Our kids magazine march 2015 by Our Kids Magazine

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10 DAY CAMP TIPS TO FINDING THE RIGHT

THE “ TALK ” Explaining Puberty to Kids PREMATURE Magazine INFANTS AT RISK OF ROP

TREATS & FUN ACTIVITIES FOR

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

R I A F P M CA Magazine MARCH 1 ST

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table of

CONTENTS March 2015

8 11 14 16 20 28

volume 31 • number 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Luckily, Camp Fair is just time for Spring Break!

BABIES COME FROM WHERE?!

Talking to Your Kids About Puberty

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY

Easy Treats and Fun Activities

10 TIPS TO FINDING THE RIGHT DAY CAMPS IT’S A MATCH

DON’T LOSE SIGHT

What are the causes of ROP?

6 ON THE WEB

10 FAMILY FYI

• Giveaways - Nickelodeon’s • The Big Give SA • Free Mediation at Bexar Blaze and the Monster County Dispute Resolution Machines

On the Cover © SERRNOVIK

30 CALENDAR

43 YOUR KIDS

Family Theater Ongoing Exhibits Free Fun in SA

Happy Patrick’s Day

IN OUR KIDS

Next month

Kid-Friendly Guide to Fiesta Baby Ear Infections Signs 7 Facts on Autism Camp Directory

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

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SPECIAL ON THURSDAY ■ Family Ballet: Enjoy a performance by Ballet San Antonio at 3:00 pm. ■ Typewriter Rodeo: Jot some words with vintage typewriters and poets! ■ Second Thursday: Music and food trucks on the grounds from 6:00–9:00 pm.

For more information, call 210.805.1768. FREE, No reservations, first come, first fun! This program is made possible by generous support from the Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust. This exhibition is organized by the McNay Art Museum. The Elizabeth Huth Coates Exhibition Endowment and the Arthur and Jane Stieren Fund for Exhibitions are lead sponsors. The Semmes Foundation, Inc., Frost Bank, & the Director’s Circle are providing additional support.

6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209-0069 210.805.1768 | mcnayart.org March 2015 | OurKidMagazine.com

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Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

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Luckily, Camp Fair is just in time for Spring Break!

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P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free Number, 866-465-6936 Magazine Visit us online at OurKidsMagazine.com PUBLISHER/EDITOR Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104

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In a parent’s lifetime there will be many “talks” with the children:Magazine the “talk” about why the gold-fish will not wake up anymore or maybe a “stern talking too” when they misbehave But, there is one talk that makes most parents cringe… Puberty. Read “Babies Come From Where?!” by Bonny Osterhage as she shares her experiences on the subject and gives advice about how to keep from making this conversation any more awkward than it needs to be. Spring Break is right around the corner and luckily Camp Fair is here just in time to help parents find a day camp for the kiddos during their time off from school. Our Kids Magazine’s 19th Annual Camp Fair is the place where parents can meet camp representatives face-toface to get more information about programs available for the Spring and Summer. Before you attend Camp Fair, be sure to read “10 Tips to Finding the Right Day Camp” by Denise Morrison Yearian and “It’s a Match” by Lara Krupicka so you know the best questions to ask and what to look for when it comes to camps that might interest your child. You can also read “It’s a Match” to help you find what your kids interest are and are not. This month in our baby section we bring ROP awareness. Never heard of it? Neither had I until I read the article by Jessa McClure about how this disorder can affect babies born prematurely. Happy reading and wishing you luck all month long!

Rudy Riojas Our Kids Publisher 8

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

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OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. 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 210-305-4181 ext. 106 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 MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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Family Matters, Neighbor Complaints, LandlordTenant Issues, Money Owed, Property Damage and Small Claims. For more information about mediation contact the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center, 300 Dolorosa, Suite 1102, Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-noon, and 1-5 p.m. 210-335-2128. Visit BCDRC online at www.bexar.org/drc/

March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Family

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Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

The photo is of an ARtsTEach student at an ARtsTEach ceramics workshop at Robert B. Green Elementary in SAISD.

Discovery Camp children were able to go on field trips to Morgan’s Wonderland, the Children’s Museum, swimming at the YWCA and more.” The purpose of The Big Give S.A. community-wide giving challenge is to increase public awareness of the impact local nonprofits make in addressing our community’s social challenges, bring nonprofits and donors together, expand the idea of online giving and connect people to the causes that move them the most. This year’s event is expanding to include New Braunfels, Kerrville, Boerne, Seguin, and Fredericksburg. More than 500 nonprofits have signed up so far. The deadline to register is April 14. For more information, go to www.thebiggive.org

feature

Babies Come from WHERE?!

Talking to Your Kids About Puberty By Bonny Osterhage

You might be the CEO of a major corporation. You might be a dynamic public speaker. You might be the savviest Fortune 500 businesswoman to ever take the world by storm. But when it comes to having “the talk” with your child, even the most intelligent and competent among us can be reduced to a blithering, stammering mess. You know “the talk” I’m referring to. In fact, you probably remember when you first heard it. For me, it was riding in the car on the way home from school with my mother. Suddenly, and without warning, she launched into a diatribe about the impending changes that my 11-year-old body would most likely begin to experience in the coming year or two. Fortunately, I had obtained a “bootleg” copy of “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” from a friend’s older sister, so the entire concept wasn’t foreign to me—but the conversation was still uncomfortable. Many of you probably had a similar experience. That awkward moment when your parents started throwing out names of body parts, where they go---and where they don’t! But what if “the talk” didn’t have to be so uncomfortable? What if it wasn’t a big talk at all, but a series of conversations that begin in the toddler years? No, we aren’t suggesting that you go into explicit detail with your three-year-old on how she came into being. But by answering the questions that naturally arise openly and honestly when your children are little, you will set the stage for the bigger, more important conversations to happen organically, and with a minimal amount of embarrassment.

Critical Communication You might think that you don’t have to worry about your child hitting puberty until the early teen years, but the truth is that the onset is occurring at a younger age than you may realize. The average age for boys to hit puberty is 10, while girls begin to experience changes as early as the age of nine. How do you know if your child is nearing this developmental milestone? The first physical signs are testicular enlargement for boys and breast development in girls. Girls may also exhibit moodiness and may be prone to emotional outbursts. However, if you are planning to wait until you LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

see these signs to brooch the subject of puberty with your children, you may want to think again. “If you haven’t opened the doors of communication with your children prior to puberty, they aren’t going to magically open at puberty,” cautions Dan St. Romain, Independent Educational Consultant, and Behavior Consultant at AHISD. According to St. Romain, not establishing those lines of open, honest communication with your children in the early years is one of the biggest mistakes parents can make. Why? Because then when you do have to have “the talk” it becomes this big, awkward moment instead of a natural progression of your relationship. “You want sex education to be natural rather than a ‘thing,’ explains St. Romain. “When you say, ‘okay, now we sit down and talk,’ it becomes a ‘thing.’ In your attempt to not make it an issue, you have just made it one.” “There doesn’t have to be a ‘set’ conversation to talk about body changes,” agrees Dr. Renee Cevey, a local pediatrician who began discussing the topic with her own kids when they were around the age of four. “It’s really just a thing that should come up naturally here and there in day to day conversations.”

Where To Begin Children are naturally curious creatures, and even a three or four-year-old is going to notice differences between their bodies and the bodies of their siblings or parents—and they will ask questions. How you handle those questions is important. If you respond with embarrassment, giggles, and words like “pee pee,” or “hoo hoo” you are communicating your own discomfort and your child will pick up on that. Instead, answer your child’s questions about his or her body parts in a straightforward manner using the correct anatomical terms. “Start early with the correct terms for body parts,” advises Dr. Kristen Plastino-Arnold, Associate Professor in the March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

department of OBGYN and UT Health Science Center of San Antonio. “It is much easier to say ‘penis’ to a five-year-old than a 15-year-old because a five-year-old isn’t embarrassed by those terms yet.” However, that doesn’t mean that at the first sign of curiosity in your preschooler you give him the lowdown on how babies are made. Simplicity at this age is key. For example, when your three-year-old asks you why his new baby sister doesn’t have a penis, a simple “because girls are born with a vagina,” will suffice. If you are pregnant and your five-yearold wants to know how the baby will get out (or how it got in there in the first place) this isn’t the time for a graphic description of sex and the birthing process. “Use age appropriate terms and concepts,” advises Dr. Plastino, “and address only what they ask.” As your child begins to near the average age of puberty onset, the conversations should have already begun to happen with more frequency. If not, comments on the noticeable growth spurt of a friend, or remarking on a sexually suggestive billboard or ad can be a casual way to get the ball rolling. If there is a maturation chapter being taught at school, use it as a way to foster discussion at home. “Don’t wait for your child to bring it up,” Dr. Plastino recommends. “Talk early, often, and seize those moments.”

The Late Bloomer Children mature at vastly different rates and where one fifth grade boy may have taken an obvious interest in the fairer sex, his classmate might still be sticking marbles up his nose. Knowing and understanding your child’s individual development is crucial to understanding how much information to disseminate and when. “You have to understand your child’s social and emotional development,” says St. Romaine. “Parenting is all about timing and, if it’s the wrong time, you risk shutting that door.” If you do have a late bloomer, that doesn’t mean that you refrain from giving him age appropriate information because, let’s face it, his peers are probably giving it to him already. Kids want to fit in and, if your child’s friends are beginning to develop at a faster rate than he is it can be awkward. Girls especially can experience insecurities because breast development is so obvious. Reassure your child that everyone develops at his or her own pace, and then introduce some steps to do now to prepare. Things like wearing deodorant, developing a good skin care routine, and, for girls, wearing a training bra can go a long way in the self-esteem department of the late bloomer. Conversely, they can also work for the child who develops at the early end of the spectrum to address the issues of body odor and acne and early breast development, as some sports and training bras can create a flatter profile. But whether your child is an early or late bloomer, once they start exhibiting signs, there is a definite rate of acceleration. “Pubertal changes don’t happen all at once, but they do happen at a set rate,” explains Dr. Cevey. “You have a couple of years between the onset of breast development in a girl, FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

for example, before you have to worry about her getting her period.” BALLOONS WITH A TWIST!

Finding Your Comfort Zone Regardless of how close you are with your child, or how openly you communicate about other important topics, there are some parents for whom the topic of sex is miles outside of their comfort zone. That’s okay. Again, just be honest. Chances are your child will appreciate your candor. It could alleviate some of his anxiety about the conversation as well. “Tell your child that you aren’t great with talking about it, but that it’s very important that you do,” says St. Romaine. Dr. Plastino suggests taking the conversation on the road. “Some of the best conversations happen in the car,” she explains. “It’s easier because you aren’t facing one another.” You also need to let go of the idea that dads talk to boys and moms talk to girls. “Just because you are the same sex doesn’t mean you are the one who has to present the information,” says St. Romaine. “Figure out which parent has the more open relationship with the child. And it may not be the same parent for each child.” Your pediatrician or health care provider can be your best friend during this time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and allow your child to have some one-on-one time to visit with the doctor and ask any questions that he might feel uncomfortable asking in front of you. The main thing is to find what works for you and employ it. Avoid judgments or “freak outs,” and let your child know that he is free to come to you with any questions. Above all, never label a question or a process as “bad” or “dirty” or “shameful.” “Puberty is a natural thing that all of us go through and we don’t want them to be embarrassed about their bodies,” says Dr. Cevey. “We want them to be comfortable coming to us to ask about any change they notice.”

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There are several outside resources that can make navigating the world of puberty easier for both you and your child. The following books should get you started: • “Where Did I Come From?” by Peter Mayle • “The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls” published by American Girl Empire • “The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Older Girls” published by American Girl Empire • “The Boy’s Body Book” by Kelli Dunham Other resources include the website www.utteenhealth.org or Dan St Romaine’s Facebook page Dan St. R omain, Educational Consulting where he publishes advice for parents on a variety of topics.

