Parents Press April 2020 by Parenting Media

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April 2020

My teachers have taught me to advocate for myself in the classroom and in the world. prospectsierra.org TK-8 School El Cerrito, CA

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Contents

APRIL 2020

www.parentspress.com

6 Things I Learned

at Universal Orlando Resort

...PLUS

6 Note from the Publisher 8 Good to Know

YOUR INSIDE GUIDE TO THE

Mailing Address 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421, Alameda, CA 94502 Publisher | Parenting Media, Inc Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer

Parents Press | April 2020

• VOTE for Parents’ Press Best of 2020 • Google Arts and Culture • California Census 2020

10 How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus 12 A Commonsense Approach to Kids and Cellphones 24 Summer Camp Listings

Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area. Send letters to the editor to editor@ parentspress.com

In California, all kids count. Children should be included on your 2020 Census formâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and not just children related to you, but any kids that live at your address. That means your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and the children of any friends or relatives staying with you. Babies count, too! Even if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still in the hospital, as long as they were born on or before April 1, 2020, make sure the person completing the Census for your address includes them on the form. For more information about the 2020 Census, visit CaliforniaCensus.org

April 2020 | ParentsPress.com

A Note from our Publisher

irst off, we hope that you and your family are healthy and safe during these challenging times! Now, let’s take a breath! The focus on our day-to-day lives has been uprooted, but the message remains, we are a community, and we will get through these trying times. Here at Parents’ Press, we are working hard to provide you with content and tips that will help get you through this coronavirus quarantine. With the ever-changing climate of our world today, we have elected to make some important changes in the content we provide in our monthly magazine. We will suspend the calendar section and any coverage on upcoming events until the situation has returned to when we can be out and enjoy each other’s company again. Hopefully, that will be sooner than later. Please look for our weekly enewsletters for tips on how to sanely balance parenting, working and existing from home during life in time of quarantine. We are working with our partners to provide at home educational tips, STEAM activities from materials you already have at home, accessible online learning resources, and tips to manage all of this togetherness. If you are not already receiving the enewsletter, please go to www. ParentsPress.com to register. We are adding daily content to these resources. This series of events has happened. We can’t change that. We can’t change the inconvenience, the financial hits, nor the missed celebrations of life of dear friends

and far away family members. But, we can look for the unique opportunities this situation is giving us. This one on one time with our family, minus the distractions of rushing here and there that our normal daily lives require. This situation is providing the ultimate time to be present with each other in a way that I have never before experienced. I’m enjoying reading books I loved from my childhood to my tween and teenager. I’m enjoying the opportunity to discuss these books with them, something during normal times, I don’t know if they would tolerate. Kids are journaling about their experience. My husband and I take time each day to discuss what’s going on in the world, what everything means in a short and long term perspective and talk with our children about their concerns, answer their questions and tell them when we don’t know the answer. Plus, I’m seeing a new side to my children. For the first time ever, they are taking responsibility for their learning. We worked together to set a daily schedule, and they are sticking to it. They are faithfully logging onto to their respective school’s website and platforms of communication, asking questions of their teachers, and doing their work with little nagging from me. This is very different from when they came home from school and had homework to do prior to this new reality. They are amazing me everyday! I encourage you to look for these little golden opportunities with your time with family. We will do our best to help you navigate life in the time of coronavirus.

Stay healthy and safe! Tracy McKean

Parents Press | April 2020

View towards the San Francisco bay shoreline from Mt Diablo State Park

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Good to Know Parents’ Press

2020

BEST OF

VOTE NOW

The Nominations are In!

pril is the time to vote for the top nominations for this year’s Family Favorite Awards. Each year, we poll our readers for their top picks of places to shop, dine and play and we need your input! Head online to ParentsPress.com to vote for your favorites today. We’ll publish the winners in our annual Best of the Best publication this July.

Google Arts & Culture Allows You to Take Your Kids on a Virtual Tour from Your Couch!

ow that we are homebound we can use the time to get a little culture into our kids. Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, discover the inspirational moments, iconic people, and artistic wonders that are available at the tip of your fingers. Google Arts & Culture allows you to immerse yourself in culture with 360 views, zoom in to reveal the secrets of a masterpiece, take behind the scenes tours of Vatican Museum spiral staircase. palaces and museums, watch kids explain famous paintings to art experts, and so much more. You can even take a selfie and see if you resemble anyone in the thousands of artworks in their library. Visit artsandculture.google.com

Hand Washing and Wedding Rings

YES,

we know, wash away those hands and fingers for 20 seconds multiple times a day. But, after so much hand washing, my ring finger became irritated around my wedding rings. Is it the irritation from moisture and soap trapped under the rings? Should I take them off? Can my rings carry the coronavirus? What about my watch? In an email to USA TODAY, Rochelle Walensky, chief of the division of infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital wrote, “In a situation

Parents Press | April 2020

Handcare.org suggests these 3 steps to remove a ring from a swollen finger. • Squirt some Windex – yes, Windex - on the finger and ring. Or, use any lubricant such as soap or oil. • Elevate the hand overhead for 5-10 minutes with ice where we are in extraordinary around the ring and finger. measures to limit COVID-19 transmission, I think removal • Use dental floss or a thread of rings/jewelry when washing to compress the swollen hands – or perhaps limiting finger. their wear altogether right If all else fails, cut the ring now – represents a wise move off with a ring cutter found forward” in jewelry stores (might be Now, I need to figure out hard to find one open right how to pry off my rings after now), fire departments and wearing them for over 20 years. emergency rooms.

