foot long darts utilizing various types of atlatls.

Adults only. Preregister. 10am-noon. $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

FREE Sugar Free All Stars concert at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen). 10:45-11:30am. 418-8881, uptownkidsstyle.com.

FREE A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by the Reduxion Theatre Company at the Ralph Ellison Library preceded by a workshop for ages 6-14. Workshop 11am-12pm, play presentation 2-4pm. Also presented 4/23 at the Village Library.

FREE 11th Annual I Love My Neighborhood Block Party in the parking lot of Trinity Baptist Church (801 N Peters, Norman) invites Norman residents to enjoy food, entertainment, face painting & games. noon-2pm.

364-1420, ccfinorman.org.

FREE Easter Bunny Welcome Celebration at Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expwy) includes games, prizes, balloons, egg decorating, & cookies for the first 250 children. noon-2pm. 842-4424, pennsquaremall.com.

Red Door Three-Hour Session at Paint Your Art Out (100 N Broadway, Edmond) follow along with local

artists as you create your own masterpiece. Register online. $45. 6:30pm. 513-5333, paintyourartout.net.

Shartel, OKC. 6pm. RSVP required. 848-2330. Also held 4/27.

Progressive Madness presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features pianist Valery Kuleshov & conductor Joel Levine. $12 & up. 8pm. 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com.

14 • Thursday

9-10 2011 Redbud Classic features two days worth of running & biking events for everyone including bike tours, a FREE children's fitness run, 10K & 5K runs, a 2 mile walk & stroller derby, a 5K wheelchair event & more. Benefits CASA of Oklahoma County. $25 & up. redbud.org.

FREE Downtown Nature Hike is a 45-minute naturalist-led walk beginning on the east steps of City Hall (200 N Walker) that gives hikers a new perspective on the urban environment & highlight nature-inspired art throughout downtown. Preregister. noon-12:45pm.

297-2579, okc.gov.

FREE Yesterday’s Tomorrow at the Downtown Community Center (28 E Main, Edmond) is written & performed by a homeschool drama group. 5:30pm.

330-0361.

10 • Sunday

14-16

FREE Jazz Concert at the Performing Arts Studio (200 S Jones, Norman) featuring pianist Dennis Borycki. 7:30-9:30pm. Donations accepted. 307-9320, pasnorman.org.

Klassy Kidz Consignment Event at the New City Center (NW 12 & I-35, Moore) includes children's clothing, toys & baby equipment. Many items 50% off on Saturday. Thursday, 9am-9pm; Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm. 413-1141, klassykidzevent.com.

12 • Tuesday Read Across Oklahoma 2011 at the OKC Zoo includes interactive stations, story time sessions, appearances from the mascots from Super Why! and Clifford the Big Red Dog & FREE books for the first 1,000 children. FREE with paid admission. 9am-5pm.

FREE Storybook Night at Trinity School (321 NW 36) invites families to come in their pajamas to hear stories, see a mini-zoo & have fun. For grades PreK-2. First 100 families receive a FREE book. 6:30-8pm. 525-5600, trinityschoolokc.com.

Bearfoot at OCCC Bruce Owen Theatre (7777 S May) features twin fiddles, fast-picking mandolin and guitar, upright bass, and beautiful vocal harmony. $24.50 general admission, $12.50 children. 7-9pm. 682-7579, occc.edu/cas.

FREE Pre-Broadcast Premiere of Beyond the Blackboard at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene (6789 NW 39, Bethany) presented by Southern Nazarene University & Hallmark Hall of Fame. View the movie portraying the life of real life teacher Stacey Bess. Suggested donation of one ream of copy paper for Putnam City High School. First come, first served.

Doors open at 7:15pm. 8pm. snu.edu/hallmarkpremiere.

12-17 The Aluminum Show at the Civic Center Music Hall offers a totally unique theatrical experience with dazzling aluminum costumes & lighting for all ages.

Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday 2pm & 7pm. celebrityattractions.com.

