2 018 S U MMER C AMPS GUIDE
Heart Prints Center Summer Camp Combines Fun Themes With S.T.E.A.M Education
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rom fairytales, to dinosaurs, outer space and more, Heart Prints Center Summer Camps allow children to explore some of their favorite things. And because Heart Prints combines fun themes with S.T.E.A.M. education, camp also is jam-packed with learning. The foundation of the Heart Prints camp curriculum is S.T.E.A.M. -- Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. To offer a true S.T.E.A.M. program, multiple disciplines must be integrated within an activity, said Heart Prints Assistant Director, Julie Byrnes. Children explore, experiment and create in every single Heart Prints camp. Literacy is also part of the program. “At Heart Prints, we believe that children learn much from following their own interests and natural curiosity,” Ms. Byrnes said. “Our teachers are skilled in supporting their explorations and utilizing children’s interests to introduce them to science, math, artistic expression and more.” Take S.T.E.A.M Fairytales Camp, where boys and girls will be introduced to basic engineering concepts alongside fun activities around princesses, knights in shining armor and castles. Campers will be challenged to select building materials and construct their own castles, with experimentation and self-expression encouraged. Heart Prints also always makes time for kids’ most important work, which is play, Ms. Byrnes added. Free play time and outdoor exercise on the playground and gardens are scheduled daily at camp. On rainy days, children engage in active games indoors. “The best camp experience takes into account the whole child, and that’s what we are committed to doing,” Ms. Byrnes said. 4 4 4
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Early Years is Proud to be YOUR Community Learning Centers
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ith currently six locations across the northern regions including Allison Park, Butler, Cranberry, Gibsonia, Ross and Valencia they stay focused on one key component – the growth and well-being of the children in our community. For over 25 years, Early Years Community Learning Centers has been taking care of children in the North Hills and has continued to grow and expand to meet the demand for their educational services. Their latest expansion is the Valencia location, a convenient location on Route 8 located between the Allison Park and Butler facilities. “We are all about making the entire experience for our parents and kids enjoyable, easy and educational.” – Maureen Bergdahl, CEO-President Owner Early Years Community Learning Centers All their locations are highly-secure and nut-free environments. They accept children from six weeks old through to third grade. Early Learning programs are taught at each age group and encompass play learning and social interactions. Our Toddlers ‘learning through play’ and creative activities. Pre-K class prepares for kindergarten with the curriculum which aligns with PA learning standards and C.O.R.E. Focus is on literacy and STEM. And all Early Years Community Learning Centers are Keystone STARS Accredited. This special designation, through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Services, indicates that Early Years achieves the highest standards possible for child care centers that go above and beyond meeting the standard necessary qualifications. “Be sure to keep a look out for future locations, as well as kindergarten services, as we continue to grow to better serve the community that we live in and love”, Mrs. Bergdahl exclaims. To learn more about Early Years and their services, visit www.EarlyYearsInc.com. 444
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Backyard Flag Football!
