NW Kids Magazine June 2014

L I V E • PLAY • DO

magazine

13 NW FAMILY CAMPGROUNDS SUMMER JOBS FOR KIDS AN INTERVIEW WITH HANNAH VIANO PRESCHOOL & DROP-IN CAMPS

nwkidsmagazine.com

June 2014

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EDITORS’

Corner

It’s hard to believe June is here, but it really couldn’t have come any sooner. With the school year pretty much behind us, and warmer months of play ahead, we are ready to jump in. We have already begun planning our camping trips and the weekend excursions that will get us out together enjoying all the things we love about summer. Bathing suits worn from sunup to sundown, soft-serve ice cream cones, the smell of the campfire left on our sleeping bags, s’mores, berry picking and the night skies filled with stars.

As memories go, we probably have more of summer than any other time during our childhoods. Sure, we loved school, learning, field trips and performances, but nothing trumps our memories of summer. What we learned during the summer, we could never have learned in school. These are the intangibles we hope our kids can still experience, so they can look fondly on their own childhood summers.

This month we help you prepare for the next few months. Be sure to check out our feature on some NW family friendly campgrounds. There may be a few you haven’t tried! And if you’re looking for ways to start your kids on earning some spending cash this summer, we have some ideas on the kinds of projects that may put a little money in their piggy banks. And don’t forget dad this month. Father’s Day is right around the corner. We provide a cool DIY Animated Dragon card template for your kids to make and give.

We’ve also compiled some of our favorite outings for the month of June. With the kids out of school, it can get a little daunting trying to figure out how to keep them busy every day (if we only had a pool in the backyard and grandparents around the corner), but luckily for us; Portland and the surrounding area are chock full o’fun.

If you need suggestions or have an idea or event to share, be sure to check out our online calendar or message us on Facebook. We’re here and happy to help. Now, let’s get back to planning that epic family summertime adventure.

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, Kelley & Beth

Cover and Contents Photography courtesy of SHELBY BRAKKEN PHOTOGRAPHY shelbybrakken.com

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Contents JUNE 2014

8 Notes From A Coach 10 An Interview with Artist and Author Hannah Viano 14 13 Family Friendly Northwest Campgrounds 17 Found Around Town: Camping Gear for Kids 18 Learning to Earn: Summer Jobs for Kids 22 Best of Portland and Beyond: Our Top Picks for Getting Out this Month 26 Resource Guide: Preschool & Drop-in Camps 28 Tips for an Unplugged Summer 30 DIY Animated Father’s Day Dragon Card

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Listings Aadland Dental............................................ 27 Backyard Playplaces..................................... 31 Barre3 ............................................................ 2 Beanstalk...................................................... 11 Bella Organic Farm....................................... 13 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio....................... 25 Clackamas Speech....................................... 11 Clean Energy Works..................................... 11 College Nannies............................................. 7 Eco Maids....................................................... 7 French Prairie Gardens................................. 11 G6 Airpark...................................................... 7 Glendoveer Tennis........................................ 15 GoodTime Chinese School........................... 13 Kruger’s Farm............................................... 25 Laughing Planet........................................... 13 Laurelwood Brewpub................................... 7 Legacy Health................................................ 3 Little Fruit Farm............................................ 21 My MasterPiece Art Studio.......................... 19 Mount Saint Helens Institute....................... 25 North Portland Orthodontics....................... 25 Omega Gymnastics...................................... 19 Oregon Hope Chinese School...................... 11 Peg Stilts...................................................... 15 Pizazz Baking Camp..................................... 19 Portland Aquarium...................................... 31 Portland Children’s Dentistry....................... 13 Portland Language Arts.............................. 27 Portland Rock Gym...................................... 15 Portland Trampolines..................................... 9 Precision Elite Gymnastics........................... 15 Rising Star Chinese School.......................... 11 Schoolita Alegria.......................................... 19 Scuola Italiana di Portland.......................... 19 Spielwerk Toys.............................................. 27 Summa Academy........................................ 27 Southwest Community Center.................... 19 The Kids’ Backyard Store................................ 9 The Oregon Garden...................................... 27 The Vintage Pearl......................................... 25 Trinity Lutheran School................................ 21 Westside Montessori International............. 25 Whole Foods Market.................................... 32 World Forestry Center.................................... 2 World of Smiles............................................ 21 CORRECTION: In the May issue we misprinted the Yoga Continuum’s URL. It should have been yogacontinuum.com.

