RAK magazine April 2021

APRIL 2021

RaisingARIZONA Kids your partner on the parenting path

SUMMER CAMP IS BACK!

4

ways to be an ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERHERO

RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

Go Fish!

April Events Jase Neumann (7) fishing at Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout in Payson.

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contents

April 2021 FEATURES 14 Using Common Sense: Teens find online mental health support

Yes, teens are more depressed and stressed, but their smartphones may be helping more than hurting.

18 Raising Outdoor Kids: Go fish!

Lisa Van Loo shares tips for fishing trips with kids. Plus favorite spots to cast a line.

24 Project Cactus: Celebrate young learners!

Try to understand what children are asking and what they want to know.

Then, let them lead and explore.

34 Four ways to be an environmental superhero

24

Sophie Strosberg explores actions parents can take, from consuming less to voting for public servants who follow science.

34

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 40 2021 Summer Camps Directory DEPARTMENTS 2 dialogue Spring protocols

4 az grown • Children's Museum reopens in May with Eric Carle exhibit

18

• Virtual gala to benefit summer camp for kids with spina bifida • D-backs kids club offers new prizes and contact-free membership cards • April 6 is Arizona Gives Day • 20 Arizona fifth-graders will win $529 • Sesame Street helps families discuss race and racism • COVID-19 vaccine available now to ages 16 and up • Kids COVID-19 vaccine trial underway in Arizona • Dr. Darlene Melk explains how to find a safer summer camp

46 family time!

• Top April events

• Easter events around Arizona

WHAT 'S COMING UP...

A d d r e s sin g COVID-19 l e ar ning l os se s

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

1

Spring

PROTOCOLS

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF OPHOENIX

dialogue

April 2021 | Vol 32 | No 2

PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr EDITOR Kara G. Morrison CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Van Loo, Ilana Lowery, Marjorie Ruiz, Sophie Strosberg

AS WE WERE WRAPPING up this issue, the

information. Local pediatrician Dr.

April family events calendar was robust,

Darlene Melk explains what protocols

kids were back in the classroom and many

parents should look for in a safe summer

longtime summer camps were signing kids

camp. Lisa Van Loo shares tips for taking

up for in-person sessions. More than 1.2

kids fishing — a back-to-nature spring

million Arizonans were fully vaccinated

activity that doesn’t involve crowds. And

against the COVID-19 virus, more than

Sophie Strosberg acknowledges Earth Day

R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295)

2 million had received at least one vaccine

on April 22 with a look at four ways we

was created to connect Valley families to local

dose, and all Arizonans 16 and older were

can be environmental superheroes.

resources and share real-life stories about the

finally eligible to get their shots.

Still, a sizable portion of the state

Ilana Lowery of Common Sense Media shares results of a survey that confirms

ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Piya Jacob MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg

challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2021 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written

population is yet unvaccinated, including

teens and young people are stressed out and

permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $20

all young kids. Before we can finally

depressed following a year of quarantine.

for one year or $35 for two years. Back issues are

crush this virus, many coronavirus safety

What’s surprising is that social media may

protocols are being abandoned faster than

be helping more than hurting. Next month,

a college kid running toward the beach on

we talk to Nikki Kontz, clinical director

spring break. I’m holding my breath that

at Teen Lifeline, a Phoenix-based crisis

we will not endure another wave of this

intervention and suicide hotline. While she

pandemic that has taken more than half a

acknowledges 30 percent more calls this

million American lives in one year.

year, she’s impressed with the resilience of

There is a Moderna vaccine trial

our current generation of young people, who

underway in Arizona for kids ages 6

have already dealt with a lot. In our May

months to 11 years. Results will take

issue, we’ll also look into learning losses and

months, and while younger people are not

possible solutions, such as summer school

at high risk, they are not immune. If we

and tutoring. Until then, enjoy spring!

can all wear face masks in public to protect each other just a little longer, we can put this unforgettable year behind us.

Much like our family events calendar, our April issue is packed with helpful

2 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

$6 per copy. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Content guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

CONTACT US: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 10645 N. Tatum Blvd. #200-314 Phoenix, AZ 85028 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) | F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

Make an Investment in Family—

DONATE TODAY

Arizona Helping Hands provides essential needs for the 14,000 children in the foster care system in Arizona. .92 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs for children in foster care.

Find out how YOU can make a difference in a foster child’s life, today!

www.AzHelpingHands.org 3110 E. Thunderbird Road, Suite 100 Phoenix AZ 85032 480.889.0604 • EIN: 86-0935988

az grown community

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX reopening in May with its first traveling exhibit: “Very Eric Carle” THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX has

published in 1969. Carle has illustrated

remained open on weekends and during

more than 70 books — most of which he

special events for outdoor play only. But

also wrote — and more than 152 million

kids will once again run through its noodle

copies of his books have sold around the

forest and explore the gigantic three-story

world.

climber when the museum reopens its indoor play spaces on Saturday, May 29.

On that date, the museum will also

“Very Eric Carle” is a play-and-learn exhibit featuring activities inspired by five of Eric Carle’s classic books: “The Very

• Make the “Very Clumsy Click Beetle” flip and jump.

• Compose a night symphony with the “Very Quiet Cricket.”

• Create artwork using many of Carle’s materials and techniques.

• Enjoy a gallery of Carle’s prints and works in progress.

unveil its first traveling exhibit: “Very

Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Very Quiet

Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet,

Cricket,” “The Very Lonely Firefly,” “The

Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.” Carle’s

Very Clumsy Click Beetle” and “The Very

29-Sept. 6. The museum’s Outdoor

children’s picture book career took off

Busy Spider.” In the exhibit, visitors can:

Adventure Play area is currently open

after he illustrated Bill Martin, Jr.’s book

• Become the “Very Hungry

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You

Caterpillar” and follow his path.

See?” He then wrote and illustrated “The

• Weave a web with the “Very Busy

Very Hungry Caterpillar,” which has been translated into 66 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies since it was

4 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Spider.”

• Find one’s light with the “Very Lonely Firefly.”

The exhibit will be on display May

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and all guests ages 3 and older must wear face coverings. Learn more about the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, located at 215 N. Seventh St., by calling 602-253-0501 or at childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

VIRTUAL GALA

to benefit summer camp

D-BACKS KIDS CLUB

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMPPATRICKAZ

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF OPHOENIX

for KIDS with SPINA BIFIDA

offers new prizes and contact-free membership cards CAMP PATRICK is hosting an April 22 virtual

THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS have re-launched the D-backs Kids Club, a free

fundraiser to help support its all-volunteer,

program that rewards kids 15 and younger with prizes for each regular season home

overnight summer camp for kids with spina

game they attend at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks 2021 season home opener vs.

bifida. The 6:30 p.m. Under the Stars Virtual

the Cincinnati Reds begins at 6:40 p.m. Friday, April 9. New for 2021:

Gala will feature campers, counselors and families sharing what Camp Patrick has meant to their lives.

Camp Patrick is planning a June 13-18 summer camp with COVID-19 safety protocols for ages 6-18 at Whispering Hope Ranch

• The MLB Ballpark App includes a digital Kids Club card allowing young fans a contact-free experience when they redeem prizes.

• D-backs Kids Club members will be able to earn digital badges to decorate the card. These badges are unlocked by attending certain games, including a first game, Opening Weekend and more.

• The D-backs Kids Club Headquarters will now be located on the main

in Payson. The camp was established in

concourse at Section 125. The Sandlot in the upper concourse will remain closed

2018 as a place where kids with spina

for at least the start of the season.

bifida could strengthen their independence,

This season’s prizes include: Nick Ahmed poster, Topps baseball card pack,

try new things and make lifelong friends,

sweatband set, rally towel, wrist watch, cereal bowl, baseball glove pin, kids clear bag,

as well as creating a community for the

Phoenix Zoo ticket and a baseball.

campers’ families. Campers participate in

Find official rules and information at dbacks.com/kidsclub. Sign up for free by

arts and crafts, archery, horseback riding,

downloading the MLB Ballpark App and selecting the Arizona Diamondbacks as

sports, fishing and more in a handicapped

your family’s favorite team. At Chase Field, the team is limiting capacity, with at

accessible environment with experienced

least six feet separating “pods” of ticket holders that are attending games together.

medical professionals onsite. To learn more

Safety protocols include additional cleaning, more sanitation stations and contact-

about the camp, donating or volunteering,

less, cash-free concessions. Masks will be required in all common areas — in lines

visit camppatrick.com or facebook.com/

outside or inside of Chase Field, while walking on the plaza or on a concourse and

camppatrickaz

while in restrooms.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

5

az grown giving back

April 6 is

ARIZONA GIVES DAY THE NINTH ANNUAL ARIZONA GIVES DAY

could not be more important, not just for the

— a 24-hour statewide fundraising event aimed

nonprofits but for the individuals, families and

at helping Arizona nonprofits — is Tuesday, April 6. The online event

an Arizona charity by name, key word or zip

for Arizona charities since 2013.

code. More than 1,000 nonprofits participate.

This annual online giving movement

Find details about each organization and the

unites nonprofits of all sizes and ages to celebrate

Arizona tax credits your donation will count

and increase philanthropy in Arizona through

toward, such as the Arizona Charitable Tax

online giving at a central website: azgives.org. It

Credit. Tax credits allow taxpayers to make

is a collaboration between the Alliance of Arizona

charitable contributions and receive dollar-

Nonprofits and the Arizona Grantmakers Forum,

for-dollar reductions in their Arizona state tax

and is sponsored by FirstBank.

liabilities. The deadline for making a donation and claiming a tax credit under the Arizona

continues to struggle to overcome the

Charitable Tax Credit for 2020 is April 15,

devastating impact of the COVID pandemic,”

2021. Learn more about Arizona tax credits at

Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits CEO Kristen

azdor.gov/tax-credits

Merrifield said in a statement. “While we

Arizona Gives Day raised a record $6.1

know that every year’s Arizona Gives Day

million for local charities in 2020 alone, and

participation provides vital funding for these

65 percent of donors said the day prompted

organizations doing great work, even during

them to give a donation they otherwise would

unprecedented times, this year’s event

not have given.

