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Family Camp • Camp Directory • Bring the Pros to School Warning Signals for Mental Illness

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MetroKids’ annual CoverKids Search is open to all children from infants to age 16.

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Visit MetroKids.com/coverkids to enter!

Professional casting agents, local modeling agents and photographers will select the winners. One additional CoverKid will be selected by a vote of our readers.

FREE TO ENTER! Deadline: July 1, 2019

How to enter: Mail or submit one recent photo online, with the date it was taken, to be reviewed by the judges. Photo tips: Entrants must be photographed individually. Do not wear make-up or costumes. This is NOT a beauty pageant. We’re looking for kids with natural good looks and lots of personality!

What happens next: Finalists will be selected for a live final audition in August. Grand Prize Winners and Finalists will be announced in MetroKids magazine. Grand Prize Winners will appear on a MetroKids’ cover or one of our other publications including SpecialKids, Educator’s Edition and MetroKids’ Ultimate Family Guide. Entrants must be available for a local cover photo shoot at a later date. All entrants’ photos will appear on MetroKids.com.

mk Inside Camp 2019 12 Camp With the Fam 14 Camp Directory

Party Your Way 10 Plan an Atypical Party 26 Party Places Your Kids Will Love 27 Throw a Hometown Party

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May 2019 Vol. 30, No. 5

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Saturday May 25 1Oam to 5pm Haddon Ave Collingswood NJ

In This Issue 3 Meet Our CoverKid 4 Portraits for Families With Special Needs 5 Bring the Pros to School 6 Precarious Pregnancy 7 Summertime Music 8 Warning Signals for Mental Illness 9 Support Behavioral Development 21 Win It! 2 2 Day-by-Day Calendar Ad Sections

3 Events; 11 Special Needs; 13 Camp 20 Child Care; 26 Parties

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Raindate May 26 12 to 5pm

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Meet Our CoverKid

This month’s CoverKid is Maddie W., of Collegeville, PA, who will be 1 ½ years old this month.

If you pass Maddie on the street, there’s a good chance she’ll give you a smile and say “Hi” as she explores her new walking skills and her love of dogs and swings.

“She is super smiley and is always laughing,” says her dad, Matthew. “She seems to be independent and is often found trying to do things on her own or figure out how things work.”

He wouldn’t be surprised if this curiosity leads her into a career as an engineer.

For now, she’s happy playing with her 7-year-old puggle named Maui and her grandfather, who watches her every day and is her best buddy.

Maddie loves to dance, watch anything that stars Elmo from Sesame Street and make duck sounds when she does her animal imitations.

Sounds like a pretty good way to spend the day.

Photo by Bev Michel Photography.

MAY 2019

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The family event of spring

200 artists & crafters Carnival rides & Kid Zone Live music Food courts & downtown restaurants Antique & classic auto sh ow A mile long block party

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Moms Know

Free Portraits for Families with Special Needs

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1412-1414 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-291-5560 856-667-3555 302-224-3020 Toll Free: 888-890-4668 Fax: 215-291-5565

President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com

If you are the mother of a child with special needs, a Delaware photographer has an offer that could make Mother’s Day more memorable for years to come.

Ana Yevonishon, of Expressions Photography in Yorklyn, DE, provides free Ashley with her daughter Mica of Newark, DE. portraits for families who have children with disabilities through her Portraits with a Purpose program.

“Fine quality art photography should be something that families like these can have at no cost,” she says of the initiative, which she started in the fall.

Each family gets an in-person consultation to talk about the needs of their child and plan the photo session. The sitting can include the immediate family in five groupings, so mom and child can have their own portrait. Sessions can be done at the studio or at one of the accessible parks nearby. When the photos are ready, the family comes back to the studio to choose five 8-by-10 portraits.

Yevonishon created a waiting list for families that want to participate. When paying customers place an order, they can become a sponsor family. There is no additional cost to them, but for every sponsor family, Yevonishon schedules a sitting with a family from the waiting list.

“It has been an honor to give to these special families,” she says. “I want them to be celebrated, because they deserve it.”

If you want be a Portraits with a Purpose family or a sponsor family, email ana@ photosbyexpressions.com or call 302-300-7569.

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Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com Contributing Writers: Terri Akman, Suzanne Koup-Larsen, Frank Lipsius, Kathy O’Connell, Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Production Manager: Veronica Hanna, ext. 103 production@metrokids.com Finance: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Susan Braverman, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com Intern: Sawyer Thomson

ADVERTISING SALES 888-890-4668 Jeanie Mudgett-McGeoch ext. 111

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We welcome your ideas and feedback. Write us at editor@metrokids.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.

MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2019 MetroKids® Magazine. All rights reserved by KidStuff Publications, Inc. ISSN 1094-8503. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. MetroKids® or KidStuff Pub­lica­t­ions do not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. MetroKids® and SpecialKids® are trademarks of KidStuff Publications, Inc. The acceptance of advertising 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. Advertisers indemnify and hold harmless the publisher from any claim and all loss, expense, or liability arising out of the publication of any advertisement.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free.

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MAY 2019

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Education

Tap Team Spirit Philly’s pro sports teams offer schools programs to motivate kids to exercise, read, master STEM and eat right.

By Susan Stopper Bryce Harper has been a hit with Phillies fans. The Sixers’ young new players have created a buzz of excitement. The Flyers have a hip new mascot. And the Eagles, well, their Super Bowl victory will keep them a fan favorite for years to come.

Wouldn’t it be cool to tap into the enthusiasm local kids have for these teams to encourage reading, STEM studies, exercise and healthy eating? You can, because each local pro team has a program that goes into schools and makes kids winners in one way or another.

With incentives like team paraphernalia and visits from players, mascots and cheerleaders, they get students and teachers in southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware motivated to learn and achieve their goals.

Here’s what each team does:

Philadelphia Eagles Character Playbook

To hear about the importance of character from an Eagles player can have a big impact on a child. The Character Playbook, presented by the NFL, the United Way and the online-education program EverFi, teaches students in grades six through nine about healthy relationships and positive character development.

Students complete six, 20- to 30-minute graphic-novel-style online modules that teach students how to manage emotions, resolve conflict, make decisions, communicate effectively and other positive character skills. The program kicks off and closes with virtual and in-person visits with current and former Eagles players who talk with students about how to overcome challenges.

NFL PLAY 60 Challenge

Students can win a trip to Lincoln Financial Field for a day of fun and activities with Philadelphia Eagles players and staff in the NFL Play 60 Challenge. The program, run by the American Heart Association and the NFL, challenges students in grades four through six to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Swoop, and the Eagles cheerleaders visit schools to kick off the six-week program with a pep rally and trivia games about exercise and healthy eating. Schools receive digital lesson plans and resources to motivate students and incorporate exercise and healthy eating into their day.

Teachers log their students’ activity and the 25 most active students from each of the top five schools win a day at Lincoln Financial Field.

“It gives them the motivation to get off the couch and exercise more each day,” says Jed Bordner, physical education teacher at Stephen Girard School in Philadelphia. “Sometimes children need a little push to get moving and this program does that for them when they are by themselves at home.”

MAY 2019

Phanatic About Reading

The Philadelphia Phillies and Comcast encourage children in grades PreK through eighth grade to read at least 15 minutes a day in the Phanatic About Reading program. Students log the number of minutes they read each day.

Teachers report their students’ total time and that is used to select schools for a visit from the Philadelphia Phillies mascot, the Phillie Phanatic.

Terri Lamphere, second-grade teacher at Davis Family School in Camden, NJ, says, “The best thing about the program for us was the amazing visit from the Phanatic. Even if we hadn’t won the

assembly, I still think the program as a whole was great and will continue to do it each year with my kids.

“I am a huge baseball fan and was able to teach them all about our home team through the Phanatic books. They were so excited to learn about him and the Phillies. They were actually excited about reading every day, which can be kind of cumbersome for 6- and 7-year olds.”

76ers Math Hoops

Students learn about statistics, math, sportsmanship, teamwork and problem-solving in the 76ers Math Hoops program, presented by the TD Charitable Foundation. Students draft NBA and WNBA players based on their actual statistics and run a team in a basketball-themed board game designed for grades four through eight. Teachers are trained on the game and the lessons that accompany it.

Students have the opportunity to win Sixers merchandise throughout the program and top-performing students are selected for the Sixers Math Hoops tournament at the Wells Fargo Center where they’re treated to an appearance by the Sixers Dunk Squad and compete for prizes like tickets to a Sixers game or an in-school assembly with the Sixers.

Flyers School Assembly Programs

Two-time Stanley Cup winner and former Philadelphia Flyer Bob “The Hound” Kelly talks about the importance of teamwork to reach goals at school, in sports and at home in a 60-minute assembly designed for grades one through five. Using the acronym

continued on p. 15

MetroKids.com 5

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Mom Matters

Kristine Weatherston

A Precarious Pregnancy Preeclampsia “is one of the few conditions in pregnancy where the needs of the mother and the needs of fetus aren’t always the same.”

By Jennifer Lesser If Philadelphia mom Kristine Weatherston was asked to describe labor with her son in one word, it would probably be: helpless.

Diagnosed with mild preeclampsia in her 30th week of pregnancy, Weatherston developed HELLP syndrome, a form of preeclampsia, at 35 weeks and had to deliver her son early in order for both of them to survive.

The drugs administered to halt the advancement of her preeclampsia prevented the inducement drugs from working and, as the hours dragged on, Weatherston’s medical condition worsened — she started to lose her vision and had a seizure. Thirty hours later, she was rushed for an emergency Caesarean section under general anesthesia and her baby was whisked away to the NICU. “I didn’t feel supported after delivery in terms of really understanding what happened to me. It felt like a secret,” she recalls. “My immediate goal was to get up, get walking, and see my baby down in the NICU. The first time I saw my son was a picture on my husband’s iPhone.”

Symptoms and risks

Preeclampsia is a high blood–pressure condition and the cause isn’t entirely known, says Diane D. Timms, DO, program director of maternal fetal medicine and vice chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona, NJ. “For some reason, the placenta doesn’t develop properly, and over the course of the pregnancy it can cause inflammation and impact systems around the mother’s body, such as the kidneys and liver, and even cause seizures,” she explains.

HELLP syndrome is a variant of preeclampsia characterized by elevated liver enzymes, a low platelet count, and hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells.

Symptoms for preeclampsia include headaches that won’t subside with acetaminophen or rest, abdominal pain, severe heartburn, nausea and vomiting after the first trimester, Timms says. “But

6 MetroKids.com

then there are other times when patients won’t feel any symptoms at all, but her doctor will notice that her blood pressure is high or there’s protein in her urine, and that’s what starts the evaluation for preeclampsia,” she adds.

Preeclampsia is responsible for 18 percent of maternal deaths in the United States. Though it affects 5 to 8 percent of pregnancies, it’s not always mentioned in routine prenatal visits. If detected early, there are treatments to stabilize the condition and prepare the fetus for a possible preterm delivery.

“Preeclampsia is one of the few conditions in pregnancy where the needs of the mother and the needs of fetus aren’t always the same — the treatment is to deliver the placenta, but the problem is that, of course, the baby has to come along with it,” Timms explains.

While preeclampsia is sometimes detected later in pregnancy and delivery typically cures a woman’s symptoms, if it develops early in pregnancy, the condition can put both mom’s and baby’s life at risk. “We can treat a pregnant woman’s high blood pressure to avoid a stroke or placental abruption, but since the blood pressure is really only a symptom of the problem, it’s not a treatment for preeclampsia,” she adds.

Campaign for education

Weatherston was discharged after a week in the hospital. When a nurse came for a home visit “only then did I really understand the severity of what happened to me as she talked frankly with me,” she recalls.