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Easy Treats and Fun Activities for Saint Patrick’s Day By Alexa Bigwarfe

For those of us with children, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations shift from where to find green beer to where to find the best parades and how to make green shamrock crafts. Never fear, we’ve got some fun treats and activities for St. Patrick’s Day right here! How familiar are you with the origins of St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, is not only the impetus behind the Christian movement in Ireland, but is also known for driving the snakes out of Ireland. Well, figuratively anyway. There are actually no snakes in Ireland, and it is believed there probably never were. However, St. Patrick led the movement to convert the pagans (who often used snakes in their symbols) to Christianity, thereby driving the “snakes” out. Did you know it’s actually a three-leaf clover that brings good luck? St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the holy trinity to the pagans, which is how the clover became the flower of Ireland. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday, a day for praying for missionaries around the world and for spiritual renewal. Since the United States has a large Irish population, it is widely celebrated here, with shamrocks, pots of gold, leprechauns, and all things green. Why the leprechaun? There is no reason that leprechauns are associated with St. Patrick’s Day, beyond the fact that St. Patrick’s Day is associated with all things Irish. Leprechauns are male fairies in Irish folklore - often an older, tiny man who is particularly mischievous. According to the tales, the leprechauns are very rich and have many treasures, including gold that they hide in secret places. If you catch a leprechaun, they have to take you to their treasure. But, if you take your eyes off of them, they can vanish instantly. Fun activities include hunts for clovers, scavenger hunts, coloring activities and other printable activities, or attending a local parade. Perhaps the most fun activity of all is to take your kids on a magical leprechaun hunt (in your house) using mystical Leprechaun Munch to catch those sneaky fairies. Leprechaun Hunt with Leprechaun Munch To catch a leprechaun with this munch, just spoon out some and wait for a crunch. Since Leprechauns love the color green, it won’t take long, but while you watch and wait, you can snack along! When the kids aren’t watching, replace some of the munch trail with gold coins... the calling card of the leprechaun! 14

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

How to make Leprechaun Munch: Add equal parts of each ingredient. Crumbled pretzel sticks Green marshmallows from Lucky Charms Coconut M&M›s (Only green and white) Rice Chex cereal Green Sprinkles Add all ingredients into a plastic bag. Shake well!

Another easy and festive snack to make with your kids to take for school snack: The Shamrock Snack. Ingredients: Regular pretzels (small - 3 for each shamrock) Stick pretzels (1 for each shamrock) Chocolate bar - melted (may need more than one depending on the size.) Green M&Ms Directions: 1. Make your “shamrocks” by arranging the regular pretzels (3 each shamrock) 2. Place a straight pretzel as a “stem.” 3. Take the melted chocolate and drop a big spoonful in the center, ensuring that the 3 pretzels and the stick pretzel are bonded together. 4. Place an M&M in the center and let it cool - preferably overnight. Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three young children. Her family hails from Ireland, so naturally, St. Patrick’s Day is one of her favorite holidays.

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TEAM PERFORMANCES 2 HOUR WEEKLY PRACTICES FUN SOCIAL TEAM EVENTS IMPROVE ATHLETIC SKILLS MAKE NEW FRIENDS LEARN SINGLE, LONG ROPE, DOUBLE DUTCH, AND MORE Join our team or call us to schedule a performance.

AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES 1 HOUR CLASS OPEN TO ALL AGES AVAILABLE FOR BIRTHDAYS, GROUP EVENTS & SCHOOL DEMONSTRATIONS Available to start a program at your facility.

Learn Martial Arts & Self Defense this summer!

Early Registration at Our Kids Camp Fair We will waive $25 registration fee. www.fortheloveofdrums.com

Call 260-2221

We want you to jump with us! Contact: Coach Bobby Barrera / Phone: 210-269-0725

E-Mail: coachbobby7755@gmail.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.coachbobbysports.com

email: fortheloveofdrums@att.net

Sports Camp June 8-Aug. 21

SPORTS CAMP • WEEKLY M-F 8:00a.m.-5:30p.m.

•

Ages 5-13

(includes tennis and swimming)

WEEKLY TENNIS CAMP M-F 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

(includes swimming)

Summer At The Academy

2015

Green Tree

GROUP PARTIES! • Birthday • Team Sports • Perfect for Company Picnics

Spr Bre ing Ca ak p Marcm h 9-13s

210-481-5466

TENNIS CLUB

4721 Callaghan Rd. (easy access from all parts of town)

www.greentreetennis.com

681-5261 Boys & Girls, Ages 4 & older

June 8-July 31

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

Childcare for children from six weeks to twelve years ★ Discounts for Government

and other select employers ★ Nutritious, home made meals ★ Fitness, dance, yoga classes

Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday What Will Your Child Discover Today?

Voted Best of San Antonio! NORTHEAST (Judson Road)

DOWNTOWN

(Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.)

(210) 655-6941 (210) 225-7464

NORTHWEST (Prue Road)

(210) 691-0064

www.discoveryworldsa.com

LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

237

New Class Titles for Summer 2015 Minecraft - Legos Drawing & Painting Comic Con - Science Harry Potter – Frozen Mindstorms – Robotics Photography – Frisbee Baking – Be The Boss Pokemon – Dinosaurs

Rockets - Basketball Etiquette – Football Out On The Town Chess – WoodWorks Field Trips - Card Tricks Bugs – Fishing - Reptiles Zumba – Cartooning Reading - Dodgeball

Study/Testing Skills Star Wars - Karate Medieval Battles Sewing – King Arthur Theatre – Cooking - Clay Future Fashionistas - Math Writing - Architecture … and many, many more!

More than 350 Classes

Accredited By The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest

Celebrating Our 27th Year! March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP DIRECTORY The Clowvazar Academy Kindergarten - 12th Grade

Year-Round School & Summer School Math | English | Science Fine Arts | Anthropology | Computer Science

General Ed. | Gifted-And-Talented | Special Ed. A Better Approach To Education With Less Anxiety! Apply Online Free www.clowvazar.com 210-690-4800 | www.clowvazar.com 12746 Cimarron Path #120, 78249

$350 - $950 / month based on income, program, and available seats!

*Our Special Ed. department accepts children with Low - High Functioning Autism, Asperger, ADD, ADHD, et cetera.

classes for ages 2-14 Military Discounts

8 one-week sessions of non-stop fun Featuring

Young Rembrandts of San Antonio Camp Einstein and the

MSSA Athletic Department

All 3 programs daily!

June 8—July 31 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 4-11

For more information, contact: DeLisa Leopold at dleopold@montessorisa.org or 210-492-3553 ext. 203

17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway San Antonio, Texas 78258

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

210-492-3553 www.montessoriSA.org

If you go with a specialty camp, find out how intense the program is. It may be labeled “specialty” but only have a one- or two-hour component with other activities scheduled in.

4. LOOK AT LOCATION. Find a camp close to your job or home to shorten travel time and allow quick access to your child in an emergency. Convenience, however, shouldn’t be the primary factor. Balance your decision with what the camp has to offer. If your child really wants to participate in a given camp, consider your willingness to drive out of the way. Or see if there’s a neighbor you can carpool with. 5. PONDER PROGRAM LENGTH. Program length should be viewed in light of the family and child’s needs. If your schedule dictates him having to stay a full day ask about before- and after-care. If he’s younger, find out about naps or quiet times. It’s also important to find out who runs the before- and after-care program. Is it the same staff your child has all day? What activities will he be engaged in during this time? 6. SCOUT OUT SCHEDULES. Before enrolling, ask about the daily schedule. What themes and related activities are planned? Will there be field trips or special guests coming in to keep camp exciting and extend theme-based learning? Will your camper receive any reading, writing or math experiences? Done properly, kids can enjoy games and activities that keep those academic skills sharp. Also look at resources the camp has to offer and inquire how often your child will participate in them. Don’t assume that because there is a pool, ropes course or archery field on the brochure it will be part of your child’s session. Ask to make sure. 7. ASK ABOUT STAFF. Find out how staff and counselors are chosen, their experience, background, age and training, as well as counselor-to-camper ratio. The American Camping Association’s day camp recommendations are 1-6 for ages 4 to 5, 1-8 for ages 6 to 8, 1-10 for ages 9 to 14 and 1-12 for ages 15 to 17. Also ask how counselors are screened and what background checks are done. If you’re going with a specialty camp, what kind of in-depth knowledge and experience do the counselors have teaching the subject? 8. CONSIDER COSTS. Compare program costs and find out what the fees actually cover. Some camps include field trips, materials, meals and t-shirts into their initial fee; with others it’s an add-on. Also find out the camp’s refund policy and rules regarding transfer of weeks if your plans change or your child gets sick. If the camp is out of your price range, is a scholarship or financial assistance available?

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CAMP DIRECTORY 9. EXPLORE OPEN HOUSES. Visiting an open house can get children acclimated to the environment and give you a better perspective of the staff, facilities and activities. Is the staff smiling and friendly? Do they immediately bond with the children? Are the facilities well maintained, clean, and free of safety hazards? 10. PERUSE POLICIES. Eliminate future problems by reviewing the camp’s policies and procedures before you sign up. You don’t want to learn after the fact that your child can’t turn on his cell phone or that drop-off and pick-up policies differ from what you thought. Share pertinent information with your child too, so there are no surprises on his end. Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

Questions to ask before choosing a day camp ■■Are you licensed by the state or do you hold an accreditation or certification? What exactly does that credential mean? ■■What kind of background, training and experience do counselors and staff have? How are they chosen? ■■What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? How many

St. Thomas Episcopal School

St. Thomas Summer Sensations has 2 unique programs

Summer Pride – 3 year olds through completed Kindergarten Tiger Connections - Kindergarten through 5th grade 7 weeks - whole and half day camps available

June 15 - July 31

A variety of camps to choose with weekly themes. Art, Drama, Sports, and more! Sign up for one week or the entire 7 weeks. We offer AM and PM extended care.

Registration begins March 1

Mention Ad and we will waive one week’s registration fee.

210-494-3509

www.stthomaskids.com

students are in each group? How often are the groups together? ■■What kind of medical response is on hand? Camp nurse or CPR and first-aid certified staff? ■■Are you able to administer medicine? ■■What is a typical day like? ■■How often will the campers take field trips? Where do they go? Is there increased supervision in populated settings? ■■What other resources are available to campers, such as a pool, ice arena, farm, hiking trails, ropes course, archery, etc.? How often will my child be able to participate in these? ■■Are lunches and/or snacks provided? ■■What does the camp fee cover? What extra fees will I be required to pay? ■■What is the refund policy and rules regarding transfer of weeks? ■■What is your policy regarding cell phones and other technology items brought to camp? ■■How do you handle homesickness and other adjustment issues? ■■What is the discipline policy? ■■How do you handle bullying? ■■What are your drop-off and pick-up policies? ■■Will you provide references?

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IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S PASSION

Code apps, design video games, mod with Minecraft, engineer robots, build websites, produce movies, and more

HELD AT 100+ CAMPUSES NATIONWIDE Trinity • St. Edward’s • Rice • University of Houston The Girls’ School of Austin • University of Texas at Austin SMU • University of Texas at Dallas • Stanford and more iD Tech Camps Co-Ed, Ages 7-17

iD Game Design & Development Academy Co-Ed, Pre-College, Ages 13-18

Alexa Café All-Girls, Ages 10-15

iD Programming Academy Co-Ed, Pre-College, Ages 13-18

www.iDTech.com/SanAntonio • 1-888-709-TECH (8324) March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP DIRECTORY heels - but first, you’ll want to ask why he doesn’t want to do it any more and address any issues he’s having that may be causing him to quit. Otherwise, if your child isn’t engaged in the activity and isn’t developing any skills at it, then don’t push him to continue. After two or three seasons of a sport or a year of another activity, your child will have mastered the basics and should be ready to learn and grow. If he’s not interested, this won’t happen no matter how much you push. He’ll just be miserable and could grow to like the activity even less. “The important thing is to leave doors open,” says David Elkind, author of The Power of Play and The Hurried Child. “Kids are young. They need to experiment.” Some circumstances may warrant a “keep at it until...” This works when you want your child to stick out a commitment or stay with an activity long enough to master a specific skill. For example, if your goal for piano lessons is for your child to learn to read music, then communicate that to her. Explain that you’d like her to continue piano until she gets through a specific performance book. Elkind suggests parents should, “realize that because a child doesn’t take to something doesn’t mean he or she will never Helping Your Child Find a Free Time learn commitment, only that they need to find the right thing to be committed to.” Activity That Fits by Lara Krupicka According to the National Center for Education What signs can you look for that indicate an activity or sport isn’t the right match Statistics, there is a strong association between kids’ participation in extracurricular activities and academic for your child? How about when it’s a good match? success. But finding an activity, club, or sport that fits When the activity isn’t a good fit, your child may the child can sometimes be a tricky matter. Just about protest at going to lessons or practices. She’ll give a every mom can attest to the frustration of trying to half-hearted effort toward it. Or on the other end of convince a child to practice an instrument or do their the spectrum, she may be giving it her best but never best work for a club project or any other activity they getting the hang of it. Then it may be time to take a consider drudgery. So there’s nothing like having break from that activity. Or you may need to find a a child approach an activity with enthusiasm and different instructor or coach whose style better suits self-motivation. your child. If she’s excited about a sport, but doesn’t Want to see more enthusiasm and less frustration have the aptitude, maybe she could try a supporting from your child? Here are some tips for addressing your biggest challenges in helping your child own their role, such as team manager. Whenw you find a good match (between activity free time activities: and/or instructor) things will click. Your child will How do you know when to push your look forward to practices and meets. You’ll notice child to continue at an activity that he’s steady improvement or development of skills. And asked to stop, and when to let him quit? more than likely your child will engage in the activity A lot will depend on knowing your child. If he is on his own as well - shooting baskets in the driveway prone to quit easily, then it may be time to dig in your or reading books on robotics in his spare time.

