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January 2020 | FREE

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Should Your Kids be Vegan? Catholic Schools by the Numbers Teach Young News Consumers Siblings of Children With Special Needs

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Best Age for Camp?

NOTICE: NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

In accordance with IRS regulations, all ADVIS member schools adhere to and support the following “Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment” as the fundamental position they advocate. For information regarding a specific school’s nondiscrimination policy, please contact the school directly. The following schools admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. ADVIS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of 130 independent schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware.

Abington Friends School Academy of Notre Dame de Namur The Academy of the New Church The Agnes Irwin School AIM Academy Ancillae-Assumpta Academy Archmere Academy ATG Learning Academy The Baldwin School Benchmark School Bryn Athyn Church School Buckingham Friends School Cambridge School Center School Centreville Layton School Chapin School Christina Seix Academy Church Farm School Community Partnership School Cornerstone Christian Academy The Crefeld School Delaware County Christian School Delaware Valley Friends School Devon Preparatory School Doane Academy Dock Mennonite Academy The Episcopal Academy French International School of Philadelphia Friends’ Central School Friends School Haverford Friends School Mullica Hill Friends Select School George School Germantown Academy Germantown Friends School Gesu School Girard College Gladwyne Montessori The Grayson School Greene Street Friends School Greene Towne Montessori School Gwynedd Friends School Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary Harrisburg Academy

The Haverford School The Hill School Hill Top Preparatory School The Hillside School The Hockessin Montessori School Holy Child Academy Holy Child School at Rosemont Holy Ghost Preparatory School The Independence School Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy The Janus School The Jefferson School Kimberton Waldorf School Kohelet Yeshiva La Salle College High School Lancaster Country Day School Lansdowne Friends School The Laurel School of Princeton The Lawrenceville School Linden Hall Malvern Preparatory School The Meadowbrook School Media-Providence Friends School Merion Mercy Academy MileStone Academy The Miquon School The Montessori School Montgomery School Moorestown Friends School Moravian Academy Mount Saint Joseph Academy Nazareth Academy High School The New School of Lancaster Newtown Friends School Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Orchard Friends School The Pennington School The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf The Perkiomen School The Phelps School The Philadelphia School The Pilot School Plymouth Meeting Friends School Princeton Day School Princeton Friends School The Quaker School at Horsham

Raymond & Ruth Perelman Jewish Day School Revolution School Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr St. Andrew’s School St. Anne’s Episcopal School Saint Basil Academy St. Edmond’s Academy St. James School St. Joseph’s Preparatory School St. Peter’s School Sanford School The School in Rose Valley The Shipley School Solebury School Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Stratford Friends School TALK School The Tatnall School Tower Hill School United Friends School Upland Country Day School Ursuline Academy Valley Forge Military Academy & College The Vanguard School, A Program of Valley Forge Educational Services Villa Maria Academy High School The Walden School The Waldorf School of Philadelphia Waldron Mercy Academy West Chester Friends School Westfield Friends School Westtown School William Penn Charter School Wilmington Friends School Wilmington Montessori School Woodlynde School The Wyndcroft School Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School York Country Day School YSC Academy

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Finding the Right School Just Got Easier! Visit our Website and use the FREE Search Tool. Website: www.advis.org · Follow us on Twitter@advischools

mk Inside

January 2020 Vol. 25, No. 1

Camp 2020 12 What’s the Best Age for Camp? 14 Camp Directory In This Issue 4 Catholic Schools Week 6 Should Your Kids Be Vegan? 9 Win It! 10 Raise a Smart News Consumer SpecialKids 8 Siblings of Children With Special Needs Family Fun 16 Day-by-Day Calendar 19 Esports and Tabletop Spots

Ad Sections

3,7 Health; 5 Education; 13 Camp; 15 Child Care

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Catholic Schools Week 2020

Catholic-school students in the Mid-Atlantic region make up 22 percent of the 1.8 million students enrolled in Catholic schools nationwide. Of the 176 U.S. dioceses that operate schools, Philadelphia is the third largest after Los Angeles and Chicago.

