Rhode Island Parent Magazine May

Parent

May 2016

FREE

RHODE ISLAND

MAGAZINE

Local mothers on their best Mother’s Day gifts The top 10 Governor for a Day essays Summer Program & Camp Guide

Preventing youth gang violence An informational event for Rhode Island parents Event organizer Devin Greene, 18, of Providence

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

Contents May 2016 / vol. 1 / no. 10

8 16

Departments

6 A Note from the Publisher Update on the magazine.

10 My Turn The best Mother’s Day gifts.

12 Education Facts about RI kids.

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Features

14 Ask Dr. Day Care Your questions answered.

18 The Healthy Child Krazy Kids Inflatable Fun Run.

8 Cover Feature:

Working to stop violence

26 Kid of the Month Taking the harder path.

28 Calendar Things to do in May.

16 Governor for a Day Essays

Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in

Rhode Island Parent Magazine!

A local teenager creates a nonviolence festival.

Read essays submitted by local girls about what they would do if they were Governor for a Day.

20 Summer Program & Camp Guide

Plan your children’s time for summer!

New programs/camps added each month.

ON THE WEB: We are working on our website to make it a great place to get even more information about parenting and kids in Rhode Island. The magazine is available digitally online at issue.com/RIParentMag (great for reading on a tablet, phone, or computer) and you can join our Facebook and Twitter pages. Visit www.RIParentMag.com, Facebook.com/RIParentMag, and Twitter.com/@riparentmag May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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A Note from the Publisher

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e all see the stories. Shootings, stabbings, and other gang-related violence that leaves so many people heartbroken. In this issue, hear from Devin Greene, a young man who is interning with The Institute for the Study & Practice of Nonviolence.

He provides a direct view on gang issues – including how gang members are getting younger. He is offering parents a sort of nonviolence festival on May 21 that is worth attending. See page 8 for details.

Then, on page 26, read a portion of a speech delivered by Christian Ortiz, another young man from Providence who spoke at the release event for the KIDS COUNT Factbook.

Both of these young men could have ended up in gangs, but they took the harder road and now have bright futures.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine salutes them.

Sometimes being the publisher of a magazine means you get to meet interesting people. Cox Communications brought in “Safety Mom” to help pitch their products at the Rhode Island Convention Center Home Show. “Safety Mom,” Alison Jacobson from Connecticut, runs a website with safety tips for parents (www.safetymom.com). She showed me Cox’s products designed to protect children – including a plug that allows you to turn off your daughter’s hair straightening flat iron from your phone!

As we enter issue #10 of Rhode Island Parent Magazine, you may have noticed we are featuring more ads for local businesses. This is great, because it keeps the magazine going and keeps it free for you. Every month, it’s like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle to make the magazine work, and as always, we would love your input on what is working and what is not. Our goal is to consistently provide you with interesting reading as well as advertising that can be useful for your daily life. You can reach me at publisher@RIParentMag.com.

Now it’s time to step away from the computer and get outside! Happy spring!

Susan Gale

57 Rolfe Square, Suite 10094 Cranston, Rhode Island 02910 (401) 337-9240 Founder and Publisher Susan Gale publisher@RIParentMag.com Art Director/Graphic Designer Rob Kenney artdirector@RIParentMag.com Copy Editor Sheila Flanagan editor@RIParentMag.com Business Manager Lisa Koulibaly sales@RIParentMag.com Advertising Sales (401) 337-9240 sales@RIParentMag.com On the cover: photo by Kimberly Dobosz of Kimberly Dobosz Photography. kimberlydoboszphotography.com Publisher photo taken by Keith Jochim.

KeithJochimPhotography.com Rhode Island Parent Magazine is published monthly by Gale Force Communications. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products, or services are endorsed by the publisher.

Editorial submissions welcome.

©2016 All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Like us on Facebook and Twitter: Facebook.com/RIParentMag @RIParentMag

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Cover Feature

By Susan Gale

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nonviolence festival for parents

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evin Greene, 18, considers himself lucky. He grew up in Providence but managed to stay away from gangs and violence. Greene mostly credits his mother for keeping him constantly busy and away from trouble. Now Greene wants to give back to the community.