20 Arizona fifth-graders will win $529 “WHAT IS YOUR dream job, and how do you plan on achieving it in

the future?” Arizona fifth-graders who answer that question in essay form by May 29 could earn $529 toward a new or existing AZ529 Education Savings Plan account. Twenty such prizes — totalling $10,580 — will be awarded across the state to help kids pay for postsecondary educational expenses. An AZ529 account provides a taxadvantaged approach to setting money aside for college, trade school or other educational options for high school graduates. Learn more at

6 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Donors who visit azgives.org can search for

has raised more than $23 million

“Our statewide nonprofit community

az529.gov/essaycontest

communities they serve.”

az grown diversity

SESAME STREET OFFERS NEW RESOURCES to help families discuss race and racism SESAME WORKSHOP — the nonprofit

are not colorblind — not only do they

providing age-appropriate language and

educational organization behind Sesame

first notice differences in race in infancy,

strategies to answer sometimes-tough

Street — is releasing new resources to

but they also start forming their own

questions around race and racism. The

help families talk to young children about

sense of identity at a very young age,” said

tools are meant to help parents have open

race and racism called the “ABCs of

Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president

conversations with young children and

Racial Literacy.”

of Sesame Workshop. “‘The ABCs of

to engage allies and advocates to become

Racial Literacy’ is designed to foster open,

upstanders against racism.

The rollout is part of Coming Together, Sesame Workshop’s ongoing

age-appropriate conversations among

commitment to racial justice, rooted

families and support them in building racial

by helping children understand what

in extensive research and consultation

literacy. By encouraging these much-needed

racism is and how it hurts and impacts

with experts to develop an educational

conversations through Coming Together,

people,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame

framework and curriculum for young

we can help children build a positive sense of

Workshop’s executive vice president of

children. It builds on recent efforts focused

identity and value the identities of others.”

creative and production. “Sadly, [this]

on tackling racism and its impact on

“The work to dismantle racism begins

Parents can visit sesameworkshop.

comes at a time of racial and social discord

children, including The Power of We: A

org/comingtogether to sign up for an

when many families are in need of support

Sesame Street Special, the CNN Town

eNewsletter and find helpful resources

in talking to their children about racism.

Hall Coming Together: Standing Up to

that will be continually updated —

We’re proud to reaffirm our Coming

Racism, and other content.

including stories and music videos

Together commitment to racial justice,

designed to help all families celebrate

which will be woven into new Sesame

their own unique identities, while also

Workshop content for years to come.”

“At Sesame Workshop, we look at every issue through the lens of a child. Children

8 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

az grown health

COVID-19 VACCINE

AVAILABLE now to ages 16 and up THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

pharmacies

urges all eligible adults and teens to

and

receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and as of

federally

March 24, ages 16 and older are able to

qualified

get vaccinated in Arizona. Registration

health centers

at Arizona’s state-operated COVID-19

participating in

vaccination sites in Maricopa, Pima

federal vaccination

and Yuma counties are now open to all

programs. Sites

Arizonans 16 and older.

using the Pfizer vaccine,

ADHS opens appointments at 11

including those run by the state,

a.m. each Friday for State Farm Stadium

can vaccinate those 16 and older. The

in Glendale, Arizona State University’s

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen

Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Tempe,

vaccines are approved for those 18 and

across Arizona can be found at azhealth.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College, the

older.

gov/findvaccine. Those without computer

University of Arizona in central Tucson and Yuma Civic Center in Yuma County.

As of late March, Arizona had

Information about all vaccination sites

access or needing extra help registering can

administered more than 3.2 million doses

call 1-844-542-8201 to be connected with

State sites complement county

of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 2

someone who can assist. Use the patient

vaccination programs and the growing

million individuals, and more than 1.2

portal at podvaccine.azdhs.gov to make an

availability of COVID-19 vaccines at

million Arizonans were fully vaccinated.

appointment for a relative.

TRIAL for KIDS COVID-19 VACCINE underway in Arizona A RESEARCH STUDY conducted by Moderna is testing an investigational vaccine that may

protect children between the ages of 6 months and 11 years from getting sick if they come into contact with coronavirus. MedPharmics in Phoenix is one of four firms recruiting volunteers for the KidCOVE Study comparing the mRNA-1273 vaccine to a saltwater solution placebo.

To learn more or sign up for the study, parents can visit trials.modernatx.com or connect. trialscope.com/studies/0e8fc8e6-5782-46fd-8b03-0994a5ad8b41 or call 602-368-1928 or 866-913-5454. Participants must be between 6 months and 11 years old and be in good health.

Participants must not have taken any investigational or approved treatments for COVID-19, tested positive for COVID-19 or been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 within two weeks prior to vaccine administration.

10 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

11

az grown health

SAFE

summer camp

EXPERIENCES

By RAK Staff

THIS TIME LAST YEAR, as cases of

to the great relief of stressed parents and

COVID-19 began that first ominous

cooped-up kids.

surge in our state, summer camp

Still, the virus remains a threat,

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a statement reassuring parents that transmission of the virus

directors were scrambling to make

especially as variants circulate and

among children and staff is rare in

tough decisions about remaining open,

vaccination rates remain far below herd

controlled settings where safety protocols

skipping 2020 completely or moving

immunity. With that in mind, we asked

are followed, including wearing masks,

their programming online.

pediatrician Darlene Melk, M.D. what

practicing physical distancing, and being

precautions parents should ask about when

diligent about enhanced cleaning and

evaluating a summer camp program.

disinfection of surfaces.

This year, we know a lot more about the coronavirus — and how to safely contain it — as the camp season

Parents should ask about a camp’s

approaches. With the example of

Hot summer temperatures in the greater

mask policy and whether children and

reopened schools, and guidance from

Phoenix area mean most day camp

staff are required to wear masks. Keeping

the CDC, camp directors are once again

activities must be conducted indoors. So

children in small groups with dedicated

ramping up in-person programming,

how does that work during a pandemic?

staff will help minimize COVID-19 risk.

12 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Staggered arrival and drop-off times can help limit contact between groups.

Darlene Melk, MD CMO for Chiricahua Community Health Center, Inc.

Ask for a detailed agenda of activities for each day and find out if any time will

After graduating from the University of

be spent outdoors. If activities are only

Arizona medical school in 2002 and

indoors, ask about the ventilation and

completing my residency training at

spacing situation for the campers. Also

Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2005,

consider the length of the camp, knowing

I really became interested in serving

that the more hours children are together,

children with barriers to care. My first job working for Mountain Park Community

the higher the chances of exposure.

Health Centers helped solidify my passion for the community health center model as a

It may be safest for campers to bring

way to reach all children, regardless of their financial or social background.

their own meals and eat in separate areas or with their smaller group.

I joined Chiricahua Community Health Center, Inc. in 2010 and fell in love with the

Children should bring their own water

work. Our team is focused on bringing quality preventive care to children and families

bottles rather than drinking from water

in our rural and underserved area through innovation and collaborations. Outside

fountains.

of work, I serve as the Chief Medical Officer for a nonprofit organization focused on

Camps should have plans for what ANTONIO SUAREZ VEGA

to do if a camper or staff member starts

children with special health care needs in Montero, Bolivia and am blessed to have four beautiful sons.

having symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness. They should provide clear information to staff, campers and their families on when and how long to stay home if they get sick or have close contact

What about sleepaway camp?

Parents should ask how many campers

Even under non-pandemic times, sending a child to overnight camp can be

will be staying together in each room.

a stressful rite of passage (for child and

If it is not possible to have individual

parents!). What recommendations do

Should specific types of activities

or private rooms, then limiting sleeping

you have for helping prepare a child for

still be avoided?

arrangements to two campers per room

that first sleepaway camp experience?

with someone who has COVID-19.

Children should continue to avoid

would be ideal. At minimum, lining up

Prepare your children for this

sharing items including electronic

mats or beds so that campers and staff

important event by talking to them

devices, toys, books, and other games

sleep head-to-toe at least six feet apart can

about what to expect. Consider

or learning aids. Children should use

help limit risk.

opportunities for children to attend a

their own pencils, pens, scissors, glue,

Parents should also ask about

camp with a friend. Send your child

etc. When items must be shared, they

screening protocols and whether campers

to camp with a letter to open upon

should be limited by group and cleaned

will be tested prior to checking in for

arrival. If your child has never been to

and disinfected after each use.

camp. Staff and campers should be

overnight camp, consider sending them

screened for symptoms prior to and

to a shorter camp (just two to three

during camp.

nights) the first time.

If possible, contact sports should be avoided.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

13

USING COMMON SENSE

Teens are turning to online sources for

mental health support

By Ilana Lowery

AFTER A YEAR OF LOCKDOWNS, remote

from 2018, so, too, has the importance

schooling and the disruption of social

of social media.

norms, teens and young adults are

Kimberly McWilliams, integrated

“It has been very challenging for these kids,” says McWilliams, who is a licensed professional counselor. “They

reporting growing levels of depression,

site care director for Terros Health in

stress and anxiety. They also admit to

Phoenix — a health care organization

Common Sense Media partnered

turning to social media and telehealth

offering mental health services — also

with Hopelab to better understand how

to find help.

has been seeing an “incredible” increase

young people have been using social

in depression and anxiety among the

media and digital health tools to take

“Coping with COVID-19: How Young

children and young adults Terros serves.

care of their mental health during the

People Use Digital Media to Manage

And sadly, she says there has been an

pandemic. Nearly four in 10 teens and

Their Mental Health,” found that while

increase in substance abuse among older

young adults (38 percent) surveyed in

depression rates increased significantly

kids.

the fall of 2020 reported symptoms of

A Common Sense Media study,

14 February 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

need socialization.”

moderate to severe depression, up from 25 percent just two years ago.

Depression was much higher among young people who reported a coronavirus infection in their family (51 percent) than among those not directly affected by the coronavirus (36 percent); and those with depression were twice as likely to say social media was “very” important for getting

Media tips for families N

early 38 percent of teens and young adults reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression in 2020. And while negative content on media has been known to contribute to mental health concerns for teens, the young people surveyed reported social media and online resources helped them find help for stress and depression. Here are a few tips for talking with kids about using social media responsibly:

support or advice than two years ago (26 percent vs. 11 percent in 2018).

The good news is that despite the negative content they see online — especially LGBTQ, Black, Latinx and female youth who are frequently exposed to homophobic, racist and body-shaming content — digital media has been a lifeline for many of them to access critical health

ISTOCK

information, stay connected to their peers, find inspiration, and receive comfort in a difficult time. In fact, 43 percent of those surveyed said that using social media made them feel better when they were depressed, stressed or anxious, compared to 27 percent who said so two years ago.

“There are some wonderful apps out there,” McWilliams concedes, but she adds kids spend a lot of time on YouTube and follow various people on social media, some of whom may not be helpful or

Talk to your children about the places they feel supported online. Kids who feel safe, supported, accepted and understood are better able to make it through difficult times. Ask what they like about platforms and sites. What is it about the community that gives them a sense of belonging? Ask who they follow on social media and what they like about them. Show interest in their online lives and try not to judge.