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magazine Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator Brenna Burke brenna@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

Printed locally; Please recycle.

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO

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Notes from a Coach: Healthy Tips & Ideas for Keeping Kids Active

By JOEL NEWMAN

From Coach to Coach As Soccer Shots has grown from a couple hundred players to several thousand a year, I often find myself coaching coaches, rather than players. Lately, when advising new coaches, I’ve been borrowing two themes from the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) “Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice”. The themes teach coaches to meet players wherever they happen to be in their development and then challenging them from there with tangible goals.

MEET PLAYERS WHERE THEY ARE Don’t take one-size fits all approach to working with say “3-4 year olds” or “1st graders.” Sure you can read charts on the typical social, emotional and physical development of a given age group, but the individuals on your team are bound to be all over the spectrum of any given characteristic.

As you get to know them, you’ll find they are all unique and that none will fit squarely in the “average development” box.

My advice is to carefully observe your players interaction with the physical environment and their peers at practice in order to learn their interests, abilities and developmental progress. They will show you who and where they are through their actions and once you know where they are, you can begin to coach them up from there, customizing your style, games and discussion topics for the team.

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HELP CHILDREN REACH CHALLENGING AND ACHIEVABLE GOALS So you’ve come to know your players as individuals, taking into account their emotional, physical and social development.

You’ve met them “where they are,” now what?

Now you can take them up to whatever their “next level” is, by challenging them from wherever they are. In Mihaly Csikszentmihakyi’s book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, he studies people becoming effortlessly absorbed in activity. Many adults become immersed in sports the way children become immersed in play and that immersion can be exhilarating.

He cites two conditions essential to those times of maximum “flow:” • Th e challenge of the activity must be so great that one must be actively engaged to overcome it (challenges that are too simple become boring) • The challenge must be overcome-able; the goal must be achievable (goals known to be too far out of reach cause engagement to decline) Our own Coach Kailyn tells a story about this “achievable factor,” which many educators may call being in the “zone of proximal development.” When she becomes frustrated that her puppy won’t listen to her, Kailyn’s mom suggests that the puppy may not yet be capable of following the direction. Similarly, with kids, we need to be sure that they are developmentally capable of doing what we ask.

Getting to honestly know one’s players, really seeing their actions and listening to their interests takes time, but it gives you the tools to structure more meaningful practices that benefit everyone. Coaches who are able to create activities and environments that present tangible challenges in their players “zones” will be creating environments children not only absorb themselves in and enjoy, but also benefit and develop from.

Joel Newman coaches and runs Soccer Shots of Portland, a fun, noncompetitive soccer program for kids ages 2-8. Joel holds a BA in Religious Studies and an MBA from OSU. For more information, email joel@soccershots.org.

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An Interview with Artist and Author

HANNAH VIANO by CAT WIESE OF GREEN BEAN BOOKS

If you have ever been on a hike in the Columbia Gorge or gazed upon majestic Mount Hood, then you might agree the Pacific Northwest is a magical place. Hannah Viano perfectly illustrates this magic in her debut children’s book, S is for Salmon.

Originally from the East Coast, Hannah has found a home amongst the tall Douglas Firs and sandy shores of Seattle. When I sat down to ask her a few questions about her work, she revealed some tidbits from inside her own artistic world.

How does it feel seeing S is for Salmon, your first published book, out on the shelves in bookstores?

It feels great; I am so in love with this project.

It’s been amazing to see it go further out into the world, and into more hands and hearts.

