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CAMP 2018

From Camper to Counselor 2018 Camp Directory

Can MEDICAL MARIJUANA Help Your Child?

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Contents

JUNE 2018 • Vol. 23, No. 6

Camp 2018 12 Campers Turned Counselors 14 Camp Directory

CAMP 2018

In This Issue 4 Time Off for Dad 6 Summer Reading 7 Reluctant Reader Turned Author 8 Safety in the Sun 10 Is Medical Marijuana for Your Child?

16 Fish with Kids in NJ 18 Win It!

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Family Fun 17 Parks for All Ages 19 Day-by-Day Calendar Ad Sections 11 Health; 13 Camp; 22 Child Care

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This month’s CoverKid is Joseph T. of Philadelphia.

Joey, who will turn 2 this fall, loves the outdoors, says his mom, Colleen. Just ask him if he wants to go outside and he races to find his shoes.

Once he’s out, he rides his bike around the neighborhood looking for puppies; plays with Poppy in the yard, and goes to soccer practice, yelling “GOAL!” every time he puts the ball in the net.

Inside, he’s a big fan of Sesame Street and Peppa Pig and likes books about animals and cars.

“We are in love with the little boy he is becoming,” says Colleen.

Enjoy the summer, Joey. It’s a great time for being outside.

Photo by J. Foster Photography

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MK Memo

HEY DADS, TAKE SOME TIME OFF We set aside one day each June to honor fathers (This year it’s June 17, btw).

That’s almost more time than the average dad takes off after his baby is born, a new report shows.

The study, to be published in an upcoming issue of Community, Work, & Family, found that while 47 percent of men support paid paternal leave, most new fathers take less than a week of paid time off, if they take any time at all.

While a new father is entitled to take up to 12 weeks off under the Family and Medical Leave Act, an employer does not have to pay him for that time.

Fewer than 5 percent of all dads take two weeks or more of leave, says Richard J. Petts, sociology professor at Ball State University, who led the study. Even among fathers who get paid leave, most take a week or less; 14 percent take two weeks or more, his research shows.

Petts did find, however, that men with higher incomes are more likely to take paid leave and for longer periods of time.

“Fathers with higher incomes are more likely to be in a financial position that allows them to take time off work when a new child is born,” Petts says, possibly because higher incomes “may be linked to greater benefits and autonomy in one’s career.”

Other types of men likely to take more paid time off include: • First-time fathers • Men who were involved in parenting activities before the baby was born.

• Men who had a positive attitude toward fathering.

So if you’re lucky enough to have an employer that pays for paternity leave, by all means, take it, Dad. Someday your kids might say thanks and get you the extra fancy grill brush for Father’s Day.

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SUMMER READING FUN IN THE SUN Rutgers Reading Program Rutgers University runs a summer reading program throughout New Jersey for ages 4 to adult.

The programs, organized by grade level, are designed and taught by instructors from the Institute of Reading Development. Fees vary depending on grade level and not all sessions are offered at each location. Go to reading.rutgers.edu for more information.

Here are some of the local sites where sessions are being held this year: Beverly: Beverly United Methodist Church • Cherry Hill: Covenant Presbyterian Church Ewing: College of New Jersey • Lawrenceville: Rider University Medford: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church • Vineland: The Ellison School Voorhees: Eastern Regional High School • Wenonah: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Narberth author selected for One Book

Narberth, PA resident Zachariah OHora’s My Cousin Momo is this year’s Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child selection.

The book, about a flying squirrel that isn’t what his cousins expect, will be used across the state to get preschoolers engaged with reading.

Pennsylvania picked Zach’s debut children’s book, Stop Snoring Bernard!, as a One Book selection in 2012, too.

Zach is the father of 4th- and 2nd-grade sons, who still enjoy his books, for now. “I’ve got at least two years before they are embarrassed by me so I’m enjoying every minute of it,” he tells us.

Here are a few things that we wanted to know: What was your favorite book as a child?

“Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day continues to have a big influence on everything I do. I think the thing that appealed to me as a child was that it’s an entire book of well-dressed animals having one long accident, kind of like a Three Stooges episode but with a gorilla driving a banana car. As an adult I learned how house plumbing works from it.”

There is a Flyers pennant in the squirrels’ house. Shoutout to the hometown hockey team?

“That was a happy accident/dad pun. I don’t follow any professional sports but I do try to throw in some jokes for the parents to catch one of the times they are forced to read my books. I call it the Pixar method, if you have a story that entertains kids on one level and cracks the parents up on another level then everyone wins.”

You toured libraries across the state for the One Book program. Did you learn anything from kids’ reactions to the book that surprised you?

“I was surprised by the amount of knowledge that kids had in general about authors and illustrators and book making as well as facts about flying squirrels and the like.

Thanks to all the amazing librarians and teachers across the state for that. I was also struck by the amount of empathy that kids elicited for Momo’s predicament and I find that encouraging for what I do but also for the whole human race.”

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Local author’s book teaches kids about disabilities

Jimmy Curran has been in a wheelchair since he was 2 years old, but that did not deter him from attending Temple University and having a career at Independence Blue Cross. So when his nephew was born he decided to write a children’s book to show kids what people with disabilities can achieve.

The result is Will the One-Winged Eagle.

It tells the story of how Will is teased by the other eagles but remains resilient and finds his own way of doing things.

“I hope that children learn that when they encounter people with disabilities, they don’t discount them,’’ says Curran, who is from Plymouth Meeting, PA. “And for children with disabilities, I hope that whatever obstacles they face in life, they embrace them.”

To read more about Curran, go to MetroKids.com/JimmyCurran.

Check out The Horn Book’s 2018 Summer Reading List at MetroKids.com/SummerReading.

JUNE 2018

Education

Confessions of a Reluctant Reader Turned Author

Cindy Callaghan is a writer from Wilmington, DE whose first book, Just Add Magic, is now an Amazon Original series. She was not, however, an enthusiastic reader as a child.

By Cindy Callaghan I was a reluctant reader. Most writers boast about being the kid under the blankets with a flashlight. Not me.

The thing is, I really wanted to want to read. I envied kids at school who buried their noses in a book. I felt like I was missing out then, and now I know I was.

Regardless of my reading reluctance, I loved writing. I crafted stories like those I’d want to read. I still do, and that’s inspired my mission: To reach reluctant readers with fun, fast-paced, page-turners in which they can get lost.

What is a reluctant reader missing?

Reading helps our brains stretch, imagine and relax. It decompresses the mind after its high-pressure day full of stimulation and screen time. I’m as guilty as anyone of too much screen time, and I love escaping into a book to let my brain detox.

Secondly, reading expands our world and horizons. For example, I like books set during World War II. I haven’t studied WWII, and I didn’t experience it, but by reading, I’ve learned about that time in history. Consider post-apocalyptic books and how they provide a glimpse into what the world could be following a catastrophic event. These stories make me think, could it happen? How could it happen? And then my mind falls into a sequence of wondering … oh, how I love

JUNE 2018

the feeling of a sequence of wonderment.

Lack of focus is an epidemic hitting our youth the hardest. This isn’t their fault; they’re constantly juggling. They consume media in “snackable sizes,” rapidly moving on to the next piece. This rapid switching of gears makes true, deep concentration rare. It’s as if the muscle of deep concentration doesn’t develop.