As part of his junior year high school project at The Met School in Providence, Greene is planning a sort of nonviolence festival to help parents throughout Rhode Island learn about services and organizations available to help stop violence. He also hopes to encourage more people to join these groups and be part of solutions that will make the state safer for all children.

“I want my event to be something where parents know there are people out there caring for their kids and there are other opportunities for kids to succeed,” he said.

Greene, who interns with The Institute for the Study & Practice of Nonviolence, spoke of experiences that those living in areas less affected by gangs and violence may find hard to believe. Gang-like groups are constantly being formed by children as young as 11 in some Providence middle schools, he said, adding that in some schools, more than 50% of students are involved in these types of groups. It’s often about popularity and the need to feel a part of something.

“One of the main reasons is that they feel protected being in a family-like environment. Some kids don’t have a familylike environment at home,” he said. “They feel they need to be in a gang. Many are pulled in by choosing the wrong role models. Especially Rhode Island – how small we are – we have hundreds of mini-gangs.”

Social media’s contribution to violence

Social media has made things worse, according to Greene.

Children may be beaten by gang members and the incident posted on social media, making kids feel ostracized. “They feel endangered and scared. Maybe their friend got beat up and 8

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

was embarrassed on social media,” Greene said. He tells how one Providence parent pretended her child had a leg problem so he could bring a cane to school for protection.

The gap between older people’s understanding of social media and how young people use it is also a contributing factor, said Greene’s mentor, Arthur Johnson, a nonviolence street worker with the Institute.

“There is a disconnect with teachers, administrators, and youth. Parents are disconnected. They have no idea what is going on [with social media]. It’s just a total social media gap,” Johnson said.

“Children don’t know how to problem solve. They go from 0 to 60. They have to be educated – we need nonviolence components in schools. They’re the future, we need to teach this stuff – social media, computer programs. If we don’t, we might get more fast food workers than doctors.”

Gang members are getting younger

Johnson noted that children involved in gangs have gotten younger over the years. Greene said high school gang members sometimes encourage younger children to form gangs at their middle schools. A major issue of having gangs start so young is that it can set the tone for a child’s future.

“When kids start at a young age, it’s harder to get themselves out of it,” Greene said. “They’re not really thinking of their future yet.” Middle school kids are less likely to be open about their involvement in gangs. “They try to be sneaky about it. In high school they are more open about it,” he said.

“Some kids want to get out. Many seek help in their 20s, but they’ve associated with friends only in gangs so it is very hard to get out,” he said. The Institute, which has six nonviolence street workers serving the entire state, mentors young people who seek to change their lives, helping them find a job or schooling and providing nonviolence trainings.

The street workers also respond to acts of gang-related violence to help with the aftermath.

Being female doesn’t protect middle school children,

Meet groups working to reduce violence in Rhode Island because boyfriends sometimes require girls to do things for the gang, partly because they see it as a way to avoid issues with the police. “Police expect boys,” Greene said. “Girls are under the radar when it comes to gangs.”

Greene feels some parents don’t see or have a hard time acknowledging how bad the problem is because they believe they “didn’t raise their children that way,” but he also knows that “parents will do anything to protect their kids.”

He said some parents are at a loss as to what to do because public schools are the only way they can afford to educate their children.

This is why Greene’s nonviolence festival targets parents.

He feels they may not know of all the groups available to help their children. “I could have easily gone into a gang myself,” he said. “It’s not going to go away, so how can parents be there and be role models to fill in?”

The following organizations will be at the Met School’s 20th anniversary celebration, noon–11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 21, at 325 Public Street, Providence.

The festival takes place during the day and continues at a Waterfire lighting in the evening.

Teen Connect – TV by and for teens

Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) Unity Center

Greene is also heavily involved with an Institute program called Teen Connect – a television show presented on local cable that is created by teens. His recent program was a show about kids and concussions. Teen Connect can be seen on public access channels on Saturdays at noon on channel 18 and Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. on channel 13 on Cox Communications.