Philadelphia

9,279 students

Camden

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Trenton

332 students

Wilmington

227 students

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2500 Branch Pike â&#x20AC;˘ Cinnaminson Sunday, Jan. 26 â&#x20AC;˘ 12noonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm

250 James St. â&#x20AC;˘ Burlington Sunday, Jan. 26 â&#x20AC;˘ 11amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm Wednesday, Jan. 29 â&#x20AC;˘ 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11am and 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm

Source: National Catholic Educational Association

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Health

Is Vegan Healthy for Kids? If you have switched to a plant-based diet, you might wonder if your kids can make the same transition and still get all the nutrition they need.

By Lynda Dell The day Stephanie B., 41, of Philadelphia, realized what really happens to chickens, the budding environmentalist stopped eating meat. “That’s when the whole animal-to-plate thing” became a stark choice that forever changed her life. In high school, while living on a farm, she was taught how to raise and kill chickens “and I haven’t eaten meat since.” A mom of two, Clara, 8, and Atticus, 5, she instills in her family that same farm-to-table awareness. They eat eggs, from the five chickens raised in their backyard, and get milk from Weaver’s Way, a food co-op and urban farm in the Mt. Airy neighborhood. Wendy Romig, clinical doctor of nutrition at Sage Integrative Health Center in Philadelphia, also stopped eating meat in high school, but she wasn’t able to sustain the vegetarian diet. “I wasn’t getting enough protein from eating mostly pasta and salads,” she says. After her second failed attempt in her twenties, she read Becoming Vegan and was hooked.

More choices for consumers

Vegetarians like Stephanie and Romig embrace vegetarianism or veganism for health, environmental and animal-rights reasons. Many others agree and have made plant-based eating a top trend driving the food and beverage industry, according to Forbes. A Nielsen and Plant Based Foods Association 2018 report says related sales were up 20 percent from the previous year.

That means what began as a niche market with very few meat and dairy alternatives is becoming mainstream with far more choices for vegetarians, who eat no meat, poultry, or fish, and vegans, who eat only plant-derived foods, which means no dairy or eggs. The growth in the number of products available for those who want to move to a plant-based diet means “it’s gotten much easier for families to go vegan,” says Freya Dinshah, president of the American Vegan Society based in Malaga, NJ. “You’re going to find most items readily available in supermarkets, including specialty items like meatless burgers, vegan entrees, ice creams, milks.”

Plant-based diets for children

A vegetarian diet is recognized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as “appropriate for all ages of children, including infants and toddlers,” if done thoughtfully, says registered dietitian Mary Catherine Perry, RD, of Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. “I think that as long as the vegetarian and the vegan diet are well-planned — the most important piece — it can provide adequate nutrition for children’s health and growth,” says Perry. Kids can thrive on a plant-based diet if you understand your children’s nutritional needs, get support, and learn meal-prep tips.

Infants

For infants, the main sources of protein and nutrients are breast milk and iron-fortified formula (soy formula for vegan infants). Alternative milks are not recommended until after the first year because they lack important nutrients for health, growth and development, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. After 12 months, infants can be weaned from breast milk with a full-fat, soy-based milk fortified with calcium and vitamins B-12 and D. When it’s time to introduce solid foods, replace meat with beans and rice, quinoa, tofu, and nut or seed butters as protein sources, recommends Romig. Vegetarians can add fresh cheese and eggs, too.

continued on p. 9 6 MetroKids.com

JANUARY 2020

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN IS STANDING TALL WE’RE BUILDING A NEW FUTURE WITH TOWER HEALTH AND DREXEL UNIVERSITY

We’re proud to announce that St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children will continue to serve the region under an exciting partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University. This nationally recognized facility and its staff have been a vital resource for children of all ages and their families since 1875. And under our joint ownership, St. Christopher’s is returning to its nonprofit roots while providing exceptional pediatric care to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve.

Count on St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Visit StChristophersHospital.org.

