March 2012 Our Kids Magazine

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The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Parents

March 2012

Life Lessons Learned at

Camp Director Dad

Steven Spielberg Making Home Safe for Baby it O Vis

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CAMP DIRECTORY SEE PAGE 21

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Our Kids | March 2012

Free Spring Break Family Days Famous Faces Tuesday, March 13, 2:00–4:00pm Wednesday, March 14, 2:00–4:00pm Thursday, March 15, 2:00–6:00pm Art Making: Create screenprints and sculptures.

Strike a Pose: Family photo booth, only Thursday (4:00-6:00 pm).

15–minute Family Tours: Pick up free tickets in the AT&T Lobby (2:30 & 3:30 pm).

Film: Dropping in on Andy Warhol: All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No reservation required.

McNay Art Museum 210.805.1768 6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209 mcnayart.org

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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contents march 2012

volume 29 • number 3

12 23

departments 6 On the Web March Featured Web Content

8 Editor’s Note Child Proofing is a Necessity

10 FYI Kids Camp ETS Scholarships Kids Writers Contest

17 b.a.b.y.

Baby Breathing

features Dad: An Interview 12 Director with Steven Spielberg The famous director talks about his kids, his childhood and his new movie, The Adventures of TinTin.

14

How to Make Your Home a Boo-Boo-Free Zone We all hear the horror stories about children who scald themselves by turning over a pot of boiling water on the stove, become entangled in the cords from the window blinds or nearly suffocate by playing with a seemingly harmless balloon. “But that can’t happen to my child,” you think. “I’m a good parent.” News flash: It happens to good parents all the time, and it CAN happen to your child.

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

on the cover

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Our Kids | March 2012

12 Director Dad Steven Spielberg 14 Making Home Safe for Baby 21 Life Lessons Learned at Camp

21 Camps Kids Learn Life Lessons at Camp

34 health sense The Life-Saving EpiPen Dealing with a Knocked-Out Tooth

48 Your Kids in Our Kids Springtime Fun

calendar 37 Highlight 43 Family Theater 44 Ongoing Exhibits

advertising 15 b.a.b.y.

24 Camp Directory 45 Classified

coming next month!

• What’s in a Name?

Caitlin and Luis for

Fiesta Especial 2012 Royal Court Join us for a family-friendly Fiesta experience on April 20th & 21st at Rackspace (5000 Walzem Rd) from 10am-10pm. There will be food, games, crafts, and kids activities.

Parade on Saturday! Come out and support Fiesta Especial!

For more information: www.fiestaespecial.com Ability Pediatric Therapy and Kids in Motion sponsoring Caitlin and Luis on Fiesta Especial’s Royal Court!

Fiesta Especial is an official Fiesta San Antonio event created for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental differences and the family and friends who love them.

Speech, Occupational and Physical www.abilitypediatrictherapy.com

344-KIDS (5437) March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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on the web

OurKidsSanAntonio.com

Your Go-To Source for Parenting Information on the Web March Contests

Spotlight

Win Passes to Natural Bridge Caverns

Picky, Picky, Picky!

Win two adult passes to experience the vast and beautiful underworld, where time and nature collide to create the breathtakingly majestic and natural phenomenon known as Natural Bridge Caverns. See gigantic towering columns, crystalline “soda straws,” during this adventure your family will never forget. Five lucky winners will be selected.

Deadline to enter is 4:30 p.m. March 19. Sign up for the Natural Bridge Caverns adventure passes at www.ourkidssanantonio.com.

Does your son demand macaroni and cheese at every meal? Does your daughter refuse everything but grapes and peanut butter sandwiches? Parents of picky eaters are easily frustrated, and no wonder! Here’s a look at why kids become such choosy eaters and what parents can do to successfully broaden their horizons.

Win a Winner!

Here’s a great way to learn a new language and have fun as a family. KLOO® is a multi-award-winning game, created by Finan Enterprises, that takes new language learning to the next level by incorporating a tangible item that resonates with all ages. Within seconds, children start making sentences, learning words and racing through France or Spain as they play; first one to the capital wins! Enter to win it (by March 31, 2012) at NAPPAawards.com.

3 More Ways to Stay Connected

• “Like us on Facebook – facebook.com/OurKidsSanAntonio • Follow us on Twitter @ourkidsmagazine • Subscribe to our FREE enewsletter at OurKidsSanAntonio.com

PLUS: ■ An easy-to-use digital edition of this month’s issue ■ A searchable Calendar of Family Events ■ Family Friendly Business Directory

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Our Kids | March 2012

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March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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editor’s note

By Cynthia Ladson 8400 Blanco Road, Ste. 300 San Antonio, TX 78216 SanAntonio.Parenting@parenthood.com Tel: 210-349-6667 Fax: 210-349-5618 Visit us online at OurKidsSanAntonio.com PUBLISHER Pat Ramotowski, ext. 214

Childproofing is a Necessity

E

ach year 12,000 youngsters ages 0 to 19 die from unintentional injuries and more than 9.2 million are treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal injuries, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

Released in 2008, the report shows that unintentional injuries, such as those caused by burns, drowning, falls, poisoning and road traffic — are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in the United States.

Falls were the leading cause of nonfatal injuries each year, accounting for 2.8 million children being treated in an emergency room. For children less than 1 year of age, falls accounted for more than 50 percent of nonfatal injuries.

The CDC report found that suffocation rates were highest for children younger than 1. Rates for fires or burns and drowning were highest for children 4 years and younger, and children 1 to 4 years of age had the highest rates of nonfatal falls and poisonings. Surprisingly, the report found that behind falls, one of the leading causes for nonfatal injuries for 1-4 year olds was being stuck by or against an object. To view a CDC video on child injuries and prevention visit www.cdc.gov/safechild/about.html#video.

While I don’t think we can prevent all accidents around the home, there are some measures caregivers can take to try to lessen the chances of a negative outcome. In this issue of Our Kids, local freelance writer Bonny Osterhage looks at some of the more common accidents around the home and offers childproofing tips from Sergio Vega, training specialist in the Child Health and Safety Department at University Hospital.

Spielberg and More Also, enjoy a feature on producer and director Steven Spielberg about fatherhood and his latest movie. And as always, stay abreast of the latest family friendly activities and events around the city with our monthly calendar.

Happy reading!

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Our Kids | March 2012

EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, ext. 215 Calendar Editor/Proofreader: Marion Zamora Copy Editor: Emilie Jordan-Michael ADVERTISING SALES Account Executive: Mary Anne Moffett, ext. 206 NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Cate Sanderson 7 Purdy St., Ste. 201, Harrison NY 10528 914-381-7474 PRODUCTION Production & Design Manager: Amanda Hawkins Senior Graphic Designer: Angela Rosa Graphic Designers: Wagner Chiang, Arianna Fernandez, Joshua Gonzales, Susan O, Brendon Peters, Staci Stedman-Morris DISTRIBUTION DDS, TASPAS DOMINION PARENTING MEDIA A Division of Dominion Enterprises Vice President: Gary Hibert Senior Editor: Deirdre Wilson Parenthood.com General Manager: Tom Gonzales Content & Community Manager: Amy McCarthy NAPPA Manager: Julie Kertes NAPPA Representative: Lillian Doshay NAPPA Coordinator: Joshlyn Ross

OUR KIDS SAN ANTONIO is published monthly by Dominion Media, a division of Dominion Enterprises.

Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Call 210-349-6667 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis.

OUR KIDS SAN ANTONIO copyright 2012 Dominion Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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family f.y.i.

Check It Out!

A New Way to Search for Summer Camps

If the prospect of your kids spending the summer in front of a TV or computer worries you, day or overnight camp is a great solution. But where to start? With so many programs out there, you want a perfect fit – and a fun, memorable experience for your child.

This month, Our Kids magazine introduces a new way to scout out the right summer camp for your kids, whether it’s in San Antonio, Northern California, Massachusetts, or anywhere else in the country.

Our Kids’ Camps directory, online at www.ourkidssanantonio.com, lets you peruse traditional camps or programs that focus on academics, adventure, sports, art or other special interests; religious, special needs or military camps; and even camps for families or for holiday or school vacation periods.

Search for specifics (like location, camp type or gender and ages served), or click on the directory’s colorful icons for different categories, and you’ll get a list of day or overnight camps – each with program details, photos or videos, integrated Google maps of the camp’s location, and links to website and contact information. You can even comment, bookmark, print, email or post on Facebook or Twitter about a camp with the simple click of a button.

It’s the answer to that dreaded summer refrain, “I’m bored!” Head online to www.ourkidssanantonio.com and click on Kids’ Camps to get started.

Child’s Creativity Could Earn Prizes

Children in grades K-3 can win prizes for their creativity when entering the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest.

The national contest promotes the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning.

The contest, managed by member station WNED, partners with San Antonio’s KLRN-TV and other PBS stations nationwide to encourage children in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original work.

Since mid-January, PBS stations throughout the country have worked with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the contest in their communities.

Children are encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to their local stations, which will select winners and award prizes. Winners will then be entered into the national level of the contest where a panel of judges will select the winners. National winners will

10

Our Kids | March 2012

be announced and prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players will be awarded during summer 2012.

Visit www.PBSKIDS.org/writerscontest for more information including deadlines, general entry rules and contest resources.

Public High School Seniors Eligible for Scholarships Public high school seniors from throughout the San Antonio area are encouraged to apply for $1,000 scholarships from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Community Action Fund.

The scholarship program is funded by donations from ETS employees during the company’s annual employee-giving campaign, ETS Cares.

Students should contact their local guidance counselor for application information. Successful applicants will be notified of their award in late April. All applicants for the ECAF scholarships will be evaluated based on the following criteria: ■ Educational experience

■ Writing samples

■ Community involvement and activities

■ Academic transcripts

■ Demonstrated leadership

■ Need

■ Recommendations

Awards will be offered to students who are pursuing a vocational/technical, or a two- or four-year degree from accredited schools/colleges/universities in the United States.

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Apply online at www.brooksacademy.org or Call 210-633-9006 March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

11

Steven Spielberg – On His New Film and the Power of Youth

By Angela Geiser

N

COURTESY PHOTO

ot since E.T., the Extraterrestrial has Steven Spielberg had this much fun.

The legendary filmmaker’s Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, an adrenaline-pumping, motion-capture animated adventure, has opened in movie theaters across the United States. Not only is Tintin packed with “100 miles an hour” action, said Spielberg, in a recent phone interview, but it’s rich with eccentric characters and a young lead character who – as in E.T. – rises up in the face of danger.

That’s why Spielberg, a father of six, loves the story so much.

“I’ve always been drawn to the empowerment 12

Our Kids | March 2012

of young people,” the two-time Oscar-winning director said. “It’s so powerful when a young person suddenly has to take the circumstance he finds himself in into his own control … to achieve something kind of wonderful.”

The idea that the young can stand up against hardship was important to Spielberg in his own childhood and now, as a parent of teens and young adults ranging in age from 15 to 26.

Though best known for films geared toward adults, Spielberg has directed several PG-13 rated movies with major kid appeal, including Jurassic Park and Disney’s new release, War Horse.

Tintin, however, is the first PG-rated movie targeted

PHOTO BY ANDREW COOPER

Director Dad

At left, Co-producers Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson work together on the set of The Adventures of Tintin, from Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures.

COURTESY PHOTO

mainly at kids that Spielberg has directed since Hook in 1991 and his former favorite, E.T., in 1982.

He discovered The Adventures of Tintin, a comic book series by the Belgian artist Hergé, in 1981.

He loved the art, the story and the tenacious lead character, Tintin. When he first approached Hergé about making it into a movie, Spielberg was unaware of the comic’s legions of followers in Europe and of the 150 million books that had been sold since Tintin debuted in 1929.

A self-proclaimed “scaredy-cat” who was terrified even of Disney’s Fantasia as a kid, Spielberg said he didn’t want to make Tintin too scary for children.

There is an element of danger in the film, however, so it’s best for ages 7 and up.

As a parent, Spielberg said, he also was “responsible not to put any potty humor in Tintin and yet, still keep it mature enough, so the kids will not feel that we’re talking down to them.”

Spielberg spent 28 years, off and on, on the project. Due to a change in script, production company and lead actor, movie production didn’t begin until the mid-2000s. He and his colleagues then spent five years developing the script and visual style, animating the film and adding effects.

Spielberg had more control over Tintin than any other film, doing more tasks than he usually does, even lighting his own sets.

“Because this is animation, I can do things over again to get them to meet my original vision,” he explained. “Not since E.T. have I enjoyed myself as much as making Tintin.”

Family First Spielberg put his heart into the animated adventure, and he approaches his role as a father in the same way.