Greene says his project work has helped him switch his view of his future. He originally wanted to be a child psychologist, but now leans more towards criminology so he can become a profiler. “I want to know what is happening in the brain when doing violence,” he said. But he doesn’t rule out being a street worker like his mentor.

For his part, Johnson also wants more people to get involved. “They really need us. Any person you mentor, you are potentially saving a life,” he said. “Whatever people are thinking, it’s worse than that. We need to invest in peace.

You don’t need a lot in the inner city. You just need people who care.”  Susan Gale is founder and publisher of Rhode Island Parent Magazine.

300 Men

Mission: We are positive, proactive men serving the community through role modeling, mentorship, scholarship and coordinating opportunities for youth and family development.

300 Women

Mission: We are a diverse group of women acting as an instrument to restructure, revive and provide resources to our women, youth and children in our community.

Mission: To assist low-income people and empower them to become self-reliant, responsible citizens.

The Unity Center provides services to homeless and runaway youth.

The Institute for the Study & Practice of Nonviolence

Mission: To teach, by word and example, the principles and practices of nonviolence, and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions. We work to build Dr. King’s ideal of the nonviolent Beloved Community.

The Esscence T. Christal Memorial Foundation

A foundation named for Esscence T. Christal, who was killed on November 26, 2011 in a drive-by shooting.

She left behind an 8-year-old son.

Photo by Kimberly Dobosz, www.kimberlydoboszphotography.com May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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My Turn

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Mother’s Day

other’s Day, as we know it, got its start in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial service in Grafton, West Virginia to honor her own mother and mothers everywhere. After this first official observance, she embarked on a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized national holiday.

In 1912, Jarvis incorporated the Mother’s Day International Association to encourage recognition of the day throughout the world. With her work, Mother’s Day spread to every U.S. state and to numerous countries. It was proclaimed a national holiday in the U.S. in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson.

We thought it would be fun to look at how today’s kids and moms celebrate Mother’s Day, so we asked this question on our Facebook page: What is the best Mother's Day gift you've ever received from your kids? Below are answers from local moms.

“Breakfast in bed! Burnt toast included and eaten!” ~Patty C., Cranston “The BEST Mother’s Day gift was bringing our firstborn daughter home ON Mother’s Day in 2008. Since then, my favorite ‘gift’ is breakfast in bed, a bottomless cup of hot tea, and an uninterrupted shower. And, of course, handmade cards from my 3 loves.” ~Terri-Lynn L., Lincoln “My 3 girls got a wooden step stool and painted their handprints on it with the date. It’s my favorite gift.” ~Angela S., Smithfield “These days it’s hugs, words, kisses. Before, hugs, handprints, and the fact that he is alive and next to me. My son turns 6 a month after Mother’s Day.” ~Ira K., Greenville “A bicycle with a baby seat in the back.” ~Aimee C., Coventry “My favorite Mother’s Day gifts from my boys were the wooden flowers and holders they made at the Home Depot workshop. They even painted them. They were 3 at the time; they are now 13. Every year, I still display them.” ~Susan D., Warwick “A beautiful house tree.” ~Mary L-M., Providence

Join us on social media: www.facebook.com/ riparentmag and www.twitter.com/riparentmag 10

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Education

KIDS COUNT Factbook: A look at Rhode Island’s children

By Susan Gale

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IDS COUNT, a children’s advocacy group, released its 22nd annual Factbook, which takes a statistical look at Rhode Island’s children. Here is a summary of some of the facts.

The child population continues to decrease, dropping by 14% between 2000 and 2014 to 212,555 children. Nearly one in five children live in poverty. The diversity of the state has also shifted, with young children less likely to be identified as non-Hispanic White than any other age group. Fifty-seven percent of children under age five identify as non-Hispanic White, compared with 70% of adults ages 25 to 44, and 90% of people age 65 or over.

Concerning changes

Two areas made worrying jumps. There was an increase in babies born with exposure to substances. In 2014, 97 Rhode Island babies were diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a rate of 92 per 10,000 births. This is up from 76 babies in 2013 and more than double the rate of 37.2 in 2006.