Do you have a favorite letter of the alphabet? What was your favorite letter to illustrate in your book? Was there a particular letter in your book that stumped you?

You seem to have a real connection to nature. Do you enjoy any specific outdoor activities? Do you have a favorite outdoor spot that you like to visit?

I like more than I have time for, sailing, climbing, skiing, running, and just sitting on a quiet rock somewhere to sketch. I am in Seattles’ Discovery park often and it has become a very special spot for me in the city.

“A” has become my fave, and maybe jellyfish.

Lichen was one I kept putting off ‘til last.

Having come from the East coast, what brought you to the Pacific Northwest?

I just rambled out here, stayed for a guy, then parted with the guy but found I’d fallen in love with the place in the meantime.

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Do you have a person, place, or anything else outside of yourself that inspires you?

Do you have any advice for budding young artists out there?

So many people places and things, I love old Japanese papercut and block print art, and I love to see what my peers are doing with paper as well.

Just make art. And keep your eyes open; there is so much to inspire us all around. I’m also a big fan of keeping a sketchbook/journal to look back on and save up good ideas for later.

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist? When did you start creating? What’s your favorite part about being an artist?

What was your favorite book growing up?

I’ve always been an artist, but art always had to squeeze in around outdoor and adventurous pursuits. As mom to a little one it gave me a chance for art to occupy a larger part of my life while adventures became a little shorter and closer to home.

What can we expect from you next?

What drew you to paper cutting versus other media?

Its clean lines felt modern to me while still being an art form of the hand.

Do you prefer the black/white contrast in your work? How do you feel about the colors added in S is for Salmon?

I was nervous I’ll admit, but I love how it turned out and it’s made me dabble in color more and more.

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The Summerfolk by Doris Burn!

I’m working on a children’s story where a small boy gets to go on an adventurous journey up to Alaska to meet his crusty old grandpa….sea planes, whales, floating houses, what could be better for a young naturalist/ ninja/superhero wannabe.

Cat Wiese loves knitting warm things, reading books, drinking tea, and hiking through the depths of her imagination!

Her favorite books include picture books with offbeat characters and whimsical illustrations. Come explore with her! greenbeanbookspdx.com

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HOUSE ROCK CAMPGROUND

13 FAMILY FRIENDLY Northwest Campgrounds Article and Photographs by KELLEY SCHAEFER-LEVI

Whether your family is new to camping or you are a seasoned crew of stargazing backpackers, our corner of the U.S. offers some amazing opportunities to leave the city behind and camp with the family. Either by tent, yurt, trailer, guard station, forest fire lookout or cabin, we are lucky enough to be able to “camp” for most of the year. You have your choice of rustic, USDA forest service run campgrounds with vault toilets and no showers or more structured state campgrounds with all kinds of amenities, from Junior Ranger programs and showers to swimming pools, playgrounds and more. If your family is anything like mine, you like to mix it up. Sometimes, we go by tent, other times we like to sleep in a yurt, and we love to stay in cabins during the winter months. There is no shortage of how you can experience the Pacific Northwest and camping at whatever level of comfort you require. Here is a short list of spots, tried and tested by the lot of us at NW Kids. Be sure to check out each park for their season and rates.

Oregon: JESSIE M. HONEYMAN MEMORIAL STATE PARK

HOODVIEW CAMPGROUND

The best of coastal lake camping and one of the larger campgrounds in Oregon, Honeyman has something for everyone.

Check out the sand dunes, ocean beaches and two freshwater lakes, one for floating and exploration, and the other for motorized boating activities. Don’t miss the huckleberries in late summer, early fall. Reservations recommended. oregonstateparks.gov

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HONEYMAN STATE PARK

Alpine Lake camping on Timothy Lake.