13 • Wednesday

Year-Round Classess

Enroll N OW!

• All Ages & All Stages • Professional Faculty • Friendly Atmosphere

FINE ARTS INSTITUTE OF EDMOND 27 E. Edwards • 340-4481 www.edmondfinearts.com

Twice as Nice Consignment Sale at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman) features gently loved womens, mens, & juniors clothing & accessories. Thursday-Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-5pm. 651-0282, twiceasnicenorman.com.

The Love of Three Oranges at UCO’s Judd Theatre (2501 E Memorial, Edmond), follows Prince Tartaglia’s quest for three giant oranges. Suitable for all ages. $8.

8pm. 425-5526.

14-17 The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber at OU Catlett Music Center (500 W Boyd, Norman). ThursdaySaturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. $25 adults, $15 students with valid ID. 325-4101.

15 • Friday

bewildforart.com

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere Mommy and Me • Summer Camps Parties Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm Friday until 9pm 1006 24th Ave. NW, Suite 130, Norman, OK

(405) 307-9971

Jingle-Jangle Mingle at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum kicks off the Western Heritage Awards with food & entertainment. $30 members, $40 nonmembers. 6pm.

Movie Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History screens the Disney classic "Bambi" in the museum’s Great Hall. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-17, children 5 & under FREE, $1 discount for members. Galleries open 5:30-7pm. Movie at 7pm.

FREE Art After Hours at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a lecture featuring George L.K. Morris: Modernism in New York. 6-7pm.

Dr. Seuss-a-palooza

June 6-10, 2011 / Rising Pre-K - 2nd Grades

On Broadway: the Musical Revue

June 13-17, 2011 / Rising 3rd - 7th Grades June 20-24, 2011 / Rising 8th - 12th Grades

All camps are from 9:00am - 1:00pm Early bird discounts available! Call to reserve your spot!

Cost : $140.00 (this includes a Camp T-shirt)

OKC Redhawks vs. Albuquerque Isotopes baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 4/16, 18-22.

Cloth Diaper Basics class at Green Bamino, 5113 N 844 W Danforth Rd, Edmond (405) 285-5803 • upstagetheatreok.com

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

55

15-16

405-203-2834 Ask for Dana Helms

(The Upside Down Performing Artist)

201 North Broadway, Suite 208 • Moore

danahelmstheupside-downartist.com

Guitar for Kids

School of Rock

Electric, Acoustic and Classical Guitar Studies Designed for Beginning Guitarists Ages 6 to Adult

Call about Home school or Summer Camp Program ★ Bring in this ad for $10 off ★ Located in Edmond at the corner of N. Blvd and E. Campbell St.

340-8294

www.guitarforcoolkids.com coolkids.com

Layaway PLans

16 • Saturday FREE Nature Walk & Talk at Martin Nature Park (5000 W Memorial). OK Free 4 Families invites the whole family to enjoy a walk & learn how to earn free stuff for your family from an experienced mystery shopper. Children are welcome. 10:30am. RSVP to okfree4families@gmail.com.

YWCA’s 2 Minute 5K 2011 at the Regatta Park and Pavilion (725 S Lincoln) benefits assistance programs for victims of sexual assault. $25. Check in 8am, run/ walk 9am. ywcaokc.org.

FREE Children’s Oral Health Fair at OCCC Union (7777 S May) features dental screenings, game booths, health consultants, healthy snacks, child safe packets, & pictures with the Tooth Fairy. 9am-noon. 682-7561.

FREE Earth Fest 2011 at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) includes a can stomp, educational seminars & booths & more. 10am-2pm. 755-0676, okc.gov/parks.

Pioneer Days at the Oklahoma History Center invites children to learn about life as a pioneer. FREE child's admission with paid adult admisssion. Dress as pioneers and compete in a costume contest to win a family membership. 10am-2pm.

FREE Forever. For Real. at the Oklahoma History Center offers couples a chance to learn simple, hands-on, fun ways to strengthen and renew their relationships. Preregister. 10am-4pm. 877-435-8003, foreverforreal.com.

