MAY 2014
BIRTHDAY Directory Magical venues, entertainers, & services inside
Autism
in the classroom
SUMMER Directory Programs, day camps, & sleepaways
www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events CWA
Register For r Now s i RSepgringtee&r um SN oemswte!r! m e S
31 .
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teeny tumblers • mighty muscle movers rockin' rollers • jodi's jumpstart • tumbling tots jammin’ @ jodi’s • funtastic gymnastics totally tumbling • motion evolution • mad science creation station dance • open play • jodi’s to go holiday and summer camps • best birthdays ever!
contents contents PROOF
table of
table of
May 2014 Volume 31 • Number 5
May 2014 Volume 31 • Number 5
Camp Coverage
Camp Considerations................................ 26 A program director shares expert advice.
Camp Directory..................................... 28 A look at leading day camps and summer programs.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
P. 26
Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest................................ 6 Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 15 Don’t Miss........................................................................ 8 This month’s entertainment and activities.
Birthday Coverage
Travel............................................................................. 46 Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.
Pro Party Tips.......................... 16 Avoid birthday burnout.
Reach Thousands Contests of Your Columns Best Prospects for About $2 Per Day
Birthday Directory....................... 18 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.
Health........................................................................... 50 Insight and items for your family’s care.
Update........................................................................... Now, www.parentguidenews.com makes58
P. 16
Essential products and information for your brood.
it easy and affordable to place ADVERTISING DIRECTLY ONLINE.
Bonus
Special Needs Autism-Friendly Schools.................................................. 38 What to seek in an academic setting.
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 39 Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.
Health & Fitness
PROOF
Playground Safety.......................... 10 A checklist of guidelines and cautions.
Start a Garden................................ 12
A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and home page and follow the simple performances.
steps take youratbusiness to a Cover Credit: Shirato Z. Photography www.shirazphotography.com
Please noteEditor thatDonald you McDermott can always Managing receive personal assistance Associate Editor Samantha Chan by Artcalling Directors the Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Advertising Direct Helpline Director of Web 213-8840, Development Kristen Jankowski at (212) ext. 224 Accounting Teresa Pinargote or e-mailing us at Contributing Writers Lauren Cook, Carol Gilbert, Monica Holloway, advertisingdirect@parentguidenews.com. David Reeves, Kara Mayer Robinson, Alan Saltz, Alison Smith, Teresa Taylor
Make a fruitful adventure a family affair.
Woman oman mom
Calendar of Events........................................................ 52 at the top of the www.parentguidenews.com
Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina
Features
Easy ventures for those extra days.
Attractions for great getaways. Just clickand onaccommodations the “advertising information” link
totally new Publisher Steveplace. Elgort
The Facts of Lice........... 24 P. 24 Keep the little bugs at bay.
Long Weekend Trips.................... 42
Travel Directory.............................................................. 44
P. 42
Balance as Myth............................................................... 48 Eight tips to stop trying to “do it all” and find success.
Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 49 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous.
M
Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti Advertising Sales Representatives Karin Mikelis, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford, Erica Tiso PGTV Producer Beth Elgort Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2013 PGMNC. All rights reserved.
May 2014 I parentguide News I
contents contents
Sara Gubenko, MSed table of
table of
Master of Science in Elementary and Literacy Education
May 2014 Volumetutor 31 • Number 5 Private
May 2014 Volume 31 • Number 5
Contests
NYCCoverage teacher Camp reading & Writing Specialist
Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest................................ 6
A program director shares expert advice.
Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 15
Camp Considerations................................ 26 Camp Directory..................................... 28
A look at leading day camps and summer pro26 South, New 419 ParkP. Avenue York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734
o:
rom:
grams.
Birthday Coverage
FAx #
ProoF
Columns
Don’t Miss........................................................................ 8 This month’s entertainment and activities.
Travel............................................................................. 46 Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.
iSSue DAte:
Pro Party Tips.......................... 16
Health........................................................................... 50 Insight and items for your family’s care.
Avoid birthday burnout.
academic Please call or fax Providing your comments and/or oK. Birthday Directory....................... 18 Support & enrichment to Party places and entertainers for the P. 16 Children across Manhattan igNAture oFhappiest APProvAl: of occasions.
Update........................................................................... 58 Essential products and information for your brood.
Bonus
(646) 389-7323 • Ms.Sarae@gmail.com Special Needs Autism-Friendly Schools.................................................. 38 What to seek in an academic setting.
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 39 Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.
Health & Fitness
Travel Directory.............................................................. 44 Attractions and accommodations for great getaways.
Calendar of Events........................................................ 52 A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.
Cover Credit: Shira Z. Photography at www.shirazphotography.com Publisher Steve Elgort Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina
The Facts of Lice........... 24
P. 24 Keep the little bugs at bay.
Features
Managing Editor Donald McDermott Associate Editor Samantha Chan Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski
Playground Safety.......................... 10
Accounting Teresa Pinargote
A checklist of guidelines and cautions.
Start a Garden................................ 12
Contributing Writers Lauren Cook, Carol Gilbert, Monica Holloway, David Reeves, Kara Mayer Robinson, Alan Saltz, Alison Smith, Teresa Taylor
Long Weekend Trips.................... 42
Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti
Make a fruitful adventure a family affair. Easy ventures for those extra days.
Woman oman mom
P. 42
Balance as Myth............................................................... 48 Eight tips to stop trying to “do it all” and find success.
Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 49 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous. I parentguide News I May 2014
M
Advertising Sales Representatives Karin Mikelis, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford, Erica Tiso PGTV Producer Beth Elgort Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2013 PGMNC. All rights reserved.
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Letter from the Editor U May flowers have been popping up, and their bold colors are a welcome sight for eyes used to grey skies. It’s usually about this time of year that I start to make summer weekend and vacation plans to take full advantage of the warm weather ahead. If you don’t have time for an extended vacay in upcoming months but want to enjoy some precious extra days off (perhaps during Memorial Day weekend), dive into a quick family jaunt. “Long Weekend Trips” by expert travel mama Kara Mayer Robinson has ideas for easy adventures in states like Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Perhaps your main summer concern at the moment revolves not around travel, but rather camp. It’s okay if you’re still trying to solidify plans; the Camp Directory in this issue features day camps, sleepaway camps, and summer programs to give you all the options you need. Plus, “Camp Considerations” by program director Alan Saltz can help you narrow down your choices. The article offers a plethora of questions you’ll want to ask camp staff during tours and open houses. Maybe at the moment, or in the near future, what you
by Rachel Kalina
really want to plan is the perfect children’s party. If so, you’ll find the Birthday Directory to be full of exciting entertainers, vivacious venues, and spectacular services. Get advice on how to avoid birthday burnout while you strive to celebrate your child’s special day with Alison Smith’s “Pro Party Tips.” And, as the current academic year winds down, it’s never too early to think ahead to the next one. Particularly if you seek a setting that can best engage your child with special needs, you’ll want to read “Autism-Friendly Schools” by Monica Holloway. For now, fill the days and weeks ahead with exciting family activities from the Calendar of Events. And in honor of Mother’s Day, be sure to enter the Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest for the chance to win great prizes. Also find endless entertainment, tons of articles, and the fabulous Sandbox Social blog at www.parentguidenews.com. Have a superb spring season!
OPen HOuses in May
Friends Academy
Poppyseed Pre-nursery
Deer Mountain Day Camp
Winston Preparatory
Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516)393-4207 camp@fa.org www.fasummercamp.org
424 West End Ave. New York, NY 10024 (212)877-7614 info@poppyseedprenursery.com www.poppyseedprenursery.com
63 Call Hollow Road Pomona, NY 10970 (845)354-2727 info@deermountaindaycamp.com www.deermountaindaycamp.com
126 W. 17th St. New York, NY 10011 (646)638-2705 mrodriguez@winstonprep.edu www.winstonprep.edu
May 3, 10am-noon
May 4 Call for details.
May 4 May 10 Call for an appointment.
May 6, 9:15-11:15am May 20, 9:15-11:15am R.s.V.P. on website.
Rutgers Community Programs
Asphalt Green
Oasis in Manhattan: Central Park
Oasis in Manhattan: Downtown
Rutgers Presbyterian Church 236 W. 73rd St. and Broadway New York, NY 10023 (212)877 8227, ext. 212 jmoore@rutgerschurch.org www.rutgerschurch.com May 10, 9:30am-12:30pm R.s.V.P.
555 E. 90th St. New York, NY 10128 (212)369-8890, ext. 2084 cdobens@asphaltgreen.org www.asphaltgreen.org
3 W. 95th St. New York, NY 10025 (800)317-1392 www.oasischildren.com
219 Stanton St. New York, NY 10002 (800)317-1392 www.oasischildren.com
May 10, noon-1pm
Central Park: May 14, 6:30pm
Downtown: May 30, 6pm
Please check with the school or camp prior to attendance to confirm listing details and make a reservation if required. your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I
Win
a Polaroid Kids Tablet V2
From the moment you first held your baby, your child became the most important thing in your life. In honor of Mother ’s Day this month, share the magic of being a mom by submitting an image of you and your little angel by the end of May at www.parentguidenews.com. We’ll post select entries online so viewers may vote for their favorites during June. Encourage family members and friends to vote once each day for the best chance to win! The parent who sends in the submission with the most votes receives a Polaroid Kids Tablet V2. The device is designed specifically for children and preloaded with more than 70 kid-friendly apps like books, games, and educational content.
Visit www.parentguidenews.com for contest details.
6 I parentguide News I May 2014
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DON’T MISS
May
by Donald McDermott
Still Amazing g
Everyone’s favorite web-slinging, wall-crawling hero is back on the big screen in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Available in 2D and 3D, the highly anticipated sequel finds Peter Parker’s alter ego facing off against new villains Electro and the Rhino. The flick swings into theaters on May 3.
LEGO Action g
Get ready to trek across Middle-earth in the LEGO® The Hobbit video game. The kid-friendly game encourages players to “buddy up,” work together, and have fun. It is available now for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and Windows PC.
Saddle Up
A Grand Slam
The stars of Lalaloopsy™ are back for a third magical animated ride in Lalaloopsy Ponies:The Big Show. Based on the popular toy and entertainment lines, the Lalaloopsy girls discover their new pen pals are talking ponies! Lalaloopsy Ponies: The Big Show is on DVD now.
Just in time for the start of baseball season, Sony presents MLB 14 The Show! The game features incredible graphics, expanded options, draft levels, instruction for beginners, commentary, and more. Rated E for Everyone, MLB 14 The Show is available now for the PS3 and PS4 game systems.
Feel the Power g
One of Nickelodeon’s most successful series is back and even more supercharged in Power Rangers Megaforce: The Great Dragon Spirit. The release includes four unforgettable episodes that focus on a group of teenage heroes who defend the world from evil. Power Rangers Megaforce is available on DVD and Digital HD now.
Dorothy’s Back
Glee star Lea Michele dons ruby slippers and takes on the title role in Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return. Opening in theaters May 9, the new animated adventure finds Dorothy back in Oz to save her friends.The heartwarming film also features the voices of Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, and Megan Hilty.
Wildlife Wonders
Oceanhouse Media invites families to go along for the ride with the legendary Cat in the Hat in A Great Day for Pup! - All About Wild Babies. The charming and educational book app takes kids on a fun exploration of wildlife all over the world. Download your copy from the app store today! I parentguide News I May 2014
MB 5/14
Bowie for Babies
Legendary rock star David Bowie gets the lullaby treatment from Rockabye Baby! Focusing on his songs from the 70s and 80s, Lullaby Renditions of David Bowie features softened versions of Bowie’s most well-known hits. Order it on CD or download your digital version today.
Dark and Disney g
The tale of one of Disney’s most fearsome villains comes to life in Maleficent. The dark, live action fantasy from Walt Disney Pictures follows her from a beautiful young girl to the mistress of all evil who places a curse on the infant princess Aurora. Starring Angelina Jolie, Maleficent opens on May 30.
Hungry for More
Catching Fire, the second installment in wildly popular The Hunger Games franchinse, is ready to be brought home on DVD and BluRay. The worldwide monster box office hit features an all-star cast, an action-packed story, and more than two hours of incredible bonus features. Pick up your copy today! Donald McDermott is the managing editor. parentguidenews.com
May Belfast to the Big Apple
The time to two-step with your tiny toddler has come at the Duke on 42nd Street, 229 42nd St. Presented by New Victory Theater, Baby Rave runs May 7-18 and brings some of the flavor from the successful Belfast Children’s Festival to the city for your family’s enjoyment. Don’t worry about the volume because the professionals have calibrated it for tiny ears. Information and tickets are available at www.newvictory.org.
Proof
by Samantha Chan
Spring Has Sprung
Columbia Greenhouse’s annual Spring Fair kicks off the season to celebrate family and fun. Carnival rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, vendors, face painting, and more make this an enjoyable event for the entire family.The fair takes place outdoors atWest 116th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive on May 3, 11am-4pm.The event is free, with tickets for rides available for purchase the day of the event. Learn more about the school and community events at www.columbiagreenhouse.com.
PROOF
Mischief Managed Dive In Over the• Rainbow www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 Bring your whole clan down to ConThe Big Swim is back at Asphalt Green. While American Family Theater’s The Wizard nelly Theater May 2-4 for Rascals with Altitude, presented by General Mischief Dance Theatre. Beginning at 3pm at the 220 E. 4th St. location, the program is overflowing with dance numbers and audience favorites. Don’t miss the full-length presentation of Suite Shel, inspired by the renowned poetry of Shel Silverstein. Questions? Dial (212)714-4694.
registration for the big event is closed, families are invited to join in the fun and donate to Asphalt Green’s Fit Kids Fit City campaign. The program is expected to reach 30,000 New York City kids through sports and fitness. Olympians and athletes from the swimming and diving world are on hand for photo opportunities and more. Head to the Asphalt Green Aqua Center, 1750 York Ave., on May 3. Information is available at www.asphaltgreen.org/bigswim.
of Oz takes the stage at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ Walt Whitman Theatre, 2900 Campus Road in Brooklyn on May 18.The 2pm matinee performance presents the classic adventures of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Recommended for kids ages 4 and older. Find tickets at www.brooklyncenteronline.org. Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
M MB 5/14
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Guided by the Montessori philosophy, we gently help children learn how to learn in a secure, prepared environment, laying a firm foundation for them to become confident, caring, and successful human beings. Twin Parks Montessori Schools are accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), the Middle States Commission on Elementar y Schools (MSCES), and are members of the New York Association of Independent Schools (NYAIS), the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), the Parents League, as well as af filiate schools of Columbia University.
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May 2014 I parentguide News I
by David Reeves
Playground
Safety A checklist of guidelines and cautions.
For playgrounds to be safe places for children, there must be oversight on the use and maintenance of their equipment. It is far too easy to take the safety of playground equipment for granted. When we do that, harm can come to children, who can’t assess for themselves whether their play zones are safely designed and maintained. The following checklist is a helpful guide to anyone responsible for playground equipment, including parents, who may be the only adults present when children arrive to play.
Adults should check equipment and grounds. Playground equipment can develop frayed plastic or metal that can snag clothes or cause injury. Similarly, any ground connection parts should be adequately protected or covered to prevent exposed concrete or bolts from protruding. On hot days, adults should check on exposed surfaces to ensure overheated plastic or metal does not harm anyone. Kids should fit the equipment on which they’re playing. Age-appropriate equipment is important for safety. Children who are too small to reach critical rungs or crossbars are susceptible to falls. Kids who are too big for play equipment can hit their heads or even intimidate smaller children. Look for loose equipment and bolts, as well as stray ropes. Even the best playground equipment when left to the elements or subject to constant play without maintenance checks can develop dangerously loose bolts, broken chains, and worn elements. Strings and ropes that fray may have been tied onto equipment by creative or bored kids. All these circumstances can present safety hazards and should be reported or fixed immediately.
For further reading:
www.playgroundsafety.org/safety-tips/checklist www.cpsc.gov www.safekids.org
10 I parentguide News I May 2014
Direct children to remove sports gear, bike helmets, or jewelry on the playground. Playgrounds are full of nooks and crannies that can snag sports equipment, resulting in strained joints or muscles, or even strangulation if a bike helmet is caught. Proper shoes are important, too, as flip-flops and other loose footwear can come off during play, causing a fall. Children should also remove jewelry or even loose clothing that can catch on equipment. parentguidenews.com
Pick up after dogs, geese, and birds. A healthy play environment does not contain animal feces. Find a plastic bag, remove dog or goose poop, and (with gloves) wipe off bird droppings from equipment. Check the heat, cold, and moisture conditions on equipment. Children may rush to jump on a playground even when the sun is so hot the equipment can burn skin. The same thing goes for playing on very cold or freezing playground equipment. Adults should always consider environmental conditions. If it has recently rained or snowed, footing can be slippery. Check the ground surface for consistency. Be sure to check the areas below playground equipment where children may fall. Is the depth consistent and deep enough (12 inches) to protect children who do fall? Are there bumps or hard protrusions that could harm or trip a child? In urban areas where rubber surfaces may be used, check the ground for safe temperatures, glass, or other dangerous materials. Taking responsibility for the safety of the playgrounds on which children play is a choice that prevents harm and even saves lives. The steps are often simple, but the safety you provide is worth every second you devote to the task. David Reeves is the marketing manager of Playland Inc., which has deep roots in the park and playground markets, including schools, daycare centers, and more. Playland Inc. offers customers the ability to directly purchase indoor and outdoor playgrounds, shelters, shades, water slides, and site amenities. To learn more, visit www.playland-inc.com.