When his first son, Max, was born in 1985, Spielberg said his “paradigm changed, and everything from that moment on had to do with my kids’ wellbeing, and my career suddenly became second.”

Now that his children are older, the key to parenting is being a good listener, he said. He tries to be mindful and empathetic, and if any one of his kids tells him, in so many words, that he’s spending too much time at the office, “I will always drop everything and go meet those needs. That’s the priority.”

“They always need mom and dad, and I am either there with my kids or my wife [Kate Capshaw] is, but they’re never without us.”

Among the activities he and his kids enjoy doing together are caring for their 12 horses and watching movies.

Spielberg’s kids have grown up with the work and energy surrounding the production of Tintin and he’s shared with them the film’s evolution. He recently was able to show them the final cut – “a wonderful reward,” he said, for the years that he’s devoted to it. ■

Captain Haddock, Snowy and Tintin are on the move in The Adventures of Tintin from Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures.

“If I had known this, I would have been a lot more intimidated on the telephone [with Hergé],” he said, chuckling.

Kid Power In the film, Tintin buys a model ship, the Unicorn, at a market, only to discover that it harbors a great secret – and that a swarm of dangerous characters will stop at nothing to get it from him.

Through the character of Tintin, Spielberg sends a positive message about youth standing up against evil, a theme that has appeared before in Spielberg movies. It emerges in E.T., where an alienated boy rescues an alien, and it returns in War Horse, where an English farm boy searches through World War I battlefields to bring home his beloved horse.

Spielberg’s interest in youth empowerment stems from his own childhood. As a skinny kid with glasses, a dyslexic reader and a Jew in gentile neighborhoods, Spielberg was at times a target of bullies. He also had to move several times, including when his parents divorced. He ultimately joined his dad in the Bay Area, graduating from Saratoga High School in 1965.

Angela Geiser is a freelance writer and a mother of two.

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

13

SAFE

& SOUND How to Make Your Home a Boo-Boo-Free Zone

By Bonny Osterhage

W

e all hear the horror stories about children who scald themselves by turning over a pot of boiling water on the stove, become entangled in the cords from the window blinds, or nearly suffocate by playing with a seemingly harmless balloon.

“But that can’t happen to my child,” you think.

“I’m a good parent.”

News flash: It happens to good parents all the time, and it CAN happen to your child. That is why it is important to recognize the dangers in and around your home that, while on the surface appear harmless, can pose real hazards to a curious, active toddler or young child. How do you know where those dangers are lurking? Think like your child. Crawl around and see what is within reach that might appeal to your youngster.

In The Kitchen One of the most hazardous rooms in the house is the kitchen. It is usually a hub of activity, with hot pots and pans, oven doors and stove tops.

“The kitchen should really be a kid-free zone when mom is cooking,” says Sergio Vega, training specialist in the Child Health and Safety Department at University Hospital. “It just takes a second for a child to burn his hands on an open oven door.”

A hot oven door is just one of the many hazards.

Stoves pose an even greater threat, especially when handles are jutting out over the edge just waiting for tiny hands to reach them.

“You should always use the back burners on your stove and make sure the handles of the pots and pans are always facing the back,” cautions Vega, who adds that there has been an increase of pediatric hospital 14

Our Kids | March 2012

patients being treated for microwave burns within the past year.

“Young kids are using the microwave to heat water for instant soup and then spilling it on themselves,” he says. “Children should never be using the microwave.”

Keeping sharp cutlery put away and appliances unplugged may seem pretty obvious, but there is one kitchen hazard most people overlook – the tablecloth. While it may seem like a perfectly harmless decorative accent, the tablecloth is enticing to young children, beckoning them to reach up and pull. If the table is laden with glassware, hot dishes or candles, you can have a real disaster on your hands.

“Children can pull a tablecloth off so easily, and everything on the table comes down with it,” warns Vega.

In the Family Room Family rooms are places of relaxation. Soft couches and oversized chairs beckon families to sit and watch movies or curl up with a good book. But family rooms can also be filled with dangerous corners – literally!

Coffee tables with sharp edges and fireplace hearths pose threats to the eyes and heads of little ones who are just getting their footing. Cover edges with corner protectors that can be found at almost any baby store.

The protectors will help ensure that if your toddler takes a spill he is more likely to hit a soft spot rather than suffer a nasty cut or bruise.

If your family room is home to large pieces of furniture such as a television armoire or bookcase, make sure that these are anchored to the wall. Children love to climb and use furniture to pull themselves up. One hard tug, however, can send the entire unit toppling over.

While surveying the family room, notice your window treatments. Do you use blinds with cords?

These are major strangulation hazards, particularly the older type of cords that feature a loop on the end.

If you discover these in your home, cut the loop and then tie the cords high enough that your toddler or small child cannot reach them.

When the weather turns warmer, and you want to open the windows to air out the house, think twice – even if you have screens. Vega says warmer weather brings a substantial increase in the number of injuries the hospital sees from falls out of second-story windows, especially in apartment complexes where the bottom of the window tends to be built closer to the floor.

“Screens provide a false sense of security,” he cautions. “They simply do not hold people in.”

To prevent accidents, consider using window stops that prevent the window from opening more than three or four inches, or open the windows from the top if possible.

The Two-Story Home Two-story homes have unique childproofing issues. First and most obvious, are the stairs.

“Stairs should always have baby gates when there are small children in the home,” says Vega.

You should also be cautious about putting your child in a walker with wheels, as he can roll right off even the smallest flight of stairs and sustain a serious injury.

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In the Bathroom Even a first time, inexperienced parent knows not to leave a child in the bathtub unattended, as it takes seconds for the unthinkable to occur. But with so much focus on drowning, it is easy to overlook the other potential dangers that children can fall prey to even under their parents’ watchful eyes.

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15

themselves in hot bath water. How can you make sure the water is safe for baby? Use a water temperature tester, also available at most baby stores, and make sure your water heater is never set higher than 120 degrees F. “Anything more than that is just too hot, not to mention a waste of energy,” says Vega.

Also look out for that pesky faucet, which is at just the right height for a sitting child to hit his head.

Cover the faucet with a soft cover specially designed for that purpose. Finally, make sure the tub is clear of toys and other slip hazards, and utilize a rubber mat or colorful rubber decals to create a secure tub surface.

All Around the House While these are some of the biggest in-home hazards, there are plenty of other “boo-boo” traps for kids. To keep your home as safe as possible, make sure that all electrical outlets are covered, preferably with covers that require two separate actions to disengage.

“Those simple plastic ones can easily be pulled out,” says Vega.

Baptist Health System offers these additional safety steps: ■ Keep rooms free of small toys, plastic bags, balloons and other items that could pose a choking hazard.

■ Keep all matches and lighters out of a child’s reach.

■ Do not keep firearms in the home or, if you must, keep all gun-related materials locked up and store guns and bullets separately.

■ Install smoke alarms on every level of the home.

■ Use carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.

■ Always drain sinks and tubs, and use toilet seat locks.

■ Remove loose rugs or secure them to the floor.

■ Keep houseplants out of reach.

■ Keep cabinets with cleaners, medicines and other potentially dangerous materials locked.

Children’s safety needs change as they grow, according to safety guide Krames. “As a rule, infants need protection from safety hazards, while toddlers and preschoolers need supervision, and school-age children need help in learning how to stay safe.” ■ Bonny Osterhage is a local freelance writer and mother of two boys.

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Baby’s Breath

A Guide To the Ins and Outs Of Infant Airways

By Christina Elston

W

hat parent hasn’t stood over their sleeping infant in awe, marveling at the tiny hands, the little nose and ears, and just watching him breathe? Despite the fact that she has Mom’s eyes or he has Dad’s dimple, your little wonder is also a little mystery. Infant breathing is one of the things parents worry most about. Knowing more about the quirks of your baby’s airways can help you relax when things are normal, and take quick action when they aren’t.

Breathless?

If you’ve made that late-night visit to your baby’s quiet crib, you might have been startled by something called “central apnea.” This is when a baby stops breathing for up to five seconds, “which to a parent is an eternity,” but is really perfectly normal, says Nina Shapiro, M.D., director of Ear, Nose and Throat at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and author of Take a Deep Breath ( Jan. 2012, World Scientific), a practical guide to breathing issues for newborns through age 4.

A baby’s brain stem is still immature, and doesn’t yet do a good job of regulating breathing. But there’s nothing to fear. Your baby’s breathing will start up again as if nothing happened, and he’ll eventually outgrow this quirk.

Babies’ smaller lungs mean that infants also breathe faster than we do – 24 to 38 times per minute compared with our 12 to 20 – and their breathing rates can vary wildly, shooting from 20 to 40 breaths in just a few seconds. Again, this is no cause for alarm, explains Shapiro, who suggests that worried moms and dads count their baby’s breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by two. If the number is under 40, the baby is just fine.

One other big difference is that babies’ breathing and swallowing passages are really close together, right up near the back of the tongue in newborns.

This means that it’s easy for breast milk or formula to get into the airway. For most babies, staying slightly upright during feeding, and for a little bit after, allows gravity to keep the food where it belongs and the airway clear.

On the Nose Babies younger than 3 or 4 months can’t breathe through their mouths – except when they are crying, and this makes an especially big difference in fall and winter, when colds and flu abound.

“If they have a stuff y nose, they’re going to be miserable,” says Shapiro.

Infants with nasal congestion really struggle to breathe, and can have trouble with eating and sleep.

Hospitals send new parents home with rubber-bulb suction devices to help keep the nose clear, but Shapiro urges parents to use them in moderation. “If you see a lot of mucus, it’s reasonable to suction,” she says. “But people sometimes get a little too suction happy.”

Shapiro often hears parents say they’ve suctioned and suctioned, but aren’t getting anything out. That’s because all that suctioning has irritated the nasal passages, causing swelling that makes the congestion worse. The mucus may be gone, but the baby’s tiny nasal passage is now even tinier.

Instead of suctioning, Shapiro recommends using an over-the-counter nasal saline spray. Prop your baby semi-upright on your lap, put the tip of the nozzle into your baby’s nostril, aim the nozzle parallel to the floor (your baby’s nasal passage runs straight back, not up toward the top of the head) and squirt a few drops in. Your baby won’t enjoy this, but it will relieve the congestion and is completely safe. “You cannot use too much,” Shapiro says. “There’s no damage you can do.”

Use this trick at the first sign of congestion and your baby will breathe much easier.

Breathing Problems When something goes wrong with a baby’s delicate March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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respiratory system, things can get serious fast. Here’s what you need to know about a few common issues: ■ SIDS – Rates of this terrifying condition, which many experts consider breathing-related, have dropped 50 percent in the past decade, largely because of a huge push by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to get parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs. In addition, your baby’s crib or bassinet mattress should be firm, and you should not put your baby to sleep with pillows, toys, or fluff y blankets that might obstruct airflow. Along with these recommendations, Shapiro advises: • Keep your infant near, but in her own bed. A bassinet in the parents’ bedroom is ideal at first. When you move your baby to her own room, use a baby monitor.

• Consider a cool-mist humidifier if the air is dry.

• Don’t overheat or under-heat the house. A temperature of 68-72º F is ideal.

• Don’t smoke. “Even if you smoke outside, it’s on your clothes,” Shapiro says.

■ Respiratory Viruses – Because their airways are so tiny and their immune systems are still developing, babies are at special risk from colds, flu and

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Our Kids | March 2012

other illnesses. Most of these infections, including a common one called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), can be fairly mild or quite dangerous. Parents of babies under 6 months old should: • Immunize your baby – and your family. “Flu is a very real concern this time of year if you have a newborn,” Shapiro says. Babies can’t be immunized against the flu until they are 6 months old, and do not develop full immunity from vaccinations against pertussis or whopping cough until 7 months of age, so the best way to protect your infant is to make sure everyone in the family and all your baby’s caregivers are up-to-date with their vaccines. Adults and older children need flu shots annually, and a pertussis booster every 10 years.

• Be cautious around schools. Because being around unimmunized children and adults puts your baby at risk, Shapiro cautions parents to keep babies under 8 months old away from functions at the schools of older siblings.

Minimize the spread of viruses that siblings might bring home from school or daycare by having them wash their hands and maybe change their shirt immediately after they come home. If they’re sick, try to keep them away from the baby.

• Watch colds and other illness closely. Seek immediate medical attention for fever above 100.4º F in infants younger than 6 weeks, or if illness interferes with your baby’s ability to breathe, eat or sleep.

If your baby develops croup – a swelling of the area below the voice box, causing a cough that sounds like a barking seal – Shapiro recommends 10 minutes outdoors in the night air or 10 minutes in a steamy shower to relieve coughing spasms. If that doesn’t work, however, it’s time to head for the ER. And if your baby is sick and you aren’t sure what to do, calling your doctor is probably better than a stint in the pediatric waiting room with others who might be ill. Shapiro says most babies develop a cold sometime during the first months of life, and many of these illnesses are mild, so calling first will also save you some trouble.