Ask if they ever see things online that make them feel unsafe. Do they ever see racist comments, hate speech or bullying? How do they respond? Walk them through steps they can take: They can ignore the person, take screenshots for evidence, block the person on the platform and report it to an adult. Tell them they can always come to you when something upsets them.

Think twice before taking away the phone. Before you shut off your child’s phone or tablet as a consequence for their behavior, think about whether they’re using the device to cope with mental health problems. The online world — despite its faults — can help kids stay connected to friends, find a supportive community and get trustworthy health information. If you still need to take away their device, make sure they have access to alternative resources.

Pay close attention to social media if your child is already struggling offline.

Watch for warning signs of mental health problems. These might include drug/ alcohol abuse, loss of energy, frequent sadness or avoiding contact with others.

appropriate. Helpful apps include Calm and Headspace, as well as coloring apps for mindfulness, two-minute meditation apps and food-diary apps, so kids can track what they are eating and how it affects them, McWilliams says.

“We’ve actually learned from them,” she says of Terros’ clients. “Kids are taking control and asking for certain apps to be included in their treatment plans.”

Create a family media agreement. This can help you set expectations for what they do online and how much access you have to their social media accounts and can help guide their decisions when you aren’t around. Parental controls can help you manage what they do when you’re not there. Common Sense Media offers a free family media agreement form at commonsensemedia.org/family-media-agreement Get help. If a young person is threatening to harm himself or herself or needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text its Crisis Text Line at 741741. Phoenix-based Teen Lifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide hotline that lets kids and teens talk to young peers who are trained to help.

Teen Lifeline’s Call and Text Crisis Line is 602-248-8336 (TEEN).

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

15

Key findings F

or its report, “Coping with COVID-19: How Young People Use Digital Media to Manage Their Mental Health,” Common Sense Media used data from a nationally representative survey of more than 1,500 14- to 22-year-olds across the United States, conducted between September and November 2020. Nearly four in 10 teens and young adults reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression. Here are some key takeaways. Read the full report at commonsensemedia.org/research Social media is important to teens. The vast majority of youth say social media has been “very” or “somewhat” important during the pandemic in staying connected to friends and family (86 percent), staying informed about current events (77 percent) and learning how to protect themselves from the virus (70 percent). More than 8 in 10 youth (85 percent) looked for health information online, with “depression,” “stress” and “anxiety” among their top searches.

Digital health tools are popular. Nearly 7 in 10 (69 percent) of the 14- to 22-year-olds surveyed reported used mobile apps related to health, including apps for sleep, meditation and stress reduction. Nearly half used digital tools to connect with health providers — doctors, nurses or therapists — through video appointments, texting, online messaging systems or other apps, and the vast majority found these services helpful.

Social media is a fact-finding tool. Social media played an especially important role for those directly affected by COVID19. Young people who say that they or a family member had been infected by the virus were more likely than their peers to consider social media “very” important in keeping up with current events (47 percent vs. 32 percent) and learning how to protect themselves from the virus (43 percent vs. 29 percent).

Nearly all LGBTQ+ teens and young adults seek online health resources. The majority of LGBTQ+ youth (74 percent) encountered homophobic content online and on social media, and 65 percent reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression — twice the percentage of non-LGBTQ+ youth. Almost all (98 percent) of LGBTQ+ youth used digital tools to find health resources, and more than half used telehealth services.

16 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Black youth are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

One in five Black youth had a coronavirus infection themselves or in the family (twice as high as white youth). The majority of Black youth (69 percent) encountered racist content online or on social media, and 37 percent reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression. Ninety percent of Black youth have used digital tools for health purposes, while four in 10 used telehealth services.

Hispanic and Latinx youth have more family responsibilities during COVID-19. Nineteen percent of Hispanic/Latinx youth had a coronavirus infection themselves or in the family, and almost a quarter had taken on more family responsibilities since the start of the pandemic. Sixty-seven percent encountered racist content online, and 37 percent report symptoms of moderate to severe depression Most of the Hispanic/Latinx youth (93 percent) used digital tools for health purposes, and almost half used telehealth services.

Girls seek more mental health help online. Girls are more likely to search for mental health information online (71 percent vs. 49 percent) and report using mobile apps for meditation, mood tracking and stress reduction. More teen girls (ages 14-17) said they “often” encountered sexist content on social media in 2020 (24 percent vs. 14 percent in 2018), but the percent who say social media makes them feel “less lonely” has also increased, from 25 percent in 2018 to 50 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth at risk for substance abuse use are finding help online. One in ten young people in the United States are at risk for problematic drug or alcohol use. The vast majority of those at risk are accessing digital health tools, and they are doing so at higher rates than others their age: Forty-six percent have searched for information on drug and alcohol abuse, compared to just 15 percent of those not considered at-risk.

The report illustrates the nuanced role

the best of both worlds … I believe the

anxious person, and her worry level was

social media and technology play in the

quarantine period altered his desire

high. [Therapy] was very helpful. … The

well-being of teens and young adults. So

to attend classes in person where his

crazy thing is she contracted COVID in

before you take away your child’s phones

socializing appetite was satisfied before.

school in January, and really was amazing

and devices, remember they are using

“Technology has been a blessing and

through her 10-day quarantine period,”

them to connect with family and friends,

a curse,” Lorello adds. “I am saddened by

Rogers says. “With two infant babies in

seek health information online and access

his response because I know, in hindsight,

the house, she stayed in her room, which

mental health tools.

the importance of the high school

we set up like an ‘apartment’ with a big

experience.”

TV and a cooler with her favorite drinks.

“WE ALL HAVE A SHARED responsibility

Scottsdale resident David Weissman

We would Facetime for our bedtime

to create the societal conditions to help

says his 18-year-old daughter is in the

routine and stay on until she fell asleep.

young people thrive,” says Dr. Sandra R.

throes of deciding where to go to college,

She was pretty solid mentally until about

Hernández, president and CEO of the

and the pandemic has been tough on

day seven, when the cabin fever hit.”

California Health Care Foundation, a

her, but he says she has adapted, like

partner on the research report. “Teens

many of her friends. “I don’t think she

up for Messenger Kids, and it improved

and young adults faced substantial mental

has been depressed, but rather resentful

her mood during the long summer

health challenges before the pandemic

of the burden placed on her to keep us

months. She also let her daughter use an

took hold of their lives. Their schooling

safe when she never feared for herself,” he

old cellphone so she could Facetime with

and social connections have been

says. “From mask-wearing to self-imposed

grandparents and other family members.

radically disrupted, and they are relying

seven-day quarantines, she did what she

“We kept the contact list limited,”

even more heavily on digital media. We

had to [do to] live by the rules.”

Rogers says. “She is a very social person,

are just beginning to understand the consequences of these trends.”

One concern about the increased

Weissman says her group of friends was restricted, “but she hated that we made her sit in her own car to see one friend a

Rogers said she signed her daughter

so she’s always happier when she’s talking and interacting.”

Margaret Laws, president and CEO of

importance of social media to teens is that

parking spot away and that no one could

Hopelab, says understanding how young

because of online schooling, parents may

come in the house, even during all those

people respond to challenges — such as

not recognize what their children are doing

110-degree days. … She desperately missed

isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety

online, particularly if they think their son

going to school,” he adds.

and other mental health concerns — will

or daughter is doing homework. And with

Jen Rogers saw a “huge” change in her

help these issues be addressed more

kids getting online at an earlier age, it’s

9-year-old daughter’s behavior because of

effectively. “These findings suggest the

important that parents and caregivers be

social media. “The more time she spent on

need for even greater investment in the

more aware, McWilliams says.

screens, the more issues she had making

digital mental health space and equitable

the transition away from them,” says

access to these important tools,” she says.

Phoenix resident Christine Lorello says her 16-year-old son liked being

Rogers, a Scottsdale resident. “Honestly,

online for school and other activities,

we always try to cut back screen time, but

but she encouraged him to participate

with how crazy life is, that often is the first

in basketball to keep him active and

thing to get overlooked.”

involved. “He stayed connected with his

Rogers says that at the end of last

friends on apps like Snapchat, FaceTime

school year, their daughter began seeing

and video games,” she says. “He had

a therapist. “She is normally a very

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology by empowering parents, teachers and policymakers. She can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

17

Go fish!

RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

Story by Lisa Van Loo Photos by Ron Abelar

18 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

I

n Arizona, fishing doesn’t really know a season. Fish don’t hibernate,

our lakes (at least in the Valley) don’t freeze, and we’re lucky enough to live in a part of the country that allows for us to fish year-round, even if it means adjusting our hours a bit.

That’s just one thing I’ve learned over the past year or so, as we outfitted each of the kids with their own rods on the condition that they knot and bait their own hooks — particularly important for me when we use live bait.

Because, ew.

I’m not beyond admitting that I’m not a fan of touching red wigglers. But — and here’s another thing I learned this past year — the kids are cool with it, for the most part. A few of our little maniacs even look forward to hooking those squirmy guys. For that, I’m grateful.

As the weather turns to the time of year that is practically perfect in Location: Riparian Preserve in Gilbert. Dominic Nicita (12) with a catch.

Nolan Abelar (8) night fishing.

Arizona, it’s really an ideal time to get out, cast a line and see what happens.

And if experience is worth anything, we figured it might be nice to pass along a few tips we learned along the way.

DON’T FORGET A LICENSE. Anyone over

the age of 9 is required by Arizona Game and Fish (azgfd.com/license) to have a fishing license. We got a license for each of our kids at Sportsman’s Warehouse (sportmans.com) this year, and it was a bit of a moment for each of them. Think about it — a fishing license is their first official license for

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

19

Noah Reyes (12), Dominic Nicita and Lulu Nicita (11) fishing.

anything. It made them feel like they

got the last time we fished. I’d recommend

Different lakes offer different fish and

had made it. And while we were at the

a pack of wipes for every outing, even if you

different experiences.

store, we scoped the whiteboard up front

don’t use live bait. But they are especially

that gave a report on what was biting and

handy after handling those wigglers. And

DIFFERENT BAIT. DIFFERENT TIMES.

where. It felt like a mini field trip.

what if you catch something? You need a

Especially once the heat hits, try

way to tidy up. Trust us.

fishing at night or early in the morning.

THEY CAN DO IT! This might be the

Nighttime fishing, for us, is easier. And,

biggest thing to know as a parent.