Be Counted in the California Census

HE 2020 CENSUS, HAPPENING NOW, will help decide how billions of dollars will reach our families. Your answers will help determine funding for dozens of programs that provide essential resources to Californians. Census data determines funding allocations for schools, child care programs, road maintenance projects and social assistance programs. If you haven’t already, April is time to fill out your household census questionnaire. Children should be included on your 2020 Census form—and not just children related to you, but any kids that live at your address. Babies count, too! Even if they’re still in the hospital, as long as they were born on or before April 1, 2020. Make sure the person completing the Census for your address includes them on the form. In California, all kids count. All Census forms are due April 30, 2020. For more information about the 2020 Census, visit CaliforniaCensus.org

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By Cheryl Maguire Will I get sick?

Be Honest and Reassure

How long will my school be closed?

It is okay to let your child know you don’t have all the answers. You can also explain the reasons for the school closures are to try to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. Solomon explains that living through this pandemic is challenging because of the uncertainty. She says, “We don’t know when life is going to return to normal, but we also don’t want to lie to our kids. We can tell kids the essential truth and reassure them that you will be together every step of the way.” “When you are reassuring children it is always important to be honest. We talk about how one can get sick, but how you can protect yourself the best way you can. Washing hands with soap and water, covering a cough and sneeze, staying away from other sick people, eating healthy food and getting plenty of sleep is what I call ways to overpower the germs,” says Dr. Madal. Dr. Korb explains that when children are anxious parents should be patient, tolerant, and provide reassurance. He says, “Reassure your child by explaining the steps that your family is taking to remain safe such as social distancing, hand washing, and contacting a doctor if feeling sick.”

I’m scared. I’m upset that I can’t go to ballet class. These are some of the questions and comments I’ve heard from my three kids over the past week. Given the recent school closures, lack of toilet paper and bombarding messages about handwashing, it is understandable why kids may feel confused or scared. Most parents are fielding similar concerns and are wondering how to respond.

Recognize Your Feelings Before you discuss the Coronavirus with your kids, acknowledge your own feelings about the situation. “It is important to recognize your own anxiety before talking to your child. If I am feeling anxious, I choose not to talk to my child. Instead, I allow myself to calm down and then approach the topic,” says Dr. Soma Mandal, internist and partner at Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

Remain Calm Even though you may feel anxious you should try to refrain from showing these feelings to your child. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a Northwestern University professor, clinical psychologist and author of Loving Bravely says, “In the therapy world, we stress the importance of ‘regulating the regulator.’ In order to be able to provide regulation, parents need to feel regulated.” She recommends that parents practice self-care by staying informed but also unplugging. She also suggests that parents shore up their foundation by eating healthy food, getting adequate sleep, and exercise. She stresses limiting alcohol and drug use and taking breaks before becoming irritable or impatient.

Validate Their Feelings

When you recognize and accept your child’s feelings as being valid then it can help them to feel calm and understood. Dr. Solomon says, “Our goal as parents is to validate their stress and encourage them to practice healthy coping strategies like distraction, focusing on what’s going well, exercise, and radical acceptance (radical acceptance means reminding ourselves that this is beyond our control).”

Assess What They Already Know Kids have heard about Coronavirus from their friends, the Internet, and on TV. Before providing any information ask them what they know about the pandemic. Dr. Damon Korb, a behavioral and developmental pediatrician at The Center of Developing Minds and author of Raising An Organized Child says, “Children need information, just like adults. Start by finding out what they already know. Clear up any misconceptions and explain the concern at a developmentally appropriate level.”

Parents Press | April 2020

Create and Maintain Routines Routines provide comfort, security and predictability for children, so it is important to create and continue these practices. Dr. Lea Lis, adult and child psychiatrist, a clinical professor at NYU and author of the book Shame-less: Talking to your kids about sexuality, self-confidence, and healthy relationships says, “Stick to familiar routines. Wake them up the same time every day. Go to bed at the same time every day, and make sure to get plenty of exercise, even if all of their sports and activities are canceled.” She also recommends prioritizing education since kids love to learn and learning provides a distraction from their worries. Amazing Educational Resources provides a list of websites offering free educational materials for kids. Travel and Leisure offers links to museums you can visit virtually. Dr. Korb says, “Parents can emphasize the things that are not going to change like the routines and rules and expectations. Bedtimes will be the same. Rules on electronics will still exist. Kids can still chat with friends and relatives through the phone, games, and the Internet.” Kids are resilient. When we provide a safe, comforting environment for them, it will help them to preserve through this pandemic. For more online learning resources, go to www.ParentsPress.com Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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other through this difficult time, and you’ll all emerge intact.