Reading helps both focus and concentration — great assets to future learning.

Lastly, readers develop good vocabularies and written communications skills.

And verbal fluency increases the likelihood of future academic and professional success.

Are reluctant readers born?

Before becoming an independent reader, I loved being read to. Even after I learned to read, I still loved story time.

My fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Ross, with the biggest blond curls, picked the best stuff. I remember James and the Giant Peach. With her voices and gestures, she “sold me” — lured me into the story, the setting and the characters.

Sadly, story time ends. Around age nine most kids read on their own. I didn’t.

Probably, possibly, I wasn’t good at it.

We had SRAs — laminated cards in the library that measured how smart you were. I was labeled a “turtle” (thankfully, education has changed). Those cards were boring material that couldn’t hold

3 ways to convert a reluctant reader: 1. The sheer quantity of book options has multiplied. The characters, topics, backdrops, lengths and levels of illustrations have exploded. There’s something for everyone. If he likes music and mystery and zombies, he can find it easily.

2. Access is everywhere — libraries, bookstores, online retailers, classrooms, book fairs, lending/borrowing/trading programs. And the time it takes to get a book can be two days or a few seconds.

3. There are multiple mediums: • Written: Hardback, paperback, e-reader and digital, comic books, graphic novels.

• Audio: CDs, digital, and if you’re lucky you can find a YouTube video of someone reading out loud.

• Visual: Movies and TV based on books are consumable anywhere, anytime. my attention. I’ll never know if I hated SRAs because they were forced, boring or because they were hard for me. But the outcome was the same: it turned me off.

So did required reading because I wanted to choose my own books.

I encourage reluctant readers to try everything until they find something they like. (See the tips above.) I believe whatever gets a tween engaged in stories is a good thing.

MetroKids.com 7

Health

How to properly use sunscreen, clothing to protect your kids.

By Malia Jacobson You stocked up on sunscreen, doled out sunglasses and floppy sunhats, and managed to coat your kids in gooey white SPF 30 before hitting the local swimming hole. But they still came home looking like lobsters, moaning and groaning over their painful sunburns. What gives?

Sunscreens are now part of most kids’ summer routines, but that doesn’t mean that all kids are perfectly protected.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sunscreens are often less effective than parents think, because they aren’t applied correctly. And parents sometimes skip protecting dark-skinned children and babies. Here’s how to get the best-possible sun protection for your brood, starting now.

All skin types need protection

Sun protection isn’t just for freckle-faced, blue-eyed kids, says Adelaide A. Hebert, MD, professor and director of pediatric dermatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. The sun doesn’t miss anyone. Sunburns may not be as visible on kids with darker complexions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need SPF. Children with darker skin need to take the same sun-safety precautions as their lighter-skinned pals.

radiation. Many conventional sunscreens fall into this category. Physical sunblocks like those made by California Baby are made with ingredients that physically block the sun’s rays. They’re becoming increasingly popular with parents seeking a more natural option.

So which is best? The safest option, says Hebert, is to use both. Look for a combination product, like those made

by Bull Frog or Helioplex. Or buy two, a conventional sunscreen and a physical sunblock, and layer them.

Is a higher SPF better?

An SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB radiation; an SPF 50 blocks 98 percent.

Above SPF 50, the additional protection is minimal, says Steven Q. Wang, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Also, since SPFs usually don’t measure protection against UVA radiation, which doesn’t cause sunburn, but can still damage skin, “sunscreens with very high SPFs can create a false sense of security, prompting consumers to stay out in the sun longer,” he says.

Sprays can be spotty

Spray sunscreens seem heaven-sent when you’re wrestling with a wiggly, impatient tyke. Not so fast — Hebert says parents using sprays often miss spots or don’t apply enough. “A spray sunscreen is still better than no sunscreen,” she says.

“And the sprays are getting better all the time.” But for now, a tube or bottle may be your safest bet.

Apply early and often

Two types of sunscreen

Staring down the sunscreen aisle at the drugstore can fluster even the most informed parent. Natural, baby, spray, sweat-proof — each passing year brings new innovations and more confusion.

How can parents quickly and easily choose a sunscreen that’s right for their brood?

Forget about the multitude of subcategories and formulations, and focus on the two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens like Coppertone actually absorb ultraviolet

8 MetroKids.com

To get the full benefit of sunscreen, your application needs to be up to par.

Many people don’t use enough, and sun protection is compromised further by water play, toweling off, even windy conditions.

For best results, apply every two hours to clean, dry skin. The best time to apply the first coat is in the morning, when conditions are still cool, because sunblock won’t adhere as well to sweaty skin.

Infants need sunscreen, too

There haven’t been enough studies proving sunscreen safety for babies below six months, so parents often skip protecting them. But infants are even more susceptible to sunburn (and few things are worse than a sad, sunburned baby).

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Babies who spend lots of time outdoors can rack up significant sun exposure, even in the shade.

Hebert recommends that parents of young babies look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, a common ingredient in diaper creams. If parents are safely using titanium dioxide to treat diaper rash, a sunscreen that contains the same ingredient probably won’t cause an adverse reaction, she says.

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Clothing as sunscreen

Photoprotective clothing is the next wave of sun protection.

Brands like Coolibar, the first line to be certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation, offer clothing that blocks out 97 percent of the sun’s UV rays. These garments are great options, says Hebert, but any tightly woven, dark clothing and a hat will protect kids from the sun.

To raise the protection factor for regular clothing, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Rit Sun Guard. This laundry additive washes into fabric, giving clothing an ultraviolet protection factor (UPC) of 30 for at least 20 launderings.

On the nose

The area many people miss when applying sunscreen? It’s as plain as the nose on their face. The nose is where dermatologists find most melanomas. “Think about where kids usually get pink — the nose,” says Hebert. So protect that cute sniffer now. Your child will thank you later.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and mom.

All summer long:

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SpecialKids

Can Medical Marijuana Help Your Child?

By Peg Quann Kiera, an 11-year-old Glenside, PA girl who suffers from seizures, is sleeping much better now. So too is Grace, an eight-yearold with autism, from Harleysville, PA. Both children are using medical marijuana for their medical conditions. After three weeks, their parents believe the treatment is helping.

“The biggest change is she sleeps through the night. She used to get up at 3 or 4 in the morning,” says Grace’s mom, Kim. “She’s also putting sentences together better.”

Kiera’s mom, Vicki, says her daughter, in addition to sleeping more soundly, has improved focus. Best of all, a recent electroencephalography (EEG) showed Kiera hadn’t had any seizures, where she previously had up to 30 a day, even when taking other medications. “It was huge,” Vicki says of the EEG result for Kiera, who has a rare genetic condition that can cause a host of developmental problems, including seizures.

“I was very hesitant about it,” Vicki says of medical marijuana, but she researched and decided to try it because other medications didn’t offer much relief and had potentially serious side effects, including one with a black-box warning that it could cause death. “The side effects were worse than the seizures,” she says.

PA, NJ and DE allow medical marijuana

Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware all recently started medical-marijuana programs for people, including children, with certain medical conditions. While the list varies slightly from state to state, all three allow it to be used to treat seizures.