It’s a Match:

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

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CAMP DIRECTORY For Gretchen Desch, whose daughter Jenny became an avid swimmer after dabbling in other sports, the difference is noticeable. “She is the one to say, ‘It’s time to leave for practice.’ She has ownership of that,” says Desch. If you haven’t found a match yet it’s important to keep on looking. Making a child stick with a sport they’re no good at can cause their confidence to falter and prevents them from finding what they do enjoy. And don’t always assume your non-athletic child is getting exercise by being on a team. Coaches will tell you uninterested players often put forth a minimal amount of effort. Better to get them in a physical pastime they like where they’ll pour on the steam. “The most effective strategy is to support the child’s natural interests, even if it is not what we would like them to do,” says Elkind. It can also help to have an outsider’s perspective on your child. If a teacher or coach comments to you regarding ability he sees in your child, encourage him to tell the child directly. The external push may be all it takes. “I had mentioned swim team off and on for years,” says Desch. “ But when her swim teacher suggested she join the team, that’s when she decided to do it.” Is it ever too late for my child to start a sport or a hobby? I’m afraid if we don’t get him started young, he’ll never catch up to his peers. Few sports are age dependent. And more often than not, it may be better to wait before starting. Kids need exposure to sports and hobbies, but not necessarily overexposure. Too much of anything can burn kids out. “There is so much for young children to learn: language, social skills, the physical and natural world. None of that is inborn,” says Elkind. “There is no evidence that starting early has special benefits.” Instead, let your child lead. Is he interested in building with toy bricks? Take him to the school’s Lego club. Does she want to join her friends at Girl Scouts? Sign her up. If you’re pushing your child to start something before he’s ready, it may work out. But his lack of readiness also has the potential to hurt his chances of succeeding. Whatever your struggle, remember the ultimate goal of free time activities is enjoyment. If you’re too worried about your child finding success, you’re both missing out on the fun. “They are who they are. All you can do is encourage them to bring out the best they can be,” says Desch. Prompt your child to explore their world and test their interests. And enjoy the exploration with them. You may find a new hobby or sport to share.

May 26 thru July 31, 2015

G iv

er i enc e, enr oll th ng ex p em e yo r i c hi n ur k i e i Sa nt M a r y ’s H a ll! nd in S ds a n educ a ti ona l a sented by u mm re er all p

@ the H

Academics Day Camps

Fine Arts Sports

Extended Care “For-Credit” Classes

Department of Student Enrichment Saint Mary’s Hall | 9401 Starcrest Drive San Antonio, Texas 78217 (210) 483-9124 | enrichment@smhall.org Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/SMHEnrichment

Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer, mom of three girls, and author of Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure, and Camaraderie Into Every Day. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP DIRECTORY SPRING CAMPS Spring Break Sports & Tennis Camps Green Tree Tennis Club Ages 6 – 16 • Call for rates March 9-13, 2015

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! Save $$$ with early bird registration! Contact Information: 4721 Callaghan Road, San Antonio, 210-681-5261; www. greentreetennis.com

Kidus Spring Camp Kidus Spanish Immersion Daycare Learning Center 25836 Hwy. 281 N, San Antonio 830-980-1880 www.kiduskids.com

All Day Fun! Sports, hands-on craft, visual arts, board games, water games, dancing, music, cooking and more! Field trip for ages 5 – 12. Multicultural and Bilingual. Trained and qualified caregivers in a safe learning environment. We take care of your child while you do your business. Hours 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Spring Fencing Camp Olympian Fencing Club 210-872-2004 info@OlympianFencingClub.com www.OlympianFencingClub.com

Your kids will learn one of the safest and most unique sport Fencing from Olympian and World class experienced coaches. The Olympic sport of fencing provides a great physical and mental workout and is lots of fun to learn to do. Learning to fence is a challenging mix of physical and tactical training that is equally suited to girls and boys age 6 & up. Our year-round fencing program is provided in a safe environment and we emphasize safety rules at all times. OLYMPIAN FENCING CLUB is the largest fencing club in San Antonio Metropolitan area and we are Nationally and Internationally competitive. Yearround camps, multiple camp discounts & Family discount.

Science & Engineering Camp San Antonio Children’s Museum 305 E. Houston St 210-212-4453 www.sakids.org/sbcamp March 9 - 13

4-6 year olds will explore with Light and Color while 7 - 10 year olds take

the Engineering Challenge through an investigative, hands-on approach. Junior innovators will work through the plan, design and build process to create a futuristic town and tackle real world community challenges. Snacks provided Campers bring a sack lunch each day.

The Magik Theatre 420 S. Alamo, San Antonio 210-227-2751 Magiktheatre.org March 9 - 13

Engage your body, voice, and mind to explore storytelling, create characters, make new friends, and build confidence at the Magik Theatre this spring break. Spring Break Camp will run from March 10—March 14 with a final showcase performance on March 15. Register now at magiktheatre.org.”

Witte Museum Spring Break Adventure Camp 210-357-1910 3801 Broadway San Antonio www.WitteMusuem.org March 9-13 Grades 1-2 and 3-5

Day-long or week-long programs for children grades 1 – 2 and grades 3 – 5 Call for information. Kids in the Kitchen Let’s get cooking! Whip up your own tasty and healthy recipes, uncover real science in the kitchen, and more!

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Artworks An Art Studio for Children 1840 Nacogdoches Rd. 78209 7715 Mainland 78250 210-826-2787

www.artworksartstudio.com If your child likes creating, listening to great music, and eating yummy snacks, then Artworks is the place to hang this summer. Half-day and full-day options. Call for schedule and ages.

Bits, Bytes, & Bots of San Antonio 850-226-1888

Cutting edge innovation in STEM education. We build your child’s technical skills and confidence in a fun and safe environment. Hands on – each student has a computer or robot! Week-long morning and afternoon camps include video game making, robotics with the LEGO EV3 Mindstorm kits and Minecraft Mechanics.

Brain Balance Achievement Center 210-670-2760 1742 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 121 www.BrainBalanceCenters.com

Summer Theatre and Dance Camps Carver Community Cultural Center 226 N. Hackberry, 78202 210-207-2719 www.TheCarver.org

The Brain Balance program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic and social challenges. We are specialized achievement centers that utilize a drugfree, multi-faceted approach to address the underlying issues in many of the behavioral, developmental, and learning disorders that plague so many children today. Help your child retain what they’ve learned from the school year and be prepared for next school year!

Theatre Camp – Ages 6-18 June 8 26,2015 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dance Intensive – Ages 8 – 18. July 13-24, 2015 $175 per Camp. Children from around San Antonio made it a tradition to attend Carver summer camps. They get the opportunity to explore multicultural art forms under the direction of professional artists from across the state, all at a tremendous value!

Camp Broadway in San Antonio presented by Las Casas Foundation Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78205 210-223-4343

Color Clay Studio – Summer Camp 17327 IH 35N, suite 202, Schertz 210-231-0196 www.coloclaystudio.com Ages 6-17

COED 10-17 • August 3-7, 2015 - Inspired by Broadway’s cherished works and steeped in its grand traditions, Camp Broadway is designed to build confidence, inspire creative expression, and instill wellbeing in both aspiring artists and future audiences.http://lascasasfoundation.org/ CampBroadway

Camp Cloud Choose to Dream 210-836-8200 Info@choose2dream.com Choose2Dream.com

Our three-week theatre camp offers elementary through high school students the opportunity to develop in the musical theater realm. The program will strengthen acting, choreography, and vocal skill sets. The camp features two concurrent camps for different age groups, both finishing with a final performance on stage at Tobin Performing Arts Center.

Camp Invention Invent Now, Inc. Multiple Locations 800-968-4332 www.campinvention.org

Camp Invention is where BIG ideas become the next BIG thing! Local educators lead a week of hands-on activities created especially for elementary students. Build prototypes, construct a freestyle racing cart and take apart electronics to assemble something new. Discounts are available, so register today! Find your nearest location at www.campinvention.org.

Be ready for some fun this Spring and Summer! We will be offering weeklong classes that will give students the opportunity to experience a variety of FUN-FILLED lessons such as drawing, painting, chalk pastels and clay sculpture just to name a few. Students ages 6 and up are sure to enjoy every minute! Call us at 210-231-0196 to inquire about the Program, dates, and prices.

Country Home Learning Center Summer Camp Call 210-687-1002 for nearby location www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

Fabulous Summer Camp program. Join us for an Incredible Summer Camp Experience. Exciting weekly field trips. Kids’ Choice Special Interest Clubs.

Discovery World Learning Northwest - 210-691-0064 Northeast – 210-655-6941 Downtown – 210-225-7464

Our annual Summer Camp for ages 6 – 12 years old returns this summer. We combine our educational curriculum with an emphasis on discovery and exploration to provide a fun filled summer full of exciting field trips and informative lessons taught through arts & crafts. Each day includes free, nutritious, homemade meals, which align with our mission to keep your children healthy and active. Call your nearest location for more information.

Las Casas Foundation Presents Camp Broadway Young aspiring actors, dancers and singers spend an entire week learning from Broadway professionals.

AGES 10-17 • AUGUST 3-7, 2015

For more information, call 210-223-4343 or visit LasCasasFoundation.org/CampBroadway 2222242_Las_Casas_Our_Kids_Mag_Camp_Broadway_2015_ad_v1.indd Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210 2/12/15 7:20 PM

CAMP DIRECTORY Elite Karate 210-481-5466 20323 Huebner Rd. Ste. 108 San Antonio, TX 78258 www.EliteKarateSA.com

Come learn martial arts and self defense this summer! We take daily field trips to fun places like Thin Air, the zoo, swimming every Wednesday, laser tag and many more! Weekly sessions through the summer! Ages 5 and up. Space is limited, call today 210481-5466.

For The Love of Drums Call 260-2221 www.fortheloveofdrums.com fortheloveofdrums@att.net

Rock and Jazz Camp: June to August at St Andrews Lutheran School and Jewish Community Center. Beginner Drumset and Hawaiian Beach Camp: at Northside Community Learning Center July 27 - 30th. Field Trips for Summer will be Hawaiian Beach Percussion and Drums

Green Tree Tennis Club 4721 Callaghan Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228 681-5261, www.greentreetennis.com All Sports Tennis Camp

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! Save $$$ with summer package discounts plus early bird registration! Eleven sessions are available from June 8 – Aug. 21.

• Hand Feed Exotic Birds • Interact with Rainforest Reptiles • Discover Jellyfish and Seahorses • Take a Selfie with a Crocodile • Jump in the Bounce House

210-310-3210

6320 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238

www.sanantonioaquarium.net

Tennis Camp

from Bashful to BRAVE!