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your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 11
Gardening is like magic. A hard little seed turns peace, send them out to the garden with a water bottle or squirt gun. •Have the children add mulch (straw or wood chips) 3 to 6 inches into a stem with tender green leaves. It keeps deep around the plants, which will keep the plants healthier and leave you with less weeding and watering to do. growing and then — voila! — a tomato, a •If your kids are older, point out weeds for them to dig up. pumpkin, or a bright flower appears. It’s easy to •Make homemade plant labels on Popsicle sticks or rocks. Be sure to Mod Podge them or use permanent marker so the names won’t wash share this enchanted world with your children. My son’s eyes light up when he pulls a strawberry out of the soil or when a sunflower grows taller than him! When you garden with your children, you have the opportunity to bond with them over gourds and grapes while they learn that food isn’t made in the grocery store. And, who knows, they might just try some of the veggies they grew with their bare hands!
Make it kid friendly •Use raised beds, containers,
or clearly delineated pathways so you don’t have to worry about your heirloom tomato seedling getting trampled by Spider-Man sneakers.
•Give the kids a say in
what gets planted. Everyone will end up frustrated if you plant nothing but broccoli.
•Think about planting a
variety of vegetables so that while you are waiting for the tomatoes to grow, you can be pulling up the radishes.
away.
Choose easy-to-grow plants •Beets can get a bad rap because
they’re so, well, red. But despite their vibrant coloring, they are delicious, especially roasted; they taste like potatoes, only earthier. You can’t go wrong with Detroit Dark Reds.
•Strawberries
are low maintenance and delicious. They send out runners and spread quickly, so it’s best to contain them in a pot or raised bed garden, which is built above the ground. You’ll have to force yourself to pinch off the runners and flowers the first year so the roots can grow strong, but I promise the second year will be worth it. Plant these seeds as soon as the soil can be worked. Northeaster is a good choice.
•Sunflowers
Let the children push seeds into the soil (big seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, or beet are better for little hands).
are fun and whimsical. Show children how the flower heads follow the sun. Sow seeds directly into the soil. Stay small (2 to 3 feet) with Teddy Bear sunflowers or go big (10 to 15 feet) with the Paul Bunyan variety.
great, especially miniature versions of Mom’s and Dad’s.
•Cherry tomatoes are perfectly kid sized and make a great
the plants. Or, to buy yourself a few extra minutes to drink your coffee in
•Create your own pumpkin patch. But watch out, they meander
Put the family to work •
•Give them a spade to dig some holes. Child-sized garden tools are •Give the little ones the hose, and have them water around the base of 12 I parentguide News I May 2014
IR_May
outdoor snack. Plant transplants in mid-May. Try Natures Bites.
parentguidenews.com
and need quite a bit of room. If space is at a premium, consider planting just one or two seeds or plants. Plant in mid-May. Magic Lantern pumpkins don’t travel as far as other varieties.
Let’s get started 1. Pick a spot. Most plants like sun, so choose a place that gets six to eight hours of sunlight.
2.
Buy organic soil for your containers or raised bed. Raised beds can be handmade with the help of a simple online search for instructions or purchased as a prefabricated kit from stores like Home Depot. If you’re planting directly in the ground, first pull out grass or weeds. Loosen the soil, and top it with compost (you can buy it pre-packaged and aged from the local nursery or make your own).
Proof
PROOF
3. Plant your seeds directly into loose soil by following the instructions
on the seed packet. If you can, find a reputable seed distributor, such as www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.harrisseeds.com, for high-quality seeds that are non-genetically modified and suitable for your area. The website has lively plant descriptions and tons of helpful information. Your only problem will be trying to decide between the Cannon Ball or the Prankster pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, you can buy transplants, which have already started growing, from your local nursery for less wait time.
4. Go and grow! Lauren Cook cultivates her backyard garden along with the green thumbs of her three boys (husband and two sons). Follow her parenting adventures at www.savedbythenap.blogspot.com and her homesteading endeavors at www.suburbanpioneers.wordpress.com.
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Do you love your children, love the web, love to schmooze and love living in Manhattan? If you answered yes to these questions, we’d love to share a BIG secret with you...
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PARENTGUIDE News wants to help make your child’s next birthday the most memorable ever! This month’s Birthday Blowout Contest highlights children’s birthdays that occur in September. To enter, go to www.parentguidenews.com and click on the Birthday Blowout Contest box for details. The winner receives a $100 gift certificate to spend toward a chosen party place or entertainer for the ultimate birthday bash.
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 15
Pro
y t r Pa s Tip
by Alison Smith
Avoid birthday burnout. Birthday parties are supposed to be fun, right? What’s not to love? Even the planning is exciting. Picking the venue, theme, and birthday cake; making the guest list and invitations; counting down the hours ‘til the big event — these are all the things that “good parents” celebrate from beginning to end, right? Okay, well, maybe some parents do so, but let’s face it: More of us don’t get that excited over every single party detail. And that’s okay — nobody’s judging. Today, family schedules are busting at the seams. Our homes are littered with dusty, broken, and forgotten loot from birthdays past. Add to the mix the pressure we get to invite our kid’s entire class and school rules on handing out invitations. It’s no wonder we’ve got birthday party burnout. Something’s gotta give, which is why online birthday party services that do the work for us have become an integral tool for modern-day families looking to bring meaning, ease, and excitement back to the whole birthday party experience. Such services can help you design and send e-invitations and thank you notes, manage R.S.V.P.s and gifts, collect important guest info (for special needs like food allergies), and
Celebrate with
Charity
If your house is already filled with too many toys and you want to try something unique for this year’s event, try teaching your child about the power of giving back. Children are naturally giving at hear t.They just need to be shown how their small steps can have a big impact. Paint a picture of reality to which a child can relate.Ask him to imagine waking up in the mor ning to find an empty fridge and bare cupboards. Now ask that child how he would feel if he could help to fill that fridge so that another child could go to school with a full tum my.Ask him how he would feel if part of his birthday loot went to a local food bank to help put food in hungry tum mies, and I am sure you can guess the response. Putting the child in the driver’s seat allows him to experience being empowered. If we are able to show a helpful impact in a tangible terms, we may actu ally be able to make giving the new getting. The dialogue of giving can start at any time of the year and should be fun. Demonstrating how a child is already very generous of spirit may help him to make the decision to give on his birthday. Why not star t a giving calendar during the year? Keep track of all of the ways your child has shown giving gestures by marking them down on a special calendar that he has decorated.As the experiences add up, your child will likely be motivated to give even more. Small yet mighty ideas: Send a nice note to a friend. Bake some cookies to give to a neighbor. Have a lemonade stand with free drinks. Ideas are endless and fun, and they help set the stage for lifelong generosity.
integrate a charitable element to the occasion. Planning your kid’s birthday party doesn’t have to be a frenzied rush to get everything done in time you don’t have. Here’s how:
•Say, “adios,” to snail mail and paper cuts.
Take the wondering out of if and when your guests receive an invitation by opting for e-invites (also a cheaper, more eco-friendly route). Design possibilities are endless, as well. E-thank you notes give you the same conveniences, plus the opportunity to personalize with links to party photos. 16 I parentguide News I May 2014
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•Go for gifts to remember.
Group gifts can make giving a birthday kid what he really wants possible. What’s more, receiving something special from all your friends has cache that lasts a lifetime (who wouldn’t love his first scooter or camera even more if it were a gift from buddies?). Online birthday party services make it possible for guests to chip in for big, desired gifts — in just a few clicks — saving them time and money while cutting down on waste. Meaningful gifts are memorable.
•Birthdays gifts can go both ways.
Why not use your child’s birthday as an opportunity to teach him about the joy of helping less fortunate kids? There are a lot of ways to do this that don’t require taking anything away from your child. Donating unwanted gifts to hospitals and fundraising for charities that directly improve the lives of children in need are two easy and relevant options that can be facilitated by online birthday services (no extra effort required). If your child is enthusiastic about the idea, you may want to also consider asking guests to donate to a charity of the child’s choice in lieu of tangible gifts.
•Treat your guests like royalty without lifting a finger.
Using an online service to organize and manage birthday party planning is a gift to everyone, especially guests. Parents love being able to contribute toward great gifts without ever having to leave their home. If there’s a charitable element to the gift, they love that it doesn’t cost more time or money to give to a worthy cause.
Alison Smith is the co-founder of ECHOage.com, a birthday party website with a charitable twist. Reinventing the birthday party experience for the modern-day family, ECHOage gives parents all the tools they need to plan and manage an effortless event while teaching their children about the value of giving. Guests can securely contribute funds online, half of which go toward the charity of the child’s choice, and half of which go toward the child’s desired birthday gifts.
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 17
Let’s Celebrate! Entertainers, Party Places and More...
At Your Place
Let’s Gogh Art, NYC (917)704-0102 www.nyletsgoghart.com Let’s Gogh Art is a mobile, creative arts enrichment company delivering art-based programs, education, and birthday party packages. When you book amazing art parties for boys and girls, Let’s Gogh Art creativity crew brings a unique arts and crafts party to your location. Enjoy crafts like decorating totally awesome tote bags, painting racecars, embellishing super hero capes, and more. Gogh Glam parties provide your birthday child with a mani or pedi, nail art, plus crafts like decorating jeweled bags, magic wands, or flip flops. Enjoy special “Gogh-tinis� while getting a glitter tattoo from a professional artist. Looking for a holiday theme? Let’s Gogh Art has plenty of project possibilities for any holiday. Let’s Gogh Art creates art-rageously fun craft tables where kids of all ages can create while the adults get to enjoy the party! The best part is they bring the fun to you, and take the mess when they leave!
include magic, juggling, music, balloon twisting and, of course, lots of comedy. He has been performing professionally since 1990 and performs at approximately 40 to 50 engagements each month, including birthday parties, hospitals, schools, corporate events and even the occasional adult party. He is particularly proud of the work he does for The Starlight Children’s Foundation of NY, NJ and CT, helping to brighten the lives of seriously ill children throughout New York City by regularly visiting area hospitals. If you haven’t seen Looney Louie, someone you know probably has. He spends about an hour and a half at each event and performs a show consisting of a hilarious juggling routine and an even loonier magic show that includes loads of audience participation. Not only does Looney Louie bring up assistants from the audience, but at birthdays the birthday child becomes the star of the show and even receives a special prize just for them. Looney Louie also makes festive balloons for all the guests and sings happy birthday. While this show is ideal for kids 3-8 years old, more than a few grown ups have been seen laughing and screaming during his show. Looney Louie speaks Spanish and French, and frequently performs in Spanish in New York. Needless to say Looney Louie is very flexible and knows how to use his skills to their best advantage to make your event a great success. Not only is Looney Louie a great entertainer, he’s also a proud parent.
Looney Louie (212)533-7491 looneylouienyc@yahoo.com www.looneylouie.com Looney Louie is a professional children’s entertainer whose specialties
Magical Dave (917)886-6364 info@magicaldave.com www.magicaldave.com Magical Dave is one of NYC’s busiest children’s entertainers. Seen on the
A Family Disco (See “At Their Place�)
Proof
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Nobody Can Hold a Candle to a Birthday Party at
Hollywood Stunts
Continued on page 20.
Seriously Art-Rageous fun! The mobile art program that brings the fun to you!
NEW YORK CITY
(10 High Falls into the Air Bag s) Trampoline (All Age Rappelling (10 Yrs. & Up) Gymnastics (All Ages) . & Up) Fighting for Film (10 Yrs
Choose from any or all of the activities Hollywood Stunts NYC offers to create your child’s unique Birthday Party.
Yrs. & Up)
All activities are instructed by professional Stuntmen and Stuntwomen
Call our special events department at 917-548-5461 to customize a party that will have an everlasting memory for all who attend.
73 West Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (917) 548-5461 • www.hollywoodstunts.com 18 I parentguide News I May 2014
t BIRTHDAY PARTIES t ART CLASSES, PLAYDATES and GROUP EVENTS
t GLITTER TATTOO ARTISTS, FACE PAINTERS and STORY ART-VENTURES!
XXX OZMFUTHPHIBSU DPN t 917.704.0102 parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 19
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
Channel 11 News, in The New York Times, and at thousands of birthday parties over the past 20 years, Dave is the only NYC magician who arrives with a live rabbit, live snake, and party bags! Dave, a full-time teacher and dad, is silly enough for 3-year-olds, but savvy enough for teenagers, and can easily accommodate groups with special needs. The show starts when your child makes Marshmallow (a very cute rabbit), and Fluffy (a very friendly snake) appear, and concludes when the birthday child is suspended over three feet above the ground! After the show, all children get balloon animals, can pet the rabbit, and hold Fluffy the snake (a great photo opportunity)! Dave doesn’t wear makeup and nothing is scary in his show. With Magical Dave’s help, your child will be the star of a great magic show and will have a birthday party they’re sure to remember!
warmth and love. Silly Billy can do completely different shows for children who have seen him before. For children 7-11, he can be Dr. Blood, who does a really gross magic show. See Dr. Blood listing in this directory. Singalong with Phoebe (203)761-0410 (203)216-0849 phoeber@optonline.net Talented children’s entertainer Phoebe creates a special environment where she becomes an integral part of birthday happenings, large or small. Phoebe leads children in wonderful sing-alongs that bring out their natural energy in delightful, upbeat songs. She’ll sing and play guitar and dulcimer as children join in and play bongo drums, maracas, mouth bows, limberjacks, snare drums and a whole new set of rhythm instruments gathered from her travels around the world! Her dancing puppets are another delightful addition to her unusual show where singing is “joyful noise!” Each party is unique and different— she does shows ranging from intimate gatherings to Lincoln Center— but Phoebe’s talent always reaches grand scales. Set your party to music with Phoebe— a happy occasion will follow whenever she’s around. Phoebe has also appeared in videos, commercials, on TV and in movies.
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Silly Billy The Funny Magical Clown (212)645-1299 www.sillybillymagic.com When WABC-TV called him “The King of the Kiddie Comedy Circuit,” they weren’t kidding! He has performed at the White House, you’ve read his six-page profile in The New Yorker, and you saw him on David Letterman and Comedy Central, now have Silly Billy at your party! Silly Billy ranks right up there at the top when it comes to making children’s birthday dreams come true. Silly Billy becomes an integral part of your child’s party, staying At Their Place from beginning to end, entertaining children all the way. The show starts off with a hilarious magic routine, heavy on audience participation. Next comes A Family 419 Disco Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • F join-in storytelling where all the children are players in a skit— dressed in at Club Arena, 135 W. 41st St., NYC 10036 balloon costumes that Silly Billy makes right there! The birthday child gets to (212)586-7425 choose from 15 stories including, Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and even www.familydisco.com tO: FAx # Circus.” Weaving spontaneous into •his212-213-8840 vast repertoire,• Silly New York Magazine’s “Best Of” for parties for four years running! Kids 419 Park“The Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York,comedy NY 10016 Fax 212-447-7734 Billy keeps kids of all ages and adults in stitches. Silly Billy doesn’t wear party in their own real disco. The DJ spins your favorite songs, glitter makeup but the kids know he’s a funny clown. His rapport with the children artistsFrOm: glam guests up, kids get the mic for “Happy Birthday to You,” iSSue DAte:and is what makes him unique. Fifteen years in the business dancers teach the latest hip-hop moves. These parties fit all ages-- from to: FAx # and over 8,000 parties under his belt, Silly Billy really knows children and they respond to him with tots who just bop to tweens who know real cool when they see it. And A Family Disco is the only party in town where parents have fun dancing, Please call faxneeds: yourlight-up comments and/or OK too! One-stop shopping for all yourorparty dance party From: iSSue DAte: favors, creative disco cakes, full bar and extensive catering. From cotton candy to jumpy castle, chocolate fountain or jewel makeup art– they’ve TOTS TO SigNAture OF APPrOvAl: got it. Princess Balls and Superhero dance parties feature sing-alongs TE EN S! Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. and dancing characters. And at Frozen-themed parties, kids belt out the Smart Art 4 Smarter Kids! tunes and dancers play fun dance games. Impeccable reputation for traveling parties too, bringing the entertainment right to your home, school SigNAture oF APProvAl: or community room. Now that little slumber party will really swing!
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www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
HiArt! AWESOME ARTYPARTIES!
New York Magazine, Best of New York 2000
212-209-1552
www.hiartkids.com
Blue Man Group Astor Place Theatre 434 Lafayette St., NYC 10003 (212)260-8993/(800)BLUEMAN www.bluemangroup.com Blue Man Group is not just a show, it’s a state of mind. Having utterly
Magical Dave • UNIQUE MAGIC SHOWS • BALLOON ANIMALS • JOIN-IN STORYTELLING • AND LOTS OF FUN You’ve seen Silly Billy on David Letterman, in his New Yorker profile and at more than 7,000 birthday parties. WABC-TV called him the “King of the Kiddie Comedy Circuit.” Silly Billy performs a funny magic show with lots of participation. Then join-in storytelling, where the children are in the show (Little Mermaid, The Circus, 3 Little Pigs, and other favorites). All the kids get balloons and more. Different shows for different ages (Ages 3-7). And NEW for 7-11 year olds: Dr. Blood who does a really gross magic show for older kids.