In Pennsylvania, autism is one of the covered conditions. In New Jersey, autism must be accompanied by anxiety, while in Delaware, a child with autism needs to exhibit aggressive behavior to qualify.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, a federal agency, says that marijuana contains chemicals that appear to reduce inflammation and have other medicinal properties, but it also warns that it carries the risk of addiction, particularly in children.

Marijuana dispensaries now open for business

In order to buy medical marijuana for a child in Pennsylvania, the patient must first visit a doctor who has been certified by the state as a participant in the program. If the doctor confirms that the child has one of 21 medical conditions approved for the drug, a parent, guardian or designated caregiver, after a criminal background check, gets a card that can be taken to a marijuana dispensary. The dispensaries, the first of which opened in Pennsylvania in February, are required to have a doctor or pharmacist on duty to consult with customers. If they have multiple locations, they can have a physician’s assistant or registered nurse practitioner at the additional locations.

“The dispensaries are much like pharmacies, a doctor will certify the patient for medical marijuana, and the patient goes to the dispensary and gets the product they think will work the best for their medical condition,” said Nate Wardle, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “Parents/caregivers should consult with their practitioner about the form of medical

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Qualified Conditions in NJ Medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana in NJ:

• ALS • Anxiety • Chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders • Chronic pain of visceral origin • Migraine • MS • Terminal cancer • Muscular dystrophy • IBD, including Crohn’s • Terminal illness, if the physician has determined a prognosis of less than 12 months of life • Tourette’s Syndrome

If the patient is resistant/intolerant to conventional therapy:

• • • •

Glaucoma Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity PTSD Seizure disorder, including epilepsy

If severe or chronic pain, severe nausea or vomiting, cachexia or wasting syndrome from the condition or treatment:

• AIDS • Cancer • HIV Positive

*See metrokids.com/medicalmarijuana for links to: Conditions covered • Dispensary locations • FAQs marijuana that would be best for their child. Parents/caregivers can also consult with the medical professional at the dispensary.”

There are two forms of medical marijuana: the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) form, which can cause a “high” and the CBD (cannabinoid) form, which does not. They come in pills, oils, topical forms, such as patches or ointments, vapors and liquids designed to treat various serious illnesses, according to the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana.

Chris Visco, president and COO of TerraVida Holistic Centers, which has three dispensaries in Pennsylvania, says she started to research the use of medical marijuana after seeing members of her family suffer from cancer. “I just stayed on top of it,” she says. Helping people relieve their pain, especially children, has been “so rewarding, more than I can ever imagine.”

With her business partner, Deena Birnbaum, she opened the centers as soon as state law allowed. Business has been brisk, she says, and she foresees the need for about 15 centers in the region to accommodate customers.

In New Jersey, there are Alternative Treatment Centers in Bellmawr, Cranbury, Egg Harbor, and Woodbridge with one planned in Secaucus. A physician registered with the program most certify that the patient has one of the qualified conditions.

JUNE 2018

SpecialKids

continued from p. 6

Lindsey Good, nurse practitioner, with CBD tinctures and capsules at TerraVida Holistic Centers in Abington, PA. (Photo courtesy of TerraVida Holistic Centers)

The experts in orthopaedic care for kids

Number of children in program remains small

Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesperson April Hutcheson said that approximately 300 children are approved to receive medical marijuana out of the 7,200 cards that have been issued. Approximately 26,000 people had applied to the program as of March.

TerraVida centers have provided medical marijuana products for about 1,850 people, 10 percent of whom have been children under 18. “We see more autistic children than any other reason for children,” Visco said.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, half of 1 percent of the 18,700 patients using medical marijuana in the state are minors. The top conditions for which they are using it are seizures, post-traumatic stress disorder and inflammatory bowel disease.

In Delaware, 21 juveniles’ caregivers have signed up to receive medical marijuana as of late March. There are 4,546 adult patients on the registry. The most common reason for which caregivers sought treatment for juveniles is seizures.

Concern for dependency risk

While marijuana is a natural substance, it still poses risks for dependency, the NIDA cautions. It says that “people who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults,” which is a dependency on the drug that can lead to addiction in some people.

Visco disputes that marijuana could be addictive, saying most children take the CBD version of medical marijuana “which has zero psychoactive properties.”

School districts continue to warn students about the dangers of dependency-forming drugs, including marijuana, but some students are now going to class while taking medical marijuana.

A parent considering medical marijuana for a child needs to weigh the risks versus the benefits in, Hutcheson said. “It’s a tool but not the only tool.”

For Vicki, whose daughter Kiera has developmental delays and suffered from seizures for years, the benefits outweigh the risk.

“If her being addicted to marijuana was the worst thing I had to worry about, it would be a blessing,” she says.

Peg Quann is a freelance writer.

JUNE 2018

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Camp

Counselors-in-Training Learn Valuable Leadership Skills

By Terri Akman For campers who want to become counselors, counselor-in-training (CIT) programs are an opportunity to learn important life skills, including leadership, first aid, and bullying prevention. In the transition from middle-schooler to highschool student, CITs can enjoy the camp environment while getting the skills they will need to be successful, empathetic, and responsible counselors.

“CIT programs are an introduction to being a leader and mentor for others,” says Tom Rosenberg, American Camp Association president. “These are emerging adults interested in having more responsibility and a quiver of skills they can apply to work opportunities as they get older.”

While it is possible to become a counselor at many camps without official CIT training, most camps prefer counselors with some formal training. CIT programs

Leaders in training at the JCC Camps at Medford.

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differ in length, from one summer to several. Fees vary as well, so check each camp’s website for details.

Transition from camper to counselor The JCC Camps at Medford call their training program LIT – leaders in training, “because so much of what the kids do is about leadership training,” says Sara Sideman, assistant director of the JCC Camps at Medford. “We want them to really grow as young adults and that gap summer between middle school and high school is a life-changing summer.”

LITs spend one summer in the program, receiving on-the-job training under the supervision of a counselor, in a bunk, a specialty program, or at the pool. In addition, they learn about social justice by designing their own service program.

“There’s a big transition between being a camper and a staff member and this is an opportunity for them to see and learn the staff side of camp,” says Sideman. “It’s a year for them to learn and grow.”

That certainly happened for Adena B. who was 14 when she attended the LIT program, says her mom, Dorie, from Cherry Hill. “I saw her make the transition from being a camper to where she was now responsible for other kids,” she says. “It took her to the next level of growing up and relating to kids on a different level.”

Now 17 and a counselor, Adena recognizes the value in that training.

“We learned a lot of leadership skills and how to interact with the campers and counselors,” she recalls. “We learned communication skills and how

to deal with certain situations we might face that we wouldn’t expect.”

For example, she discovered that getting 4- and 5-year-olds to focus on moving from one activity to the next is accomplished more easily when the kids are singing or enjoying themselves through the transition.

Shadow counselors

The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension CIT program gives the 13- to 15-year-olds skills training in the morning and work with campers in the afternoon. CITs are assigned to individual groups where they shadow counselors.

“They learn the traditions of camp, about leadership, communicating and working with the campers,” says Betsy Morris, educator for 4-H youth development for the cooperative extension.

Team-building events take place off campus, at a rock-climbing wall or on canoe and kayak trips.