Weekly sessions running Monday – Friday 10 am – 2 pm for juniors ages 6-16 yrs. Wonderful club atmosphere. Basic tennis fundamentals and skills along with stroke production are taught. The camp includes 20 hours of tennis plus pool time! Save $$$ with summer package discounts plus early bird registration! Eleven sessions are available from June 8– Aug. 21.

Swim America Swim Lessons Green Tree Tennis Club

Weekly sessions running Monday-Friday for children ages 3 yrs. and older. Morning and evening times available. We teach America to swim for fun and fitness. 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! Ten sessions are available from June 8–Aug. 14

Hill Country Montessori School Summer Program 830-229-5377 50 Stone Wall Dr. Boerne, TX 78006 info@hcmontessori.org www.hcmontessori.org

Our students learn more than swimming and tumbling; they build fundamental skills in a loving environment that fosters development. Here, kids really grow!

Choose LOVE for Your Kiddo

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, intertained and involved. 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. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

100% Child-Centered Highly Trained Staff State-of-the-Art, Indoor Facilities Mommy Owned and Operated

Lessons • Preschool • Parties • Gifts

www.love-to-swim.com March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP DIRECTORY His Hill Ranch Camp Day Camp Comfort, TX 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org www.hishill.org

Ages 6-10 • Day Camp is a great way to introduce kids to camp. It runs Monday through Friday for campers ages 6-10. Campers participate in the activities and are in co-ed groups of 10-12. We ask parents to provide a sack lunch daily. We will supply beverages. Drop off points are at Veteran’s Park in Boerne and at His Hill. Comfort, TX

Jump Rope Express 269-0725 Coach7755@aol.com www.ezteamz.com

Jump Rope Express is a Jump Rope Program impacting young people through fitness and fun while developing selfconfidence, sportsmanship, and character and promoting comradery. Each child works at their own pace, with focus on the “fun” factorto achieve success. This program will inspire many young people to embark on a lifetime of fitness and develop friendships that last a lifetime.

Kidus Summer Camp Kidus Spanish Immersion Daycare Learning Center 25836 Hwy. 281 N, San Antonio 830-980-1880 www.kiduskids.com

Love to Swim and Tumble School San Antonio – 15502 Huebner Rd. Schertz: 6044 FM3900 www.love-to-swim.com

Love to Swim and Tumble School offers awesome programs unlike any other in the city! Kiddos are at the heart of everything we do and they love our exciting swim lessons, tumble lessons, camp programs and preschool. As mommies ourselves, we know how important it is to make development and learning EXCITING, and that’s what we do every day. Visit www. love-to-swim.com for more information.

Mad Science Camp San Antonio 651-1143 Sanantonio.madscience.org

Mad Science camps are week long and filled with hands-on activities that are fun and include exciting topics such as rockets, secret agents and more. Mad Science offers eight school aged camps and one preschool camp. Our camps are full day or half day to accommodate summer and family schedules. Several locations - check our website.

Camp Showbiz The Magik Theatre 210-227-2751 420 S. Alamo

Camp Showbiz, our community’s premiere theatre arts summer program, offers children and teens fun, learning, and creativity, in a day camp structure of 1-, 2- and 4-week sessions. Extended care also available! Now two locations, The Magik Theatre (downtown) and the Magik

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Performing Arts Center (Northwest). Phone (210) 227-2751.

Mo-Ranch Day Camp Hunt, TX 800-460-4401 www.moranch.com

June 1 – Aug. 7 $175 - $225 per week Mo-Ranch Outdoor Adventure Day Camp is designed for younger campers, ages 6-11 (must turn 6 by the start of their first session). Our goal is to offer all of the same excitement, variety, friends, fun and adventure of a sleepover camp to children who are not yet ready to stay away from home overnight.

Northside ISD Community Education Summer Camps and Classes 210-397-8103 www.nisd.net/ace

Hundreds of camps and classes with a wide range of scheduling options for ages 3 - 18, including full day, half day, and multi-hour sessions. Enjoy art, music, science, technology, crafting, cooking, and more at our Northside Learning Center and other locations across San Antonio. Open to all residents of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Northside ISD Learning Tree Summer Camp 210-397-8108 www.nisd.net/learning-tree

Grades K – 8. Experience the fun at Learning Tree Summer Camp, where kids will enjoy weekly themed activities, student choice centers, crafts, recreation, and field trips every week. Camps will be held 7:00am-6:30pm at Beard ES, Krueger ES, Boone ES, and Forester ES from June 8 to August 7.

Fencing Camp Olympian Fencing Club 210-872-2004 info@OlympianFencingClub. com www.OlympianFencingClub. com

Your kids will learn the safe and unique sport of Fencing from Olympian and World class experienced coaches. An Olympic sport, fencing provides a great physical and mental workout and is lots of fun to learn. Fencing is a challenging mix of physical and tactical training that is equally suited to boys and girls. Our camps provide a safe environment and we emphasize safety rules at all times. We will offer 14 camps this summer.

Engineering thru Lego® Play-Well TEKnologies (512)757-4371 angel@play-well.org www.play-well.org

What can you do with over 20,000 pieces of LEGO®? In our Engineering with LEGO® enrichment program, take on real-life engineering challenges. In our classes, explore concepts in physics, architecture, mechanical and structural engineering. Find inventive solutions in a fun-filled context that supports the growth of young minds through hands-on, mindson learning.

Summer Camp at the Aquarium 6320 Bandera Rd. San Antonio 78238 210-310-3210 www.sanantonioaquarium.net

Coed • 8-12 (Stingray Summer Camp) & 13-18 (Shark Summer Camp) Experience hands on learning with a

member of our husbandry staff. Campers will learn about animal diets as they help prepare meals and animal enrichment. See our website for the details on your desired age group. www.sanantonioaquarium. net/activities/summer-camp/ Each camp is 3 days long, 2 hours each day. July 6, 7, 8 or July 13, 14, 15

St. Peter Prince of the Apostle Brain Power Summer Camp 210-824-3171 Located in Alamo Hts www.stpeter.org

Have a blast this summer at Brainpower Summer Camp! Join the fun at St. Peter’s Brainpower Summer Camp! Weekly themes set the tone for activities including indoor gym games, playground time, art, water fun, technology, sports, reading, and field trips. Camp is for kids 18 months - 10 years-old. Adventure time is 8:30am3:30pm with morning and after care available.

St. Thomas Summer Sensations – Summer Pride & Tiger Connections www.stthomaskids.com 210-494-3509

Summer Pride – Coed for ages 3 to completed Kindergarten. June 15-July 31. Program set in weekly units. The choice is yours. Arts & crafts, cooking, science, stories, imagination… Half or full day with optional extended care before and after camp. Tiger Connections – Coed for ages 3 through fifth grade. June 15-July 31. Students engage in fun, educational, and creative activities in our summer day camp experience. We offer enrichment classes, academics, sports, and adventure camps taught by instructors from St. Thomas, neighboring districts, and experts in specific fields.

Studio Martial Arts (210) 482 9833 21750 Hardy Oak Suite 101, 78258 www.safreemartialarts.com info@safreemartialarts.com

Studio Martial Arts has many programs and summer activities for children, adults and families year round. For Children, we have Anti Bully Programs, Anti Abduction Programs and Self Defense to name a few. The School focuses on creating leaders and developing confidence in people lives to better improve goals and quality of living. Martial Arts can help with Self Discipline, stress relief, weight control, improving focus and self-assertion in order to live life to the fullest.

Summer Art Studios Southwest School of Art 300 Augusta, San Antonio, TX 210-224-184 www.swschool.org

Co-ed Ages 5 – 18 Considered one of South Texas’ best run and most meaningful summer arts programs, the SSA’s Summer Art Studios formerly (Summer Art Camp) offers 1-and-2 week long classes in a beautiful, positive, nurturing and fun learning environment. Both morning and afternoon classes are available.

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, Fashion

Design, Sewing, Papier-Mâché, Architecture, Jewelry Design

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8– July 31 Pastels, acrylic, drawing & painting, clay, cartooning, glass, sewing, photography, fashion design, crafts, room makeover, papier-mâché, jewelry design and more. For the artistic among you, a selection of classes that will help you express your creative spirit!

Medieval Battles, King Arthur’s Court, Star Wars, Roman Military Rulers, Heroscape

Coed for ages 6 and up. June 8– July 31 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, Cookies, Boss of Cakes, Ice Cream Shoppe, Special Breads

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8– July 31 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!

Animation, Game Programming, Minecraft, Apple iPad FOR AGES: 7&Up DATES: June 9-Aug 1

These classes explore a wide variety of technological skills and games. From Animation with Macromedia Flash to Google SketchUp to Prezi to Scratch to Minecraft to Apple iPads. Learn to be proficient in using your computer & tablets, while having fun! Cards, Chess, Pokemon, Math, & Table Games Coed for ages 6 and up. June 8 - July 31 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; Public Speaking; Writing; Improv; Courtroom Drama; Pantomine; Lights, Camera, Action

Coed for ages 5 and up. June 8 - July 31 This series of classes will provide you with a wide variety of life skills in such areas as dynamic public speaking, writing, and experiencing “behind-scene” and “onstage” action and courtroom sitations.

Legos, Rockets, Robotics, Manipulatives, Architecture, Minecraft

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8 - July 31 Come explore your “building” imagination!

Inventions, Rockets, Robotics, Chemistry & Physics, forensics, Singing Science, Magnets, Space

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8 - July 31 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 Camps, Zumba

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8 - July 31 If you are a sports and exercise fanatic (or just love fun and games), come join us for classes in karate, , soccer, football, basketball, bowling, dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, Zumba, racquet sports and fencing.

Math Camps

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8 - July 31 Whether you want to learn basic math

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CAMP DIRECTORY skills or plunge into the world of algebra, geometry, SAT Prep Math 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 8 - July 31 Fishing, bugs, snakes, spiders and salamanders … calling all animal lovers. Come spend a week learning about a variety of pets!

Reading & Comprehension, Phonics, Study/Testing Skills, Writing, Public Speaking, STARR Reading Prep, SAT PrepMath Coed for ages 4 and up. June 8 - July 31

These classes focus on skills and activities that will boost your confidence and strengthen your reading, writing, testing, and public presentation skills.

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path, #120San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com

This summer, we will be hosting Summer School for both Gifted and Talented, General Ed. and Special Ed. students with courses in Fine Arts, Archæology, Computer Science, Architecture, and Academic Support. Some programs are ages 5+, other programs ages 10+. Grades K-9th; (K-12 for some Special Ed. departments).

The Little Gym Call for ages and rates NorthEast – 210-545-3770, www.thelittlegym.com Alamo Heights – 210-822-9252, www.tlgalamoheightstx.com

The Little Gym camps combine physical activity and games with arts, crafts and special events. Each week offers an interactive learning theme and each day brings a different, creative lesson plan. Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to sign up for several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time.

S.T.E.A.M. Up at MSSA The Montessori School of San Antonio 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy. 492-3553

www.montessoriSA.org This summer program will ignite a child’s imagination, excite their creativity and fuel their enthusiasm to learn!

Woodlawn Academy for the Performing Arts Summer Theatre Camp 1920 Fredericksburg Road

San Antonio, 78201 210-267-8388 woodlawnapa.org

Kids ages 5-17 can learn to sing, dance and shine on a stage complete with costumes, lights and a set while making friends and memories! Sessions include Camp Mary Poppins, Camp Broadway Bound, Camp Happily Ever After and Stage Makeup Workshop. Visit woodlawnapa.org or call 210-278-8388 for camp dates and times.

Hill Country Montessori School    

DAY CAMP / SPECIAL NEEDS The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 6391 DeZavala #106, San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com

CAMPING ASSOCIATIONS American Camp Association, Texoma PO BOX 472264, Garland, TX 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

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Come join us for a barrel-full of fun:        

And so much more…. For more Summer Camp info: www.hcmontessori.org  830.229.5377 Ages 18 months to 12 years Hill Country Montessori School, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nationality, or ethnic origins in the administration of its policies or procedures.