Campground hosts large and small sites, some remote. Kids can fish, swim, hike, explore, and soak in the mountain air. Reservations recommended. fs.usda.gov

HOUSE ROCK CAMPGROUND Little known campground on the confluence of Sheep Creek and the Santiam River for those seeking a less populated camping experience. Easy 1-2 mile hike for kids along a lush path above river and endless opportunities for quiet discovery. Check out House Rock. Reservations Recommended. fs.usda.gov continued on p. 16

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LITTLE FAWN CAMPGROUND Tent camping for families and small groups in the Deschutes National Forest on Elk Lake. Kids can hike and bike trails around the lake, float, swim or fish. Reservations Recommended. fs.usa.gov

LOST LAKE RESORT AND CAMPGROUND A classic Oregon campground experience with paved paths for bike riding, pedal boats, an old-tymey general store and woodcarved, life size Big Foot. Beachfront Lake access offers long days on the lake, and don’t miss the stellar views of Mt. Hood. No reservations for camping. lostlakeresort.org

NEHALEM BAY STATE PARK Oregon beach and bay camping at its best.

Kids can treasure hunt for agates and shells, ride ocean waves, bike paved paths, build sandcastles or head to Nehalem bay to kayak, float, swim or wind surf. Reservations recommended. oregonstateparks.org

LOST LAKE RESORT AND CAMPGROUND

UMPQUA LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK Yurt campers delight on Lake Marie.

Motorized boats are prohibited. Park is central to Oregon Sand Dunes. Kids can explore the Umpqua Lighthouse, fish, swim, ride paved paths, discover tide pools. Reservations recommended. oregonstateparks.org

TUMALO STATE PARK Minutes from Bend, this park is close to amenities, but feels remote. Kids can enjoy fishing and floating on the Deschutes River, look for deer foraging for food and gaze at the stars in the Eastern Oregon sky. Reservations recommended. oregonstateparks.gov

WALLOWA LAKE STATE PARK Glacial lake camping with tons of family activities in Eastern Oregon including miniature golf, horseback riding, go-karts, hiking, swimming and fishing. Check out the Junior Ranger programs. Reservations recommended. oregonstateparks.org

LOST LAKE RESORT AND CAMPGROUND

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Western Washington: CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT STATE PARK Kids can explore expansive Washington beaches and wooded groves, discover tide pools, ride paved paths, boat, fish, and hike trails. Adventure abounds. Reservations recommended. parks.wa.gov

MORAN STATE PARK (ORCAS ISLAND) Head North and experience camping in the San Juan Islands. If you’ve always wanted to check out the islands, summer camping is a great way to do it. The park is surrounded by water and over 30 miles of hiking trails. Kids can unplug, explore island life Washington style and discover! Reservations recommended. parks.wa.gov

IDA CREEK CAMPGROUND

FOUND

around Town

Mini Grizzly backpack

by Lafuma at Next Adventure, $20, nextadventure.net

Kids Headlamp by Black Diamond at REI, $19, rei.com

A small and serene campground on the banks and confluence of Ida Creek and the Icicle River.

No RV hookups. If you’re looking to get lost, this is the place to do it. Not far from the bustle of modern Bavaria in Leavenworth, which kids love. Pack in and pack out. No reservations. fs.usa.gov

WILLABY CAMPGROUND (LAKE QUINAULT) Located on the South shore of Lake Quinault, this forest service campground is rustic and beautiful. Like most of the Olympic National Forest, lush beauty abounds and there are limitless ways to relax and have fun. Prime real estate for fairy house builders. No RV hookups.

No reservations. fs.usa.gov

NEW TO CAMPING? SEE P. 24 TO SEE HOW YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING STARTED.