“These are life skills which they can use for resume building and maybe future employment,” says Morris.

Leadership training

Noah Salmanson, 15, spent four summers, from ages 12 through 15, as a CIT at Lavner Camps. With a passion for Minecraft and robotics, the Narberth teen helped younger campers with technical projects. At the same time, he learned patience and how to be a team player as well as lead his young charges.

“I learned how to work with other people which was huge, because I used to never want or need any help,” said Salmanson. He also learned how to handle challenges as they arose.

“I remember one time where we just had to roll with it,” he says. “We had 15 campers and the internet wasn’t working.” While keeping his campers calm, he helped find and connect Ethernet cables and get everyone back online.

Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

JUNE 2018

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Sales experience helpful but will train the right person.

Send cover letter and resume to dweinmann@metrokids.com

an epic camp experience for little superheroes ages 2-5 • • • • • • • •

STEAM Projects Cooking & Sports Jewish Values & Traditions Nature & Music Swim Lessons Air Conditioned Facility Nut Aware & Allergy Friendly Lunch and Snacks Weekly Super Themes

2018

the adventure be gin june 25th s register now !

Save $100 per

camper

Welcoming families of all faiths and cultures.

katzjcc.org/ecccamps • (856) 424-4444 x1242 1301 Springdale Rd • Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

JUNE 2018

CAMP

MetroKids.com 13

CAMP 2018

Directory

BURLINGTON

Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2018! 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: Blue icons at the end of each listing indicate if a camp offers extended day care, part-day or part-week schedules, financial aid or transportation. Abbreviations denote whether a camp is ACA accredited, has a counselor-in-training program or may accommodate some special needs. 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.

Camp Creek Run 199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250 campcreekrun@yahoo.com Campcreekrun.com

DAY Get close to nature at Camp Creek Run! Located in Marlton on 50 wooded acres, we offer certified teachers; sports, arts & nature programs; fishing & boating; swim instruction; pools; archery range; nature center; hiking trails; basketball, volleyball & gaga courts; challenge course; gardens & butterfly house; and farm sanctuary.

ESF Summer Camps William Allen Middle School 801 N. Stanwick Rd., Moorestown info@esfcamps.com esfcamps.com

DAY Our award-winning programs are filled with the perfect blend of education, sports & fun. With 60+ activities for every interest, we offer the widest variety of experiences for boys and girls, ages 3-15. June 25 Aug. 24, 2018

Future Scholars Early Learning Center 1351 Rt. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport 609-518-1333 admin@futurescholarslearning.com Futurescholarslearning.com

DAY Summer Camp offers full & half days with various schedules available. Activities include field trips & in-house visitors along with moonbounce, water play, cooking classes, music & sports, just to name a few!

We continue to educate your child through our themebased activities & curriculum so your child won’t fall behind this summer. Private tutoring available.

6:30am-6:30pm.

JCC Camps at Medford 400 Tuckerton Rd., Medford 856-751-1666 jcccampsatmedford.org

DAY, TRAVEL JCC Camps at Medford enriches children’s lives by teaching values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment while building confidence, sharing successes and creating ACA CIT SN lasting friendships.

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

DAY Liberty Lake is a truly transformative experience, teaching life skills to inspire children and adults to change the world. Campers expand their talents, make friends and have the greatest summer experience ACA imaginable!

Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs 110 E. Main St. Moorestown 856-914-4493 mcameron@mfriends.org Summer.mfriends.org

DAY Moorestown Friends School offers a number of exciting summer opportunities for children entering grades 1-10. The Summer Scholars Program options include innovative and exciting approaches to science, robotics, technology, STEM, sports, design, thinking, arts, economics and more. In addition, Academic Transitions courses offer the chance for your child to improve in math, writing and study skills. Many Summer Programs Master Teachers are MFS teachers and department heads, most of whom hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities.

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge 4 Sawmill Rd. Medford, NJ 856-983-3329 cedarrun.org

DAY Walk in the woods, dig in the dirt and explore Cedar Run during our week-long nature camps.

Daily activities include hands-on experiences and experiments, visits with native wildlife, games and creative play. There’s a special session just for you.

Don’t miss out, sign up today! Camp runs weekly June 25-August 24 for ages 3-13. CIT SN

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Camp Invention Multiple locations throughout Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey 800-968-4332 campinvention@invent.org Campinvention.org

DAY Camp Invention’s all-new summer program, Fast Forward, shows children that even the wildest and craziest ideas can become reality! Campers in grades K-6 will create a vehicle of the future, design a mechanical robot dog and build futuristic dream homes.

Local educators lead the week of fun, hands-on, STEM activities that encourage children to think big, explore their curiosity and never give up! Visit campinvention. org or call 800-968-4332 to register.

iD Tech www.idtech.com 1-888-709-8324

DAY iD Tech is the world’s #1 summer STEM program for ages 7-18 held at 150 prestigious universities including Princeton University, Monmouth University, The Hun School Of Princeton, University Of Pennsylvania, Rowan College- Mount Laurel. With world-class instructors and innovative courses in coding, game development, robotics, and design, our programs instill in-demand skills that embolden students to shape the future.

Learn more at iDTech.com.

ISC Summer Day Camp of Cherry Hill

DAY ISC is the place to be this and every summer!

Open all summer long! June 18-Aug. 31 Roller skating, indoor sports fields, arts & crafts, special guests & so much fun every day! Additional Options: Field trip, swim trips, sports camps and enrichment camps available. Mon.-Fri. 7am-6pm. Flexible scheduling.

Daily rates. Weekly tuition payments. Lunch, drinks and snacks included!

3 Locations (Deptford, Cherry Hill & Mt. Laurel) 856-428-8588 Intsports.com

Lavner Camps!

PA, NJ and DE 610-664-8800 info@lavnercampsandprograms.com Lavnercampsandprograms.com

DAY, RESIDENTIAL Lavner Camps is the Leader in Summer Enrichment Camps. As the #1 CAMP EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS, TECHNOLOGY, & THE ARTS, we have AWARD WINNING SUMMER CAMPS at 14 Philadelphia Metro, New Jersey & Delaware locations, with 35+ Specialty Camps to choose from... an INCREDIBLE summer camp experience awaits for your child! Our Cutting-Edge Summer Camps include Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Robotics, Minecraft, Coding, Game Design, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Film & Lots More! Our New Jersey location is at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill. Additional camp locations in NYC, Manhattan, Washington DC, St. Louis MO, Nashville TN & Los Angeles CA! Ages 6-15, Co-ed.

Space is limited, register now!

ACA

CAMDEN COUNTY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill 856-424-4444 ext. 1242 donnasnyder@jfedsnj.org Katzjcc.org/ecccamps

DAY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC is the place for little campers to have big fun! Children enjoy creative arts, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, supervised by loving and professional staff.

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 2018

Directory

OUTLYING AREAS

CAMDEN COUNTY

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

RESIDENTIAL Echo Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay is a traditional, sleep-away summer camp with 2- to 8week sessions. Non-competitive, free-choice program.

Waterskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, crabbing, ropes course, nature, art and much more! ACA

Haddonfield Friends School Summer Camp 47 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield 856-429-6786 ext. 211 Hfsfriends.org

DAY All activities are supervised by trained, experienced, certified educators. Each session incorporates an ageappropriate enrichment theme such as music, sports, cooperative games, crafts, drama, computers, science, cultural connections, nature study & water play. Many theme weeks culminate with events, performances & trips.

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.

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. We offer a variety of activities for children to enjoy, including swimming, ninja obstacle courses, flip-training, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, arts & crafts and more.

SN

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 & 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. CIT SN

Tall Pines Day Camp 1349 Sykesville Rd., Williamstown 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 ACA programs.

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.

Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Rd. Lewisberry, PA; (717) 432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com

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 lining, rock climbing, boating, paintball and OGO balling all right here on our 1,200 acres. CIT

Camp Haluwasa 377 Ehrke Rd. Hammonton, NJ 08037 877-234-2267 Campingnj.com

DAY, RESIDENTIAL The Ultimate Christian Camping Experience! Exciting overnight & day camp programs for boys & girls ages 6-16 in a Christian environment.

Water park with rope swing, waterslides, zip-line & a sandy beach! Activities include: swimming, obstacle course, climbing walls, field games, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, ropes course, arts & crafts, and a ride-on railroad! Open House: June 16, 2018, 10am-3pm with free train tours & BBQ.

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser 201 Cushion Peak Rd., PO Box 147, Wernersville, 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 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

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

DAY, RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11-18 at Eastern University June 24-29, 2018. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Airconditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.

GLOUCESTER

OUTLYING AREAS

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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MetroKids.com 15

TIPS

5

for Your Kids’

By Jon Sutton There are many ways to spend a few hours in the great outdoors bonding with your kids, but few as rewarding and fun as heading down to your local lake or river and teaching them how to fish.

It is important, however, that they get plenty of nibbles and have the chance to reel in a fish or two — watching a float bob up and down in the water all afternoon as the fish ignore your bait is pretty boring.

You need to do everything you can so they can hook a few fish.

Bites are never guaranteed — even professional anglers occasionally have bad days. But, if you follow these tips, you can improve your chances of attracting the fish’s attention and putting smiles on your children’s faces.

1

Get a right-sized rod and reel.

It is usually a bad idea to hand your child one of your old rods.

Chances are it will be too long and equipped with a reel that is too complicated. Instead, get a 5- or 6-footlong spinning or spincasting combo, which is easy to control and operate.

Most big-box retailers and sporting goods stores sell beginner-fishing kits that contain these types of rods and cheap reels, as well as some basic fishing tackle.

2

Pick a good fishing spot.

Picking a good fishing spot is one of the most important things to teach your kids about fishing.

This not only means a place with a healthy fish population, but someplace that offers easy access to the water and bathrooms. Fortunately, there are plenty of good places for those in New Jersey.

Three of the best options include: • Bargaintown Pond offers some of the

16 MetroKids.com

best bluegill fishing anywhere, although you won’t catch many catfish there.

• You can catch plenty of bluegill and catfish in Bostwick Lake, and you may even catch a yellow perch or two.

• West Pond offers terrific bluegill fishing for the kids, and you could try to catch a carp or two while you’re there.

No matter which location you select, be sure to find a place that offers plenty of room for your kids to learn the basics of casting. Avoid places that are exceptionally crowded or have overhanging trees or other obstacles.

3

Target easy-to-catch fish.

You’ll want to target the easiest species to catch, while letting the experienced anglers to the largemouth bass, northern pike and other celebrated game fish. This means you’ll want to target bluegill (as well as their close relatives, such as shellcrackers, red-breasted sunfish and green sunfish) or catfish. Yellow perch are also found in some of New Jersey’s waters, and they’re typically relatively easy to catch.

Bluegill typically hang out relatively high in the water, while catfish prefer feeding along the bottom. So, you’ll want to use a float when targeting bluegill but tie on a sinker when fishing for catfish.

Perch may be found at varying depths, so vary your depth until you find them.

4

Use real bait, not lures.

Experienced anglers often have great success using artificial lures, but your children will usually lack the skill and finesse to animate the lures in a man-

FIRST

Fishing Trip in New Jersey

ner that’ll attract the attention of fish.

They’re also likely to snag the lure on every underwater obstacle in the area.

Worms, crickets, shrimp and leeches are all good options, as are tiny dough balls and corn.

If there is a bait shop near the water you plan to fish, go inside and talk to the staff about the best options for the location. They’ll often be able to point you in the right direction and recommend the best bait for the current season.

5

Get a fishing license.

Make sure you obtain a valid fishing license and follow all local regulations. The fees collected from licenses (and fines) are used to help conserve and manage local fish populations.

Children under 16 don’t need a license to fish in New Jersey, but you and any other adults in your party will need one to fish legally. You may also need a trout stamp, depending on the location you choose.

Just make sure that you maintain a positive attitude and try to ensure your kids have a good time — whether they catch any fish or not. Encourage your youngsters when the fishing is tough and celebrate alongside them when things go well. If your kids have a good time, they’ll surely want to try fishing again in the future.

If you’d like to learn a few more tips and tricks that can make your kids’ first fishing trip a good one, check out Outdoor Empire’s comprehensive review of the subject.

Jon Sutton is founder of Outdoor Empire.

Log on to MetroKids.com/fishing for tips on water safety while fishing.

JUNE 2018

Family Fun

Planning a trip to amusement and water parks is challenging when your kids vary in age. Plus, adults want to enjoy themselves, too! Luckily, local destinations offer plenty of joy rides, extreme thrills and everything in between.

! e m i T e r u t n Adve NEW JERSEY Casino Pier, Seaside Heights

Little kids: From kiddie coasters to racecars to mini golf, there are ample ways to entertain the youngest visitors.

Older kids: The Air Race, Sky Coaster, Shore Shot, Pirate’s Hideaway and nearly 20 other attractions can easily fill up a few hours before or after the beach.

Insider’s tip: Bring your swimsuits for the adjacent Breakwater Beach water park.

Land of Make Believe, Hope

Little kids: Those who prefer a slower pace and solid ground should check out the petting zoo and arcade. Or introduce them to rides via a handful of carnivalstyle attractions you can try together.

Older kids: This moderately sized park’s seven waterslides pack the most thrills.

The 40-foot Pirate’s Peak complex, for instance, boasts a downward dash that sails through a waterfall, tunnel and spiraling path rife with twists and turns.

Insider’s tip: Don’t skip the train ride that loops around the park; you’ll get a chance to scope out the place and warm up for the larger attractions.

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson

Little kids: There’s no shortage of options for toddlers here. With nearly 20 rides, most of which are Looney Tunes-themed, kids can try something new alongside familiar characters.

Older kids: The new Cyborg Cyber Spin is as dizzying as it sounds. Floorless gondolas seven stories high flip and pivot in an unpredictable combination of gravitational forces.

Insider’s tip: This expansive space is best navigated from back to front. Since most head to the first attractions they see upon arrival, you’ll beat the rush that reaches the area later in the day.

Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.

Diggerland USA, W. Berlin

Little kids: An expansion brings five new attractions to this construction-themed park. Get behind the wheel of farm tractors and Rugged Riders — a fleet of rough-terrain vehicles — while your child enjoys the view from the passenger seat.