SWITCH IT UP. We have long days and

don’t forget to mix up the bait. We keep

Kids can knot a hook to a line, all

seemingly unlimited options of where

bright marshmallows on us all the time,

by themselves. They can. And if you

to fish, in the Valley and beyond. Try

the bait you find at sporting goods and

don’t know how to show them, dial up

a neighborhood pond, if it’s stocked.

discount department stores, but we’ve

YouTube. That’s how ours learned —

Drop a line in the canal, but don’t bring

also used little cocktail weenies for

after we challenged them to find out for

anything home. (Salt River Project

catfish (and they totally work) and these

themselves. And they all know how to

stocks the 131-mile canal system with

fun, neon-looking wigglers we found

handle it on their own now. You’d be

weed-eating white amur fish to help

at Walmart one day. They give a green

surprised how often they have to knot a

keep the canals clean without using

hue in the water and seem to get the

hook in one outing.

chemicals or machinery. Arizona

attention of the fish faster.

fishing regulations require all white PACK WIPES. More than once, we were

amur must be immediately released

guilty of running out of the house with our

back into the water unharmed.) Hit up

tackle boxes, poles, backpacks and camp

a local municipal park or cruise out to

chairs while forgetting how gross our hands

a nearby lake for a longer excursion.

20 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer. Together, they are parenting five children.

Follow them on Instagram @ RaisingOutdoorKids

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Where to

fish T

he Grand Canyon state offers a huge

variety of angling opportunities — from

its local and state parks to its many lakes, including Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake and Apache Lake on the Salt River and Lake Pleasant north of metro Phoenix. Here are a few favorite fishing spots recommended by readers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gilbert’s Water Ranch. The fishing lake at

Water Ranch is operated by Gilbert in partnership with Arizona Game and Fish. Stocked species include rainbow trout and farm-raised channel catfish. It also contains largemouth bass and

Location: Sedona Rainbow Trout Farm in Sedona. Clockwise: Kole and Lilly Rowe fishing. Kurt Rowe prepping fish for the grill. Cole at the grill. Lilly enjoying her catch. Photos by Erika Rowe.

sunfish, which are catch-and-release only. Only

Freestone Park in Gilbert. Freestone Park is a

and $8.50-$13.50 per fish. They’ll even clean

single barbless hooks can be used, and fishing

large recreation area with lighted sports courts,

your fish (50 cents per fish), and they sell $1.50

is strictly prohibited in the basins and waterways

a miniature train, playgrounds and picnic areas.

grill kits (foil, paper plate, cutlery, butter/garlic/

of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, as fish

Its lakes are stocked at least six times per year

lemon/salt/pepper) as well as snacks and drinks.

in these natural habitats are not stocked and are

with catch-and-keep fish. 1045 E. Juniper Road,

3500 N. Highway 89A, Sedona. 928-282-5799

protected. 2757 E. Guadalupe Road. 480-503-

Gilbert. 480-503-6200 or gilbertaz.gov

or sedonarainbowtroutfarm.com

Rainbow Trout Farm. Looking for an easy

Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout in Payson. This

Veterans Oasis in Chandler is great. In

first-time fishing spot? Rainbow Trout Farm

trout farm (pictured on this issue's cover) offers a

partnership with Arizona Game and Fish, this

(established in 1952) is in Oak Creek Canyon,

fun day of fishing or a stay-on-site fishing vacation

secluded Chandler lake is stocked with rainbow

at the base of Wilson Mountain, about halfway

at its guest house starting in May. Pay only for

trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, hybrid sunfish

between Sedona and Slide Rock State Park.

fish caught ($1 per fish and $1 per inch; no catch

and largemouth bass every two weeks from

All trout are hatched from eggs and raised in

and release). A fishing license is not required,

mid-September through June. There are no

fresh artesian spring water without antibiotics or

and there is no fishing limit. Free fish cleaning,

catch-and-release requirements, but there are

hormones and are supplied to many restaurants.

pole rental, bait, net and bucket, packaging and

daily fishing limits listed on the lake’s south side.

Here, no fishing license is required, no outside

ice. Handicap accessible fishing available. Call for

4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. 480-

equipment is needed (or allowed), and grills

guest house rates and reservations. 2097 N. FSR

782-2752 or chandleraz.gov

and picnic tables are available. $1 per person

289, Payson. 928-478-0002 or ranchotonto.com

6200 or gilbertaz.gov

22 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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Project Cactus

Celebrate Young Learners!

By Marjorie Ruiz

Using watercolors and oil pastels, Cal adds color to his drawing of a giant saguaro cactus.

I

n our classroom, we read many, many stories. Recently, I read The Three Little Javelinas,

by Susan Lowell, which takes place in the desert. The children were especially interested in the story. I read it in both English and Spanish, and after I finished, they were excited to learn other words in Spanish.

A few days passed. One of the children kept gravitating to the book, saying, “Miss Marjorie, I really, really want you to read this story again!”

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

25

Before re-reading the story, I decided to first ask them questions about it. I wanted to know what they remembered. One child mentioned the desert.

From there, things evolved and our research began.

I asked them questions about the desert, where the javelinas live. What kind of environment do we live in, here in Arizona? Who else lives in the desert? They mentioned scorpions, snakes — the conversation kept going. The children wanted to know more about types of cacti. Do they bloom?

We talked about a saguaro cactus near the school.

They wanted to investigate, so I said, “Let’s just go and search!”

We took our clipboards, paper, and Sharpies.

They noticed many, many kinds of cacti right in the neighborhood. The saguaro was the show Anniston was mesmerized by the shape, forms, details, and colors of the prickly pear. Adding purple on the top was important to her.

stopper. We gave them some time to settle down, find the cactus they wanted to draw, and figure out how to approach it. To search, ask questions.

We were in no rush to finish.

The children used words like “pointy” and “sharp” when they talked about the cactus spines.

They noticed that, unlike some of the pictures of blooming cactus we saw in our classroom research, none of these cactus had flowers. When asked why, they thought perhaps there were no flowers because it needs to rain, or because we were then still in winter and maybe they would bloom in the spring.

I watched and listened to the children very carefully. There are many different ways for children to draw. I noticed each child observe what they wanted to draw and choose a particular perspective from which to draw.

For example, Luke was looking at his cactus from the top down. And then he squatted and began drawing from that perspective. Details like those pop out for me.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

27

What can

we Learn?

•

When we give time to children, when we allow time to flow, we are empowering them.

•

As adults, we need to slow down, pay attention and notice the complexity that can live inside simplicity.

•

Children have the right to be listened to, to be understood, and to tell us, their adults, what they are interested in.

•

No matter how busy we are, we can’t forget how important it is to create experiences with children that engage them in open-ended questions. Taking a weekly nature walk allows you to create these experiences and connections with them.

•

Art is not about an end project but rather the process of composing art, which connects neurons in the brain, helps children engage in critical thinking, and uses their senses, language, connections, and creativity.

•

The art of listening and observing is imperative in the process of learning and connecting with children. Being attuned to what children are saying allows you to enhance their learning experiences.

28 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Shae drew many different types of cacti on one page. I spent time with her as she drew a prickly pear cactus with great detail.

Anniston took a very long time. I recorded what she was doing, and spent time with her as she drew her prickly pear cactus. She was both meticulous and talkative while drawing.

Sometimes children do that: draw and talk at the same time, narrating what they are seeing and observing. Anniston noted that the needles were different from those of other cactus types.

She mentioned that it would take time to finish her work.

Hudson and Cal researched the giant saguaro cactus. I observed them sitting down in front Hudson (top) and Cal worked together to research and study their saguaro.

At first they sat close but soon realized they needed to move back to see the whole cactus. That was very clever and something an artist will do.

of the cactus together, so they could get a close look. They were quiet, and drawing intensely.

But then they noticed the holes in the cactus.

One said the holes were empty. The other said, “No, that part is just rotten!” They got closer and talked about parts that were gray, and parts that were black.

But from their perspective, they couldn’t see the entire cactus — it was huge — so they moved farther away to get a different view. Though they were sitting right next to each other the whole time, they did very different pictures. One used the entire page; one concentrated drawing in a small area.

For Jonathan, who also was drawing the saguaro, the needles were the most important part. Over the following weeks, his interest continued and he drew many versions of the cactus.

We were outside a long time. When the children came in, they immediately wanted to add color to their drawings.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

29

The quality of materials children use is very important. It’s also important to give them many choices: markers, Sharpies, crayons, watercolors, oil pastels. I intentionally gave them greens and yellows — the colors that belong to a cactus — but didn’t limit them in any way, encouraging them to add color in any way they’d like.

We were working for a long time. Then Anniston said, “Miss Marjorie, I am not done with mine because I need purple.” I asked why, and she said, “A prickly pear has purple on the top.” So I brought her some choices for purple.

She used the oil pastels to add different shades of purple to the top.

It came time to move on to another activity, but some of the children hadn’t yet finished Luke first stood over his cactus to gain a top-down perspective. Then he squatted down to draw. What we see is the shape of the cactus and the needles around it.

creating their art. We did not rush them but explained that they needed to be finished for that moment. We reassured them there would be more time to work on their art the next day.

This class really connected with story about The Three Little Javelinas. If I’d only read the story, and stopped there, we wouldn’t have had this beautiful outcome. It is important for me, as a teacher, to understand what children are asking, figure out what they want to know, and try to go deeper — to let the children lead. And Shea focused on many types of cactus, paying attention to the sizes, shapes, and forms of each. She also drew an aloe vera close to the cactus clusters.

the magic will appear.

Marjorie Ruiz is an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) assistant and collaborator at the Deer Valley Unified School District in Phoenix and an active participant in Collaborative Educators Institute at Paradise Valley Community College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the University of Puerto Rico, a certificate of completion in early childhood education from PVCC, a child development associate (CDA) credential, and is currently finishing her associate’s degree in ECE at PVCC. Her ECE journey grew from her interest in understanding her own children’s learning processes.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

31

April brings

50th Week of the Young Child Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This year, the event’s 50th, will be held April 10-16.

Week of the Young Child focuses on the importance of early care and education for young children and their families. NAEYC and AzAEYC, a state affiliate in Arizona, work to ensure that every child experiences the type of early environment that will promote early learning — at home, in child care programs, at school, and in the community.

Experiences such as this one offered to children by DVUSD teacher Marjorie Ruiz show that children are complex thinkers and capable learners. Children have the right to interact and build relationships with one another, explore quality materials, and be heard by their adults.

Elizabeth used a black Sharpie to draw and fill her cactus. When we asked why her cactus drawings were all at the bottom of the page, she said they were on the ground and the rest was the sky.

