RAK Magazine Spring 2023 Issue

RaisingARIZONAKids

your partner on the parenting path

SUMMER CAMPS

2023 DIRECTORY

Tips for a Fun Summer CAMP EXPERIENCE

What Parents Need to Know about WATER SAFETY

KINDERGARTEN SECTION: Dealing with Behavior

Outbursts, Strategies for Anxious Children, Kindergarten Q&A, and Literary Resources for Early Readers

How to DECLUTTER and ORGANIZE

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The Numbers

• All 11 of our qualifying high schools are nationally ranked, and 10 of those are in the top 1% per U.S. News & World Report

• Our students outscore other countries in Math, Reading, and Science.

The Awards and Accolades

• In 2022 we had 1 U.S. Presidential Scholar, 2 Flinn Scholars, and 3 Coca-Cola Scholarship winners, some of the highest academic achievements in the nation.

The BASIS Charter School Curriculum

• Our STEM-infused, liberal arts curriculum lays the foundation for future academic achievement.

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Register today for a campus tour and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more school events, news, and information.

» Learn more at enrollBASIS.com/rak

Grades K–12

•

FEATURES

14 Kindergarten

• Help your Anxious Child Prepare for Kindergarten Success

• All Things Kindergarten Q&A

• What to Do If Your Child Has Behavior Outbursts When Starting Kindergarten

• Literary Resources for Early Reading Adventures

24 Organizing Tips from Life Simply Organized

How to Declutter and Create More Peace of Mind at Home.

26 Fostering to Adopt

The Carefoot Family’s Journey to Grow Their Family

28 Summer Camps!

• Saving for Summer Camps

• Sleep-away Camp is About So Much More Than Archery

• Special Advertising Section: Summer Camps

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Spring Forward

THERE’S SOMETHING MAGICAL about spring in Arizona! Blooming deserts, warm temperatures, outdoor adventures, spring training, and…summer camp preparations! If you’re already thinking how to enrich your child all summer long, then you’ll love this spring issue of Raising Arizona Kids as we share all sorts of summer camps for a variety of interests, ages, and abilities.

This spring is especially exciting for our family as we welcome our 4th baby boy to our already chaotic household. You can bet we’re looking forward to some quality summer camps to help entertain our older boys all summer long!

In this issue of RAK, we also have some helpful tips on budgeting for summer camp and how to prepare your child to attend overnight camp. If you’re already thinking about the next school year, then you’ll appreciate our helpful content all about kindergarten. Whether you’re sending your oldest off to school for the first time, or you’ve been through it all before, you’ll find some useful tips for handling outbursts, resolving anxiety, and answers to all the important kindergarten questions you might have.

Since an alarming number of child drownings occur in our land-locked desert state each year, we also consulted the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona to discuss water-safety reminders every parent needs to know. Plus, read about one family’s experience and advice about fostering to adopt, gain some practical insight on how to handle being the default parent, and learn some effective co-parenting tips from a mediation expert.

Whether you’re spending this season organizing and cleaning your house, preparing for the end of school, or enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer this spring, we hope Raising Arizona Kids can join you on your journey. As for me, I’ll be spending the next few months soaking in the newborn stage and adjusting to being a mom of four.

Kate Reed, Publisher

Do you have a topic you would love us to write about? Email publisher@ rakmagazine.com

PUBLISHER

Kate Reed

EDITOR

Monique Seleen

CONTRIBUTORS

Karen Aurit, Michael Aurit, Rachel Galvez, Michael Klinkner, Rodrigo Mendoza, Rosalind Prather, Maricopa County Library District, Southwest Human Development

ART DIRECTOR

Michèlle-Renée Adams

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Jodi Amick

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Tina Gerami-Bynum

R aising a R izona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copyright © 2023 by R aising a R izona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content guidelines are available at raisingarizonakids.com

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

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932 South Hunters Run, Show Low, AZ 85901 480–991–KIDS (5437) raisingarizonakids.com

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE MAGIC OF Mu sic

By Maricopa County Library District

LIBRARIANS FROM ACROSS Maricopa County Library District have put together recommendations of their favorite reads about music. Looking for more? Check out all your library has to offer at mcldaz.org.

0-3 YEARS OLD

Because by Mo Willems & Amber Ren

If you love Mo Willems for his Elephant and Piggie & Pigeon books, Because is a must-read masterpiece! When a little girl’s uncle is too sick to attend an orchestra performance, she gets to attend in his place and is inspired by the beautiful music.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Centered around the idea that chain reactions of small events can lead to big opportunities, kids will be inspired to think about the multitude of events that took place to bring them the things they love.

-Caroline from the Southeast Regional Library

Barnyard Boogie by Tim McCanna & Allison Black

The barnyard animal band is getting ready to jam, but the cow doesn’t have an instrument! What can cow do? Follow the animals and their instruments while they warm up for the big show.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The sounds and rhymes in this book are so catchy, everyone will be bebopping along with it—it’s so fun to read! Busy pictures bursting with color will have kids pouring over each page to see what’s happening.

-Jamie from the Asante Library

4-6 YEARS OLD

Felix and the Monsters by

Josh & Monica Holtsclaw

Felix guards the wall and keeps the little monsters out… or, at least that’s what he is supposed to be doing. Instead, he mostly spends his time playing the keytar and dreams of being in a band. Felix just might get that chance when he meets a little monster who also likes to make music too.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Felix is such a fun character and you really want him to be able to find a band to jam with. The illustrations are delightful, fun, and colorful! By the end, you just might want to start your own band!

– Dianna from the Gila Bend Library

The More We Get Together

by Celeste Cortright & Betania Zacarias

Set to the tune and pattern of a popular children’s song, verses are added that engage the characters in outdoor activities, environmental projects, service to neighbors, the sharing of a meal, and a sleepout.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The diverse group of children are brightly illustrated. The book includes a CD and QR link to hear it sung. The end of the book also explains in kid-friendly terms how kids can make a difference in their community through teamwork.

– Janelle from the Litchfield Park Library

1st- 3rd GRADE

Trombone Shorty by Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews & Bryan Collier

This picture book biography is about a New Orleans musician called “Trombone Shorty” who loves his city and the music all around him. He was determined to play music, and this is the story of how he began playing the music he grew up with.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: With sound and movement on every page, this is an inspiring story that shows kids what it looks like to follow their dreams. It’s a great celebration of New Orleans Jazz and how family and culture play such a big part in the life of a budding musician.

– Jamie from the Asante Library

4th- 6th GRADE

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

Twelve-year old Iris is the only deaf student at her school who often feels mistreated and misheard. Blue 55 is a whale who is unable to communicate with other whales. Iris embarks on a mission to find a way to “sing” to him and find a connection between two outcasts.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This is such a wellwritten book that shines the light of children who feel mistreated for being different. The story is uplifting and fun to read.

– Alyssa from the Queen Creek Library

TEENS

Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon

Sunny Dae is a total nerd who will do anything to impress Cirrus Soh, the cool and confident apple of his eye. So, when Cirrus shows interest in music, Sunny lies and says he is the front man for a band. But will his lie ruin his chance at love?

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: David Yoon is one of my favorite authors and this novel was one of the fastest romcom teen books I’ve liked in a long time! The fun storyline has relatable characters and is nerdy/quirky.

– Alyssa from the Queen Creek Library

Aven Green, Music Machine by Dusti Bowling

Aven Green is an engaging third grader who thinks that the LEAST interesting thing about herself is a lack of arms. It’s never stopped her from doing anything other eight-year olds do, including playing an instrument. Readers will learn, along with Aven, about the choices and dedication involved with playing an instrument.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This chapter book has illustrations on almost half the pages, so it makes a great family read aloud or transitional chapter book for your aspiring reader. Plus, it’s part of a series, so you can continue to read more about Aven as she solves mysteries, bakes, and plays soccer.

– Janelle from the Litchfield Park Library

All Summer Long by Hope Larson

When Bina’s best friend Austin goes away to soccer camp for the summer, it’s up to Bina to make the summer a fun one for herself. Bina bonds with Austin’s older sister, Charlie, over their shared love of music. Things feel weird though when Austin returns from camp and Bina doesn’t know how to balance their alreadystrained friendship with the new one she builds with Charlie.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This coming-of-age story about friendship and music is a great read for fans of Raina Telgemeier!

– Caroline from the Southeast Regional Library

Battle of the Bands

by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith

Fifteen different YA authors (and one real life rock star) all create one interconnected story about the most epic battle of the bands ever! There are secret crushes, behind the scenes drama, and one epic night of music.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: I cannot recommend this book enough! It is so fun and full of energy it is hard to put down. I also love how different each story is because of the author writing it, they all feel like you are taking a peek behind the curtain for each musician and character’s story.

– Dianna from the Gila Bend Library

What Every Parent Needs to Know About WATE R SAF ETY

By Monique Seleen

Jodi Amick

HOW LONG SHOULD I keep my baby in an infant bath seat? Should I be taking them to swim lessons? What about Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) classes? What’s the difference? What age should I sign them up?