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By Sarah Shaffer

ellphones are now an integral part of our lives and the lives of the children we love and nurture. The introduction of any new technology or cultural trend is almost always accompanied by fear and warnings that life as we knew it is about to change, and not necessarily for the better. I try to stay current on research findings related to child development. As recently as two years ago, headlines in the popular press summarized studies on kids and cellphones with dire warnings. We were told that youngsters needed digital diets, not cellphones; that tablet and phone use before bedtime disturbed sleep patterns in all ages; that a dark consensus about kids and screens was emerging in Silicon Valley; that smartphone addiction was real and linked to growing rates of obesity, psychological problems, and an increase in depression and suicide. Wow. Headlines such as those probably caused more parents to toss and turn than did reading on a digital device before turning out the lights. There may be comfort in a Jan. 17, 2020 headline in The New York Times. “Panicking About your Kids’ Phones? New Research Says Don’t” What’s a parent to

Parents Press | April 2020

believe? What’s a parent to do? If it’s solace you’re seeking, the most recent article may be just what the doctor ordered. Regardless of which studies you choose to trust, the truth of the matter is that, much like the invention of

the wheel and for better or worse, cellphones are here to stay. And although reassurance feels good and we may need to sprinkle all the previous warnings with a grain of salt, adults still have some important decisions to make regarding kids and cellphones. For starters, when should your child get a phone? Since no two children respond to technological temptations in exactly the same way, a lot depends on your child’s age and social maturity. “Everybody in my class has one,” is a common argument but not necessarily a winning one.

For a good general primer on when and how to introduce and negotiate cellphone use with your children, I suggest “An Age-by-Age Guide to Kids and Smartphones.” (www.todaysparent.com 3/21/18) Expert opinion can help parents frame and weigh the issues that need to be resolved between them and young family members who simply can’t wait to have their own phones. I recently asked a sixteen-yearold to summarize the best and worst things about smartphone use. “The best is that my friends and I stay in touch. The worst is that I can miss doing actual fun stuff because I’m too busy on my phone.” I love her last observation. If someone were to ask me what I find most worrying about how much time children spend on their phones, it would be that it too often comes at the expense of time spent outdoors. It’s up to us to make sure that cellphones enrich our kids’ lives rather than robbing them of developmentally necessary experiences, such as enjoying social exchanges and hands-on fun with their pals outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Sarah Shaffer, award-winning educator, has been offering unique after-school enrichment and outdoor science and nature programs for children, parents, and teachers for over twenty-five years. More information about Sarah’s Science can be found at www.sarahscience.com

BENTLEY SCHOOL CHARACTER - PURPOSE - COMMUNITY

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By Calvin Hennick

hen I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to visit Universal Orlando Resort – mostly because it was where Double Dare, the slime-fueled kids game show, was filmed. As an adult, I’d mostly forgotten about my childhood dream. But then my own kids became obsessed with Harry Potter, and we were drawn in by the parks’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But other than Hogwarts, I didn’t really know what to expect. 16

Parents Press | April 2020

PHOTO BY NIXINOVA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO BY JEREMY THOMPSON, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Here’s what I learned in three days in Orlando.

There’s Fun For All Ages

My Kids Love

My kids are 8 and 5, and I was surprised at how much they could handle. My son rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure twice (once was enough for me, as the ride really does feel like you’re being driven around on a motorcycle by a dangerous maniac!). And my daughter was big enough for the smaller coasters, such as Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and Flight of the Hippogriff, which provided plenty of excitement despite their meager height requirements. She also loved the screen-based rides like the silly, banana-scented Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. My daughter even rode Skull Island: Reign of Kong, although she kept her hands over her eyes most of the time.

the

Oldies

E.T. Adventure, based on the 1982 film and opened in 1990, is the only original ride still operating at Universal Studios Florida. (The Orlando resort is composed of three parks. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are adjacent theme parks, while nearby Volcano Bay is a water park.) The E.T. ride still holds up 30 years later, offering up nearly psychedelic animatronic scenes as you fly by on your bike. My kids loved it, and rode it three times. In fact, many of their favorite rides turned out to be based on TV shows and movies that debuted decades before they were born, including The Simpsons Ride, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Men in Black: Alien Attack.

continued >>>

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(I admit that I shut my own eyes when the worms and the bugs showed up.) But the first ride she ran toward when we entered Islands of Adventure was the CaroSeuss-el, a merry-go-round populated not by horses but rather by wonderfully weird Dr. Seuss characters. And we all had fun on the delightfully bonkers Cat in the Hat ride.

the

Rides

I’m a little embarrassed at how excited I got when we entered Springfield, the Simpsons-themed area of Universal Studios. I quickly enlisted my son to take a photo of my wife and me in front of the Kwik-E-Mart, and when I saw that they were selling Flaming Moes next door, I just had to have one. My son was excited to explore “New York City” (just steps away from both “London” and “San Francisco”), he blushed taking photos with a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, and we all had fun checking out the Delorean from Back to the Future.