(212) 645-1299 • www.SillyBillyMagic.com 20 I parentguide News I May 2014
Live Rabbit! Live Snake! Comedy Magic! Party Favors! Magic Workshop! DAVE IS A FULL-TIME NYC TEACHER
917-886-6364 www.magicaldave.com
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
redefined the New York theater scene, Blue Man Group continues to the website at www.chelseapiers.com/birthday and see why Chelsea Piers is reinvent itself. The wildly popular show at the Astor Place Theatre now 419 thePark bestavenue choice for a stress-free andnY fun-filled party! • fax 212-447-7734 South, new York, 10016 •birthday 212-213-8840 combines signature Blue Man Group moments with breathtakingly fun new pieces. Blue Man Group is great for birthdays or any special occaCozy’s Cut for Kids sion! This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like 448 Amsterdam Ave., NYC 10024 tO: fax # nothing else, guaranteed to be an outing that your group will never for(212)579-2600 get. Birthday party packages are available for groups of 10 or more. 1416 2nd Ave., NYC 10021 Package includes discounted tickets, name of birthday child on the LED frOm: (212)585-COZY (2699) iSSue Date: screen at the beginning of the show, merchandise item for each guest, www.cozyscutsforkids.com and a Blue Man Group poster for the birthday child. For more informaA Beauty Bash at Cozy’s is a rite of passage for all NYC stylistion or to book, call the Group Sales Department at (212)260-8993. tas! Parents sit back and relax while the girls get their glam on Please call or fax your comments and/or OK. in their own private salon. Pick a package that suits your little Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex ladies, from The Ultimate Beauty Bash Deluxe to The Glamour West 23rd and Hudson Park,•NYC 10011 VIPOf Party. All parties include incredible hairstyling from Cozy’s aPPrOval: 419 Park Avenue South,Street 13th Floor, New York,River NY 10016 212-213-8840 • FaxSignature 212-447-7734 (212)336-6666 Braid Bar & Blow Bar by Up-do Specialists, mini art manicures www.chelseapiers.com/birthday and sparkly makeup application. Additional fun includes art projChelsea Piers is home to Manhattan’s best sports-themed birthday parties, ects, dancing, runway show, music, pizza, beverages and much tO: FAx # all year round! State-of-the-art facilities and world-class instruction combine more. Also available is the BFF day– two or more girls can have with convenient party planning and packages for a fun and memorable birththe greatest play date of all, no occasion necessary! The hour-long are available package includes amazing hairstyling, nail art and glitter makeup, rOm: day celebration! A wide variety of activities iSSue DAte: for all, from preschoolers to teens, such as the 23,000-square-foot gymnastics center outfitted plus a special “glamâ€? bag to take home. For fun on the run, let with in-ground trampolines and deep foam pits, rock climbing wall designed Cozy’s come to you– a Glam-to-Go Party can be arranged at your for kids and teens, indoor playing fields, Little Athletes Exploration Center, party room or favorite restaurant! No venue is too big or Pleasecourts callandorbatting faxcages. yourYoucomments and/or OK. ice home, basketball can also choose from two indoor too small. For more information visit www.cozyscutsforkids.com skating rinks, a 40-lane bowling center or a hi-tech golf driving range for parinstructors are available for all parties (excluding bowling parigNAtureties. OF Private APPrOvAl: ties). Refreshments are served in private party rooms. For gymnastics, rock climbing, soccer, basketball and other team sports parties, contact the Field Joyful Have a joyful sing-along! House at (212)336-6518 or fieldhouse@chelseapiers.com; for ice skating birthday CALL PHOEBE parties parties, contact Sky Rink at (212)336-6100 or skyrink@chelseapiers.com; (203) 761-0410 (203) 216-0849 for golf parties contact the Golf Club at (212)336-6400 or golfclub@chelseapiers.com; for bowling, call (212)835-BOWL. On-site parking is availphoeber@optonline.net able for a fee. Easily accessible by the M23 or M14 bus. Please call or visit
Proof
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Sing-Along With Phoebe
Come Play Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga!
Explore exciting exhibits in a dynamic, state-of-the-art facility that brings technology and creativity together to make learning experiential, entertaining and fun.
warriors can do anything F
F
Karma Kids
Dance!
Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm Closed Sundays, Mondays & major holidays
your needs, your neighborhood
! # ! ! " " ! !
Yoga for Babies Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Families Community Yoga CircusYoga Prenatal Yoga Free Story Time Yoga Yoga Birthday Parties Special Events Teacher Training
Karma Kids Yoga 104 West 14th Street Peace-In Studio 102 West 14th Street karmakidsyoga.com | (646)638-1444
May 2014 I parentguide News I 21
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY or contact Cozy’s Party Coordinator at (212)585-2629 or e-mail customercare@cozyscutsforkids.com. HiArt! 227 W. 29th St., NYC 10001 (212)209-1552 www.hiartkids.com HiArt! Arty Parties, by this Best of New York children’s arts program, are unique, fun, flexible, and unlike any of those other parties your child has been to! Each party combines a bit of HiArt! and a bit of you to plan the artistic party of your child’s dreams. Party themes range in scope from abstract candy sculptures to make-believe pajama parties, from live classical music and art parties to signature Manga Madness, from giant auto portraits to opera ‘n art, to gallery hops, to fairy houses, to hands-on-art, and so much more! Inspiring working artists and musicians are at the core of all HiArt! parties and fun is guaranteed. Arty Parties can be held either at Hi Art!’s extraordinary 2,500-square-foot studio in Chelsea— an absolutely luminous space overflowing with art supplies– just two blocks from Penn Station, or at a location of your choosing. In keeping with their “no junk” policy, HiArt! now also offers incredible party favors: amazing art supplies, special toys and books and more. Renowned for their sophisticated yet playful approach to the high arts, HiArt!’s renowned weekly classes, summer and holiday camps, integrate captivating explorations of New York’s most important galleries and museums with hands-on studio time all based around a major work of music. Beginning in mid-September: the 17th season of HiArt!’s incredible line-up of classes takes off! Besides Opera ‘N Art, classes include Manga, Painting, Sculpture, Comix and masses of arts-filled fun for kids ages 2-16. Come see what New York magazine called, “One of the most innovative culture programs in the city!”
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
ip Bracelet & Lanyard Friendsh BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
Check our website fo r a list fabulous pof la to have yo ces u next party r or event.
INBOW MAKE RA LETS AT ACE LOOM BR T PARTY! YOUR NEX
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Hollywood Stunts NYC Training Center 73 West St., Greenpoint, NY 11222 (917)548-5461 www.hollywoodstunts.com Hollywood Stunts NYC is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is a 5,000-sqare-foot, state-of-the-art stunt training center. It is the only one of it’s kind on the East Coast open year-round. Providing students from all over the globe a place to learn how to become a stuntman and stuntwoman. For stunt professionals, a place to hone their skills in high falls, stair falls, air ratchet, air ram, wire work, car hits, near misses, fire gags, armed combat, unarmed combat, martial arts, choreography, rappelling, trampoline, mini tramp, window penetration, breakaways, marketing, safety. On the weekends, doors are open to the general public to see how cinema magic works in the stunt world of movies and TV, offering classes in high falls, rappelling, trampoline and gymnastics. Leave behind your nine-to-five and get to live out your fantasy of being astunt person. Planning a birthday party, corporate event, team building event and yes, even a wedding. Hollywood Stunts NYC can put together the most unique options for your next event. Visitwww.hollywoodstunts.com.
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Jodi’s Gym 244 E. 84th St., NYC 10028 (212)772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 (914)244-8811 www.jodisgym.com Looking for an action-packed, fun-filled birthday party your kids will flip over? Jodi’s Gym is the place. Kids 1-12 years run, jump, climb, swing and tumble to their heart’s delight on equipment designed especially for them. Their bright, colorful, safe and spacious facilities are truly a child’s dream come true. Safety-certified instructors guide your child and friends on balance beams, bars, rings, ropes, slides, tunnels, the ever-popular parachute, incredible space bouncer, Tumble Trak and much, much more! Top-notch, caring certified instructors attend to your child’s every need. When your party is at Jodi’s, the whole place is yours. After an hour of gym time, the group moves to a separate area to enjoy birthday cake and goodies that Jodi’s can supply. Their friendly staff will set up, serve and clean up for you. Jodi’s Gym is happy to supply balloons, wonderful party favors, your child’s favorite characters, musical entertainment, as well as many other fun party extras. You just sit back and enjoy the fun! Don’t forget to visit the store at Jodi’s to pick up a special birthday outfit or present from the great selection of gym wear for children. Now in their 31st year, Jodi’s Gym is undoubtedly one of the best-loved places in town— so book early! A birthday party at Jodi’s is a guaranteed success! Karma Kids Yoga 104 W. 14th St., NYC 10011 (646)638-1444 downdog@karmakidsyoga.com www.karmakidsyoga.com At the Karma Kids Yoga Studio, children are encouraged to explore and discover the mind and body in a fun filled way! Karma Kids yoga parties are unique, age-appropriate, and include fun, creative poses, and themes; breathing techniques, yoga games, and relaxation time with hand or foot massages. A yoga party with friends is a great way to celebrate your child’s special day. The Basic Package includes one hour of yoga with props and music for as many as 10 children (24 kids maximum), and 30 minutes to celebrate in the magical studio with pizza and refreshments. Choose a fun theme for your child’s yoga party: Jungle, Beach Party, Zoo, Outer Space, Farm, Yoga Games, or come up with your own special idea! Other packages include CircusYoga, Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga, Butterfly Yoga, Downward Doll Yoga, and Yoga Art parties. Older kids can celebrate with a parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY Yoga Spa party, Yoga Mat Painting, Pajama Yoga, Yoga Boot Camp, Yoga and Mandala Decorating, Balancing or Back Bending, or just a great yoga workout that includes more challenging poses, such as arm balances and upside down poses, partner and group poses, breathing techniques, yoga games, activities, and relaxation time. Add-ons include henna tattoos, face-painting, and hair braiding. Karma Kids Yoga can also bring the yoga party fun to you! This is a birthday party that your child will never forget. Come Play Yoga!
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staff caters to your unique needs to provide a memorable and fun experience. All parties also include the nearby Sony Store’s VIP Concierge offerings, which include a gift registry and specialized party favors. Sony Wonder Technology Lab is a technology and entertainment museum located in the heart of NYC with four floors of handson interactive exhibits. For more information and rates, please visit www.sonywondertechlab.com/pr-birthday_parties.html.
For That Special Touch
Kids at Art 1412 Second Ave., NYC 10021 Cakes ‘N Shapes (212)410-9780 466 W. 51st St. (b/w 9th and 10th Avenues) wendy@kidsatartnyc.com 419 Park Avenue NYC South, 10019 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 www.kidsatartnyc.com (212)629-5512 Imagine having a party where your child and guests create fabulous cakebyedie@aol.com projects to take home. At Kids at Art, there are a variety of art projects www.cakesnshapes.com TO: FAX # to choose from in their private art studio, which is all yours for an Children and adult cakes at surprisingly reasonable prices! Edie crehour and a half! Projects can be tailor-made for your child or you ates cakes in the character or design of your choice. Some popular can choose from a variety of others. Included are all FROM: art supplies, examples from her portfolio include ISSUEtrains, DATE: trucks, Barbie, bears and personalized invitations, complimentary t-shirt for the birthday adult creations in the form of a golf course and a front page newspaper child, paper goods and juice. Balloons and other goodies can also be article. The cakes are perfected with scrumptious chocolate or moist supplied for an extra charge. Kids at Art Also offers karaoke/disco vanilla and finished with a delicious butter cream icing. How about callthat orspecial fax your OK.Your child’s birthday parties, American Idol, Broadway, Beatles, Glee, and much Please honoring personcomments with a photo and/or you can eat? more! Real DJS from Expressway Music are exclusive at Kids at Art! artwork can be scanned directly onto an edible Edie cake! And for All parties are run by a staff of professionals. Please call or visit the that special party favor, a photo can also be scanned onto a delicious SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: website for more information. cookie! Photo cookies are individually wrapped and ready to give away at birthdays, showers, business promotions and holiday parties. Medieval Times Whatever the occasion of your next party, call Edie and she will help The Meadowlands Castle you make this a unique and memorable event. Edie Connolly has 149 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-0327 been featured on CNN, NBC and in The New York Times, The Daily (888)935-6878 News and in magazine and newspaper articles around the world. As www.medievaltimes.com an added bonus, Cakes ‘N Shapes is a nut-free bakery. In the mood for some old-fashioned fun? Medieval Times invites you to come celebrate more than 20 years of feasting, fighting and fun! A popular dinner attraction for all ages, Medieval Times Castles features a two-hour dinner and live show based upon authentic medieval history. Guests enjoy a four course medieval banquet while witnessing brave knights compete on horseback in games of skill, jousting matches and swordfights. Admission includes a four course dinner, beverages and a live show. Parking is free. In addiEdible photoart on cakes and cookies too! tion to their regular daily schedules, Medieval Times is the perfect place to celebrate the next birthday of the young Lord or Lady of moist cake finished Do it yourself edible your own castle! Their special action-packed birthday party packwith a delicious butter image. E-mail or ages include preferred seating, an individual photo with the King cream icing. bring in your photo or Queen, a cheering banner, birthday cake, and an announcement and make your Also, cupcakes for in honor of the birthday child during the performance! Medieval home baked cake a school parties and Times is located west of Giants Stadium and just minutes from special project. It’s edible mid-town Manhattan. Other locations include Hanover, MD; Laweasy as pie, or is it a photoart on renceville, GA; Kissimmee, FL; Schaumburg, IL; Myrtle Beach, piece of cake? cookies for that SC; Dallas, TX; Buena Park, CA; and Toronto, Ontario. Call the special party number above for reservations and further information. Or, unique creative favor.
CAKES ‘N SHAPES BY EDIE
Sony Wonder Technology Lab 550 Madison Ave., NYC 10022 (212)833-8100 www.sonywondertechlab.com timothy_foster@sonyusa.com Prepare your child and their friends for a birthday celebration like no other! Sony Wonder Technology Lab offers one-of-a-kind parties for all age groups in an exciting, state-of-the-art facility. Choose from a VIP tour with exclusive use of the Lab’s four floors of dynamic interactive exhibits, an intense PlayStation 3 gaming experience in the High Definition Theater, an opportunity to develop your very own short claymation movie and much more! All birthday packages also include a decorated reception complete with pizza, cake and beverages as well as specially designed birthday invitations. The birthday your needs, your neighborhood
cakes in a design of your choice, perfected in a scrumptious
Delivery Available
(212)629-5512
By Appt. Only
www.CakesNShapes.com NUT-FREE BAKERY!
New Location! 466 West 51st Street Between 9th & 10th Avenues
May 2014 I parentguide News I 23
P
Lice The Facts of
Keep the little bugs at bay. by Carol Gilbert
F
or most parents, “lice” is a four-letter word akin to the worst swear words. The mere mention of a lice outbreak in the classroom or among friends brings with it itchy heads, a gross feeling, and images of dreaded housework.
Yet, dare we say, the common head louse is misunderstood — not even that bad to treat? Despite the icky, dirty feelings that come with lice, outbreaks happen more often than you realize. Let’s try to dispel some myths and show you how to prevent a lice infestation in your home. First of all, take “lice” off your list of forbidden words. Communicating your lice outbreak to people around you — your carpool, the family with whom your child just enjoyed a sleepover, your child’s caregivers — can spare them an infestation, too. Finding lice early is the key to easy removal. And letting others know you have lice prevents families in close contact from spreading them back and forth. Early detection of head lice means determining
there are adult louse bugs laying eggs (called nits) on a scalp within the first few days of the occurrence. “Once a week, take a peek” is a common saying among lice experts because a ten-minute, weekly comb-out with a stainless steel nit comb can prevent larger infestations. The rule of thumb: Less adult lice and nits to remove equals easier-to-tackle head lice! Lice removal is a two-week process no matter what method you use. There are three ways to kill lice:
• Pesticides. You’ve likely seen pesticides in the news. Not only are they harmful to humans, but they can also be ineffective as lice have developed a resistance to some over-the-counter pesticides. Skip this method.
Housekeeping tips If your family has lice, wash the sheets and pillowcases after the first treatment. The comforter and any stuffed animals with which your children sleep can go in the dryer for 30 minutes.Vacuum upholstery and carpets after the first treatment (there’s no need to do this for days on end). Boil brushes, combs, and hair accessories for five minutes. Or, just don’t use them for 24 hours (at which point, the lice will be dead). 24 I parentguide News I May 2014
• “Suffocation.” This uses natural remedies such as olive oil, Cetaphil, or mayonnaise. These products work if they’re left on the hair for eight hours. This can be messy, not to mention difficult, to wash from hair. • Non-toxic enzymes. Our favorite. Using a non-toxic enzyme kills the lice. The enzyme interacts with the adult lice bugs’ exoskeleton, causing them to come off prematurely and die. While all of the above methods remove adult lice bugs, there is no product that kills the nits and washes them out of your hair. Nit removal is the tedious part of lice removal. If you have been doing the weekly comb-outs prior to finding lice, you can comb for roughly ten minutes per day to remove the nits. But, if you have not been checking on a regular basis, the first day of combing will be very tedious and last about 30 minutes to one hour. Keep combing for ten days after you find out your child has lice. Do comb-outs with the enzyme solution on everyone in your household. Tell anyone with whom you have been in contact about the lice, and tell them they need to be combed out to check for lice, too. There is good news, though. Good news with lice? Yes! Here’s where the mythbusting begins:
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4Lice bugs are human parasites, so they need human blood to survive. They die relatively quickly (within 24-36 hours) if they’re not directly on your scalp. 4Lice can’t lay eggs anywhere except in your hair! This means the rumored house stripping, cleaning, and bagging tips are completely wrong! 4Lice are transmitted via direct headto-head contact 95 percent of the time. They don’t jump or fly. Standing near someone with lice does not mean you’ll end up with lice! There are loads of websites that offer photos of lice, show you how to do a comb-out, etc. A great place to start is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov. At the end of the day, knowing the true facts of lice can help you keep them at bay.