Girl Scout Workshop: Space Explorer! at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History for Brownies and Juniors, fulfills requirements for Brownies Space Explorer & Juniors Sky Search badges.

Preregister. $10 per scout. 10am-4pm.

40 % off sale

$99 Delivery & Installation exp. 04/30/11

Showroom inside Jump!Zone S.W. 104th & Western

www.okcplaysets.com 200-1691

56

Fun with Fossils, A Family Fossil Trip at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History invites families to dig for fossils in one of Oklahoma’s premier dig sites. For ages 8 & up with an adult. Preregister. $90 members, $110 nonmembers, $90 members.

Friday, 7-8:30pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm.

FREE Arts Trek: A Community Arts Adventure at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) includes a variety of hands-on projects & a community art project to engage families, 10am-4pm.

878-5300, mgmoa.org.

Living Foods Workshop with Corinne Rice (800 NW 138, Edmond) teaches how to make raw vegan versions of classic Asian dishes. 1pm. $45. Register by 4/14. 971-4523.

FREE New Ink at Full Circle Bookstore features local authors signing and discussing their latest books.

This month's author is Robbie Jacobs, author of the children's book Kylie Cow Learns Colors. 3-5pm. 8422900, fullcirclebooks.com.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Western Heritage Awards Banquet at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum presents the Wrangler Awards for best Western movies, TV, books & music. $145 members, $175 nonmembers. 5pm.

Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum leave the Oakwood Depot at 10am, 11am, Noon, 1:30pm & 2:30pm. $10 age 15 & up, $5 ages 3-14, FREE under 3.

424-8222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.

2011 Red/White Spring Football Game at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Tickets available online or by phone. $5 through 4/12, $10 after 4/12. 2pm (subject to change). 800-456-GoOU, soonersports.com.

FREE Children Reading to Dogs at the Downtown Library allows children to practice & improve reading skills by reading to dogs specially trained through Therapy Dogs International. Open to children who can read. 3-4pm. See library website for other times and locations throughout the month.

16-17 FREE 34th Annual Stillwater Arts Festival on Main Street in downtown Stillwater. 747-8070, stillwater.org.

17 • Sunday Party for the Planet at the OKC Zoo is a global gala to celebrate Earth Day. Live entertainment, animal feedings, information, stations & giveaways. FREE with paid admission. 11am-3pm.

FREE Pitch, Hit & Run at Yukon Community Center Ball Fields (2200 S Holly, Yukon) boys & girls ages 7-14 compete in hitting, pitching & running. Must have a copy of participant’s birth certificate. Boys, 1pm; Girls, 2:30pm. 350-8920.

19 • Tuesday FREE 16th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony presented by the OKC National Memorial & Museum on the grounds of the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial.

8:45am. FREE museum admission from 10am-5pm.

Tuesdays at Sundown at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum features a presentation

by Dr. Mary Holahan. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. 6:30-8pm.

FREE Oklahoma City Symphonic Band Young Artist Competition Concert at Yukon High School (1000 Yukon) features the Young Artist Competition winner. 7:30pm. okcband.org.

Tiny Tuesdays "Shape Stampede"at the OKC Museum of Art invites families for a come & go, openended art making activity geared towards children ages 2-5 with a parent or caregiver. FREE with paid museum admission. 10am-noon.

20 • Wednesday Reflections of Hope Award Dinner & Ceremony presented by the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum honors President & Mrs. George W. Bush & family with the 2011 Reflections of Hope Award. $200.

Going Green Paint Night at Paint Your Art Out (100 N Broadway, Edmond) features an artist led session on “recycled” 16x20 canvas for adults. Preregister. 7pm. $25. 513-5333, paintyourartout.net.

Side-By-Side Concert presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features trombonist Trenton Howard from Owasso as well as the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra playing side-by-side with the OKC Philharmonic. 7:30pm. okcphilharmonic.org.