You Don’t Have to Do Everything to Have a Great Time My stomach never quite felt ready for The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and my wife was the only one of us to brave the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. And amidst all the excitement, we only got a couple of hours to explore Volcano Bay. But it never felt like we were missing out on anything. If you experience even close to half of what’s on offer at Universal, you’ll have done plenty.

BIELLALL, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

It’s Not All About

Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

3D Has Made the Rides Just Completely Nuts Holy mother of God! I’m apparently pretty late to this particular game (The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride opened in 1999), but I was blown away by what’s possible with the combination of an indoor coaster ride, some 3D glasses, and a little bit of movie magic. Both the SpiderMan ride and Transformers: The Ride 3-D had me grinning from ear-to-ear (and also occasionally clutching my weak stomach.)

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Parents Press | April 2020

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Slinging up to the top of skyscrapers with Spidey as he fights off a battalion of comic book villains is an experience you just can’t get anywhere else.

Harry Potter Really Is Magical I confess: I’ve only read the first of the books, and the movies don’t do much for me. But my five-year-old daughter almost literally lost her mind when Hogwarts came into view. And then again when we went inside the castle and saw the magical talking portraits. And then again when she had her first taste of butter beer. And again, and again, and again.

For three days, we kept coming back to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (the two areas are in separate parks, connected by the Hogwarts Express). My kids’ eyes grew wide with every new sight: The goblins of Gringotts, the colorful boxes of treats in the windows of Honeydukes, the rows and rows of wands on offer at Ollivanders. I’ve been lucky to be able to take my children plenty of places so far in their young lives. But standing in the world of Harry Potter, watching dragons breathe fire and wizards take flight, there was nowhere on earth they’d have rather been.

STAY

Cabana Bay Beach Resort, connected to the parks via a five-minute shuttle ride, has a fun retro theme, with classic cars parked out front, two big pools, and even a bowling alley. Plus, as a guest, you can access the parks an hour earlier than the rest of the public!

EAT

Universal CityWalk, just outside the entrance gates to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, is home to a number of dining options, including NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, and the recently opened Bigfire.

DO Universal CityWalk

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www.nomurapreschool.com

Lic. #070209834

A ministry of Bay Area Chinese Bible Church

- Friday 7am - 6pm A ministry of Monday Bay Area Chinese Bible Church lunch service provided

1803 North Loop Rd. Alameda, CA 94502 • Preparation for Kindergarten • Nurturing Academic Environment • Ballet, Hip Hop Dance, Gymnastics, Violin, Piano, and Soccer

• Music, Art, and Language Programs • Expansive Outdoor Play Area • Hours: 7a.m. – 6p.m. (Year-Round) • Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K Class

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847 1711 Carlson Blvd., Richmond Annex 94804

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847

TTPreschoolalameda.org Facility # 013422027 Telephone # 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 Fax # 510-373-2241 1803 North Loop Rd | Alameda | Facility # 013422027 kim.smith@bacbc.org 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 | kim.smith@bacbc.org

April 2020 | ParentsPress.com

YOUR INSIDE GUIDE TO THE

The magic of Hogwarts is only a plane ride away. By Calvin Hennick

y kids are obsessed with Harry Potter. My five-year-old daughter dressed up as Harry for Halloween (and sometimes wears the costume eyeglasses as part of her regular outfit, along with a drawn-in scar on her forehead). My eight-year-old son rushes

to his bedroom to curl up with one of the increasingly doorstop-sized books nearly every day after school. The audiobooks start playing when I turn on my car. And more often than not, my children choose one of the films for their weekly movie night.

CARLOS CRUZ, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Castle

Parents Press | April 2020

So it was more or less a forgone conclusion that we would end up at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Here is our report from our muggle scouting expedition: The Basics – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between two parks, connected by the Hogwarts Express. To see both, you’ll need a two-park ticket granting you access to Universal Studios Florida (home to Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley) and Islands of Adventure (home to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle). We had three-day passes, so we dipped in and out of the wizarding life in between jaunts to other parts of the parks. Much of the fun comes from just wandering through the magical world and seeing the delight on your kids’ faces as the books come to life before their eyes.