Older kids: Many attractions are handson, allowing riders to safely operate the equipment — a surefire way to draw the interest of tweens and teens.

Insider’s tip: Construction can get dirty, but that’s not the case here. All walkways are paved and attractions are kept clean.

Flip-flops and sandals are forbidden on many rides, though, so close-toed shoes are a must.

JUNE 2018

Morey’s Piers, Wildwood

Little kids: Whether your child wants to gently bounce on the Jack in the Box, pedal the Magic Bikes or cruise on the truck convoy, there are a dozen kiddie rides to enjoy.

Older kids: Feeling brave? In addition to several family-oriented attractions, you’ll find four “extreme rides” that combine big air and scary-fast movements.

Insider’s tip: Each of the three piers boasts its own flavor of entertainment: Adventure Pier is chock-full of extreme thrills, and Mariner’s Landing is home to traditional boardwalk staples. Surfside Pier, meanwhile, houses family attractions such as the Great Nor’Easter.

Little kids: Ages 1-8 are the target group here. Standouts such as the tree-shaped Out on a Limb, Bubbles the Coaster and Rock Spin Roll offer the perfect balance of thrill and fun.

Older kids: Attractions are adult-sized, so siblings can join their younger brother or sister for the ride.

Insider’s tip: Bring food and drink prepared at home to snack on at the partially covered picnic area. Personal grills are prohibited.

PENNSY LVANIA Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville

Little kids: No need to find fun beyond shallow water here; the Penguin Play Bay is a zero-depth entry that lets little ones climb structures and splash around.

Older kids: Get ready for five gravitydefying drops on the 750-foot-long Storm Chaser. Grab a buddy to share the experience or fly solo.

Insider’s tip: You must have a reservation

MetroKids.com 17

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Family Fun

Win It!

PLAY

Dorney Park/Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown

Little kids: Good grief! Take your pick from 15 Peanuts-themed kiddie attractions based on tried-and-true favorites such as swings, train rides and the Tilt-a-Whirl.

Older kids: Take a spin on more than a dozen family attractions that cater to a wide age range, or show off your daring side on eight thrill rides and seven coasters.

Insider’s tip: The Boarding Pass program lets visitors with mobility restrictions or autism spectrum disorder access rides at the exit ramp at specified times to avoid crowds and lines.

Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster

Little kids: Merlin’s Mayhem, set to open this season, is the park’s first suspended rollercoaster. On board, join magician Merlin in the search for his lost dragon.

Older kids: While the venue is a toddler haven, a handful of rides are suited for elementary-age and tweens. Try the Kingdom Coaster, Sky Fighter, Double Splash Plume and Space Shuttle.

Insider’s tip: Need a break from rides?

Grab a seat to catch one of several free shows, held daily at locations throughout the park.

Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountain, Scotrun Little kids: Toddlers enjoy slides, geysers and jet skis sized just for them, plus an 18inch “deep end” at Cub Paw Pool.

Older kids: Let them wear themselves out on more than 10 slides and pools.

One standout is Slideboarding, a video game/waterslide hybrid that gets more challenging as riders improve.

Insider’s tip: Water-park access is limited to those with a reservation at the resort.

Still, lines can be lengthy, so consider hitting the water during breakfast or dinner hours.

18 MetroKids.com

Little kids: Twenty-five kiddie attractions on land and in the water park ensure your child gets the full park experience.

Admission also includes entrance to ZooAmerica — perfect for tykes who dislike rides.

Older kids: Two water attractions recently made their debut. Breakers Edge features four-person family rafts that glide along hills and make “flying-saucer” turns.

Whitecap Racer, meanwhile, is the longest mat-racing slide in the world.

Insider’s tip: Before you go, download the app. In addition to a park map, it shows estimated wait times for each ride. Also take advantage of free WiFi.

Sesame Place, Langhorne

Little kids: Booking a character meal is a great way to cool off indoors and meet Sesame Street mainstays. Elmo joins diners for breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets daily, while other characters host on select dates. An added bonus: Diners younger than 2 eat for free.

Older kids: The water park appeals to all ages. Slides, wave pools, a lazy river and a multi-level, interactive attraction provide super-soaked fun.

Insider’s tip: The park offers a “sunny day guarantee.” If it rains continuously for one hour during your visit, you’ll receive a ticket valid for any other day during the current season.

FOR DAD!

The CAT Construction R/C Vehicle turns your backyard into a kid-sized construction zone, without all the mess.

Little ones scoop and load gravel, sand or loose dirt using the motorized dump bed and shovel. (Nikko R/C; 5+; $29.99) Blowing bubbles is a perennial summer pastime.

Take it to the next level with the Gazillion Giant Bubble Mill. Pour the nontoxic bubble solution into the reservoir; push a button and watch as the wheel churns out massive bubbles perfect for chasing, admiring or popping. (3+; $29.99) BOSEbuild is a build-it-yourself Bluetooth headphone set that lets ages 8-12 customize the listening experience. Using the companion app, kids explore the science of sound via 17 activities and experiments, from learning about microphones to having a virtual food fight with 3D audio. (8+; $149)

WIN IT!

Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win these products and more!

Also check out our Summer Fun promo to win funtastic toys and prizes every day starting June 18th!

72

days of SUMMER N UA L

Hersheypark, Hershey

Does Dad think he’d be a better football coach than the pros?

Let him call the plays with the NFL Electric Football. With a PlayAction remote control, a SpeedTurf playing field, team figurines and all 32 NFL team logos, it’s a winning blend of competition and fun. (Tudor Games; $59.95)

6 TH AN

at the Camelback Resort to access the park. And with 13 slides, seven pools and two levels, as well as on-site restaurants, it’s worthy of a day or weekend trip.

fun

MetroKids.com/summerfun JUNE 2018

Family Fun

Special needs event

Editor's Pick

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

2 Saturday

Alex’s Lemonade Days. Honor those affected by childhood cancer by hosting a lemonade stand during the weekend Alexandra “Alex” Scott held her annual stand. FREE The Cat in the Hat at the Kelsey Theatre, W. Windsor. $$$ Comic Book Show at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. Vendors sell comic books, graphic novels, action figures and T-shirts while kids enjoy face painting, crafts and strolling superheroes. FREE

Travel to medieval times during Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center's Fantasy Faire, June 23 & 24.

Burger Brawl at XFINITY Live, Phila. Try unlimited samples of burgers whipped up by the area’s best chefs. $$$$ Irish Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila.

Celebrate Irish culture with music, dance, authentic food and shopping. FREE Kids’ Triathlon at the Katz JCC, Cherry Hill. Kids ages 6-13 try their hand at biking, running and swimming. $$$$ New Jersey Renaissance Faire at Liberty Lake, Bordentown. See June 2. $$$$

Fete Day at Elfreth’s Alley, Phila. Visit residential homes on the nation’s oldest street, take an 18th-century family photo and try period crafts. $$$$

South Jersey Arts Fest at Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, Elmer. See June 2. $$$$

Moorestown Day on Main Street, Moorestown. Join the community for sidewalk sales, food, a petting zoo and live entertainment. FREE

Line-Dancing Class at the Mosaic Family Success Center, Glassboro. All skill levels welcome. FREE

Native Plant Sale at the Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. FREE

Read and Pick: Strawberries at Terhune Orchards, Princeton.