Comb-outs Do a weekly comb-out just to check your kid’s head. Pop your kids in front of the TV on Friday afternoons and do a comb-out.To perform a proper comb-out to check for lice: •Put on enough conditioner to cover the scalp and remove all tangles. •Hold the steel nit comb at a 90-degree angle. Graze the scalp with the comb and get it through to the end of the hair. •Wipe the comb on a paper towel to look for evidence of lice or nits. •Comb through the hair in this fashion in all directions — front to back, side to side, and underneath. If you do not see any evidence on the paper towel, you do not have lice. Repeat the process in one week.
Carol Gilbert founded Fairy LiceMothers New York in 2008 with Christine Bonanno and Michelle Villella to educate the community on safe and effective lice treatments. In 2011, Fairy LiceMothers joined with Stacey Pomerantz to open an Austin, Texas, location. All locations are certified by The Shepherd Institute.
Fall Education Directory August and September
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Join the Best Children’s Programs, Schools, Special Needs and Enrichment/Tutoring Services plus Parent/Child Resources Call 212-213-8840 to advertise www.parentguidenews.com
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 25
p m a C
A program director shares expert advice.
Considerations
by Alan Saltz
the logistics, the more comfortable you will feel overall. Simply put: A camp’s pickup/drop-off routine should be easy to follow, and it should work for you! Questions for a commuter camp: What do the kids do on the bus? What kind of bus is used? Who exactly is on the bus? At my summer program, we like to say, “Camp starts on the bus!” And it really does begin there, with songs, games, and stories. It’s camp on four wheels. I think that’s a great thing, but it’s not for everyone. Some kids may need quiet time on the bus; others may need immediate engagement and community. And not all buses are created equal. There are yellow school buses and the coach variety. The latter are more comfortable and come with lavatories, whereas school buses do not have them. Of course, the adults on the bus have a huge role to play, too. Find out how many counselors ride the bus with the kids and whether the bus drivers have worked for the camp in the past.
Activities
Questions: What are the activities at camp? How is the daily
Zip line at 92Y Camp Yomi.
There are so many summer camps — and there’s so little time to choose the right one! Fear not, parents; the next few months are a great time to narrow down your list of choices.
schedule created? Is there balance between sports and arts activities? How many swims periods are there in a day? And how many of these are instructional versus free swim? Ultimately, your choice will probably come down to whether the range and type of activities offered at a camp are what your child wants. Campers should have both the freedom to try new things and to do beloved activities. Skill building plays big a role in boosting a child’s Archery at 92Y Camp Yomi.
First, are you considering a day camp or a sleepaway camp? If your choice is day camp, there’s one thing you should be doing right now: Asking camp directors lots of questions. Ideally, these are answered at open houses, now being conducted throughout New York and New Jersey. As a longtime camp director, I’ve heard every question in the book (not to mention every parent’s worst fears). My experience has taught me that parents need to know some very specific things as they go about making their final decision. Below are a selection of questions that parents should have in mind when they walk into a day camp open house.
Logistics and transportation
Questions: Where is my child picked up? Are the pickups
supervised? Do I have a window of time for drop-off and pickup, or do I have to arrive at a set time? Sending your child off to a place that’s not school or a family member’s house can be a scary proposition. The better you feel about 26 I parentguide News I May 2014
IR_May
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confidence, which is one of the best things about summer camp. In terms of the ratio between sports and arts activities, there’s no right or wrong proportion, but you should find out in which direction the camp leans. The last thing you want is for your child to feel that he is not among peers who share at least some of his interests. Of course, swimming is a crucial part of every kid’s summer! It cools off hot heads (literally and figuratively), and it’s a lifelong skill. Some camps emphasize swimming more than others. If your child loves the water, you will want to choose a camp that allows for lots of time in the pool.
Philosophy
Questions: What is the overall philosophy of the camp? Is it competitive or more low key?
Every camp has its own narrative, and you need to hear what it is straight from the camp director. The director should be able to tell you what he believes is best about the camp and what makes it unique.
Communicating with parents
Questions: How does the camp handle communication with the parent? What does the staff do if the child is sick or injured? How does the camp handle possible difficulties, including bullying? So many things can happen at camp at any given moment. If bad things happen (a fight, illness, or injury), what does the camp do about it? Certain camps are better than others when it comes to troubleshooting with parents about their child’s well-being and safety.
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Staff
Questions: Who are the staff members, and how are they selected? What kind of training and supervision
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
do they receive? What is the retention rate for staff? Counselors can make or break a kid’s summer. They really are that important. The norm is to have a week of staff training prior to the camp’s start and a hierarchy within the camp that guarantees supervision for everyone. Ensure that the camp does background checks on staff members. It’s also interesting to know how many counselors a camp retains from year to year. A high retention rate is a good sign as it means there’s continuity. Alan Saltz has been the director of 92Y’s camp program for 24 years. Under his leadership, 92Y has created several new programs that reflect New York City campers’ wide array of interests and abilities. 92Y’s camps serve 1,500 children, ages 3-17, each year. Among others, its summer programs include Camp Yomi (ages 4½-9), Yomi Seniors (10-12), and Trailblazers (ages 12-14). For more information, please visit www.92y.org/camps.
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845.354.2727
May 2014 I parentguide News I 27
Discover Some of the Area’s Best Summer Camps and Programs Day Camps and Summer Programs
43rd Street Kids 484 W. 43rd St., NYC 10036 (212)564-7496 prekids43@aol.com www.43rdstreetkidspreschool.org Enjoy all the freedom that summertime has to offer at 43rd Street 419 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax Kids. ThisSouth, delightful preschool invites all children ages212-447-7734 3-6 to take part in their fun and exciting summer camp. The first camp session begins on June 30. There are seven offered this summer to: FAxsessions # with the last session ending on August 15. Children can sign up for any or all of the sessions available. Each week includes music and From: iSSue DAte: play, games, cookmovement, swim lessons, outdoor sprinkler ing, gardening, and special art projects. The preschool is equipped with a private outdoor play area where children can frolic in the Pleasebreeze call or your comments and/or summer andfax enjoy some fun time with their oK. friends. Children who are not yet 3 years old, when camp begins, but who be attending 43rd St. Kids Preschool in September 2014 are SigNAture will oF APProvAl: eligible. Early Summer Camp is offered for children age 2-5, June 9-27. Three weeks of fun for these young campers include gardening, art activities, music, storytelling, outdoor sand and water play, swim lessons, and more. For this program, children who are
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2, must be born in 2011. Registration takes place on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register as early as possible. Don’t miss your chance to make this summer your child’s best ever!
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Asphalt Green Upper East Side 555 E. 90th St. NYC 10128 (212)369-8890 cdobens@asphaltgreen.org www.asphaltgreen.org Battery Park City 212 North End Ave., NYC 10282 (212)298-2900 campsagbpc@asphaltgreen.org asphaltgreenbpc.org/camp Asphalt Green’s Summer Day Camp has been synonymous with excellence, fostering a love of sports and fitness that lasts a lifetime. Asphalt Green’s summer camp is offered on two campuses in Manhattan: a 5.5-acre Upper East Side campus and a new 52,000 square-foot facility in Battery Park City. The camp offers kids ages 4-13 a fantastic summer of activities in swimming, sports, arts, trips, special events and more. Camp activities are specially designed to meet the unique age-appropriate physical, mental, behavioral and social milestones of every camper in the Pee Wee
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
P ppyseed Pre-Nursery
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“MINI-CaMPâ€? STaRTS May 27! 424 West End Ave. @ 81st • 212-877-7614 info@poppyseedprenursery.com 28 I parentguide News I May 2014
“This bilingual camp focuses on learning French through arts, cooking, music, theater, language class and much, much more.â€? For more information go to www.lfny.org or call Camp Director Amy Zuflacht at (212)439-3825 LycĂŠe Français de New York 505 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021 parentguidenews.com
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CAMP DIRECTORY (ages 4-6), Junior (ages 6-8) and Senior Camps (ages 8-13). Also available is a counsel-in-training program for kids ages 14-15. Bus service and pre- and post-camp are available.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
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Atlantic Acting School 76 9th Ave., Suite 537, NYC 10011 (212)691-5919 hbaird@atlantictheater.org www.atlanticactingschool.org This summer, Atlantic Acting School is pleased to offer four exciting programs. The Summer Youth Arts Program for ages 5-8 runs Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, in seven one-week sessions from June 16-August 8. The program is for those interested in theater and creative play and offers multiple themes. Classes include acting and storytelling, styles of theater, games, creative writing, music and art. Each week ends with an open rehearsal for family and friends. Summer Young Creators Workshop for ages 9-11 (Session 1: July 7-July 18; Session 2: July 21-August 1, Session 3: August 4-August 15) introduces young creators to an actor’s physical and vocal warm-up, improv and theater games. Students work on character development, age-appropriate material and scene work and build a musical or play performance. Summer Young Actors Workshop for ages 11-14 (Session 1: June 23-June 27; Session 2: July 14-July 25; Session 3: July 28August 15) Through three focused workshops: On-Camera Studio, Actors Craft and Summer Stock Theater young actors are introduced to physical and vocal warm-up, improv and theater games, while engaging their creative abilities through monologue and scene work. Each culminates in a final project/show. The Four-Week Summer Teen Ensemble for ages 15-18 (July 7-August 1) is perfect for those interested in learning the Atlantic Technique. The program integrates acting classes with rigorous physical training in voice, speech and movement and culminates in a final performance in one of Atlantic’s Studios. It includes Shakespeare, monologue, on-camera workshops and a guest class. For more information, call (646)216-1171.
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Ballet Club 328 E. 61st St., Second Floor, NYC 10065 (917)281-1030 / (212)204-6348 info@theballetclub.com www.theballetclub.com The Ballet Club and Little Picasso Children’s Art Studio join forces to provide a creative, nurturing and fun. At Children’s Movement and Art Summer Day Camp, activities include ballet, creative dance, drama, yoga, and art projects including air dry clay projects and three-dimensional paintings. All movement and drama classes are held at The Ballet Club, while art classes are held across the street at Little Picasso Children’s Art Studio. Also offered this summer is the Children’s Movement Mini-Camp. Alternating days offer ballet, creative dance, drama, and yoga. Both programs are for children ages 3.5-8 years. Both programs are held Mondays through Fridays; The Movement and Art Summer Day Camp from 9:30am until 2:30pm, with extended hours available, and The Movement Mini-Camp from 9:30am until 12:30pm. Two sessions are offered from June 23-27 and from August 4-29. You may pick and choose the weeks that you would like to attend. All activities are taught by teachers with extensive training in their fields and who are experienced working with children. There are a maximum of 12 students per group, with a staff on hand of at least one adult per five children. All registrations are submitted through The Ballet Club. Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp 23rd Street and the Hudson River, NYC 10011 (212)336-6846 camps@chelseapiers.com www.chelseapiers.com/camps Chelsea Piers, Manhattan’s premier destination for youth sports, is home your needs, your neighborhood
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CAMP DIRECTORY to 16 specialty sports camps for children and teens ages 3 to 17 years. Since 1996, campers have enjoyed world-class facilities, expert instruction and the most exciting sports curriculum available. Programs include Golf, Performance Golf, Gymnastics, Junior Gymnastics, Sports Academy (multi-sport camp), Elite Soccer, Ice Skating, Junior Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, Junior Ice Hockey, Acceleration Hockey, Preschool Ice Skating, Preschool Gymnastics, Bowling, Urban Adventure for teens (including Kayaking/ Sailing, Rock Climbing, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and Ice Skating) and Basketball. Daily lunch is provided for all campers. The staff is passionate about providing a first-class experience. Camp runs June 16 through August 29, 2014. For maximum flexibility, campers can sign up for one week or up to 11 weeks. Transportation and an After-Care Program are available. For more information or to register, call (212)336-6846 or visit the website at chelseapiers.com/camps. Collina Italiana 1556 3rd Ave., Suite 603, NYC 10128 (212)427-7770 info@collinaitaliana.com www.collinaitaliana.com This summer, immerse your family in the wonders of the Italian culture and language without leaving the city with Collina Italiana. Located on the Upper East Side at 1556 3rd Ave. (near the 4, 5 and 6 trains at 86th Street) and running June 9-July 11 and August 11-August 29, the new Summer in the City 2014 allow students to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate and inviting atmosphere. The program is designed for kids (and parents) who want to absorb the warm and lively culture of Italy. Have fun Italian style! Learn and practice Italian, meet new friends, and enjoy a unique summer in the city. The program includes Giochiamo in Italiano, where campers learn Italian through play, music, theater, and games; Cinema Italiano where animated movies and cartoons teach Italian; Arte Insieme, which
30 I parentguide News I May 2014
encourages campers to be creative, make art, and speak Italian; Piccolo Teatro, where it’s all about acting and perform your favorite star; Le Uscite, taking campers to museums to discover Italian art; and Il Tavolo in Italiano, summer school but more fun! Ask about the sibling discounts! Learn more online or give the Italian instructors a call today. Columbia University Big Blue Basketball Camp 3030 Broadway, NYC 10027 www.columbiabasketballcamp.com Big Blue Basketball Camp is a day camp for experienced and inexperienced players alike. This year’s camp has four sessions: June 23-27 (2nd-12th graders), June 30 – July 3 (2nd-7th graders), July 7-11 (2nd7th graders), and August 4-8 (2nd-12th graders). Camp is focused on skill development through games and both individualized and teambased drills. Camp is held in Columbia University’s NCAA Division 1 facilities and operated by Head Coach Kyle Smith, his assistant coaches, and Columbia Men’s Basketball players. All campers are divided into “leagues” based on age and skill level in order to ensure appropriate competition and enjoyment for all campers. Special guest speakers, tournaments, contests, trivia, individualized post-camp evaluations, and new friends and teammates make this an exciting way for young athletes to spend their summer! Postcare Daycare is available. Shorter baskets and smaller basketballs are available for the youngest participants. Log onto www.columbiabasketballcamp.com for more information and to register today. Spots are still available, but space is limited. Deer Mountain Day Camp 63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, NY 10970 (845)354-2727 info@deermountaindaycamp.com www.deermountaindaycamp.com With 25 acres at the base of the Ramapo Mountains, a natural lake,
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CAMP DIRECTORY six pools, seven tennis courts, 7,000-square-foot dining hall, 1,000square-foot air-conditioned performing arts center, 2,000-square-foot air-conditioned preschool building, ropes course with zip-lines and climbing wall, courts, fields, and air-conditioned cabins for sports, fine arts and nature. Deer Mountain offers a transformative setting that is as beautiful as it is well appointed. Family-owned for 58 years, Deer Mountain has smart, authentic leadership and experienced staff who create super fun experiences for kids ages 3 to 15 in an environment where kids feel comfortable to be who they are. Expert instructors create engaging, high quality programs, so kids develop real skills in Swimming (twice per day: Instruction and Recreational), sports, fine arts, performing arts, and outdoor adventure activities. There are special events too! Door-to-door private, air-conditioned transportation; hot catered, healthy lunch and snacks, towel service is included. Parents choose Deer Mountain because of their experience; kids love them because of theirs. Call (845)354-2727 to set up a personal tour appointment or visit the website.