SpecialKids

Support Groups Contacts for local groups registered with Sibshops, a national organization that supports siblings of children with special needs. OCEAN COUNTY Brick Sibshops Anthony.scuorzo@ahold.com CAMDEN COUNTY Cherry Hill Sibshops Jabesh@jfedsnj.org Interactive Kids Lfarbman@interactivekids.com it and let him know you take it seriously. If possible, offer to have him help care for his sibling, but don’t push the issue.

Beneﬁt: Self control and thoughtfulness

Support for Siblings The sisters and brothers of a child with special needs may feel protective, fearful or even jealous. Parents can help them work through these sometimes confusing emotions. By Sarah Lyons Having a sibling with special needs is a unique experience that provides both challenges and benefits. While there is no doubt that the child loves her sibling with special needs, the feelings that arise during childhood are often complicated — love, appreciation, and compassion can be mixed up with jealousy, worry, resentment, fear, responsibility and anger. Parents who are in tune to their children’s feelings can help them work through any negative emotions and turn these challenges into benefits.

Beneﬁt: Dependability, loyalty, compassion

Challenge: Insensitivity of others

Challenge: Jealousy

Unfortunately, kids with special needs are often the target of teasing. Siblings of children with special needs may feel the need to constantly stand up for their sibling or may be the brunt of teasing themselves. “One of the biggest challenges in growing up with my sister was watching her get laughed at,” says Justin Lyons, brother of Kara, who has cerebral palsy. Parents can help their kids work through this by equipping them with the right answers for those awkward questions and teach them how to handle bullying in an appropriate way.

8 MetroKids.com

After years of watching someone they love get teased, siblings of children with special needs will naturally develop a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about as well as a strong compassion toward others. Even though watching Kara get teased was hard for Justin, he also notes, “I think it made me less likely to laugh at or tease other people.” Kids who grow up in a home with siblings who have special needs typically become dependable, compassionate, and loyal adults.

Parents do their best to treat their children fairly and spend equal amounts of time caring for each. When you have a child with developmental delays or significant medical needs that balance can become extremely difficult to achieve and jealousy can develop. Kids may feel they get less attention or their parents spend more time caring for the sibling. Kids can feel guilty for having these thoughts, which makes them more upset and resentful. Try to be patient about your child’s jealous feelings. Talk to your child about

It is important to remember that sibling rivalry and feelings of jealousy are normal in any sibling relationship. As your child learns to wait for a parent to be free to help him, he learns patience and self control as well as how to put others’ needs before his own.

Challenge: Worry and fear

When children are around a sibling with serious medical challenges, lowered immunity, or special needs, kids may feel worried or afraid about the health of their sibling. They may not be able to express their feelings the same way that an adult would. Kids may act out, become overly emotional, or appear aloof to what is going on around them. Parents can help kids by being honest about health concerns in an age-appropriate way. By including your child in this discussion, you can reduce their fear of the unknown and reassure them as well.

Beneﬁt: Compassion, empathy for others

Kids exposed to someone with medical and developmental challenges become more compassionate and empathetic to others. “I attribute my sense of understanding and compassion to growing up with my sister.” says Michelle Hupp, sister to Felicia, an adult with Down syndrome. Being a sibling of a person with special needs is a unique and sometimes challenging experience, but most people will tell you they have benefitted from the experience. As a parent, it helps to think of the long term benefits and help your children shape their challenges into successes.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

JANUARY 2020

Health

continued from p. 6

Toddlers

Toddlers are picky eaters, so “if your child eats only pasta and white bread, she could develop vitamin deficiencies,” says Romig. “I’m an ardent believer in making sure that children get the recommended amount of protein, because I’ve seen too many health problems occur with insufficient amounts.” Vegetarians who eat eggs or dairy products get protein and other essential nutrients through their diet, but that’s trickier for vegans, she explains. They rely on a combination of beans and whole grains. If your child isn’t willing to try new foods, Perry advises “waiting until she accepts a broad range of foods before going fully plant-based.”