Structural Problems – Most serious structural problems with babies’ airways (being born with completely blocked nasal passages, for instance) are caught in the delivery room, or in the hospital before the baby goes home. About 10 percent, however, are born with a less-serious condition called laryngomalacia.

This means the tissue above the voice box is unusually

soft, causing the baby to occasionally make noisy clucking or choking sounds. The baby’s breathing is otherwise normal, and the baby isn’t bothered by the noise, though it can distress parents. Most babies with laryngomalacia don’t require treatment and outgrow it as the tissue firms up, usually by age 6 months. A very small percentage of these babies need surgery to correct the problem.

No Need To Hover Up to 90 percent of children will, at some point, have a breathing problem, Shapiro notes in her book.

Watching your baby struggle to breathe can be terrifying, and knowing what to do about it is essential. But if your baby isn’t struggling, there’s no need for obsessive monitoring. During infancy, babies wake often enough for feeding and diaper changes that you’ll have plenty of chances to make sure yours is breathing easy.

So take a deep breath, relax and leave the cribside (but we’ll understand if you can’t resist just a peek). ■ Christina Elston is a senior editor with Dominion Parenting Media. Find her Health-E blog at Parenthood.com.

DR. CARMEN T. GARZA PEDIATRICS NEW LOCATION 2829 Babcock Rd #438 San Antonio, TX 78229 om josephineruizhealymd.com

(210) 692-9471

Serving Schertz, New Braunfels, and San Antonio areas.

Providing ABA, Speech, OT, and PT. Specializing in Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and Challenging Behaviors

210-858-9062 www.rehababa.com March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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camps

Kids Learn Life Lessons at Camp W

ith childhood obesity affecting one in five children, camps play a vital role in turning back this national trend. Camps are important partners for parents and children who want to make positive changes that keep kids active and eating right all year long.

The Culprits Health professionals agree that numerous environmental and social factors are at play when it comes to the eating and exercise behaviors of young people.

The era of “walking uphill two miles to school every day” is long-gone for most kids, and with the availability of buses and carpools, most children no longer walk to school. Playing outside is also decreasing with children spending much more time indoors than children 10 or 20 years ago.

It’s no surprise to concerned parents that many children spend too much time with inactive technology, devoting as much as three to five hours a day to TV or computer-related entertainment. Almost everyone is familiar with the Food Guide Pyramid, but not many people are as familiar with the Physical Activity Pyramid. Sixty minutes is the minimum amount of physical activity recommended for children, according to the Council for Physical Education for Children.

Ideally, children should engage in flexibility games and exercises as well as muscular fitness activities at least three times a week and actively participate in aerobics, sports and recreation daily. Such a routine, experts say, would provide the amount of exercise kids need.

Camps offer an optimal environment to encourage varying levels of physical challenges, teach lifelong active recreational pursuits, and establish opportunities to learn active lifestyle behaviors.

habits at camp, they might be able to transfer some of these behaviors when they return home.

How do camps help? For starters, camps continue doing what they do best, which is focusing on the positive development of children. Camp is, after all, for kids.

■ Camps can help children learn to like foods that are good for them by presenting good choices in a fun, safe environment.

■ Camps can provide older children and young adults as mentors for the children, to support positive, healthy behavior.

■ Camps can teach children that physical exercise is fun and can be an activity of choice over television and video games.

■ Camp environments can become the safest activityoriented learning center outside the school system by working in tandem with education and nutrition.

A Healthy Attitude at Camp Camps and their staffs make sure that camp programs offer opportunities for healthy and active living. If children begin to change some of their food and activity

Food and Nutrition at Camp Many camps look for innovative, fun, tasty ways to provide healthy choices and decision-making skills to their campers.

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

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The following list includes some “tried-and-true” techniques found at camps: ■ Teach children to alter food preferences by giving them good choices ■ Offer taste tests, expose children to new foods ■ Encourage eating breakfast ■ Offer new exercise/activity programs ■ Reduce “fast food” and junk food for snacks and side dishes (chips, cookies, candy, etc.), provide healthy options at the snack bar or camp store ■ Educate children about healthy eating and knowing when to stop eating

Physical Activity at Camp Most camp programs are synonymous with activity from walking to field games, and the best camps challenge themselves every year by offering fresh activities to draw in new campers and excite returning campers.

What works ■ Physical fitness fun with contests and games ■ Active role models at camp ■ Physical activity that doesn’t require lots of equipment ■ Activity teams or “walking buddies” programs ■ Positive feedback on the process of doing your best, emphasizing participation rather than winning or being the best ■ A wide variety of new and traditional activities, sports, and games ■ Focus on fun and gaining a healthier lifestyle Social Support If young people see peers and adults they admire, like their counselors and other campers, engaged in enjoyable active pursuits, they will likely want to model a similar behavior. If your child’s favorite counselor routinely engages in games, swimming, hiking, and other enjoyable activities, it’s easy to imagine that your child will follow suit. In the company of new and old friends, these new adventures, as well as the shared, nutritious meals are simply more rewarding.

Camps can play a vital role in contributing to lifelong patterns of exercise and excellent nutrition. Camp is a great place to offer good food, great activities, a positive environment, safe and secure location, and most of all, fun. ■

The Little Gym offers a wide variety of classes to help children ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential.

Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Enroll now for Summer camps and classes!

Alamo Heights 822-9252 NE San Antonio 545-3770 www.thelittlegym.com

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Our Kids | March 2012

Adapted from the article, “Kids and Healthy Lifestyles,” by Viki Kappel Spain; M. Deborah Bialeschki, Ph.D.; Karla A. Henderson, Ph.D. Reprinted from CAMP by permission of the American Camp Association; copyright 2006 American Camping Association, Inc. Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2006 American Camping Association, Inc.

CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Day Camp Offers Benefits Close to Home A camp experience is beneficial for a variety of reasons – camp teaches children independence, helps develop self-esteem, and allows a child to take healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. The experience helps many children develop authentic relationships with peers and adults learn to be a part of the natural world, and participate in human powered activities.

But what if you have decided that a traditional resident camp isn’t a good fit for your child? Is there a way to provide camp’s benefits without an overnight stay? Yes, there is – day camp.

Day camp is one of many camp options available to families today. It allows for children to experience camp close to home. Perhaps a child is too young for resident camp, or perhaps scheduling does not allow for extended time away from home.

Regardless of the reason, a day camp is an excellent alternative.

Just like resident camps, day camps offer a wide range of programming and activities – from sports to arts to science and education. Day camps can also offer team building activities, leadership training, and wilderness programs. It’s important to find a camp program or camp activities that best suit your child.

When selecting a day camp, there are important issues for parents to consider. Parents should considering asking the following questions when researching day camps: ■ Is the camp accredited?

■ Is transportation available?

■ Is there extended care before and after camp?

■ Will the camp provide lunch?

■ Are campers grouped by age, activity, or both?

■ Does the price include the full range of activities?

■ Are parent visits encouraged?

■ What are the credentials of the Camp Director?

Staff?

■ What are the safety procedures in case of an accident?

Camp is critical to the education of the whole child. It is an equal opportunity life changer – teaching children and youth the real life skills they need to become successful adults. A positive day camp experience can teach real life skills, develop self-esteem, and help a child gain a sense of independence and community. But most of all, children will create memories that last a lifetime.

For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

Summer At The Academy

2012

Boys & Girls, Ages 4 & older

June 4 - July 27

SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY CAMPUS (Located in historic Monte Vista) Summer Enrichment Office - 733-7331 ext. www.sa-academy.org

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New Class Titles for Summer 2012 Soccer - Bowling Acrylic-Oil-Drawing Cheerleading - Science Survival Camp - Math Lacrosse - Robotics Photography - Frisbee Baking - Dinosaurs Fencing - Pokemon

Rockets - Basketball Etiquette - Football Out on the Town - Legos Chess - American Girl Field Trips - Card Tricks Birds - Bugs - Fishing Music - Karate - CSI Model Airplanes - Yoga

Traveling Chef Star Wars - WiffleBall Medieval Battles - Film PetCare - Computers Theatre - Cooking Clay - Glass/Metal Art Reading - Dodgeball … and many more!

More than 350 Classes

Accredited By The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest

Celebrating Our 24th Year!

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Camp Directory Spring Break Camp

SPRING CAMPS

March 12-16, 2012 Located in Alamo Heights @ 5005 Broadway Street

SPRING BREAK SPORTS & TENNIS CAMP

Book your child’s next

Painting Birthday Party 210.826.7246 www.theroyalcanvas.com | cassies@theroyalcanvas.com

Green Tree Tennis Club MARCH 12 - 16 Choose from either our very popular all day sports camp or our wonderful tennis camps for elementary, middle school, or high school age players. Learn tennis; improve your tennis skills and have lots of fun in any of these camps! Contact Information: 4721 Callaghan Road, San Antonio, 210-681-5261; www.greentreetennis.com SAN ANTONIO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 305 East Houston St. San Antonio,TX 78205 210-212-4453 sakids.org This is a fun learning Engineering Camp with Legos for ages 7 – 10. Camp will be Monday through Friday, March 12-16 from 1-4 p.m. Check out our website, call or come by for more information and to register.

The Montessori School

of San Antonio Summer Camp 2012 Two-week sessions June 4 through August 3 plus One-week July 4th Spectacular Time 9:00 AM—3:00 PM Fun 'n' Fit mornings & Laugh 'n' Learn afternoons Ages 3 to 11 For More Information www.montessoriSA.org Contact: DeLisa Tracy at dtracy@montessoriSA.org

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Our Kids | March 2012

THE MAGIK THEATRE 420 S. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 210-227-2751 Magiktheatre.org March 12 – 17 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For children K - 12 Why have your child sit around the house during Spring Break when they can be exploring new skills, imagining whole new worlds and creating a brand new theater work with music and dance?

Each day of The Magik Theatre’s “Spring On Stage!” Spring Break Camp will be filled with skill-building, classes in theater games, music, dance, improvisation as well as special break-out sessions in puppetry, clowning, set design and costuming. The camp experience will culminate with the presentation of an original musical theater performance on stage on Saturday, March 19.

SPRING BREAK CAMP THE ROYAL CANVAS 5005 Broadway; 210-826-7246 www.theroyalcanvas.com Ages 6 & up March 12- 16, 2012 for half day or full day sessions. We love children, and want them to come paint with us. We have several programs that encourage and support our local children to come explore their unique talents, and in some cases, spend the day with us.

SPRING BREAK ADVENTURE CLUB WITTE MUSEUM 3801 Broadway, San Antonio 357-1910; www.wittemusuem.org Ages 7 – 12 · Call for rates Blue footed boobies? Iguanas? It’s all about nature—birds, beetles, plants, tortoises, and much, much more! Each day is filled with activities, guest expert presentations and visits to the exhibition.

Come visit us March 12 – March 16.

SPRING BREAK Theatre Camp Kids in Motion 210.897.8623 River City Kids in Motion is seeking young performers who love acting, singing, and

dancing. As well as young people who love other aspect of ART. Spring Break Theatre Camp all students will participate in an end of camp performance. Contact Tina Castile for more info and prices at 210.897.8623

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACTING UP DRAMA ACADEMY 210-508-5894 12002 Bandera Rd. #104 San Antonio, TX 78023 Http://ActingUpCDA.com Camp is a blast at Acting Up! Kids are constantly using their imaginations for crafts, games, character dress-ups, treasure hunts, pirate adventures, dragon hunting, castle building, ninja fighting, princess rescuing and maybe even water balloons!

Times are 9am-3pm with before and after care provided from 7:30am-6:30pm!

FENCING CAMP ALAMO FENCING ACADEMY 961 Isom Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216 260-3804 alamofencing@yahoo.com www.alamofencing.com Ages 8- 16 • Call for rates and schedule Fencing captures the imagination, encourages creativity and develops and builds confidence in the physical and mental skills. Please see our website for all camp information.

BILINGUAL CHILD SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Bilingual Child Academy 96 Trailcrest, San Antonio, TX 78232 210-701-8461 www.bilingualchildacademy.com Ages PreK-5th grade · 8 am – 4pm At BCA students will participate in Spanish learning, Art, Outdoor games & activities & field trips to Chuck E cheese. Enroll now to reserve your spot!

CHESS CAMP 888-65-CHESS www.chesscamp.com Chess is a great way for kids to hone strategic thinking skills! The 16th Annual USA Chess National Summer Camp Tour will be held June 18-22nd and July 16-20th 2012 at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in San Antonio, TX. Co-Ed Ages 5-15 yrs. Morning, Afternoon & All-Day Sessions, Group & Sibling Discounts.