Weeks after her labor, she sought help from a counselor and was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety. “Working with a therapist gave me the tools to cope with my experiences, to understand that none of this was my fault, and to give me the courage to share my story with others,” she says. A year later, she decided to make a documentary as a way to leverage her traumatic experience into something positive. Under Pressure: The Hidden Story of Pregnancy and Preeclampsia, includes interviews with more than 40

“You were a very sick woman … you are lucky to be alive,” the hematologist told her. women and explores not only the personal stories of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, but what can be done to keep the spotlight on similar conditions and stop the marginalization of women’s health issues.

“The more women know and the more questions they ask their doctor, the more they can advocate for themselves and not be rushed into making decisions that aren’t right for them,” Weatherston says.

As a result of her advocacy, she was chosen as the 2019 Mission Mom for the Philadelphia/South Jersey Promise Walk for Preeclampsia to be held June 1 in Deptford, NJ. “My advice for pregnant women is to know the signs and symptoms of these diseases and actively discuss preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with their doctor — as well as to remain calm, don’t rush to conclusions, and stay away from ‘mommy blogs’ that aren’t science-based or vetted for factual information,” she says. “Above all, never be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself and your baby.”

Jennifer Lesser is a freelance writer from New Jersey.

Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Philadelphia/South Jersey

June 1, 2019 • 10am Fasola Park, Deptford, NJ • Promisewalk.org Includes picnic lunch and family-friendly activities.

MAY 2019

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Music

Summertime, Party Time Songs to make any kid (and parent) get a move on

By Kathy O’Connell Summertime is party time and camp time, and this month’s artists create worthy soundscapes for both.

Johnette Downing’s Swamp Romp is a year-round Louisiana dance party packed with Mardi Gras spirit. Downing and Scott Billington have captured the danceable delight of Louisiana roots music in a wellproduced collection of (mostly) original songs. “Poor Worry Anna” is a smooth retro homage to the worrywart in our lives. “Bamboula Rhythm” features an outstanding horn section.

The traditional accordion, fiddle and rhythms are here, along with some lovely flute work on the delightful “Mississippi River.”

Downing’s throaty vocals lend intimacy to the whole shebang.

It’s a wonderful introduction to this Pied Piper of Louisiana music traditions and her collection of music and books.

Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips is a high spirited kids’ band fronted by CJ Pizarro. I have never heard a song from Mista Cookie Jar that didn’t make me happy. This remarkable and prolific spirit’s latest release welcomes kindie superstar Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on another universal love song, “Rock This World.”

Wherever this outstanding entertainer’s music is heard is where the party is. Check out his whole catalog.

Summer means camp, both formal and backyard. KB Whirly and Lisa Loeb have created nice collections mixing campcentric covers like “Hello Muddah Hello Faddah” (KB Whirly’s Camp Songs Vol. 1) and fun songs with a summer camp sound to them like Lisa Loeb’s “The Disappointing Pancake” on her Camp Lisa CD. Loeb’s own wonderful camp experiences inspired Camp Lisa, with sales of the CD going to her nonprofit sending kids to camp. “The Disappointing Pancake” also appears on her Silly Singalong CD. KB Whirly is a one-stop shop for music to fill every hour of a summer day. The catalog of this one-man band from Boston includes camp songs and funk for parties (Songs From the Whirly House). His fourth release Now that We’re Home is a gorgeously simple collection of lullabies and love songs that will wind down your day beautifully.

Kindie Legend Laurie Berkner makes it easy to throw a party with her music, both her Party Day CD/DVD and The Dance Remixes. The latter is a brilliant 14-song collection of her classics, meant to get toes tapping. Note: It’s also a pretty amazing workout CD. Big news in the kindie community involves a name change for Lucky Diaz’s band. Grammy winners Diaz and Alisha Gaddis are now the Lucky Band, with us the lucky ones. Their Buenos Diaz CD is a wonderful party soundtrack, featuring Spanish/English-combined songs that truly represent what’s great about this remarkable duo.

MAY 2019

Kathy O’Connell is a contributing writer to MetroKids and host of the Peabody award-winning Kids Corner, on air Monday-Thursday from 7-8pm on WXPN 88.5 FM.

Go to MetroKids.com/kidsmusic for the full music review, plus links and videos for these CDs. MetroKids.com 7

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Health

Mind the Signals ER visits by kids who attempt or consider suicide have doubled.

What warning signs should parents know?

By Suzanne Koup-Larsen Kids have many behaviors that make them unique. But what’s quirky, what’s idiosyncratic, and what’s a red flag for more serious concern?

It’s important for parents to know the difference, especially in light of news last month that the number of teens and children who went to the ER after a suicide attempt or with suicidal thoughts doubled between 2007 and 2015 to more than 1 million.

The fact is one in five children in this country has a mental-health issue, says Jaime Arlia, associate vice president, Children and Family Services at Care Plus in Paramus, NJ. Since half of those children show symptoms by the time they turn 14, parental vigilance is important.

“I encourage parents to be very watchful,” says Sage Windemaker, a child and adolescent therapist in Kennett Square, PA. Look for patterns of behavior, she suggests, such as a cluster or recurrence of symptoms.

Kim Rehak, EdD, a mental-behavioral health care specialist and co-founder of the International Institute for Behavioral Development in Red Hill, PA, recommends children “get a check up from the neck up,” the same way they get a wellness check with a pediatrician.

Watch for sudden changes Anxiety is the most common behavioral-health issue for kids of all ages, says Tomaro Pilgrim, a counselor in Claymont, DE. A recent Pew study found that about 32 percent of those with mental-

health issues experience anxiety.

With anxiety, younger children may experience physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches. Be alert if your child develops a new fear of something to the point where it prevents him from participation in school, sports or friendships. Watch for difficulty with concentration that leads to changes in schoolwork or behavior. Although this may affect grades, it might happen more slowly, says Windemaker.

Be alert to changes in personality that occur quickly, such as a happy-go-lucky kid who is suddenly disinterested. “You know your kid. You know when you see things change,” says Pilgrim. “There should be a concern when something just switches off. Usually changes in personality happen more gradually.”

Mood swing or depression?

Mood swings are typical for teens, but, as a parent, you know what your child’s normal range of emotions is. “Deviations from that are potential warning signs,” says Howard Savin, clinical psychologist at First Children Services in Cherry Hill, NJ. Look for changes in what he eats or changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleep, he says.

Take notice when things no longer give her pleasure, like friends or activities. “This is a very important warning sign for parents to identify,” says Savin.

Substance abuse is another signal for depression.

“Drug and alcohol use and depression go hand in hand,” says Savin.

Picky eater vs. eating disorder Eating disorders are not as common, but picky eaters can cause their parents to worry. Some kids can have seemingly restrictive diets of mac & cheese or chicken nuggets and still be perfectly healthy, says Savin. “The real bottom line is weight loss” or malnutrition, he says.

Therapy vs. drugs

Treatment is available, but there can be red tape and waiting lists. “One of the challenges for people to get help is that they have to wait for it,” says Arlia. There are not enough child psychiatrists and, as a result, there are wait lists as long as three months.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, which retrains the thought pattern of the patient, has proven successful and, often, quicker than medication, says Savin. It doesn’t have to take years and years of therapy to help your child; good results can occur in 10 or 15 weeks, he says. Medications can help with anxiety, allthough it’s not the long-term solution, he notes.

Be ready for resistance

When you bring up your concerns with your child, be prepared to not get a straight answer, advises Pilgrim. “But you have to insist on getting the situation checked out,” even if you are the type of parent who believes your child is owed some privacy by their teen years.

“There is an important degree of intrusiveness that parents need to have to make sure their child is okay,” says Savin.

A visit with a behavior analyst might also assure a measured response, Rehak says.

“Especially during a time of hypo- vs. hyper-vigilance, typical teen behavior may trigger an overreaction from parents or school officials,” she says. “Interventions, when not linked to functional assessment, and/or a careful behavior analysis, could cause unnecessary trauma or exacerbate low self-esteem for children.”

Suzanne Koup-Larsen is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

Mental Health Fair May 9, 2019 6:30pm

Spring-Ford Area H.S., Royersford, PA

Learn about local mental-health organizations.

8 MetroKids.com

MAY 2019

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Support healthy mental and behavioral development.

The mental and behavioral health of our children is just as important as their physical health and wellness. Dr. Kim Rehak outlines strategies to support healthy development and steps to take when concerns arise.

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Teach your children responsibilities.

Talk with your children.

Listen to your children.

Find a pediatrician you can trust, with a trained behavioral health care specialist on staff or who consults with the practice.

Create a safe, calm home. Tensions in the home, ongoing stress, and other factors can all affect you as a parent and, of course, your child. Get help when help is needed. Make necessary changes.

Monitor your child’s screen time and your child’s behaviors objectively. Notice the warning signs and remember early intervention is key. With so many modes of communication available and increasing access to technology, oversight is essential.

Be proactive. Preventative care is always the best medicine. Keep your children busy doing good and positive things. Keep them active and engaged in after-school activities, homework, helping around the house, and contributing to their community.

Set limits and boundaries appropriate for the health and safety needs of their age and stage of development.

Encourage independence, providing the room to grow and develop as they become adolescents and young adults and become more autonomous. Of course, this must be balanced with ensuring their safety and welfare.

When you sense problems

Consult your pediatrician or child’s school, depending on where the issues are being observed or reported. A specialist should be able to help determine whether and which type(s) of services are needed and/ or whether further assessment / evaluation is recommended.

Seek parent training and counseling which can go a long way in preventing childhood and adolescent mental and behavioral health issues.

Kim Rehak, EdD, is a mental-behavioral health care specialist and co-founder of the International Institute for Behavioral Development in Red Hill, PA. Reach Dr. Rehak & Associates via the IIBD Service Center.

Contact scheduling@pediatricbehavioralhealthcare.com or scheduling@theiibd.com to schedule an appointment.

MAY 2019

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SpecialKids

7 Tips for an Atypical Party

By Laura Hoover For several years, we enjoyed small family birthday parties for my kids. They were little so we kept it simple with a few cousins and supportive family members. The food and entertainment were easy. But now that they are older and more active, we wanted to break out of the bubble we sometimes live in and hold “friend parties” to remind my children that friends are important too.

For my 8-year-old’s party, we started small, with just his autistic support class and his Cub Scout troop. We held a swim party at the YMCA of Bucks County, Doylestown Branch, with an hour of food and games afterward.

I knew my son would love the water and not feel pressure to talk to everyone, but guests had the option to not swim, in case the pool was too noisy.

I let parents know about the gluten-free pizza and cake. Most importantly, my husband and I instituted a buddy system with my children’s older cousins to make sure everyone had an extra pair of eyes on them in the pool.

To plan a party for a child with special needs requires some extra forethought and an adjustment of expectations.

How to plan the party

Make your own rules: This is a celebration of your child, whatever you and your child want. Your child doesn’t like cake? Fine. He doesn’t like music and singing? Fine too.

Pick a suitable location: Whether you want to invite entertainment into your home or go on an adventure, make sure it’s the right fit for your child and guests. For example, Bounce U in Horsham, PA holds birthday parties separate from the regular crowd; they keep the same staff throughout the party and can turn down the music.

They also don’t expect kids to sit still.

When we threw my younger son a party at Hatfield Ice in Hatfield, PA, we did a dry run the week before and ironed out the kinks. We located the bathrooms, party room and exit routes; determined what skate sizes are available, and that parents should be told ahead of time that they would absolutely have to stay for the party.

If a party venue isn’t a good fit, consider an at-home celebration with a visit from a “Mad Scientist” from Mad Science of the Delaware Valley or a balloon artist or a petting zoo. If you want to keep it low key, rent a pavilion at one of the area’s many parks.

Start small: Pick one friend the first time, maybe a few more the next time. A parent with three children on the spectrum gave me the best advice: Widen your idea of your child’s social circle, whether it’s grandparents, neighbors, even pets. Start slow. Don’t feel pressure to invite everyone in the class.

Ask for help: Aside from an invitation for parents to stay, invite family members, teenage babysitters or other helpers to keep everyone safe.