Ladderball Game by Eastpoint at Dicks Sporting Goods, $35, dickssportinggoods.com

Woobie Sleeping Bag by Kelty at REI, $65, rei.com NW Kids Magazine | 17

LEARNING TO EARN: SUMMER JOBS FOR KIDS

Article and Photographs by LAURA JOST

When I was a kid, we got creative in our attempts to earn a non-allowance income before we hit the minimum wage for employment. Once, while my mother was indisposed, my elementary school-aged sister and I opened the garage, put out a sign, and held our very own, ill-priced “garage sale.” We were sample girls at my dad’s grocery store until we got thrown up on (and by “we”, I mean my sister). We picked worms, which turned out not to be a big seller. I also had the classic summer of babysitting, except I spent most of my time making sure a typically naked, five-year-old escape artist wasn’t drowned in the bottom of the pool. With three aggressive kids to peel apart, entertain, and feed, it’s no wonder the family dog had time to scare the kids’ rabbit to death… literally. I hope I’ve learned at least enough to be able to guide my children in more appropriate and profitable efforts.

Kids these days are working for themselves and have all kinds of options! Even if they’re a little younger or you are on the

protective side, there are many things they can do to earn a little spending (or saving) money. From basic needs right in your neighborhood to more creative projects, our kids are generally capable and eager to do a little work. And if they’re spending their own hard-earned money, they’re more apt to learn lessons about quality, value, and the difference between need, really want, and “I just kinda want this right now because it’s right in front of my face”.

Social media is a great way to advertise your kids’ business ventures. Help your children set reasonable expectations and prices. And, no matter what age your worker bee is, I would recommend making at least one visit to any home in which they’ll be spending time to check it out and ensure you have the appropriate contact information.

Age isn’t always telling of whether your child is ready for a specific responsibility, so some initial supervision may be appropriate, but here are some earning ideas: continued on p. 20

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vacationing neighbors; basic (chemical-light) housework; accompany folks who need help with groceries or errands; wash cars and autodetail; tutor or reading buddy.

You might have a kiddo with special skills, so think outside of the box! They can sell handmade paintings, ceramics, jewelry, soaps, candles, or cards; knit, mend clothes, or do other textile work; bake goodies (accommodating specialized diets can bring big bucks); teach music lessons or sports to less-experienced kids; hold summer camptype activities or special parents-night-out group babysitting events with friends; arrange planted pots or cut flowers; style and/or do hair and makeup for other teens for special events; or edit digital family photos.

AGES 4-6: pull weeds, pick up rocks and pinecones, or dig holes; “extra” housework like washing their face prints off of your windows and scrubbing baseboards; water outdoor plants; sell lemonade, goodies, and outgrown toys/clothes; feed pets; chef ’s helper.

AGES 7-10: bathe pets; sweep and rake; pet-sit small, caged animals (like fish) in your home; shovel snow; sell fresh-cut herbs and surplus garden bounty; yard poo clean-up; supervise and entertain younger children for in-home, adult-attended events like parties or BBQs. AGES 11+: mow lawns; walk appropriatelysized, well-behaved, and licensed dogs; babysit (babysitting classes provide vital and marketable skills) or be a “mother’s helper” (keeps older kids busy while a parent is working or focusing on newborn care in the home); simple home visits and feedings for nearby pets; water gardens, take in mail, and/ or roll trash cans to the curb and back for

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Laura Jost has been a courtesy clerk (aka, counted some of the grossest beverage cans you can imagine), sold lottery tickets and tuxedos, sung in bars and at weddings, worked in software, and loves to write for the readers of NW Kids, but nothing compares to her career as “mom.”

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Best of Portland and beyond OUR TOP PICKS FOR GETTING OUT THIS MONTH

June

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JUNIOR ROSE PARADE June 4 This one’s for the kids!

Watch Elementary and Middle School marching bands, preschoolers on bikes, dance teams, and kiddos parade down Sandy Boulevard with their pets in the nations oldest and largest children’s parade; 1-2pm. rosefestival.org/event/junior-parade

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SCANDANAVIAN MID SUMMER FESTIVAL – OAKS PARK June 14 Celebrate the solstice and this 86 year-old Portland tradition, Scandinavianstyle, with music, dancing, food, crafts, a special children’s area and best of all; the raising of the Maypole. $3 for children, $6 for adults and $15 for families; 11am-6pm. scanheritage.org

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PRIDE PARADE June 15 What can we say? We love the spirit and message of Pride, not to mention all of the beautiful rainbows. This Portland treasure begins downtown (West Burnside & North Park Blocks) at 11am.