The Hogwarts Express

The slowest Harry Potter ride of all may also be the most fun! You can take the train in either direction, but we started at King’s Cross Station, just outside of Diagon Alley, and made our way through the line to Platform 9 ¾. Yes, you really do pass through the brick wall, thanks to the magic of … I think it’s something to do with mirrors? (Honestly, I

The Hogwarts Express

was too busy getting the perfect photo of my little wizards evaporating into the bricks to investigate thoroughly.) The trip is more than just transportation. I won’t give too much away, but you’ll see plenty outside your window, and you just might hear your favorite characters’ voices (and get a glimpse of their silhouettes) as they pass outside your cabin door.

The Rides

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has only been open since last continued >>>

PRESCHOOLS H e l p i n g t O m a k e c h i l d h o o d a j O u r n e y, n O t a r a c e .

CHATHAM SCHOOL

FUN CHILD-CENTERED PRESCHOOL

Chatham SChool

F4500 un Redwood Child-C entered PreSChool Road 4359 39th Avenue Oakland, CA Road 94619 4500 Redwood Lic#013418176 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#013418177

Oakland, CA 94619 4359 39th Avenue Lic#01341436 Oakland, CA 94619

013418177 6 mo.Lic# - Kindergarten (35mo. 1 0 )- Kindergarten 531-1302 fax: (510) 531-1301

2 yrs. - Kindergarten extended care 2 yrs. - Kindergarten

Lic#013418176

18 moS. tHrough 6th grade multi-age classroOms educational exCellence since 1978

(510) 531-1302

2019

Winner

S i g n u p o n l i n e f o r a t o ur t o d ay !

www.grandlakemontessori.com

Lic#01341436

(510) 531-1534

• We do Potty Training • Snacks/Hot Lunch Part Time/Full Time am-6& pmMilk We do Potty Training • 27:30 Snacks Part Time / Full Time 7:30am - 6pm www.chathampreschool.com

www.chathampreschool.com

466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313

The Model School

Comprehensive Humanistic Learning Center

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Multicultural, Multiethnic Environments • Se Habla Español!

We have availability for young toddlers ages 15mo to 2yrs

Flexible Scheduling Loving, Developmental, Child-Oriented Classrooms Year’round Enrollment, Reasonable Rates 2330 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA 94705 Lic. 010211122 & 010211112

(510) 549-2711

April 2020 | ParentsPress.com

MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL

Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School

For admissions please email admissions@maybeckhs.org

2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org

(510) 841-8489 22

Parents Press | April 2020

July, and it’s extremely popular, with lines often stretching for up to two hours. It will definitely whip your hair back, but for younger kids, the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster is plenty exciting. I opted out of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, warned by my wife and son that it wouldn’t agree with my weak stomach. But fans who have steelier nerves (and who, unlike my daughter, clear the 48-inch height requirement) won’t want to miss the chance to fly around with Harry and escape from Dementors. I did make it through Escape from Gringotts, a spooky, thrilling, 3D indoor coaster that very nearly had me believing in dragons.

The Wands Let’s be real: If you come to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a kid, you’re leaving with a wand! An interactive wand goes for $55, and it will allow your little wizard to “cast spells” at some marked locations in the parks – where, for instance, water will start falling from an umbrella. You can buy wands from carts or shops, including the famed Ollivanders (where you can also view a wand selection show).

Hogwarts The castle cuts an impressive figure above Hogsmeade, and you can tour the inside either by waiting in line for the Forbidden Journey ride, or simply telling the ride staff that you want to take the tour. My kids beamed, getting to see the talking portraits and the Sorting Hat and Dumbledore’s office. At night, an impressive lightshow plays on the castle’s exterior, with a little bit of fireworks thrown in at the end. We must have watched the show five or six times over three days, and the kids never grew tired of it.

Butterbeer a delicious non-alcoholic, butterscotch-flavored drink, is on offer around every corner. It comes either cold or frozen (and hot, during the winter), and is topped with a satisfyingly frothy head. If you want to take the flavor home with you, the candy shops sell butterbeer-flavored fudge. But be sure to buy enough! Ours was gone before our plane arrived back home.

The Food We didn’t actually eat any meals

inside the Harry Potter-themed sections of the parks, but there are several options, including the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks. Instead, we focused on the treats! Honeydukes in Hogsmeade and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley both offer up a myriad of delights that will be familiar to book readers. My kids were into the Acid Pops and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavor Beans, while I indulged in the novelty of sharing a chocolate frog on the Hogwarts Express, just like the characters in the books.

SCHOOLS

grand lake Montessori eleMentary Sig n up on a to ur to dline fo r ay !