Keep it brief: Parties don’t have to go on for hours and hours. I know my child gets overwhelmed after an hour, so we kept the activity part to an hour and the food part less than an hour, with a quiet break in between.

Simplify gifts, goody bags, activities: We made it very clear to our child that he wouldn’t be opening presents at the party since I knew that would be a trigger.

We also left candy and things that might be a distraction out of the goody bags. I made a rookie mistake and forgot to make a few extra bags for the siblings of my son’s classmates who came along.

Celebrate your child: I talked to the staff ahead of time, checked out the food options, and chose a place where my son was comfortable. I picked a room away from the hubbub of the lobby. Prepare for the expected, but do your best to deal with the unexpected. Make notes for next time. If a party doesn’t go well, there are other options. Go on a day trip, let her bake her own cake, or visit a special store.

But most importantly, in the words of my child, you really shouldn’t throw a party, but place it gently on the table.

Laura Hoover is a freelance writer from Doylestown, PA.

Go to MetroKids/SpecialKidsParties for dozens of potential party places that make accommodations for children with special needs.

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MAY 2019

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Daily Instruction in Social-Coping Skills Archery | Music Therapy | Circus Arts Art Therapy | Sports & Field Games Improv Drama | Computer Gaming and much, much more!

EVERY CAMPER HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SOAR

camppegasus.com Looking to make

the best educational choice for your child?

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Camp

Families on the water at Camp Nah Jee Wah in Milford, PA and in the dining hall at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps in Newton, NJ.

Camp With the Fam Parents (and grandparents) return to camp with the kids for a family vacation

By Lynda Dell Many parents relive their childhoods, create new family traditions, discover the thrill of new challenges, rekindle long-distance friendships, and become part of a family camp community when they join their kids for a week or a weekend at summer camp. And it’s not just for parents.

“We often get new families ask if grandma and grandpa can come along,” says Marc Koch, senior director of Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, in Newton, NJ. “A 67-year-old would enjoy the thrill of a 40-foot swing over the lake as much as a 7-year-old.”

Families that opt for an unplugged, fun alternative to traditional vacations choose to get back to nature, says Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, “because they look for less expensive, more inclusive ways to spend time together.”

To find a camp that is a good fit for your family, look for activities that meet every age and stage, from youngster to adult, says Lupert.

and an igloo waterslide. “I think I’ve done every activity at least once,” says Maureen, a 45-year-old expert camper.

Its cost is reasonable for a family vacation, with room, board and all the entertainment amenities included, she says.

“If you stay in a hotel, you’re roughing it a bit but it would cost you a fortune. So, I’m thinking, ‘Where could we zip line and jet ski and all this fun stuff for this price?’”

Typically, Fairview opens every activity — climbing walls, giant swing, riflery, candle making, and more — to allow families to come and go as they please, says Koch.

For the early-rising moms, there’s Zumba classes and Mommy & Me yoga.

They also offer specialty camps so families can backpack along the Appalachian Trail or canoe at Delaware Water Gap.

Affordable family fun

Maureen D., of Pearl River, NY, mother of three daughters, Amanda, 15, Kimmy, 13, Kayla, 12, along with her husband Eric, 46, have returned to Camp Nah Jee Wah, in Milford, PA, for two family weekends every summer for the past seven years. “That’s how much fun we’ve had,” says Maureen. “During the day, the kids have their little adventure with their age group and they get to do whatever they want, from canoeing to paddle boarding, which my kids love.”

The camp has an inflatable trampoline

12 MetroKids.com

with counselors and break into three age groups that cater to their needs,” he says.

These include a ropes course, jet skis, arts and crafts, and sports. Then families have lunch and spend the rest of the day together.

At night there is a magic show, daredevil act, or other entertainment. “That will lead into a bonfire by a lake, s’mores and marshmallows, so you’re getting that summer-camp experience with a resorts-styled itinerary,” Hosiassohn says.

Inclusive camps for all families

Numerous camps also cater to different types of families — single parents, intergenerational, same gender, dietary restrictive.

“Sometimes people fly in for our glutenfree weekend, with topical speakers and food served in our certified gluten-free kitchen, where you can pick up any food and feel completely safe,” says Hosiassohn.

Maureen has attended the gluten-free weekend because her eldest daughter, Amanda, has celiac disease. In their “dedicated gluten-free kitchens, everything is made separately, so there’s no cross contamination with wheat products or flour, so it’s the same meal everyone else is getting but cooked in a separate kitchen,” Maureen notes.

Multi-generational camp Balance family, kid, parent time

Many programs provide a balance between family time and kid time, says Daniel Hosiassohn, director of Family Camp at Nah Jee Wah. “Every day, children ages 3–12 have a day-camp program where they will meet

CAMP

“There have been families coming to us for many, many years,” Hosiassohn says, “and then they bring their kids, and now their grandkids, so it’s very rewarding to watch them return to where the magic first began.”

Lynda Dell is a freelance writer.

MAY 2019

Est. 1981

Camp for Creative Arts, Technology, Sports, Swimming and more!

1405 Twining Road • Dresher, PA 19025 • 215-657-3388 •2 - 11 Week Sessions

• Door to Door Transportation • Extended Hours Available

• Non-consecutive wks avail. • Certified Teaching Staff & Nurse • Pre-School Enrichment Camp • Air Conditioned Buildings • Great Camper/Staff Ratio • Teen Quest Program

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Instruments, Rock and Jazz Bands, Theater, Art, Ceramics, Yoga, Robotics, Dance, Fashion Design, Voice , Photography, Pastry Arts, Creative Writing, Computer Animation, Film Making, Strategy Games, Science, Rocketry, Nature, Swim, Archery, Sports and More!

mper New Ca nt!

Discou

OPEN HOUSES/TOURS FOR SUMMER 2019: (RAIN OR SHINE) Sat., May 4th • 10am - 2pm Sat., May 18th • 10am - 2pm Sun., May 5th • 1pm - 4pm Sun., May 19th • 1pm - 4pm Sat., May 11th • 10am - 2pm

info@burnbraedaycamp.com

MAY 2019

Celebrating 38 Years!

CAMP

burnbraedaycamp.com

MetroKids.com 13

mk

Camp Directory CHESTER

Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2019! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests.

Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas.

• Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel.

• Special features: See the key at the bottom of the page.

Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps.

Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids.

Engineering for Kids Multiple Locations 215-559-9233 greaterphila@ engineeringforkids.com Engineeringforkids.com/ greaterphila

DAY Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to kids in a fun and challenging way through camps, classes and parties. We are proud to inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning. Please use METRO10 for $10 Off during registration while registering for Shipley location. For All other locations please contact us via email for $10 mail-in discount.

ESF Summer Camps Multiple Locations in Chestnut Hill, Haverford, Chester Springs, & Newtown Sq. 1-800-529-CAMP esfcamps.com Info@esfcamps.com

DAY ESF’s award-winning traditional, sports and specialty camps for ages 3-15, combine Education, Sports & Fun and offer 60+ activities for every interest. PA locations in Haverford, Newtown Square, Chester Springs, and Chestnut Hill.

Join us for an Open House. Enroll online today!

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania 330 Manor Rd. Headquarters: Miquon, PA Gsep.org/camp

DAY, PROGRAM, RESIDENTIAL Nobody does camp like Girl Scouts! Want to build exploding volcanoes, learn survival techniques like Katniss or whip up new recipes over a campfire? GSEP has got you covered. We’ve got four resident and three day camps that are open to all girls — let camp be your first Girl Scouts experience!

ACA SN

NEW iD Tech

DAY iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including Stanford, NYU, HKU, and Imperial College London. Students build in-demand skills for futures in coding, game development, robotics, and design. Visit iDTech.com.

Temple University Summer Education Camps 580 Meetinghouse Rd. Temple University Ambler; Ambler, Center City, Main Campus 267-468-8500 Temple.edu/summer/youthcamps

DAY Temple University offers Summer Education Camps for youth ages 8 to 17. June, July & August at Ambler and Main campus. Camps include: Robotics, Art and Drawing, Forensic Science, Theater, Minecraft & more. Visit us on the web at temple.edu/summer/youthcamps

Camp Onas 609 Geigel Hill Rd. Ottsville, PA 610-847-5858 Camponas.org

RESIDENTIAL Camp Onas, the Quaker camp in Bucks Cty., PA, is for all kids ages 8-13. Campers live & play in a friendly, diverse community, choosing their own activities from a complete camp program. 2- & 4- week sessions. Special 1-week sessions for first-time campers ages 7 & 8. ACA

George School Day Camp 1690 Newtown Langhorne Rd. Newtown, PA 215-579-6500 Gsdaycamp.org

DAY Summer is better with Friends! Voted Best Day Camp in Bucks County three years in a row, GSDC is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 14. From archery to arts, swimming to ziplining and everything in between GSDC gives campers experiences and opportunities like none other. Lunch is provided daily!

CIT

Kids U! at Delaware Valley University 700 E. Butler Ave. Doylestown, PA delval.edu/kidsu2019

DAY Our Kids U! one-week specialty camps and academies feature science, digital arts, robotics, engineering, equine and more! Kids and teens ages 5 to 18 will have fun designing apps, working in a lab, interacting with animals, programming robots, building their own business and other exciting activities!

BUCKS

DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY

DAY Are you ready for your best summer yet? At DC Summer Programs campers will experience new activities, make new friends and be surrounded by caring staff members, well equipped to engage your child’s interests every day!

CIT

Kimberton Waldorf School Summer Camp 410 West Seven Stars Rd. Phoenixville, PA 19460 admissions@kimberton.org kimberton.org

DAY Summer days filled with creek adventures, arts, crafts, creative play, picnics, woodland explorations, games, water play and fun. Our beautiful campus provides a wholesome environment where children can experience the wonders of nature and create memories to last a lifetime.

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur 560 Sproul Rd. Villanova, PA 610-687-0650 Ndapa.org/summercamp

DAY Notre Dame summer programs include dance, science, rowing, and sports camps for middle and high school girls.

Discover, explore, create, and have fun!

Benchmark School Summer Camp 2107 N. Providence Rd. Media, PA; 610-565-3741 Admissions@benchmarkschool.org Benchmarkschool.org

DAY Language Arts Instruction & Recreation Day Camp for children entering grades 1-6. 5 weeks: July 1 to August 2.

The program places an emphasis on developing executive function skills, self-esteem and confidence, as well as design thinking in our new Innovation Lab. Swimming, science, art, sports and a confidence ropes course included; individual math tutoring available. SN

Community Arts Center — Summer Spree 414 Plush Mill Rd. Wallingford, PA; 610-566-1713 CommunityArtsCenter.org

DAY Summer Spree is an arts camp for ages 4-17, offering visual art, music, outdoor fun and special activities. Half- or full-day options during one-week sessions, June through Aug. Experience the power of art in a magical place.

Darlington Arts Center Summer Camp 977 Shavertown Rd. Garnet Valley, PA 610-358-3632 info@darlingtonarts.org Darlingtonarts.org/camp

DAY, PROGRAM The learning doesn’t stop when school is out! Creative kids ages 3-14 are inspired to keep creating throughout the summer and express themselves through the visual and performing arts. Music, Visual Art, Dance, and Drama. The Arts are Everywhere! Explore all 4 art-forms with a different theme each week. Arts-intensive camps are also available. Download a brochure and register online!

SN

Friends School Haverford Day Camp 851 Buck Ln., Haverford, PA 610-642-2334, ext. 122 Friendshaverford.org

DAY Summer day camp for ages 3 yrs. to 8 yrs. Full-day program filled with arts & crafts, sports, games and nature exploration. Two-week sessions available from July 22-Aug. 23.