21 • Thursday Grilling for the Health of It—Men’s Health “Meating” presented by INTEGRIS Men’s Health University at Louie’s Grill and Bar (1600 Garth Brooks, Yukon) provides a forum to educate men about general men’s health issues. Preregister. 5-7pm. 951-2277, integrisok.com/men-u.

Art After 5pm at the OKC Museum of Art invites participants to see the exhibitions & enjoy music & drinks in the lobby. 5-8pm.

FREE Family Game Night at Mustang’s Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd) held the third Thursday monthly.

Children 10 & under must be accompanied by adult.

6:30-8:30pm. 376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

FREE Parenting Workshop at OCCC in the Family & Community Education Building (6500 S Land Ave) explores social & emotional behaviors in children.

7-9pm. 682-7561.

22 • Friday Scout Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium honors all youth organizations such as Boy & Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H, FFA, etc. Members in uniform or carrying a membership card and one accompanying adult can be admitted for a discounted rate. $7 youth, $10 adults.

Floral Walking Tour of the Charles E. Sparks Rose Garden, Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum and other areas of the Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36, OKC).

Preregister. 9:30am. 943-0827.

Free Bus Rides on METRO Transit for Earth Day. Reusable shopping totes also available at the Downtown Transit Center. 235-7433, gometro.org.

Dine with Us on Main Street, DSA at the Dove Science Academy (919 NW 23) enjoy dinner and a choir show benefitting DSA Choirs. Preregister. $15.

6-8pm. dsaokc.org.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Science Museum Oklahoma. Receive a FREE sapling at the Gadget Trees exhibit. Limited quantities available. 9am-5pm.

Visit Today

!

23 • Saturday Egg Run 2011 at Harrah Church (101 S Dobbs). 1 Mile Fun Run/5K event to benefit local food pantries.

Preregister. $25 before 4/7, $30 after. 8am. 454-6690, eggrun.net.

Stop by and peruse our grand selection of educational items and fun gift giving ideas:

FREE Shred Day (5519 NW 4) presented by Waste Management Recycle America allows individuals to shred and recycle financial & personal documents.

8am-noon. okc.gov/greeningokc.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011 held at Science Museum Oklahoma and presented by Cloth Diaper Oklahoma seeks to set the Guiness Book of World Records record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously & raise awareness for cloth diapering.

10am-noon, diaper change at 11am, $1 donation to benefit the Real Diaper Association. 290-8862, clothdiaperoklahoma.org.

Family Easter Session at Paint Your Art Out (100 N Broadway, Edmond) allows families to discover their inner artists while creating a 16x20 cross painting.

Ages 5-adult. Preregister. 10am. $25. 513-5333, paintyourartout.net FREE StoryTime with Snow White at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen). 10:30am. 418-8881, uptownkidsstyle.com.

FREE Jazzy’s Egg Run at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole. 11am. 382-0950, jasminemoran.com.

Spring Charity Day at Borders (300 Norman Center, Norman). Borders will welcome a local charity partner to the store. Donate a book or toy to help a local child in need. Noon. 573-4907, borders.com.

Our Children are S p e c i a l

10455 N. May • OKC, OK 73120

405-751-1002 Enroll Now!

Watch their faces light up as they share in the delight of music, art and drama!

• Ages 2½ - 5 • Morning – Afternoon - All Day • Tuesday thru Friday • Certified Kindermusik Teacher

Our Children are S p e c i a l

10455 N. May • OKC, OK 73120

24 • Sunday

405-751-1002

Happy Easter from MetroFamily Magazine!

Easter Brunch at the OKC Museum of Art Café.

Reservations recommended. 10am-3pm. 236-3100, okcmoa.org.

HOPabaloo at the Zoo at the OKC Zoo includes brunch with the Easter Bunny & fun activities including a craft station, an animal encounter, animal feedings & the Tiny Tot Egg Scrambles for ages 5 & under. Activities other than brunch are FREE with paid admission.