COUNTRY HOME LEARNING CENTER www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Call 210-687-1002 for nearby location Our exceptional Summer Camp program includes daily field trips to exciting, funfilled places. Campers enjoy our Waterpark, Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground, Putt-Putt Golf Course, Gym, 1950’s Style Soda Shop, Movie Theater, Computer Lab, Horseback Riding at Country Home Ranch. Creative weekly themes add to our Campers’ cultural enrichment and total enjoyment.

ROYAL PURPOSE DAY CAMP First Baptist Church San Antonio 515 McCullough – San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 226-0363 www.fbcsa.org FOR AGES :8 weeks to 3rd grade completed/COED

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

and Resources The road to royalty begins with understanding who you are as a child of the King of Kings. Children will learn the importance of discovering their royal purpose in Christ through drama, crafts, music, interactive lessons and more. Ends with a royal graduation ceremony for parents and friends.

GLENNA WOODS GIRLS UNIVERSITY SUMMER CAMP Girls, Inc. 1209 South Saint Mary’s San Antonio TX 78210; 210-212-2576 www.girlsincsa.com Ages 8 – 12 June 11- Aug. 13 Girls University offers girls a homeaway-from-home where they have the opportunity to interact with prominent members of the community, create their very own sculptures and artwork, take field trips, and establish lifelong friendships and much more! Girls University is $100 per week and may be paid in full or on a weekly basis.

GREEN TREE ALL DAY SPORTS CAMP GREEN TREE TENNIS CLUB 4721 Callaghan Rd., San Antonio, TX 78228; 681-5261 www.greentreetennis.com Ages 6 – 16 • Call for rates Weekly sessions running Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. for juniors ages 6 – 16 yrs. old who love all sports. This camp is instructional and features the club’s popular tennis camp and “Swim America” swim lessons. Other sports include volleyball, basketball, soccer plus movie time, open swim, games and much more!

Twelve sessions are available from June 4 – Aug. 24 Save $$$ with summer package discounts plus early bird registration!!

GREEN TREE TENNIS CAMP GREEN TREE TENNIS CLUB 4721 Callaghan Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228; 681-5261 www.greentreetennis.com Ages 6 – 18 • Call for rates Weekly sessions running Monday – Friday 10 am – 2 pm for juniors ages 6-16 yrs.

Great club atmosphere to learn how to play tennis. Basic tennis fundamentals and skills along with stroke production are taught. The camp includes 20 hours of tennis court PLUS pool time! Save $$$ with summer package discounts plus early bird registration! Twelve sessions are available from June 4 – Aug. 24.

SWIM AMERICA SWIM LESSONS Green Tree Tennis Club 4721 Callaghan Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228; 681-5261 www.greentreetennis.com Ages 3 & older • Call for rates & dates We teach America to swim for fun and fitness. Swim lessons are for children ages 3 and older. Two week sessions meeting June 5 – Aug. 24. Morning and evening times available. Beautiful pool area plus experienced instructors. Classes are grouped 4-6 children/instructor according to age and skill level. Save $$$ with summer package discounts plus early bird registration!!

SUMMER “COMBO” PROGRAM TENNIS & SWIM LESSONS GREEN TREE TENNIS CLUB 4721 Callaghan Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228; 681-5261 www.greentreetennis.com Ages 5 -12 Call for rates & dates This program is for children ages 5-12 years old and runs for two weeks. Juniors will learn basic skills and fundamentals of tennis. “Swim America” Swim Lessons in the pool area! Classes are grouped 4-6 children/instructor according to age and skill level. Save $$$ with summer package discounts plus early bird registration!!

SIZZLIN’ SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP High Touch – High Tech 359-8648 Ages 5 – 12 • Call for details Parent: “What did you do at science camp today?” Child: “It was really cool, we mined for gemstones; let me show you my collection. Tomorrow we are going to explore the solar system. I can’t wait!”

Stimulate your child’s imagination and enable your own conversation, contact Mr. Sonic today!

HILL COUNTRY MONTESSORI SCHOOL 50 Stone Wall Drive Boerne, Texas 78006 Phone (830) 229-5377 info@hcmontessori.org www.hcmontessori.org Elementary - Our summer program for students 7-12 years of age is jam packed with options! We offer weekly “themed” camps with lots of activities to keep them intrigued, entertained, and involved.

HILL COUNTRY MONTESSORI SCHOOL 50 Stone Wall Drive Boerne, Texas 78006 Phone (830) 229-5377 info@hcmontessori.org www.hcmontessori.org Weekly Camps - For those families looking for a week-by-week option for their 3-6 year old, we have a selection of weekly “themed” camps to choose from.

Combining fun and learning, your child will have a summer to remember.

HIS HILL RANCH CAMP OVERNIGHT & DAY CAMP PO BOX 9, Comfort, TX 78103 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org; www.hishill.org Ages 6-18 Weekly sessions 6/17/12 – 8/10/12 His Hill Ranch Camp is a co-ed Christian non-denominational overnight & day camp offering 1 week sessions through the summer. We offer horseback riding, climbing, riflery, canoeing as well as twice daily chapel sessions. iD TECH CAMPS 1-888-709-TECH (8324) www.internalDrive.com Held at Trinity, St. Edward’s, SMU, Stanford and 60 Prestigious Universities Nationwide Summer tech fun! Weeklong, day and overnight summer program where ages 7-18 create video games, iPhone apps, C++/Java programs, robots, websites, and more. Located at 60 prestigious universities nationwide, including Trinity, March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS St. Edward’s, SMU, Emory, Stanford and others. Also special Teen programs in Gaming (held at SMU), Programming and Visual Arts. Free year-round learning! Save w/code TX32L. JUMP ROPE EXPRESS 269-0725 Coach7755@aol.com www.ezteamz.com Call for rates and dates We are currently accepting registration for our sessions. Jump Rope Express is a Jump Rope Program that strives to impact the youth of today through fitness and fun while developing self-confidence, sportsmanship, and character. This program is a great bonding experience that brings the students together and promotes comradery. By allowing them to work at their own pace, and to focus on the “fun” factor, kids achieve success. This program will inspire many young people to embark on a lifetime of fitness and develop friendships that last a lifetime.

MUSICAL ARTS CENTER OF SAN ANTONIO Stone Oak-Concord Park 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. Ste. 206 (210) 490-1500 North West (IH 10-De Zavala) 12732 Cimarron Path, Ste. 100 (210) 697-7111 www.MusicalArtsCenter.com Electric and Acoustic Guitar – Whether you want to be a real ‘guitar hero’ or want to develop mastery of the beautiful music for classical guitar – or both! - We have a guitar instructor to meet your needs.

Private Piano Lessons – More than 25 outstanding piano instructors teach in private studios each equipped with a grand piano. MACSA’s piano instructors specialize in teaching students from beginning to artist level and from ages three to adult.

From Jazz and Hymn improvisation to the most challenging of the Classical literature, we have an appropriate instructor for you!

Strings: Violin, Viola – Let our highly qualified instructors teach you the proper technique in mastering a stringed instrument. Traditional and Suzuki both offered. Voice Instruction – Classes for young singers and private instruction offered for beginners and experienced singers. MACSA’s voice teachers are classically trained singers and performers.

Styles include classical, musical theater, contemporary, and real-world – such as Rock, Country, Blues, or Latino. Topics also include microphone technique and auditioning.

OLYMPIA’S SUMMER DAY CAMP Olympia Gymnastics 6925 Sunbelt Dr. East, San Antonio TX 78218; 826-4296 www.olympiakids.com Ages 4 & up • Call for rates Olympia Gymnastics offers “definite goodtime camp”. Kids that have unlimited energy have a great time doing gymnastics and playing cooperative group games.

We also have arts & crafts and games in addition to the gymnastics. Full and halfday also extended day available. June 6 – Aug. 19, one week increments.

NEWKS ADVENTURE CAMP 325 Mission Valley Road New Braunfels, TX 78132 830-625- 9105 www.texasadventurecamp.net Ages 9 -16 · weekly sessions Exciting, action packed week of fun adventures, ropes course, rock climbing, Schiltterbahn, paintball, tubing, rafting, rappelling, caving and much more await to make this a memorable week!

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Our Kids | March 2012

EXCITING AND EDUCATIONAL SUMMER SAN ANTONIO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 305 E. Houston 210-212-4453 www.sakids.org This Summer Mark Your Calendars for Exciting and Educational Summer Camps at the San Antonio Children’s Museum!

Art and Science camps are offered in June, July and August for children ages 2 1/2 – 10. Please visit sakids.org to discover what camp is right for your child! Registration begins March 1, 2011.

SPURS BASKETBALL CAMPS Boys and Girls Ages 7 - 18 www.Spurs.com keyword: Youth 210-444-5021 Camps run June – August. Our camps have helped train kids to be better players and better people. Join us this summer and learn the game... the Spurs and Silver Stars way!

SAN ANTONIO SWIM ACADEMY 404-2782 San Antonio, TX www.saswimacademy.com Our philosophy is simple. We focus on safety first, followed by a steady progression that turns into perfection. Our classes are super small which gives us time to spend with each student and maximize their time with us.

SUMMER AT THE HALL SAINT MARY’S HALL 9401 Starcrest, San Antonio, TX 78217; 483-9124 www.smhall.org.

Ages 3 - Adult Call for rates and schedules From basketball to Ballet and from math to music, Summer at the Hall offers something for all ages and interests. Explore the many opportunities that will make your child’s summer unforgettable. Academic, fine arts, cooking, sports, field trips and for-credit classes are available for all ages 3 and up.

Give your kids an educational an enriching experience, enroll them in Summer @ the Hall!

SAN ANTONIO COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 4194 Jung Rd., San Antonio, TX 78247; 496-6033 www.countrydayschool.net Ages 3 – 11 Call for rates and schedule Come spend the summer at San Antonio Country Day School! Classes include Sleuthing, Drama, Fort Building, Art, Yoga, Spanish, Cooking and Montessori. Serving ages 3 – 11. Sports and More!

ST. PETER PRINCE OF THE APOSTLE Brain Power Summer Camp 210-824-3171 kirsch@sbcglobal.net Camps run June 4 through August 10 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ages 18 months to 10 years old. Varied weekly crafts, games, activities and field trips. Reg. $100 . Camp fee $160.

SUMMER AT THE ACADEMY SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY 117 E. FRENCH PLACE SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212 210-733-7331 EXT. 237 WWW.SA-ACADEMY.ORG Art, Photography, Film, Scrapbooking, Jewelry & Coed for ages 4 and up. June 4 – July 27 Pastels, watercolor, acrylic, drawing & painting, clay, cartooning, upcycling, glass, metal, pasta jewelry, sewing, photography,

CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

• Year Round Lessons • Extra Small Classes • Quality Instruction • 7 Locations at Spectrum Athletic Clubs • Ages 6mo and up • Your 1 stop water safety, Technical Swim and FUN

210-404-2782 www.saswimacademy.com

WORLD CLASS INSTRUCTION. STATE OF THE ART FACILITY. YOUTH FITNESS: Boys and Girls Ages 10-18 BASKETBALL TRAINING: Boys and Girls Ages 10-18 Adult Classes Avaliable Sports Conditioning Training Program at the GEORGE GERVIN WELLNESS CENTER

StrengthʼN Motion 6919 Sunbelt Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218

210-439-6273

www.strengthnmotion.com

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS scrapbooking, fashion design and more.

For the artistic among you, a series of classes that will help you express your creative spirit!

Medieval Battles King Arthur’s Court Star Wars Coed for ages 6 and up. • June 4 – July 27 A collection of classes that captures the sweep of courtly days, as well as the fun warrior games and space battles … or become a general and lead units of thundering knights into battle!

Etiquette, Baking & Cooking, Pasta, Traveling Chef, Pastries & Pies Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 These classes focus on skills and activities that center on displaying knowledge of proper etiquette, and creating culinary delights … great recipes and treats go home!

Computer Classes Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 These classes explore a wide variety of technological skills and games. From KidTech to Website Design to Adobe Photoshop to Civilization to Master Blaster to Animation. Learn to be proficient in using your computer, while having fun!

Cards, Chess, Math & Table Games Coed for ages 6 and up • June 4 – July 27 Become a champion of board and tables games by taking any, or all, of these classes. Entertain family & friends with “secret” card tricks and “thoughtful” moves. You’ll be the center of attention after these classes!

Theatre, TV Camera Action, Public Speaking, Creative Writing Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 This series of classes will provide you with a wide variety of life skills in such areas as dynamic public speaking, writing, appearing on camera, and experiencing “behind-scene” and “on-stage” action.