Main Line Art Center 746 Panmure Rd. Haverford, PA; 610-525-0272 info@mainlineart.org mainlineart.org

DAY At the 2019 Main Line Art Center Summer Art Camp, Pre-teen and Teen studios, “Beyond the Page: The Art of Books,” books and art collide each week as campers explore stories, authors, artists and illustrators from the literary world. Creativity and imagination abound during our summer of creative exploration!

Radnor Day Camp Radnor Elementary School 20 Matsonford Rd. Wayne, PA 19087 Recreation@radnor.org radnor.com/RDC

DAY Radnor Day Camp (RDC) is a traditional summer camp experience for children entering grades 1-9. Planned activities include swimming, arts & crafts, performing arts, sports & games, special events and traditions, field trips, and much more!

CIT SN

Summer Camp at The School in Rose Valley 20 School Ln. Rose Valley, PA 610-566-1088 summercamp@theschoolinrosevalley.org Theschoolinrosevalley.org/ summer

DAY Children ages 3–14 thrive at SRV’s Summer Camp on our beautiful 9.5 acre, wooded campus. Weekly themes guide indoor & outdoor activities that include daily swim lessons, pool games, and free swim in our on-site pools, archery, art, woodshop, sports, dance, nature, drama, music, cooking, and more! Preschool program offers flexible enrollment, older children design their days doing activities they love, and teens participate in the Counselor-In-Training Leadership Program. Two minutes from Media, PA.

Christian School Summer Programs 905 S. Waterloo Rd., Devon, PA summer@dccs.org dccs.org/summer

DELAWARE

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Held at 150 Prestigious Campus Locations 1-888-709-8324 iDTech.com

NEW Delaware County

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

14 MetroKids.com

CAMP

MAY 2019

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Education

continued from p. 5

TEAM, which stands for Teamwork, Education, Attitude, and Motivation, Kelly shares life lessons from his career on and off the ice.

Kelly also visits middle schools as part of the Future Goals program for grades six through eight. Future Goals, presented by the NHL and EverFi, teaches students hockey-related STEM skills in an online curriculum. Once students complete the online modules, Kelly visits the schools to test students’ knowledge in a Flyers’ STEM trivia contest.

The Flyers also raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and physical activity with their Flyers Face-Off for Fitness program for grades one through eight.

Jason Tempesta, director of community relations for the Philadelphia Flyers, says, “We use the sport of hockey to get kids to be active. We take over gym class for about 45 minutes, do some hockey and get kids moving, and we talk about how our players eat and exercise.”

Susan Stopper is a Pennsylvania-based freelance writer.

For contact information on how to arrange these programs in your school, see Metrokids.com/ProSportsPrograms.

Camp Lee Mar 2017 Dates:

June 24-August 11

th 7 6 ason!

Se

2019 Dates: June 22 - August 9

Winter Office: Camp Lee Mar Ph: 215-658-1708 Fax: 215-658-1710 Please visit us on

On YouTube you can view parents and campers talking about their experiences at Lee Mar.

THE #1 STEM CAMP

FOR AGES 7–19

From coding and game dev to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions—all in a fun, inclusive environment. Choose from 50+ innovative courses and join our community of over 400,000 alumni.

Get ready for the best summer ever!

Held at over 150 prestigious universities UPenn | West Chester | Villanova Arcadia | Rowan College - Mount Laurel Lehigh | Carnegie Mellon | Towson | NYU

Get a brochure and find a camp near you!

MAY 2019

CAMP

MetroKids.com 15

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Camp Directory

SuperCamp, Villanova University 800 Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085 info@SuperCamp.com supercamp.com/MetroKids

RESIDENTIAL SuperCamp sets out to instill lifelong learning skills that build motivation, confidence and leadership skills in your student. At SuperCamp, students meet lifelong friends and gain skills that help them grow throughout camp and their everyday lives. Enroll now!

The Grayson School 35 N. Malin Rd. Broomall, PA 19008 enrichment@thegraysonschool.org TheGraysonSchool.org/camp

DAY, PROGRAM MISSION TO MARS: How will we get there and survive? Collaborate with fellow scientists to overcome the perils of space and reach Mars. We will launch rockets, engineer a rover, conduct experiments, and train for your mission like an astronaut.

Young People’s Theatre Workshop (YPTW): Theatre Arts Summer Overnight Camp at Eastern University 363 Radford Ct. Glen Mills, PA 610-558-0988; yptw.org

DAY, RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11-18 at Eastern University June 23-28, 2019. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance characterization auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.

AIM Academy Summer Enrichment Program 1200 River Rd. Conshohocken, PA 215-483-2461 summer@aimpa.org Aimpa.org

DAY Explore STEAM activities and reinforce essential skills in reading, writing, math and college prep in a creative and dynamic enrichment environment. Campers enjoy opportunities to imagine, invent and play as well as three hours of daily SN literacy and academic instruction.

Bala House Montessori Summer Camp 27 Conshohocken State Rd. Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-6767 admissions@ balahouse.org Balahouse.org

DAY, PROGRAM Fun, yet stimulating experience for first time campers. Flexible schedules and convenient hours (8am5:45pm) for ages 3-6. Choose individual weeks as needed.

Weekly art, gymnastics and Soccer Shots classes complement our small, nurturing environment. Storytellers, petting zoos & museums visit camp. Our beautiful wooded campus and well-equipped playground are the perfect backdrop for summer fun.

Blue Bell Camp Box 444 Blue Bell, PA 19422 215-646-4444 Info@bluebellcamp.net bluebellcamp.net

DAY Providing a traditional day camp experience since 1946.

Boys and Girls 4 to 11 years old. Mature, adult staff made up entirely of professional certified school teachers and coaches.

Campers learn over 20 activities (athletic and creative).

Burn Brae Day Camp of Creative Arts (Camp for the Arts, Technology, Swim, Sports and More!)

1405 Twining Rd. Dresher, PA 215-657-3388 info@burnbraedaycamp.com Burnbraedaycamp.com

DAY Celebrating 38 years of friendships, confidence-building, fun and exploration for boys and girls ages 3-15. A huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities on our beautiful, spacious setting. A/C buildings, centrally located. Nurturing, non-competitive environment, no bully zone. Campers ages 7-15 create their own schedules according to their interests. Ages 3-6 have the opportunity to try everything in a well-rounded schedule. Pick and choose from 2-11 week sessions with non-consecutive weeks available. Experienced, caring and professional certified teaching staff. 5 to 1 camper/staff ratio.

Academic tutoring available. Door to door transportation.

Early and late care. Registered Nurse on-site.

Camp Kef 45 Haverford Rd. Kaiserman JCC Wynnewood, PA 610-896-7770, ext. 123 kaisermancamp@phillyjcc.com Phillyjcc.com/camp/camp-kef/

DAY Camp Kef at the Kaiserman JCC is a full-service traditional day camp packed with fun (kef). Campers have opportunities to add special programs onto their camp experience. Swim every day. Art, drama, sports and all new CIT SN specialists highlight each week.

Camp MELC Multiple Locations, PA 610-617-4550 info@melc.org Melc.org

DAY If you’re looking for a neighborhood camp with a lot of activities, Camp MELC is for you! 50+ years of experience.

Your child’s summer will be filled with art, science and sport activities, air-conditioned settings and field trips. For ages 5-12, we offer three 3-week sessions, and our tuition rates include a 10-hour camp day and field trips. Wynnewood, Plymouth Meeting, Pottstown. CIT

MONTGOMERY

Camp Pegasus 272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy 610-649-1080 ext. 3 info@camppegasus.com camppegasus.com

DAY Camp Pegasus, in Bryn Mawr, PA, is a co-ed day camp for 6- to 16-year olds struggling with social-cognitive deficits.

By weaving together social skills techniques, creative-art therapies and traditional camp activities, kids with/without diagnoses like ADHD, Asperger’s, HFA, improve social competency and increase self-esteem. SN

Center School’s Summer Program 2019 2450 Hamilton Ave. Abington, PA 215-657-2200 mstalker@centerschoolpa.org Centerschoolpa.org

PROGRAM Center School’s Summer Learning and Enrichment Program provides students with academic and recreational opportunities to develop and maintain skills, practice effective learning strategies, and increase abilities.

Help your child realize their potential this summer! For students in grades 1-8. July 8, 2019 to August 2, 2019.

Cheltenham Center for the Arts 439 Ashbourne Rd. Cheltenham 215-379-4660 education@cheltenhamarts.org Cheltenhamarts.org

DAY Summer Art Camp is the best place to explore your creativity. Kids ages 5-12 will experience the fun of drawing, painting, theatre and clay every day! Weekly swimming trips are included as well as guest artists throughout the summer.

Teens ages 13-16 are offered a more in-depth art experience focusing on ceramics, painting/drawing printmaking and other special topics in our Teen Summer Studio. Sessions June 17-Aug. 23, 2019. Come for one week or for the whole summer! Call today for details!

Coventry Christian Schools Summer Day Camp 699 N. Pleasantview Rd. Pottstown, PA Kellyconicelli@educatingforlife.com CoventryChristian.com

DAY, PROGRAM, TRIP Ten weeks of exciting field trips, weekly swimming, & fun activities! Kiddie Campers have weekly splash days and themed activities. Schedules are flexible, allowing 5 days or less, with Extended Care from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Elmwood Park Zoo Camp 1661 Harding Blvd.

Norristown, PA 610-277-3825 ext. 236 camp@elmwoodparkzoo.org Epzcamps.com

DAY, PROGRAM Children ages 6-11 will explore habits and daily lives of some of the zoo’s wild residents. Each weeklong camp includes a lot of learning and fun, with crafts, stories, snacks, animal visitors, and in-depth tours of the zoo. Regular summer zoo events and shows are incorporated into camp each week. The 2019 season will also feature half-day camps for ages 3-5.

Flourtown Swim Club & Day Camp 1528 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA; 215-836-1429 dcollins@flourtownswimclub.net Flourtownswimclub.net

DAY A traditional summer day camp with Educational Leadership, the Flourtown Summer Day Camp is designed to give every child a positive experience with lifelong memories.

CIT

French for Fun c/o French International School of Philadelphia 150 N. Highland Ave. Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-667-1284 info@efiponline.com Frenchschoolphila.org/ summer-camp/

DAY The French for Fun Summer Camp caters to children aged 4 to 10 and offers activities, workshops and field trips, all supervised by certified teachers from the French International School of Philadelphia.

Friends’ Central School Summer Programs 1101 City Line Ave. Wynnewood, PA 610-645-5132 kclayton@friendscentral.org Fcsprograms.org

DAY, PROGRAM Our families say it best: The children always have a positive experience. The multitude of activity options keep the children interested and engaged. Our children look forward to attending camp each summer. Who doesn’t go to FCS? They’re missing out!

Frog Hollow Racquet Club 2115 Weber Rd. Lansdale, PA 610-584-5502 Frogtennis.com

DAY Frog Hollow’s Tennis Camp is an exceptional place for children to learn tennis, meet friends and make memories!

Frog Hollow has a camp for all levels and all ages: Tadpoles Camp (ages 3 and 4), Kids Club (ages 5-10), Top Spinners Camp (ages 11-13) or a Competitive Training Camp (ages14 – 18) for High School and Middle School players looking to advance on their team ladder. Invitational camp is available for sectionally and nationally ranked tournament players.

Sign up for a week or the entire summer, for full day or half day (tadpoles camp is 1 hour per day). Camp runs June September; weekly sign ups and extended day are available.

Visit www.Frogcamps.com to learn more SN

MetroKids.com/Camps

mk smart. local. parenting.

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

16 MetroKids.com

CAMP

MAY 2019

French for Fun

EXCEPTIONAL educators.

EMPOWERED students.

Summer Camp!

150 North Highland Avenue • Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (610) 667-1284 • www.frenchschoolphila.org

Providing a comprehensive academic program for children in grades 1-8 who have been identified as having dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences.

For children from 4 to 12 years old—no prior knowledge of French needed!

BENCHMARK CAMP: July 1 to August 2 BRAND NEW Lab Innovation e Now Op n!