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to attractions such as The New York Aquarium and the NY Hall of Science. There are also weekly special events, including visits by a theater troupe and animal educator. Specialists teach yoga, art, chess, martial arts, soccer and much more. Modern facilities include welllit classrooms, a gymnasium, art room and an enclosed outdoor play area for toddlers. Children may attend for as many as 11 weeks or as few as one, with any combination of days desired. Friends Academy Summer Camps Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516)393-4207 camp@fa.org www.fasummercamp.org Friends Academy Summer Camps offers exciting programs for children ages 2-14 from 9:30am-4:30pm. All programs provide a safe environment where children learn new skills and make new friends. The General Camp (for ages 2-7) provides a well-rounded program that includes physical education, arts and crafts, music, tennis, science, playground time, two daily swimming periods and special events. Families can choose from four- to eight-week sessions. Children are placed in small groups by age and gender. The Academy program (for ages 8-13) offers one- to eight-week options. Boys and girls have the opportunity to work on individual and group skills in a well-structured environment that provides instruction and fair competition. The new one-week format allows campers to change activity selections each week. Friends Academy offers more than 24 activity choices, including fine arts, computers, travel, baseball, basketball, dance, golf, horseback riding, ice hockey, ice skating, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, N.F.L. flag football, fencing, gymnastics, tennis, computer game design, digital and video design, robotics design, circus arts, multi-sport, cheerleading, and the Friends Academy Club and Travel program. The C.I.T. Program (for ages 14-15) allows stu-
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www.parentguidenews.com •Summer 212-213-8840 Family School and Family School West: Day Camp www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 323 E. 47th St. Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, NYC 10017 (212)688-5950 famschool@aol.com Summer after summer, this first-rate program turns children from 18 months up to 12 years of age into happy campers. Camp includes an academic maintenance program utilizing the Montessori method of teaching. Every age group is introduced to foreign languages. The emphasis, however, is not on heavy-duty academics. The Family School believes that children need a break and has created an exciting summer of fun in New York. Water play for younger campers and swimming instruction for older ones, at the Vanderbilt YMCA right across the street, are part of the fun, as are twice weekly trips
atlantic
kids
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A must for any performer looking for an outlet for creative expression. Ages 4 through 17. photo: Ahron R. Foster
sUmmEr thEatEr camps June - August
aFtErschool actinG proGrams Beginning in September and January
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To register your child or for more details please call: Heather Baird at 212-691-5919 ext. 1171
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atlanticactinGschool.orG your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 31
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CAMP DIRECTORY
HiArt!’s Culture Bugs! & Manga Mania 227 West 29th St., NYC 10001 (212)209-1552 www.hiartkids.com Now in its 17th arts-exploding summer, this Best of New York arts program revs up for another fantastic year of art, art and much more art than ever before. From tots to teens, Culture Bugs! offers a sumFriends Seminary mer of magical fun especially designed for kids with some of the 222 E. 16th St., NYC 10003 city’s most talented, experienced resident teaching artists! Whether (212) 979-5035, ext. 152 your child opts for New Manga with •the amazing Ashley rhoffmann@friendsseminary.org 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, York,Mania NY 10016 212-213-8840 • FaxSilva 212-447-7734 or Zoe’s end of summer Mangathon that will give kids a chance to www.friendsseminary.org work with the just-returned from Japan, Zoe Greenbaum, or Culture Friends Seminary, founded in 1786, is the oldest continuing co-eduBugs!, an interdisciplinary regalia with the incredible staff, including cational independent school in New York City. Bordering StuyvesTO: values FAXand # bookmaking queen Luiza sculptor Mallory Breiner, mixed media ant park, Friends educates students in grades K-12. Quaker Kurzyna, painters JJ Manford, Sakura Maku and Maureen St. Vinand academic rigor combine to create an environment nurturing to cent, American comic whiz, Maggie Siegel-Berele and so many more both the student and the global citizen. From June 9-August 1, the ISSUE DATE: in HiArt!’s awardamazing, real working artists who also specialize Summer Friends Day Camps adhere to school values withFROM: a touch of winning pedagogy— fun is to be had! Kids are guaranteed to have summertime whimsy for children ages 2-15. This summer we have the artiest, most inspiring summer of their lives. Littler kids come to some exciting new programs, Two Cute: Friends’ innovative halfCulture Bugs mini-camp half days with their adult partners— whethday program for 2 year olds, and Handwork Studio: a Needle Arts er it’s mom, dad, grandparents or caregiver— hopping to galleries, and Fashion Camp for 5-15 year olds. Back by popular demand the making art, immersed in music and operas and having the time of Skateboard Camp will be offered June 9-13, July 7-11 and 14-18, for lives, just like the Big Kids. Bigger kids, from kindergartenlower and middle school-aged children. Friends continuesSIGNATURE to offer its OF their APPROVAL: age 16 come all day, all week! This summer’s schedule lets kids do ever popular Wee are Three, Four’s and Fun, Five’s and Fun, and its what they love most! New friends, new experiences, lots of learning Creative Day Camp for children entering grades 1-6. Camp programs and tons of fun await. Lunch is included for full day campers and, as include individualized swimming instruction, creative arts workalways, is an absolutely artful adventure.More to come: Also coming shops, Karma Kids Yoga, CATS tennis, weekly drama, music and up: HiArt!’s Manga Camp in Japan! Explore, draw, and learn— This creative movement, exciting group games and sports, and dynamic parent and me immersion is on the horizon! Dates for the middle of and enriching field trips. To round it out, Summer Friends is proud August in time for Komiket: Tokyo’s incredible anime convention, to offer a camper-to-counselor ratio of 4:1 and 5:1. To accommodate coming right up! Phone for details! Culture Bugs! Summer runs all working parents, Early Bird and Extended Day options are available. summer long: From June 17-mid August 30. Be there or be square! Attend for the summer or come for a week, but don’t miss out. dents to intern in an area of interest while learning leadership and child care skills. Camp tuition includes hot and cold lunches, towel service and air-conditioned transportation. Call to find out more about the upcoming season and open house dates. Office hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. Visit www.fasummercamp.org.
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JOIN US FOR AN
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OPEN HOUSE
JAN. 28 | FEB. 25 5-7 PM
UNIQUE PROGRAMS for pre-schoolers
TWO CUTE WEE ARE THREE FOURS & FUN FIVES & FUN for older kids Handwork Studio SKATEBOARD CAMP Skateboard Camp CREATIVE DAY Creative day
JUNE 9-AUGUST 1 weekly for weekly programs programs for kids 3-11 kids ages ages 2-15
Please call or fax your comments and/or OK.
Teachers College, Columbia University
525 W. 120th Street, NYC (bet. Bway & Amsterdam)
Art-Dance-Drama-Music Ages 5-13 • Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm 2-Week Program • August 4th-15th $1300 per camper
A Creative & Engaging Arts Learning Experience
Ask about Family Discounts
• Dynamic blend of art, dance, music, drama, playwriting, water & outdoor play
actionartscamp@yahoo.com www.tc.edu/actionartscamp
(917) 561-9624
FRIENDS SEMINARY 222 EAST 16TH ST. NEW YORK, NY 10003 212.979.5035
WWW.FRIENDSSEMINARY.ORG/SUMMERFRIENDS 32 I parentguide News I May 2014
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CAMP DIRECTORY Jodi’s Gym 244 E. 84th St., NYC 10028 (212)772-7633 Fax: (212)772-9558 25 Hubbels Dr., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 (914)244-8811 Fax: (914)244-8833 www.jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym Camp is all about active, healthy children! Now in its 30th year, Jodi’s Gym 3 hour camp for 3-5 year olds includes a full hour of structured gym where the fundamentals for gymnastics (and all sports) are developed as children improve their skills on balance beams, bars, rings, tumbling, vault, tumble trak, the space bouncer and so much more! In a camp filled with giggles and laughter, your child will develop self confidence while experiencing the joys of gymnastics. Other camp activities include music, art, story time, zany games and lunch. You just won’t find a more attentive, experienced, knowledgeable and caring staff anywhere! Jodi’s Gym also offers the most flexible scheduling around. You choose any 2-5 days each week, you choose the weeks…no minimums! New this year...optional 1 hour Lunch Bunch add on!
sessions, beginning June 6, and is developed around a theme, ex: Swan Lake. The Children’s Division Dance Camp (ages 7-9) is a half-day program. The program is divided into three two-week sessions beginning June 6. Each session culminates in a Friday performance. The students start the day with a ballet class and then fill the remainder of the day with classes in Flamenco, Hip Hop and Jazz. The Young Dancer’s Intensive (ages 10-14) is also divided into three two-week sessions. In this program young dancers amass the body strength, coordination, discipline to further their acquisition of ballet technique with daily ballet and conditioning classes. Incorporated in their day the young dancers will participate in Horton, Jazz, Flamenco, Hip Hop and Pointe Classes daily. Each two-week session ends in a Friday performance. Led by experienced instructors, many of whom have danced with the Joffrey Company— the Joffrey Ballet School nurtures novices to dedicated young dancers in a caring and safe environment. For more seasoned dancers, the Summer Intensive Program prepares students ages 14-21 who are interested in a professional dance career in an intensive program that runs five days a week. All students enjoy instruction accompanied by live piano music in classic ballet studios equipped with sprung Marley dance floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The building is equipped with dressing rooms, lockers, showers, restrooms and offices. Some of the summer students perform at NYU’s pristine Skirball Performing Arts Center as a culmination of their sevenweeks of hard work. Contact Joffrey Ballet School at (212)254-8520, or visit www. joffreyballetschool.com for further details.
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Joffrey Ballet School 434 Ave. of the Americas, NYC 10011 (212)254-8520 summer@joffreyballetschool.com www.joffreyballetschool.com Footsteps from Washington Square Park, Joffrey Ballet School offers families preeminent instruction. The school stands at the forefront of American dance education and classical ballet training. Joffrey, the official school of the prestigious Joffrey Ballet Company, develops the dancer in all ages and abilities, including parents. The Children’s Division Pre-Ballet Camp (ages 3-6), encompasses six one-week half-day
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Kids at Art 1412 Second Ave., NYC 10021 (212)410-9780 wendy@kidsatartnyc.com www.kidsatartnyc.com Kids at Art, focuses on the basics of visual arts with age-appropri-
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Summer Make This est Ever at ’s B Your Child rd
ids. 43 Street K
The weekday school aT RiveRside chuRch
EARLY SUMMER CAMP Three Weeks of Fun!
June 9-27 • Ages 2-5 Gardening • Art Actvities Music • Storytelling Outdoor San & Water Play Swim Lessons & More
DAY CAMP Seven 1-Week Sessions (Select Any or All Sessions)
June 30-Aug. 15 • Ages 3-6 Music & Movement • Swim Lessons Outdoor Sprinkler Play • Games • Cooking Gardening • Special Art Projects
484 W 43rd Street • 212 564-7496
490 RiveRside dRive, New yoRk, Ny 10027
is pleased to announce
SUMMERSIDE CAMP 2014 Session I: June 16-27 Session II: June 30 - 11(closed 7/4) Session III: July 14 - 25 Register for one, two or all sessions.
MInI CAMP
FUll CAMP
for 2s and young 3s 8:45am - 12:30pm
for 3-6 year-olds 8:45am - 2:30pm
Registration for the Summerside Camp program is under way. Information and registration forms are available: Online: www.wdsnyc.org/pages/summerside-camp Contact: Tricia Pool at tpool@wdsnyc.org Call for more information 212-870-6743
Be sure to reserve a spotRegister by June 1, 2014 your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 33
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CAMP DIRECTORY ate projects for each group from 2+ years of age— painting, drawing, sculpture, mosaics, and much more. Classes are limited in size, giving each child more individualized attention. Birthday parties at Kids at Art are the most creative in format and fun! At Kids at Art, the process is just as important as the finished project. Kids at Art is also available for private art class for five to ten children one time or once a week. Summer 2014 at Kids at Art is going to be a blast! Offerings include a full day of Arts Camp starting with well-loved art workshops from 9am-noon every day for ages 4.5 and older. Then, after lunch, there is Musical Theater Camp with the fabulous TADA! staff. Children may register for the full day, half day Art, or half day TADA! (Art workshops may be taken on a singular basis. TADA! on a weekly basis only) June 9-August 29. Kid’s Korner Preschool 247 W. 24th St., NYC 10011 (212)229-9340 kidskornernyc@gmail.com www.thekidskornerpreschool.com Chelsea’s best kept secret! Located in the heart of Chelsea, Kid’s Korner, a NAEYC accredited preschool/nursery school, occupies the first two floors of a cozy brownstone. Dedicated and highly qualified staff lead a wide range of stimulating, hands-on activities for each child. Kid’s Korner offers a wonderful summer experience for children, as well. Kid’s Korner Summer Camp has music, yoga, dance, arts and crafts, water fun and more available. Children enjoy their afternoons in the school’s private playground painting, playing games and having fun with water. The playground is shaded in the afternoons and completely private from outside traffic. Children enjoy the comforting and relaxing atmosphere while socializing with their peers. The camp accommodates children ages 2 and 3 as well as pre-kindergarten stu-
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dents ages 4 and 5. Kid’s Korner Summer Camp hours will be 9am-5pm. Camp session I runs July 7-July 25, while camp session II runs July 28-August 15. Three-, Four- and Five-day options are available for full or half day. Come explore Kid’s Korner on an informative tour to see what all your friends are whispering about! Descriptions and applications are available online at March 28. Lycée Français de New York’s Camp Quartier d’été 505 E. 75th St., NYC 10021 (212)439-3825 www.lfny.org The Lycée Français de New York (LFNY) introduces its newly updated bilingual summer camp, Camp Quartier d’été, for children ages 2.8 to 11 at any level of French. New York meets Paris at this unique summer camp offering a fun, enriching program where campers can build their French and English language skills through activities, field trips and special cultural events. A team of bilingual staff, including seasoned staff from the LFNY, lead programs in an environment of openness and care. Campers enjoy the school’s stateof-the-art facilities and participate in activities such as art, music, dance, sports, swimming, science, cooking and more. Camp Quartier d’été takes full advantage of the city of New York with past day trips to Chelsea Piers, Legoland Discovery Center and the Art Farm in the City. Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Please visit lfny.org/summercamp2014 or contact Amy Zuflacht, director of camps, azuflacht@lfny.org, for more information.
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Montessori School of New York International 347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place, NYC 10022 (212)223-4630 www.montessorischoolny.com Montessori School of New York International offers a “Sights and
NURTURING THE JOY OF LEARNING
the montessori school of new York international
REgiStER FOR SummER & FAll 2014
Where Learning Comes To Life! nursery through Junior high
OVER 40 YEARS OF ExcEllEncE
CAMP SESSIONS MAY 27-AUGUST 15 • extensive indoor and outdoor summer activities • accelerated track for Gifted children • excellent Placement record for specialized high schools • half Day or extended Day sessions
Call now for brochure and application form
(212) 223-4630
347 E. 55th St., NYC • montessorischoolny.com
34 I parentguide News I May 2014
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CAMP DIRECTORY Sounds of New York City” theme based program for children ages 2 to 14. Children experience field trips, art projects, sports and academic activities centered on a weekly theme, culminating in a “Song and Dance” presentation each Friday. To ensure a wellrounded experience, children enjoy music and movement, arts and crafts, and a foreign language as well as water play. A gymnastics and swim program outside the school are offered as an option for an additional fee. The children will also enjoy field trips to places like the United Nations, The Natural History Museum and much more! As the camp is staffed by the school’s teachers, children seriously continue with their academics, allowing them to prepare for admission to gifted programs or to get a head start on the upcoming year. Flexible session dates and non-profit rates offer all children a chance to experience a Montessori summer! The school is also accepting registration for the Fall 2014 term.
Tim!, arts and crafts, soccer, a learn-to-swim program, in-house trips, and sprinklers to cool off in. There is a spacious rooftop playground where children are free to play in the open space, try out climbers and ride on tricycles. An early-bird option is available for those children who need to begin their day at 8am. This option is open to children ages 3 to 5 years. For more information visit the web site.
Oasis in Manhattan Central Park - 3 West 95th St. Downtown Manhattan - 219 Stanton St. (800)317-1392 www.oasischildren.com With two locations, Central Park and Downtown Manhattan, Oasis offers campers the summer of a lifetime in New York City! Both locations provide campers ages 4-11 with a traditional Morningside Montessori School summer day camp experience. Oasis features a variety of en251 W. 100th St., NYC 10025 gaging cooking martial arts• and from danc419 Park Avenueactivities South, Newfrom York, NY 10016 •to212-213-8840 Fax 212-447-7734 (212)316-1555 ing to creative writing. Campers have the opportunity to learn, info@morningsidemontessori.org run, swim, and play in a safe and encouraging environment. The TO: FAX and # basketball courts, softwww.morningsidemontessori.org Central Park location hosts tennis Check out the Summer Program’s new science focus! The Sumball fields, soccer fields, nature trails, an Olympic-sized swimmer Program at Morningside promises a fun-filled summer for ming pool, and three indoor facilities. The Downtown ManhatFROM: ISSUE DATE: children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. This six-week program is divided tan location features tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, into three sessions that run from June 16-July 24. The Summer soccer fields, and a swimming pool. Campers are exposed to Program offers three programs for children: Peewee Program on a variety of sports, swimming, visual and performing arts, and Please call or fax your comments and/or OK. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9am-1pm; Basic Program on Mondays-Friteam-building activities. Both locations have experienced staff days, 9am-2pm; and Full Day Program on Mondays-Fridays— add members who are dedicated role models and of college age and on 8-9am or extend the day until 4pm or 6pm. The program SIGNATURE takes older. Can’t get to Oasis? Don’t worry, the camp will get to you! OF APPROVAL: place in Morningside Montessori School’s sun-filled, air-condiOasis bus service picks up and drops off campers from a number tioned classrooms. Staff is made up of experienced teachers and of convenient locations in select neighborhoods. Look into sibyoung adults. Special activities include yoga for kids, music with ling discounts. Registration is fast and simple, so don’t wait!
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4 SESSIONS AVAILABLE: June 23-27, June 30-July 3 July 7-11 August 4-8 Shorter Hoops Available for Younger Campers
Call Now! Registration Open!