Legos, Rockets, Model Airplanes, Robotics, Manipulatives Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 Science & Inventions, Rockets, Forensics, Robotics, Chemistry, Anatomy& Physiology Coed for ages 5 and up • June 4 – July 27 These classes explore a wide variety of science fields. During each camp there will be experiments, observations, videos and other learning tools introduced. Experience learning in a fun environment while improving your academic performance.

Sports Camp, Cheerleading, Yoga Coed for ages 5 and up • June 4 – July 27 If you are a sports and exercise fanatic (or just love fun and games), come join us for classes in karate, fencing, soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, bowling, dodgeball, cheerleading, Ultimate Frisbee, wiffleball, golf, and Yoga.

Math Camps Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 Whether you want to learn basic math skills or plunge into the world of algebra and “probabilities,” our math camps will teach, reinforce and prepare you for moving ahead to the next level of math!

Animal Lovers Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 Bugs, birds, fishing, pet care, dinosaurs … calling all animal lovers. Come spend a week learning about and observing a variety of pets!

Reading, Phonics, Study Skills, Creative Writing, Public Speaking Coed for ages 4 and up • June 4 – July 27 These classes focus on skills and activities that will boost your confidence and strengthen your reading, writing, testing, and public presentation skills.

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Our Kids | March 2012

VIDEO GAME CREATION CAMP/ GAMEBUILDERS 888-652-4377 www.gamebuildercamp/video.htm At Gamebuilder Video Game Creation Camp your child will actually design, develop and create a one of a kind video game! Our 2012 Camps Include: Intro Video Game Creation, Video Game Creation-The Sequel Camp & Animation Creation Camp. Co-Ed Ages 8 to 15 yrs. Camps will be held June 18-22nd and July 16-20th 2012 at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in San Antonio, TX. VISUAL ARTS CAMPS SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART 300 Augusta, San Antonio TX 78205 224-1848; 210-224-1848 www.swschool.org Ages 5 – teens June 4 Aug. 17 Teaching solid basics in studio arts, SSA’s beloved Summer Art Camp inspires creativity in kids from 5 to teens. Respected faculty, historic setting, 100 amazing courses, weeklong classes, real learning.

TENNIS CAMP THE TENNIS PARK 11515 Whisper Oaks San Antonio TX, 78231 493-7777 www.thetennis park.com COED Ages 5-18 Immerse yourself in tennis. Meet new friends and enjoy on court and off court activities.

All programs are geared toward players of all levels. Our qualified pro’s deliver daily tennis instruction in a fun environment.

FAMILY FUN MOVIES IN THE PARK Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd. www.universalcitytexas.com 201-659-0333, ext. 721 All AGES Starting June 2 all summer Enjoy a Great Selection of family movies under the stars. Everyone is welcome and don’t forget your blankets and picnic basket.

Our Summer lineup includes, Cars2, Sherlock Holmes, Thor, The Muppets and Kung Fu Panda 2.

CHILDCARE PROGRAMS AUPAIRCARE www.aupair.com AuPairCare offers live in child care services.

Au pairs are flexible with your family and enrich your children. Cost of an au pair is less expensive than other childcare. For 45 hours of childcare per week about $350 / week.

AuPairCare offers a $550 discount for military families!

CAMPING ASSOCIATIONS AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, TEXOMA PO BOX 472264, Garland, TX 75047 888-559-CAMP www.acatexoma.org The American Camp Association is the CAMP resource for families. www.CAMPparent.org provides you with expert advice about camp and free searchable database or available camps.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS BOYS’ CAMPS CAMP MONDAMIN FOR BOYS P.O. Box 8, Tuxedo, NC 28784; 800-688-5789 mondamin@mondamin.com www.mondamin.com.

Ages 6-17 • $1,040 - $5,800 May 30 – August 26 Since 1922. One- to five-week sessions.

Education through wilderness and adventure.

Non-competitive, non-

CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

MUNCHKIN’S DAY OUT T/TH 9-12

www.olympiakids.com

Fall Registration in Progress • 9 Week Sessions • Morning, Afternoon & Evening Classes • Structured Classes for Children as Young as 3 • Open Gym M & W @ 10:30-11:20/$5.00per Child • Open Gym Saturday 9:00 & 11:00 • Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer/Tumble Classes • Saturday Mom & Me Classes at 9:00am • MDO Tues. & Thurs. 9-12:00 • Birthday Parties

Gymnastics & Cheerleading Skill Development & Fun For Beginners To Advanced Gymnasts

826-4296 6925 Sunbelt Dr. East 78218

Country Home Learning Center An Exceptional Child Care Program

Full and Part-time Programs for Infants and Children up to age 13 • Professionally Designed Accredited Preschool Curriculum • Country Home Waterpark and Splashdeck • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • Large Gymnasium and Basketball Court • Putt-Putt Golf Course • Arts and Crafts Lab • 1950’s Style Soda Shop • Computer Lab • Country Home Movie Theater • Horseback Riding and Petting Zoo at Adventure Quest

8 San Antonio Locations to Serve You • Now Enrolling Fully Accredited by AdvancED, a worldwide organization "Advancing Excellence in Education"

210-687-1002 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS regimented activities for goal-setting and self-confidence.

24 Months - 2nd Grade

SA's FIRST Reggio Emilia Inspired School

Teaching Judeo-Christian Values CCSD Accepted (government voucher)

$50 OFF Registration

SPRING CAMP: March 12-16 Fall Registration NOW OPEN

210-320-4427

3110 NW Loop 410, SA, 78230 • Cherry Ridge and 410

www.tjschoolhouse.com

Summer Camps 3-8 years old 1 Week Camps Intensive Music Class Puppets & Music Spanish & Music

366-3187 www.SAMusicMasters.com SUMMER PROGRAMS!

• •

June 4th – Aug. 24th 2012 WEEKLY SPORTS CAMP M-F 8:00a.m.-5:30p.m.

WEEKLY TENNIS CAMP M-F 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. (includes swimming)

GROUP PARTIES!

Spr ing B Spo reak

rts & Ten MarchCamps nis 12th – 16th

Green Tree

• Birthday • Team Sports • Perfect for Company Picnics

(easy access from all parts of town)

www.greentreetennis.com

681-5261

TENNIS CLUB

4721 Callaghan Rd.

Browse our All-New Online

OurKidsSanAntonio.com Find the perfect summer camp or activity for your child!

Call 210-349-6667 for details.

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Our Kids | March 2012

CAMP RIO VISTA FOR BOYS 175 Rio Vista Road, Ingram, TX 78025; 830-367-5353 www.vistacamps.com.

Ages 6-16 1, 2 or 4 weeks starting 6/3/2012 A Texas Summer tradition since 1921.

Beautiful facilities, fun-filled program, exciting activities and dedicated staff provide a memorable learning environment for your son. We emphasize fun, confidence and success!

CAMP STEWART FOR BOYS 612 FM 1340 Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4670 www.campstewart.com www.campstewart.com.

Ages 6-16 2or 4 weeks $1,550 - $4,200 “Low-tech”, wholesome fun, growth for boys, 70-plus activities. Ragsdale family owned, operated. Outstanding role model counselors, worldwide enrollment, homestyle cooking. North Fork, Guadalupe River.

TEXAS CATHOLIC BOYS CAMP – CAMP TECABOCA Mountain Home, TX 5045 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025; 830-866-3425 office@tecaboca.com www.tecaboca.com.

Ages 7-15 • Call for rates A boys camp with two 2-week sessions and one 1-week session offering horseback riding, archery, canoeing, swimming and bead craft, with morning prayer and evening campfire stories.

GIRLS’ CAMPS CAMP GREEN COVE FOR GIRLS P.O. Box 38, Tuxedo, NC 28784 800-688-5789 greencove@greencove.com; www.greencove.com.

Ages 7-17 • $1,040-$5,800 May 30 – Aug. 26 Since 1945. One- to five-week sessions.

Education through wilderness and adventure.

Non-competitive, nonregimented activities for goal setting and self-confidence.

CAMP HONEY CREEK 401 Honey Creek W. P.O. Box 140, Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4630 chc@camphoneycreek.com www.camphoneycreek.com Ages 6-17 2, 3 or 4 weeks, $2,250 - $3,525 Girls develop a positive attitude and grow in a caring, safe and wholesome atmosphere.

CAMP LA JITA Utopia, TX (on the Sabinal River) P.O. Box 790339 San Antonio, TX 78279 210-349-2404; www.girlscouts-swtx.org.

Ages 7-18 Check website for rate information Sports, horseback riding, canoeing, dance, crafts, backpacking, swimming, archery, photography, etc. Non-Girl Scouts welcome. Please visit our website for more information.

CAMP MIRA SOL Waring, TX P.O. Box 790339 San Antonio, TX 78279 210-349-2404 www. Girlscouts-swtx.org.

Ages 7-18 Check website for rate information

Designed for inexperienced and experienced campers. Sailing, canoeing, backpacking, cycling, swimming, crafts and more. Please visit our website for more information.

CAMP SIERRA VISTA FOR GIRLS 175 Rio Vista Road Ingram, TX, 78025 830-367-5353 sierravista.dir@gmail.com www.vistacamps.com.

Ages 6-16 1, 2 or 4 week sessions starting 6/3/2012 Small, private, traditional cam in the Texas Hill Country. A summer tradition of fun, friends, exciting activities, lifelong memories and life-changing experiences.

HEART OF THE HILLS CAMP FOR GIRLS 2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt, TX 78024; 830-238-4650 info@hohcamp.com www.hohcamp.com Ages: 6-16 2 or 4 weeks, $1,500-$4,200 Liberating all-girls atmosphere, Guadalupe River, air-conditioned. Family style dining.

Worldwide enrollment, personable! Fun, instruction-oriented, doing the right thing; more than 40 activities. Family owned, operated. iD TECH CAMPS & iD TEEN ACADEMIES Held at Trinity, UT Austin, TCU & 60+ universities in 27 states 1-888-709-TECH (8324) www.internalDrive.com Gain a competitive edge!

Create iPhone apps, video games, programs, movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight programs held at Trinity, Emory, Princeton, Stanford, and others. Small classes for ages 7-17. Also 2-week, Teenonly programs (iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy) held at UT Austin, Yale, Harvard, Duke, and more.

KICKAPOO KAMP FOR GIRLS 216 Hummingbird Lane Kerrville, TX 78028; 830-895-5731; www.kickapookamp.com Ages 7-17 1, 2 and 3 weeks, $1,350-$3,000 Kickapoo’s enrollment of 100 girls ages 6 to 17 enables counselors to give individual attention to campers and stress traditional values.

ROCKY RIVER RANCH P.O. Box 109, Wimberly, TX 78676 800-863-2267 info@rockyriverranch.com www.rockeyriverranch.com Ages 7-14 1-2 weeks, $815 - $1,630 A unique summer camp for girls ages 7 to 14. Sessions include choice of: horseback riding, drama, canoeing, swimming, dance, fishing, arts and crafts, rappelling and more.

CO-ED CAMPS CAMP BALCONES SPRINGS 104 Balcones Springs Drive Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-693-CAMP info@campbalconessprings.com, www.campiscool.com Ages 7-17 1, 2 and 3 weeks, $985 - $3,500 A premier Christian sports and outdoor camp dedicated to building quality relationships through spiritual impact and fun. Features air-conditioned cabins with a 4:1 counselor to camper ration.

CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS CAMP CHO-YEH AND CONFERENCE CENTER 2200 S. Washington Livingston, TX 77351 936-328-3200 www.cho-yeh.org.

Ages: 6 – 16 $775 1-week sessions, $1,425 2-week sessions Christian recreation camp offering a wide variety of activities and quality cabin life.

Residential; Sun. to Sat. Ten 1- and three 2-week sessions between June 3 and Aug. 11. Well-trained, energetic staff.

Established in 1947, ACA accredited.

CAMP LONE STAR 2016 Camp Lone Star Road, La Grange, TX 78945 877-452-0099; info@lomt.com www.lomt.com Ages 5-18 and families June - August Week and weekend sessions, Call or visit our website for rates. Camp Lone Star, along the Colorado River, offers a safe, Christian community committed to individual attention and uplifting, fun events for youth and families.

CAMP OLYMPIA 723 Olympia Drive, Trinity, TX 75862 800-735-6190; www.campolympia.com Ages 7 – 16 • $2,845 - $3,795 Established in 1968, Camp Olympia is an overnight summer camp for boys and girls, ages 7-16. Located on Lake Livingston in Trinity, Texas, the camp offers individualized scheduling of over 40 activities, ranging from waterskiing to golf to horseback riding, so capers get to choose the activities that interest them. Children learn responsibility and cooperation at camp while gaining independence and selfesteem.