We invite you to join us in the celebration this month — and all year round! Follow #WOYC21 for ideas.

— Dr. Eric Bucher, AzAEYC executive director Jonathan (drawing at left, with his finished artwork above) drew many lines representing cactus spines. In talking with him we found out why the spines were unusually long: For Jonathan, that was the most important part of the cactus and what interested him most.

Artwork at far left by Ayan.

32 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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34 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

be an o t s y a 4 w ironmental v n e

By Sophie Strosberg

had last gotten together pre-pandemic to watch our

Climate change will likely increase drought in Arizona, and bring new extremes of excessive heat. It can trigger

daughters climb around on the playground. But Dr. Gornish

soil degradation, which can lead to flash flooding, which

is a professor of ecology at the University of Arizona, as well

would leave homes and natural areas destroyed. Expect

as a parent. And I wanted information about the threat of

drinking water shortages and more dust storms, she wrote.

climate change in Arizona. I sent her an email.

“Climate change will make life harder and more dangerous

Her response was stark. She wrote about loss: “Our kids might not remember what a saguaro looks like, might not have memories of playing in summer monsoons, might not

worldwide, but folks who live in arid habitats will be most affected.”

Confronting climate change means we have

be able to eat cactus fruit. Climate change will change the

to do more than change a few light bulbs. As

culture of the state.”

parents, our children’s future is at stake, and

Can we parents, busy with issues of our own, affect this outcome?

it’s clear that current regulations aren’t cutting it, either. But what, exactly, can we do?

ISTOCK

I

hadn’t seen Elise Gornish in over a year. We

Commit to a

BUY-NOTHING MONTH this summer!

ACTION STYLE NO. 1:

an interview. If you don’t know what else to do, he says,

Consuming consciously

“consume less, live simply.”

If you want more guidance about how to have the biggest

Consciously consuming includes actions you personally

impact though consumer action, an article in “Environmental

decide to carry out based on your consumption patterns. This

Research Letters,” an environmental science journal, suggests

could be anything from flying less or eating less meat to buying

that avoiding air travel, going car-free and eliminating meat

used clothes and toys for your kids.

from your diet are top priorities. There are problems with the

The list is endless, which makes this approach feel

consumer approach, however. The major one is that it just isn’t

accessible. Want to go green but like your luxuries? Buy the

enough. Air travel, for instance, produced just 3 percent of total

newest all-electric vehicle. Want to go green but short on

carbon emissions in the United States in 2018.

funds? Commit to a buy-nothing month this summer.

On top of this, consumer action can actually pull support

In her email, Gornish pointed out a wide variety of

away from environmental policy. According to a report in the

actions consumers can take, from installing solar panels to

journal “Nature Climate Change,” “nudging” people toward

purchasing locally grown food to divesting from fossil fuels to

smaller, individual actions seems to diminish their support

using low-impact transportation.

for bigger policy changes, such as creating a carbon tax for

Sky Jacobs, a Tucson-area dad and long-time environmental activist working with the nonprofit

polluters.

On top of that, placing the weight of climate change onto

Watershed Management Group in Tucson, also emphasized

your consumer choices can become, well, all-consuming. The

the importance of using as few resources as possible. “It’s

guilt of not doing enough — continuing to drive, for instance

complicated, figuring out what’s best,” he said during

— might be better funneled into other kinds of action.

36 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ACTION STYLE NO. 2:

Pushing for policy

a candidate who understands climate change.

But wait. There’s more. Ready?

My eyes used to glaze over when I heard terms like “policy” and “regulation.” But environmental policy

ACTION STYLE NO. 3:

simply refers to standards and laws that local and federal

Leveraging collective power

governments put in place to protect the environment. (Some non-governmental organizations and companies have their

Collective environmental action is about making a group

own environmental policies, too.) Policy is important to

decision to follow through on a project together, often outside

making sure that efforts to halt climate change get the job

of policy structures. Bringing many individuals together

done. It can have a much bigger effect than individual action.

usually means you can accomplish more. Additionally,

For instance, imagine you and three climate-conscious

sometimes policy rules that are in place are not enforced.

neighbors decide to go solar and make your homes energy

Collective action provides an alternative approach, and one can

efficient. You know it’s good for the environment. Your

reveal the public will.

electric bill will eventually go down. So, you make the

Faffs Riederer, an elementary school teacher and Tucson

investment. It’s a step, but four homes are not enough. We

parent of two, advocates for human-scale transportation. He

need to see entire neighborhoods becoming energy efficient.

creates YouTube videos about the issue and organizes with

A policy like this might not benefit building companies

others, too. Human-scale transportation can benefit both

directly, but it allows for the kind of sweeping overhaul

the environment and human wellbeing. Riederer said in an

necessary to slow down climate change.

interview that changing the way we think about transportation

Experts interviewed by the Washington Post offered a

is a collective process that takes place at the level of building.

list of 11 policy ideas that could slow down climate change.

“How fast are you moving? What is the visual experience like?

Among them were ideas for using policy to eliminate food

What is the relationship to nature?” he said. “What we build

waste, encourage electric vehicle use, make it easier to live

makes those choices for us, to a large degree.”

without cars, and implement better environmental standards for air-conditioners.

If you can vote, you can select representatives who support

Turning to local politics for this kind of change can be challenging to navigate. But, Riederer said, collective action can help remake our transportation systems: “Support active

the same kinds of policies you do. Gornish noted that it’s

transportation advocacy groups. They can keep track of when

important to choose a representative who understands the

it is useful to apply pressure” to local government.

immediacy of climate change and who is guided by science.

Cyndi Tuell is a Tucson lawyer, ecologist and parent

There’s another angle, too. “Try out some tactical urbanism,” he suggested — for instance, working with

of two. She works with the nonprofit Western Watersheds

neighbors to narrow streets using traffic cones. “We want to

Project. In an interview, she also noted the importance of

live in places where our kids can walk to school, to a friend’s

engaging with policy. In addition to voting, she says, we

house, to the store,” he noted.

can get involved in local politics and school boards in other

Alegria Gray is a Tucson behavioral technician and a

ways: “Run for office; attend, watch, or listen to meetings;

member of the Sunrise Movement, a nation climate change

ask elected officials to support legislation or rules; gather

action group with a local branch. Gray says that showing up

signatures; submit letters to the editor.” She told me that this

to community events in person is important, even if you can

weekend, she and her son were going to collect signatures for

only stay for a little while because you have children in tow.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

37

Vote for public servants

WHO ARE GUIDED

BY SCIENCE!

This is because being around other people can inspire you to

grew up learning about the species of the Sonoran Desert,”

actually take action, she says, even when the ask is as simple

she said. “Parents can encourage young people to have their

as participating in a letter-writing campaign.

own relationship to nature. Let them figure out what they love about nature, and then foster that seed.

Tuell and Gray both mentioned how important it is to

ACTION STYLE NO. 4:

connect with neighbors, as well as children. For Gray, action

Changing the conversation

starts with talk. “We tend to get in our heads,” she said, but

Think of changing the conversation around climate change as a long game we can all start playing today.

It involves shifting the way we talk to our children and

when we talk to others, we can learn new coping mechanisms.

We might even be able to join our neighbors at a local meeting or event they are already attending.

In the end, what our global environment seems to need

acquaintances about climate change and other global

isn’t a one-and-done action, but rather a new approach — or

environmental issues. We can multiply our impact on the

set of approaches — we can stick with. It’s about solving this

environment if we can bring others on board.

climate crisis, but it’s also about revising the way we approach

Jacobs frequently takes his daughter, 5, on hikes and camping trips. “We get so caught up in everything human

and understand the other-than-human world in the first place. So … what’s your action style?

that we forget we are only one little piece in the solar system,” he said. These outings help spark interest in his daughter. “If you lay the foundation, they form their own opinions,” he said.

And Gray pointed to her own parents’ behavior as an example. “We talked about the environment all the time. I

38 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Sophie Strosberg is a Tucson writer and a mom to 4-year-old Poppy. She has a master’s degree in geography from the University of Kentucky.

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT THE What’s Earth Day? Earth Day is a 51-year-old annual event — celebrated

ENVIRONMENT

on April 22 — demonstrating support for protecting the environment. It came about in the aftermath of 1960s air pollution and environmental disasters, including a 1968 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara,

rainfall during storms such as hurricanes is expected to

California. More than three million gallons of oil spewed

increase. Droughts and heat waves will likely become

into the Pacific Ocean, killing more than 10,000

more intense, sea levels will rise as polar ice caps melt,

seabirds, dolphins, seals and sea lions. After seeing

and several plant and animal species may not be able to

the 800-square-mile oil slick in Santa Barbara Channel

adapt quickly enough to survive.

from an airplane, Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin was inspired to create an environmental teach-in that

Where can kids learn more?

got the attention of Harvard graduate student Denis

• Nasa’s Climate Kids website (climatekids.nasa.gov) is a great starting point for answering basic questions about global climate change and its effects.

Hayes. Nelson hired Hayes to organize the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, and in 1990, the event became international. Calls are only growing for environmental action in the face of climate change. More than 190 countries participate in Earth Day events — detailed at earthday.org — to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.

Why is climate change a big deal?

Global air temperatures have gone up about 2 degrees

• National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com or kids. nationalgeographic.com/nature/save-the-earth) offers clear explanations of climate change and steps kids can take to help the Earth.

• BrainPOP (brainpop.com), started by Dr. Avraham Kadar in 1999 as a creative way to explain difficult concepts to his young patients, is a great educational resource featuring entertaining videos that explain everything from American history to climate change.

Fahrenheit in the past 100 years, and the past five years have been the warmest in centuries. Human activities — such as cutting down too many trees and burning fossil fuels to power factories, cars and buses — are causing the atmosphere to trap more heat than it used to, leading to a warmer Earth. As global warming increases, the intensity and amount of

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

39

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2021 SUMMER CAMPS Summer camp is back, albeit with numerous COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Because so many camps were still finalizing plans as of our press date, be sure to look for updates at raisingarizonakids.com/summer-camps Arizona Museum of Natural History

53 N. Macdonald, Mesa • 480-644-2230 • arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org Prehistoric Preschool. Ages 4-5. Program includes one in-person, drop-off session and take-home activities that your family can complete at your convenience. 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 pm. June 7, 8 or 9. $25; $15 members.

Cretaceous Camp. Ages 6-7. First day is an in-person visit to a paleontology lab. Then take home a kit to continue the rest of the camp journey online with a prehistoric virtual reality safari exploring giant marine reptiles, dinosaurs and other cretaceous critters. 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 pm. June 14, 15 or 16. $40; $30 members (includes cirtual reality viewer).