Following storytime, pick a container of the fruit to take home. $$

New Jersey Renaissance Faire at Liberty Lake, Bordentown. Aerialists, sword fighting, comedy, music, fire breathing and period vendors are all part of the historical entertainment. $$$$ South Jersey Arts Fest at Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, Elmer. Browse works by local artists; watch student-based theatre, choral and dance groups; and try fare provided by local food trucks. $$$$ Strawberry Festival at Wilbraham Park, West Cape May. FREE

3 Sunday

Barnes on the Block at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. This indoor-outdoor bash features a parking-lot dance party, food trucks and art activities hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia. FREE

JUNE 2018

5 Tuesday

6 Wednesday

First Wednesday at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. Enjoy discounted admission and extended hours. $

8 Friday

Mummers Brigade and String Band Show in North Wildwood.

FREE

9 Saturday

Airplane Day at Fort Mifflin, Phila. Junior pilots fly model airplanes, chat with pilots in the control tower and discover the best places to take pics of aircraft. $$ Field Day at Mansfield Park, Mansfield. Activities include waterslides, an obstacle course, kiddie rides and games. $$

MetroKids.com 19

Game Masters: Programming From Scratch at the Franklin Institute, Phila. Inspired by the temporary exhibit, beginners learn how to build a controller and code a video game. $$$$ GM Auto Show at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville.

FREE Montgomery Rodeo at Daube Farm, Skillman. In addition to bull riding and barrel racing, check out mutton busting, stickhorse races, the calf scramble and kids’ carnival area. $$$ National Get Outdoors Day at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. Partake in a scavenger hunt on the trails. $$

Scout Day at the Funplex, Mt. Laurel. Enjoy unlimited attractions and waterpark access. $$ Totally Turtles Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See June 9. $$$

12 Tuesday

Night Skies in the Observatory at the Franklin Institute, Phila.

Stargazers of all experience levels watch a planetarium show, partake in hands-on astronomy activities and grab a telescope to see what’s in the sky. $$

13 Wednesday

Promise Walk for Preeclampsia at Fasola Park, Deptford.

Raffle baskets, a silent auction and designing a quilt square promote awareness of survivors of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. FREE

Storytime: Giraffes Can’t Dance at All Fired Up!, Collingswood.

After the tale, kids paint a giraffe. $$$

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Street Fair on Broad Street, Phila. The festival comes to a close with this bash that features performances, experiments, food vendors and art-making opportunities spanning City Hall to South Street.

FREE

Flag Day and Father's Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Through June 17, view the flag that George Washington used to mark his presence on the battlefield and check out the new family discovery center. $$$

Strawbeary Surprise and Mum Bear’s Birthday Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. Celebrate mascot Mum Bear’s birthday with crafts, games, tea and cookies. $$ Totally Turtles Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Learn about turtles, tortoises and terrapins with auditorium shows, education stations, touchable specimens and Ninja Turtles face painting. $$$

10 Sunday

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families experience the venue before it opens to the public. $$$ Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House, Phila. Through June 16, celebrate Flag Day via flag-raising ceremonies, historical programming and patriotic music. $ Odunde Fetival at 23rd & South Sts., Phila. The country’s largest African-American street festival stretches to the Schuylkill River and features a marketplace, entertainment and music. FREE

14 Thursday

Storytime: Giraffes Can’t Dance at All Fired Up!, Collingswood.

See June 13. $$$ Stripes and Stars Festival at venues throughout Independence National Historic Park, Phila. Enjoy giant flag-folding demos, a parade, performances and a naturalization ceremony. $

15 Friday

Kidchella at Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. The Pop Ups and Alex and the Kaleidoscope take the stage. $$$

16 Saturday

Disability Pride Celebration outside the National Constitution Center, Phila. In addition to the march, there will be resource tables, performances and kids’ activities. FREE Donuts with Dad at the Glassboro Library and Logan Twp., Libraries. See “Town & County,” p. 21. FREE Islamic Heritage Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. The fun kicks off with a Unity in Diversity parade, followed by family-friendly games, speakers, a health fair, giveaways and an international bazaar. FREE Scientist Saturday: Native Bees at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Meet an entomologist, learn about the buzzy lives of bees, test your knowledge during a round of “To Bee or Not to Bee” and color a bee drawing. $$$ Storytime: Giraffes Can’t Dance at All Fired Up!, Collingswood.

See June 13. $$$

17 Sunday

Father’s Day Climb at Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City. See “Town & County,” p. 21. $$ Fife and Drum Performance at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. FREE

19 Tuesday

Fan of . . . World Records

Each year, more than 800 locations in 20 countries take part in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on June 21. Join the action at The Funplex’s event in Mt. Laurel, where you’ll dive into a half-hour course that covers the basics of swimming and drowning prevention. After, make a splash at the waterpark.

20 MetroKids.com

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE History After Hours: Sailors and Sea Shanties at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Watch a shipbuilding demo and see sea shanties aboard the privateer ship. $$ Read and Pick: Cherries at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Following storytime, pick a container of the fruit to take home. $$

JUNE 2018

Family Fun

21 Thursday

Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park, Phila.

Help strike out ALS with this fundraiser that lets fans meet players and snag a goodie bag stocked with signed baseballs and caps. $$$$

Seafood and Music Festival at the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum, Tuckerton. $$

24 Sunday

Fantasy Faire at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. See June 23. $$

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at the Funplex, Mt Laurel. See “Fan of,” p. 20. FREE

Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards, Princeton.

See “Fab Freebie,” below. FREE

22 Friday

Italian-American Festival in North Wildwood.

See June 22. FREE

Assault on Patcong Creek in Somers Point.

After the crabbing tournament in which families complete in the Largest Crab Contest, stick around for a barbecue with the day’s catch as the main course. FREE Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Activities include animal presentations, exhibit exploration and, for adults, a beer garden. $$ Italian-American Festival in North Wildwood.

Festivities include food and merchandise vendors, meatball relay races, grape stomping, live music and the Little Miss Italy contest. FREE

23 Saturday

Atlantic City Food Truck Festival at Brighton Park, Atlantic City. Savor cooking demos, a kids’ zone and the area’s top food trucks. $$ Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer Tournament at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood.

More than 1,000 teams compete in the world’s largest sand-soccer match-up. FREE, spectators Cape May Hops Festival at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. Barbecue meets beer and live music during this family-friendly fest. FREE Fantasy Faire at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. Journey to medieval times with costumed historical characters, dancing, drumming, storytellers, sword and archery demos, and pirate games. $$ Italian-American Festival in North Wildwood.