Have any of these questions ever crossed your mind? I’ve had these thoughts, too and easily gotten overwhelmed by it all. While having a new baby can bring about information overload, knowing the ins and outs of keeping your little one safe around water can bring a lot of peace of mind.

Tracy Herbst, a Board Member with Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona and ISR Instructor offered valuable insight on what you need to know to keep your baby safe around water.

Bath Time Safety Tips

• Never leave your baby unattended in the bath. While this might seem obvious, day to day interruptions such as the doorbell ringing, forgetting your phone in the other room, or needing to grab a towel, might have you tempted to leave the baby for just a split second. “Don’t think the infant bath seats are going to be a substitute for supervision,” said Herbst. “There’s no excuse to ever leave the child in the bathtub.”

• Have access to a phone. While it’s a good idea to have a cell phone with you

while your baby is in the tub in case of emergency, Herbst advises not to be on the phone while bathing your child.

• Check the water temperature. Herbst says that it’s best to keep the water under 100 degrees and to keep water levels at or near the baby’s waist to keep them warm during the bath.

• Use an infant bath seat. Continue using an infant bath seat even if your baby is starting to sit up on their own. “I wouldn’t trust a baby that’s just learning to sit up,” said Herbst. “For most, it’s probably safer to wait until they are closer to a year old when they’re more stable sitting up. Just because they can sit on their own for a

period of time doesn’t mean they can sit for long times safely.”

Baby Swim Classes and Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)

Apart from knowing how to keep your little one safe around water, there are also classes available to teach your child water survival skills. Infant Swimming Resource, or ISR, is known to do just that.

“ISR teaches children to survive and safety around water,” said Herbst. “It teaches them that this body of water is potentially dangerous and how to save themselves if needed.”

ISR can begin at 6 months of age or when the child can sit up on their own and can be done up until 6 years old. Lessons are one-onone with the instructor and customized to each

• Photo by

child’s individual abilities and skill levels.

For those under the age of 1 or who aren’t walking yet, ISR will teach them how to flip onto their back and float while in the water until they are able to be rescued. Kids who are older will learn a swim-float technique to safely get to the edge of the pool or body of water.

“Majority of drowning accidents of children 5 and under happen when they’re fully clothed,” said Herbst. “So ISR does a full clothes lesson and makes sure that child can still do it fully clothed.”

Herbst said baby swimming lessons on the other hand, are more of a bonding experience to get both the parent and baby more comfortable in the water.

These lessons can start as early as 3 months old and are typically taught in group settings where parents join their child in the water.

“[Swim lessons] are particularly good for new parents to get more comfortable letting their child in the water,” said Herbst. “It’s more of a fun play time for parents and their children.”

As an ISR instructor for nearly 18 years, Herbst said she recommends that every baby does ISR.

“Parents can go to mommy and me classes to get comfortable in the water, especially for the parent to get used to seeing their child in the water,” she said. “Then, as a foundation for survival, I think every child should do ISR. It’s proven it works.”

Diapering Necessities in the Pool

Maricopa County Health Code requires that a child wears a tight fitting rubber or plastic pants or a swim diaper.

ISR and most swim schools, however, require a minimum of two layers of protection to protect the body of water. A swim diaper that is tight on their legs and tight on the waist and a reusable swim diaper or diaper cover over it.

“The more layers the better,” said Herbst. “The built-in swim diaper in swimsuits alone is not usually enough.”

You’ll want to check with the particular swim school or instructor to make sure you are following their requirements.

Other Important Tips

“One of the biggest things we emphasize as a member of the Drowning Prevention Coalition

is the ABCs of water safety,” said Herbst.

A: Adult Supervision: Always have eyes on the child. “Have someone who’s designated to watch the water. Not on their phone, not drinking, eating, talking, etc. That person wears that ‘Water Watcher Badge’ and then they switch every 15 minutes with another adult,” said Herbst.

B: Barriers: Make sure you have fences, door locks, window locks, all types of things that prevent a child from having access to a body of water.

C: Classes: “Learning to swim is key and that goes for adults as well,” said Herbst. “Children by the age of 1 should be taking swim lessons. You also want to make sure that your caregivers are comfortable in the water and have CPR training as well.”

For more information on water safety, to find an ISR instructor, or for swim school resources visit infantswim.com orpreventdrownings.org

Presented by SSA Communications

A Real Life Fairy Tale: Princess Diana Children’s Book Now Available

E

mberli Pridham , best-selling children’s author, has released A Real Life Fairy Tale: Princess Diana, the first in a series of illustrated biographies that chronicles the inspiring lives of renowned women who went from relative anonymity to global icons whose contributions changed the world. Emberli’s inspiration for the book series was her own daughter. “As I was reading a fun fiction book to my daughter one night, it occurred to me that she would enjoy hearing about a real-life princess,” says Pridham. A Real Life Fairy Tale: Princess Diana takes young readers through her growing up years as a spunky girl in Norfolk, England, to her courtship by Queen Elizabeth’s son, Prince Charles, and her emergence as one of contemporary history’s most accomplished fighters for social change. “I wrote this book because there was nothing like it on the market…I wanted to introduce her elegance and philanthropy to today’s younger generation. Diana built bridges to a world people forgot and supported 100 charities. She exemplified grace and approachability,” she adds.

A Real Life Fairy Tale: Princess Diana is now available online at ARealLifeFairyTale.com

BEING THE DEFAULT PARENT How to manage your role without experiencing burnout

By Rosalind Prather

DEFAULT PARENT SYNDROME is a legitimate issue now being more widely discussed and accepted throughout the world of psychology. Psychology Today, Amber Thornton, Psy.D, wrote that “Default Parent Syndrome isn’t just a TikTok trend, but rather “a systemic and collective experience in which there is a bias toward women….”

Being the person who is expected to handle the lion’s share of the responsibilities surrounding children is an enormous pressure. A ‘default parent’ is typically the one who is ‘first in line’ when it comes to caring for children, child-related tasks, errands and home-related chores. If there are two parents present, the default parent carries the heavier load in parenting. They are the family calendar organizer, the first one that the school nurse calls, the one who schedules the parent-teacher conference, the dental cleanings, and ensures the children are signed up for swim, soccer lessons and summer camp.

Now this is not to throw fathers or other caretakers under the bus. As Thornton pointed out, this is a systemic experience with a bias toward women in fulfilling this default role. Interestingly, we are living in a time where many women acknowledge that their male partners are supportive, engaged, and active parental figures. And yet… in many homes the arduous task falls primarily onto one set of shoulders and the overwhelm persists. Even in 2023 we have to ask ourselves: Can parenting ever really be a 50/50 load-sharing job?

The consequences of being the default parent are many—including, but certainly not limited to: chronic fatigue and burnout, reported declines in mental health, growing resentment toward your partner and children and the loss of ability to properly care for oneself. Finding the balance on the tightrope of work and family life is a quest worth undertaking.

Here are a few ideas to manage the overwhelm of being the default parent:

• Change your mentality from “I have to, to: I get to.” School drop offs or pickups are a prime time for having meaningful conversations with our kids. While you could be resentful that you don’t have help from a spouse or grandparent with this task, reframe it to embrace the gift of conversation time with your kids.

• Make life as easy as possible by simplifying as much as you can, everywhere that you can. Anywhere you can do less, do it. Yes, truly everywhere. Do less elaborate birthday parties. Stop volunteering when you really don’t have the time or space in your calendar. Nobody will die if you use paper plates for dinner. Say no when you should even when you want to say yes. If you manage less, managing becomes easier even if you’re doing it all.

• Write it down to stay organized. Have a plan and routine that is refined and works. For example, set up crockpot meals to coincide with busy activity nights. Have your groceries delivered the same day of the week for consistency.

• Remember that as stressful as it is, it will not last forever. Someday, yes, truly someday you will be missing this phase. Sometime soon your six-year-old won’t need you to help with bath time and it will feel bittersweet.

• Put YOURSELF on your calendar. Mental loads are easier to carry when you are mentally well and healthy. As hard as it is to

like exercise, meditation, and other self-care.

• Try positive reinforcement. Men like to be needed. Use that to your advantage with positive reinforcement. Instead of: “Can you PLEASE help with the dishes for once? I do it every night and I am tired and overwhelmed and you don’t support or appreciate me.” Perhaps try: “I felt so supported the other day when you offered to take the kids to school on your day off. Thank you. It meant the world to me. I have a tough afternoon coming up next week. If you can take them Thursday that would be great.”

• Get help from your children. Kids can be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Modern parents take on too much mental load that should not be theirs. Let natural consequences fall as they may. Put more responsibility and accountability on your kids. “Mommy expects you to remember to wear tennis shoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays on your own. Sometimes I get busy and can’t remind you.” And then don’t. If they miss the fun game of dodge ball because they forgot proper shoes, they are more apt to remember next time.