1st through 6th grades multi-age classroom 466 Chetwood, oakland, Ca (510) 836-4313

www.grandlakemontessori.Com

St. Joseph Catholic School Pinole Providing a quality education engaging the “Whole child”

Academic Rigor Safe, Loving & Faith-filled Character & Service learning Spanish TK thru 8th Art • P.E. • Music • Drama • Choir

NOW ENROLLING for 2020-2021 TK thru 8th grades

STEAM • Coding • Blended learning • Project based Sport & Enrichment programs • Resource Before & Afterschool Extended Care

www.stjosephpinole.com

510-724-0242

www.facebook.com/StJosephSchoolPinole/

April 2020 | ParentsPress.com

FEATURED CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS ALAMEDA BALLET ACADEMY’S SUMMER INTENSIVE AND THEME CAMPS! (ALAMEDA)

BERKELEY CITY BALLET SUMMER DANCE CAMPS (BERKELEY)

510-841-8913 Age or Grade Range: Minimum Age: 4 ABA’s Summer Intermediate Intensive Camp for Dancers 10+ Years and Ballet Theme Camps for Dancers 4-12 Years. https://www.alamedaballet.com/

510-531-8566 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-8 Weekly Dance Camps from 9am-3pm culminating in performance! https://berkeleycityballet.org/classes-and-more/classes/ dance-camps

AR DESIGN & PROGRAMMING SUMMER CAMP (HOLOGRAPHIC AR) (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

CAMP COMMUNITY ARTS (WALNUT CREEK)

408-459-0657 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18 We are #1 AR Camp. We enable every student aged 5-18 to program, design, and innovate with future tech. Students from 10 countries and 150 local schools have joined our program. Only 8 students per class, reserve your spot now. https://camp.integem.com/

ATHENA CAMPS | GIRL-POWERED CAMPS (SAN JOSE) 408-490-4972 Age or Grade Range: Grades K-8 Athena Camps’ mission is to inspire courage and build confidence in girls through a unique combination of athletic, creative, emotional, and social activities in a nurturing community.

BENTLEY SUMMER ACADEMY (LAFAYETTE) 925-283-2101 Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 18 Bentley Summer Academy offers something for everyone, from grades 1-12. Camp sessions are held on our beautiful Lafayette Campus. Before and after care available. Classes taught by Bentley faculty. Programs include sports, academics, arts, culinary. http://www.bentleysummeracademy.org/

Parents Press | April 2020

925-943-5846 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-14 Camp Community Arts offers spring, summer, and winter sessions jam packed with visual arts, music, dance and theater! http://communityarts.org/camps

CAMP DOODLES (BERKELEY, ORINDA, MILL VALLEY AND SAN FRANCISCO) 415-388-4386 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 Camp Doodles offers a project-based, hands-on camp environment. Our philosophy emphasizes fun in maker and art labs designed to encourage creativity, coupled with ample outdoor time! http://www.campdoodles.com/

CAMP SEA QUEST AT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER (SAUSALITO) 415-289-7330 Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8 Camp Sea Quest is a week-long summer day camp designed to give rising 1st - 8th graders the chance to dive into marine science and ocean conservation. Through science experiments and nature-led programming kids will discover the wonders of the ocean.

Many more camps at www.parentspress.com

CAMP SHALOM AT THE JCC LOS GATOS (LOS GATOS) 408-357-7416 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-16 Camp Shalom is a day camp for kids ages 18 months old through 16 years old. Camp runs all summer long, and you can choose from a variety of programs, from traditional day camp to specialty camps.

CITY OF EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP (EL CERRITO) 510-559-8208 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12 Non-competitive co-ed since 1993. Sports & Games Camp, Soccer Camp & Baseball Camp @ Cerrito Vista Pk. Swimming, play structure, Foosball. dodgeball. Frisbee, basketball, water balloons. 3 canopies w/ tables & chairs, chess & much more.. http://www.elcerritosportscamp.com/

COMMUNICATION ACADEMY (CUPERTINO) 408-777-8876 Age or Grade Range: Grades K-8 Looking for a fun and academic option for the summer? Consider Communication Academy! Help your child develop their voice, think critically, & make new friends in our camps or classes!

DANCING PAINTBRUSH STUDIO SUMMER ART CAMPS (BERKELEY) 510-604-0036 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-13 Join our award-winning Spring and Summer Art Camps for a week filled with fun and creativity! We create a warm and friendly studio atmosphere to nurture young and teen artists! Voted #1 Best of the Bay Arts Camp by Parents Press! https://dancingpaintbrushstudio.com/

Worlds of Wonder

SUMMER 2020

ID TECH THE #1 STEM CAMP (CAMPBELL) 408-871-3700 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-19 iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni and 20+ years of experience. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including Stanford, NYU, HKU, and UCLA

JAM CAMP WEST 2020 (SLEEPAWAY) 510-858-5313 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-15 Jam Camp West is an inclusive, supportive program that exposes kids to contemporary musical trends along with the cultural underpinnings of jazz. In addition, fun outdoor activities are held in a stunning natural environment. https://www.livingjazz.org/jam-camp-west