Professional Training in a Nurturing Environment
Photo by 5 westkids/SpencerLum
Develop your Skills from Division 1 Coaches and Players through a Day Camp Consisting of Games, Drills, Contests, Awards and Individualized Evaluations
Call Now to Register for the 2014-2015 Performing Arts Pre-Professional Division
Ballet Classes for All Ages Inquire About Summer Camps & Programs 328 East 61st Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10065
For More Information and to Register, Call (212) 854-3747, E-mail kah2193@columbia.edu or Visit www.columbiabasketballcamp.com. your needs, your neighborhood
(Near the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R & F Trains and the M15, M57, M31, M101, M102, M103, Q32, Q60 & Q101 Buses) 917-281-1030 or 212-204-6348 info@theballetclub.com www.theballetclub.com
for w o r N l 2014 e t is al ! Reg the F Term
May 2014 I parentguide News I 35
CAMP DIRECTORY Physique Swim Camp Battery Park City Synagogue, Gateway Plaza, NYC 10280 Physique Summer Camp Swims at: Leman Manhattan Prep 1 Morris, NYC 10004 (212)725-0939 www.physiqueswimming.com Physique Summer Camp, located in the heart of Battery Park City, NY, provides an inviting number of parks in NYC for sports, urban explorations and art. Camp Physique provides the opportunity to improve campers’ swimming skills and participate in outdoor adventures. An Olympic-size, indoor pool at Leman Manhattan Prep, 1 Morris St. Campus welcomes children ages 5-12 for an hour and a half of swim each day for progressive instructional classes and fun. Swimmers will be taught in small, skill-appropriate groups. Physique Camp focuses on improvement not only in swimming abilities, but in development of motor skills, coordination, flexibility and muscular strength. Campers of all different skill levels will discover a multitude of great aquatic programs throughout the summer, including: stroke development, basics of water polo and synchronize swimming, unbirthday parties in the water plus plenty of games and silly relays. Their highly trained, certified and experienced staff are committed to quality and excellence in everything they do and will continually strive to meet the needs and expectations of campers and their families. Aside from swimming, the camp also has a great art program. Art activities include photography, printmaking, collages and more.
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Poppyseed Pre-Nursery 424 West End Ave., NYC 10024 (212)877-7614 info@poppyseedprenursery.com www.poppyseedprenursery.com Enrich your child’s day with music, art and play at The Poppyseed
Nursery, where big things are happening for little people. Smallsized, one to two hour groups for toddlers, 2s and 3s with parent or caregiver, meet two or three times a week, providing individual attention and the continuity and consistency needed for forming special friendships. The perfect bridge between the home and school experience, Poppyseed offers age-appropriate activities that foster self assurance and creativity. Self expression through singing and dancing with musical instruments accompanied by the piano cultivates sensitivity to harmony and rhythm. Children explore the sensory world of art with pleasure and spontaneity, developing imagination and creativity through brush and finger painting, collage-making, clay and play-dough, water play and cooking. Special equipment, such as the balance beam, mats, parachute and tunnel, offers a healthy environment for developing self confidence. A professional, highly educated staff helps children learn at their own pace in a perfect setting for each child’s growth. Summer programs for toddlers, 1s, 2s and 3s are in June and July. Field trips are included. Please call for more information.
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Summer at St. Barts 325 Park Ave., NYC 10022 (212)378-0203 info-camp@stbarts.org www.stbarts.org/summer-camp At Summer at St. Bart’s, campers ages 3-13 have week after week of fun! Each day includes swimming, sports, music, arts and crafts, a rooftop playground, dance and movement and more! Running June 9-August 22, the day camp is perfect for ages 3-6, where campers are divided by age for appropriate programming. Island Sports at the Roosevelt Island sports fields is perfect for campers age 7-13 who love sports. Adventure Camp is another fun-filled option for campers ages 7-13 that includes trips around the city. What’s the best part of the camp? The fact that all options include instructional swimming every day! Special events and theme weeks add to the fun. Late-morning and afternoon snacks are included, and an optional hot lunch is also available. For families with late-working parents, an after camp program is available until 5:30pm MondayThursday, and a specialty cooking class is available on Wednesdays. To receive more information or schedule a tour, contact Summer at St. Bart’s at info-camp@stbarts.org or (212)378-0203. Check out the online registration at www.stbarts.org/summer-camp.
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COUNTRY DAY CAMP ed Co- yrs. 4 4-1
in the city since 1971
T frie win, s ndly dis ibling , cou nts
or tdo Ou n and fu rning lea
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C in Aourse ugu s st
JUNE 30th – AUG 21st Call for tour and brochure 212.316.7530 Visit www.actprograms.org
36 I parentguide News I May 2014
Summerside: The Riverside Church Weekday School Camp 490 Riverside Drive, NYC 10027 (212)870-6743 pmutarelli@theriversidechurchny.org www.weekdayschool-nyc.org The Riverside Church Weekday School is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Summerside, the Weekday School
Kids Korner Kids Korner Kidss Korner Nursery & Pre K Programs
Open year round www.thekidskornerpreschool.com Nursery & Pre K Programs
September June 8:30 am-5:30 pm Open year- round Nursery & &Pre K Programs August 9:00 am-5:00 SeptemberJuly - June 8:30 am-5:30 pm pm
Celebrating
Open year round Accredited July & AugustNAEYC 9:00 am-5:00 pm September - June 8:30 am-5:30 pm 20 Y NAEYC Accredited ears July & August 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Summer
preschool
OPEN HOUSE TOURS Camp 2013 NAEYC Accredited Begin in October Summer Camp I (3 weeks):
Summer Camp 2014 July 8th-July 26th
th Camp II (3 weeks) : Summer Camp I •Summer July 7th to July 25 (3 weeks) July th 29th-August 16th Summer Camp II • July 28 to August 15th (3 weeks)
Accepting applications for the (212) 229-9340 Camp description and2013-2014 applicationsschool online March 28 year. th
and application fee will be waived.
Accepting for 2014/2015 Limited timeapplications offer for new applicants only.
www.thekidskornerpreschool.com www.thekidskornerpreschool.com (212) 229-9340
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CAMP DIRECTORY summer camp. As in the past, Summerside is organized into two distinct camps each operating during three two-week sessions. The two camp offerings are The Mini-Camp (for children 2½-3½ years of age) and The Full-Day Camp (for children 3½-6 years of age). The sessions for each camp are: Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 27; Monday, June 30 through Friday, July 11 (Camp is not in session on Friday, July 4); and Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 25. Snacks and lunch are provided at both the Mini-Camp and the Full-Day Camp. The Mini-Camp is staffed by two teachers with a cap of 12 children. The Full-Day Camp is staffed by two teachers with a cap of 18 children. Art, movement and music classes are a part of each of the camps providing additional enrichment activities for all of the children. In addition, the children in the Full-Day Camps participate in one local trip and one field trip to destinations around the city during each two-week session. Current Weekday School families have priority in the registration for Summerside. A registration form that includes a schedule of fees for all sessions can be obtained online at http://www.wdsnyc.org/tuition , by calling the school office at (212)870-6743 or by e-mailing pmutarelli@ wdsnyc.org. Spaces are sure to fill up so act quickly.
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Parent/Child Resource Family Care Options 112 W. 34th St., NYC 10120 info@familycareoption.com www.familiycareoption.com (212)SITTERS (516)272-2004 Throughout the New York metropolitan area, Long Island, Westchester and Northern New Jersey, and beyond to Connecticut, Florida, and Southern California, Family Care options provides permanent, temporary, live-in/live-out, full-time or part-time family care for adults, seniors, and children. Nannies and caregivers come from various ethnic backgrounds including Italian, Swiss, Irish, and Russian, to name a few. All of those caring for your family and loved ones have at least three years of childcare experience in the United States, speak English fluently, have a clean background check, two positive references, along with other requirements set by Family Care Options. Additional information regarding nanny qualifications is available online. For adults, whether it is an elderly family member returning home from surgery, the hospital, or rehabilitation, and is in need of assistance, Family Care Options help to maintain the continuation of daily activities and maintain independence. In addition to care for families, Family Care Options now offers corporate-sponsored back-up childcare. This is an employer-paid benefit that enables employees to have a qualified Nanny come to their home within short notice when the primary care arrangements break down or is unavailable. In the situation of an emergency, Family Care Options is there for you. Learn more online about their quality care and how your family may benefit.
www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840
Winston Preparatory Summer Enrichment Program 126 W. 17th St., NYC 10011 (646)638-2705, ext. 688 summer@winstonprep.edu www.winstonprep.edu Winston Prep is a highly individualized and responsive setting for high-potential middle and high school students with learning differences, such as language-based learning difficulties, nonverbal learning difficulties and attention deficit problems. The Winston Prep program is designed to challenge each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths while developing the essentials of reading, writing, mathematics, organization and study skills. Each individualized educational program is based upon a continuously modified understanding of each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamic learning profile that evolves as the student progresses and matures. Within the curriculum, skills are taught explicitly, including daily instruction in reading, writing, science, history and mathematics through grade 12. Small classes of 8-12 students help to create a comfortable learning environment and facilitate the individualization of course work. Students participate in a daily one-to-one instructional period called Focus, designed to serve as the diagnostic, instructional and mentoring centerpiece of their experience. Art, drama, gym and a variety of enrichment choices are offered within the school day and during the afterschool program. Interscholastic athletic programs are also available after school. At the high school level, students with appropriate levels of skill mastery may participate in college courses. Ninety percent of graduates in the last five years have been accepted to college.
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www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840
Summer at St. Bartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 2014 St. Bartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Day Camp
Ages 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 t June 9thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 22nd (11 weeks)
ISlanD SportS & aDventure Camp Ages 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;13 t June 30thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 22nd (8 weeks) All options include swimming every day!
Swimming t SportS t muSic t ArtS & crAftS rooftop plAyground t dAnce & movement For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact us at
212-209-1552
www.hiartkids.com your needs, your neighborhood
212-378-0203 t JOGP DBNQ!TUCBSUT PSH XXX TUCBSUT PSH TVNNFS DBNQ May 2014 I parentguide News I 37
Autism-Friendly by Monica Holloway
SchoolS What to seek in an academic setting.
As a mother to a child with autism, I have been very positively impacted by sending my son, Wills, to autism-friendly schools with inclusion programs, and so has our family. Neal Wrightson, director of Children’s Community School, welcomed Wills in kindergarten, saying, “It is not an act of charity to admit a child with a disability. It enriches the entire school.” We’ve witnessed how schools have evolved over time. They now offer much more teacher-specific autism education and training, present learning materials in ways that enable our kids to effectively process information, and attend to the sensory needs of our kids. It’s so encouraging! Learning can be difficult, especially for those with autism, but this adversity can be overcome with the help of many wonderful autism-friendly schools, programs, and educators. As you attend open houses for next year’s semester, consider the following qualities that I’ve noted in autism-friendly schools:
Enthusiasm about autism.
Routine.
Trained, professional educators and staff understand the characteristics of autism and enjoy pursuing strategies to help kids reach their best potential.
Knowing that many children with autism need or like to follow a routine, many special educators establish clear timelines for students’ activities and transitions.
Inclusion.
Visuals.
Personalization.
Reinforcement.
Inclusion and socialization of those with special needs promotes understanding and acceptance for all involved. All children in the academic setting acquire new and desired qualities through inclusion, not just the child with special needs.
No two children are the same. Schools with special education programs know that each child learns differently and has individual needs, strengths, and challenges.
Team approach.
Parents and professionals work together toward goals. They have open lines of communication, including collaboratively sharing progress at home and in school.
Visuals can be essential for those with autism to facilitate understanding, learning, and expression. Autism-friendly classrooms often use many visuals for schedules, labeling of items, and for learning words and letters.
Those with autism benefit from positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. In class, reward with praise or prizes or delayed gratification with star or sticker charts provide motivation.
Empowering.
Autism-friendly schools empower children to learn, express themselves, be independent, and lead fulfilling lives.
Monica Holloway is the author of best-selling autism memoir Cowboy & Wills (Simon and Schuster). Visit her at www.monicaholloway.com. Share tips and experiences about autism-friendly schools and programs at www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills. 38 I parentguide News I May 2014
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Special Needs Services and Health & Fitness Resources Close to Home Special Needs BBkids Speech Therapy-SLP, P.C (212)643-9064 bbkids.slp@gmail.com BBKids Speech Therapy-SLP is conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, easily accessible by public transportation. It is owned and operated by Bernadette Bergancia, who holds a Master of Science dgree in speech pathology and has more than 10 years of experience with children and adults. Ms. Bergancia is primarily devoting her time to working with children, and on a case-by-case basis with adults. In addition to treating and enhancing children’s speech ability, she wishes to educate parents-caregivers on the importance of early detection/intervention in children during the “critical” period of language development. The child-friendly environment of BBKids Speech Therapy-SLP is carefully designed to make children feel at ease during treatment. They utilize the latest methods (PROMPT trained, knowledge/use of SIM, methods in Verbal- tonal), combined with traditional therapy methods to achieve real progress. A multi-sensory integrated
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approach is the goal at BBkids-Speech Therapy,SLP. Whether a child is overcoming a speech and language, occupational and physical challenges families receive the therapies that are needed to help children through their development. In addition to speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy is provided on site through partner agencies: CTD Occupational Therapy and PIM Physical Therapy.
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Connect The Dots Occupational Therapy 38 W. 32nd St., Suite 604, NYC 10001 (212)290-0290 admin@ctdtherapy.com www.ctdtherapy.com Connect The Dots is a newly expanded 2,500-square-foot sensory integration clinic that builds upon your child’s strengths to promote further independence in life’s daily activities. With a holistic approach to evaluate and treat children, CTD understands how occupational therapy can most positively impact their lives. In addition to occupational therapy, physical and speech therapy is provided on site through partne agencies; BBKids Speech Therapy and PIM Physical Therapy. In conjunction with parents, teachers, and health practitioners, ther-
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Summer Program 2014 June 27 - July 25, 2014 Morning Academic Program Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Small class sizes Daily skill development in literature, history, science, and math Gym, art, and music classes daily Students from 4th to 12th grades July Focus Program Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm One-on-One Instruction Targeted skill development 45-minute or 90-minute sessions
Winston Preparatory School education for the individual 126 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 646-638-2705 ext. 688 summer@winstonprep.edu your needs, your neighborhood
After-school Activities Monday–Thursday, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm One-on-one classes and independent study program also available during August. Applications available online at www.winstonprep.edu May 2014 I parentguide News I 39
SPECIAL NEEDS and HEALTH & FITNESS DIRECTORY apists help to determine a treatment plan that addresses the immediate as well as long-term needs of every child. Monthly seminars for parents and providers with varied topics related to child development. Facility based Early Intervention, CPSE, and RSA contracts are accepted. CTD is proud to announce that they are contracted with the DOE for all of Manhattan for CPSE, and districts two, five, and seven for school-age students. CTD also offers handwriting classes for children of all ages and abilities. The Handwriting Without Tears program gives your child the extra boost to ensure classroom success. Progress In Motion Physical Therapy PLLC 525 Chestnut Street, Suite 2, Ceadurhurst, NY 11516 (347)746-7812 info@pimtherapy.com Progress in Motion Physical Therapy, PLLC (PIM) is a pediatric physical therapy clinic in Midtown Manhattan that provides cutting edge physical therapy services in a highly personalized setting to children ages 0-21 with developmental, neurologic, sports, and orthopedic conditions. PIM physical therapy services value the importance of a family-oriented physical therapy practice and are backed by evidence-based clinical care to children including early intervention, initial evaluations, reassessments, and treatment interventions. In addition to physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy is provided on site through partner agencies; CTD Occupational Therapy and BBkids Speech Therapy. Progress in Motion is an approved clinic for the New York City Department of Education and accepts CPSE, CSE, and RSA mandated services.
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Insurance and private pay are both accepted. The staff therapists are highly trained and specializes in pediatric conditions and provides services adhering to each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and Individualized Education Program (IEP). Interventions are geared towards achieving age-appropriate gross motor skills that foster active socialization at home and school. For a free screening, contact Progress in Motion and speak with the director at (347)746-7812 or email info@pimtherapy.com.
Health & Fitness
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ChaiseFitness at 92nd Street Y 1395 Lexington Ave. NYC 10128 ChaiseFitness at Flatiron 40 E. 23rd St., 3rd Floor, NYC 10010 (212)415-5573 / (212)432-6100 info@chaisefitness.com www.chaisefitness.com Created by mother-daughter team Lauren and Rachel Piskin, ChaiseFitness is an innovative and transformative fitness experience that fully redefines the body. After two years of great success in the Flatiron District, they opened a new studio in the 92nd Street Y in February 2014! At this new location, enjoy intimate sessions in the 900-square-foot custom-designed studio. Experience the fusion of a pilates, ballet, and strength training method using an overhead bungee system and a custom-designed fitness chair with resistance pedal to create long and lean muscles. Signature programs and classes include Reinvention
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40 I parentguide News I May 2014
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SPECIAL NEEDS and HEALTH & FITNESS DIRECTORY Chair, Ballet Bungee, Cardio Chair, and Long and Lean. Each class is 55 minutes long, and works both large and small muscle groups to powerfully strengthen the core, improve posture, and transform your entire body. In addition to weekly classes, you may take advantage of weekend classes, private and duet classes, and exclusive and private parties. Opening late spring is an additional location at 1204 Lexington Ave., which offers private appointments and traditional pilates. For more information of class offerings, visit www.chaisefitness.com. Urban Wellness Acupuncture 55 E. 73rd St., Suite GR, NYC 10021 carla@urbanwellnessnyc.com www.urbanwellnessnyc.com In a city that is constantly on the go, Urban Wellness Acupuncture provides a much needed oasis for families. Carla Gervasio, L.Ac., MSTOM strives to create a peaceful and calm environment to assist you and your loved ones in optimizing health and well-being - specializing in Attention Related Issue in Children. Urban Wellness Acupuncture provides a gentle, non-drug approach, tailored to the unique needs of the individual child based on a more natural perspective and offer effective solutions without the side effects. Ask about Acupressure and other modalities if a child is needle-phobic. Learn more online at www.urbanwellness. com. Contact Carla Gervasio, L.Ac. at (212)603-9133.