Support for supplements

The biggest nutrient concerns for plant-based diets are protein, calcium, vitamins B-12, vitamin D, and iron. “Meet with a registered dietitian to ask questions and receive suggestions,” says Perry, “and inform your pediatrician about the diet to look at vitals for proper growth. “Between the dietitian and the pediatrician, they’ll be able to assess whether a supplement is needed in the diet.” Consult with a nutritionist who specializes in plant-based diets or somebody who has made it work. “Before you simply cut out meat, especially if this is new to the family, consult with someone experienced in your family who has successfully executed a plant-based diet,” Romig suggests.

Find healthy fats

In most meat-based diets, people get too much saturated fat and not enough unsaturated fat, but in a strict vegan diet it’s the reverse; it’s much harder to get saturated fat into the diet, explains Romig. “To ensure healthy brain development and cellular functions, about 10 percent of total fat intake should be from saturated fat,” she says, adding that coconut oil and coconut milk are the best sources for that. About 15 percent of the diet should come from proteins and 30 percent from fat, of which 10 percent should be saturated. Carbohydrates make up the remainder.

Meal prep

You may have to offer your kids some foods multiple times, or in different forms, before they like them. Or they may not like one leafy green but may like another. So provide a variety of foods, suggests Dinshah. “You can serve a variety of things at meals, like a salad bar, so people can pick what they want,” she says. Lynda Dell is a freelance writer.

JANUARY 2020

! e m Ga

Win It!

Get in the

Check out the area’s best esports and tabletop-gaming venues on p. 19, then round up the crew for a family game night with these titles. The popular card game Flinch, originally created in 1905, has been revamped by Hasbro with two ways to play: try the classic style, or quicken the pace with Fast Flinch (7+; $7.99) Also revived by Hasbro, ‘90s game Pretty Pretty Princess lets kids play dress-up as they race to gather a matching set of jewelry including necklace, bracelet, ring, earrings and, of course, a crown (5+; $16.99)

Bouncing Bingo provides a fresh twist on an old favorite, all while helping players develop hand-eye coordination, small motor skills, animal & name picture recognition and turn-taking skills (4+; $13.95) Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Jan. 1. Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.

Tomato Patch 2020 Summer Arts Workshops

Theater • Dance • Music • Video • Visual Art

Session I June 22 - July 16 Grades 8-12 4-week session $ 875 Session II July 20 - Aug. 6 Grades 4-7 3-week session $ 795 Master Class in Acting Session I Session II June 22 - July 10 July 20 - Aug. 7 Grades 8-12 Grades 8-12 3-week session 3-week session $ $ 725 725

Taught by professional artists, on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. Tomato Patch, now in its 47th year, is the longest running, most successful multidisciplinary summer arts program in central New Jersey.

Call 609-570-3566 or visit www.kelseytheatre.org MCCC • 1200 Old Trenton Road • West Windsor, NJ 08550

MetroKids.com 9

Parenting

Raise Smart News Consumers You can help your kids distinguish between trustworthy news sources and bogus clickbait.

By Kimberly Yavorski While technology provides us with 24/7 information, it also allows anyone with an internet connection and a keyboard to become a publisher. As a result, truth can seem like it’s never been more elusive. As we enter a presidential-election year, it may become particularly challenging to sort out accurate information from the flood of posts that inundate news feeds.

media to teaching them about healthy nutrition. Parents talk to their kids about what they should be eating from an early age; they should do the same with media. Give little bits of advice when they are young, Culver says, so “we are less likely to get into a situation where we are setting up punitive rules with teens.”

How can parents help?

While parents are the primary source of information when children are young, as they get older they increasingly turn to peers and social media. According to a Common Sense Media study, YouTube and Facebook are the top news sources for tweens and teens. Schools might provide guidelines on how to find valid sources, but the task is overwhelming. As Sherri Hope Culver, director of the Center for Media and Information Literacy at Temple University, points out, “It is hard to make a blanket rule.”