Annual Easter Celebration at the Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) includes age-divided hunts, egg decorating, & pictures with the Easter Bunny. Agedivided egg hunts at 11:30am & 1:30pm for all ages, 3:30 for ages 2-6. $10.50 per person, children under 2 FREE. 799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com.

Enroll Now!

Sign your kiddos up and watch the creativity just flow!

• Art • Around the World Cooking • Beginning Guitar • Etiquette and more!

Our Children are S p e c i a l

10455 N. May • OKC, OK 73120

405-751-1002 March 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

57

Dance Classes for All Ages

25 • Monday Open House April 22-23

Why Choose Velocity:

• Hassle-Free Recitals • Professional Floating Dance Floors • Excellent Customer Service • Small Class Sizes • University Trained Instructors • Ages 2½ and Up

Enroll for Summer and Fall Today!

Velocity Dance Center

721-8807 • velocitydancecenterokc.com

11122 N Rockwell Ave, Suite A-11 • OKC

Monday Study Club at 50 Penn Place (1900 NW Expressway) for mothers of students in grades 6 & up features a presentation by Rev. Bob Long offering reflections on raising teenagers. $25 annual dues, $12.50 per meeting for lunch. 11:30am-1pm. 848-5567, mallerynagle@swbell.net.

26 • Tuesday FREE George Miksch Sutton Lecture Series at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History presents “Coral Reef Fishes: Novelties Underlie Exological Impact in Nature’s Richest Realm” featuring Peter Wainwright from the University of California at Davis. 7pm.

James Taylor (five-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter) in concert at the Civic Center Music Hall. 8pm. 297-2264, okciviccenter.com.

S eeking A G REAT Bab ysitter?

Serving All of Oklahoma County

Easy, Safe Babysitting Solutions

26-27 Central Oklahoma Homeschool Convention at the Cox Convention Center includes workshops, vendors, speakers & children’s program. Tuesday, 8am-9pm; Wednesday, 8am-5:30pm. 810-0386, ochec.com.

Apr 26-May 1

Alicia Champion, Local Owner

FREE 2011 Festival of the Arts in the downtown OKC Festival Plaza, Stage Center & Myriad Botanical Gardens. Visual artists, performances & food. TuesdaySaturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 270-4848, artscouncilok.com. (More details on pg 51.)

Oklahoma County/Edmond Metro

Apr 27-May 8

www.SeekingSitters.com On demand childcare options for your home!

405.416.3588

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre is Mark Twain’s classic depiction of a happy-go-lucky boy on a voyage of growth and discovery. Wednesday & Friday, 11am-noon; Saturday and Sunday, 2-3pm. $7 adults, $5 children.

Apr 29-May 1 Serving award-winning breakfasts and lunches since 1980

15 convenient Metro locations!

FREE May Fair Arts Festival 2011 at Andrews Park (201 W Gray, Norman) features over 100 artists & craftsmen, entertainment, art activities for kids, food, student art shows, & special events. Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 329-7411, norman. assistanceleague.org.

Apr 29-May 8 Oklahoma Festival Ballet at the Rupel Jones Theatre in the OU Fine Arts Center (563 Elm, Norman) presents an evening of 4 ballets. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 325-4101, ou.edu/finearts/dance.

28 • Thursday www.JimmysEgg.com

58

FREE Early Bird Class at Del City High School (1900

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

S Sunnylane) provides instruction on school readiness, child development, & early learning opportunities for parents with children ages birth-5.Childcare available.

6-7:30pm. 582-7020, earlybirdsok.org. Also held on 4/30, 10-11:30am.

FREE The Big Read: Discussion and Book Signing presented by the Pioneer Library System at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried. 7pm.

28-30 FREE 4th Annual Norman Music Festival in Downtown Norman offers performances by various artists, Dustbowl Arts Market and kids area. 579-3693, normanmusicfestival.com.

29-30 OKC Memorial Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Cox Convention Center. Friday, noon-8pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm. 525-4242, okcmarathon.com.