Sensory learning, neuromuscular activities, and spatial awareness, otherwise referred to as,

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 • May 30August 19 5 day to 5 week sessions $1100- - $6,150 Since 1922. One- to five-week sessions. Education through wilderness and adventure. Non-competitive, nonregimented activities for goal-setting and self-confidence.

Summer Camp!

Be ready for all day Fun!

p Spring Camils Call for Deta

After l Schoom Progra

Stone Oak area – Bulverde

Sports & Aerobics Hands on Crafts Visual Arts • Board Games Water Games • and more!

Learning Spanish Field Trips www.kiduskids.com

(830) 980-1880

The Little Gym helps children reach their greatest potential. From 4 months through 12 years, classes promote development and build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Now enrolling! Call today to try a class! Alamo Heights 822-9252 NE San Antonio 545-3770 www.thelittlegym.com

25836 Hwy 281 N. San Antonio, TX 78258

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March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP DIRECTORY Camp Rio Vista for Boys 175 Rio Vista Road, Ingram, TX, 78025 830-367-5353 www.vistacamps.com

Ages 6-16 June 7 – Aug. 1 $1,500$4,250 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

Ages 6-16 • June 5 - Aug. 1 $2,645 - $477 0amp Stewart for Boys is a privately owned, Christian-oriented, nondenominational camp for boys ages six to sixteen. We are located in the heart of the famed Texas Hill Country, near headwaters of the 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 7-14 • June 7 July 10 $475 $1,000 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 6-17 • May 30August 19 5 day to 5 week sessions $1100- - $6,150 Since 1945. One- to five-week sessions. Education through wilderness and adventure. Noncompetitive, non-regimented activities for goal setting and self-confidence.

Camp Honey Creek 401 Honey Creek W. 830-238-4630 chc@camphoneycreek.com www.camphoneycreek.com.

Ages 6-17 • June 5 - July 4 and July 9 - Aug $2700 - $3800 Girls develop a positive attitude and grow in a caring, safe and wholesome atmosphere.

Camp La Jita Utopia, TX (on the Sabinal River) 210-349-2404 or 800-580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org.

Ages 7-18 Sports, horseback riding, canoeing, dance, crafts, backpacking, swimming, archery, photography, etc. Non-Girl Scouts welcome. 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 June 7 – Aug. 1 $1100 - $4250 Small, private, traditional camp in the Texas Hill Country. A summer tradition of fun, friends, exciting activities, lifelong memories and life-changing experiences.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

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 • June 5 – Aug. 1 $2,645$4,770 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 1888-709-8324 www.iDTech.com

Camps are held at Trinity, St. Edward’s, Rice, University of Houston, and more. Inspired by hip, tech-savvy instructors, ages 7-17 code apps, design video games, mod with Minecraft, engineer robots, build websites, produce movies, and meet friends with similar interests. Also in Texas: Alexa Café (all-girls, ages 10-15) and 2-week, pre-college Teen Academies for ages 13-18..

Kickapoo Kamp for Girls 304 Upper Turtle Creek Road, Kerrville, TX 78028 830-895-5731 www.kickapookamp.com.

Ages 7-17 • June 8 – Aug. 1 $1,400$3,400 Kickapoo’s enrollment of 100 girls ages 7 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.rockyriverranch.com.

Ages 7-14 • June 7 - Aug. 7 , $850 $1,695 A unique summer camp for girls ages 7 to 14. Sessions include choice of: horseback riding, drama, kayaking, 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 • June 7– Aug. 8 $1,150 $3,300 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.

Camp Cho-Yeh and Conference Center 2200 S. Washington, Livingston, TX 77351 936-328-3200 www.cho-yeh.org

Ages: 6 – 16 · June 7 - Aug. 115 $860 $1,575 Camp Cho-Yeh is a co-ed Christian summer camp just north of Houston, Texas serving campers age 6-16. At Camp Cho-Yeh, we firmly believe that a week of summer camp can be one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences in a young person’s life. Our vision is to build relationships and impact lives in a Christ-centered environment. 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 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 • June 7– Aug. 15 $3265 - $4,295 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 campers get to choose the activities that interest them. Children learn responsibility and cooperation at camp while gaining independence and self-esteem.

Deer Creek Christ-Centered Adventure Bandera County, TX (outside Medina on Hwy. 337) 830-589-7123 pambehling@deercreekcamp. com www.deercreekcamp.com

Ages 7-19 • June 7 – Aug. 1 $925 - $1850 High adventure activities including canoe, kayak, waterslide, zip line, dance, and archery and field games. Deer Creek camp is a non-denominational, Christ-centered adventure camp for boys and girls ages 7 – 19.

His Hill Ranch Camp Overnight & Day Camp PO BOX 9, Comfort, TX 78103 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org www.hishill.org

Ages 8-18 • Weekly sessions June 22 – August 8 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.summercamp.MoRanch.org

Ages 8 – 17 • May 31– July 18 $595 $1,400 Mo Ranch Summer Camp provides campers the opportunity to grow in their faith by experiencing the love of God through relationships grounded in Christian faith, living in a community, and praying and learning in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas.

Newk’s Adventure Camp New Braunfels, TX 830-625-9105 www.newktennis.com

Ages 9 - 16 Action packed exciting week of fun and adventurous challenges, high ropes, zip line, paintball, tubing, rafting, Schlitterbahn, campout to Enchanted Rock, rapelling, rock climbing, swimming, games, archery and more!

Pine Cove Christian Camps Tyler & Columbus, Texas 877-4-Pine-Cove www.pinecove.com

Grades 2 – 12 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 6 – 18 Located in East Texas, Sky Ranch is a GREAT Christian camp offering activities such as Blob, Waterslides, Ziplines, Jet-skis, paintball and so much more. Spaces limited, register today!

T Bar M Camps New Braunfels, TX 830-620-4263 WWW.TBarMCamps.org

Ages 6 - 18 Camp is one of the most lasting, rewarding experiences parents can give their children. It builds self-esteem, gives kids a sense of independence and allows them to take a breather from dayto-day. Over 10,000 people experiencee T Bar M adventure every year. Come and see what it’s all about!

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow Hunt, Texas 1-800-765-9622 ymcacampflamingarrow.org. 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,

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Agape Bereavement Camp for Children Burnet, TX 214-674-1205 info@campagapetexas.org www.campagapetexas.org.

Ages 7-12 • Summer only, $50 application fee that is refunded at the end of camp 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.

Charis Hills Camp Ingram, TX 888-681-2173 info@charishills.org www.charishills.org

Ages 7 – 18 · $1,260, 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.

Deer Creek Christ Special Needs Week Camp Bandera County, TX (outside Medina on Hwy. 337) 830-589-7123

pambehling@deercreekcamp.com www.deercreekcamp.com. Each camper is assigned a Buddy for this week long adventure for special needs campers. Call for information.

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19th Annual

CAMP DIRECTORY

CAMP FAIR 2015 Magazine

Magazine

Sunday, March 1st • 1pm - 4pm Magazine

San Antonio Shrine Auditorium

Join us and Go Bananas with Our Kids! Meet camp & program representatives Gather info to plan your childs summer Fun Activities and Performances

Magazine

(Loop 1604 W between Stone Oak Dr. and Blanco Rd)

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• Day Camps • Overnight Camps • Childcare Programs • Summer Activities • School Programs

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March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

baby

Don’t Lose Sight of These Tiny Patients

What are the causes of ROP and how can it be treated? By Jessa McClure

The birth of a child is supposed to be a joyous event for parents. But for the parents of the thousands of premature, underweight infants born each year, their time of bliss quickly becomes a time of uncertainty and worry. Children born weighing less than two and three-fourths pounds and before 31 weeks gestation are not only at risk of developing complications such as chronic lung disease, but they are also at risk of developing an ocular condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). In fact, over half of these babies will be born with some version of ROP. This disease was first diagnosed in 1942 and remains one of the most common causes of vision loss in childhood, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).

What is Retinopathy of Prematurity? “ROP is defined as abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye,” said Kara Tison, OD, senior clinical instructor of University of the Incarnate Word’s Rosenberg School of Optometry. “It is caused by stress of the immature blood vessels in the back of the eye. Vessel growth is still occurring after birth and being born prematurely can disrupt this growth.” 28

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Of the 28,000 premature infants born each year, more than 15,000 of these babies are born with some form of ROP, according to the NEI.

What causes ROP? During the last few weeks of a mother’s pregnancy, the baby’s eyes are growing at a rapid rate. If the child is born prematurely, blood vessels can develop abnormally. These abnormal blood vessels can leak and create scar tissue that pulls on the retina. If the retina becomes detached, vision loss can occur. Other factors can also cause these abnormal blood vessels to form, including poor overall health of the child, respiratory distress and anemia, according to the NEI. “But having a low birth weight and being born premature are the main factors,” Tison said. What complications are associated with ROP? While many cases of ROP regress on their own, there are thousands of children who will feel the effects of this debilitating condition for years to come. “Those with later stages of ROP can develop amblyopia, FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

Celebrating over 44 years of Excellence in Early Childhood Education

strabismus, nystagmus, or glaucoma,” Tison said. “They are also at an increased risk for retinal detachment, which could result in blindness.”

How is it detected? At this time, doctors cannot detect ROP or predict which infants will develop this condition before the birth of the child. But if the condition is diagnosed quickly, treatment can help stop its progression. That’s why Tison encourages parents to be advocates for their children about the care they receive. “Infants born at less than 1500 grams should be screened five to six weeks after birth and then every one to two weeks until normal vessel growth has occurred,” she said.

SING. DANCE. PLAY. LEARN...

Colonial Hills United Methodist School

Nurture your child’s inner musician, and give them a gift that will last a lifetime! Music and movement Spring Classes classes for children Now birth - 5 years old, Forming with the grown-ups who love them.

Three years old to Kindergarten • Spanish • Computer • Motor Skills

• Music • Weekly Chapel • Outdoor Classroom

(210) 373-7365

Also offering our Little Chums Program Beginning at 18 months old

TreehouseMusicTogether.com

(210) 349-1092 • 5247 Vance Jackson • www.colonialhills.info

What are the stages of ROP? Every case of ROP is characterized by five stages which range from Stage I which is characterized by mildly abnormal vessel growth that will most likely improve on its own to Stage V where the child’s retina has completely detached causing severe visual impairment, the NEI states. How is ROP treated? “Depending on the classification of the ROP, sometimes treatment isn’t necessary,” Tison said. “But, if treatment is needed, then there are several options for patients.” Some of those treatments include: Cryotherapy – During this procedure, the doctor uses a tool that generates freezing temperatures to freeze spots on the surface of the eye that overlap the periphery of the retina.

At Sunshine Cottage, children with hearing loss and normal hearing grow and learn together in a nurturing and fun environment. All students experience the finest education available in South Texas with a low student-to-teacher ratio (6:1) and a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing all State standards.

Laser Photocoagulation – Instead of freezing away abnormal vessels on the surface of the eye, a laser photocoagulation procedure essentially burns away the periphery of the retina that has no normal vessels. Avastin® Injections – These injections, which contain bevacizumab, are known in the medical world as an anti-cancer drug. But now these injections are being used to stop bleeding from abnormal blood vessels in the eyes of premature infants to help save some of their eye sight. The good news is that sometimes ROP regresses on its own and the child’s vision is never affected. And because of advances in technology and quality of care for premature infants, the rate of ROP has declined significantly in the last 50 years. For more information about ROP and other conditions related to your child’s vision, visit the NEI’s website at www.nei.nih.gov. Jessa McClure is a freelance writer, blogger, wife and mother of two.

Call for information

(210) 824-0579

Begin the Adventure: • Early Childhood & Elementary classes • Dynamic Curriculum • State-of-the-art technology • Outdoor & Discovery classrooms

• Music & Art classes • Certified teaching staff • Small student teacher ratio • Physical Education • Convenient location

603 E. Hildebrand Ave. • San Antonio, Texas • 78212 www.sunshinecottage.org Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, OPTIONSchools International and is a TEA Approved non-public school. Sunshine Cottage is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit educational organization. We accept students regardless of sex, race, affiliation, disability, or national origin.