Red ﬂags

Start young

Age is a big factor when teaching media literacy. “Children under 10 have less ability to discern misrepresentations,” she says. “They need more coaching — someone to walk them through.” In middle school and high school, “students are asked to apply critical thinking skills all the time. Understanding media requires the same critical thinking skills as an English or a math class or even when deciding where you’re going to dinner tomorrow.” Parents should encourage children to ask questions and promote critical-thinking skills at an early age by asking: “What are you reading? Why are you reading that? Who wrote it? What’s interesting about it?” Culver likens teaching kids about

10 MetroKids.com

a blog and a news source. You cannot always rely on the writer being objective. Many professional writers also have a website and may write a blog that has no editorial oversight. You cannot put the same value on both sources, even when written by the same person. Students used to be taught to look for misspellings and photos without attribution. But Culver notes that it’s so easy to make websites that look professional that it can be difficult to tell what is true and what is not. According to a 2016 Stanford study, highly polished websites even fooled college students asked to determine whether a source was credible. “Look for information that can be confirmed,” she says. Are other sources reporting the story? Is the writer known for a particular point of view? Is there a byline? A lack of byline or one that simply reads “staff ” should be a red flag.

Questions teens can ask

Encourage teens to “do a little pre-investigative work, to create a short list of sources with strong editorial oversight.” Culver says that asking just a few questions can “weed out 90 to 95 percent of misleading misinformation and propaganda out there.” Kids should ask: “How does the information get there? Is there an editorial board? Is there an editor? Is there any method of fact checking? The fact that someone else is looking at and evaluating information is important.” Understand the difference between

Common Sense Media recommends these ways to spot bogus news. • Check the About Us page to see who supports the site. If it doesn’t have one or wants you to register first, ask yourself why. • If the news seems too good, or too bad, to be true, check Snopes, Wikipedia and Google before sharing it. Be wary of a story that seems designed to get a strong reaction. “If the news you’re reading makes you really angry or super smug, it could be a sign that you’re being played,” it says. Kimberly Yavorski is a freelance writer from Ambler, PA

Fact-check websites • FactCheck.org • PolitiFact.com • Snopes.com

JANUARY 2020

Expanding Minds Chasing Wonder

Join us for an Open House! Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 PM

Ages 3 - Grade 12

MAKE THE MOST OF PLAYTIME LAUNCH RIGHT IN WITH . . .

a SUPER SPACECRAFT!

GATHER THESE MATERIALS:

Pencil

2 toilet paper tubes

Paper towel tube

2. Draw a rounded 1. Lay a toilet

paper tube on top of a piece of cardboard. Trace it.

nose to the traced shape. Then draw two rounded triangles for wings.

Small piece of cardboard

Markers or paint

3. Cut out the shape.

Scissors

(with an adult�s help)

Paper

5. Glue your cut tube on top of the cardboard in the shape of a spacecraft, and let it dry.

4. Trace the bottom of a toilet paper tube on top of another. Then cut out the round shape.

6. Color or paint your spacecraft. You

can also decorate it with stickers. Place a small toy inside and go for a ride. Tell a story about where you’re going!

TinkerActive Workbooks cover essential skills using curriculum-based exercises and interactive tinkering, making, and engineering activities using common household materials!

The Active Way to learn through play JANUARY 2020

Glue

Odd Dot

An imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

MetroKids.com 11

Camp

What’s the Best Age for Camp? By Audrey Monke You probably want a number here. If you’re only going to read these first two sentences, then I’ll pick the age of nine. But the real answer is a bit more complex. When to start sending your child to sleep-away camp is a decision that depends on you, your parenting style, and your child’s temperament. Many kids have fun and successful camp experiences as young as six years old, but that’s too young for most kids. And for some parents the thought of their child ever going to camp (without them) is unimaginable. Sometimes “he’s not ready for camp” actually means you’re not ready. Realizing that your child can be okay without you is sometimes hard on parents and it’s a big step to let them have the independent experience of summer camp. These are the guidelines for parents who are ready to send their child to camp but aren’t sure what age is best.

5 or younger

This is too young for overnight camp alone. Go to a family camp together or try a day camp. (You can find local day camps at MetroKids.com/DayCamp.)