See June 22. FREE Jurassic Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Celebrate the just-released Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom with fossil digs, and chats with scientists. $$$ Quilt and Fiber Arts Show at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Expect speakers, exhibits, demos and vendors. $$$

Town & County: Father's Day

Jurassic Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See June 23. $$$ Quilt and Fiber Arts Show at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See June 23. $$$ Seafood and Music Festival at the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum, Tuckerton. $$ Wildwoods Restaurant Week at participating restaurants, Wildwood. Through June 28, dine on a four-course meal for a set price. $$$$

27 Wednesday

Storytime: Should I Share My Ice Cream? at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. Budding artists paint an ice-cream bowl after the story. $$$

28 Thursday

By the Light of the Moon Climb at Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City. $$ Full Moon Night Hike at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. $$ Storytime: Should I Share My Ice Cream? at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. See June 27. $$$ Wawa Hoagie Day outside the National Constitution Center, Phila. Witness a 6-ton hoagie salute and enjoy a complimentary sub. Part of the Wawa Welcome America series of events. FREE

30 Saturday

Independence Day Celebration at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Activities and music usher in the Fourth of July festivities. FREE Neighborhood Arts Celebration at Dilworth Park, Phila. Part of Wawa Welcome America. FREE Storytime: Should I Share My Ice Cream? at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. See June 27. $$$ Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.

Dads are our biggest fans.

Show him your appreciation with family events throughout Father’s Day Weekend, June 16 & 17.

ATLANTIC COUNTY Got plans in Atlantic City?

Stop by Absecon Lighthouse June 17 for fresh air, fantastic views and a Father’s Day Climb, FREE for dads.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Make Pops something special for his big day during the Father’s Day Card Workshop at Westampton’s Burlington County Library on June 16.

CAPE MAY COUNTY Enjoy rides, beachy fun, a carton of Curley’s fries and FREE attractions for the big guy at Wildwood’s Morey’s Piers Father’s Day Celebration on June 17.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY Life tends to get busy, so bond over food and conservation during Donuts with Dad on June 16 at the Glassboro Library and the Logan Twp. Library in Swedesboro, complete with snacks, juice and a craft.

Happy Father’s Day

Fab Freebie

Spend the evening among family, friends and fireflies during the Firefly Festival at Princeton’s Terhune Orchards on June 24. As the sun sets, hunt for the kid-favorite lightning bugs while enjoying a host of activities, including wagon and pony rides, make-your-own wings and antennas, as well as hands-on circus workshops where you learn to juggle, spin a plate, balance feathers and walk a tight wire.

JUNE 2018

MetroKids.com 21

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Early Education Directory DAY CARE FY: Full Year AY: Academic Year SP: Summer Program MP: Meals Provided

•

PREK

•

KINDERGARTEN

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.

BURLINGTON COUNTY 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 • info@essentialbeginningslc.com 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 Bruni Square, 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 LITTLE DARLINGS CHILDCARE CENTER 624 Moorestown-Mt.Laurel Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ • 856-787-0737 Ages: 10 wks.-10 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm Come visit Little Darlings’ State-of-the-Art Child Care Center located on 2½ acres in Mt. Laurel, NJ. We offer full- and part-time care, emergency drop in and a before/ after kindergarten program. We serve breakfast and two snacks daily. Little Darlings has separate age-appropriate play areas with colorful and fun play equipment, soft surface flooring and rubber mulch. All staff is First Aid, Infant and Child CPR Certified. Tuition includes all Preschool programs as well as daily specials such as: Hands-on Science, Cooking, Spanish, Gym, Music, Art, Yoga and much more. Little Darlings offers a full range of Summer Camp activities, including Certified Swimming Lessons in our in-ground pool. Owner-operated / Security System. Rated #1 childcare center in five surrounding counties. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, TP, DHS*, DE, DYF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, NJ • 856-235-5371 • www.olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm • school@olgcnj.org Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day pre-kindergarten 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

CAMDEN COUNTY BEECHWOOD SCHOOL, PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN 441 Beechwood Ave., Haddonfield, NJ • 856-429-0303 • TheBeechwoodSchool.com • Ages: 2½ yrs.-K Preschool, Kindergarten, Childcare. Beechwood School is a family-owned, independent, statelicensed school since 1951. We offer both half-day and full-day classes year round for children 2½ through kindergarten. Call for a tour. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DYF PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHERRY HILL 1875 Rt. 70 East., Cherry Hill, NJ 8856-242-0034 • www.primrosecherryhill.com Ages: 6 wks.-Pre-K • Hours: 6:30am to 6:00pm Primrose Schools® is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. Our Franchise Owners, Leadership Teams and School Staff partner with parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and in life. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, MP, DA, SN, NAEYC

22 MetroKids.com

CAMDEN COUNTY (continued) 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 Infant/Toddler Day Care, Flexible Part-Time Nursery Programs, Half- & Full-Day Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, & Parent/Child Classes. Enriching curriculum, based in Jewish values, in state-of-the-art, child-friendly facility.

Program allows children to develop cognitively, academically, socially and emotionally and encourages the development of their inner resources: curiosity, creativity, imagination, independence, love of learning and self-esteem. Children will learn reading readiness, science, math, language, social studies, music, art, swim, gym & Jewish holiday and cultural celebrations. STEAM is incorporated to encourage creative learning and problem solving.

Facility includes age-appropriate classrooms with learning and play centers, computer labs, 3 playgrounds including indoor play structure, indoor pool, gym & secure entrance. Contact for free tour. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE, NAEYC SHINING LIGHTS PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE CENTER 1720 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ • 856-424-4915 www.shininglightsonline.org • Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:00am-6pm M-F Bible-based curriculum designed by our degreed director and certified teachers focuses on your child’s individual needs. Each classroom boasts hands-on exploration and discovery promoting learning centers. Small class sizes allow a variety of programs, which include: field trips, holiday shows, cooking projects and themed days. State-of-the-art security system and fenced-in playground. FY, AY, SP, DA, DYF SOUTH JERSEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 406 Church Rd., Sicklerville, NJ • 856-728-2001 www.sjchristianacademy.org • Ages: PK - 7th Grade • Hours: 8:15am-3pm M-F South Jersey Christian Academy offers an affordable Christian education for students, Preschool through 7th Grade, in the South Jersey area. We educate today’s children to be tomorrow’s Christian leaders. AY, BS, AS

GLOUCESTER COUNTY BUILDING BLOCKS CHILDCARE Applewood Dr., Logan Township • 856-975-6247 www.buildingblockscc.vpweb.com • Ages: 6 wks-12 yrs • Hours: 24 hours Building Blocks Childcare is a 24-hr. home care facility. We have daily age-appropriate activities.

We also go on local trips to the park and library, as well as field trips. We are very flexible and have rates from daily to rates that include overtime. We also accept Rutgers vouchers. Rutgers Resource and Referral. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, SN HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ • 856-467-6811 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*

BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 19020 267-520-7200 • http://brightbeginnersacademy.com Ages: 6 wks.- 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

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Deadline: July 1, 2018

1. Submit 2. a photo of your natural, good-looking kid to MetroKids.com/coverkids

Finalists Selected for in-person interviews with

modeling, acting coaches and photographers.

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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: CoverKids’ 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.

It’s easy to tell when our students feel a sense of accomplishment!

Private Special Education … an Option You Should Know About!

Sometimes, it starts with a twinkle in the eye. Just a little spark of curiosity that soon blossoms into a journey of discovery, learning and achievement. That’s because at our private special education schools, we see beyond a child’s disability, and awaken the joy and creative expression within.

Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life. Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment.

Students at our special education schools experience a school day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.

With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational training, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. Our New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support … along with plenty of smiles.

These unique services are provided at NO COST for families.

Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child. Our staff can help answer your questions.

To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at 1-800-697-8555 or visit SpecialEducationSchools.org

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