Songs, games, art, science, sports, cooking... en français!

Ecole Française Internationale de Philadelphie

French International School of Philadelphia

Weekly sessions held from 6/24 to 7/26!

610-565-3741 • BenchmarkSchool.org

SUMMER CAMP WWW.YMCAGBW.ORG/CAMP

EXPERIENCE

FUN AND ADVENTURE! • • • • • •

Creative Arts Sports Preschool Swim Gymnastics and Dance Teen: Adventure and Leadership • Environmental Ed and STEM • Tennis and more!

The YMCA is a cause-driven charitable organization that provides financial assistance for camps. Ask us for details.

COLLEGIATE � f>_Oft. TENNIS CAMPS lDl&O

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COLLEGIATE f>_Oft. TENNIS l&O CAMPS

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For ages 2 to 18 Full- and half-day options.

Camps vary by branch.

BRANDYWINE YMCA • JENNERSVILLE YMCA • KENNETT AREA YMCA LIONVILLE COMMUNITY YMCA • OCTORARA YMCA PROGRAM CENTER OSCAR LASKO YMCA AND CHILDCARE CENTER UPPER MAIN LINE YMCA • WEST CHESTER AREA YMCA

PENN TENNIS CAMP

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA. PA

PENNLEARNING TENNISFOR CAMP HIGHER YOUR GAME

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The camp where young players fulfill their potential with instruction from the nation's top college coaches.

PHILADELPHIA. PA

PENN TENNIS CAMP WEEK 1: JUNE 10-14 UNIVERSITY OFWEEK PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER LEARNING FOR YOUR GAME 2: JUNE 17-21 PHILADELPHIA. PA young The camp where their potential WEEK players 3: JUNEfulfill 24-28 with instruction from the4:nation's top college coaches.

WEEK JULY 1-5* HIGHER LEARNING FOR YOUR GAME 2019 DATES WEEK 5: JULY 8-12 The camp where young players their potential WEEKfulfill 6: JULY 15-19 1:22-26 JUNE with instruction from the nation'sWEEK college coaches.10-14 WEEK 7:topJULY WEEK JUNE217-21 WEEK 8: JULY2: 29-AUG 3: JUNE 24-28 WEEK 9: 1:WEEK JUNE 10-14 AUG 5-9 � WEEK 2: JUNE4: 17-21 WEEK JULY 1-5* WEEK 3: JUNE5: 24-28 2019 DATES WEEK JULY 8-12 WEEK 4: JULY6: 1-5* WEEK JULY 15-19 2019 DATES WILSON COLLEGIATE TENNIS CAMP I PENN TENNIS WEEK 5:CAMP JULY 8-12 WEEK 7: JULY 22-26 WEEK 6: JULY 15-19 www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/ WEEK JULY 29-AUG 2 WEEK 7: JULY 8: 22-26 AUG 5-9 JULY9: 29-AUG 2 � WEEK 8:WEEK WEEK 9: AUG 5-9 �

YMCA OF GREATER BRANDYWINE

MAY 2019

For children entering grades 1-6

WILSON TENNIS CAMP I PENN TENNIS WILSON COLLEGIATE COLLEGIATE TENNIS CAMP I PENN TENNIS CAMP CAMP

CAMP

www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/ www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/

MetroKids.com 17 WILSON COLLEGIA

www.wilso

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Camp Directory

Germantown Academy Day Camp and Summer Programs 340 Morris Rd. Ft. Washington, PA 267-405-7321 summer@gacamp.org Gacamp.org

DAY, PROGRAM, RESIDENTIAL Germantown Academy offers children ages 3 to 16 an amazing all-around day camp experience, instructional sports camps with GA coaches, and specialized camps in the arts, sciences, and technology at the CIT school’s beautiful campus in Fort Washington.

Hideaway Day Camp 3471 Arcola Rd. Collegeville, PA 610-489-2191 Hideawaydaycamp.com

DAY The true camp experience. Coed program for ages 4-14 on 72 beautiful acres near Valley Forge. Fishing, canoeing, archery, swimming, equestrian, sports, arts & crafts and ropes adventure course with rock wall.

Miquon Day Camp 2025 Harts Ln., Conshohocken, PA 267-240-4456 campdirector@miquon.org Miquon.org/camp

DAY At Miquon, children experience summer the way it used to be - when kids had freedom to play, explore and experience the great outdoors. Located on a wooded campus just outside NW Philadelphia, Miquon offers children that camp experience of yesteryear. ACA CIT

Pathway School, The 162 Egypt Rd. Jeffersonville, PA 610-277-0660 dphifer@pathwayschool.org Pathwayschool.org

DAY Have fun at our 6-week summer program which provides authentic learning experiences through hands-on activities and exciting field trips. SN

Ramah Day Camp Eileen Graub, Ass’t Dir. 7601 Old York Rd. Elkins Park, PA 215-885-8556 eileeng@ramahpoconos.org

DAY Ramah Day Camp is a fun and dynamic summer camp experience for children in PreK (4 yrs.) through 7th grade with an experiential CIT program for 8th-10th graders. Sports, swim, arts, ropes course, garden, specialty programming & more take place in an enriching Jewish environment. June 20-Aug. 10, 2018.

Special needs inclusion program. Transportation, lunch, extended care options and scholarship available.

CIT SN

Riverbend Exploration Day Camp 1950 Spring Mill Rd. Gladwyne, PA 610-527-5234 Riverbendeec.org

DAY Riverbend’s camp is the perfect place for the science and nature lover in your family! Riverbend campers will embark on outdoor adventures that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and inspire scientific investigation and discovery.

Professional staff will introduce your child to the many wonders of the natural world through exploration, hands-on activities, hikes, science experiments, and much more.

Weekly sessions, from June 10th to August 30th, are available for children ages 3-11. In addition to our traditional Exploration Camps, adventure-packed Navigator Camps are also offered for ages 10-13. New for 2019, Riverbend is offering Navigators Leadership Academy for kids ages 11-14. For more information, please visit our website. CIT

Summer Dance Camps at Pottstown Dance Theatre 72 W. Main St., Pottstown, PA 610-323-2569 Michelle@pottstowndance.com Pottstowndance.com

DAY Dance Camps for ages three to adult. Learn from a degreed international faculty. Call for details about the themes we offer. Study at the only dance school in the region chosen to perform in London during the 2012 Olympic Games!

Ursinus College Summerburst Camps 601 East Main St. Collegeville, PA ursinus.edu/summer/

DAY Fun, safe and challenging collegiate-level instruction at Ursinus College’s exceptional athletic facilities. We place an emphasis on fundamentals, skill development, and team play for beginners through advanced players in 15 different sports. Plus, unique academic enrichment programs taught by area experts PHILADELPHIA

Discovery Camp at The Franklin Institute 222 North 20th St., Philadelphia PA 19103 Discovery.camp@fi.edu fi.edu/summer-camp/

DAY Discovery Camp combines the best of your favorite visit to The Franklin Institute with the adventures of summer camp.

Campers get to explore exhibits and take part in hands-on activities, all while fostering a community of young people who love science.

Early Childhood Environments 762 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19146 215-380-6633

DAY Early Childhood Environments Bi-lingual Art and Academic Enrichment Camp welcomes campers ages 3-11 from all over to join the fun. Our camp offers a unique blend of fun hands-on art and learning activities that stimulate growth and creativity. Each week children learn about new artists and explore distant lands and a variety of cultures through their art and cooking activities. They work on 3-D art projects that reflect world cultures and the diversity of our planet and learn new techniques in painting, drawing, and sculpting with clay, as well as music and dance! Campers take weekly field trips to museums and cultural institutions, bowling and the aquarium! We provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center 3611 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-222-7633 Gbyedance.org

DAY, PROGRAM June 24-Aug. 2, 2019. Performing Arts Summer Camp: A fun program for beginner and intermediate students (boys & girls, 6-12); ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, singing & acting, culminating in a performance (6 weeks). Ballet & Dance Intensive: Upper-level, comprehensive training for intermediate to advanced-level students (boys & girls, 11-17) in ballet, pointe, modern & jazz, culminating in a performance (5 weeks).

PAFA Summer Art Camp 128 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19102 artcamp@pafa.org pafa.org/camp

DAY, PROGRAM Make friends, build artmaking skills and have fun at PAFA’s Art Camp, located two blocks from City Hall.

We host ages 4-15 in art studio for weekly sessions covering drawing, painting, printmaking, comics’ art, and animation with highly trained instructors.

Penn Charter Summer Camps 3000 W. School House Ln. Philadelphia, PA 19144 215-844-3460 summercamps@ penncharter.com Penncharter.com/ summercamp

DAY Mix and match more than 20 camps. Day, Sports, Performing Arts, Science, Electronic Music, Drone, Robotics, Rocketry, Handwork Studio, Dance, Pottery, Chess, MineCraft, Girls Empowerment, Tennis, Squash, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling. Experience everything! Lunch available.

CIT

Penn Museum Anthropologists in the Making and Junior Anthropologists Summer Camps 3260 South St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 summercamp@pennmuseum.org penn.museum/camp

DAY Journey through time and across continents without leaving Philadelphia! During summer 2019, Penn Museum will offer two distinct summer camp programs that will encourage children to discover world cultures – both past and present – through gallery tours, art-making, games & theatrics and music & dance guest performances.

Penn Tennis Camp / Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps 240 S. 31st St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 Wilsontenniscamps.com/penn

DAY Long regarded as one of the most popular tennis camps in the nation, the Penn camp, in partnership with Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps, will host 10 weeks of camp this summer. By offering full day and half day options, there is an appropriate camp option for boys and girls ages 3-18 of all skill levels. Brand New in 2019, we will be offering 1 week overnight camp that promises to be quite popular.

Society Hill Synagogue 418 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 soz@societyhillsynagogue.org societyhillsynagogue.org/ playschool

DAY Our summer camp curriculum wonderfully blends hands-on exploration, literacy and language acquisition, thematic art projects, outdoor play, and splash zone thrills for children ages 2-5. Flexible 8-week program June 3-July 26, with two week-long specialty camps July 29-August 9.

OUTLYING AREAS - PENNSYLVANIA Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Rd. Lewisberry, PA 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/ camps/summer-adventure-camps

DAY Book your child’s best week of the summer at South Central PA’s favorite ski resort where campers enjoy a multitude of adventure-based activities including zip lines, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, paintball, OGO balls, high and low ropes courses, the super slide, chairlift rides and much more. All right here on our beautiful 1200 acre mountain property. Day and residential camps available.

Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets CIT

Camp Lee Mar 450 Rte. 590 Lackawaxen, PA 215-658-1708 ari@leemar.com Leemar.com

RESIDENTIAL Camp for children & teenagers with mild to moderate developmental challenges. A structured environment, individual attention & guidance are emphasized at all times. Traditional camp activities plus academics, speech & language therapy, music, arts & crafts, daily living skills and much more. We also have therapeutic horseback riding & overnight trips. Heated pool, modern facilities & air-conditioned buildings (including bunks). ACA SN

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

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Camp Directory

Liberty Lake Day Camp 1195 Florence-Columbus Rd. Bordentown, NJ, 08505 609-499-7820 Libertylakedaycamp.com

DAY Liberty Lake Day Camp teaches life skills to inspire young people to change the world. Make new friends and create lasting summer memories! On 60 magnificent shady acres, campers choose their own schedules through the “Freedom of Choice” elective program - over 60 activities! Serving Phila/ Lower Bucks.

ACA

Pilot Summer Camp The Pilot School, 208 Woodlawn Rd. Wilmington, DE cshivone@pilotschool.org Pilotschool.org

DAY Children ages 5-12 will benefit from our multi-sensory approach, which offers them the opportunity to engage in activities while learning. This fun, hands-on camp focuses on special skills, team building, science experiments and nature while integrating reading and math.