6 to 8 years old

For young kids, focus on whether your child is ready. This is not the age to force camp upon a hesitant child. If they want to go, there are some questions to ask: Is your child a fairly independent kid (not clingy) who can take a shower on his own? If your child

12 MetroKids.com

happily goes to school and is fine at day camps and other activities without you constantly by his side, then he’s probably ready for camp.

9 to 10 years old

If she is excited to go, sign her up. If not, talk with other families whose kids go to camp to expose her to the idea. Hearing how much other kids like camp might encourage her to want to go. Attend camp information sessions. (The MetroKids Super Camp Fair is Sunday, Jan. 26 at Plymouth Meeting Mall and is free to attend.) If she is still hesitant, you have two choices. The Hard Choice: Explain all the benefits of camp and how you think it will be great for her and an important step in her growth and development. Let her know you think it’s an important experience and you don’t want her to miss out. This choice requires being able to stand your ground and not give in to whining. Sign up but don’t talk about it too much, too far in advance if your child is especially anxious. The Easier Choice: Give your child a one-year “pass,” but follow through. Know that kids who are hesitant about camp at 9 or 10 are likely to still be hesitant at 13 and possibly at 18 about going to college. Parents need to figure out how to work through those feelings and a week or two at camp is an easy way to start. It’s actually easier to start camp at 9 or 10 and work through those

difficult homesick emotions without also contending with puberty.

11 and older

If they want to go, let them. I’ve been at camp fairs where a mother with a child taller than she is tells me, in front of her child, “He’s way too young to be away from me for two weeks.” I look at the young person standing next to her and want to say, “He’s not too young. You just don’t want him to be away from you.” An older child will likely not be the only first-year camper his age. There will be fewer new kids at camp at that age, but camp kids are welcoming, so don’t worry. I’ve met many families who waited until their child was 12 or 13 years old, only to later be disappointed that they had so few summers to enjoy at camp. If they are still hesitant, keep in mind that the kids who tend to have the most extreme homesickness are the older ones who’ve never been away. If your child gets extreme homesickness, isn’t it better that it happen during a two-to-threeweek summer program than when he’s a freshman in college? Give your children the gift of early independence to help them develop the skills they need to thrive as young adults.

Audrey Monke, with her husband Steve, has owned and directed Gold Arrow Camp in Lakeshore, California for 30 years.

Find local day and residential camps online. Visit Metrokids.com/Camp.

JANUARY 2020

MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL

WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 11:30 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. Moorestown Friends School • MFS Baiada Field House 110 East Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057 50+ Camps Attending

Day Camps • Travel • Acting • Nature • Adventure • Math • Overnight • Arts • Parkour • Sports and many more!

N FU

, NUR

TURING

& EN

THEATRE, FILM, DANCE

G AG

FUN FOR ALL AGES 5 & UP

ING

FREE!

D EARLY BIRTS DISCOUN LE AVAILAB

www.mainstage.org 856-302-6485

SUN., JAN. 26 1-4PM

Plymouth Meeting Mall

500 W. Germantown Pike • Plymouth Mtg., PA 19462

MetroKids.com/campfair JANUARY 2020

Find a location and save today at

invent.org/save

multiple locations throughout the area!

MetroKids.com 13

Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2020! 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 below. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