KINETIC ARTS CENTER YOUTH CAMPS (OAKLAND) 510-444-4800 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18 Kinetic Arts Center Summer Camps run Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm. Mark your calendar! The Friday of each camp session closes with a performance at 3pm where students showcase their new circus skills. DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! https://www.kineticartscenter.com/

LBMP’S MUSICAL THEATER SUMMER CAMP! (SAN FRANCISCO) 415-632-1667 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12 LBMP’s summer camps promote appreciation of music, dance, and performance while maintaining an

ZOOCAMP

Space Explorers Camp Dinosaurs Camp LEGO Camp ages 18 months – 6 years old E le m e n t a r y S u m m e r S c h o o l & F ie ld T r ip C a m p

6 - 11 years old

Camps begin June 15

Sign up deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2020 The Child Unique Montessori School & Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda 510-521-9227 (phone) 510-521-9246 (fax) www.thechildunique.org office@thechildunique.org

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! oaklandzoo.org

April 2020 | ParentsPress.com

atmosphere of fun. Eight separate weeks are offered, each with a different theme. Open to kids ages 5-12.

MONKEY NINJA CAMPS (PARKOUR, AERIAL, ACROBATICS) (EMERYVILLE)

MAKE YOUR SUMMER WITH CAMP 510 (OAKLAND)

510-355-1626 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-17 Ninjas in training will swing, climb, jump, leap, dash, and move through obstacle courses, while building strength, coordination, flexibility, spatial awareness, motor, aerial and parkour skills. https://athleticplayground.com

510-610-7450 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-14 Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands on summer day for curious and creative kids ages 6-14. Subjects offered this year: welding, stained glass, cooking, capoeira, instruments, sewing, relief printing, recycled art, electronics, screen printing, zines, painting http://camp510.com/

MARINE SCIENCE CAMP (REDWOOD CITY) 650-364-2760 Age or Grade Range: Grades K-12 Marine Science Camp offers week-long explorations of SF Bay and Pacific Coast marine life and habitats for K-12th graders. Participants engage in hands-on activities, live animal touching, themed games and a voyage aboard our 90-foot research vessel.

MONKEY BUSINESS CAMP (BERKELEY) 510-540-6025 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-10 Tilden Park program for kids ages 4.75-10, and youth leaders ages 11+. Art, games, cooking, nature exploration, hiking. Screen free fun. Professional staff teams. https://monkeybusinesscamp.com

MUSICAL THEATER WEEKLY CLASS (OAKLAND) 510-601-5700 Age or Grade Range: Grades 2-8 Campers work together to develop their own storyline and then put together a full show with acting, music, movement, costumes, props and sets. Camp ends with performance of the original show! https://www.musicallyminded.com/camps2020/

NOVEL WRITING STUDIO (SAN JOSE) 650-387-0144 Age or Grade Range: Ages 14-18 Begin or continue your novel, under the guidance of a qualified teacher, with a small group of enthusiastic writers.

OAKLAND ZOO CAMP (OAKLAND) 510-632-9525 Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 18 Oakland ZooCamp takes great pride in creating age-appropriate programs for campers in Pre-K through High School. Expect an exciting week of outdoor nature discovery, animal adventurers, zoo tours, special behind the scenes and animal close ups! https://www.oaklandzoo.org/zoocamp

Summer Sports Camp Ages 4-12 @ Cerrito Vista Park

EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP Non-competitive and Co-ed since 1992 11 one week sessions Jun 8 - Aug 21

Morning, Afternoon, or All Day Options

Sports & Games Camp: Activities include Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Capture the Flag, Dodge Ball, Frisbee, Kick Ball, Hula Hoops, Jump Rope, Swimming, Play Structure, Foosball, Air Hockey, Chess, Connect 4 & other board and table games

Soccer Camp

Baseball Camp

On-site registrations okay www.elcerritosportscamp.com (510) 559-8208 26

Parents Press | April 2020

Many more camps at www.parentspress.com

THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (OAKLAND)

SF QUEST KIDS LLC (SAN FRANCISCO)

510-531-8566 Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8 This summer we offer Montessori classroom activities in the morning, followed by summer camp in the afternoon for Lower Elementary (first through third grade) students, and an all day summer experience for Upper Elementary and Junior High students (fourth through ninth grade). https://www.therenaissanceschool.org

415-531-2256 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10 SF Quest Kids LLC is a mobile kids camp dedicated to exposing city kids to the natural beauty of the Bay Area and the fun of learning and playing outdoors! https://www.sfquestkids.com/

RICHMOND ART CENTER SUMMER ART CAMP (RICHMOND)

SHC SUMMER INSTITUTE AT SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL PREPARATORY (SAN FRANCISCO)