DEER CREEK CHRIST-CENTERED ADVENTURE Bandera County, TX (outside Medina on Hwy. 337) P.O. Box 200, Medina, TX 78055 830-589-7123 pambehling@deercreekcamp.com www.deercreekcamp.com.

Ages 7-16 • June 3 - July 28 1and 2week sessions, $850-$1,700 High adventure activities including canoe, kayak, waterslide, zip line, dance, archery and field games. Deer Creek camp is a nondenominational, Christ-centered adventure camp for boys and girls ages 7 – 16.

HIS HILL RANCH CAMP OVERNIGHT & DAY CAMP PO BOX 9, Comfort, TX 78103 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org; www.hishill.org Ages 6-18 Weekly sessions 6/17/12 – 8/10/12 His Hill Ranch Camp is a co-ed Christian non-denominational overnight & day camp offering 1 week sessions through the summer. We offer horseback riding, climbing, riflery, canoeing as well as twice daily chapel sessions.

MO-RANCH SUMMER CAMP 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024 800-460-4401 ext. 250 or 253 summercamp@moranch.com www.moranch.com Ages 8 – 15 • June 3 – July 21 1 – 2 week sessions, $695 - $1,435 An opportunity to experience the Christian life, through exciting and adventurous activities. Swim and canoe the Guadalupe horseback ride the hills and have FUN!

PINE COVE CHRISTIAN CAMPS Tyler & Columbus, Texas P.O. Box 9055 - Tyler, Texas 75711 877-4-Pine-Cove www.pinecove.com Grades 2 – 12 • Call or visit website for rates and dates Pine Cove Youth Camps offer non-stop fun, recreation and the opportunity for you to really get to know Jesus.

SKY RANCH 24657 Country Road 448 Van, TX, 78790 903-266-3300, 800-962-2267 www.skyranch.org Ages 5 – 18 • Call for rates Located in East Texas, Sky Ranch is a GREAT Christian camp offering activities such as Blob, Waterslides, Zip-lines, Jetskis, paintball and so much more. Spaces limited, register today!

YMCA CAMP FLAMING ARROW P.O. Box 770, Hunt, TX 78024-0770 800-765-9622 www.campflamingarrow.org Ages 6-16 Call for rates and schedule YMCA Camp Arrow in Hunt, Texas, overnight camp with climbing walls, ropes challenge courses, horseback riding, canoeing, archery, river slide and rope swing, new swimming pool, nature studies, sports activities, campfire fun! Visit ymcacampflamingarrow.org or call 1-800765-9622.

SPECIAL NEEDS

• Weekly Classes • After School Program • Birthday Parties • Great Fun

(210) 508-5894 Bandera Rd @ 1604

ActingUpCDA.com

Look for our Childcare Preschool Finder

Coming this May!

CAMP AGAPE BEREAVEMENT Camp for Children Burnet, TX P.O. Box 1484 Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-385-8916 info@campagapetexas.org www.campagapetexas.org.

Ages 7-12 • Summer only No cost; paid by private donations Camp Agape is a non-denominational, Christian-based program that supports children and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The trained staff and volunteers are committed to sharing the belief that through Christ there is HOPE, and will provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children to heal from the pain of grief.

CAMP ARANZAZU, INC. PO BOX 1059, Rockport, TX, 78381 361-727-0800 www.camparanzazu.org Call for ages, dates & rates Camp Aranzazu is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities by providing unique camping, environmental studies, and retreat experiences to groups with special needs.

CHARIS HILLS CAMP PO BOX 1377, Ingram, TX, 78025 888-681-2173 info@charishills.org www.charishills.org Ages 7 – 18 $1,190, weekly sessions Charis Hills is a Christian Summer Camp specifically designed to help kids with learning differences (ADHD, LD, ED and Asperger’s) find success. Our focus is on building self confidence, social skills and independence.

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

33

health sense

The Life-Saving EpiPen What We All Need to Know

By Christina Elston

T

he death of a 7-year-oldd girl at her hool earlier Virginia elementary school eadlines and this year grabbed national headlines rs scrambling left school officials and others le little device to explain the lack of a simple e. that could have saved her life. eanuts and The girl was allergic to peanuts died of a severe reaction. The device is an epinephrine auto-injector, more commonly piPen. And known by its brand name, EpiPen. mong American with the food allergy rate among children at around 4 percentt (and climbing ust parents of by many accounts), it isn’t just allergic children who need too know a thing or two saving gizmos. about these potentially life-saving

Who Needs One? Epinephrine auto-injectors ors are designed to allow aining to easily inject a person without medical training lergic reaction with the someone having a serious allergic drug epinephrine, which should halt the reaction and could save the person’s life. You just remove the safety cap, hold the device against the thigh and push the plunger to release the spring-loaded hypodermic.

Nut allergies account for 85 percent of fatal allergic reactions in the United States, so people with nut allergies make up the majority of the EpiPenholding population. “Anyone who has a nut allergy needs an EpiPen,” says Roger Friedman, M.D., an allergist with Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio. But people with other types of serious allergies also have EpiPen prescriptions.

If Your Child Has an EpiPen: ■ Double Down – “Where there’s an EpiPen, there should be two,” says pediatric emergency physician Daniel Scherzer, M.D., also at Nationwide Children’s. Something could go wrong with your first attempt at giving the shot, or your child’s reaction could resume after the first dose wears off (in about 20 minutes), so that you need a second dose.

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Our Kids | March 2012

Epinephrine prescriptions include two injectors.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving one in the house and one in the car, urges Scherzer. Get two for each location.

■ Replace Yearly – Epinephrine degrades after about a year. Using an expired injector wouldn’t likely be harmful, but the medication might not be effective, Scherzer says.

■ Practice – “Things that seem simple usually aren’t when there’s an emergency,” says Scherzer.

Use the “trainer” pen that comes with your prescription, and visualize your way through the process. “Get a sense of what it feels like to push against the muscle in somebody’s leg,” Scherzer advises. Having the process fixed firmly in your mind might help you through the hesitation most people experience during emergencies.

■ Train Others – Jane Abel has been living with EpiPens since her 4-year-old daughter, Ellie, suffered a severe allergic reaction to peanut butter in a sandwich at age 2. Now she teaches anyone who

will be caring for Ellie to use one – including Ellie’s preschool teachers.

stop, so act as soon as things look serious. “Don’t wait to see what happens,” says Abel. “Give the shot.”

■ Talk Your Way Through It – Scherzer says If Your Child’s Friend Has an EpiPen: doctors in the ER think out loud all the time, and ■ First, Practice Prevention – “If we don’t eat advises it for anyone performing an emergency a food we’re allergic to, we’re never going to have a procedure. “It will help you stay organized, and it reaction,” says Friedman. Ask questions, read food provides other people an opportunity to catch things labels, or have the child’s parents send along safe and to correct you if you’re going to do something snacks for play dates at your house. wrong,” he says.

■ Take the Time to Learn – If a child with a ■ Sit the Child Down – This will help you food allergy is playing or staying at your house, pay stabilize a child who is feeling dizzy, and will help you attention to what the to keep the child’s leg still parents say about the for the injection.

■ Don’t Remove EpiPen. “I can’t overstress The No. 1 mistake people Clothing – The needle the importance of taking is designed to penetrate the time, if another parent make with epinephrine through a pair of does need to teach you, pens is failing to use them easily jeans or other pants a child to really learn it,” Abel when they’re needed. might be wearing. “Don’t says. “It doesn’t have to waste seconds,” Abel says. be a scary thing. It’s a “It goes right through.” reassurance.”

■ Hold the Device in the Middle – The “safety If You Need to Use an EpiPen: cap” on an EpiPen is on the end that doesn’t contain ■ Know the Signs – An allergic reaction can the needle, and this throws people off. Hold the impact these body systems: injector in the middle while looking carefully at the ✔ Respiratory – Wheezing, trouble breathing or label. Make sure you position the needle-end against swallowing, child complaining that his or her mouth the leg to avoid giving yourself a shot in the thumb. hurts.

“There are hundreds of cases of that happening,” ✔ Cardiovascular – Appearing pale or weak, warns Friedman.

■ Call 9-1-1 Afterward – Anyone who has had dizzy or acting strangely, signifying that blood epinephrine for an allergic reaction – even if they’re pressure has dropped. ✔ Gastrointestinal – Nausea and/or vomiting. now doing fine – needs to be taken to the hospital. ✔ Cutaneous – Hives or rash on the skin.

Calling paramedics means you don’t have to drive in If there are major symptoms from one body an emergency situation, and trained personnel are system, or symptoms from two different body there to help if the child’s reaction resumes or worsens. systems (e.g., hives and breathing problems), Scherzer Reassurances says it’s definitely time to use the injector. Find more Hearing about tragedies like the one in Virginia extensive information through the Food Allergy & sets parents of allergic kids on edge. “It keeps me Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org.

■ Don’t Hesitate – The No. 1 mistake people up at night thinking about it,” says Abel. But only make with epinephrine pens is failing to use them about 100 people die of allergic reactions in the when they’re needed. Experts stress that it’s much United States each year, and epinephrine is amazingly worse to withhold epinephrine from a child who effective against them. needs it than to give a dose to one who doesn’t.

A few months ago, Scherzer saw a 6-year-old boy “Epinephrine sounds like a scary drug, but it’s in the ER who was allergic to pistachios but had actually a chemical that’s in our bodies,” Scherzer managed to get his hands on some. He had hives, says. It is the same as the body’s natural adrenaline, difficulty swallowing, and had begun to wheeze. His and side effects from an unnecessary dose would parents had an EpiPen, but were afraid to use it until most likely be nothing more than some anxiousness Scherzer talked the dad through the process. “And the and nausea. boy got better within seconds.” ■ Watching and waiting to see if symptoms get Christina Elston is a senior editor and health writer for Dominion better on their own could make the reaction harder to Parenting Media.

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

35

health sense

Dealing with a Knocked-Out Tooth

By Sarah Niss

T

he oft-repeated mom mantra – “Oh sure, it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye!” – could just as easily apply to a tooth. If your child’s tooth is knocked out, whether on the playground or the playing field, don’t panic. Follow these simple steps to ensure the restoration of that picture-perfect smile:

If It’s a Baby Tooth …

Save it for the Tooth Fairy. Trying to reattach a baby tooth can have disastrous consequences for the permanent tooth growing behind it, pediatric dentists say. If bleeding from the mouth occurs where the tooth has dislodged, have your child bite down on a piece of clean gauze. Keep the gauze in place and avoid moving it repeatedly.

If It’s a Permanent Adult Tooth …

When an adult tooth is knocked out, the goal is to have a dentist implant the original tooth back into the mouth. Here’s what to do: • Take the tooth to a dentist as quickly as possible and in a solution that protects the tooth (preferably milk). Penny Resnick Graulich, DMD, estimates that there’s approximately a 90 percent chance of the tooth being re-implanted and stabilized if the child arrives at the dentist with the tooth within one hour. As more time passes, this percentage decreases as the cells in the root of the tooth die.

• To keep the tooth in an ideal environment while en route to a dentist, a brave parent might try to put the tooth back into place inside the child’s mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests gently inserting and holding the tooth in its socket in the mouth. But keep in mind that this could cause a choking hazard, particularly in a younger child or one who is crying or very upset over the loss of the tooth. Kavita Kohli, DMD, does 36

Our KIds | March 2012

not recommend trying to insert the tooth. Having seen teeth put in upside down or backward by well-intentioned parents, Kohli recommends letting a trained pediatric dentist handle it.

• Use milk, not water as a solution in which to transport the tooth. Water should not be used because it will dehydrate the tooth.

And while your first instinct after watching your child’s tooth fall into the dirt might be to give it a scrub in the sink, don’t do it! While the ADA does suggest quickly rinsing off any dirt or debris from a tooth that may have fallen to the ground, Resnick Graulich notes that using water to really scrub a tooth may make it impossible to reattach, since the goal is to “maintain the vitality” of the tooth until a dentist can be reached.

• Head to a pediatric dentist, if possible, since these health professionals often have the most experience re-implanting teeth and in dealing with children who are in pain or upset. Many dentists will come in after hours for an emergency, so they are still the best people to contact to avoid a long wait in the ER. If a dentist can’t be reached, try an oral surgeon or an emergency room that offers dental services.

• If a knocked-out tooth cannot be found, or you don’t make it to the dentist in time to save the tooth, your child may need a tooth implant.

While an implant (or artificial tooth) may seem scary, Resnick Graulich stresses that implants are highly successful and not to worry.