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March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

May 2014.indd 1

4/22/2014 11:45:56 AM

1 Sunday

19th Annual Camp Fair: see pg 30 Children’s Hospital Team Roping Event: Teams compete for prizes in this fundraising event to benefit The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. Free & open to the public. 8 a.m. San Antonio Rose Palace, 25665 Boerne Stage Rd., Boerne. 210-4211494. www.childrenshospitaltrailride.org Stock Show & Rodeo: Over 2 and a half weeks of highflying PRCA Rodeo action, live musical entertainment, family-friendly carnival, shopping at over 650 booths, livestock and horse shows and sales, fair food galore, a Texas Wildlife Area and so much more. Grounds admission $7; Rodeo tickets start at $12. Hours and performers vary by date. Freeman Coliseum Grounds, AT&T Center, 3201 E. Houston St. 210-225-5851. www.sarodeo. com State Open Chili Championship: This event is held under the auspices of the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). Chili cooks from across Texas will join the many “chiliheads” to vie for the top honors in Chili and Junior Chili. This chili cook-off is designed to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Support Center. CASI Chili Entry Fee is $35 and Junior Chili Competition is $10. $3 per car parking fee. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trader’s Village, 9333 Southwest Loop 410. 210-623-8383. www.tradersvillage.com/san-antonio First Sundays for Families: Share the first Sunday of each month with the family and enjoy activities during “Contemporary Art Month— Black and White”. There is something for everyone: pinhole cameras, print-making, optical illusion drawings, portraits and more! Noon to 4 p.m. Free for children ages 12 years and younger. San Antonio Museum of Art, Great Hall, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

2 Monday

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!: Kids can celebrate Read Across America Day with story time and activities featuring Dr. Seuss favorites Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. Free. 7 p.m. Northwoods Shopping Center, 18030 Hwy 281N Ste. 140. 210-490-0411. www. store-locator.barnesandnoble. com/event/4830640 Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: Ballet/folklorico dance instruction for area children at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month. Children and parents should report to the HPD Building, where they will be escorted to the training room for classes. Free. Helotes Police Dept., 12951 Bandera Road. 210-416-1498. www. helotes-tx.gov

3 Tuesday

Little Explorers: Preschoolers and their caregivers can use their five senses for fun and adventure as they discover nature through stories, crafts, games, songs and outdoor exploration. The third Tuesday of each month will feature special guest Mother Nature for story time. $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830249-4616. www.cibolo.org

4 Wednesday

SAMA Playdates: Toddlers can enjoy stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music during this event designed to cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Participants should meet at the front desk. 10 to 11 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210978-8183. www.samuseum. org Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large

Our Kids e ee Eat at Fre

Looking for a great place to eat that is fun for the entire family? below is a list of restaurants that offer Kids Eat Free.

Rome’s Pizza

EVERYDAY

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase 3 Locations - see website www.romespizza.com

Acadiana Cafe

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchased 1289 S.W. Loop 410 www.acadianacafe.com

WEDNESDAY Luby’s

MONDAY Buffalo Wings & Rings Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 203 North Loop 1604 www.buffalowingsandrings.com

Kids eat free after 4 pm with every adult entree purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Romes Pizza

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase

Babes Old Fashion Burgers Mon - Thurs from 4pm - 7pm kids 9 and under eat free with every adult entree purchase 3 Locations - see website www.babeshamburgers.com

Earl Abel’s Mon - Thurs from 5pm - 8pm kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 1201 Austin Hwy #175 www.earlabelssa.com

TUESDAY

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase. 2611 SE Military Dr #108 www.hurricanewings.com

The Black-eyed Pea Kids eat free after 5pm with every adult entree purchase 7959 Fredericksburg Rd., #103 www.theblackeyedpea.com

Marie Callender’s Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 4788 NW Interstate 410 Loop www.mariecallenders.com

THURSDAY The Black-eyed Pea

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase.

SATURDAY Luby’s

Kids eat free 11-close with adult purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Del Fuego’s Chargril

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase. 2318 North Loop 1604 www.delfuegostx.com

Marie Callender’s Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase

SUNDAY ztejas

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 15900 La Cantera Pkwy #25100 www.ztejas.com

March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Saturday, March 28 March for Babies 2015:

Join a team or start your own and walk for March of Dimes to raise money for babies in San Antonio. Arrive at SeaWorld before 8 a.m. for Free Parking. Stay and play in the park after March for Babies for $36 (includes lunch buffet). Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the March starts at 8 a.m. Sea World San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Dr. 210-696-1030. www.marchofdimes. org/texas/events

Lifeguard Introduction Clinic set for March 21

Residents, of all ages, who are looking for a rewarding job with great pay, are invited to apply to serve their community as a lifeguard for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The Introduction Clinics will be held on the following Saturdays: March 21, April 4 and May 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the San Antonio Natatorium, 1430 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. Refreshments will be served. At the event, applicants will have access to a computer to complete the on-line application and they are encouraged to take the required prerequisite skills test. To complete the test, applicants should bring their swimsuits and be prepared to swim 300 yards freestyle and breaststroke, tread water without using their arms for two minutes, as well as retrieve a 10-pound weight from the 13 foot depth and swim across the pool within the allotted time. Practice time and instruction will be available. The skills test can also be scheduled for a later date. The department provides CPR and lifesaving training to prepare applicants for their lifeguarding responsibilities. Applicants who have passed the prerequisite test will be scheduled for training classes. For more information on the recruitment events, lifeguard positions or pool hours of operation, call 210-207-3299.

Dinosaur George will once again be on hand with a family-friendly presentation about dinosaurs. The program is set for Sat., March 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Phil Hardberger Park. telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Sundown to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. Lower Bee Tree soccer field parking lot at McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. 210-710-4786. www.sanantonioastronomy.org Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: Hardberger Park’s diversity of flora and fauna is being threatened by exotic invasive weeds and volunteers are needed to combat these weeds each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. E-mail wendy. leonard@sanantonio.gov or call 210-2073292 for directions to week’s location. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org

6 Friday

Living History at The Alamo: Three days of living history presented by the San Antonio Living History Association during “Remember The Alamo Weekend”. Free. Fri. 5 to 7 a.m.-“Dawn at The Alamo”; Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sun. noon to 5 p.m. The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza. 210-2251391. www.salha.org/events/

Interesting in picking up lacrosse or honing your lacrosse skills through the summer season? Join some of San Antonio’s best players and coaches to learn and play the country’s fastest-growing sport. Mission Lacrosse Club is currently accepting registration for its summer lacrosse program. Registration is open for boys currently in grades 3 through 11. Players will practice two to three times weekly from mid-May through June. MLC players will also travel to participate in tournaments, both within Texas and out of state. Register early; discounted fees are given for registrations made by March 15. For more information on the program and to register, visit www.missionlacrosseclub.com.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. www.thetwig. indiebound.com Art Stroll at the McNay: Take your baby in a stroller or carrier to enjoy a themed tour of the museum collection and a related sensory playtime for little ones 18 months and younger. Diapers, blankies and yoga pants are welcome. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Meet at 10:15 a.m. in the lobby. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register

online or call 210-805-1768. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www.mcnayart.ticketleap. com

7 Saturday

Memorial Festival and Open Car Show: The Memorial Festival Committee of the San Antonio Police Officer’s Association would like to announce the 3rd Annual Memorial Festival and Open Car Show. Cars, raffles, kids games, rides, and vendors will be available to attendees. The fundraising goal of the Memorial Festival is to assist the immediate family of SAPD’s fallen officers when their loved one is placed on the national memorial wall. $25 car show registration. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. SAPD Training Academy Grounds, 12200 S.E. Loop 410. 210-286-8336. www.facebook.com/ MemorialFestival Wings Over Boerne: This series of Bird of Prey Demonstrations by Last Chance Forever takes place at the Boerne Visitors Center on three Saturdays in March. There is an outdoor presentation and a flying demo with hawks, owls, falcons & vultures. Free. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 830-249-7277. www.visitboerne.org Dinosaur George: PHP’s First Saturday Program will feature George Blasing speaking to all ages about dinosaurs. Come early to this well-attended program. Kid-friendly activity included. 9 to 11 a.m. This is a great event for the entire family. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center, 8400 N.W. Military Hwy (West Side). 210207-3280. www.philhardbergerpark.org

On two consecutive weekends this month, Devine Acres Farm will host their annual Spring EGGstravaganza! Families can enjoy a variety of activities including egg hunts and visits with the Country Easter Bunny. See their March 21 calendar listing for more details or go to www.devineacresfarm.com Annual “Night of Fiesta” Gala Dinner Dance: This annual event benefits the lives of the children, their families, and the faculty & staff of St. Leo The Great Catholic School. 6 to 10:30 p.m. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 200 East Market St. 210-532-3166. www.goodshepherdcatholicacademy.org/index.jsp MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes: Music, food and a good time are served up at this event as local craftsmen offer treasures from across South Texas on the first Saturday of the month. Jewelry, arts and crafts, fresh produce and one-of-a-kind pieces are on display. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 210-695-5964. www.helotes-tx.gov/

marketplace SAMA Tours for the Visually Impaired: Docent-led tours for the blind and visually impaired include descriptive language, touch, sound and smell to enhance the visitor’s experience with art. Guide dogs, sighted companions and others are welcome on the tours, as are wheelchairs and other walking aids. Free. 10 to 11 a.m. Call for reservations. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210978-8183. www.samuseum.org Living History at The Alamo: see March 6

8 Sunday

ARRIVAL From Sweden-The Music Of ABBA: Experience the musical excitement of one of the world’s most popular and best-selling ABBA show bands, ARRIVAL from Sweden. The band has toured over 50 countries, having embarked on 30 sold-out tours in North America since 2005, and they have appeared on TV and radio shows all over the world. ARRIVAL from Sweden delivers hits such as Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous and Dancing Queen with such accuracy that you’ll almost believe it’s the real ABBA. $20-$100. 3 p.m. The Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-223-8624. www. tobincenter.org Los Peloteros: Baseball has always been a big part of the Tejano community in Texas. Learn how the “national pastime”

REMINDER: Spring Forward The March 8 Family Day program at the Institute of Texan Cultures is entitled “Los Peloteros” and will feature information and images about the history of baseball in the Tejano community.

Spring Forward! Daylight Saving Time 2015 begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Ongoing Exhibits

McNay Art Museum World War II in Photographs: Looking Back commemorates the 70th anniversary of the war’s end and honors San Antonio’s military heritage with an exhibition of iconic images by some of the great photojournalists of the time. It also documents the war effort on the home front in San Antonio. A special feature is a group of photographs of the Monuments and Fine Arts Officers, or “Monuments Men,” who rescued art stolen by the Nazis. The exhibition is especially fitting for the McNay, as Marion Koogler McNay was a strong supporter of the war effort on the home front. Don Denton McNay, her first husband, died at an Army camp in Florida during World War I. During World War II, she purchased and furnished many residences across San Antonio to provide housing for young officers and their families, going so far as to move houses to the grounds of her estate that became the McNay Art Museum. World War II in Photographs includes images by such luminaries as Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Eisenstadt, and Carl Mydans that express the heroism, sacrifices, and hard work that brought victory. These photographs are sure to fascinate a younger generation unfamiliar with them, as well as an older generation of Americans that remembers them well. Exhibit runs through May 10. Admission: $10 for adults (12-64); $5 for seniors (65+), students with I.D. (13+), and active duty military; and free for children ages 12 and younger and to all museum members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. 210824-5368. www.mcnayart.org

San Antonio Botanical Garden Rainforest Adventure is a maze exhibit that takes guests inside the rainforest, from the soaring canopies all the way to the forest floor with lessons on ecology, biodiversity, adaptability, and conservation. Exhibit runs March 7 through September 20. Admission: $10 adults (14-64); $8 students, seniors, military; $7 children age 3-13; free for children under 3 and all members. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org