Rhode Island also saw an increase in hospitalizations of children related to mental health issues. In 2014, there were 2,744 hospitalizations of children with a primary diagnosis of a mental disorder at Bradley, Butler, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Newport, and Memorial hospitals. This represents a 53% increase from 2003.

Housing and Health

In 2013, 24% of the state’s 154,568 working households spent more than half of their income on housing costs, making Rhode Island the state with the highest cost burden (paying more than 30% of income) in New England.

In 2014, 94% of children had dental insurance that paid for routine dental care, up from 73% in 2001 and 62% in 1990. In 2015, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation to increase access to oral health care for children by allowing dental hygienists to perform approved services in public health settings.

Economics

The Factbook shows how educational attainment is strongly associated with economic well-being in RI. Between 2010 and 2014, adults without a high school diploma were nearly four times as likely to be unemployed as those who finished high school. Rhode Islanders who have achieved a Bachelor’s degree or higher earn nearly double the wages of residents who have only completed high school.

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

Child care subsidies increased the likelihood that lowincome parents were able to work, were employed full-time, and were able to maintain employment over longer periods of time. In December 2015, there were 9,684 child care subsidies in Rhode Island, an increase of 8% in 2014, but down 32% from the 2003 peak.

Education

In the 2015–2016 school year, 88% of Rhode Island kindergartners were in full-day kindergarten, which allows them to make significant gains in early reading, math, and social skills when compared with children in half-day kindergarten. Three school districts began operating universal full-day kindergarten in 2015: Johnston, North Kingstown, and Tiverton. Four districts do not offer full-day kindergarten for all students: Coventry, Cranston, East Greenwich, and Warwick.

More students are graduating from high school. The fouryear graduation rate for the Class of 2015 was 83%, up from 81% for the Class of 2014, and 70% for the Class of 2007.

Safety

The state saw continued declines in the number of youth involved with the juvenile justice system. In 2014, 476 juveniles were arrested for assault offenses, down from 567 in 2013. The number of children and youth referred to Family Court for wayward and delinquent offenses declined 43% between 2009 and 2015, from 4,825 to 2,770. During the same period, the number of juvenile offenses declined by 38%, from 7,829 to 4,885. Between 2006 and 2015, the annual total number of youth in the care and custody of the Training School at any point during the year dropped from 1,123 to 470.  Susan Gale is founder and publisher of Rhode Island Parent Magazine.

Rhode Island is doing better than the majority of other states in these areas, which are ranked based on where RI stands in the list of 50 states. The Ocean State has among the lowest:  Teen death rate (#1)  Infant mortality rate (#3)  Child death rate (#4)  Teen birth rate (#7)  Preterm births (#12)  Low birthweight infants (#15)

Happy Mother’s Day May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Ask Dr. Day Care: Advice for Parents

By Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Ed.D.

Dr. Day Care answers your questions about children from infancy to school age. Send questions to: editor@RIParentMag.com or ask them on facebook.com/RIParentMag.

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Dear Dr. Day Care, My son has been kicked out of three child care centers and he is only three years old! His teachers tell me each time that he is a handful to care for. I am a full-time working mother and I cannot afford to stay home with him. I am also concerned that his behavior issues are not typical. His nine-year-old brother is having similar problems and I am getting reports from his after-school program that he could possibly be asked to leave. Are there any programs available to children with behavior issues to help parents like me?

~ Frustrated Working Mom

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Dear Frustrated Mom, I understand how frustrating this can be for you as a parent. All working parents should have the right to child care that can provide a safe and secure environment, even if your child is displaying challenging behaviors. I would recommend looking for a child care facility that offers additional support and services for children and families.

One option that I recommend is for families to find a learning center that offers Therapeutic Child Care Services (TCCS), a Kids Connect program that is regulated by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The TCCS program provides all children the opportunity to succeed by modifying and adapting the child care program to best fit the child’s needs.

All children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and play alongside their typically developing peers. The TCCS program provides strategies and techniques for specially trained staff in order to help children with special needs.