Rosalind Prather is a third-generation small business owner and momtrepreneur. She is a Trusting Connections Nanny Agency Co-Founder and Logistigal, LLC Co-Founder. She the proud mother of two girls. She is married to Bryan, her cowboy and true soulmate and considers family life and motherhood her greatest joy.

Imagine the extraordinary classmates your child will meet.

Learning animal science and the spirit of volunteerism firsthand at the Arizona Humane Society. It’s just one way we create unique student experiences that feed a sense of inquiry, reflection, action, and discovery.

Phoenix Friends School offers a Quaker-based education welcoming all faiths and practices. We encourage a whole-student approach that values academic excellence and spiritual depth. Visit PhoenixFriendsSchool.org for more information.

Opening Fall 2023 | Grades 5 & 6 | Midtown Phoenix

LOVE HABITS

The Power of Positive Thinking for your Relationship

By Karen Aurit, LAMFT

IN HER LATEST ALBUM, Taylor Swift confesses, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” She may have a point.

We all know it can be easy to become frustrated with our partner. As humans, we tend to focus on the negative more than we realize, contributing to conflict within our relationship. There is relief in knowing that it’s not our fault—it’s evolutionary! The key to counteracting this frustration is to become more aware of our thoughts. This awareness will help us make choices that will improve our relationship.

Research from the National Science Foundation shows that approximately 80% of our thoughts are negative, and up to 95% of our thinking is habitual. We can still intentionally have a positive outlook towards our partner despite being hard-wired to ruminate in our negative headspace.

It’s true: negative thinking hurts relationships. Negative self-talk can lead us to assume our partner’s motivations are negative,

leading to conflict. Programmed towards the negative, we can become reactive. We might react to a towel left on the floor or the state of the toilet seat as proof that our partner is being disrespectful rather than, more realistically, accepting that it’s not about us.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Clinical Psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, says another person doesn’t ever cause our reactions—they are rooted in our personality due to life experiences and childhood conditioning.

Thankfully, studies show we can overcome negative thinking and heal our relationship. When we acknowledge our negative thinking and refocus on the positive, giving our partner the benefit of the doubt, we create higher levels of commitment, communication, and feelings of love.

Begin by recognizing your negative thoughts in the moment and declaring, “Hi, it’s not my fault, but oops, it’s me!” In this mindful moment, challenge your negative

thoughts and consciously focus on the positive. It’s not easy, but with practice, this technique can become a habit that supports your healthy and happy relationship.

Being more aware of your inner voice will allow you to consciously improve your relationship with your partner and transform your relationship with yourself.

Healthy Love Habits is Raising Arizona Kids’s monthly relationship column for learning simple habits to create the healthy and loving connection you desire and deserve.

Karen Aurit, LAMFT, is Director and Co-Founder of The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation. Karen is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in mindfulness. Karen is married to Michael Aurit, and they live in Phoenix with their with their two daughters. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com

COURAGEOUS CO-PARENTING

Text-tastic Future FOCUSING!

By Michael Aurit, JD, MDR

CAN YOU IMAGINE how it would feel to have a healthy and positive texting relationship with your co-parent?

Cue the Tabernacle Choir and release of a hundred white doves.

You can completely alter the text-tone between you and your co-parent and positively affect your co-parenting relationship by making one simple choice: Future Focusing!

Texting about the past is almost always negative. Past-focused texts often involve accusations or place blame that can trigger defensive reactions and escalate conflict.

Remember: what happened in the past probably isn’t helpful to the goal of your text convo.

“Future-Focusing” means moving the conversion forward, away from a past-focused mindset. The most effective professional mediators use this powerful strategy to help people shift their negative, past-focused thinking to more positive future-focused thinking. This shift is important for solving problems and reaching your goals.

Here is a new healthy texting process for you:

1. Pause. When you read or write a text that includes “you always” or “you never” or mentions the past in some negative way, pause and take a breath.

2. Smile. You just became aware of a future focusing opportunity!

3. Choose. You can choose to let it go and let your text focus on the future.

4. Be Real. Stay true to yourself by communicating authentically, without judgment.

5. Feel Good. You are acting for the benefit of your children—and caring for yourself by choosing to communicate in a healthy and strategic way.

This could be you:

• Co-Parent: Just be on time. You’re always late and never think about what I need.

• You: See you and the kids at 10 a.m. Way to go! Rather than reacting defensively, you just prevented conflict by

choosing to focus on the future. This new approach may initially be met with resistance or confusion if you haven’t shared this article with your co-parent. Over time, if you consistently apply this principle, chances are that your co-parent will adapt their text-tone too.

I can almost see those doves—look at them go!

Courageous Co-Parenting is Raising Arizona Kids’s monthly column for separating or divorced parents to learn conflict resolution skills, strategies, and attitudes for healthy co-parenting. These concepts apply to all parents. Please feel free to share the column with your co-parent.

Michael Aurit, JD, MDR, is a Professional Mediator and Co-Founder of The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation. Michael is married to Karen Aurit, and they live in Phoenix with their with their four and five-year-old daughters. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com

Help your Anxious Child Prepare for Kindergarten Success

By Michael Klinkner

KINDERGARTEN WILL BE different than anything your child has experienced before and because of that there may be a significant level of apprehension – for kids and parents alike. Anxiety at school drop-off is quite common for kindergarteners. In fact, it’s developmentally appropriate for kids this age to be uneasy about new experiences.

While there are likely to be some jitters when facing a change in routine, there are things parents can do to ease anxiety, help calm fears about school and ensure drop-off success.

Talk it out. It sounds simple but keeping lines of communication open with your soon-to-be kindergartener is important. For parents, it might be easy to assume what is making your child nervous. But what seems scary to you as an adult might be different from what is making your child nervous. Find out what is concerning your child and help them work through their specific trepidations.

Stay calm. The single most important thing parents can do to help a nervous child is manage their own anxiety about the kindergarten transition. If a child is struggling with being away from home, parents are likely

to feel nervous, sad or distressed. If your child can sense your worries it will just add to their concerns. Even young children are great at noticing the smallest cues that a parent is experiencing anxiety. Do your best to reassure your child – and yourself – that everything is going to be okay.

Set up a routine. There is nothing more comforting than routine for school-aged children. The week before kindergarten starts, start waking your child up at the time they will have to get up for school. Make breakfast, change out of pajamas and do a basic hygiene routine like brushing teeth and hair. Kids will start to get into a groove about how the morning is going to go. Plus, parents can get a feeling about how long getting ready for school will take and how much guidance the kindergartener will need in the morning. By the time school starts, all the kinks will be worked out and your family will have the best opportunity to start the day off right.

Make goodbyes short and sweet. If your child is having trouble at drop-off, make your goodbye as easy as possible. A kiss, a brief goodbye, and then it’s best to just leave. You may be tempted to stay, thinking it will

ease the transition, but that can reinforce the anxiety your child feels about being separated from you. Then, instead of connecting with the teacher or playing with peers, your child will focus on the fact that they don’t want you to leave.

When a child has a significant fear that is affecting their success, parents need to strike a balance between validation and setting boundaries. Give a lot of praise when your child tries hard to make changes. Getting started in kindergarten can be tough for both parents and kids. If you follow these easy tips, you can help your child start the school year off right and set a precedent for years to come.

Michael Klinkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Neurolinguistic Programming. He is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Klinkner provides individual, group and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults in Central Phoenix and Gilbert, Ariz. Klinkner focuses on treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma and ADHD. For more information, visit facebook.com/michaelklinknercounseling or instagram. com/michael_klinknercounseling

ALL THINGS KINDERGARTEN Q&A

What you need to know about age requirements , half day or full day benefits , early entrance, and more.

By Monique Seleen (Answers by: Erika Copeland, Queen Creek Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education.)

IF YOU HAVE a little one nearing kindergarten, you might be trying to figure out your best options. Do you really need to send them to kindergarten since it’s not mandatory here in Arizona? Should you send them half day or full day? What are the age cut offs? Can you send your child if they’re not 5 yet? What if you never sent them to preschool, will they be behind?

Erika Copeland, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education in the Queen Creek Unified School District offers answers to all these questions and more.

Plus, check out the Higley Unified School District’s unique Dual Language Immersion program offered in both Mandarin and Spanish!

Since kindergarten is optional in Arizona, does my child really need to attend?

Kindergarten is beneficial for all types of students in helping them prepare and learn about the classroom setting. Kindergarten students gain knowledge in academic core areas such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Kindergarten can set a strong educational foundation for a child’s future academic career.

When does my child need to be the age of 5 by in order to start kindergarten in Arizona?

A child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child is five years of age by August 31 of the current school year. If a child turns five between September 1 and December 31 of the current school year, he/she is eligible to apply for early kindergarten entrance testing.

What if my child seems “too young” socially or emotionally even though they are 5 years old?

Some parents of children born closer to August 31 may decide to hold their child until the next year based on the child’s development. Attending kindergarten introduction events such as spring Kindergarten Round-Up nights at your neighborhood school may help answer questions and provide more clarification.

What about early entrance kindergarten? Who is eligible and how can I get my child enrolled at a younger age?