Institute of Texan Cultures

The San Antonio Botanical Garden will host “Rainforest Adventure,” a maze exhibit that takes guests inside the rainforest--from the soaring canopies all the way to the forest floor with lessons on ecology, biodiversity, adaptability, and conservation. This interactive exhibit begins March 7.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Texas, Our Texas is a Student Produced Exhibit. The students of Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland tell their story of Texas in this art exhibit featuring the symbols of Texas. See their unique representations of official state symbols, familiar mottos and their favorite aspects of Texan culture. Monarch Academy is a private school serving students age 11 to 24 with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities and providing quality instruction focused on the individual. Student Produced Exhibits feature the work of K-12 students from across the state. With the supervision of the Education and Interpretation Department, classroom teachers, and other experts, students are challenged to examine what defines Texan culture today and provided a platform to share their stories and perspectives. Exhibit runs through May 30. Patriots & Peacemakers, a traveling exhibit from the Arab American National Museum, details how Arab Americans – Christian, Muslim and those of other faiths – have served the United States through the Armed Forces, Diplomatic Corps and Peace Corps. The exhibit tells stories of heroism and

self-sacrifice that affirm the important role Arab Americans have played in our country throughout its history from the American Revolution to the present. More than 170 stories of Arab Americans are presented. Exhibit runs through June 14. Sikhs: Legacy of the Punjab is a unique, traveling exhibit developed by the Smithsonian Institution and sponsored by the Sikh Heritage Foundation. Sikhs, a unique culture and religion, originate in the Punjab region of India, straddling the India-Pakistan border. Male Sikhs are easily recognized by their turbans and untrimmed beards. The community and its leaders have been working with the museum to continue educating about their culture, which has experienced discrimination and suspicion in a post-9/11 society. In San Antonio, the Sikh community has grown to nearly 300 families. The exhibit features a collection of traditional Sikh art, information on the culture’s history and beliefs, artifacts such as ceremonial weapons and armor, and a model of the Golden Temple, one of the sacred sites of the Sikh religion. Exhibit runs through Oct. 18. Admission: $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210458-2300. www.TexanCultures.com

The Witte H-E-B Body Adventure at the Witte is under way and visitors to the Witte can explore a state-of-the-art interactive adventure focused on getting the body up and moving and inspiring a balanced life. Four floors of fun activities will feature themes relating to Health IQ, Empowerment and Wellness including: South Texas Trailblaze, Pick Up Your Pace, You Are What You Drink, Demonstration Kitchen, Toddler Discovery Garden, Eat the Rainbow and Bare Bones. Each themed area features hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. Additionally, there are interactive cart demonstrations and student workshops that explore wellness, empowerment, anatomy and physiology. Exhibit runs through May 31. Admission: $10 for adults (12-64); $9 for seniors (65+) and active duty military; $7 for children (4-11); and free for children ages 3 and younger and to all museum members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org

fit into the Tejano culture. The baseball diamond provided a sanctuary from social and political notice and allowed the players to establish themselves as equals among their peers. This Family Day program is included with admission fee. 2 to 4 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-4582300. www.texancultures.com Living History at The Alamo: see March 6

9 Monday

Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: School is out for Spring Break but the Back 40 at the ITC is open all week long. Families can come out and discover the Log House, Barn, One-Room Schoolhouse, Adobe House and Frontier Fort and take part in fun activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.texancultures.com Spring Plant Sale: Find the perfect plants to make your landscape San Antonio friendly. Select from hundreds of varieties of natives and adapted plants suited to local climate conditions. Greenhouse volunteers with extensive gardening experience assist you in your selection. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www. sabot.org Little Sprout Mondays: Program for ages 3-5 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. Early registration encouraged. $7 fee includes one adult and one child. 10 to 11:30 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3278. www.sabot.org/education/ childrens-education/little-sprouts

10 Tuesday

Patterns Across Cultures-A Free Family Event: Travel the world and discover patterns through hands-on activities that explore cultural traditions and mathematical concepts. Compare and create patterns through a variety of media including tapa cloth designs and weavings. Free. 1 to 6 p.m. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org Free Spring Break Family Days-Unwrapped: Celebrate 60 years of modern art in San Antonio this Spring Break with three days of free art making and adventure at the museum. Create with Inspire Fine Arts Center, enjoy an Andy Warhol photo booth, be dazzled by a classic children’s performance by Ballet San Antonio and more. View the gifts given to the McNay over the last 10 years in Rodin to Warhol: 60th Anniversary Gifts and Recent Acquisitions and give a gift back to someone in our city by bringing a can of food for the San Antonio Food Bank. 2 to 4 p.m. Tues. and Wed.; 2 to 6 p.m. Thurs. McNay Art Museum,

Have your students learn about technology in a student-friendly environment. We help them achieve their HS Diploma and gain Technology Certification. • Flexible Schedules, Credit Recovery, and GED Prep. • Free Via Bus passes and easy access. • Our students learn using computers and tablets in a project-based environment.

210-527-9250 www.satechacademy.net 2507 Fredericksburg Road • San Antonio, Texas 78201 March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Family Theatre

“Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat” will be presented by the Magik Theatre at 2 and 6:30 p.m. on March 10-15 at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss and originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain.

Elephant & Piggie- Written by the author of “Knuffle Bunny” and Emmy-award winning writer and animator for “Sesame Street”, “Elephant & Piggie” features the hilarious and unlikely friendship between two animals. Gerald is careful, Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling, Gerald can. Don’t miss the hilarious adventures of these two best friends. Based on the book by Mo Willems. $10 admission; children under 2 free. Runs March 6 through April 18. Magik Theatre, 420 South Alamo. 210-227-2751. www. magiktheatre.org Theatre for the Very Young: Wake Up, Brother Bear!- The Magik Theatre presents Wake Up, Brother Bear!, a unique, intimate production geared toward children ages 5 and under. Watch Brother and Sister Bear experience a full year of glorious seasons: together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to join the action with a small bag of props that help create magical moments. Theatre for the very young uses music, art, and hands-on sensory experiences to connect children to literature. $12 admission; children under 1 free. Seating is limited to 50 children and 50 adults. Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Runs March 7 through March 28. The Pearl, Pearl Studio, 200 E. Grayson, Ste. 115. 210-227-2751. www.magiktheatre.org/index.php/ buy_tickets/theatre_for_the_very_young Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat - From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home? Presented by the Magik Theatre at 2 and 6:30 p.m. $15$25. Runs March 10 through March 15. Charline McCombs

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 226-5700. www.majesticempire.com/home The Addams Family - Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. $17-$26. Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m. Runs through March 15. Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd. 210-2678388. www.woodlawntheatre.org/tickets. Gypsy- Full of popular musical standards, Gypsy follows theatre’s favorite stage mother, Rose, as she raises her daughters in show business. $12-$30. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m. Runs through March 8. The Playhouse San Antonio. 800 W. Ashby. 210-733-7258. www.theplayhousesa.org Annie Jr. - Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie, the world-wide phenomenon, was the winner of seven TONY Awards including Best Musical and is now adapted for young performers in Annie JR. The beloved book and score by TONY Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written including “Tomorrow”. $10-$15. Showtimes vary by date. Runs March 6 through March 8. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 West San Antonio, New Braunfels. 830-627-0808. www. brauntex.org

6000 N. New Braunfels. 210-824-5368. www.mcnayart.org Art Fit at SAMA: Runners of all levels can come to the museum on the second Tuesday of each month for a leisurely run or walk and a tour of the museum. Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness, a yoga stretch and a run or walk with professional coaches and runners from Run Wild Sports. Free: runners also get free admission to the museum. 6 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 9 Spring Plant Sale: see March 9 Little Explorers: see March 3

11 Wednesday

Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 9 Spring Plant Sale: see March 9 SAMA Playdates: see March 4 Astronomy in the Park: see March 3 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see March 3

12 Thursday

Spring Migration Bird Surveys: Students learn about bird migration, use binoculars, create a PHP East Bird Count, and make an origami bird. Students who have binoculars are asked to bring them. This class is part of the Winter Discovery Series for students 10-14 years old. Class size is limited and registration is required. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, Park, Salado Creek Classroom, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3280. www.philhardbergerpark.org Art Crawl: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk through the museum galleries for a guided tour. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adults and infants 0-18 months. Free with museum admission. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 9 Spring Plant Sale: see March 9

13 Friday

Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 9 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see

March 6 Art Stroll at the McNay: see March 6

14 Saturday

9th Annual ‘Fest Of Tails’ Kite Festival & Dog Fair: The Friends of the San Antonio Parks Foundation invite you to bring your family and BFF (Big Furry Friend) to help celebrate the coming of Spring. There will be a Pooch Parade and pet contests, pet products, pet adoptions, kite flying & demonstrations, food, music, and fun. Bring lawn chairs and blanket. If you don’t have a kite or a dog, you can get one there! Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. McAllister Dog Park. www.festoftails.org/ South Texas Alamo Irish Festival & Parade: The Harp & Shamrock Society hosts their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration including a parade, a Gaelic football tournament, Irish music and dance, kids area, cultural area and food & craft vendors. Parade begins at noon. Featuring music by Blaggards. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway. www.harpandshamrock.org/stpats.php Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Enjoy live music on Arneson Stage and a family-friendly festival of food, games, activities and more. The parade is set for 3 p.m. Sunday. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. La Villita, 418 Villita St. 210-207-8614. www. thesanantonioriverwalk.com Trail Ride, Dinner and Dance: The Children’s Hospital Trail Ride is a nonprofit organization in its 27th year of hosting events to benefit the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation. The trail ride begins at 8:30 p.m. with registration from 7 to 8:15 a.m. Lunch will be at noon for the riders. Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public at $8 per plate. There will be a Live Auction and a Silent Auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. The dance is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The auctions and dance are also open to the public. Preregistration for the trail ride is available Fri., March 13 from noon to 8 p.m. Cestohowa Hall, 180 CR 245, Cestohowa. 210-421-1494. www. childrenshospitaltrailride.org 57th Annual SA Folk Dance Festival 2015: The SAFDF concert showcases the beautiful talent and energy of local performing folk dance groups, plus the occasional special guest or two from further away and includes live music. These performances, together with the fabulous ambiance and professional stage of OLLU’s Thiry Auditorium, combine for an unforgettable evening of music, song and dance. $5-$15. 7:30 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake University, Thiry Auditorium,

From March 9-13, during Texas Frontier Week, the Institute of Texan Cultures opens up the “Back 40” for families to enjoy. Special access to these historic buildings will be daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 411 S.W. 24th St. 210-861-4491. www. safdf.org The Trail Mix-Trail Safety for Families: This City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation program will feature a short hike, trail safety information and fun activities at the Medina River Natural Area during a hands-on exploration of part of the Howard Peak Greenway Trail. Perfect for families with children ages 7-12 years of age. For more information email Meredith.Tilley@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-8603. No registration required. A donation of $3 per individual or $5 per family is suggested. 9 to 11 a.m. Medina River Natural Area, MRNA Pavilion, 15890 State Highway 16. www. sanaturalareas.org/ssp.html Kids Club - Fairy Houses, Gnome Homes, Leprechaun Lodges: Find out all about the magical mystical world of nature while learning what everything needs to live and grow. $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. No drop-offs allowed. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd., Boerne. 830-249-4616. www.cibolo.org SA Urban Pet Market: This familyfriendly event includes vendors for all pet products/services, food trucks, pet adoptions, dog agility and training demonstrations & much more! Proceeds from the event are donated to the local animal rescue groups in attendance each month. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis. 210-722-8601. www. sa-UrbanPetMarket.com Beginners’ Bird Walk: Meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

FREE THINGS TO DO IN SA Briscoe Western Art Museum

Free Story Time Stampede on the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Explores the American West through story and art. 210 W. Market St. 210-299-4118. www.briscoemuseum.org

Downtown Tuesdays

Free parking at city facilities, restaurant deals and special events can be found downtown every Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Information is available online. www.downtowntuesday.com.

Inspire Community Fine Art Center

Free Family Art Day on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 200 Queen Anne Court. 210-829-5592. www. inspirefineart.org

McNay Art Museum

Free admission every Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. and every Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www.mcnayart.org

New Braunfels Railroad Museum

Free Admission every first and third Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids of all ages run the train and become a junior engineer. 302 West San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830627-2447. newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org

Local folk dance troupes will entertain crowds at Our Lady of the Lake University during the 57th Annual SA Folk Dance Festival on Sat., March 14 at 7:30 p.m.

leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights on the second Saturday of each month. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. Free. 8 a.m. 246 Viesca, Alamo Heights. 210-308-6788. saaudubon.org Boerne Market Days: On the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, families can enjoy shopping in an outdoor setting with artists and craftsmen showing their creative talents and wares. Live music, food, kids’ activities and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Free. Boerne, Main Plaza. 210-884-8193. www.boernemarketdays.com.