OKC Philharmonic: Jane Monheit at the Civic Center Music Hall features jazz vocalist Jane Monheit performing with the OKC Philharmonic. 8pm. $12 & up.

232-7575, okcphilharmonic.com.

30 • Saturday March for Babies at Boomer Lake Park (Boomer & Lakeview, Stillwater) benefits the March of Dimes. Registration at 8am, walk at 9am. 943-1025, marchforbabies.org.

FREE Norman ‘89er Day Parade through Downtown Norman from Main & Pickard to Main & Crawford.

10am. norman89.com.

Christian Fun Day at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service) offers youth groups and families an opportunity to enjoy the park & listen to great Christian music. Advance tickets available. Call by 4/25 for the best rate. 475-1180, frontiercity.com.

Family Fun Night at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth Rd, Edmond) gives families a chance to play 9-holes with special junior tees & a free putting course. $6 green fees, $6 cart, $2 range tokens. 5pm. 3415350, kickingbirdgolf.com.

"Ape"ril Dinner at the OKC Zoo is a fundraising event for great ape conservation, includes dinner, a behindthe-scenes tour of Great EscApe, presentation by the Zoo's great EscApe keepers and a silent auction. $50, children must be 14 or older to attend. 6-8:30pm. zoofriends.org.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Bluegrass Gospel Concert/Jam features three professional bluegrass bands in a family-oriented show at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29th, Del City) $6. Children 12 & under FREE. 6:30-9:30pm. 677-7515, gobms.org.

Karen’s Kids Studio of Dance

FREE TRIAL CLASS

May 1

May 7

Salute to Superheroes presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall as part of the Discovery series. 2pm. $9. 232-7575, okcphilharmonic.org.

Ostrich Egg Breakfast at the OKC Zoo includes food, fun & the Zoolympics. $10 adults, $6 children for members; $12 adults/$8 children for non-members.

Tickets available starting 4/11. 8-11am.

11th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in Downtown OKC includes a marathon, half marathon, relay marathon, memorial 5K, & kids marathon Preregister. 6:30am.525-4242, okcmarathon.com.

Touch A Truck at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman) is presented by the MOMS Club of Norman-West benefitting the children’s section of the Norman Public Library. Children have the opportunity to climb through a variety of vehicles & talk to their operators. 9:30am-noon with quiet hour from 8:30-9:30am. $2 suggested donation. 701-0161.

May 1-22 The 38th Annual Symphony Show House & Gardens (1701 Drury, Nichols Hills) benefits the OKC Philharmonic. Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. $12 before 5/1, $15 during the show. 2327575, okcphilharmonic.org.

May 2 OKC Redhawks vs. Nashville Sounds baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 5/3-5, 10-17, 31.

May 4 Community Literacy Centers presents a fundraising luncheon "Literacy Live" featuring acclaimed author Heloise of Hints by Heloise. Oklahoma City Marriott, 3233 NW Expressway, 11:30am-1pm. Tickets $75 available by calling 524-7232, communityliteracy. com. Tickets include an autographed copy of Handy Household Hints from Heloise.

May 5 Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) features a unique blend of eclectic musical styles expressed in an acoustic setting. $15 & up. 8pm. 321-9600, soonertheatre.org.

May 6 Great Escape "Camp Out" at Mustang Parks & Recreation (1201 N Mustang). Kids will enjoy pizza, crafts, movies & more. For ages 5-12. Preregister. $15.

376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

May 6-7 FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries.

Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, thepaseo.com.

May 6-8 FREE Downtown Edmond Arts Festival includes live music, food, children’s activities & fine arts vendors.

Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm.

249-9391, visitedmondok.com.

FREE Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly, Yukon) includes kayaking, a magic show, wood art, dirt pudding, pony rides, & more. $5 in advance, $7 at door. 10am-4pm. 350-8920.

March For Babies fundraising walk at State Fair Park, 8am registration, 9am start time. 943-1025, marchforbabies.org.

FREE Admission at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum includes family-friendly activities in honor of the museum’s fourth anniversary. 10am-5pm.