Dress up and be fabulous! pridenw.org

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

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KRUGER’S FARM – FARM TUNES Thursdays starting June 19 Bring a picnic, take a hayride out to the u-pick fields or just relax on the pastoral farm while listening to local music. This familyfriendly concert series features some of the Northwest’s most popular jazz, rock and bluegrass bands. $10 per car or bicycle, bus or walk in for free. 6:30-9:30pm. krugersfarmmarket.com/harvestfestivals.html

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FESTIVAL OF BALLOONS June 20-22 This 3-day, non-stop event in Tigard is not-to-be missed. Watch as the magnificent hot air balloons rise at dawn (5:45-6:15; weather permitting) and stick around for a pancake breakfast. The festivities continue all day and well into the evening with shopping, games, live music, carnival, and the ever popular “Night Glow.” tigardballoon.org

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CANNON BEACH SAND CASTLE CONTEST June 21 The oldest running sandcastle contest in the Northwest turns 50! Come watch the master builders or build one yourself. Small group and children’s divisions, too. Registration closes June 20th. cannonbeach.org/ businesses/SandcastleContest

Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day.

Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month

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SUNDAY PARKWAYS – NORTH PORTLAND June 22 Get out and enjoy this beloved community event that celebrates biking, walking and rolling through some of Portland’s favorite neighborhoods.

Ride the 9.5 mile route along scenic Willamette Boulevard stopping at local parks along the way for all sorts of food, music and fun. 11am-4pm. portlandoregon.gov/transportation/58929

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SUMMER FREE FOR ALL MOVIES IN THE PARK June 26 This year Portland Parks and Recreation kick off the Summer Free For All at historic Peninsula Park with a special documentary by local teens (Through the Years, Through Our Eyes: A Teen View of Peninsula Park), with premovie entertainment by School of Rock. Don’t forget to bring a snuggle blanket! 6:30pm. portlandoregon.gov/PARKS/ article/489142

OREGON STATE PARKS – LET’S GO CAMPING Weekends starting June 27 Camping made easy! This fantastic, guided camping experience is perfect for the whole family. Learn the basics, tricks, and tips (like fire building and dutch-oven cooking) for a fun-filled weekend in nature. Oregon State Parks provides all the gear; no tent or sleeping bags required. $30 per family; call (888)953.7677 to register. oregonstateparks.org

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Preschool and Drop-in Camps Preschool Camps AHSC YU MIAO CHINESE IMMERSION PRESCHOOL Ages 3-10. Mid June through Mid August ahscpdx.org/ym_summercamp.html APRENDE CON AMIGOS Ages 3-6. Late June through Early August aprendeconamigos.com/summercamp CHINESE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Ages 4-10. Mid June through Mid August caisoregon.org EARLY LEARNING MATTERS Ages 3-6. Early July through Mid August strongthinkers.com HANDS ON ART & PLAY Ages 2.5-6. Early June through Late August handsonartandplay.com/summer_camps PORTLAND PARKS & REC Ages 2-6. Mid June through Late August portlandoregon.gov/parks MONTESSORI OF ALAMEDA Ages 3-6. Early July through Mid August montessoriofalameda.com/programs/ summer-camp THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Ages 3-5th grade. Late June through Early August intlschool.org/summer

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THE PORTLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL/CAMP VIDA Ages 3-6. Mid June through Mid August portlandmontessori.org/camp-vida WILDWOOD NATURE SCHOOL Ages 3-5. Early July through Mid August wildwoodnatureschool.com/summercamp-information