If a child turns five between September 1 and December 31 of the current school year, they are eligible to apply for Early Entrance testing.

HIGLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dual Language Immersion Program

Info provided by Heidi Lindsay, Executive Director of Elementary at the Higley Unified School District

Finding the right kindergarten for your child is also incredibly important. As Arizona is an open-enrollment state for public school, this provides parents and families the flexibility to find a school that fits within their child’s needs.

The Higley Unified School District has a unique dual language immersion program at both San Tan and Coronado Elementary offering the following options:

• Mandarin or Spanish Dual Language options.

• Beginning in preschool all the way through 6th grade.

• 50/50 models: Students spend 50% of their day learning with a highly qualified English teacher and 50% learning with a highly qualified Mandarin or Spanish teacher – depending on the program/school they choose.

• Students learn content in both languages such as math, social students, and science.

• Focuses on student bilingualism AND biliteracy.

• Maintains high academic achievement and fosters cultural competence.

• Studies show that dual language immersion at an early age can help enhance a children’s brain development and expand their cultural awareness.

Testing typically occurs in a group/classroom setting testing six to nine children at a time. Testing will include academic, social, and motor skills.

What are the benefits of half day versus full day kindergarten?

The decision to participate in half-day or full-day kindergarten is up to individual families based on their needs, schedules and priorities. Students in half-day kindergarten are exposed to a classroom setting and core academics and may not have the stamina yet for full-day participation, or perhaps they are still taking naps during the day. Students in full-day classes are active throughout the school day and pick-up times coincide with older grade levels, which may be more convenient for families with siblings. Both programs can be beneficial in helping set your child up for success in first grade and beyond.

If my child never attended preschool or kinderprep, are they going to feel behind in kindergarten?

For many students, kindergarten is their first experience with a classroom setting. While some may know classroom procedures or rules from preschool or kinderprep, they are all learning academic concepts and experiencing activities and socialization together. At the kindergarten age, many students are quick to pick up new concepts and progress with their peers.

Literary Resources for EARLY READING ADVENTURES

By Southwest Human Development

CUDDLING UP WITH your child and a good book is arguably one of the best parenting moments. It’s a time to learn more about your child’s favorite things and to help them gain early literacy skills while bonding over a story.

Titles like Dragons Love Tacos, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Little Blue Truck, Goodnight Moon and enduring authors like Roald Dahl and Judy Blume help create lasting memories for parents and children alike. Enjoying that time and togetherness helps foster a love of reading for children at an early age.

Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, has several literacy resources to support parents and children in their reading adventures.

• Raising a Reader – an eight-week literacy program that focuses on fostering early reading practices through songs, books, and child-friendly activities.

• Let’s Talk – a virtual 10-week program designed to give parents strategies for building young children’s vocabulary.

• Little Free Libraries

- Little Free Libraries are “take one, leave one” book stations. This concept allows any individual to have easy access to books, regardless of their financial situation.

• Festival of Tales – a free bi-annual community literacy event in the spring and fall in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College. Activities include free books for all children, arts,

crafts, and performances.

• Grow a Reader – a virtual book donation drive to fund early literacy programs and purchase books for donation to Arizona children and families participating in Southwest Human Development programs.

• This Little Farmer Went to Market and Up Up Up – both books were winners of the First Edition Project children’s book manuscript contest. With each purchase, this two-book pack, Southwest Human Development will donate two books to a child in need using a “Buy One, Give One” model.

• Thrive to Five Playfest – Southwest Human Development’s annual outdoor event with free books, bounce houses, yard games, sensory experiences, and lots more.

Research shows that all children benefit from a high-quality early childhood education experience, and that quality early education is especially important for children growing up in low-income families. Southwest Human Development’s more than 40 years of experience with early childhood education and literacy programs help children enter school ready to learn.

The nonprofit’s early literacy programs – in partnership with parents, caregivers, and generous donors – help young children build the skills they need to become successful readers now, while laying the foundation for lifelong literacy.

All content in this article, including any advice or commentary from Southwest Human Development staff and/or others, should be considered an opinion and is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the direct advice of your own trusted professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the child/ren in your care. Southwest Human Development does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures or other information that may be mentioned in this article. You may contact Southwest Human Development’s Birth to Five Helpline at 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) to speak with one of our early childhood professionals for personalized assistance. Birth to Five Helpline specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What to Do If Your Child Has BEHAVIOR OUTBURSTS When Starting Kindergarten

By Rodrigo Mendoza

A CHILD’S TRANSITION to attending school is recognized as an important moment in life and a developmental milestone.

However it can be a tough transition as they go from a familiar home environment to a structured school format.

As a result, you might see your child showing unwelcomed behaviors such as involuntary emotional outbursts, disruptive talking, fighting, or name-calling. These are all ways they try to escape their new environment or seek your attention.

Here are some ways you can help your child cope with the changes of starting school while also working to resolve any negative behavior.

Practical Suggestions

Assess your child’s ability to adjust to different environments. Observe your child in different situations and look for small changes in his or her demeanor before the disruptive behaviors arise. This will give you some insight into how your child adjusts to new environments.

Create a plan to reduce potential causes of the negative behavior. Take advantage of some opportunities presented by their school such as participating in any open houses at the school, attending meet-

the-teacher night, or entering the classroom with your child. As you establish a positive relationship with the kindergarten teacher, you can be in a better position to advocate for your child without undermining the teacher. Remember, collaboration is the right attitude during your child’s educational experience. Questions you should ask yourself include: “How can I help the teacher in their job?” and “What can I do at home to assist my child in presenting appropriate behaviors?”

• Reduce the contrast between home and school environments to assist in your child’s transition.

• Brainstorm with your child’s teacher on how to make the kindergarten experience positive for your child.

• Share the information learned from your assessments so the teacher can have a better understanding of your child’s signals of distress.

• See about reducing the child’s classroom work requirements if it will help them demonstrate more positive behavior when they aren’t feeling so overwhelmed.

• Increase access to preferred activities during the school day. For example, you could take some of your child’s favorite items from home and have the teacher provide them as the child presents appropriate behaviors (positive reinforcement).

Teach your child to ask for a break if needed.

When your child is feeling frustrated or restless, teach them to ask for a break. Here’s a simple approach to implementing a break system:

• Select a signal your child can demonstrate without difficulty such as a “break” card or a simple hand signal.

• Create a situation where your child can use the signal such as when they are completing homework.

• As you see your child’s restlessness or frustration, prompt them to ask for a break. You can say, “Do you want a break?” and give your child the card or physically assist them with the simple hand signal.

• As soon as you receive your child’s “break” card or hand signal, stop the activity and give your child a short break.

• After the break, bring your child back to the activity and start the procedures again.

Relay this information to the teacher and ask if your child can communicative when he or she needs a break. If the teacher is on board, they can offer your child a short break from the activity that is causing them distress.

Give your child a token of your love.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your child will show involuntary emotional behaviors. Giving them a little token of your love can be a special reminder of you, something physical that they can see or touch.

Then, as you assess your child’s abilities in different situations, give them verbal tools to supplement their ability to cope with difficult moments. For example, when they look at the token you can teach them to say something like “I will play with friends at the school” or any phrase that might take your child to imagine a better environment.

Working on assisting your child in learning better behaviors can be difficult but you can do it with love and collaboration with others.

Rodrigo Mendoza is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) who sees behaviorism as a movement to change the world’s verbal community. Through his work, he encourages other analysts to maintain behaviorism’s purity as a natural science. He is the Program Director of the ABA Department at T.E.A.M. 4 Kids Pediatric Therapy. Rodrigo’s applied research interests include video modeling, identifying variables controlling orienting as an operant behavioral class, eye-face gaze, motivating operations, and complex verbal repertoires.

Great Hearts Academies offers a tuition-free classical liberal arts education to all K-12 Arizona students. There are no tests to determine admission. Wherever there is a seat available at a Great Hearts school, it can belong to your child. Our curriculum is based on history’s Great Books – those that have been handed down through the centuries and were themselves the source of learning for everyone from Aristotle to Theodore Roosevelt to Martin Luther King Jr. Our students are encouraged to pursue the true, the good and the beautiful in the classroom, in athletics, in extracurriculars, with their friends on campus and with their families at home. We prepare them to become good citizens and great-hearted leaders capable of success in college and all that follows. Our carefully selected teachers protect their classrooms from the noise and distraction of popular culture, and foster a joyful space for dialogue and wonder.

Spring Cleaning and Organizing Tips from Life Simply Organized

How to declutter and create more peace of mind at home

By Monique Seleen

ARE YOU TIRED of feeling like your house is one big disorganized mess?

Maybe your pantry is overflowing with old and expired food that’s shoved so far in the back that you don’t even bother to get to it. Or maybe your garage is stuffed full of boxes and bins making it so you can’t even park your cars in there.

Perhaps you like an orderly house where everything has its place but you just don’t know how to get it that way. Meet the mother and daughter professional home organizers who can help.