Chinese Medicine with Special Care for Children Attention/ Focus Issues
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 41
LONG W EEKEND TRIPS Easy ventures for those extra days. by Kara Mayer Robinson
Long weekends are made for quick getaways. Swap cabin fever for family fun with three nearby destinations that are perfect for kids.
Amish Country, Pennsylvania Kick back with barnyard animals, meander through the countryside, and get up-close and personal with scores of trains in this beautiful farm region.
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Fabulous fun •Trains, trains, trains. Train lovers have plenty to see in Lancaster County. Take a 45-minute ride on the old-time Strasburg Rail Road (www.strasburgrailroad.com). Try the Day Out With Thomas, offered on select weekends. See more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (www.rrmuseumpa.org). Visit adorable and fascinating The Choo Choo Barn for 1,700 square feet of model trains (www. choochoobarn.com). •Observe the beauty. This is farm country; enjoy it! Take a leisurely drive on the country roads, see the Amish gathering for barn raisings or a Sunday meal (be respectful and refrain from taking pictures), and pull over for corn mazes and petting farms. Try Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (www. cherrycrestfarm.com). •Shop locally. Bypass the outlet malls. Instead, weave around the countryside until you stumble upon local goods. Locals, some Amish and some not, often sell handcrafted goods and foods. When you see a sign that says, “Homemade Root Beer,” pull over, and give it a whirl.
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Treats and good eats
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Kara Mayer Robinson is a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in Parents, Pregnancy, and Time Out New York.With three kids and an insatiable case of wanderlust, she’s forever seeking a balance between packing lunch boxes and suitcases.
42 I parentguide News I May 2014
•Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, 2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, www.birdinhandfarmersmarket.com. What family doesn’t love a picnic? This indoor market gives out lots of samples to help you pick an assortment of cheeses, local sausages, freshly baked breads, and whoopie pies. •Miller’s Smorgasbord, 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, www.millerssmorgasbord.com. Don’t expect gourmet food, just a homey, buffet-style restaurant that’s typical of the Amish Country. There are endless options for fussy eaters.
Stay here •The Red Caboose Motel, www.redcaboosemotel.com. Kids will treasure sleeping in one of 39 private, retrofitted historic train cars. (Don’t worry — they have private bathrooms). They’ll also like the petting zoo and playground. •Bed-and-breakfasts, www.padutchcountry.com.
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Area guesthouses and B & Bs offer a relaxed vibe and local flavor. If you choose one on a working farm, your kids might see cows being milked or take horses for a ride. Breakfast is often included.
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts It’s an American classic. Think cedar-shingled homes, clambakes on the beach, and dolphin watching.
Fabulous fun •Whale watching. “Oooh” and “ahhh” over these beautiful sea creatures as they spring up for air then dive back down. Boat captains know where they hang out and take you directly to the sweet spots. Book an excursion at www.whalewatch.com. •Fishing. Walk to a local inlet for laid-back fishing, or join a charter boat for deep-sea fishing. Stock up on worms and bobbers at a local bait-and-tackle shop.Try www.hylinecruises.com. •Biking. No matter which part of the Cape you stay in, there’s a bike rental shop nearby. Most have everything from baby bike seats to tandem bikes. Try www.barbsbikeshop.com or www.ptownbikes.com. •Crab hunting. At low tide, head straight to Provincetown Harbor (or practically any part of Cape Cod Bay), where millions of tiny sea creatures like hermit crabs and clams abound. Nature lovers will lose themselves for hours in this habitat sprinkled with tide pools.
Treats and good eats •Land Ho!, 38 Main St., Orleans, www.land-ho.com. For something slightly more gourmet and healthier than the fried fare at seafood joints that pepper the Cape, head to this noisy but cheerful family restaurant. Order the clam pie. (Trust us.) •The Mayflower, 300 Commercial St., Provincetown,
Washington, D.C. Kids don’t have to be history buffs or even know the president to appreciate our capital’s open spaces and museums.
Credit: Destination DC
www.mayflower-ptown.com. Stroll through Provincetown (a.k.a. P-Town) for its quirky shops and funky art. Then, cozy up at this cafe with comfort food like baked stuffed fillet of sole and Portuguese fish and chips.
Stay here •Rent a home. Cape Cod motels can be less than stellar. A rental home offers a full-size kitchen, separate bedrooms, and (sometimes) a washing machine.Try www.vrbo.com or www.capecodrentals.com. •Chatham Bars Inn, www.chathambarsinn.com.This four-diamond resort has a main inn and cottage suites just footsteps from Chatham Harbor.You’ll appreciate the private beach, fully-equipped pool, and onsite restaurants.
Fabulous fun •National Mall, www.nps.gov. Forget the monuments; it’s the open spaces kids love most. (Of course, it’s also nice to point out the U.S. Capitol,Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial). Bring a soccer ball or Frisbee.Then, walk a few blocks toward the White House lawn for a primo photo opp. •Smithsonian Museum, www.si.edu.The popular National Air and Space Museum has the 1903 Wright Flyer and moon rock.The National Museum of Natural History has animal replicas and a snazzy assortment of gems and stones, including the Hope Diamond. Bonus: Admission is free. •Smaller museums. Pop over to The National Archives (www.archives.gov) to come face to face with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Have an Alex P. Keaton in the making? Tour the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (www. moneyfactory.gov) to see dollar bills fresh off the press. Older kids — and adults who are “Homeland” junkies — will appreciate the International Spy Museum (www. spymuseum.org).
Treats and good eats •Ben’s Chili Bowl, 1213 U St. NW, www.benschilibowl.com.This D.C. institution is treasured for its chili dogs, thick milkshakes, and famous guests like Bill Cosby and Chris Rock. •Clyde’s of Georgetown, 3236 M St. NW, www. clydes.com/georgetown.This Georgetown saloon has all the family favorites, from juicy burgers to Sunday brunch, and it welcomes kids (even noisy ones).
Credit: Destination DC
Stay here •JW Marriott, www.marriott.com.About two blocks from the White House, this city-center hotel has an indoor pool and excellent restaurants, courtesy of master chef Mark Quitney, with a healthy kids’ menu to boot. •Hyatt Regency Washington, www.hyatt.com. The beds here might just be the most comfortable on the planet. Plus, it’s super-close to the Capitol and Union Station (perfect for hopping on the Metro or a double-decker tour bus).
Credit: Mary A. Behre
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 43
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Summer Day Trips & Family Vacations Beaches Resorts (800)BEACHES www.beaches.com With three spectacular locations in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, and soon a fourth in Barbados, and a fifth in Antigua; Beaches Resorts is the ultimate getaway for every member of the family. With outrageous waterparks, XBOX Play Lounge, the Scratch DJ Academy, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, and Red Lane Spas, Beaches Resorts provides an unrivaled experience in the Caribbean. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts also offers the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Beaches Resorts are also the perfect destination wedding and vow renewal venue, offering unrivaled choices for your most special day and the opportunity for the whole family to celebrate together with FamilyMoons. For more information, please visit www. beaches.com. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83, W. 42nd St., NYC 10036 (212)563-3200 info@circleline42.com www.circleline42.com If you want to experience the best of New York, a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is for you. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seeing the skyline from a new perspective, or capturing a landmark photo, they help you make that memory. Circle Line has hosted more than 60 million guests since 1945 and is considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorite Boat Ride.â&#x20AC;? They have something for everyone. Choose from five different leisurely tours including the famous Full-Island Cruise, the landmark-spotting Semi-Circle Cruise, the quick and easy Liberty Cruise or the sunset Harbor Lights cruise. New this year, all cruises include all new tour content created in partnership with the New-York Historical Society, creating an enthralling narrative of the history, culture and landscape that make New parentguidenews.com
TRAVEL DIRECTORY York Iconic. The thrill seekers in the family can take a ride aboard the BEAST Speedboat– a 30-minute ride of pure excitement! Special event cruises include the popular Kids Cruise series (May 31, June 21, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23, and October 25), fantastic Fourth of July fireworks cruises and family-friendly Bear Mountain cruises in the fall. Visit www.circleline42.com or find Circle Line on Facebook for more information on this relaxing and fun way to see the world’s most famous skyline.
glers’ Notch Resort provides all the ingredients for a perfect summer family vacation. All you need to do is add your family! No other family summer resort offers such a wide variety of programs and activities. The FamilyFest and Adventure Connection vacation packages include accommodations in a comfortable, fully equipped condominium home, unlimited access to four waterparks including eight pools, and four waterslides, award-winning kids’ programs for ages 6 weeks17 years, guided hikes, walks and much more. All Land of Make Believe just a short walk or an on-demand-shuttle ride Route 80, Exit 12, Hope, NJ 07844 to the Village Center with dining and shopping. (908)450-9000 The SimplySmuggs vacation package offers the www.lomb.com same family activities and makes kids’ programs www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Land of Make Believe is celebrating its 60th incredavailable at a significant discount. The ArborTrek ible “Pirate’s Escape,” and thanking its loyal patrons Zip Line Canopy Tour adds a heightened level of with a chance to win a new Ford Escape (No purchase excitement to your experience. Soar down more necessary.) LOMB’s secret is, it was specifically built than 4,000 feet of zip lines, cross suspension for parents to participate with their children. A magibridges, rappel from trees— it’s the adventure of cal amusement park and a pirate-themed, state-of-thea lifetime. Smugglers’ offers a perfect, self-conart waterpark features short lines, free parking, low tained resort village where your family can relax, prices and awesome family fun. Extraordinary sumhave fun and reconnect. For more than 50 years, mer fun awaits you & your family for a full day of Smugglers’ Notch has been helping families creriver tubing, water slides, hayrides, roller coaster, ferate memories that last a lifetime! Call (866)771ris wheel, 1863 train ride, tilt-a-whirl, talking scare 3717 or visit www.smuggs.com/pg to make your crow, old McDonald’s farm, carousel, and the list goes reservation today! on. Bring your own food and enjoy the beautiful picnic grove. Safe, wholesome family atmosphere is just Capture the moment, down the road, minutes away, your perfect day trip destination. Visit Facebook or lomb.com. The 2014 cherish your family time! Grand Opening is slated for Memorial Weekend, including Monday. The park remains open June Weekends, and daily June 21-Labor Day, September 1.
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Smugglers’ Notch Vermont 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464 1(866)771-3717 www.smuggs.com/pg In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, SmugThis Summer, experience authentic family fun at Smugglers’ Notch Vermont.
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 45
TRAVEL
by Donald McDermott Miami’s Mayfair Hotel & Spa offers Mother’s and Father’s Day getaway packages, as well as great options for Babymooners. www.mayfairhotelandspa.com
J.L. Childress travel accessories include car seat check bags, on-the-go bags, and disposable diaper dispensers. www.jlchildress.com
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Travel company Austin Adventures has been named one of the planet’s best guides for 2014 by Outside magazine. Check it out to discover spectacular trips, tours, travel tips, and much more. www.austinadventures.com
r thFacebook is Lo Like Us foon k o go Lofor Chances to WIN Exclusive Prizes Like Th ! e r o www.facebook.com/parentguidenews ugho su s I e h ut t This is your opportunity to win some very exciting products and/or services featured in this issue’s Update, Health, and Womom columns.
Since 1983, Adventures Cross-Country has provided domestic and international cultural experiences for students ages 13 to 19. Prepare your young traveler with the group’s helpful online tips. www.adventurescrosscountry.com Blue Haven Resort and Marina,Turks and Caicos, presents the special Suite Family deal, which includes everything from kayaking and windsurfing to exploring sunny beaches and delicious cuisine. www.bluehaventci.com
Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 47
Woman oman mom
For the Woman behind the Mom
1) Stop searching for balance. One issue that holds
women back is their search for balance. When it’s not there, they get frustrated, possibly turning down a promotion or leaving the workforce completely. By staying in the workforce, women can be successful in both their work and home lives.
2) Make home life a priority. If there is something
by Teresa Taylor
wrong at home, you need to work it out. Otherwise, it will always bother you at the office. You might change jobs, but your cornerstone is your home life.
3) Manage your time more efficiently. Be present
in what you’re doing, finish it, and move on. I have my list of things to do, and I’ll assign time slots to it. If I have one hour to work on a presentation at work or one hour to clean at home, I do the best I can for that one hour.
Balance as
4) Combine your work and family schedules. I
Myth
Eight tips to stop trying to “do it all” and find success.
It’s a common theme portrayed in movies and TV and often debated in real life: How does the modern woman “do it all?” How does a woman balance her family, career, passions, friends, and other facets of a full life? Maybe, we’re looking at this puzzle the wrong way while striving for something that’s actually unattainable. If we consider that finding the perfect balance is really a myth, we open ourselves to limitless possibilities. With women earning about 57 percent of undergraduate degrees and 60 percent of master’s degrees in the United States, why are so few of them in the corner offices of corporations? According to a study published by Catalyst in 2012, only 21 percent of Fortune 500 C.E.O.s are women. In addition, women only hold 14 percent of executive officer positions and 17 percent of board seats. Despite these statistics, research shows that companies run better with both women and men in leadership roles. So why do women get an education, enter the workforce, and struggle to cross the chasm to the corner office? One reason is that on their way to the top, they begin to search for the mythical “balance.” They cannot find it because it does not exist; and they believe the only answer is to leave their career or step back in their journey. How do we help women realize that balance is just a myth, and leadership is possible with the right expectations, persistence, and tools? The following life and work tips can help women rethink professional and personal success. 48 I parentguide News I May 2014
IR 5/14
used to keep two different calendars: one for home and one for work. I was missing work deadlines, my kids’ activities, and other events. I combined the calendars, which caused me to start talking about my family at work and integrating my two lives. It’s one life and one calendar! Now, I don’t miss a thing.
5) Stay in the moment. When you’re at work in a meet-
ing, be there. When you’re at home, be there. If you’re in a business meeting, don’t wish to be somewhere else. Be present where you are, and don’t feel guilty about where you’re not.
6) It isn’t just a job. Work at a place and on something
about which you are passionate. Don’t just take a “job,” but rather foster a career. This way, you don’t have to choose between work and life because your work is a major part of your life.
7) Take the promotion. The only way that you are going to be able to effect change is to get yourself and other women in a place where you are making decisions.
8) Sponsor another women. It can be lonely as you
move toward to corner office. Sponsor other women inside and outside of your company. Women can be their own worst enemy in the workplace, but they can also be the inspiration for their own change. And with this cultural shift, more companies in the United States will see a different view from the top with more women executives leading the way. Teresa Taylor is a nationally recognized, Fortune 200 executive who brings integrity, focus, vision, and agility to corporate leadership while advising companies, government agencies, and others on successful business models. Her book, The Balance Myth: Rethinking Work-Life Success (Greenleaf Book Group Press), inspires women to succeed. Find the book at www.thebalancemythbook.com and Taylor at www.teresataylor.org. parentguidenews.com
Woman oman mom
For the Woman behind the Mom
Cleure makeup and skincare products, developed by Dr. Flora Stay, offer hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and ethical options for those with sensitive skin. www.cleure.com
by Samantha Chan Mothers En Vogue provides the most stylish women with comfortable, high-quality, and eco-friendly maternity and nursing wear. www.mothersenvogue.com
First lady of yoga, Colleen Saidman Yee, offers DVD Calorie Killer Yoga, which provides five practices to increase your metabolism, strength, flexibility, balance, and focus. www.totalfitnessdvds.com Jeanne Simmons Accessories features stylish hats that provide 50+ UPF protection, keeping up to 98 percent of UV rays from your delicate skin. www.jeannesimmonsaccessories.com Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win this great prize!
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Ditch your decanter for Aermateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine and Spirits Aerator. Use it for a whole bottle or a single glass of wine. www.aermate.com
Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
May 2014 I parentguide News I 49
HEALTH
by Samantha Chan 1 PhoneSoap is not only a phone charger, but also a sanitizer for your mobile device thanks to a featured UV light. www.phonesoap.com 2 Clif, a leader in organic foods, snacks, and drinks for the whole family, now offers Mojo Fruit & Nut bars, as well as Mojo Dark Chocolate bars. www.clifbar.com.
1
3 Numi Organic Tea, providers of delicious, organic, and fair-trade teas, has teamed up with Chef Carla Hall’s artisan cookie company to offer gift boxes with the perfect combinations of teas and cookies. www.carlahall.com
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4 Dubble Trubble offers a collection of pH-balanced hair and body washes, which are free of parabens, mineral oils, and animal ingredients. www.target.com
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5 Queens-based Garden Lites now offers Veggie Muffins. Delicious and satisfying, these treats are great for breakfast, lunch, or anytime. www.gardenlites.com
5
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DOWNTOWN DAY CAMPS: Memories That Last a Lifetime
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HEALTH 6 When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a rush, reach for AngelBowls. These microwavable meals offer quick and healthy vegetarian options. www.angelbowls.com
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7 Get clean with triple-milled, monogrammed soaps from Carved Solutions. www.carvedsolutions.com 8 May 17 marks Learn to Swim Day. Log onto www.teachmetoswim.com for all kinds of information and resources to make this summer by the pool a safe one.