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amily, Faith and Football…Backyard Flag Football - the league that not only teaches the game of flag football, but also respect, good sportsmanship and most importantly life lessons! Are your kids looking for a change of pace - something new and different to do on a Sunday afternoon? Look no further! Backyard Flag Football Association is hosting its 33rd season beginning Sunday, May 6. All games will be played at McKinney Soccer Complex in North Park. We would like to offer all children ages 4-17 in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas the opportunity to participate in an organized team sport, learn the game of flag football, meet new friends and have fun! Join as an individual or a team…if you have 1 or 2 friends, neighbors or relatives that would like to participate, we will place you on the same team. Don’t miss out on the fun of Backyard Flag Football…visit www.backyardflagfootball. org to register online or print a form and mail it…Click on the Players of the Week and Photo Gallery tabs to get a glimpse of what goes on each week. If you have any questions, please call the Backyard Flag Football Hotline at (412) 318-4557. 444
Summer Camps Directory Backyard Flag Football
Penn State Beaver Summer Camps
Camp Deer Creek
Shady Side Academy
Early Years Community Learning Centers
St. Joseph High School
Hampton Township School District (HTSD)
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
www.backyardflagfootball.org (412) 318-4557 www.campdeercreekonline.com (412) 767-5351
www.EarlyYearsInc.com
www.ht-sd.org (412) 492-6393 / (412) 492-6357
www.beaver.psu.edu/camps (724) 773-3700
www.shadysideacademy.org/summer (412) 447-2230 (724) 226–4932 www.SaintJosephHS.com
www.stpaulsumc.com/summer (412) 486-5591
The YMCA
www.katiesclaystudio.com (412) 486-2184
www.bcfymca.org Butler YMCA (724) 287-0045 South Butler (724) 352-4541 Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA (724) 452-9122
Little Farmers Day Camp at Blue Ribbon Farms
Trust Arts Education Summer Camps
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Wexford Acting Studio
HeartPrints Center f or Early Education www.heartprints.org (724) 741-1008
Katie’s Clay Studio
www.blueribbonfarmsinc.com (412) 974-1650 www.olsh.org/apps/pages/ summercamp (412) 262-3300
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust www.trustarts.org/education www.wexfordactingstudio.com (412) 491-2416
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KIDS & EDUC ATIO N
Little Farmers Day Camp
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ittle Farmers Day Camp is an experience that your child will never forget. Let your child be entertained, educated and amazed by the everyday wonders of the farm. Enjoy this beautiful 138-acre farm located close to Moon Township. Experience life on the farm with hands-on interaction. Imagine your child bottle feeding a new born calf, riding a pony, holding and petting a bunny from our rabbitry. How about feeding and caring for lambs, baby goats, ducks, chicks, and pigs. Or better yet learning to care for and cultivate an expansive garden. Collecting eggs from the chicken coop and preparing dishes such as homemade pickles and strawberry jam or goats milk fudge..all from items on the farm. However farm life is not all work. Crafts, games, nature walks also round out the day of work, play and learning. Rain or shine there is always something happening. New this year is a climbing wall, a rabbitry, a greenhouse and lots of new baby animals. We are always looking for new experiences for return campers. For more information, visit blueribbonfarmsinc. com, or call (412) 974-1650. 4 4 4
St. Paul’s UMC Summer Children’s Ministries
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he preschool is offering two full weeks of summer camp. “Story Book Adventure,” is June 25-29 from 9:00 AM – noon. “High Ho, High Ho It’s Off To Kindergarten We Go,” is July 9-13. Kidz Venture runs weekly from June 18 – August 10. Creative Arts & Things Camp is June 18-22. Vacation Bible School is a free day camp from 9 AM – noon for children 4 years old through 5th grade. Registration is required for all programs. Visit www.stpaulsumc.com or call Donalee Miller, (412) 486-5591. 4 4 4
Student of the Month
Kate Lipscomb By Paula Green
Saint Kilian eighth grade student Kate Lipscomb, 14, recently found out that she has been named as a 2018 Carson Scholar. This prestigious fund was established in 1994, and it awards college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities.
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ccording to Stacye DeJulius, director of marketing for Saint Kilian Parish School, “Kate was chosen from more than 8,000 gifted students from across the country. Her academic achievements and service to her community made her stand-out as a future leader. She will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship that will be invested for her college education, as well as a medal and certificate. She will also get a name plate that will go on the trophy with previous winners from Saint Kilian Parish School (Thomas O’Toole (2016) and Luke Phillips (2017)). Kate will be honored on Saturday, April 7, at a banquet at Heinz Field. We are very proud of her accomplishments.” When it comes to academics, Kate excels. “I am a straight-A student and am taking geometry this year. I am involved in many extra-curricular activities including forensics, our spring musical, PRSEF (Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair), student council and school choir. I also volunteer at our Extended Day Program,” Kate said. In addition to her academic success, Kate is committed to helping out within her community. “I am a Girl Scouts Cadet. I am a junior cantor and altar server at Saint Kilian Parish. I participated in the passion play, Make Us Believers, at St. Alphonsus Church in Pine Township,” Kate added. Kate resides in Cranberry Township along with her parents Amy and Eric Lipscomb. She has two older brothers Ryan and Ethan and one younger sister Julia. As far as for her future aspirations, Kate wants to either be a teacher or a veterinarian. 4 4 4 www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2018
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