Mercersburg Academy Summer Programs Mercersburg, PA 717-328-6225 summerprograms@mercersburg.edu Mercersburgsummer.com

DAY Mercersburg Summer is all about fun. Nestled in the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy’s beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for a wide range of opportunities for learning, personal growth, and most importantly, fun. Each summer, participants from all over the world take part in an array of programs, ranging from Mercersburg Adventure Camp to various Enrichment, Arts, and Sports Camp.

Science Camp Watonka PO Box 127 Hawley, PA 570-857-1401 mail@watonka.com Watonka.com

RESIDENTIAL For boys 8-16. Camper-selected program includes hands-on laboratory experiences in astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers, electronics, earth science, physics and robotics. A wide range of other activities includes ropes, archery, climbing, woodworking, sailing, rocketry, mini-bike riding, sports, windsurfing & trips. 2-, 4-, 6- & 8-week sessions available. ACA CIT SN

Tall Pines Day Camp 1349 Sykesville Rd. Williamstown, NJ 856-262-3900 fun@tallpinesdaycamp.com Tallpinesdaycamp.com

DAY Serving Center City/South Jersey/Shore Points. State certified & accredited by ACA. 66 acres include 45,000 -sq. ft. of A/C indoor space, climbing tower, pedal karts, gymnastics, driving range, horseback riding, 8,500-sq. ft. of pools, soccer & baseball fields, hockey, basketball, tennis courts, arts & music programs. Open house Saturday, May 18th from 12-3 PM. ACA

Science Explorers 110 West Wyomissing Ave. Mohnton, PA 877-870-9517 scienceexplorers.com

DAY Science Explorers is an innovative, hands-on science company for children ages 4-11 to become engaged in the wonders of science. Science Explorers week long summer camp will make science cool and exciting through our interactive, hands-on format. Ever dissect a shark? What about a squid? Made glowing slime? Examined a real heart? Built and launched your own rocket? Lifted a person using nothing but air? These are some of the awesome experiments that make our summer camps so popular. Nominated for Educator of the Year--TWICE!

Tomato Patch @ Kelsey Theatre 1200 Old Trenton Rd. West Windsor, NJ 609-570-3566 projects@mccc.edu kelseyatmccc.org/tomato_patch.shtml

DAY Tomato Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops, held annually on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, is one of the longest-running and most successful multi-disciplinary summer arts programs in central New Jersey. Students spend several weeks of their summer exploring the visual arts, dance, theater, and vocal music under the guidance of a highly qualified staff of teaching professional artists.

Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Institute Grand Manan Island New Brunswick, Canada 888-54-WHALE info@whalecamp.com WhaleCamp.com

RESIDENTIAL No other marine science camp offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board our research vessel for unmatched opportunities to observe marine life. Explore beaches, coastal trails and fishing villages on beautiful Grand Manan Island.

Ask about our $40,000 college scholarships, STEM projects & college credits.

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser 201 Cushion Peak Rd. Wernersville, PA 610-670-2267 SMYMCA.org

RESIDENTIAL, OVERNIGHT We welcome you to our 600 mountain top acres in Berks County, Pennsylvania. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers come for 2-or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 7-16 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure & teen leadership.

We also offer a variety of specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips. We can’t wait to see you on the mountain! ACA

KEY Has extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

OUTLYING AREAS - OTHER Camp Caribbean Multiple Locations in Mexico Info@grupoeduplay.com Campeduplay.com

TRAVEL, RESIDENTIAL We are a camp based in the Mayan Riviera/Cancun. With us, you’ll get to zip-line through the jungle, swim with turtles, scuba-dive in crystal clear waters, swim in the underground rivers of XCARET, train dolphins, feed monkeys and play with macaws, sail the beautiful Caribbean, and enjoy a whole day at the XEL-HA, XENSES, and XPLORE parks. Spend quality time with your counselor, play night games, sing silly songs around a bonfire, and eat delicious food!

CCArts Fine & Performing Arts Camp 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row Yorklyn, DE 302-239-2434 nschmid@ccarts.org; ccarts.org

DAY A half or full day camp with before and after care offering flexibility for busy summer schedules. Professional teaching artists offer painting, drawing, ceramics, fibers, photography, printmaking, mixed media, theater and music.

Portfolio prep and camps for older teens also.

Centreville Layton School Summer Program 6201 Kennett Pike Centreville, DE 302-571-0230 djarrell@centrevillelayton.org Centrevillelayton.org

DAY Centreville Layton School offers a summer program to reinforce academic skills and organizational strategies.

Additionally, our afternoon program, offered to ages 3-13, provides a nurturing environment where children can focus on building social skills and having fun. Our program is offered to students ages three to eighteen. Camp runs from June 25-July 27.

SN

Easterseals Camp Fairlee 22242 Bay Shore Rd. Chestertown, MD 410-778-0566 fairlee@esdel.org Easterseals.com/de/fairlee

RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL Camp Fairlee provides a traditional summer camp experience for children (age 6+) and adults with various disabilities including developmental, CP, MD, MS, orthopedic impairments and other disabilities. Special Autism weeks with 1:1 counseling. Wall climbing, high ropes, zip-lining, pool, canoeing & kayaking horseback riding plus other activities. Nurses on staff 24/7. We also have off season respite weekends for children and adults. In addition we also have travel trips for adults over age 18. All facilities are new including our 12,000 square foot activity center, new health center, expanded dining hall, and four new cabins. ACA, SN

Echo Hill Camp 13655 Bloomingneck Rd. Worton, MD 410-348-5303 EchoHillCamp.com

RESIDENTIAL Echo Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay is a traditional, sleep-away summer camp with 2- to 8- week sessions. Non-competitive, free-choice program. Waterskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, crabbing, ropes course, nature, art and much more! ACA

FIND MORE

CAMPS

ONLINE MetroKids.com/camps

Summer Science Camps For ages 7-11 • Junior camps for ages 4-6 Celebrating 20 Years!

Build and launch your own rocket!

Mix up chemistry potions!

Make magnetic slime!

New locations Make a model lung! added Dissect a squid! daily!

If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it!

www.ScienceExplorers.com

MAY 2019

CAMP

MetroKids.com 19

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Child Care & Early Education Directory

FY: Full Year AY: Academic Year SP: Summer Program MP: Meals Provided

BS: Before School AS: After School DA: Diapers Accepted TP: Transportation Provided

SN: Special Needs DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Serv.

DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv.

NAEYC: Accredited by National Association of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited by PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited by American Montessori Society

* Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.

MULTIPLE SITES

SWARTHMORE/MEDIA, DELAWARE COUNTY

FEDERATION EARLY LEARNING SERVICES (FELS) 10700 Jamison Ave., Phila., PA 215-676-7550 • Ages: 6 wks. – 12 yrs. • Hours: 6am – 6pm Buerger Early Learning Center: 619 N. Broad St., Phila.; 267-535-2643 Kehillah Early Learning Center: 2 Chester Rd., Wallingford; 610-872-0400 Kol Ami Early Learning Center: 8201 High School Rd., Elkins Park; 215-635-4180 K’tonton Early Learning Center: 715 Paxon Hollow Rd., Broomall; 610-325-4831 Ohev Shalom Early Learning Center: 944 Second Street Pk., Richboro; 215-322-9595 Lassin Early Learning Center: 10800 Jamison Ave., Phila.; 215-677-7191 Lokoff Early Learning Center: 1920 Skippack Pk., Blue Bell; 215-643-0110 Gutman Early Learning Center: 7500 West Ave., Melrose Park; 215-635-5570 Paley Early Learning Center: 2199 Strahle St., Phila.; 215-725-8930 105 years of experience providing high-quality programs for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years from diverse economic, religious and racial backgrounds. Built on a foundation of Jewish values - NAEYC & Keystone Stars accredited. AY, FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS*, NAEYC

SCHOOL IN ROSE VALLEY, THE 20 School Ln., Rose Valley, PA • 610-566-1088 TheSchoolinRoseValley.org • Ages: Preschool-Grade 6 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm With over 80 years of experience, The School in Rose Valley offers a progressive, Preschool – 6th Grade program committed to the development of the whole child. Full and part time enrollment options are available for Preschool and Kindergarten students.

Weekly special subjects include Woodshop, Spanish, Science, Art, Music and Sports. SRV is located on a beautiful 9.5 acre campus just minutes from Media, PA. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, PAIS

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE DAY SCHOOL, INC. 520 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-654-9955 • HeyDiddleDiddleDaySchool.net LITTLE DIDDLE PRESCHOOL 440 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-565-5866 • LittleDiddlePreschool.net • Ages: 6 wks.-PreK • Hours: 7am-6pm Our school offers full-day programs. Our staff members are well-educated and experienced which enables us to give the students an educational program in a caring, nurturing environment. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS, DE

BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 19020 • 267-5207200 Brightbeginnersacademy.com • Ages: 6 wks. to 6 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am - 6pm Our preschool is designed to meet the needs of every child in a developmentally inclusive setting. Our program encourages progress at a child’s own pace and according to individual needs and abilities. Play-based learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, blocks, music, creative art and technology provide opportunities to balance and stimulate both shared and independent learning experiences. Private pay and subsidized funding accepted, infant and toddler care available. Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, AY, SP, DA, SN, DHS*, DE TREVOSE DAY SCHOOL / NESHAMINY MONTESSORI 4951 Central Ave., Trevose, PA 19053 215–355-4373 • trevosedayschool.org • neshaminymontessori.org • Ages: 2.5-10 yrs.

Hours: 7am-6pm Established in 1970, our programs excel at offering state-of-the-art education in a community-minded environment. We combine interactive technology, the visual and performing arts and scientific exploration with a sustainable hands-on approach that values our planet and nurtures curiosity. Our teachers are Pennsylvania Certified Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teachers. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, SN, AMS

CHESTER COUNTY KIMBERTON WALDORF SCHOOL 410 W. Seven Stars Rd. Kimberton, PA 610-933-3635 • Ages: PreK- 12th grade • Hours: 8am-3:15pm At Kimberton Waldorf School, learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being. Instead of passively receiving information, our students are involved in a dynamic process of exploration and experience, both of the world and of themselves. Emphasis on the breadth of skills and opportunities that we value in childhood and in adulthood provides a reminder that education needs to be designed to produce holistically developed learners who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of life in the 21st century. We develop analytical thinkers with imaginative minds capable of producing life-changing ideas. Our students build capacities and skills of creativity, resourcefulness, collaboration, perseverance, integrity, and ethical understanding. How we teach this matters. Every aspect of Waldorf education is intentional and planned. Why we teach this way matters. At each stage of child development, students are challenged, capacities are built, foundations are set, and opportunities are given.

When we teach things matters.

MAIN LINE, DELAWARE COUNTY FRIENDS SCHOOL HAVERFORD 851 Buck Lane, Haverford, PA 19041 • 610-642-2334 Friendshaverford.org • Ages: Nursery through 8th Grade • Hours: 8:00am - 2:45pm Friends School Haverford, a co-ed Quaker school, promotes academic scholarship, creativity, respect, integrity, and self-awareness with a commitment to creating a culture and kindness.