Children enrolled in a TCCS program are in classrooms with a Therapeutic Integration Specialist who is trained and monitored by a licensed clinician. Each TCCS classroom has an additional staff member to provide a lower staff-to-child ratio and give all team members the skills and techniques to work with all children. Another benefit of enrolling in a TCCS program is getting connected with the CEDARR program, which provides families with a number of resources outside of the child care setting.

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

Therapeutic Child Care Services views parents as an integral part of their team. Parents are always a part of the decision-making process. They also work collaboratively with external resources throughout the state. The TCCS program and these external resources work with child care directors, teachers, staff, and parents to meet the needs of each child and to ensure that children are placed in an environment where they have the opportunity to succeed. By working as a team, they are able to ensure the child’s needs are met.

There are Therapeutic Child Care Services programs throughout Rhode Island for children from infancy through 12 years old. Visit www.tccsri.com to find a TCCS program near you or to see if your child will qualify.  “Dr. Day Care” is Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Ed.D., CEO/ President of Dr. Day Care and Kids Klub, which has locations in Cumberland, Foster, Pawtucket, Providence, Smithfield, West Warwick, and the newest location in South County. She is also a children’s book author: Edgar Graduates. www.drdaycare.com

Therapeutic Child Care Services (TCCS), a Kids Connect program, is regulated by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. www.tccsri.com

May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Feature Story

What would you do as

Governor for a Day? Editor’s note: More than 400 essays were submitted for this year’s Governor for a Day contest. We thought it would be fun to read some of them. Here we offer the full essay from the winner, who spent a day with Governor Gina Raimondo, and small portions of the other top 10 essays.

Winner!

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Sophia Miranda 11, Lincoln

he RI Governor’s job is to help people who live in our state. It must be a hard job because there are many different types of people who live here. As Governor for a day, I would want to help them all. These are kids and older people, adults who work and students, poor and rich people, sick and healthy people, and people of many different cultures.

One person cannot help everyone at once; but, one person, who cares a lot, can be a leader and work with a lot of people to get things done. As Governor, this would be the official order of business on my first day:

Meeting #1: I would meet with doctors to make sure all sick people get medicine.

Meeting #2: I would meet with food programs to make sure that we have enough food to give to poor people without enough to eat.

Meeting #3: I would meet with principals and teachers to talk about extra-credit projects (like this essay) to help students learn in different ways and to get better grades.

Lunch break: I am hungry now. I want to have lunch with

my secretary and everyone else I work with so I can find out how their day is going.

Meeting #4: Some people who work don’t make enough

money. I have to meet with companies to find ways to increase the amount of money they can pay their workers.

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

Meeting #5: Every meeting so far has been very important.

This meeting means a lot to me because it is to talk about people of different cultures. People of different cultures may seem different, but they aren’t all that different. They speak other languages or do things differently sometimes, but, like many of us, they want to be healthy, go to school, and to work, too. My grandmother doesn’t speak or write English that well and she is older. It has been hard for her to find a job. This meeting will be to talk about teaching English and helping people of different cultures find better jobs.

It’s been a long day as Governor. I’m glad I could help so many people in RI. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, or come from a family that speaks another language. To be a great Governor, you have to really care about people.

Top 5 Finalist Abigail Wagner 11, Jamestown

I would want to visit Rhode Island’s refugee centers. I’ve become very passionate about this topic after doing much research on refugees in school. I would find out what volunteer work, supplies, and programs they need. I would encourage people to do what the refugee centers need, to hopefully make Rhode Island a more welcoming state for people coming here. I would absolutely love to meet all the refugees and hear their stories.

Top 5 Finalist Ibiolatiwa Akomolafe 14, Pawtucket

I would help and support all the single parents and widowers.

Growing up with a single mother I understand the struggles.

My mother works three jobs just to keep my sister and me in school, give us shelter and put food on the table. Despite her

hardships, my mom continues to smile and inspire others. I want to be like my mother. I want people to look at me as an inspiration and say “Because of you, I didn’t give up.”