Drop-In Camps & Childcare DROP N PLAY Drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. dropnplay.com KIDS KLUBHOUSE Drop-off childcare for ages 30 months-12 years. kidsklubhousepdx.com STEVE & KATE’S CAMP Buy any number of Day Passes and use them anytime. Automatic refund at summer’s end for unused day passes. steveandkatescamp.com WE VILLAGE Drop-in playcare for ages 2-12. wevillage.com YOGA SHALA KIDS Drop-in childcare for ages 3-12. yogashalapdx.com/day-care.php

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TIPS FOR AN

by NICOLE FRAVEL

UNPLUGGED SUMMER School is out. It’s the second week of summer vacation and the kids are bored. Sound familiar? Before you give up and plug them in for the summer, consider the benefits of exploring nature, reading, spending time with family and friends, and even daydreaming.

Many kid-friendly activities are low-cost and require little advance planning or specialized materials.

PLANT A GARDEN Backyard or container gardening rewards children’s efforts with a tangible product. Set aside a portion of your garden or yard that belongs solely to your child, provide him or her with child-sized tools and then let him or her choose what to plant, or even whether to plant at all.

Master Gardener Chris Eirschele reminds parents that there are all different types of gardeners and all different types of gardens.

She cautions that pushing kids to “dig in” may actually dilute their interest. Instead, let them touch, smell, and experience soil, caterpillars, petals, leaves. Some children may be more interested in the insects or in the compost. Once

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children find what interests them, whether it’s planting or collecting insects, help them pursue that interest. They are much more likely to enjoy gardening if the motivation comes from within.

DO SOME REAL SCIENCE Nature provides countless opportunities for exploration. Children can search for bugs, start a rock collection, or even join a citizen science project. Meaningful scientific research often requires more than one scientist working alone in a single location. Citizen science projects recruit non-scientists to assist in data collection. Since many of the projects require only observation and counting skills, even young children can participate. According to Susan McCarthy, an educator for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, “engaging kids in citizen science projects helps them to understand where the facts that they find in books and online come from.” More importantly, “they see that their actions are important to the world.”

The National Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Watch program is a great starting place for

younger children. Parents can create customized scavenger hunt checklists suitable to children’s ages and the habitats they will explore.

Then, children simply get outside and see how many plants and/or animals they can find.

Another simple project, the Lost Ladybug Project, involves counting and photographing different species of beetles.

FOLLOW INTERESTS TO THE LIBRARY Once children start exploring the great outdoors, they will have questions about what they are observing. Both the Multnomah and Washington County libraries offer plenty of specialized reading lists that include both fiction and nonfiction titles for specific topics.

Parents and children can also request personalized lists by emailing the librarians directly.

Even though the focus is on an “unplugged” summer, Internet-based research to support outdoor exploration is appropriate. Learning how to actively use computers and digital media as tools is very different from passively receiving media as entertainment.

RECONNECT TO FAMILY TIME Depending on the child’s age, some of these projects will require parental support. However, resist the temptation to fill every moment or to become the entertainment director.

Boredom fosters creativity, and letting your child take the lead develops independence.

The parent’s role is that of a facilitator who points the way and then steps out of the way.

The long-term goal is for children to learn to identify and pursue their own interests, using the tools available to them and seeking help when needed.

Taking time to unplug, for both children and parents, may lead you to discover new things about each other and to create some cherished memories.

MORE UNPLUGGED RESOURCES: National Wildlife Federation nwf.org/Be-Out-There.aspx Lost Ladybug Project lostladybug.org/participate.php Chat with a Librarian answerland.org or multcolib.org/ chat-librarian Screen-Free Week screenfree.org AMF Free Bowling freesummergames.amf.com Free Museum Day freemuseumday.org/pdx.html Summer Reading Game multcolib.org/summer-reading

Nicole Fravel is the director of Wildwood Nature School, offering preschool classes and summer camps in NW Portland. You can reach her at nfravel@wildwoodnatureschool.com

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DIY ANIMATED FATHER’S DAY

DRAGON CARD

For detailed instructions on how to make a card from the template below, visit madebyjoel.com/2012/06/diy-animated-fathers-day-dragon-card.html

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