Beverly Gamblin and Katie Flores started Life Simply Organized as a way to help people declutter, restructure, and tidy up their homes and spaces.

“We want to give people back their time and peace of mind,” said Beverly. “When you have a lot of stuff, you have to clean it, use it, fix it—everything requires your attention. We want to teach people how they can be intentional with their home.”

The idea to start Life Simply Organized was born after Beverly retired from her 30 year career in the grocery store industry and found some extra time on her hands.

“I was thinking long and hard about what I love to do,” said Beverly. “I realized that was organizing. I started watching lifestyle people on YouTube who organize and learned from them and decided I wanted to try it.”

She began the business in January 2020 and said things actually picked up once the pandemic hit. “People were working from home, looking at their houses, and realizing what they didn’t like about it,” she recalled.

Eventually, Katie left her job in fitness and joined forces with her mom.

“I always enjoyed organizing, was decent at it, and wanted to help mom grow the business,” said Katie.

Now, the two work together on a variety of projects but said the most requested spaces to help organize are garages, pantries, and master closets.

Beverly and Katie will assess the space either through pictures or an in-person consultation and then bring in their own inventory of containers and bins to get it all organized.

In addition, they’ll take everything out and clean the space they’re organizing, and then will help set up an organizational flow.

“We strive to create personalized systems. We want it to work for you,” said Beverly.

If you’re in need of some quick ways to spring clean and declutter, here are some of Beverly and Katie’s best organizing tips:

• Always have a giveaway bin and add to it frequently.

• Every new season, go through your clothes and decide what you didn’t wear or what didn’t fit that past season and let it go.

• Clean out your pantry about once a month or so when you do a big grocery trip. This helps rotate out old food before you put new food in there.

• Have an organizing system that you can maintain. Use bins— they’re a tool to keep things organized. People often make the mistake of not buying enough storage containers.

• Labeling is the key so everyone knows where things go. Label containers and shelves if it will be helpful.

• Get kids involved. Maybe they get to see what snacks they choose at the store and then teach them to put them away.

• Give kids the option to toss their clothes into separate bins or fold them neatly into spaces. Either way it will be organized.

• For kids’ toys, have big baskets for big things and a cube system that’s broadly labeled for smaller toys. Label with pictures and words to help kids learn where things go.

• Keep toys to a minimum. Once a quarter, before or after the holidays, teach kids how to “edit” or purge their toys.

• Find a good organization to give things away to can make it fun. Some good local organizations include Sunshine Acres and House of Refuge. Involve kids in where you’re going to give it away to— whether they realize it or not you’re building a really good habit for them for the future.

And if you still feel like your own organizing isn’t enough, that’s where Life Simply Organized can come in. While it might be intimidating to invite someone into your chaotic mess, Beverly said they welcome the challenge and want people to feel at ease asking for their help.

“There’s no judgment,” she said. “We know that some people are hesitant to call us because they’re embarrassed about their space, but that’s what we’re here for. Our houses get out of whack too. Life happens, but when you have a system, it just takes you a little bit of time to tidy up because you know where things go.”

Life Simply Organized currently serves homes in the East Valley and sometimes Scottsdale, visit lifesimplyorganizedaz.com

Fostering to Adopt

The Carefoot Family’s Journey to Grow Their Family

By Monique Seleen

NICOLE AND IAN CAREFOOT had talked about the possibility of wanting to adopt before they even got married. What they didn’t know was that the road to get there would be through foster care.

“Fostering just always seemed too hard to have to think about possibly giving them back,” said Nicole.

Fast forward a few years after the Carefoots had gotten married and were trying to start a family, they felt compelled to look into foster care.

“We were having trouble getting pregnant and felt like we had so much love to give,” said Nicole. “We felt like God was placing it on our hearts that maybe fostering was for us. People we knew were fostering and we thought maybe it was something we should look into. We talked to our friends about it and felt really led to do it.”

The couple found a Christian-based agency they liked and began the lengthy process to obtain their foster license.

Between the extensive interviews, background checks, home inspections, attending both in-person and online classes, applying for fingerprint clearance cards, and more, Nicole said it felt like a long waiting game.

In the meantime, they were also pursuing the path to start fertility treatments, still eager to grow their family in some way.

“We got a call when we were in the fertility office asking if we were willing to have our license expedited,” Nicole recalled. “They had babies who were just waiting to be placed.”

Shortly after, in January of 2020, the Carefoots took in 4-day-old Clayton, who was drug exposed and in need of a foster family.

“The second day we had him, I remember crying and telling my husband how hard it was going to be because I loved him so much already,” said Nicole. “I knew right away if he became available for adoption, we wanted him.”

While their journey with Clayton got off to a rocky start, landing them in the hospital with him just a week after his placement due to his failure to thrive, Nicole said nothing was going to stop them from doing everything they could to keep him safe and loved.

“In the hospital they asked us if we wanted to find him a different family since he was going to require a feeding tube and we weren’t medically trained to handle it,” said Nicole. “But we said no. We were willing to do and learn whatever we needed to take care of him.”

Knowing that the main goal of fostering is reunification, Nicole said it was nerve-wracking to think that Clay could potentially be taken away from them.

“It was a challenging road,” said Nicole. “You care for this child 24/7 and you don’t have any control on what happens to them. It’s all up to a judge. We just had to have faith that God would work it all out.”

Eventually, when Clay turned a year old, his parental rights were severed and Nicole and Ian were given the chance to legally adopt him. Around the same time, the couple had also been completing a round of IVF and found out that Nicole was pregnant.

The Carefoots found themselves navigating a pregnancy and adoption at the same time. After over six months of paperwork and working with a lawyer, on July 2, 2021, they officially adopted Clay.

“It felt like we could finally breathe,” said Nicole. “There was nobody coming for him. We ended up closing our license after that.”

Then, just a little over a month later on August 28, Nicole gave birth

The Carefoot’s 5 Pieces of Advice About Fostering

• Remember about reunification. “Have it in the forefront of your mind that the first goal of fostering is to reunite the child back with their biological family.”

• Go into it with the best of intentions for the child. “The whole purpose of fostering is to love on a child that needs safety and comfort for however long it’s supposed to be.”

• Do your research on an agency. “There are lots of agencies to choose from—some are based on faith and some agencies aren’t. Talk to people in your area. You want an agency that’s going to have your back and a team that’s going to help and fight with you for that.”

• Be patient. “Know that the whole process takes a long time.”

• Find a group of people to support you. “Having friends who have been through it is really important. It’s easier to go through when you have a support system. If you don’t know anyone who’s been through it, you can meet people in your classes.”

to a healthy baby girl, Marleigh.

Now, Nicole said 3-year-old Clayton and 1-and-a-half-year-old Marliegh are the best of friends.

While the journey to growing their family wasn’t easy, the Carefoots can look back and see the how far they’ve come.

“Clay was a wrinkly baby failing to thrive and to see where he is now, how much he’s grown, and how loving he is, it’s the most rewarding part.”

Saving for Summer Camps

Helpful tips for a fun summer camp experience, without breaking the bank

By Rachel Galvez

WE WANT OUR kids to continue to learn over their summer break, and camps are a great way to beat boredom and allow them to release energy when it is 115 degrees outside in peak summer. But camps can get expensive, especially if you are relying on them for childcare and if you have more than one child.

Start planning your summer program budget now by setting funds aside each pay period in a separate savings account, and you’ll be feeling cool and confident during the sweltering days ahead. But how much should you save? Here’s some information to help you plan ahead.

Day Camps

Day camps offer flexibility to register in weekly increments for programs that will engage your child. The weekly commitment means you can pick between different camps over the course of the summer, and you won’t pay for a week when your family is out of town on vacation.

A great starting point is to check with your child’s school to see if they have a program available. Other affordable full and half-day options are available through local city programs and the YMCA. Some even have daily options available that allow you to pick and choose which days per week your child will attend.

You can also branch out according to your child’s interests with a variety of special interest camps, such as sports, music, and STEM programs or working with animals. Some special interest camps sell out quickly, so register your child early to claim their place and take advantage of any early bird

registration discounts.

School district and city camps average $100-150/week with a variety of half-day and full-day times. Specialized camps average $200-$800 per child per week and increase from there.

Overnight Camps

Overnight camps foster independence and exploration. Consider overnight camps in Northern Arizona that allow your child to beat the heat, so they experience more outside time instead of screen time.

These camps can be booked in one and two week increments and range from $1,200$1,800 per week on average. When searching for an overnight camp, look for options with sessions that catch your child’s interest and facilities that will provide accommodations for any special needs and/or dietary restrictions.

Adding Up the Costs

Hidden costs for summer camps can include application fees and some require full payment at registration. Others offer partial payment upon registration and the remainder due the week of camp.

For full day camps, check to see if food is included or if you’ll be packing lunches each day. If you need extended care hours in the morning or afternoon, those can run an extra $10-25 or more per day. And sending more than one kid to camp can add up! Check to see if the camp you are interested in has discounts for additional siblings. Many camps have reduced pricing available for families that qualify, so be sure to ask for available tuitionassistance programs if needed.