415-775-6626 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14 510-620-6772 The SHC Summer Institute is a series of one-week enrichment Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-14 courses and sports academies for motivated students and Unleash your child’s creativity this Summer! Summer Art Camp athletes ages 8–14. Instructed by SHC’s talented faculty, staff at the Richmond Art Center gives kids and teens an exciting and coaches, students and athletes explore exciting topics. immersion in visual arts practice. Daily projects include https://www.shcp.edu/summer drawing, painting, printmaking, textile arts, and sculpture. SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPAÑOL http://richmondartcenter.org/summer-art-camp-faq/

(MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

SARAH’S SCIENCE SUMMER DAY CAMP (BERKELEY & OAKLAND) 510-581-3739 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-14 The Bay Area’s premier summer day camp for curious and creative children ages 4+. Beautiful outdoor locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Weekly sessions from June 1 - August 21. Join us for hands-on science projects, swimming, hiking, music, and art!. http://bit.ly/372tK6M

THE SCIENCE FACTORY (SAN JOSE)

f Berkel y o e 22 it 19

408-320-4588 Age or Grade Range: Grades: K-8 Engineering, chemistry, silly science, LEGO® and more! We offer exciting weekly science and art camps

100% CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

Hi ke

Swim

p Cam

TECHLAB EDUCATION (SAN JOSE) 408-898-4939 Age or Grade Range: Grades 6-12 Bay Area’s #1 Rated Coding and Design Academy for Kids. Techlab Education provides technology programs for kids (grades 6-12). Techlab’s core teaching philosophy is anchored on active learning and change maker life skills in the classroom and beyond. https://techlab.education/

BERKELEY DAY CAMP!

FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

AVAILABLE FOR C.I.T., YOUTH, & FAMILY CAMP PROGRAMS!

925-962-9177 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-10 Viva el Español offers engaging, interactive Spanish language camps for pre-school to elementary school-aged kids. Our camps are designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn, practice, and improve their Spanish language skills. http://www.vivaelespanol.org/

Echo Lake Camp has offered traditional, residential camp experiences since 1922 in a beautiful, high alpine location overliiking the Lake Tahoe Basin in Echo Lake, CA. Hiking, swimming, traditional camp activities, and recreation for the whole family await you at Berkeley Echo Lake Camp! Join us for Family Camp, Youth Camp, Adult Hiking Camps, and more! Youth Camp | AGES 7-14 Most Youth Camp sessions are full, but scholarships are still available! For more information, contact (510) 981-5140 or camps@cityofberkeley.info.

Counselor-In-Training (C.I.T.) | GRADES 10-12 Sessions available during Family and Youth Camps! Eight sessions offered, June 20- August 21. Choose between our Family Camp or Youth Camp CIT Sessions. Scholarships available! Fees per session (res/non) $275/$300

Family Camp | ALL AGES! Our full-service Family Camp experience includes great meals, beautiful views and lots of fun programs for the whole family! Family Camp program runs June 20-July 17.

100% CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! AGES 5-13

MESSY OUTDOOR FUN!

ALL NEW Club Echo Adult Camp Experience | AGES 21+ Welcome to Club Echo, the newest program designed specifically for adults at Berkeley Echo Lake Camp! This all-inclusive program for adults ages 21 and up is designed for adults who want a chance to go back to Camp, or maybe go to Camp for the very first time! Whether you are a seasoned Berkeley Camps veteran, or you have never been to a Camp program in your entire life, this program is for you! Register online! | Fees per session: $432/$480

For more information about Echo Lake Camp visit www.cityofberkeley.info/EchoLakeCamp

Berkeley Day Camp is full of action-packed adventure, messy fun, new friends and a summer’s worth of activities every day! Each day, campers visit Tilden Park or the Berkeley Marina to enjoy playing sports and field games, hiking, arts & crafts, outdoor cooking and participating in different special events weekly! 9 Core Sessions: June 15–August 14 Fee (res/non): $200/$240

Core Program: 9am–3:30pm AM & PM Extended Care Available!

City of Berkeley Recreation Division www.cityofberkeley.info/recreation PHONE: (510) 981. 5140 EMAIL: camps@cityofberkeley.info

Berkeley Day Camp

FOR C.I.T. & CORE PROGRAM

AGES 14-15

Counselors-in-Training (C.I.T.)

Berkeley Day Camp C.I.T. Program combines the fun of camp while building practical skills and confidence to help teens grow. Under the guidance of mentoring staff, C.I.T.s will have fun interacting with young campers as they assist Day Camp Staff to plan and facilitate activities, games, sports, and art projects—a great opportunity to build self esteem, learn new leadership skills and gain valuable experience working with kids. 5 Sessions: June 15–August 14 Fee (res/non): $194/$232 (two weeks!)

510. 981. 5150 • EMAIL: camps@cityofberkeley.info

April 2020 | ParentsPress.com

Parents Press | April 2020