ASU Prep Digital

Virtual • asuprepdigital.org/summer Summer School 2021. Grades K-12 can take Reading Refresh, Math Momentum or choose from all courses and programs during two summer sessions: June 1-25 (enroll by May 7) and July 12-Aug. 6 (enroll by June 18). Tuition is free to full-time ASU Prep students and Arizona private school students registered as part-time ASU Prep Digital students. $200 per course, per session for Arizona public school students registering part-time (unless part of ASU Prep Digital courses administered through their current public school).

AZ Ice

Locations in Peoria, Gilbert and Arcadia • 623-256-2860 • azice.com Skate, Rattle and Roll. Ages 6 and up. Activities vary by location and may include: group ice-skating lessons, off-ice exercise classes (including dance, fitness, and team building activities), broomball, movies, arts and crafts, water day, games on and off the ice, weekly visits from different community groups (examples: fire truck, Halo helicopter, SWAT, police dogs). Full-day sessions by day or week. $55/day or $239/week.

The Be Kind People Project Virtual • bkpp.org/summer

Be Kind Summer Camp. Ages 5-13. Experience dance, visual arts, spoken word/song writing, digital arts, live virtual interaction. Five-week half-day sessions beginning May 24 and June 28; one-week half-day session July 12-16. $66-$120.

Breakthrough Basketball

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson • breakthroughbasketball.com/camps/arizona.html Breakthrough Basketball provides skill development basketball camps for boys and girls in grades 3-12. What makes these camps popular is limited numbers to ensure a high number of repetitions, character development, and elite lead instructors. June 4-6 (Scottsdale, grades 3-8), June 22-24 (Tucson, grades 7-12), July 27-29 (Phoenix, grades 7-12). $180-$295.

40 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

MP

A C Summer ofFun! Arizona Museum of Natural History

Have a roaring good time with our unique summer camp combinations of in-person and virtual programs SUMMER CAMPS FROM PRESCHOOL TO 14 YEARS

For more information visit our website at AzMNH.org. “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

41

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: SUMMER CAMPS

Chapel Rock Camp and Conference Center Prescott • 928-445-3499 • chapelrock.net

Ages 6-18. A Christian camp during which campers will experience a challenge course, outdoor games, arts and crafts, music, campfire, water games, friendship-building activities, and prayer activities. May 30-July 4. $280-$450. Also offers family camp for families with kids of all ages.

Camp Hubbard

St. Bernadette Parish in Scottsdale • Paradise Valley Christian in Phoenix • Griffith Elementary in Phoenix 602-786-6789 • camphubbardaz.com Basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, archery, swimming and more. Weekly themes encourage creative and fun opportunities for dressing up. Half- and full-day options; dates vary by location May 24-Aug. 6. $250-$315/week (includes camp T-shirt and daily snacks); discounts for siblings. Extended care available.

Do Re Me School of the Arts

Mountain View Church in Scottsdale • 480-616-0888 • doremischool.com/summer-camp Summer Company 2021. Ages 4-12. From Fine Arts Camp to Musical Theatre Camp, students will receive professional instruction in theater, music and dance. Three-week summer camp immerses students in a hands-on musical theater experience: auditioning, learning the material, staging the show, and incorporating props, lights and costumes. Each camp culminates with a full production of theater, song and dance. Half- and full-day sessions July 5-24. Extended care available. $300-$750.

East Valley Children’s Theatre

4501 E. Main St., Mesa • 480-756-3828 • evct.org Ages 5-17. Musical Theater Camp builds teamwork and skills in singing, dancing and acting. Theatre Workshops focuses on performance skills and techniques, and collaboration. Imagination Theatre Camp is an introduction to performing on stage, listening, focusing, acting and movement skills. Four Day Actor Intensive emphasizes techniques and skills in acting. Half- and full-day options June 1-July 16. $200-$330/ session; extended care available.

Engineering for Kids

Anthem, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Virtual • 480-757-1281 • engineeringforkids.com/phoenix-metro Ages 5 and up. An extensive STEM curriculum in person or online. Site-based programs are held at kid-friendly venues where kids can enjoy physical activities and play during the day; sites include Octane Raceway, Sky Zone, Uptown Jungle, Urban Air, and more. Varied schedules and themes throughout the summer. $150 and up/session.

Friendly Pines Camp

Prescott • 928-445-2128 • friendlypines.com Ages 6-14. Friendly Pines Camp offers a non-competitive program of more than 30 activities including sports, horseback riding, swimming, waterskiing, rock climbing, performing arts, fine arts, hiking, archery, fencing, canoeing, kayaking, animal care, sewing, and much more.

1-week, 2-week, 4-week, and 6-week sessions May 29-July 24. Discounts for siblings and multiple sessions. Also offers Family Camp sessions Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 6-8.

GateWay Community College 108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix • 602-286-8130 • discover@gatewaycc.edu Camp Gecko. Ages 5-12. Nine weeks of excitement through crafts, on-site field trips, and activities around week-specific themes: Amazing Animals (June 1-4), All About Arizona (June 7-11), Mystery Week (June 14-18), The Power of STEAM (June 21-25), When I Grow Up (June 28-July 2), Go Green (July 5-9), Community Service (July 12-16), Kids Baking Challenge (July 19-23) and Summer Olympics (July 26-30). All camps will be held in MA1100 N/S on the Washington campus. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. $175/week plus $10 T-shirt and $10 non-refundable registration fee; includes breakfast, lunch, supper, two snacks and all field trips.

42 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

SUMMER

ARTS CAMP

ON-SITE ONLINE AND

SUMMER CAMPS phoenixcenterforthearts.org/summer-camp Partial funding provided by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.

AND in partnership with

KIDS TEENS

FOR

Explore Game Design, Engineering, Robotics, and Programming!

Enroll Now at iCodeAZ.org • 623.526.9282

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

43

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: SUMMER CAMPS

The H.E.A.R.T. Center 21152 N. 22nd St., Phoenix • 818-613-6394 • theheart-center.com/programs Ages 7-18. Half-day Horse Camps, Siblings Camp for siblings of children with special needs, Yoga + Horse Camp, and Adaptive Adventure Camp with an overnight trip. Half- and full-day sessions four or five days a week June 1-July 30. $225-$575.

Hi-Five Sports Club

Ice Den and Victorium in Scottsdale • 602-421-6236 • hifivesportsclubs.com Ages 5-12. Hi-Five Camp has been operating top notch sports day camps for over 30 years, and for 10 years here in the Valley. Your child will compete in a cross section of sports every week, with game repetitions in soccer, flag football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, floor hockey, volleyball, and team handball. Full-day sessions Monday-Friday June 7-July 30. $315.w

iCode

13185 W. Thomas Road, Building 2, Goodyear and Virtual • 623-526-9282 • icodeschool.com/goodyear114 Ages 7-18. Each camp offers different STEAM driven activities. Some examples include: Battle of the Robots, Game Development and Design, Raspberry Pi activities, Programming, Coding, etc. Full-day programs on-site and online June 1-Aug. 13. $249-$399.

Ignite Learning Academy

Virtual • 480-660-6474 • ignitelearningacademy.com/summer Ages 2-18. Ignite Learning Academy’s weekly virtual camps cost just $75 per household, so all of your children can enjoy the fun. Themes include: Around the World, Arts & Crafts, Drawing, Painting, Cooking, DIY/Pinterest, Hawaiian Hullabaloo, JavaScript Coding, Leading Ladies, LEGO, Mad Science, Outdoor Explorers, Scratch Coding, Wizards & Magic, and Storytime & Craft. This fully accredited private school also offers academic programming to minimize learning loss, fill gaps, or allow your child to get ahead. Half-day programs June 7-July 29.

Phoenix Conservatory of Music

1316 E Cheery Lynn Road, Phoenix • 602-353-9900 • pcmrocks.org/learn-to-play/summer-camp Ages 5-18 learn to play and read music, experiencing different styles; music games, songwriting and beatmaking, make-and-take instrument activities. Half- and full-day programs three, four and five days a week. Extended care available. $15-$30/day.

Phoenix Country Day

3901 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley • 602-955-8200 • pcds.org/summer Grades K-8. Phoenix Country Day offers a wide variety of summer classes to engage students in academic enrichment, art explorations, technology applications, theater, and athletics. Some of the new courses this summer include: Podcast Production, Racquet Sports, Music Makers, and Introduction to Film Studies. Half- or full-day sessions June 14-25, June 28-July 9, July 12-23. Extended care available.

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Scottsdale • 602-501-2930 • phoenixherp.com/education/camps/summercamp.html Reptile Encounters. Ages 6-15. Each day includes age-appropriate, STEAM-oriented academic components hidden within animal interactions, activities, games, and helping care for the animals. Children handle only proven education animals under the supervision of counselors who have received advanced training. Observation of animals that cannot be handled allows learning to continue. Full-day programs May 31-Aug. 13. $275-$300/week.

44 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Diplomas start with deposits.

Open a tax-deferred AZ529 Education Savings Plan today.

A college degree doesn’t have to come with debt. Here’s an easy way to save today for success tomorrow.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

45

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: SUMMER CAMPS

Rising Youth Theater with Phoenix Center for the Arts Virtual • 602-254-3100 • phoenixcenterforthearts.org/summer-camp

Summer Art Camp. Ages 7-14 bring their “fandoms” to life using their own creative voices, with the support of professional artists during two-week Zoom sessions exploring visual art, theater, dance, creative writing, music, and more. Sessions will focus on stories and worlds that we love in pop culture while also connecting to bigger, more significant themes that validate a young person’s feelings, experiences, and identities. Culminates in a performance sharing and celebration. Two-week, half-day sessions Monday-Friday June 7-Aug. 6 $250-$300.

Phoenix Youth Circus Arts

Emerson Elementary School 915 E Palm Lane, Phoenix • 480-444-8617 • phxyouthcircus.org/summercamp2021 Ages 7-16. Campers work with experienced teacher/artists in small groups of seven or less to learn circus skills including stilt-walking, unicycling, tight-wire, rolling globe, and rola-bola; juggling with rings, balls, clubs, flower sticks, diabolos, poi and hula-hooping; aerial silks, lyra, and trapeze; tumbling and mini-trampoline; and clowning. They will try all skills during the first part of the week and then choose which skill they want to perform in a final show featuring their own acts. Full-day sessions June 7-18. $225/week; discount for siblings and multiple weeks.