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9 Healthy Mama offers parents an all-natural energy drink in Boost-It-Up! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich in protein, B-vitamins, ginger, fiber, and electrolytes. www.healthymamabrand.com 10 Get your body ready for the upcoming beach season with Gaiamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beginners Pilates Kit, featuring a body-sculpting ball, a resistance band, and a body-sculpting workout DVD. www.gaiam.com
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Calendar of Events Nassau Manhattan Open Houses Queens
MAY 2014
9:15-11:15am both days. RSVP on the website. May 10: Rutgers Community Programs, Rutgers Presbyterian Church, 236 W. 73rd St. and Broadway, (212)877 8227, ext. 212, jmoore@rutgerschurch.org, www.rutgerschurch. com, 9:30am-12:30pm. RSVP.
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May 3: Friends Academy, Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, May 10: Asphalt Green, 555 E. 90th St., (212)369-8890 ext. (516)393-4207, camp@fa.org, www.fasummercamp.org, www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840 2084, cdobens@asphaltgreen.org, www.asphaltgreen.org, 10am-noon. noon-1pm.
Westchester
May 4: Poppyseed Pre-Nursery, 424 West End Ave., New York, (212)877-7614, info@poppyseedprenursery.com, www.poppyseedprenursery.com. May 4 and 10: Deer Mountain Day Camp, 63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, (845)354-2727, www.deermountaindaycamp.com, call for an appointment. May 6 and 20: Winston Preparatory, 126 W. 17th St., (646)6382705, mrodriguez@winstonprep.edu, www.winstonprep.edu,
May 14: Oasis in Manhattan: Central Park, 3 W. 95th St., (800)317-1392, www.oasischildren.com, 6:30pm. May 30: Oasis in Manhattan: Downtown, 219 Stanton St., (800)317-1392, www.oasischildren.com, 6pm. All Month Long: Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Korner Preschool, 247 W. 24th St., (212)229-9340, kidskornernyc@gmail.com, www.thekidskornerpreschool.com. By appointment only. All Month Long: Bilingual Buds, 175 Riverside Boulevard, (212)787-8088, www.bilingualbuds.com. By appointment. RSVP on website. All Month Long: The Family School West, 308 W. 46th St., (212)688-5950, famschool@aol.com, By appointment. All Month Long: Seton Day Care Center & Elizabeth Seton Preschool, 245 E. 92nd St., (212)369-9626, susanp@ nyfoundling.org, www.setondaycare.org, www.setonpreschool.org. By appointment.
May 1 - 7 Through May 4: Fluff, A Story of Lost Toys, New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., (646)223-3010, www.newvictory. org. Welcome to the mad, mod world of the Ginghams, a trio who travels to bring long-lost misfit toys into their home. Fluff was dropped under the couch, Squibbly was abandoned in the gutter and Disco Frog was caught in a ceiling fan. With a comedic, quirky and colorful mix of sound, story,
For more exciting, family-friendly events in the tri-state area, visit
www.parentguidenews.com 52 I parentguide News I May 2014
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video and vacuum, toys get discovered and recovered by the plaid-patterned family. Times vary. May 3-4: Tours for Fours, Animals in Art, Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53 St., (212)708-9400 2013, www.moma.org. Fouryear-old children and their adult companions are invited to look, listen, and share ideas while you explore modern and contemporary art. Admission is free. No preregistration required. Tickets are distributed at the Education and Research Building reception desk. 10:20–11:15am. This program occurs again on May 10 and 11.
May 3: Wild City
Urban Wildlife Appreciation Day, Indian Road Lawn, Inwood Hill Park, Indian Road near West 215th Street, www.nycgovparks.org. Learn about NYC’s wildlife such as squirrels, coyotes, skunks, birds, and more. May 4: Family Concert: Randy Kaplan, The Jewish Museum Urban park rangers 1109 Fifth Ave., (212)423-3200, www.jewishmuseum.org. advise guests on some Kaplan has amassed his significant fan base through folk clasof the best places to sics, well-adapted rock standards, and his own original compositions. Appropriate for ages 2 to 7. 2pm. see wildlife around the city • and how to safely www.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 May 7: Leggo my Legos, New York Public Library, New Aminteract with them. sterdam branch, 9 Murray St., www.nypl.org. Children are invitNoon-3pm. ed to sink their little hands in to piles of blocks. Also, bring a toy
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car and drive around our tiny town we have on the floor! Noon.
May 8 - 14
with a strong focus on works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Galleries present works by emerging and mid-career artists as well as early, modern and contemporary masters. 5-9pm.
May 8-11: Inaugural Downtown Fair, 69th Regiment Armory, 68 Lexington Ave., www.downtownfair.com. This art fair features a carefully selected and curated group of 50 art galleries
May 10: NAMIWalks NYC: 5K for Mental Health, South Street Seaport Museum Promenade South Fulton Street, (212)684Summer on the Hudson: Irishand Dance Festival, Pier 3365, www.nami.org. Walkers travel over the Brooklyn Bridge
ART: TOM SLAUGHTER, PHOTO: FENNA VAN DER VLIET
U.S. PREMIERE
MAY 9 – 18
May 4: Irish Festivities
1, Riverside Park, 500 W. 70th St. Irish Arts Center presents the 13th annual day-long event featuring performances by hundreds of the best Irish dancers. There are opportunities for the whole family to DAM TE R S join in. 1-7pm. M MA FR O
May 11: Big Adventures
AN URBAN We’reFUSION Going on a Bear Hunt, Tribeca Performing OF DANCE AND Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., (212)220-1459, GYMNASTICS!
Age Recommendation:
EVERYONE 8+
THE NEW VICTORY THEATER ®
®
www.tribecapac.org. From page to stage, enjoy Michael Rosen’s award-winning story NewVictory.org • 646.223.3010 paired with a lively score. 209 W 42nd Street, just west of Broadway Mosh through swishy grass, splashy rivers, and oozy mud to find a bear! Ap2014 I parentguide News I 53 propriate for kids agesMay 3 and older. 1:30pm.
your needs, your neighborhood
Calendarof Events and back to the Seaport Promenade for a Post-Walk Wellness Fair with activities such as free massage, yoga, basic health screenings, raffle prizes, and more! This walk supports mental health and fight the stigma that people affected by mental illness and their families face every day. Check-in begins at 8am. May 11: Mother’s Day at the Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Southeast Corner of Central Park, www.centralparkzoo.org. Enjoy a family party to celebrate moms, both animal and human. Meet zoo moms and their babies on a scavenger hunt, make treats, and do some Mother’s Day-themed arts and crafts. Children ages 3-10 with adult are welcome. 10am. May 11: Carnival of the Animals and Sleeping Beauty’s WedMay 3: Wild City ding, Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., www.nytb.org. InUrban a magical forest, Queen Diana and herIndian shaggy Road lion rule a Wildlife Appreciation Day, charming assortment of animals who live more or less peaceLawn, Hill children Park, Indian nearthe West ably until Inwood a pair of lost wanderRoad in—then fun be215th Street, www.nycgovparks.org. Learn gins! Paired with Sleeping Beauty’s Wedding this program is perfect forNYC’s children 2 and older. about wildlife such11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm.
as squirrels, coyotes,
May 13: Superhero Yoga, Karma Kids Yoga, 104 W. 14th skunks, birds, and more. Little crime fighters undergo St., www.karmakidsyoga.com. Urban park rangers important superhero training to strengthen their bodies and explore personal superpowers through fun yoga games advisetheir guests on some and activities? They’ll even learn to fly! They might even of the best places to have the chance to save the city the bad guys. Costumes are see wildlife encouraged! Foraround ages 3-6.the 4:30-5:30pm.
city and how to safely interact with them. Noon-3pm.
May 15 - 21
May 15: YPC Satellite Schools Concert, 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., (212)289-7779, ext. 10, www.ypc.org. A
May 4: Irish Festivities
5/30/2014.
54 I parentguide News I May 2014
Summer on the Hudson: Irish Dance Festival, Pier 1, Riverside Park, 500 W. 70th St. Irish Arts Center presents the 13th annual day-long event featuring performances by hundreds of the best Irish dancers. There are opportunities for the whole family to join in. 1-7pm. parentguidenews.com
May 11: Big Adventures
join in. 1-7pm. concert of child-friendly music and activities by the annual Satellite Schools concert of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, features children 8-18 from YPC’s 12 satellite schools in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Manhattan. 11am.
May 11: Big Adventures
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., (212)220-1459, www.tribecapac.org. From page to stage, enjoy Michael Rosen’s award-winning story May 17: ABT Kids, Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln paired with a lively score. Center Plaza, www.metoperafamily.org. Introduce kids to Mosh through swishy grass, the elegant world of ballet in a special performance designed especially for young eyes. Top dancers from the American splashy rivers, and oozy mud to find a bear! ApBallet Theater (ABT) present highlights from the company’s propriate for kids ages 3 and older. 1:30pm. www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 May 17: Super Sabado, El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., www.elmuseo.org. This free family program takes place every third Saturday of the Month, and presents gallery tours and art workshops centered around a different theme each month. This month, fete the return of spring with a block party blowout. All ages are welcome. 11am.
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repertoire. Appropriate for ages 4 to 12. 11:30am.
May 17 and 18: Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, Ninth Ave., www.ninthavenuefoodfestival.com. Chow down on eats from around the world and buy handcrafted goods from local vendors. Games and activities for the little ones abound, and live music and dance performances will take place on a stage at 55th St. Opens at noon each day. May 18: 11th annual Mamapalooza, Pier 1, 70th Street at the West Side Highway, www.mamapalooza.com. Moms rock!
your needs, your neighborhood
Celebrate families and the people who love them at this annual music and art-filled festival featuring kids activities, the Gymboree play tent, crafts, eco-environmental information, food, vendors, interactive fun, and more! Rain or shine. 11am-5pm. May 18: Circus Incognitus: Jamie Adkins, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., (212)220-1459, www. tribecapac.org. Jamie Adkins puts on a display of a wide range of talents for audience members of all ages. Bring the whole
May 2014 I parentguide News I 55
Calendarof Events family down to enjoy this magical one-man circus! 1:30pm.
Harry Potter fans ages 10 and older! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. All-adult teams are allowed to compete separately. Advance purchase is required via the website. 10:30am.
May 25: Birding for Families, Central Park, Enter at East 110th Street and Fifth Ave., www.centralparknyc.org. Each spring, Central Park becomes a major migration habitat for birds. You and your family can join experts from NYC May 24: Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Audubon Society and Conservancy Discovery Guides on a Hunt for Harry Potter Fans, Metropolitan Museum, 1000 walk of the grounds to find out all sorts of fun facts about our Fifth Ave., (877)946-4868, www.watsonadventures.com. local feathered friends and the those who stop by along their Watson Adventures hosts this unique scavenger hunt for way to warmer lands. Binoculars are available to borrow. www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-884 Be sure to arrive early as space is limited. Appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older. 10am. May 19: A Strong Partnership
May 22 - 31
Reconnecting After Baby, Rutgers Community Programs, 236 W. 73rd St., jmoore@rutgerschurch.org, (212)877-8227, ext. 212. Having a baby changes everything, including your relationship with your partner. With the gain of new responsibilities, new stresses arise. Discuss this with your partner and the community to learn tactics to strengthen your connection. 6-7:30pm.
May 26: Central Park Tour: Memorial Walk, Central Park, Central Park West and Columbus Circle, www.nycgovparks. org. Walk through Central Park and see how generations of New Yorkers have used the park as a place to remember their veterans. The route involves a few stairs. Rain or shine. Meet at the Maine Monument in Columbus Circle. Noon-2pm. May 31: Children’s Festival of Flowers, Jefferson Market Garden, Greenwich Avenue between Christopher and Tenth Streets, www.jeffersonmarketgarden.org. All ages are wel-
THE RHYTHM OF NEW YORK
May 21-27: Oh Say Can You See Fleet Week, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, (212)2450072, www.fleetweeknewyork.com. Hang out in the Big Apple with the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. Tour ships docked along Pier 92, view military demonstrations, see firsthand the most recent capabilities of the maritime services, and enjoy musical performances from the sailors and marines. Times vary. 56 I parentguide News I May 2014
Second Avenue at 8th Street
(800) 982-2787
www.stomponline.com Connect with us: parentguidenews.com
interact with them. Noon-3pm. come to explore the Jefferson Market Garden and the various flowers, shrubs, and shade trees that bloom there. The festival will also include educational and art activities, as well 4: as live music and entertainment. 11am. May Irish Festivities
May 21-27: Oh Say Can You See
Fleet Week, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Summer on the Hudson: Irish Dance Festival, Pier Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, (212)2451, Riverside Park, 500 W. 70th St. Irish Arts Center 0072, www.fleetweeknewyork.com. Hang out in presents the 13th annual day-long event featuring the Big Apple with the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Weekly throughout May: MoMA Art Lab: Movement, performances and Coast Guard. Tour ships docked along Pier Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53 St., (212)708-9400 2013, bywww.moma.org. hundreds of MoMA’s Art Lab: Movement is a great 92, view military place to come with your family. In the Lab you can explore the best Irish demonstrations, see movement in art through a range of activities that are fun and dancers. There firsthand the most exciting for kids of all ages. Free with Museum Admission. are opporturecent capabilities of nities forDay the in May: Bessie’s Big Shot, Central Park Swedthe maritime servicEvery www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 ish Cottage Theatre, West Side of Central Park, whole family Marionette to es, and enjoy musinear Street, (212)988-9093, www.cityparksfoundation. join in. 79th 1-7pm. cal performances org. Bessie the cow attempts to join the circus by proving her from the sailors and worth in weightlifting, flying trapeze, and monkey-training. marines. Times vary. Based on the PuppetMobile show of the same name, this is
All Month Long
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the first time this production is staged at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. Appropriate for ages 3 to 9. Times Vary.
May 11: Big Adventures
Every Day in May: Masters of Disguise: The World of Camou-
We’re Bear flage,Going Intrepidon Sea,aAir and Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, www.intrepidmuseum.org. This new exhiHunt, Tribeca Performing bition explores199 how Chamfor many animals the ability to hide in plain Arts Center, sight or look like something entirely different is necessary for bers St., (212)220-1459, survival. Masters of Disguise: The World of Camouflage delves www.tribecapac.org. into the art and science ofFrom camouflage in the natural world, as wellto as stage, its cultural adaptations and how the military has utilized page enjoy Michael these visual techniques in combat. Rosen’s award-winning story Through August 24. paired within a lively Tuesdays May: score. Books of Wonder Readings, Books of Mosh through swishy Wonder, 18 W. 18th grass, St., www.booksofwonder.com. The Flatironrivers, indie and bookstore hosts to readings splashy oozy mud find a and bear!signings Ap- with local authors. Don’t miss it. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12. propriate for kids ages 3 and older. 1:30pm.
or maybe just kick back and relax for a night without having to worry about the children. Bring your kids to the Y for an evening of arts and crafts, sports, swimming, and fun! After all, the Kids deserve a Night Out too! Parents must provide a snack. Advance registration is required. 5-7pm.
3:30pm. Through May 27.
Fourth Friday of May: Kid’s Night Out, Harlem YMCA, 180 W. 135th St., (212)912-2100, www.ymcanyc.org. Parents are encouraged to take time to have dinner for two, go shopping,
Calendarof Events Share your event details by the 1st of the preceding month
Submit family activities and events FREE of charge at www.parentguidenews.com/Catalog/SubmitACalendarItem or e-mail Samantha Chan: samantha@parentguidenews.com your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 57
UPDATE
by Donald McDermott
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1 Tommee Tippee presents “Three Ring Circus,” a limited-edition line of sippy cups. www.tommeetippee.us
6 Light and soft, the Zen Swaddle from Nested Bean is specially designed to soothe babies through age 6 months. www.nestedbean.com
2 Relaunched as an all-girls label, Floatimini clothing brand encourages kids to develop creativity in their lives. www.floatimini.com
7 The Berenstain Bears’ Dinosaur Dig (Oceanhouse Media) digital book app invites children to explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize narration. www.barnesandnoble.com
3 Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys are expanding their popular line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures and accessories with play sets, vehicles, and more. www.playmatestoys.com
8 Things are “fin-tastic” at Fisher Price thanks to its new line of toys inspired by the Bubble Guppies series. www.fisher-price.com
4 Jamie is Autistic: Learning in a Special Way (CreateSpace) by Joan Ramirez is the story of one young girl’s struggles and support system. www.barnesandnoble.com
9 C.J. Haiduk’s Mermaid Slippers (CreateSpace) features a magical fairytale inspired by the author’s experiences strolling along the Jersey Shore’s beaches with her daughter. www.amazon.com
5 DigiPuppets are wearable finger puppets that interact with educational apps, transforming any touchscreen into a learning platform. www.digipuppets.com
10 Francis and Eddie (Why Not Books) by Brad Herzog transports viewers to an iconic true moment in sports history with the story of amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, caddie Eddie Lowery, and their astonishing triumph at the 1913 U.S. Open. www.amazon.com
Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes! 58 I parentguide News I May 2014
Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
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323 E. 47 St. , NYC 10017
308 W. 46 St. , NYC 10036
Founder & Headmistress • Lesley Nan Haberman
TEL: 212-688-5950 FAX: 212-980-2475 e-mail famschool@aol.com