JCC Camps at Medford

400 Tuckerton Rd.,Medford; 856-751-1666 bsegal@jfedsnj.org • Jcccampsatmedford.org DAY, TRAVEL JCC Camps at Medford enrich children’s lives by teaching Multiple Locations; 610-668-7676 values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment, while director@sixerscamps.com •76erscamps.com DAY The #1 Basketball Camp in the NBA celebrating our 36th Year! Learn building confidence, sharing successes and creating lasting friendships. Camp is built on the fundamental values of family, love, respect, justice the drills the pros use to take their game to the next level. Age-specific and charity, compassion and kindness. ACA CIT SN and skill-specific fundamentals and skill development, from beginner to advanced. Meet players, coaches and other NBA Stars. Youth basketball Liberty Lake Day Camp player development at its finest. Half-day, full-day and overnight camps 1195 Florence-Columbus Rd., Bordentown available for 5–17 year olds. 609-499-7820 • Libertylakedaycamp.com DAY Liberty Lake Day Camp is a transformative experience, teaching life Arsenal USA Premier Soccer Camps skills to inspire young people to change the world. Campers enjoy 60 magMultiple Locations; 610-922-8255 nificent shady acres, outdoors and screen-free. Kids can customize their rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Arsenalsoccercampsusa.com day with the Freedom of Choice elective program of 60+ activities. Open DAY Arsenal USA premier soccer camps, for boys and girls from ages Houses: Jan. 26, Feb. 9, March 1 & 22, April 5 & 26, May 17. ACA 6–14, will provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs academies in London. The Arsenal Way is taught to campers as they are immersed in the curriculum that has helped develop some of the world’s 110 E. Main St., Moorestown; 856-914-4493 mcameron@mfriends.org • Summer.mfriends.org best players. Learn from Arsenal coaches that will be directing and helpDAY The Summer Scholars Program options include innovative and ing you combine techniques, tactics and that winning spirit. exciting approaches to science, robotics, technology, STEM, sports, design, thinking, arts, economics and more. In addition, Academic TransiParis Saint-Germain Academy Soccer Camps USA tions courses in August offer the chance for your child to improve in math, Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 writing, study skills, and Google Docs. Many Summer Program Master rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Psgacademysoccercampsusa.com Teachers are MFS teachers and department heads, most of whom hold DAY The Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA soccer camps, for boys and advanced degrees from prestigious universities. girls ranging from ages 6–14, will provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy CAMDEN COUNTY as the professional academies in Paris. Individual skill development and team play will be incorporated along with the character traits necessary Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC to be the best you can be. European coaches will help direct each day’s 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hil action. 856-424-4444 ext. 1242 mfoster@jfedsnj.org • Katzjcc.org/ecccamps Phillies Baseball Academy DAY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an award-winning sumMultiple Locations; 610-520-3400 mer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2–5 to have big fun! campmail@philliescamps.com • Philliesacademy.com DAY Phillies Baseball Academy is the premier baseball camp experience Through STEM activities, creative arts, theater, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, our professional camp staff ensure your child for boys and girls, ages 6–14, featured at numerous great locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Only Phillies Baseball Academy offers top- has a fun summer experience. SN notch instruction with the unique opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park and the chance to meet a Phillies player and coach. Super Star Summer Camp 5 Larwin Rd., Cherry Hill • 856-795-4599 • theGCAcademy.com DAY Super Star Summer Camp is where kids learn how to be awesome. BURLINGTON COUNTY We offer a variety of activities for children to enjoy, including swimming, ninja obstacle courses, flip-training, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tumCamp Creek Run bling, cheerleading, arts & crafts and more. SN 199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250 campcreekrun@yahoo.com • Campcreekrun.com MERCER COUNTY DAY Get close to nature at Camp Creek Run! We are a traditional day camp with something for everyone, with a special emphasis on the natural sciences. Our 50-acre nature preserve features wooded hiking trails, open Tomato Patch @ Kelsey Theatre meadows, a spring-fed lake with a sandy beach, and a south-branch tribu- 1200 Old Trenton Rd.West Windsor; 609-570-3566 tary of the Rancocas Creek. We offer certified teachers and other qualified projects@mccc.edu • Tomatopatch.org DAY Multidisciplinary Summer Arts Workshops for grades 4–12. Theater, adults as counselors; nature study and science programs; sports, arts dance, vocal music, visual art, each session culminates in a Festival and music programs; fishing and boating, and swim instruction in our inPerformance and Gallery Exhibit. The longest running, most successful ground pools. Sign up today for a summer of fun at Camp Creek Run! summer arts program in Central New Jersey, now in its 47th year. Session I for grades 8–12; Session II for grades 4–7. Session I, June 22–July 16, Session II, July 20–Aug. 6, Master Class in Acting June 22–July 10 and July 20–Aug. 7