Other Considerations

Many summer camps have age restrictions, so if you have children under 6 years old, make sure the programs you’re considering will accept them. You may need to arrange for separate daycare or a babysitter for little ones while older siblings are at camp. Keeping those additional costs in mind can help you keep your summer budget on track.

Summer Camp at Home

If summer camps are out of the budget, consider turning your home into the best summer camp ever! A theme for each week can make it easier to plan out activities for your family, such as selecting books at the library to investigate the theme and creating craft projects, food and outings to reflect what you learn on that topic. Themes such as oceans, outer space, or jungle animals can be flexible to include all ages in your home.

Start Planning Today

No matter your budget, the best summer camp or childcare option for your child is the one that engages their mind and allows their bodies to work off energy in a safe environment. Start planning now by setting funds aside and begin talking to your child about their favorite interests. With a little planning now, you’ll be on your way to creating a healthy and happy summer break for your family.

Rachel Galvez is the Marketing Partnerships Manager at Arizona Financial Credit Union. A mom of two, Rachel is committed to empowering families with the information to make smart financial decisions and set their children on the path to financial success.

Sleep-away Camp is About So Much More Than Archery Here are ways that camp can help your child for life

By Jodi Woodnick, LCSW

AS WE SETTLE INTO cool mornings and short days, most people are thinking about getting back to “real” life… the rat race. Me? I’m thinking about summer, and the millions of kids who will be attending sleep-away camp, many for the first time.

Why am I thinking about sleep-away camp? I am a therapist who works with kids and families. I have a front-row seat to the struggles that many kids face today: too anxious to try something new, struggling with friendships, with self-confidence, turning into puddles in the face of adversity… the list goes on. But don’t worry, there’s good news. I am also the Director of Community Care at Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps in California, and I have a front-row seat to the myriad ways in which sleep-away camp has the potential to help children build critical social and emotional skills to last a lifetime.

Helping your child take advantage of all

that is possible through a summer at sleep-away camp will take some mental and emotional preparation. It starts with asking, “What do I want my child to get out of a sleep-away camp experience?” Most of you will say “gain independence,” ”make friends,” and “have fun”. Camp has the potential to provide those and so much more. Here’s a list of my favorites, and what you can do to help:

Practice working through discomfort

The first time they go to camp, most children will experience some nervousness. They may even cry or have trouble sleeping (eating, pooping) at first. As difficult as this is, know that this is the very kind of discomfort that gives children the chance to learn and practice vital self-soothing skills in a safe and controlled environment. Working through discomfort now will set your child up for

working through adversity on the playground, at the choir performance, their first break-up, college, a first job interview. This might sound hyperbolic, but it couldn’t be truer.

You can help by normalizing feelings of discomfort associated with adjusting to a new environment, and helping your child come up with a plan for how they will deal with them when and if they do happen. Who at camp can they talk to? What are some things they can do to help themselves fall asleep or calm themselves (breathing exercises, positive self-talk, etc.)?

In the end, the best thing you can do for your child is to trust them. Your child needs to know that you genuinely believe that they can do it. Even if it’s hard, even if it’s scary, THEY CAN DO IT. The way I see it, scary just means something great is about to happen.

Learn and practice self-advocacy

Effective self-advocacy, using one’s voice

ANTONIO DIAZ

That’s Zoo We Are!

to get needs met, is a vital skill that has been eroded dramatically in young people over the last several years. I have seen it in my counseling practice and in my work with schools and camps. Camp counselors, while fabulous, are not mind readers. In order to get many of their needs met at camp, campers need to be able to use their voices.

You can help by giving your child opportunities to use their voice and witness firsthand the power of self-advocacy. Let them order for themselves in restaurants, ask a store clerk for help, ask the teacher a question, tell a friend what’s bothering them. This practice will help them to communicate when and if they need help at camp, and parents aren’t there to speak for them.

Learn and practice empathy

Empathy is the gift of being able to see the world through someone else’s eyes, to imagine what they may be feeling. It helps us build strong relationships with others and the world around us. Some people think that empathy is something a person either has or not, that it is innate. In fact, we can learn empathy through modeling, recognizing and practicing.

Sharing a (small and often chaotic) living space with eight to ten other people, many with differing backgrounds and abilities, is a hallmark of any sleep-away camp experience. Having that kind of intimate exposure to another’s struggles, practices, and habits enables us to live with empathy day-to-day, finding ways to co-exist peacefully when habits don’t align, and finding ways to resolve disagreements when communication styles differ.

You can help by encouraging your child to view others’ challenges as opportunities to practice empathy rather than infringements on their way of life. Practice ways of offering assistance, rather than judgment, to a person who is struggling. Your child will get much more out of the experience of helping another person than they will out of being in first place or having the best performance or grade.

However, if someone’s challenges or habits are infringing on your child’s safety or boundaries, they now have an opportunity to utilize effective self-advocacy (see step 2).

Discover what matters in a friendship

So often, our children’s playmates are a

matter of circumstances (children of parents’ friends, neighbors, classmates). Camp, while similar to a certain degree, enables children to be exposed to people from different backgrounds and places. Here, without adults’ preconceptions about race, class, gender or ability, children can experience friendship in its purest form. Children can learn friendship behaviors and characteristics, separate from the social constraints of the “real” world, that truly matter. This skill can help children know the qualities to look for in friends now and into adulthood.

Discover unknown talents and new passions

With its wide variety of activities and opportunities, camp enables children to try new things that sometimes push them out of their comfort zones. It is in pushing through this discomfort that children often discover talents they never even knew they had. My own child learned to play and perform guitar at sleep-away camp when he was just 8 years old, with the help and encouragement of a young counselor who had, himself, learned to play and perform guitar at camp just a few short years before.

Uncover leadership skills

There are very few areas in their lives where children have autonomy and decision-making potential. So often, life choices are made FOR children. Camp, by contrast, is a world created in large part by children and young adults. For teens in particular, most camps offer programming to help hone and cultivate leadership skills. Hundreds of young adults I’ve worked with over the years report that the very leadership skills they learned at camp have been useful throughout their lives in building successful careers.

Other helpful tips to prepare your child

Pick the right camp for your child based on their needs and interests. What is the camp’s mission? Do the camp’s mission and culture align with your values? (For example, if the camp is religious, but your child hasn’t had much exposure to religion, will they feel comfortable? If the camp’s programming is heavily sports-oriented, but your child doesn’t like competition, will they find common

ground with other campers? Will your LGBTQ+ child feel accepted and valued?) Is the camp team responsive and communicative? Does the camp have programming to address your child’s unique needs? These questions and more are what you should consider as you search for the perfect camp.

Also, while it can be helpful to talk to others to gather information, please DO NOT base your decision on who else is going. If you can find a program that meets your child’s needs, they will thrive. Sending your child to a camp that is not a good fit just because a specific friend or neighbor is doing the same is a set-up for failure.

Consider your child’s age. For a typical child, starting camp at age 8-10 is ideal, but kids can be successful starting at any age. If you end up starting your child at age 11 or older, just prepare for a slightly longer adjustment period than for that of a younger child. Also, older children tend to be more self-conscious about feelings associated with adjusting to camp, and may therefore be less likely to open up to cabinmates or counselors.

Communicate openly and honestly (and EARLY) with the camp about your child’s behavioral, emotional and/or academic challenges. Many parents think that because camp is “fun”, extreme behaviors and emotions that happen at school won’t materialize at camp. Unfortunately, the opposite is often true. Camp is a highly structured environment where nearly every waking moment has social, emotional and/or behavioral demands. Many camps have mental health professionals on staff to work hand-in-hand with parents, counselors (and your child’s teachers/ therapists if necessary) to create and supervise comprehensive accommodation plans. The more prepared the camp is for your child, the better their chances for success.

Jodi Woodnick, LCSW is a Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist with Out of the Woods Counseling in Scottsdale, and Director of Community Care at WBT Camps in California. She was the director of local sleep-away camp Camp Charles Pearlstein (now Camp Stein) for 10 years. For support in preparing your child for camp or any other parenting challenge you may be facing, you can find Jodi at outoftheaoodsaz.com

Build your

skills and

make new friends while having fun this summer!

Summer Camps!

Registration opens in March 2023!

Advance your child’s learning through weekly summer camps with Maricopa Community Colleges highlighting skills in STEM, Music, History, Language, Culinary Arts, Gardening, Woodworking, and more!