Valley Youth Theatre 602-253-8188 • vyt.com

Musical Theatre Camp. Ages 7-15. The magic of musical theater comes to life as campers experience what it takes to create a full musical production, from audition to performance, alongside professional teaching artists who provide foundational training in acting, singing, and dance. Fun and interactive classes build self-confidence and teach campers to work collaboratively to bring their musical performance to life.

Dates and venues pending as of press time.

Xtreme Gymnastics

14000 N. Hayden Road, Suite 103, Scottsdale • 480-596-3543 • xtremegymnastics.com Fit-N-Fun Day Camp. Ages 3-12. Tumbling, trampoline, in-ground pit, obstacle courses, art, team sports play, distanced group cooperation activities, relay races. Different themes every week. Masks required of staff and children; all instructors are vaccinated or COVID tested regularly.

Limited enrollment and smaller-than-usual activity groups. Half- and full-day options one to five days a week; extended care available. $54-$302.

Despite the

forecast live like it’s Lilly Pulitzer

46 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Reptile Summer Camp 2021 You're Invited!!

Ages 6-14 11 weeks of various camps STEAM based Animal Interactions Phoenixherp.com/Education **COVID Precautions Taken** Katelyn@Phoenixherp.com Located in North Scottsdale

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

47

family time!

THROUGH MAY 31 DOTS Festival. Legoland Discovery Center hosts a celebration of its new Lego DOTS bricks. Create a keepsake, pose in front of the DOTS Festival Cart for an Instagram-worthy photo or win a DOTS set. $24.99 for ages 2 and up. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 135, Tempe. 855-450-0558 or legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona

MARCH 29-APRIL 2 DOTS Festival (Through May 31) at Lego Discovery Center Arizona.

Gilbert Global Village Week. This multicultural celebration for all ages brings neighbors together. Pick up $10 multicultural take-home craft packages, learn to belly dance, join a paint party, enjoy games (including cricket) and live

APRIL TOP EVENTS

Spring is officially here, and along with it is the return of many in-person family events. Enjoy outdoor concerts, tournaments, art shows and much more. If you’re not ready to venture out, there are still several virtual performances to choose from. At press time, more than 2 million Arizonans had received at least one COVID-19 vaccination, and everyone 16 and older is now eligible to get the shots. Please note: The CDC still recommends mask-wearing in public and warns cases nationwide are rising as mask mandates and other protections are not being followed. Let’s mask up and get our shots, so we can enjoy more family fun!

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites. Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar. Send calendar information to familytime@RAKmagazine.com

48 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

performances. Virtual language challenges offered on Facebook @gilbertparksrec. 480-503-6000 or gilbertaz.gov/events

APRIL 2 Gilbert Global Village Live Performance.

Gilbert Regional Park’s new amphitheater and great lawn hosts performances from Instituto de Folklor Mexicano, Astarte Belly Dance and Native Spirit.

Children’s crafts available during the event. Free to all ages; registration required. 6-8 p.m. Gilbert Regional Park Amphitheater, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. 480-503-6000 or gilbertaz.gov/events

Youth Recreational Golf Tournament. Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders can play scramble-style golf. Prizes and snacks included. Participants receive T-shirts, and winners get medals. Register

by March 22 as a single, pair or foursome. $40 resident, $48 non-resident. 3:30 p.m. Dobson Ranch Golf Course, 2155 S. Dobson Road, Mesa.

480-644-3040 or mesaparks.com

APRIL 2-3 Starlight Community Theater’s “Dinner with Spies.” This online production is about a young college graduate who has lived a secret life as a spy. After learning one of his friends from college is an enemy spy, Ethan arranges a dinner party to discover who it is. Not only does he have a mission, he must also explain his five-year absence to his college friends. Twists and unexpected events keep the audience guessing. Ages 16 and older. $10; $25 for three or more. 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday.

Chandler Jazz Festival (April 8-10) in downtown Chandler.

facebook.com/StarlightCommunityTheater/events

APRIL 3

APRIL 8-MAY 17 Lego Trolls World Tour. Embrace your inner pop diva or rockstar during a glittery, rainbow-infused party

Highland Games. Spectators are welcome to watch the

exploring six different genres of music. Activities include a Trolls scavenger hunt, dance party and rockstar ride.

hammer throw, sheaf toss and all games and performances

Build and test a Rock ‘n’ Troll tour bus, a giant Poppy, Troll hair and faces. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday

as part of Gilbert Global Village Week, or register in advance

and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $24.99 and up. Legoland Discovery Center, 5000 S. Arizona

to participate. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Gilbert Regional

Mills Circle, Tempe. 855-450-0558 or legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. 480-503-6000 or gilbertaz.gov/events

APRIL 8-10 Young Artist Recital. MusicaNova Orchestra’s

Chandler Jazz Festival. This free, family-friendly festival features bands across a range of genres including

young artists recital gives young classical musicians

blues, smooth jazz and fusion rhythm. Visit downtown Chandler’s galleries, restaurants and shops and bring a

the opportunity to perform for live audiences.

blanket or lawn chair to enjoy life music. 5-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3-8 p.m. Saturday. Downtown Chandler, 3 S.

This virtual concert will post on Facebook and

Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-2735 or chandleraz.gov

YouTube and features high school virtuosos Vincent Claes on cello and Kyler Duncan and Kathy

APRIL 9-10

Chen on piano. Free. 2-5 p.m. musicanovaaz.org

Starlight Community Theater’s “Many Maids Made Me Murder.” In this online youth production of “the butler did it,” a group of maids band together to dispense “maid justice” against butlers gone rogue. Did the butlers do it again, or are they in need of their own deep cleaning from within? Hilarity and lots of wacky wordplay

APRIL 3, 9, 11

ensue in this murder-mystery written for virtual performance. Ages 8-14. $10, $25 for three or more. 7 p.m.

They Chose Me! Valley Youth Theatre presents a

Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday. facebook.com/StarlightCommunityTheater/events

streaming musical performance about adoption, as seen through the eyes of kids ages 7-18. The show

APRIL 9-11

encompasses a variety of issues typically experienced

Spotlight Youth Theatre’s “Desperate Housewives of Shakespeare.” This production will be performed

by adopted children: foster homes, parental loss, gay

both live and online. Shakespeare has been found murdered, and most of his female lead characters have a

adoption and multicultural families. $22.50. Noon

motive as he has been manipulating and twisting their lives. Lady Macbeth, Juliet, Kate, Rosalind, Cleopatra, and

Saturday, April 3; 7 p.m. Friday, April 9; 12:30 p.m.

Titania all had the motive and the means, but who did it? 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $17.50

Sunday, April 11. vyt.com/tickets/shows/they-chose-

in-person, $15 single or $28 family streaming. Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-

me-virtual-performance

8318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

49

family time! APRIL TOP EVENTS

The Lake Pleasant Dam Good Run (April 11) at Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

APRIL 9-25 Designspace: A new drive-thru sensory experience. See one of Arizona State University’s parking garages in a whole new light when Designspace takes over the Packard Drive Structure for three weeks this spring! The sensory-rich drive-through exhibit features art installations from industry professionals, renowned structural artists and ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts students. The mile-long exhibit takes riders on a journey from our world to outer space. 7-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. $32.50 per vehicle online. Packard Drive Parking Structure, 555 S. Packard Drive, Tempe. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com

APRIL 10

El Zócalo Festival (April 10-June 30).

Art in the Garden. This event will feature a colorful display of garden-themed artist tents, showcasing the latest in florals, botanicals, ceramics, wood and wearable art, as well as live music and a garden art

APRIL 11

raffle. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-262-4727 or

The Lake Pleasant Dam Good Run. Join the fun on this

shemerartcenter.org

very scenic run or walk at Lake Pleasant, which includes running or walking across the top of the Waddell Dam.

Superhero 5K. Find your inner superhero and run/walk for Put on the Cape: A Foundation for Hope! This

There are many courses and challenge levels to choose

year’s theme is THOR! This event supports the thousands of child abuse victims who seek comfort at the

from. Pre-registration required, fees vary. 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Southwest Family Advocacy Center. For all ages. $35-$30. 10 a.m. to noon. Victory Lane Sports Park, 22603

Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs

N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. facebook.com/putonthecape

Road, Morristown. maricopacountyparks.net/event or aravaiparunning.com/races/dam-good-run

APRIL 10-11 Tents By The Tracks. Bring your tent and sleeping bags, camp out by the tracks and experience a night of fun

APRIL 14

and adventure at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Activities include a full dinner, a movie, breakfast and

National Geographic Live! Women and Migration.

train and carousel rides. Hartley’s General Store will be open for ice cream and other treats. $150 for 4 people;

Photographers who use their medium to challenge

$250 for 6. $35 for each additional person. Reserve your space online. 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday-Sunday.

stereotypes and amplify storytellers worldwide have come

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com

together to document the impact of migration on women around the globe in a major National Geographic magazine

Tucson Folk Fest. Attend online or in-person one of the oldest folk festivals in the country celebrating American

feature and several online stories. $20. 7 p.m. This livestream

bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, zydeco and various styles of Latin and Mexican music. More than 75

will not be rebroadcast and will only be available during its

performances on three stages — a drive-in stage at Park Place Mall, an online stage at the University of Arizona’s

scheduled date and time. mesaartscenter.com

Centennial Hall and in-person performances at MSA Annex at the Mercado San Agustin. The fest also features a young artist showcase, the Ron Pandy family show and a songwriting competition that will be broadcast. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Free registration required for in-person performances. tkma.org

APRIL 15 Bach In The Community: Bach Cello Suites Part I. Join

APRIL 10-JUNE 30

Mesa Arts Center for an online community performance

El Zócalo Festival. This online event is a celebration of all arts, with a special recognition of those rooted in Latin

with Grammy Award-winning Cellist Zuill Bailey as part of

American culture. Featuring activities for families, performances and more. Childsplay also commissioned artist

the Performing Live series. Free with registration. 7:30 p.m.

Edgar Fernandez to create a mural exclusively for El Zócalo. Free to all families. 480-921-5700 or childsplayaz.org

mesaartscenter.com/bachinthecommunity

50 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Y o u W a n t Exceptional

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Care for Children.]

We Are Your Healthcare Team.

Working as a team, Midwestern faculty dentists and students use the latest technology to provide a wide range of contemporary orthodontic treatments for children and adults, at affordable prices.

We also offer complete pediatric primary and specialty dental care for children ages one and older.

Call 623-537-6000 for an appointment.

5855 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com/azdentalpediatrics

HIKE for HOPE SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH COPPER HILLS CHURCH PEORIA, AZ

Hike in Memory of Your Loved One

Billy's Place offers free resources and support for children and adults who have had a loss. Help us continue to support grieving families by hiking or sponsoring.