So if your child suffers an injury to his pearly whites, get the tooth, keep it in a milk solution and head to the dentist immediately. If done quickly, the tooth can be re-implanted and your child will be back to the playground in no time. ■ Sarah Niss is a freelance writer.

calendar

march

PHOTO BY TOM FROST

By Marion Zamora

All ages can enjoy the arts offerings at Luminaria.

Luminaria The Alamo City’s annual celebration of art and artists returns to HemisFair Park on March 10. The free event runs from 7 p.m.-1 a.m., featuring more than 100 artists and non-profit arts organizations in an extravaganza of music, dance, film, literary arts, theater and visual arts.

Before the evening event begins, kids can visit two H-E-B Family Areas from 5-7 p.m. – one by the Magik Theatre and the other near the Institute of Texan Cultures – for artrelated activities with folks from the San Antonio Children’s Museum. Restaurants and food vendors will be on hand with refreshments in the park. For more information, see www.luminariasa.org or call 210-212-4999.

Want more events? Go online today!

what’s inside 43 44

Family Theater Ongoing Exhibits

www.ourkidssanantonio.com March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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1 Thursday Zoo School: Animal presentation, zoo tour, circle time, outside free play, games, songs and snacks for ages 3-5 on Tue. and Thu. or Wed. and Fri. through May 25. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $250 per month.

Reservations required. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

3 Saturday Bats in Your Belfry: Find out what is threatening the Mexican Free-Tail Bat’s habitat in this Síclovía kicks off a Fit Fiesta season on March 4. region in a program on the world’s bats and their ecosystems with Kim Hoskins of Bat Conservation International. Includes a kid-friendly craft. 9-11 St. www.balletsouthtexas.org. www.ticketmaster.com. a.m. Suggested donation $3 individual or $5 family.

800-745-3000.

Salado Creek Outdoor Classroom, Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road. www.philhardbergerpark.org.

210-207-3111.

4 Sunday

Get Outdoors: Join the San Antonio River Authority and National Park Service San Antonio Missions National Park and learn how your family can take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. Event includes hands-on activities, presentations, a Radio Disney performance, exhibits from more than 50 organizations and 300 free trees. Explorer backpacks loaded with goodies will be given away to the first 1,500 children ages 3 and older. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Mission San Jose, 6701 San Jose Drive. www.sara-tx.org.

210-227-1373.

Remembering the Alamo Weekend: Historical reenactments interpret the story of the 13-day siege of the Alamo and the attack by General Santa Anna. Event includes cannon demonstrations, kids’ marching drill, Women of the Alamo and music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free. Alamo Plaza downtown. www.sanantoniolivinghistory.org. 210-273-1730.

Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots: “Pride of Lions.”

Local chapter of program for ages 8-12 includes the natural history of animals, conservation issues and techniques, and ways children can help with wildlife conservation. Parent not required to stay. 1:30-3 p.m. $17. Reservations required. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

Synergy 2012: Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, with a guest appearance by Ballet San Antonio, present original contemporary choreography and an excerpt from Swan Lake. 7:30 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. Sun. $16-$36.

Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry

Síclovía: Decorate your bicycle, wear a fun costume and play in a four-mile car-free street. Official pre-Fiesta event begins with a Fiesta parade featuring bands, floats, Fiesta royalty, kids, runners, skaters and walkers, kicking off a Fit Fiesta season. Also, healthy food options and recreation stations such as Zumba, cardio combat classes, yoga, aerobics and basketball. Pets welcome. Sponsored by City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, YMCA of Greater San Antonio and Fiesta San Antonio Commission. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

Broadway Street from Brackenridge Park to McCullough Avenue. www.siclovia.org. 210-207-5378.

First Sundays for Families: “It’s a Mod World!”

Event features family friendly activities inspired by Contemporary Art Month, including creating collages, drawings and paintings. 1-5 p.m. Free for ages 12 and younger. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. www.samuseum.org. 210-978-8183.

5 Monday Neighborhood Fishin’: Trout will be stocked this week at South Side Lions Lake, 3100 Pecan Valley Drive and Miller’s Pond, 6175 Pearsall Road. Fishing is allowed by pole and line only, with a limit of two fishing poles per person. No minimum length limit. There is a five fish daily bag limit per angler. Ages 16 and younger not required to have a fishing license. 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Free.

For recreational fishing licenses and freshwater stamp endorsements, visit www.tpwd.state.texas.us.com or call 210-348-7375.

get listed Items to be considered for the calendar XXXXX must be received at least six weeks prior to publication. The deadline for the May, 2012 issue is March 15. Mail calendar items and photographs to: Calendar Editor, Our Kids San Antonio, 8400 Blanco Road, Suite

38

Our Kids | March 2012

300, San Antonio, TX 78216, or email to ourkidssacalendar@gmail.com. Please note new calendar email address. Information cannot be accepted by phone.

If you miss the print deadline, you

may submit your event directly to our searchable online calendar at OurKidsSanAntonio.com. Just click on the “Submit Your Event” link below the Calendar on the home page. Online postings will appear on the Web only.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN ANTONIO METROPOLITAN HEALTH DISTRICT

calendar

HEALTH DISTRICT

6 Tuesday Eva’s Heroes Special Presentation: Eva’s Heroes and Santikos Theatres present a sensory friendly movie going experience for people with intellectual special needs. 6 p.m. first and third Tue. Free admission for those with intellectual special needs. For family friendly film titles, go to www.santikos.com. Embassy 14, 13707 Embassy Row; Mayan Palace, 1918 S.W. Military Drive; Silverado 16, 11505 S.W. Loop 1604. www.evasheroes.org.

7 Wednesday Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers as you observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Sundown-10 p.m. every Wed. Free. “Lower Bee Tree” soccer field parking lot.

McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. www.sanantonioastronomy.org. 210-710-4786.

9 Friday Friday Adventures: Program for ages 4-5 features outdoor exploration and inquiry-based learning with an animal-nature theme. Includes outdoor experiments, nature-based crafts, games, songs, zoo tour and a snack.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. today and March 30. $45. Reservations required. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

Youth Matinee Series: Luna Negra Dance Theater celebrates the richness and diversity of the Latino culture through the stories and creativity of contemporary choreographers. 11 a.m. Free. Limited seating; reservations required. Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St. www.thecarver.org. 210-207-2719.

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony: The Wascally Wabbit and his pals join the San Antonio Symphony in a new production. See Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck and others on the big screen, accompanied live by the symphony.

2 and 8 p.m. today and Sat. $8-$64.75. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. www.ticketmaster.com.

800-745-3000. www.sasymphony.org. 210-554-1010.

Family Flashlight Night: Take your flashlight and explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden at night.

Learn about fire lore and craft, night-blooming plants and nocturnal animals. 6-8:30 p.m. $4-$7. 555 Funston Place. www.sabot.org. 210-207-3255.

10 Saturday Apache Del Rio Intertribal: Participants will drum, dance and tell stories like their ancestors before. Kids

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calendar can make an arrowhead necklace. Take lawn chairs or blankets. 9-11 a.m. Suggested donation $3 per child; $5 per family. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. www.sanaturalareas.org. 210-207-3111.

Autism Society and AMC Films: Area families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy monthly films in an accepting environment. Take your own snacks.

Today’s film: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. 10 a.m. $4. AMC Rivercenter 9, 849 E. Commerce St. www.autism-society. org/sensoryfilms. 301-657-0881, ext. 9015.

Discover Darwin! Family Day: Meet Sulcata tortoises, mimic the dance of the blue-footed booby and explore island ecology. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with general admission. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org. 210-357-1900.

PHOTO BY AL SEIB

Kids’ Club: “Dino Dig.” 10-11:30 a.m. $5 suggested donation per family. Visitor Center, Cibolo Nature Center, City Park Road off Texas 46 East, Boerne. www.cibolo.org. 830-249-4616.

12 Monday

Cirque du Soleil presents “Quidam” March 14-18.

March Madness Camp: “Act*Write*Direct.” Ages 8-16 can direct and perform in self-written scenes, while getting a taste of what goes into putting together a stage production. Showcase for family and friends follows at 4 p.m. March 16. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today through Fri. $325.

Stone Oak Family Theatre, 21518 Blanco Road, Suite 101. www.stoneoakouththeatre.com. 210-481-2400.

Different activities each day include hands-on artifacts, roping, cowboy dress-up, marching drills, quilting bee, rag doll craft and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today through Fri. Free with regular admission, $6-$8. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. www.texancultures.com. 210-458-2300.

Spring Break Adventure Club: “Birds, Beetles and Other Beasties.” Spring Break camp for children in grades 1-2 and 3-5. Dress for the outdoors and spend a day or week on an adventure with the H.M.S. Beagle and Charles Darwin. Different programs each day include activities, guest experts and tours of the new exhibit. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today through Fri. $55 per day; $230 per week. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org. 210-357-1910.

Darwin Days: Join guest experts all week for family presentations using live plants, animals and specimens from the museum collection. From the Galapagos Islands to the habitats of South Texas, each day will focus on an aspect of Darwin’s work. 2-3 p.m. daily through Fri. Free with general admission. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org. 210-357-1900.

13 Tuesday

Spring Break at the Garden: Week of classes for ages 7 up including Family Yoga, Dangerous Plants, Garden Whodunit and Ikebana for Kids. 10 a.m. $3-$50, plus admission. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. www.sabot.org. 210-207-3270.

Spring Camp Humane: Camp for ages 7-11 features animal-related activities. Take a lunch; snacks and drinks provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily through March 15. $125.

San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Road. www.sahumane.org. 210-226-7461.

Little Sprout Mondays: “Bugs and Birds.” Program for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at your child’s pace. No registration necessary. 10-11:30 a.m. $3 per child plus garden admission.

San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. www.sabot.org. 210-207-3250.

Growing Up WILD: “Ants on Parade.” Program offers outdoor nature activities for ages 3-7. 10-11:30 a.m.

Suggested donation $3 per child. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South. www.sanaturalareas.org. To register, call 210-207-3106.

Spring Break on the Back 40: Spring breakers can experience the Texas frontier in the 1800s during daily programs at reproduction period buildings including a barn, adobe house, fort, schoolhouse and log house.

McNay Spring Break Family Days: “Famous Faces.”

Create 3-D sculptures and screenprints in the spirit of Andy Warhol, learn more about Warhol on family tours at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and watch the 20-min. film Dropping in on Andy Warhol. 2-4 p.m. today and March

Looking for family activities? Sign up to receive weekly event picks delivered right to your inbox. Go to www.ourkidssanantonio.com today!

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Our Kids | March 2012

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14; 2-6 p.m. March 15. Free with museum admission: $15 adults, $12 students with I.D., free for 12 and under, during the run of the new exhibit “Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune” through May 20. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. www.mcnayart.org. 210-824-5368.

14 Thursday Cirque du Soleil: “Quidam,” Cirque du Soleil’s newest arena show, includes an international cast of acrobats, musicians, singers and characters. The story features a bored young girl whose parents ignore her. Seeking to fill the void, she enters the imaginary world of Quidam where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.

7:30 p.m. tonight, Thu. and Fri.; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 17; 1 and 5 p.m. March 18. $32-$80. Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam.

800-745-3000.

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16 Friday St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Food, games, activities and more in La Villita from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today and Sat., and live music on stage at the Arneson River Theater from 6-9 p.m.

Free. La Villita, 418 Villita St. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com. 210-227-4262.

17 Saturday Beginner’s Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats, led by an experienced guide. Meet at the Carriage House.

9 a.m. $4-$7. Free for ages 2 and under. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. www.sabot.org.

210-207-3250.

Fest of Tails: Annual kite festival and dog fair includes kite flying workshop and demonstrations, pooch parade, 50-yard dash for ages 12 and under, dog competition including Best Dressed Dog and Most Looks Like Owner,

Billy Elliot Dances into Town

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Dyeing O’ the River: Floats will release 110 pounds of environmentally friendly green dye into the San Antonio River and a proclamation will be read, temporarily re-naming it the “River Shannon.” 5 p.m. Free. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com. 210-227-4262.

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The story of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true, the Tony award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical with a score by Elton John runs from March 28-April 8 at the Majestic Theatre. Follow Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a passion that inspires his family and community, and changes his life forever.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 2 and 8 p.m. Sat.; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. Tickets range from $33-$76. The theater is at 224 E. Houston St. For tickets, visit www. majesticempire.com. 210-226-3333 or www.ticketmaster.com. 800-982-2787.

March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

41

calendar music and arts and crafts. Take your kite and a blanket or lawn chair. Kites available for purchase. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free. McAllister Park, near the Starcrest entrance. www.saparksfoundation.org. 210-212-8423.

St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and Festival: Parade of decorated barges on the San Antonio River at 3 p.m., plus Irish entertainment from noon-6 p.m. in La Villita, 418 Villita St. Free. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

210-227-4262.