Ostrich Egg Painting at the OKC Zoo invites guests to paint their very own ostrich egg with local artist Lance Kelly. Ages 10 & up. Preregister. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. 10:30am-12:30pm or 1-3pm.

FREE Prague Kolache Festival on Main Street in downtown Prague offers dance, song, food, crafts, parade & carnival rides. 567-4866, praguekolachefestival.com.

FREE Comic Book Day at participating retailers across the country, any person who enters the store may receive one FREE comic book to introduce new readers to the comic book medium. Details found at freecomicbookday.com.

2011 Oklahoma Autism PieceWalk & 5K presented by the Oklahoma Family Center for Autism at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark features fun for all ages including a resource fair, bounce houses, OKC Philharmonic Instrument Playground & more. Register online.

Participation in the PieceWalk is FREE. 5K is $30 online, $35 at the event. Opening Ceremony, 8am; PieceWalk, 8:30am; 5K, 9am. piecewalk.org.

Tap ✦ Jazz ✦ Ballet ✦ Modern HipHop ✦ Lyrical ✦ Pom Tec Class

Classes for all ages.

Summer Dance!

Dance Camp

June 21-22 • 7 - 18 years

Kids Dance Kamp

July 11 - 15 • 3½ - 6 years Enrolling Dance Intensive Now! July 18 - 22 • 7 - 18 years

Please call for more information.

karenskidsrock@sbcglobal.net www.karenskidsstudioofdance.com

732-7722

Introducing the NEW Coliseum Sports Academy "All it takes is all you've got"

Volleyball

skills training for ages 7-18 Private, small group lessons and clinics Special programs for homeschoolers

www.coliseumsportsacademy.com coliseumsportsacademy@gmail.com Strength • Precision Quality • Respect

FREE El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day in Downtown El Reno includes the world’s largest fried onion hamburger, live entertainment, classic car show, arts & crafts show, food, games, rides & more. 10am-5pm.

262-8888, elrenoburgerday.com.

May 8 Happy Mother's Day! Check metrofamilymagazine. com/mothers-day for a list of special events around the area for moms and their families.

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

59

Certified Instructor

No matter what time of year or occasion, you'll find the BEST partyplanning choices in the area right here.

Instructed or Uninstructed Classes, Parties, Crafts, Face Painting

Offering a FREE Canvas Pan el 8”x10” or 6”x12” call for details !

359-1889 •16317 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite G, Edmond

www.sharynspaintstudio.com

We Can Make Your Next

A Blast!

Daycare Programs Birthday Parties School Programs

Tons of Affordable FUN! www.madscience.org/okc 405-285-9643

Mobile laser Forces.coM awesoMe laser Tag! anywhere anyTiMe we coMe To you Children’s parties for any occasion ages 5-16

100 N Broadway, Ste 160 • Edmond

405.513.5333

www.PaintYourArtOut.net

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• Birthday Parties, • Sports Teams • Church Groups, • Any and all events • Indoors or Outdoors • Ages 6 to 80 • Very affordable

Mobile laser Forces.coM 405-259-9300

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

It’s Time...

To Paint Mother’s Day & Father’s Father Day Gifts!

• Punky Pottery • Bridal Parties • Teen Parties • Walk-in Anytime • Birthday Parties

paintnstation.com Paint your own pottery studio 7906 N. May, OKC • 842-7770

Come see why we’re the global leader in classes for kids.

Be Birth st Try a Par day ties FREE classs on u

$35 off New Enrollments *New Famili es Only

OKC/Edmond • Northpark Mall N.W. 122nd and May Avenue

405.755.3445 www.gymboreeclasses.com

PICASSO TO GO Create memories

E Parties AWESOM Play en GREAT Op Arena BIGGEST

that last a life time! $

Book Your Entire Party Now on our website for a Free JZ T-shirt

2 OFF

Open Play

1 per child 1 per child. Expires 04/30/11 Expires 2/29/08

Join Club JZ for Discounts

(405) 200-1691 Palagio Shops • SW 104th & Western www.jumpzoneparty.com

• Birthday Parties • Church Groups • Youth Events • I teach them all!