76ers Camps

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 OUTLYING AREAS Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/camps/summer-adventure-camps DAY, RESIDENTIAL 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. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets CIT

Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute

Grand Manan Island,New Brunswick, Canada; 888-54-WHALE info@whalecamp.com • WhaleCamp.com RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL 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., Reinholds, PA 610-670-2267 • SMYMCA.org RESIDENTIAL We welcome you to our 600 mountaintop acres in Berks County, PA. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers come for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 6–17 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure and 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

Young People’s Theater Workshop (YPTW);

Theatre Arts Summer Overnight Camp at Eastern University 363 Radford Ct., Glen Mills, PA Youngpeoplestheatreworkshop@gmail.com; Yptw.org RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11–18 at Eastern University June 21-26. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.

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

Child Care & Early Education Directory

FY: Full Year BS: Before School SN: Special Needs AY: Academic Year AS: After School DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. SP: Summer Program DA: Diapers Accepted DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv. NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools * Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.

BEGINNINGS AT MFS: THE MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM 110 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 856-914-4428 • MFriends.org Ages: 3 & up • Hours: 8:05am-3:10pm Beginnings at MFS: The Moorestown Friends School Early Childhood Program offers a values-based education for 3-year-olds and up. A project-based approach to learning and wide range of special subject areas are hallmarks of the experience. Moorestown Friends School is one of the only schools in the United States to offer a Coding Program to all Lower School students - Preschool through Grade 4. This innovative program has three strands: coding, problem solving and teamwork. These skills will be in high demand as the 21st century progresses. Half-day and full-day Preschool is available. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten are full-day programs. AY, SP, BS, AS, MSCES ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport, NJ 609-667-7838 • Essentialbeginningslc.com info@essentialbeginningslc.com Ages: 2-1/2 yrs.-13 yrs. • Hours 6:30am - 6:00pm Essential Beginnings embraces the differentiation approach to teaching. This method ensures that all children can learn the content based on their learning style. FY, AY, SP, SN, DYF FUTURE SCHOLARS EARLY LEARNING CENTER 1351 Rte. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport, NJ 609-518-1333 • FutureScholarsLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm “Where Generations Come and Grow” Full- and half-day classes available year round. Family-owned and operated with an owner on premises daily. Offering Infant & Toddler Care, PreSchool, Drop-In Hourly Daycare, Established Full-Day Kindergarten, Before- and After-School Care with bussing for township students, Private Tutoring and Summer Camp! We are your one-stop solution for early education and child care! STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR! FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DYF HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 856-467-6811 • Holdinghandspreschool.com Ages: Infant-School Age • Hours: 6am-6:30pm A place for families providing exceptional care, engaged learning and everyday play. A full-service center in a new facility with a gym, three playgrounds, access control system and video monitoring. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, N 856-235-5371 • school@olgcnj.org • Olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day prekindergarten programs, as well as full-day kindergarten. Children in first through eighth grades are educated in a top-notch, Catholic school environment, where our mission to form students in the image of Jesus Christ is reinforced daily. We provide education in music, art, specialized clubs, sports, after-school enrichment programs such as Lego Robotics and Latin, Spanish, technology, and physical education. Students do not need to be Catholic to attend our school. Please call to arrange a tour. Financial aid and volunteer opportunities available. AY, SP, AS SARI ISDANER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT THE KATZ JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 856-424-4444 • KatzJCC.org/ECE Ages: 6 wks.-K • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm, M-Th; 6pm, F The Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center at the Katz JCC is an award-winning program and leader in early childhood education. We offer full day infant/toddler care as of six weeks old, nursery school, preschool, full day certified Kindergarten, pre-K and transitional Kindergarten. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE*, NAEYC

mk smart. local. parenting. JANUARY 2020

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Family Fun

Lace up your boots for Mountain Lakes Preserve's Welcome Winter Walk, Jan. 4.

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR Special needs event Polar Bear Plunge

January 11