San Antonio Museum of Art

Free admission every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

The Alamo

Free interactive living history event from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Includes live demonstrations, living history and history talks. 300 Alamo Plaza. 210-225-1391. www.thealamo.org.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Little Explorers Mother Nature’s Storytime - Birds: Preschoolers and their caregivers can make a bird feeder and hear the story “Luck” from Mother Nature. $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830249-4616. www.cibolo.org Shen Yun: see March 15

18 Wednesday

SAMA Playdates: see March 4 Astronomy in the Park: see March 3 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see March 3

15 Sunday

19 Thursday

“Dyeing O’ the River Green”: The Annual Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade transforms the 2.5 mile San Antonio River into a miniature Emerald Isle using 110 lbs. of environmentally friendly green dye. A proclamation will be read, temporarily re-naming the river as “The River Shannon” and the floating parade begins. Free. 3 p.m. San Antonio River Walk. www. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Homeschool Student WorkshopsPainting America: As a family, participate in a guided tour of the Museum’s collection and a hands-on activity. Extend learning through art at home with Museum materials. Advance registration required. Free with admission. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Register at210-9788138 or jessica.nelson@samuseum. org San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

Shen Yun: see page 26

Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival: see March 14 Boerne Market Days: see March 14

The Witte Museum

Free admission from 3 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org

17 Tuesday

Wings Over Boerne: see March 7

San Antonio Children’s Museum

Free admission on the third Tuesday evening of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org

Shen Yun: see March 15

16 Monday

Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: see March 2

20 Friday H-E-B Big League Weekend 2015: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Texas Rangers take part in a two-game Major League Baseball exhibition hosted at the iconic Alamodome. $10-$15. 7 p.m.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 210-5683896. www.bigleagueweekend.com Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see March 6 Art Stroll at the McNay: see March 6

21 Saturday

Devine Acres Farm Spring EGGstravaganza!: The farm will be blooming with activities: wildflowers, egg hunts on the hour, catch and release fishing, visits with the Country Easter Bunny, bird house painting, hayrides, visits with barnyard friends, bubble troughs, duck races, live music, story telling and much more. Snacks, lunch, dinner and chuck wagon dutch oven cobblers will all be available. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. On Saturdays there is a HOEDOWN! featuring fiddling, dancing and dinner. Check website for pricing. Devine Acres Farm, 944 FM 2200 W, Devine. 830-6659730. www.devineacresfarm.com Fiesta Especial 4th Annual Royal Court Meet & Greet: A special engagement to meet the 2015 Fiesta Especial Royal Court. Come in your outdoor fiesta wear and enjoy the food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Food trucks, bake sales, snow cones, and popcorn will be available. Activities and crafts for all ages: face painting, tamale demonstrations, pot painting, carnival games, photo booth and. Fiesta Especial pins, medals, tiaras and more will be available for 10% of all food and beverage purchases at this event will go to benefit Fiesta Especial. 4 to 8 p.m. Mi Casa Tamales Restaurant & Cantina, 25930 IH 10 West, (Exit 550) Boerne. 210-656-6674. www.fiestaespecial.com/annual-meet-greet.html Sikh Family Day: Explore Sikh Heritage and culture in Texas through family activities related to the “Sikhs: Legacy of the Punjab” exhibit. Included with admission. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.texancultures.com Boerne Outdoor Family Fair: This community-focused event provides Kendall County families of all ages with the opportunity to enjoy and learn about local services and organizations that are available. There will be entertainment and a lot of fun available for the whole family at this event. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On March 15, at 3 p.m., the San Antonio River will be re-named “The River Shannon” and dyed green by parade float barges during the Annual Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade. The weekend’s festivities also include an Irish Festival from noon to 6 p.m. on March 14 & 15 at La Villita. Main Plaza, 100 N Main St., Boerne. 830249-7277. www.visitboerne.org Children’s Museum 20th Anniversary: A day of celebration to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SACM, their history, and their future. Revisit science and art demonstrations from days gone by; check out pictures and memorabilia from the first 20 years; and purchase a piece of the museum surplus as a SACM souvenir during the garage sale and silent auction. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www. sakids.org Ballet Barre at the McNay: Prima ballerina or two left feet? Doesn’t matter! Tour the exhibition All the Rage in Paris: Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, 1909–1929, and then dance over to the barre in Leeper Auditorium. Led by a professional dancer from Ballet San Antonio, this 30-minute class is designed for beginners. Dress comfortably and bring non-skid socks. Children ages 12 and under (accompanied by parent or guardian) meet at 10 a.m. Adults and teens ages 13+ meet at 11a.m. Registration is required. McNay members & children 12 and under free; nonmembers $10. For more information, call 210-805-1768 or email education@mcnayart.org. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. 210-824-5368. www.mcnayart.org Dog Days: A dog friendly weekend at the Botanical Garden with dog treats

and pools of water available for your pup as you stroll and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in early spring. $5 donation per dog (on a leash, please) will go to local animal friendly charities. Pet adoptions are available through Animal Defense League from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www. sabot.org 5KB Robotics Run or Family Walk: Come out and run or walk to support Robotics Explorer Post #42. Prizes for the first runner/family. Robotics Explorer Post #42 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which is run as an after school club teaching engineering, computer programming, and web design. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. Start time is 8 a.m. O. P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd. www.screamingchickens.org/5-kilobyte-robotics-runand-family-walk.html Mexican Free Tail Bats: Nyta Brown, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Education Coordinator of Ol’Tunnel State Park, explains the importance of protecting bats and shares the myths surrounding them. Learn how bats communicate and what they eat. Suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family. 10 a.m. to noon. Phil Hardberger Park, Salado Creek Classroom, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3280. www.philhardbergerpark.org

looking ahead The San Antonio Public Library will host the 3rd Annual SA Book Festival on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Library. And, Fiesta 2015 officially runs from April 16-26. March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Siclovia will take place Sun., March 29, in Southtown from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a free event that turns major city streets into a safe place for people to exercise, play and socialize. For more info, go to www.ymcasatx.org/siclovia.

Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats. An experienced guide leads this walk every third Saturday of the month. Featured birds include hummingbird, Long-billed Thrashers, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Green Heron and the Common Moorhen. Take binoculars. For ages 10 and older. Participants should meet at the Carriage House. Walk is free with garden admission. 9 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org Wings Over Boerne: see March 7 H-E-B Big League Weekend 2015: see March 20

22 Sunday

Picture Your World-Medina River Natural Area: Kids can get out and explore the nature trails and take part in Picture Your World hosted by Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas. Open to youth ages 8-18, the workshops teach photographic composition and technique through visual, hands-on demonstration, and constructive critique. Participants will produce a visual memory of their day and begin a creative portfolio while experiencing the wonders of the natural environment. Each workshop is led by a professional photographer/Instructor, Program Coordinator/Photographer and Master

Our Kids Magazine | March 2015

Naturalist. Participants may bring their own camera or one will be provided. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Highway 16 South. 210222-8430. www.greensatx.org

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www. wittemuseum.org

Devine Acres Farm Spring EGGstravaganza!: see March 21

Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see March 3

SAMA Playdates: see March 4 Astronomy in the Park: see March 3

Dog Days: see March 21

26 Thursday 24 Tuesday

Little Explorers: see March 3

25 Wednesday

Meditation 101- Taming the Mind with Joy and Compassion: The Witte Museum’s Curator of Anthropology and Health, Dr. Bryan Bayles demystifies the tradition of meditation and explores the profound health and joy that come from simple meditation exercises. In addition to working with indigenous Mayan and South Texas folk healers, Dr. Bayles has studied and practiced meditation for more than 15 years with renowned monks and scholars in the Tibetan Gelukpa lineage (the lineage of the Dalai Lama). Drawing upon these teachings, Dr. Bayles will answer questions and guide visitors through several different styles of focus, visualization and relaxation. $5 for members and students; $10 for adult nonmembers.

Violins and Voices: The Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Capriccio Strings and Prelude Strings combines with the young artists of the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio to present “Violins and Voices”. Free. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Rd. www.yosa.org

27 Friday

Blue Man Group: This traveling troupe is known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts, which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. $58.50-$100.70. Times vary by date. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-5700. www. majesticempire.com/home Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see March 6 Art Stroll at the McNay: see March 6

28 Saturday

March for Babies 2015: see page 26 Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time with an Easter basket and get ready to run. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance so bring your camera. There will be activities available for the kiddos throughout the event as well. Free. 10:30 a.m. Boerne City Lake Park, 1 City Lake Rd., Boerne. 830-249-7277. www.visitboerne.org 2015 Fiesta Especial Royal Coronation: Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI) will present the coronation of the Fiesta Especial Royal Court as the highlight of a night of fashion and fun. Twenty-four individuals with special needs – each with an accompanying “buddy” – will model the latest fashions at this annual “Hand in Hand: A Night on the Runway” benefit in conjunction with the coronation. This is a unique event where inclusion, friendship, fashion and royalty all come together in one uplifting evening. Proceeds from the Hand in Hand fashion show will help benefit programs at Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland. $75. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center, 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210479-3311. www.MonarchAcademy.net Chili & BBQ Cook Off:  The Children’s Hospital Trail Ride is a non-profit organization in its 27th year of hosting events to benefit the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation. Proceeds from this cook-off benefit CHSA. Six categories: ribs, chicken, chili, beans, brisket and dessert.  Cost: 1 entry = $25, 3 entries = $60, All 6 entries = $125 Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Cestohowa Hall, 180 CR 245, Cestohowa. 210-421-1494. www.childrenshospitaltrailride.org Junior Gardener’s Club-Plant Lifecycles: Explore how seeds grow roots, stems, leaves, and flowers and how flowers make seeds to start the process all over again. Open to all ages. Free. 10 to 11 a.m. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd., Boerne. 830-249-4616. www.cibolo.org Nature Walk-Trees of Phil Hardberger Park: This walk is led by Master Naturalist Ron Tullius. Ron points out

The Kid’s Club at Herff Farm will construct Fairy Houses, Gnome Homes, and Leprechaun Lodges on Sat., March 14. Go to www.cibolo.com for more information. the common tree species found in the park, such as Eve’s Necklace, Hogplum and Lotebush. The group meets in the patio area of the PHP Urban Ecology Center Gathering Hall before walking the Oak Loop Trail. Suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family. 8 to 10 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center, 8400 N.W. Military Hwy (West Side). 210-207-3280. www. philhardbergerpark.org Sensory-Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory- Friendly Films to families affected by autism in the San Antonio area. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. Today’s feature is “Home.” Dates and films are subject to change so be sure to verify in advance. $4 per person. 10 a.m. AMC Rivercenter 9. 849 E. Commerce St. http://www. autism-society.org/get-involved/events/ sensory-friendly-films STEM Saturday: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) will be the focus of this session entitled “DiscovEARy”. Noon to 4 p.m. The

Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org Devine Acres Farm Spring EGGstravaganza!: see March 21 Blue Man Group: see March 27

29 Sunday

Go Play in the Street! Síclovía: This free event turns major city streets into a safe place for people to exercise, play and socialize. The streets become temporarily car-free for about 5 hours for families to run, ride bikes, take exercise classes and enjoy their city streets. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Southtown. 210-2469600. www.ymcasatx.org/siclovia Family Art Play: The last Sunday of every month, the McNay offers a program for families that involves looking carefully at works of art and investigating a studio or performance component afterwards. Free. 1 to 4 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org Devine Acres Farm Spring EGGstravaganza!: see March 21 Blue Man Group: see March 27

31 Tuesday

Little Explorers: see March 3

Get Listed for FREE Do you have a family-friendly event? Submit your event online at www.ourkidsmagazine.com or e-mail your calendar items and photographs to ourkidssacalendar@gmail.com. The deadline for the April issue is March 4. Information cannot be accepted by phone. March 2015 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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