Ages 5-18 | Full-day, half-day, and virtual options

3 Valley locations: Avondale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale

3000 N. Dysart Rd., Avondale, AZ | 623.935.8077

Estrella Mountain Community College’s Kid & Teen College Program offers a variety of fun educational opportunities for your kiddo(s)/teen(s)! By participating in classes, your child can learn skills and hobbies to prepare them for the future. Many classes are taught by experts: Culinary, AutoCAD & 3D printing, woodworking, gardening & animals, Sign Language, Spanish, Arabic, & STEM, and much more! For more information, estrellamountain.edu/kids-college

7050 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ | 602.243.8000

The Ultimate Technology Summer Camp

Session 1: June 5—8

Session 2: June 12—15

Optional second week for campers June 20-23

Monday—Thursday | 8:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Grades 8—10 | $250 | Scholarships available

Focused on STEM, this in-person summer camp provides one week (4 days) of structured activities, and introduces eighth-, ninth- and tenth-grade students to hands-on RaspberryPi activities. Campers will:

• Receive 1 CIS credit hour

• Experience assembling a computer

• Learn basic block coding with Scratch

9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ | 480.423.6000 bit.ly/summer-camps-23

Crack the Rack Cyber Experience

June 5—8 or June 12—15 | 9 a.m.—12 p.m. | $125

Flute Camp

June 5—8 | 8:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m. | $125

Intro to Interior Design Technology

June 12—15 | 9 a.m.—4 p.m. | $220

High School Strings Camp

June 12—15 & June 20—23 | 12 p.m.—3 p.m. | $220

Middle School Strings Camp

June 12—15 & June 20—23 | 8:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

$220

DIY: Computer Build Class

June 20—23 | 9 a.m.—1 p.m. | $225

Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

• Gain exposure to text-based programming with Python

For more information, email early-college@ southmountaincc.edu

The Ultimate History Summer Camp

June 12—15 | 8 a.m.—12 p.m. | $25 | Grades 11—12

This four day in-person camp will engage high school juniors and seniors in community history, researching, and archiving. Learn about the South Phoenix community, increase your research abilities, and engage with friends and family about favorite memories.

For more information about Summer Camps, visit: maricopa.edu/summer-camps

2023 SUMMER CAMPS DIRECTORY

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

ASU Prep Digital asuprepdigital.org

Summer 2023: Grades K-12 can take Reading Refresh or Math Refresh. Grades 6-12 can also take any course in our online course catalog. High school students can earn college credit in concurrent courses. Starts June 5. Enroll by May 12. See summer web page for July dates. Tuition is free to full-time ASU Prep students and Arizona private school students registered as part-time ASU Prep Digital students. Public school student tuition may vary; please see asuprepdigital.org/summer for details.

Legacy Traditional Schools

Valley wide locations • 480-270-5438 ext. 1812 • legacytraditional.org/summer

Legacy Summer. Summer should be as enriching as it is fun. At Legacy Summer, campers explore, play and grow all summer long. Hands-on, engaging activities allow for extended school year learning in a fun, activity-based environment. Themes include Water Week, Zoo Week, Planet Earth Week, Holiday Week, Bug Week, Blast from the Past, 5 Senses and more. Snacks included! Week long sessions May 30-July 21, dates vary by location. $195 per session/week plus $50 family.

Phoenix Union Freshman LAUNCH & Summer School

602-764-0020

• phoenixunion.org/summerschool

Success in high school begins with success as a freshman. Success as a freshman begins with Phoenix Union’s Free Freshman LAUNCH.

ANIMALS

Scottsdale Community College

9000 E. Chaparral Rd., Scottsdale • 480-423-6000 • scottsdalecc.edu/community/summer-youth-camps

Ages 9 and up. Scottsdale Community College offers many diverse programs for fun, engaging and hands-on educational experiences. More details to come for 2023!

South Mountain Community College • Ultimate History Summer Camp

7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix • 602-243-8018 • smcc-maricopa.nbsstore.net/ultimate-history-summer-camp

For incoming high school juniors and seniors. This four day in-person camp will engage high school students in community history, researching, and archiving. Learn about the South Phoenix community, increase your research abilities, and engage with friends and family about favorite memories. Your story is part of history! Includes breakfast and lunch. June 12 – 15, 8 a.m. to Noon. $25 per student.

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

602-501-2930 • phoenixherp.com/education/camps

Reptile Encounters. Ages 6-15. The best way to learn about the animals is from the animals themselves! Each day includes activities that are STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) oriented, but are hidden within animal interactions, activities, games, and helping care for the animals. Counselors are trained to teach to various age ranges and excel at helping children learn in many ways. Fullday programs. May 30 – Aug. 05. $200 & up per week.

ART CAMPS

Mesa Community College • CIS Multimedia Madness Summer Camp 2023

1833 W. Southern Ave. Mesa. • 480-461-7711 • mesacc.edu/early-college-programs/summer-camps

Ages 11-14. Learn to be a wiz with photo editing and graphics creation for your best ever Instagram and Facebook memes. Plus, up your video, audio, and animation skill sets. MMM Camp delivers fun, interactive instruction about computer graphics, photo editing, 3D modeling, basic video/audio editing, and introduction to animation. Use popular, free, open-source software including Inkscape, Blender 3D, Gnu Image Manipulation Program, Krita, Audacity, and LMMS. Week 1: July 10, Week 2: July 17, Week 1: July 13, Week 2: July 20, 4 day sessions. Full days and half days available. $199 for 2 week sessions.

LEADERSHIP

Logic, Leadership, & Life Skills

ASU Campuses (Tempe, West and Polytechnic) • 480-779-8592 • leadaz.org/summer

At Leadership Society of Arizona, happiness is the goal for our one-of-a-kind youth summer camp! Hosted at Arizona State University, this program is the only place where teens can complete licensed professional development training. We’ve taken a college-level curriculum and turned it into a fun and interactive 4-day course. Students will set new goals, learn leadership skills, and get individualized attention from our certified teen life coaches. Weeklong courses run between May 31 – July 21. Overnight programs available. Sessions are $350, save $25 with code RAKO.

MIXED ACTIVITIES

Cactus Day Camp

6050 N. Invergordon Rd., Paradise Valley • 480-836-2267 • cactusdaycamp.com

Ages 4-13. Activities include archery, swimming, gaga, gaming, team sports, tumbling, crafts, dance, model rocketry, mini golf, climbing, cooking, board games, water slide, foam pit and more. We take summer camp to a new level with daily pep rallies and camper’s choice activities and culminate each week with a special event. Optional extended care available. June 5 – July 28. 2, 4, 6, or 8 week sessions. Sessions are approximately $600/week with a 2 week minimum. Multiple session and sibling discounts available.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

215 N. 7th St., Phoenix. 602-253-0401 • childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

When school is out, camp is in at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix! Send your kids on an epic adventure this Summer! Our Summer Camps begin on May 29th and run throughout June and July. Camps at CMoP are designed for children 5-8 years of age and feature hands-on learning, games, and activities that keep kids’ minds and muscles engaged during school break. All camps also include plenty of playtime in the Museum’s three floors of imaginative exhibits! CMoP Camps are $255 for Members and $300 for Non-Members.

SUMMER BALLET SCHOOL

Two

602.381.0184

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor.

Dobson Montessori

745 S. Extension, Mesa. • 480-962-1432 • dobsonmontessori.com

Grades Pre-K to 12. Super Summer ‘23 welcomes students from preschool through high school for over 30 exciting workshops. Preschool children will explore Nature Science, Concoctions, Chef’s School, and Tropical Luau. 1st-3rd graders are delving into Colonial Times, Who Wants to Be a Pirate, Build It, and Fractured Fairy Tales. 4th-6th graders will participate in Modern Art, Upcycling, Amazing Mammals, and Gizmos and Gadgets. Join our junior high and high school students in Arcane Destiny Fantasy Role Playing, Film Making, Around Town, and Urban Adventure. Classes are academically based with a change of pace from the regular school year. 1:8 teacher child ratios, farm animals, gardening, drama, field trips, and so much more. $125-$215 weekly. Come take a tour of our campus!

Phoenix Zoo

455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix • 602-914-4333 • phoenixzoo.org/camps-programs/camps

Grades K-6 (as of fall 2023). There’s nothing quite like Camp Zoo! Each age-appropriate, weeklong session is filled with animal encounters, activities, games, in-depth investigations and organized free-time. Camps run from June 5 – July 28. Availability is limited… reserve your camp today!

REC-AZ

Great Hearts North Phoenix, 14100 N. 32nd St., Phoenix • 480-359-8429 • rec-az.com

Calling all 6-12 year olds! Summer camp is action packed each day! We follow a loose agenda while keeping a pulse on what activities campers are enjoying. Multiple weeks available for sign up! Camp times are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (after-care is available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for an additional charge). Receive a 10% discount for signing up for multiple weeks or multiple kids. Week 1: June 5 – 9, Week 2: June 12 – 16, Week 3: June 19 – 23.

Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church

6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale • 480-948-5560 • saintbarnabas.org/camp

Saint Barnabas Arts Camp. Ages 3-12. Gently faith-based, this one-week camp is filled with fun and engaging activities focusing on the creative process. Through our theme of Interstellar All Together, we will explore outer space as we embrace unity in the midst of diversity. Campers will experience visual and performing arts as well as food science each morning: 8:30-11:30 a.m. June 19-23 or June 26-30. $85, includes snacks and t-shirt; offers sibling discount (-$10). Full day option until 4 p.m. (+$100).