Our unique hands-on, minds-on curriculum encourages and celebrates curiosity, imagination, and exploration. Offering a full-day kindergarten program with full- and half-day nursery school, preschool, and pre-k options. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS

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JENKINTOWN, MONTGOMERY COUNTY ABINGTON FRIENDS 575 Washington Ln., Jenkintown, PA 215-886-4350 • AbingtonFriends.net • Ages: 3 yrs.-K Hours: 8am-3pm w/ an extended-day option Our lower school early childhood program values and preserves childhood, building on the excitement and curiosity that children bring to their first school experience. Located on our beautiful 50-acre campus, our emergent curriculum program is designed to support your child’s developing independence. AY, SP, BS, AS, DHS, DE, NAEYC, PAIS

LAFAYETTE HILL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY MIQUON SCHOOL, THE 2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, PA 610-828-1231 • Miquon.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-12 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Located on a wooded 11-acre campus just outside Northwest Philadelphia, Miquon is a co-educational day school offering Progressive education for children in Nursery (age three) through Sixth Grade. Our Nursery program offers full-day, 3-day, 4-day schedules and includes art, music, science, physical education and library. Miquon teachers provide a positive and nurturing environment for children to learn through play while meeting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. Snacks provided. Optional van service available. AY, SP, BS, AS, PAIS

MAIN LINE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BALA HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-6767 • BalaHouse.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8am-6pm Mixed-age classes, for ages 3 - 6 yrs., are led by sensitive, nurturing and highly qualified teachers who offer gentle guidance in an atmosphere of freedom, warmth and trust. Flexible schedules, convenient hours (7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.) and three-, four-, and five-day afternoon class options are available. Art, music, gymnastics, kindergarten Spanish classes, extended care, summer camp round out our program. Some tuition assistance is available. Embracing diversity since 1969. AY, SP, DHS, DE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN’S, THE 404 Levering Mill Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-4588 • Childrens-school.org • Ages: 3 mos.-K • Hours: 7am-6pm We offer a warm and creative learning environment where everyone has a “hands on” approach to learning. Our developmental approach includes music, Spanish and Tumbling Tots, Pre-K follows the Letter People Curriculum and Handwriting without Tears. Subsidized funding from the state accepted. 4-star facility with Keystone Stars. FY, SP, BS, AS, SN, DHS, DE, NAEYC

FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA 150 N. Highland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA • 610-667-1284 frenchschoolphila.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm The French International School of Philadelphia offers a French/English bilingual program from preschool through grade 8. Our non-French speaking students develop their verbal skills in French in the younger grades as they engage in developmentally appropriate activities. New students with no prior knowledge of French are admitted at the age of 3, 4 or 5. Extended care is provided starting at 7:30am and until 6pm. Accredited by the Middle States Association and the French Department of Education. AY, AS, BS, SP, MP, DHS, MOSES THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 19041 610-642-3020 • www.haverford.org • Ages: PreK-12 Extraordinary educators prepare boys to be future-ready in a supportive learning environment designed to bring out the best in each student. Haverford strives to develop a well-balanced boy who is a high academic performer, socially and emotionally aware, and a good citizen of the School and community. Financial aid available. SP

MetroKids.com mk smart. local. parenting.

MAY 2019

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Child Care & Early Education Directory

ROBERT J. WILF PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd. Wynnewood, PA 19096 610-896-7770 x118 • phillyjcc.com • Ages: 4 wks.-K2 • Hours: 8am-6pm A nurturing, child-centered environment for infants-kindergarten including gym classes, music, dance and more. We honor the uniqueness of each child, celebrating individual potential, and helping children question and discover. Teachers help children reach milestones necessary for healthy growth/ wellness. Tuition includes a family membership to the JCC. Families of all faiths welcome. Accredited by PA State Board of Private Schools. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* TEMPLE BETH HILLEL – BETH EL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood, PA • 610-649-2277 Tabber.org • Ages: 3 mos.-Kindergarten • Hours: 9am-3pm Programs for children 3 months to kindergarten. Working families love the 7:30am Early Care and 6:00pm Late Care. Special needs children welcome! AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS, DE WALDRON MERCY ACADEMY 513 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066 610-664-9847 • www.waldronmercy.org Ages: 3 yrs.-grade 8 • Hours: 8:15am-3pm Waldron Mercy Academy is a co-educational age 3 to grade 8 independent Catholic school, offering an innovative curriculum integrating academics, technology, arts, athletics and service, with a commitment to Mercy and service. WMA offers a Child Care Center and Montessori or PreSchool tracks. FY, AY, AS, BS, DA, DHS* THE WETHERILL SCHOOL 1321 Beaumont Dr., Gladwyne, PA 610-649-2299 • Wetherillschool.org Ages 2.7 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 8:15am-3pm Seeks to create a warm, secure, first-school experience where the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child is carefully nurtured. Curriculum based on Montessori, Piaget, Reggio Emilia schools. Classroom teachers supported by specialists in Music, Spanish, Creative Movement. Full or half-day Kindergarten. Licensed by State Board of Private Academic schools. AY, SP, BS, DE

WILLOW GROVE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY KIDSPARK 23 Easton Rd. (Entrance on Davisville Rd.), Willow Grove, PA 215-657-KIDS (5437) • KidsPark.com • Ages: 18 mos.-12 yrs.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-12pm; Sat 10am-12pm; Sun 1pm-6pm A family favorite for over 20 years! Hourly drop-in childcare for ages 18 months-12 yrs old.

Morning Preschool, birthday parties on the weekend. Arts & crafts, games, indoor climbing structure, music & stories. Days, evenings, weekends, attend meetings, run errands, exercise... while your children are safe and having fun. We accept CCIS. FY, SP, MP, AS, DA, SN, DHS, BS

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CENTER CITY/SOCIETY HILL, PHILADELPHIA COUNTY BUSY BEES LEARNING CENTER INC. 601 Walnut St., #LL-25, Phila., PA 215-733-9271, 866-Be-Busy7 toll free • BusyBeesChildcare.com Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm ”What’s important to your family is just as important to ours.” A family owned and operated homey and contemporary facility in the spectacular Curtis Center overlooking Independence Park. We have a family room for nursing and visits, multicultural activities with focus on Spanish, Montessori philosophy, Parents as Partners Program, mature professional staff. Online classroom observation at Guardiancam.com. Snacks provided. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS 762 South Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 215-844-0178 • www.ecedesigns.com • Ages: 3-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS provides a bilingual, multicultural program where children learn and develop socially and emotionally. Head start, pre-school and after-school programs are provided for children ages 3-12. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, DHS* SOCIETY HILL SYNAGOGUE 418 Spruce Street Phila., PA 19106 • 215-922-6590 www.societyhillsynagogue.org • Ages: 2-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:45am-6pm We provide the best care for your child! Small class sizes provide a warm, nurturing classroom environment. Our goal is to get your child excited about learning! Age-appropriate curriculum with emphasis on play, socialization skills, as well as rich exposure to Jewish values. We are flexible to the needs of our families! Full-day service. AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, SN THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF PHILADELPHIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2611 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 215-570-0757 • www.phillychildrenshouse.com • Ages: 2.5-5 yrs.

Full day and half day programs available for our Primary and Toddler programs. Primary Program: morning Montessori program includes lunch,& group play. Toddler Program: explore age appropriate Montessori materials with a Montessori trained teacher. Extended Day: after-school snack followed by Montessori-inspired playgroup: build, cook, paint, etc. before going outdoors for dismissal. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, NAYEC, AMS

What are you looking for?

DAYCARE MetroKids.com/Childcare

t s u J forMOM Win It!

Sit back, relax and sip a glass of wine that you customized with Blendtique! The kit includes four single-varietal wines and the tools needed to perform flavorful experiments to create your ideal blend. Then upload your recipe, design a label and order a bottle of your concoction! ($79.95 & up)

A cup of tea can be just as decadent as dessert! Don’t believe us? Try Pinky Up’s caloriefree, loose-leaf teas in flavors such as tiramisu ($11.99) — a mix of chocolate, coffee and cinnamon — steeped in a glass travel infuser mug ($26.99), so you can enjoy the full tea-making experience on-the-go.

Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning May 1.

Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.

MAY 2019

Storybook Musical Theatre

May 9 - 18

at Gratz College Theater 7605 Old York Road

Children: $14 Adults: $16 For Reserv. & Info: 215-659-8550 www.storybookmusical.org

In the Historic Curtis Center 601 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

215-733-9271

Cameras in our classrooms provide you with online observation of your child’s day!

• Family Owned & Operated • Mature, Professional Staff • Literacy Based Curriculum • Multicultural Setting

www.busybeeschildcare.com MetroKids.com 21

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Family Fun

Experience the glow of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, kicking off May 1.

MAY

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR

Special needs event Philadelphia Science Carnival

4 Saturday

Editor's Pick

$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up

1 Wednesday

Law Day at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Celebrate the First Amendment with themed tours and a trivia game that covers the freedoms it protects. $$$ Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square, Phila. Experience the glow of 2,000 massive, handcrafted light installations as well as cultural entertainment and art. Through June 30. $$$$

2 Thursday

Public Archaeology Day

18 Saturday

Philadelphia Children's Festival at Annenberg Center Live, Phila. In addition to performances, there’ll be an outdoor plaza with activities, food trucks and entertainment. $$$$

3 Friday

First Friday in Chestnut Hill, Phila. Expect extended store hours, shopping and dining specials and entertainment. FREE Philadelphia Children's Festival at Annenberg Center Live, Phila. See May 2. $$$$ Storytime at Morris Arboretum, Phila. $$$

Creek Exploration

26 Sunday

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West Philly STEM-a-thon at White Rock Baptist Church, Phila. Part of the Philadelphia Science Festival series of events, kids build and tinker with science, tech, engineering and math activities. FREE

4 Saturday

Artisans in the Park Spring Show at the Conrad Weiser Homestead, Womelsdorf. FREE Bank of America Museums on Us, Phila. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders get free access to participating venues including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Museum of the American Revolution and the National Museum of American Jewish History.

FREE Battle of the Wilderness Civil War Reenactment at Warminster Community Park, Warminster. Watch as hundreds of troops reenact the battle and walk through scenes that depict everyday life in an encampment. FREE Colonial Mayfair at Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown. Features 19th-century entertainment including magic shows, puppet theatre and dancing around the maypole. $ Community Day at Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. There’ll be live music and a “Meet the Candidates” hour where families hear from individuals running for office in Philly. FREE Early Access Morning at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. Visitors with special needs can experience the venue before it opens to the public. $$$

MAY 2019

PNC Grow Up Great at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Phila. Watch a performance by the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts’ youth troupe. FREE South Street Spring Festival from Front St. to 8th St., Phila.

While kids enjoy dance performances, martial-arts demos and face painting, parents can browse artist and retail vendors. FREE

5 Sunday

Artmaking and Storytelling at the Woodmere Art Museum, Phila. FREE

FAB FREEBIE

Bank of America Museums on Us, Phila. See May 4. FREE

Philly streets are no stranger to unusual sights, but the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival reaches new heights or is in a lane of its own. On May 11, gather around Norris St. & Trenton Ave. to watch wacky, human-powered floats race along an urban obstacle course that ends with a mud-pit showdown. On the sidelines, browse arts & crafts from 100-plus vendors.

Earth Day in May at the Croydon Woods Nature Preserve, Croydon. Tour the grounds, meet reps form local environmental organizations and find out how you can lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. FREE Food Truck Craze Cinco de Mayo Bash at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks. Celebrate the holiday with food and drinks, entertainment, inflatables and a zip line. $ Food Truck Frenzy at Linvilla Orchards, Media. FREE Free Comic Day at Atomic City Comics, Phila. Giveaways and superhero sightings are all part of the fun. FREE Garden Party Fundraiser at Andalusia Historic House andGardens, Andalusia. $$$$ The Great Train Robbery on the Strasburg Rail Road, Ronks. Join an interactive journey through Amish country. $$$$ GiveBack Workshop: Little Free Library at the National Liberty Museum, Phila. Families help craft and decorate book boxes to be placed outdoors that act as a mini “library” for community members. $$ Jumper Show and Mini Country Fair at the Radnor Hunt Pony Club, Malvern. Activities include kid and adult horse-riding competitions, shopping, face painting and crafts. FREE Philadelphia Children's Festival at Annenberg Center Live, Phila. See May 2. $$$$ Philadelphia Science Carnival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Phila. Unleash your inner nerd during the culmination of the Philadelphia Science Festival, featuring science experiments, games, demos and entertainment. FREE

Battle of the Wilderness Civil War Reenactment at Warminster Community Park, Warminster. See May 4. FREE Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival on Germantown Ave., Phila. Enjoy live music, garden displays and family activities. FREE First Sunday Family Day: Creative Creatures at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. Make a masterpiece inspired by Mexican folk art and snap a selfie with PBS Kids star Pinkalicious. FREE First Sunday for Families: Outside the Box at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford. Engage in art activities and watch a performance by Two of a Kind. FREE Food Truck Craze Cinco de Mayo Bash at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks. See May 4. $ Free Admission for Norristown Borough Residents at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. Bring valid photo ID. FREE Playful Prints Family Festival at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Phila. Experiment with Japanese printmaking techniques and explore images of childhood in Japan as part of the country’s Children’s Day. Pay what you wish Spring Wildflower Walk at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila. $$$ Sundays on Stage: Colors of India at the Parkway Central Library, Phila. Features rhythm and movement inspired by Bollywood. FREE

7 Tuesday

Children's Nature Series: Amphibian Friends at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Learn about the creatures during froggy games, stories and a craft. $

9 Thursday

Civil War and Reconstruction Exhibit Opening at the National Constitution Center, Phila. This new permanent exhibit explores how the equality promised in the Declaration of Independence was inscribed into the Constitution by the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments. $$ Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square.