Self Esteem Through Action

Invite us to your summer camp!

805-794-2274 jugglewhatever.com

First State-of-art Outdoor Laser Tag in this area!

10 Field Courses

Birthday Parties • Church & Girl Scouts Groups • Special Team Building Projects • Open For All Ages Children To Adult

Birthday Parties Special Events Day Care & Church Group Laser Tag Rates

10AM-9PM Mon-Sat 12PM-6PM Sun

2501 W Memorial Rd (Quail Springs Mall)

752-4742

Hire a juggling instructor for your event!

405-373-3745

www.DodgeCityPaintball.com

April 2011 | www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Spring Break Fun! Spring Break is the perfect time for family fun, and our readers shared their favorite photos of their Spring Break adventures with us. See the complete gallery at metrofamilymagazine.com/ march-2011-photos.

l City Nick B., age 7, of De Luke B., age 2, -and at Wilderness Lakefront eak enjoying Spring Br Broken Bow. Resort in

Lauren D., age 5, and Samatha D., age 2, of Edmond enjoying Spring Break at the OKC Zoo.

Would you like to see your kids in our magazine or online photo galleries? For our May issue, we'd love to see your best mother & child photos. In honor of Mother's Day, send us photos of your favorite photos involving moms and kids and we'll feature them all online and select a few to print in our May issue. Deadline for photo submission is Wednesday, April 20. Photo submission guidelines and a form to submit your photos can be found at metrofamilymagazine.com/mfm-photo-galleries.

me of Guthrie enjoying so Trinity M.. 22 months, e! tim x bo nd sa Spring Break

Daniel H, age 7, of Ed mond en Break at Bouncin' Craz joying Spring e in Edmond.

Isabella P., 22 months, enjoys a day at the beach in Lake Michigan with father Josh during Spring Break 2011.

Congratulations to the Alex & Courtenay Sobral family of Norman for being named the April MetroFamily Fans of the Game and to the Barons for a successful first season in OKC!

The Sobral children, Jack S., age 10, William S., age 8, Nathan S., age 5, Ford S., age 4, and Lexi, age 1, pose with Derrick prior to a game.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com | April 2011

Trace C., age 3, of Bethany gives his dad a Spring Break jet ski ride.

2011 OklahOma City thunder S u m m e r B a S k e t B a l l d ay C a m p S

2011 OklahOma City thunder S u m m e r B a S k e t B a l l d ay C a m p S presented by

9AM-2:30PM, $225/$180*

This camp will focus on the fundamentals of basketball, along with an emphasis on key character lessons of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect. *Boys and girls ages 5-16. Campers will be separated by gender, age and ability whenever possible. Receive a 20% discount if you are a Season Ticket Member or a Kids Club Member.

❑ m O n d ay - F r i d ay June 6th-10th Mid-America Christian University 3500 S.W. 119th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73170

❑ m O n d ay - F r i d ay J u ly 1 1 t h - 1 5 t h Casady School 9500 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120

❑ m O n d ay - F r i d ay June 13th-17th Santa Fe Family Life Center 6300 N. Santa Fe Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118

❑ m O n d ay - F r i d ay J u ly 1 8 t h - 2 2 n d Transformation Fitness Center 14701 N. Kelly Ave. Edmond, OK 73013

❑ m O n d ay - F r i d ay June 20th-24th Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County - Memorial Park Club 3535 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118

❑ m O n d ay - F r i d ay J u ly 1 8 t h - 2 2 n d Transformation Fitness Center 14701 N. Kelly Ave. Edmond, OK 73013

RegistRation includes a thundeR Youth BasketBall t-shiRt, a thundeR headBand, a thundeR BasketBall and a ticket to an upcoming thunde R game .

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THUNDER YOUTH BASKETBALL, LOCATED UNDER THE COMMUNITY TAB, ON thunder.nBa.COm