St. Patrick’s Day Hooley: Family friendly Irish celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, featuring Irish food, dancing and music, including performances by the Kelly Singers, San Antonio Pipes and Drums and the Inishfree School of Irish Dance. Traditional Irish food available for purchase.

5-11 p.m. $3. Beethoven Mannenchor, 422 Pereida. www.harpandshamrock.org.

San Antonio Folk Dance Festival Concert: Event includes West African, Mexican, Slovakian, Philippine, Peruvian and Hungarian dance performed by Louisiana’s Komenka Ethnic Dance Ensemble, Austin’s Csardas Hungarian Dancers, and Karilagan Philippine, Fandango, and Wongai Dance and Drum from San Antonio. 7:30 p.m. $7.

Free for ages 6 and under. Thiry Auditorium, Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 S.W. 24th St. www.safdf.org.

PHOTO BY KYLE FROMAN

Tiny Tots Classes: “Tickle Your Funny Bone.” Ageappropriate one-day classes for ages 2-5 offer animal experiences through stories, crafts and animal presentations for children and their caregivers. 10-11 a.m. $10.

Reservations required. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

Billy Elliot comes to the Majestic Theatre March 28-April 8.

20 Tuesday Mother Nature’s Storytime: “Insects!” Program for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. 10-11 a.m. Suggested donation $5 per family. Visitor Center, Cibolo Nature Center, City Park Road off Texas 46 East, Boerne. www.cibolo.org. 830-249-4616.

23 Friday Stroller Safari: Monthly program for ages 6-24 months includes zoo-xercise, sing-a-long and an introduction to nature. Meet other parents, and play and sing about animals on a guided stroller tour. Reservations required.

10-10:45 a.m. $10. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

“Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on its Head,” a new exhibit at the Witte Museum, explores the famed naturalist’s life and discoveries that led to his revolutionary ideas on the theory of evolution. Designed for all ages, the exhibit includes specimens, fossils, film, documents, replicas of Darwin’s personal effects and a reconstruction of his study. Younger visitors can use a simple hand lens as Darwin did, and computer interactives to modify a virtual environment and see how the change affects various species. Check this calendar for a Discover Darwin! family event March 10, and Darwin Days and Spring Break Adventure Club programs on Darwin’s discoveries March 12-16.

Organized by New York’s American Museum of Natural History, in collaboration with science and natural history museums in the United States, Canada and England, the exhibit is on display through Sept.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WITTE MUSEUM

Darwin at the Witte

A live land iguana is part of the new exhibit “Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on its Head.”

3. There is a $5 surcharge in addition to general admission. The museum is at 3801 Broadway. For more information, go to www.amnh.org, www.wittemuseum.org or call 210-357-1910.

looking ahead to april Poteet Strawberry Festival takes place April 13-15. SeaWorld “Just for Kids” concerts are April 14, 21 and 28. Fiesta San Antonio runs April 19-29.

42

Our Kids | March 2012

24 Saturday PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S FINE ARTS SERIES

Dog Days: Take your dog on a leash to the San Antonio Botanical Garden for a spring stroll. Plastic pools of water will be located throughout, along with mutt mitts to help pick up after pets. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Sun. $4-$7, plus a $5 donation per dog to be contributed to local animal non-profit organizations. 555 Funston Place. www.sabot.org.

210-829-5100.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime: Program for all ages includes Eric Carle stories, a craft and a healthy snack. Take your camera for photos with the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

10:30 a.m. Free. Twig Book Shop, Full Goods Building, 200 E. Grayson, Suite 124. www.thetwig.com. 210-826-5087.

25 Sunday Safari Kids: “South American Rainforests.” Monthly program for ages 5-7 explores animals around the zoo while building relationships and skills. Parents not required to stay.

Reservations required. 1:30-3 p.m. $17. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

29 Thursday YOSA and Children’s Chorus Concert: Members of Youth Orchestras of San Antonio and the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio perform a joint concert. 5 p.m. Free. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 211 Roleto Drive. www.yosa.org.

210-737-0097.

30 Friday Bluebonnet Concert: Children’s Chorus of San Antonio presents its annual spring concert. 7 p.m. Free. Northern Hills United Methodist Church, 3703 North Loop 1604 E. www.childrenschorussa.org. 210-826-3447.

McNay Free Teen Night: “Art After Dark.” Program for high school students includes music, food and art activities. Take a Campbell’s soup can for free admission to the McNay Art Museum after hours. Photograph yourself and your friends, make a screenprint and create a collaborative Pop art sculpture. Gloria Sanchez will perform 15 Minutes…and Then Some. 7-10 p.m. Space is limited; call 210-805-1768 or email education@mcnayart.org by March 29. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. www.mcnayart.org.

210-824-5368.

31 Saturday Breakfast at a Beastly Hour: “Cheetah.” Meet zoo keepers and get an inside look at what they do each day. Following breakfast at the Riverview Restaurant, keepers will share information about their work world and the animals. 8:30 a.m. $35 adults; $20 under age 12. Reservations required.

San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org.

210-734-7184.

Are You My Mother? will be performed March 9 at the Empire Theatre.

Family Theater Are You My Mother? – ArtsPower National Touring Company presents a musical adventure based on P.D. Eastman’s picture book. Baby Bird emerges from her shell expecting to be greeted by her mother’s song, but her mother is not there. She then sets out to find Mother Bird, helped by Dog, Cat and Hen. 9:45, 11:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 9. $8. Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s. www. childrensfineartseries.org. 210-340-4060.

Goldilocks and The 3 Bears – The Theatre Tots present the classic children’s story, teaching good manners and more.

Goldilocks is lost, hungry and looking for a place to sleep.

The bear family just left for a spring walk in the woods.

What will happen next? 10 a.m. Wed. and Thu. March 14-29. $5.50. Free for children 1 and under. The Rose Theatre, 11838 Wurzbach Road. www.therosetheatreco. com. 210-360-0004.

If You Take a Mouse to School – Take your mouse to school and he will ask for your lunchbox and sandwich, with a snack for later and, of course, a cookie. Then he’ll want to take part in everything, from math to soccer.

What’s a child to do when he takes a pet for show and tell, and the pet takes over the school? Reservations required. 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tue.-Fri.; 7 p.m. Fri.; 2 p.m. Sat. through March 24. No performance March 10 at 2 p.m. $10 adults, $8 ages 3-17, $2 ages 2 and under.

Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. www.magiktheatre.org.

210-227-2751.

CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Cows That Type – In an old barn, the cows are cold and Farmer Brown doesn’t seem to care.

The cows find an old typewriter and learn to type, nailing their first demand to the barn door - a request for electric blankets. When the farmer refuses, the cows go on strike and stop producing milk. The situation doesn’t end until everyone learns the art of compromise. Reservations required. 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tue.-Fri.; 7 p.m. Fri.; 2 p.m.

Sat. March 30-May 5. No performances April 27-28. $10 adults, $8 ages 3-17, $2 ages 2 and under. Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. www.magiktheatre.org. 210-227-2751.

San Antonio Highland Games: Event features traditional Scottish heavy athletics, Celtic dance and music March 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

43

calendar

performances, bagpiping competition, parade of Scottish dogs, sheep herding trials and children’s activities in the Kids’ Glen. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $5-$10. Free for under age 2. Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Road. www.sahga.org.

RockIt Into the Future: Girls Inc. Science Festival is designed to generate girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Includes hands-on science activities in biology, information technology, engineering and more, live entertainment and photos with Star Wars Storm Troopers and Darth Vader. Refreshments available for purchase. Open to kids of all ages. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission and parking. Rackspace, 5000 Walzem Road. www.girlsincsa.com. 210-212-2576.

Hip Hop Underwater Egg Hunt: Underwater egg hunts

for ages 5-12 will be held in three age categories: Ages 5-6 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. in the baby pool; ages 7-9 at 10:30 a.m. and noon, and ages 10-12 at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the main pool. Participants should be able to swim on their own without a flotation device. Life guards will be in attendance. $2. Advance registration required. San Antonio Natatorium, 1430 W. Cesar Chavez. www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec.

210-207-3000.

World Water Day: “Water and Food Security.” Families can explore water diversion, hydroponics, container gardening and xeriscaping through hands-on activities and demonstrations. 1-4 p.m. Free with regular admission.

Witte Museum, 3800 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org.

210-357-1900.

Ongoing Exhibits INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES ■ “Timeless Texas Toys” explores life and culture through handmade folk toys. Designed like a toymaker’s shop, the new exhibit features Texas toymakers, a paper doll illustrator and the proprietor of San Antonio’s first known doll hospital.

Young visitors can try their hand at making a toy and play with large-scale versions of folk toys. Through Aug. 5.

COURTESY HARMON AND HARRIET KELLEY FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8 ages 12-64, $7 seniors 65-plus, $6 ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and under. 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. www.texancultures.com. 210-458-2300.

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN ■ “Amazing Butterflies” is an interactive maze that explores the life cycle of butterflies and the daily challenges they face. Hands-on activities include a Spider Web Climb, Caterpillar Pinball and Climb-in Pupa Pods. Youngsters can move like a caterpillar, transform into a butterfly, take flight on a zip line, and track their progress as a butterfly on a souvenir card at eight stations. Those who turn in cards stamped at all locations earn a prize. Extended through March 25.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun. Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3-13, free for ages 2 and under.

555 Funston Place at N. New Braunfels Ave. www. sabot.org. 210-829-5100.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART ■ “San Antonio Collects: African American Artists,” featuring works from the collections of Harriet and Harmon Kelley and Irene and Leo Edwards, explores the tradition of African American artists through more than 200 years of the nation’s past. Included are works capturing the exuberance of the Harlem Renaissance, and portraiture and photographs addressing racial and political identity. Through May 6.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tue., Fri., Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wed., Thu.; noon-6 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 4-11, free for ages 3 and under.

Free to all 4-9 p.m. Tue. 200 W. Jones Ave. www. samuseum.org. 210-978-8100.

WITTE MUSEUM ■ “Family Traditions: Easter in Brackenridge Park” is a new exhibit of photographs and words depicting the

44

Our Kids | March 2012

Archibald Motley’s “Playground” (detail) can be seen in the exhibit “San Antonio Collects: African American Artists” at the San Antonio Museum of Art . traditional weeklong Easter celebrations in Brackenridge Park.

The images were taken in the park by Ricardo Romo between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in 2011. On display March 24-June 24.

■ H-E-B Science Treehouse includes a new geocaching adventure in which visitors can go on a high-tech scavenger hunt using a smart phone or GPS. Mount Witte is a 20-foot rock climbing wall for all ages that hones climbers’ organization and problem-solving skills. “Move It! A Game of Action” emphasizes wellness and physical activity with a 10-foot-by10-foot lighted gaming floor and nine game choices. The H.E.Buddy SkyCycle is an outdoor bicycle ride 14 feet in the air featuring a large weight suspended under a 40-foot cable.

Young riders learn the principles of counterbalance and center of gravity.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Wed.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8 ages 12-64, $7 ages 65-plus, $6 ages 4-11, free for ages 3 and under. Free to all 3-8 p.m. Tue. 3801 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org. 210-357-1900.

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BALLOONS

PARTY THEMES

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Mr. Inflatable Starts@$75 A DAY

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210-884-0275 Greater North Side

ANIMALS

17th Annual

Camp Fair

2012

Sunday, February 26th S • Overnight Camps • Day Camps • Summer Activities

Alzafar Shrine Center (Loop 16044 W between Stone Oak Dr. and Blanco Rd)

1:00pm to 4:00pm FREE ADMISSION!

and Programs • Schools and Childcaree

Families Meet Representatives Gather Information Plan Your Summer!

210-349-6667

46

Our Kids | March 2012

1.

Y

KIDS

in

Birthday Wishes and Easter 1. Preston could not contain his excitement at his 4-month-old birthday party.

Happy belated birthday Preston!

2. Esteban gets into the Easter spirit while doing a bit of shopping with Mom.

Submit Your Photos for April and May To submit your photos click on SUBMIT PHOTOS button on our home page at www.OurKidsSanAntonio.com. Simply click the photo release, attach your photos and click send.

The theme for the Our Kids April issue is “Spring is in the Air.” The deadline to submit photos for April is March 5. Our May theme is “Playdates” and the deadline to submit photos is April 2.

2.

17th Annual

Camp Fair

2012

FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, February 26th Alzafar Shrine Center (Loop 1604 W between Stone Oak Dr. and Blanco Rd) 1:00 to 4:00

• Overnight Camps • Day Camps tiess • Summer Activities Families Meet Representatives and Programs Gather Information Plan Your Summer! ldccare • Schools and Childcare

210-349-6667