Summer Camps AZ

Camps throughout Arizona • 480-217-0652 or summercampaz.com

Ages 5-17. Active, fun, affordable camps throughout Arizona. Sleepaway Camps, Trampoline Park Camps, Entertainment Center Camps, Sports Camps etc. Day Camp prices range from $269 - $289 a week, Sleepaway Camp $1390 - $1590 a week. We have the camps parents love and the kids can’t wait to return to! Register soon — we always sell out!

OVERNIGHT

Camp Tuku

1000 Orme School Road, Mayer, Arizona • 928-224-5855 • camptuku.org

Ages 6-14 and 15-17 (Counselor-in-training program). A traditional summer camp with a holistic approach designed to integrate mind, body, and heart. Campers practice mindfulness, pet care, gardening and sustainability, wilderness exploration, hiking, arts and crafts, yoga, archery, land and water sports, horseback riding and grooming, and cooking. June 18 – 24. June 25 – July 1. CIT (Counselor in Training): June 17 – July 1. Rates range from $900-$1295.

PERFORMING ARTS

Ballet Arizona

2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix • 602-381-0188 • school@balletaz.org • balletaz.org

Ages 4-12. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to grow their confidence and expand their knowledge under the guidance of highly experienced instructors. No previous ballet experience is necessary. Sessions are 2 or 4 weeks from June 12 – July 7. Classes are scheduled in the afternoon and early evening. Pre-registration is required. The deadline to register is May 18, 2023.

Childsplay

900 S. Mitchell Dr., Tempe • 480-921-5722 • childsplayaz.org/summer

Ages 4-17. Campers enjoy themed classes, mainstage productions at the TCA, workshops, stagecraft/crew opportunities, and teen internships. Some of the types of themes include Hogwarts, The Little Mermaid, Dragons Love Tacos, Encanto, Macbeth, and Playtime with Bluey. One-week and multi-week classes. Full-day classes for ages 6+ and half-day classes for ages 4-6. May 30 – July 28. Extended care available. $135 and up. Scholarships available.

East Valley Children’s Theatre

4501 E. Main St., Mesa • 480-756-3828 • evct.org

Ages 5-17. EVCT Summer Camps have four different in-person summer camp programs running May 30 – July 14: Imagination Theatre Camp for kids aged 5-8, Musical Theatre Camp & Theatre Workshop Camp for kids aged 8-15, and a four day acting intensive for kids aged 11-17. Participants learn performance techniques, teamwork, and communication skills and have fun in a non-competitive, educational atmosphere. Instructors are local theatre professionals in the field of dance, music, and theatre.

Paige Productions Youth Theater

13001 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills • 480-375-8058 • paigeproductionsaz.com

Paige Productions Theater is a refreshing theater alternative in the East Valley. Students learn acting, singing, & dancing from an award-winning theater instructor. Owner/Artistic Director, Paige Beckman is a two-time ariZoni-winning director and music director who owns Paige Beckman Music Studio, and has taught theater in Fountain Hills for more than a decade. Join us for our exciting 2023 camp musicals, including All Dolled Up: A New Musical, Disney’s 101 Dalmatian Kids, Willy Wonka Jr, & The $500 Talent Show. Each of these shows feature a final performance for family & friends. Additional camps include Acting & Improvisation and Stranger Wednesdaysthemed classes. One and two-week options, something for every skill level. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camps vary, approximately $200-$400.

Phoenix Conservatory of Music

1316 E. Cheery Lynn Rd., Phoenix • 602-353-9900 • pcmrocks.org/learn-to-play/summer-camp

Ages 3-18. PCM Summer Programs of music fun with week long summer day camps! Camps are available in full day (ages 7-10, 9-13 and 14-18) or half day (ages 3-5, and 6-9). Students will have the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and have fun using musical instruments and gear while exploring weekly themes. Camps run weekly June 5 – July 26. Aftercare available.

Valley Youth Theatre

525 N. First St., Phoenix • 602-253-8188 • vyt.com

Summer Camps at VYT! Ages 5-17. Valley Youth Theatre is a positive, supportive, and professional place for ALL young people to learn and practice fundamental theater techniques, build self-confidence, and grow as critical and creative thinkers – all while having fun singing, acting, and dancing throughout the day! VYT’s Summer Camp offers something for all ages and skills. Four-week, two-week and one-week summer sessions available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each camp culminates in a final production created by the campers. $250-$750. Extended care and scholarships available.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Autism Academy for Education and Development

Campuses in Gilbert and Peoria • 480-525-6197 • aaed.org

Ages 5-18 and older. Each day students will be doing activities in the categories of sensory, cooking, crafts & experiments (science). There are a variety of hands-on activities. June 5 – 29. Half and full day available. 4 days a week. Only enrolled students can attend.

Gateway Academy | Warrior STEAM Camp

3939 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix • 480-998-1071 • gatewayacademy.us

Ages 11-18. Campers with Autism will enjoy fractal art, Engineering & Technology: Elegoo, alchemy, Code Monkey, forensics, aeronautics, field trips, and more! June 5 – 30. Full day, 5 days a week.$750 per week, ESA Approved.

SPORTS CAMPS

Camp Hubbard

Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Avondale • 4 Valley locations • 602-786-6789 • camphubbardaz.com

Ages 4.5-14. Campers play a variety of games, sports and activities throughout the day. Weekly themes encourage camper and counselor engagement and tons of fun. May 30- August 4. Half day and full-day options. Sibling Discount. Extended care available. $200-$345.

Xtreme Gymnastics

14000 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 102 ,Scottsdale • 480-596-3543 • xtremegymnastics.com

Ages 3-12. Fit-n-Fun camps promote health and fitness while kids are having a blast. In this state-of-the-art facility, children will enjoy gymnastics, trampoline, group challenge activities, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables and much, much more! The high-energy Xtreme Gymnastics staff is USAG Safety Certified and they lead a new creative theme every week. Camps begin May 30 and run through July 28. Full day, half day and weekly rates available. $58-$326.

STEM/STEAM

Camp Invention

Many locations and dates throughout Arizona • invent.org/local

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with our all-new Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot! Use promo code SUM25 by March 30th to save $25.

Engineering for Kids

Valleywide • 480-779-8184 • engineeringforkids.com/phoenixmetro

Engineering for Kids is Arizona’s #1 STEAM summer camp! We partner with the coolest kid-friendly and fun facilities so kids ages 4-14 can have fun and learn all summer long! We offer the most comprehensive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum: Drones, 3D Printing, Lego, Robotics, Video Game Design, Programming, Minecraft and engineering concepts. Full or half-day options; sibling discount, early bird discount, payment plan.

Estrella Mountain Community College

3000 N Dysart Rd, Avondale. • 623-935-8077 • estrellamountain.edu/kids-college

Ages 5-16. Culinary, AutoCAD & 3D printing, woodworking, gardening & animals, Sign Language, Spanish, Arabic, & STEM, online computer gaming and much more! June 5 – July 28. Half days. 2, 3, or 4 days available. $69-$130.

i.d.e.a. Museum

150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa • 480-644-2468 • ideamuseum.org/camps

Ages 6-12. Enroll your imaginative thinker in Wonder Camp! Inspire creativity and an appreciation of the arts through interactive fun for campers ages 6-12. Each day we will focus on a different element of art, providing opportunities to explore a variety of mediums and techniques. Join us for hands-on projects, guest artist presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, exploration time in the i.d.e.a. Museum, and more! June 26 – 30. Half Day 8:30 a.m. to Noon or Full Day 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half Day: $76 members, $85 nonmembers. Full Day: $170 members, $190 nonmember.

Kinder Academy, LLC

3249 S. Lindsay Rd., Suite 106. Gilbert • 480-726-0445 • kinderacademypreschool.com

Ages 2-10. Join us for Summer Academy at Kinder Academy! Beat the heat and keep your children busy learning all about S.T.E.A.M. while having fun! Half days, 4 days a week. $150 a week or $800 for all 6 weeks. Week 1: Shark, Week 2: S.T.E.A.M., Week 3: Arts & Crafts, Week 4: USA, Week 5: Tumble & Dance, Week 6: S’mores & MORE.

Lowell Observatory • Orbits Curiosity Camps

1400 W. Mars Hill Rd., Flagstaff • 928-774-3358 • lowell.edu

Ages 6-14. Campers will explore the mysteries of the cosmos through hands-on science investigations and STEAM-based projects. Other activities will include hiking, drawing, playing games, conquering the low ropes challenge course, and more. Multiple sessions available, full day, $325 per child.

Midwestern University

19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale • 623-572-3353 • midwestern.edu

Ages 15-18 and older. Join Midwestern University faculty and students for a free 8-day hands-on workshop to learn about these health professions: Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Dental Medicine, Graduate Nursing Practices, Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, Perfusion/cardiovascular Science, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Podiatric Medicine, Precision Medicine, Public Health, Speech-Language Pathology, Veterinary Medicine. July 13 – 22.