This one-hour Sunrise Mountain Hike is a family-friendly and socially-distanced event that will begin and conclude at Copper Hills Church and features....

THERAPY ANIMALS

MUSIC

RAFFLES FOOD ACTIVITIES FITNESS FUN

To register or learn how to build your team, visit billysplace.me OR A special thank you to our title sponsors:

scan here!

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

51

family time! APRIL TOP EVENTS APRIL 16 Junior Achievement’s Virtual 18 Under 18 Awards.

The Junior Achievement of Arizona 18 Under 18 winners all have something in common: they are already shaping our community and improving our shared future. Grab your favorite drink and snack, log on and hear what they are doing to make a difference. Recipients will be awarded prizes such as cash and gift cards. Free, but registration is required. 4 p.m. jaaz.org

APRIL 16-17 Ballet Etudes presents “Swan Lake.” A timeless love story that mixes magic and romance, “Swan Lake” features Prince Siegfried and a swan princess named Odette who is under the spell of a sorcerer. Featuring a large swan corps de ballet moving in magical unison, this romantic fable is set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score. 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday. $22. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. 480-279-7194 or higleycenter.org or balletetudes.net

APRIL 17

Ballet Etudes (April 16-17) at Higley Center for the Performing Arts.

Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration. Chandler hosts a

APRIL 22

free, family-friendly event including grab-and-go bags with

Virtual Earth Day. Show support for environmental protection with The Phoenix Zoo (presented by SRP) and

hands-on crafts and activities that promote an eco-friendly

celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day virtually! Meet zoo animals, learn about their habitats and take part

lifestyle. 9 a.m. to noon. Free. Environmental Education

in fun, at-home activities focused on conservation. Create a wildlife feeder, try a virtual scavenger hunt, learn

Center 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. chandleraz.

and laugh with a “let’s go green” trivia game. Free. All ages. 6 p.m. phoenixzoo.org

gov/explore/special-events/earth-arbor-day MeBe Learning Webinar: Developing Visual Schedules and Supports: Parents and caregivers are invited to this free webinar to learn strategies to assist your child across a variety of activities. Visual supports

APRIL 17, 18 & 25

can be a useful method for increasing independence, providing clear expectations and decreasing maladaptive

Drive-in puppet show: The Monkey & The Pirate. Drive

behavior. Presented by MeBe Central San Diego Clinical Director Gabrielle Brigandi and MeBe South San

up and tune in to this rollicking good time! A monkey, a

Diego Clinical Director Crystal Slowik 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. If you can’t attend the live webinar,

pirate and a valuable banana treasure all add up to hilarious

the recorded session will be posted. mebefamily.com/family-resources

fun for the whole family at this rambunctious original show!

Breakfast can be ordered and delivered to your vehicle from Fair Trade Cafe. 10 a.m. Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. $40 per

APRIL 24

carload, $30 for members; paid reservations required in

4th Trimester Arizona Conference. This third annual event aimed at helping new and expecting parents

advance. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St.,

features workshops that tackle topics from intimacy to parenting trends and self-care. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $25;

Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

free to WIC and AHCCCS participants. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. 4thtrimesteraz.org

52 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

JOIN THE JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT Join us at March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™ to make a visible difference in your community now and for generations to come. You’ll be part of a larger movement— with unstoppable momentum to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.

MAY 8, 2021

MOVEMENT

Join us at March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™ to make a visible difference in your community now and for generations to Joinof usaatlarger March movement— for Babies: A Mother of a come. You’ll be part to to make a visible difference in with unstoppableMovement™ momentum make your community for generations to America a more equitable placenow andand ensure come. You’ll be part of a larger movement— that every mom and baby is healthy. with unstoppable momentum to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.

MAY 8, 2021

VIRTUAL

REGISTER TODAY

MAY 8, 2021

VIRTUAL

REGISTER TODAY

SIGN UP at SIGN UP at marchforbabies.org/ marchforbabies.org/ event/arizona event/arizona

VIRTUAL

Signature Sponsors: PlatinumPlatinum Sponsors: Signature Sponsors: Sponsors:

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Signature sponsors

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SIGN UP at marchforbabies.org/ event/arizona © 2021 March of Dimes

Signature Sponsors: Signature sponsors

Platinum Sponsors: Platinum sponsors

© 2021 March of Dimes

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

53

family time! APRIL TOP EVENTS

Virtual Dia del Nino (April 30) at Phoenix Zoo.

APRIL 25 5th Annual Dance Fusion Festival. This family

friendly performance

showcases 50 adult, teen and youth performers in dance, music and musical theater.

See local talent and internationally acclaimed performers and choreographers performing ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, broadway, ballroom, Indian classical dance, belly dance and more. Online: $25; $5 for ages 10 and younger with the purchase of an adult ticket. At the door: $30; $10 for ages 10 and younger. 4-6 p.m. Cactus Shadows Fine Art Center, 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-625-3900 or dancefusionaz.com

Art of the Story Family Day at i.d.e.a. Museum. Special activities and entertainment compliment the Art of the Story spring exhibition, which features art and hands-on activities that inspire visitors to embrace the storyteller within. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities are included with museum admission. $9; free for museum members and babies younger than 1. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa.

480-644-2468 or ideamuseum.org/family-day

APRIL 28 Splash & Dash + Swim Only Race. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun and racing with your friends at a relaxed atmosphere that is suitable for all levels of athletes. $40 and up. 6 p.m. North Linear Park: Tempe Town Lake, 100 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. 4peaksracing.com

APRIL 30 Virtual Dia del Nino. Join The Phoenix Zoo for a wild and wonderful virtual celebration of children, animals and Hispanic culture! Featuring a musical performance and folklorico dance, kid-friendly recipes, at-home craft demos and more! 6 p.m. Free. All ages. phoenixzoo.org

54 April 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Easter events around Arizona family time!

to 2 p.m. The Teapot, 818 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix. 480-252-1089 or enchanteddreamproductions.com/ dream-parties Chocolate Bunny 5K/Kids Run (April 17). This run/walk benefits the Desert Mission Food Bank. All ages and abilities are welcome. A virtual option

CHANDLER

peddle carts, giant slides, farm-to-

PEORIA

is available for adults. 8-9:30 a.m. The

Family Easter Celebration (April 3).

table food and more. Some activities

Dolly Sanchez Cotton Tail Lane Grab

1-mile run for kids begins at 9 a.m.

Stroll through one of two half-mile

are weekends only. $10-$14; free for

and Go Event (April 3). Hop through

$25 (5K); $15 kids run. Arizona Falls,

Easter trails to see the decorations,

ages 1 and younger. 12907 E. State

the city of Peoria’s free annual Easter

5802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

capture a family moment and let the

Route 169, Dewey. 928-830-1116 or

event to get candy, crafts and trinkets,

runyourraceaz.com

little bunnies’ pick up goodies along

mortimerfarmsaz.com/Easter

and take a picture with the Easter Bunny.

the way. Ages 12 and younger get a

8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Must sign up for a

PRESCOTT

goodie bag. Reservations are required

GOODYEAR

time slot. Parking is free. Peoria Sports

Easter EGGstravaganza (April 4).

and space is limited. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hop & Hops Egg-luminated Drive-

Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen

Thru (April 1-4). Goodyear hosts a

peoriaaz.gov

hosts its annual EGGstravaganza with

Road, Chandler. 480-782-2735 or

drive-thru Easter experience featuring

chandleraz.gov/explore/special-

colorful springtime displays and Easter

Hippity Hop Half Marathon (April

fun photo spots and prizes for the

events/family-easter-celebration

scenes. Easter totes filled with eggs/candy

3). Join this 6th annual half marathon,

“eggsperts” who complete the “egg”

and glowing bunny ears are available while

10K and 5K event. Kids will love the

hunt. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $6-$12; free

CLARKDALE

supplies last. The Easter Bunny will take

Cottontail Dash, an untimed, half-mile

for ages 2 and younger. Heritage Park

Easter Bunny Express (April 3). Join

photos with each car at the conclusion of

fun run with an egg hunt along the

Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage

the “hoppiest” celebration on the Verde

the drive. Free; registration recommended.

route. Proceeds benefit PLAY, Peoria

Park Road, Prescott. 928-778-4242 or

Canyon Railroad that includes photos

6-10 p.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 190 N.

Inc. 7 a.m. to noon. $25-$75. Online

heritageparkzoo.org

with and treats from the Easter Bunny.

Litchfield Road, Goodyear. 623-932-3910

registration required. Rio Vista Park,

Plus a winner-takes-all jelly bean

or goodyearaz.gov

8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria.

TEMPE

480-912-7878 or raceroster.com

Easter Egg Hunt (April 3). The Kiwanis

counting contest. 1 p.m. $99. 300 N.

special Easter treats for the animals,

Broadway, Clarkdale. 800-582-7245 or

Easter Egg Hunt (April 2). This annual

Club of Tempe, Tempe High School Key

verdecanyonrr.com

event at Golfland-Sunsplash is free with

PHOENIX

Club and ASU’s Circle K International host

a qualifying online purchase. Advanced

Spring Fairy Party & Egg Hunt

this annual Easter Egg Hunt with more

DEWEY

registration required. Participants will be

(April 3). Enchanted Dream Parties

than 8,000 prize-filled Easter eggs. The

Mortimer Farms Easter Festival

split into ages 5-11 or 4 and younger. Limit

hosts a free egg hunt in The Teapot’s

Easter Bunny will be available for pictures

(through April 4). Enjoy a baby farm-

12 eggs per basket to ensure everyone

garden. Yummy treats, boutique

prior to the hunt. Also enjoy face painting,

animal encounter, amusement rides,

gets eggs. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $4; free

shopping, handmade crafts and fun.

games and arts and crafts. Bring your own

games, a chocolate egg hunt, Easter

with $5 arcade card or junior mini-golf

Free general admission. Food and

basket or sack. 8 a.m. Free. Kiwanis Park

Bunny visits and a pick-your-own

purchase. 55 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa.

beverages available for sale, including

soccer field, 6111 S. All America Way,

produce experience. Plus tetherball,

480-834-8319 or golfland.com/mesa

tea. Dress-up optional. Free. 9 a.m.

Tempe. kcot.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com April 2021

55

WE’RE WITH

YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

For 30 years, we’ve been right there with local families during both the good and challenging times.

RaisingARIZONAKids FREE weekly eNewsletter: raisingarizonakids.com/newsletter

Calendar of family events: raisingarizonakids.com/calendar