Revel in the sights during frequent fountain shows set to music and choreographed color displays. Through Sept. 29. $$$$

Do Good, Have Fun

Philly’s green spaces are an invaluable part of the city’s cultural — and literal — landscape. Celebrate them throughout Love Your Park Week, May 11-19. Thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to lend a hand to service projects at nearly 100 local parks, where you’ll prep the spaces for spring and get to know others in your community.

MAY 2019

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Family Fun

Homeschool Workshop at the Franklin Institute, Phila. Kids explore the Marvel: Universe of Superheroes exhibit and the science behind favorite characters. $$$$

10 Friday

12 Sunday

Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing, Phila. FREE Mother’s Day Brunch at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. See “Town & County,” right. $$$$

The Illusionists: Live from Broadway at Merriam Theater, Phila. $$$$

Mother’s Day Cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia, Phila. See “Town & County,” right. $$$$

Mother’s Day Hike and Tea at Myrick Conservation Center, West Chester. See “Town & County,” right. $$

Mother's Day Special at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See “Town & County,” right. $$$

11 Saturday

Books and Beasts: The Turtle That Disappeared at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. $$$

Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing, Phila.

FREE Azalea Day Country Fair at St. Christopher’s Church, Gladwyne. Expect games, face painting, live music, food, tractor rides and an obstacle course. FREE The Illusionists: Live from Broadway at Merriam Theater, Phila. $$$$ Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Fine Arts Festival at Norris St. & Trenton Ave., Phila.

See “Fab Freebie,” p. 23. FREE Love Your Park Week, Phila. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 23. FREE Mother’s Day Brunch at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. See “Town & County,” right. $$$$ Prom: The Sequel at the National Museum of American Jewish History, Phila. Adults get dolled up for music and dancing. $$$$ Saving Our Bees and What You Can Do to Help at Pennypacker Mills, Schwenksville. Learn all you need to know about honeybees and what can be done to boost their survival. $ Spring Fair at Friends School Haverford, Haverford. Enjoy carnival games, a mini-golf course, balloon sculptures, kids’ crafts and an artisan bazaar. $

13 Monday

Day-Off Camp: Nature Olympics at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila. Activities include fort building, relay races and animal charades. $$$$

14 Tuesday

Children's Nature Series: Baby Birds at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. A story, craft and nature walk focus on these feathered friends. $ Stroller Tour at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford. $$$ Whitman at 200 Tea Party at the Parkway Central Library, Phila. Celebrate Walt Whitman’s 200th birthday with 19th-century-inspired treats. $$$

17 Friday

Enchanted Forest: Party Beneath the Stars at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila. This fundraiser features food, live music and a raffle. $$$$ Night Adventures at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. Experience the Treetop Adventures zip line course after dark. $$$$ Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse. Activities include a rhubarb racecar derby, a rhubarb stroll with costumed characters and the rhubarb whoopie pie-filling contest. FREE

FAN OF . . .

VIDEO GAMES

Put down your controller and head to Philly’s Academy of Natural Sciences for Video Game Weekend, May 18 & 19.

Visitors explore technology’s role in natural history, learn how digital modeling helps scientists understand watersheds, meet the “real” Angry Birds and check out the plants, animals and insects that inhabit the worlds of Minecraft, Fortnite and Pokémon.

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Town & County: Mother's Day

Your big day is here! In honor of Mother’s Day, May 12, have the family treat you to a weekend as special as you are.

PHILADELPHIA If you’ve been meaning to check out Philly’s Academy of Natural Sciences, take advantage of the Mother’s Day Special, May 12, that grants free admission to moms. The same day, take in views of the Delaware River aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia’s Mother’s Day Cruise.

CHESTER COUNTY Fresh air and fun abound during the Mother’s Day Hike and Tea at West Chester’s Myrick Conservation Center, May 12, complete with an evening stroll followed by tea and dessert.

Bonus: Moms receive free admission.

DELAWARE COUNTY Spend May 12 by the water during Mother’s Day Fishing at Linvilla Orchards in Media.

With more than 1,000 trout swimming in Orchard Lake and free admission for moms, you’re sure to reel in a day of family fun.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Bring your appetite to Mother’s Day Brunch at the Elmwood Park Zoo, May 11 & 12 in Norristown, featuring a buffet and discounted admission.

MAY 2019

18 Saturday

Family Yoga at Morris Arboretum, Phila. Bring a mat or towel. $$$ Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg. Meet baby bunnies, chicks and lambs, watch kid-oriented presentations, play old-fashioned games and take a horsedrawn carriage ride. $$ Intro to 3D Printing at the Franklin Institute, Phila. $$$$ Italian Market Festival on South 9th Street, Phila. Activities include the annual Procession of Saints, a half-ball tournament, arts & crafts and food. FREE Listening Scavenger Hunt and 5K at the Philadelphia Zoo, Phila. Kids with hearing loss who are learning to listen and talk embark on a hunt hosted by the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. $$$$ Parkway Pals Play Day at Sister Cities Park, Phila. Enjoy readings from authors and illustrators, face painting, character meet-andgreets and live music. FREE Public Archaeology Day at Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills. Assist professional archaeologists with site excavation and artifact screening and care. FREE Restoration Volunteer Workday at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila. Remove invasive plants, plant native species and clean up the trails. FREE Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse. See May 17. FREE Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival at Rittenhouse Square, Phila.

Sample food from vendors, watch culinary demos and fashion shows and partake in kid-friendly activities. FREE

Women and the Civil War: The Untold Stories at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Discover the accomplishments of women abolitionists and suffragettes and how their work influenced constitutional change. $$$

22 Wednesday

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair at the Horse Show Grounds, Devon. Watch world-class equestrians and enjoy a midway, food and boutiques. Through June 2. $$$

25 Saturday

Circadium Springboard at FringeArts, Phila. Watch performances by first-year students at the country’s only diploma-granting college for circus. $$$ Circus Family Festival at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. $$$ Family Yoga at Morris Arboretum, Phila. See May 18. $$$$ Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg. See May 19. $$ Garden Railway Seasonal Opening at Morris Arboretum, Phila.

A quarter-mile track runs through a mini city landscape complete with tunnels, bridges and buildings made of natural materials.

Through Sept. 2. $$$ Invaders! Hike and Cleanup at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. Learn about intrusive species and remove harmful plants from the grounds. $$$ May Fair on Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ. This street festival features live music, vendors, pony rides and a kids’ zone. FREE Memorial Day Weekend Activities at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Mark the occasion with flag-etiquette workshops, thank-a-vet postcards, arts & crafts and interactive shows. $$$

26 Sunday

Spring Full Moon Hike at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila. $$$

Creek Exploration at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Spot turtles, frogs, salamanders and aquatic insects in Kepner Creek. FREE

Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village, New Hope. Indulge in fruity treats and watch live entertainment. FREE

Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg. See May 19. $$

Towamencin Community Day at Fisher’s Park, Lansdale. Features live music, inflatables, a zip line, police and fire activities, pony rides, face painting, games and magic shows. FREE

Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center, Phila. See May 25. $$$

Video Game Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila.

See “Fan of,” p. 24. $$$

19 Sunday

Birding by Ear at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Find out how to identify birds by their calls. FREE Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg. See May 19. $$ Rubber Ducky Regatta at Kemper Park, Warminster. Cheer on hundreds of rubber ducks that float down Neshaminy Creek in a race to the finish line. A family picnic takes place as well. FREE

27 Monday

Books and Beasts: Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lake at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. $$$ Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center, Phila. See May 25. $$$

30 Thursday

Strawberry Festival at the Brandywine Hospital grounds, Coatesville. In addition to rides, games and the “Strawberry Kid” contest, head to Strawberryland for inflatable attractions, slides and train rides. FREE

31 Friday

Springfield Mills Opening Day at Morris Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm, Phila. $

Strawberry Festival at the Brandywine Hospital grounds, Coatesville. See May 30. FREE

Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village, New Hope. See May 18. FREE

Walt Whitman’s 200th Birthday Celebration at Philadelphia City Hall courtyard, Phila. This outdoor bash features celebrity readings of Whitman’s poetry and a 4-foot-tall cake. FREE

Video Game Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila.

See “Fan of,” p. 24. $$$

20 Monday

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

MAY 2019

Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.

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MAY 2019 3/13/2019 1:33:20 PM

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Family Fun

Make It a Philly PARTY

Love where you live? Of course you do. So throw the kids a birthday party that shows them what’s special, and fun, about where they’re growing up — our history, food, farms, horse country, gardens. They’re all a part of who we are, so celebrate it.

Franklin Square - Photo by: Jeff Fusco

MAKING HISTORY

Low on cost and big on education and entertainment, Philly’s historic district boasts plenty of museums and attractions with which to fill a day of discovery. Play a round of mini golf themed to the city at Franklin Square (pictured above), explore the free Fireman’s Hall Museum and Science History Institute and serve up a sweet end to the fun at the popular Franklin Fountain ice cream shop.

FLOWER POWER

Does your kid have a green thumb? Public gardens are the perfect place to marvel at extravagant floral arrangements and landscapes sure to impress junior gardeners.

Opt for a group tour at Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens, which offers an on-site, full-service restaurant or, for a casual meal, a café. In Philly, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden offers group-tour add-ons such as tea tasting, an origami lesson and traditional Japanese storytelling.

TEA-RRIFIC TASTE

Franklin Fountain

PICK-YOUR-OWN PARTY

Pinkies up! Tea parties at sophisticated venues let kids flaunt their fancy side and dig into local culture. Consider party packages at Washington Crossing Inn in Washington Crossing — the spot where George Washington famously led his troops across the Delaware River in 1776 — or at elegant A Taste of Britain tearoom in Wayne, where parties of eight or fewer can reserve the dining room.

Searching the fields for the biggest, ripest fruits and veggies at farms or orchards is a fun, hands-on way to teach kids about where their food comes from — it’s also a great group activity. Many spots, including Highland Orchards in West Chester and Linvilla Orchards in Media, add hayrides and farm animal meet-and-greets into the mix for groups that sign up for a party package.

Linvilla Orchards

HORSING AROUND

What child doesn’t want a pony? That might not be feasible, but there are plenty of opportunities to introduce kids and their pals to the local equestrian scene: Book a pony party at Hidden Valley Horse Farm in Glen Mills, Red Hound Stables in West Chester or Plymouth Meeting’s Sandy Hill Farm. Or bring the group to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, running select dates May 22-June 2.

A Taste of Britain

FLAVORS OF PHILLY

Families who prefer a home-based bash can bring Philly’s culinary classics to your own kitchen! Make cheesesteaks from scratch, loaded with each guest’s favorite

MAY 2019

toppings — or order from your go-to — and snack on soft pretzels, Tastykakes and homemade water ice.

Sandy Hill Farm Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.

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