Top 5 Finalist Rebecca Kilday

11, West Greenwich I would meet with educational leaders to discuss the importance of computer education. I have been inspired by Reshma Saujani who presented a TED Talk about teaching girls bravery instead of perfection and founded a program called Girls Who Code to educate, inspire and equip girls with the skills and resources needed to be successful. Currently in Rhode Island, there are only three [Girls Who Code] clubs.

I would recognize participants and leaders of these initial clubs in the hopes of creating more clubs and inspiring girls from all socioeconomic areas to grow into tomorrow’s leaders.

Top 5 Finalist Isabella Garces 11, Smithfield

I feel it is important to ensure that all kids receive the same public free education. All of our schools should be held to the same standards. It shouldn’t matter if one community has higher poverty than another. All kids deserve a great education and I would be sure to supply them with the tools they need to become great adults. I would also work with city officials to make sure that parks and fields are in great play condition. I would help lower income communities with uniforms and gear.

I think that sports and fitness are extremely important and can teach a child teamwork, confidence, and to strive for the future.

Finalist Aisha Alabede

11, Providence I would help immigrants, like my family. My mom and dad are from Nigeria. My mom had a really hard life while growing up in Africa. Her father died when she was six years old and her mother had so many children that she was sold off to another family. My mom had to take care of herself, no one helped her with anything. I can say I am thankful for my mother and I am happy that I have an easier life here. Knowing about my family’s difficult life in Nigeria has affected who I am today.

Finalist Charlotte Flynn

12, West Warwick The first thing I would do would be to work to find money to repair dilapidated schools. My school, for instance, has leaky ceilings which cause the floors to rot and become moldy. Our heating system is in such disrepair that during the cold weather students need to dress in layers and keep their outerwear on all day. These things make it near impossible to fully pay attention and also make my school an uncomfortable environment. I feel that myself as well as other students would be more successful in a place where we’re comfortable and feel safe.

Finalist Savannah Benskin

10, Cumberland I would set up a state-wide day where young people in middle and high school would get the opportunity to explore and interact with professionals in the defense, healthcare, Information Technology services, and bio medical fields. My goals would be to bring students awareness – there is a saying that goes, “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it!” As Governor for the Day I would change that.

Top 5 Finalist

Finalist

Alexandra Lastor

Lotus Chu

14, Providence

The first thing I would do is visit where I grew up to see where I could improve the life of citizens in that neighborhood.

Growing up in the West End of Providence, it wasn’t always safe to play outside. I believe that if youth had positive opportunities to play and work in the West End, then there would be less street violence and crime. If I were Governor, I would go to my middle school and community center and talk to teenagers there. I would try to be an example for being a successful young Hispanic woman.

13, Providence I would do everything in my power to bring forth equality to the LGBT community. I would emphasize the significance of looking upon members of the LGBT community as one would anyone else, as well as just how negative of an impact intolerance can have on them. To add to this, I would propose that gender ambiguous restrooms be available … to take into consideration that “LGBT” also refers to those whose gender identity doesn’t align with their biological sex, and therefore would like to use a restroom without being judged harshly for it.  May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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The Healthy Child

Krazy Kids Inflatable Fun Run coming in June

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Local schools/PTAs can fundraise with the event

o your kids love inflatables? You know, those big bouncy houses and slides? On June 11, a 1.5-mile inflatable obstacle course is coming to Seekonk Speedway.

The one-day event offers 11 inflatable obstacles such as Ball Crawl, where runners dive, crawl, and shimmy their way through a large ball pit; Super Slide, a supersized and “bouncified” playground slide; and Big Bounce, a trampolinetype obstacle.

At the Krazy Town Midway, kids will be entertained by Wild Wash, an inflatable kid-sized car wash with bouncy bubbles and bristly brushes, as well as Fun Farm, with tricky tires, bouncy boxes, and enormous eggs. Face painters, balloon artists, snack and beverage vendors, and more will also be part of Krazy Town. Seekonk Speedway is located at 1710 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, Mass.

Obstacle participants must be between ages 3–12 and be at least three feet tall. Entry to the obstacle course is every fifteen minutes between 8:30–11:30 am. You can sign up for

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

a time when you purchase tickets. Registration fees, which include an event t-shirt and medal upon completion, range from $26 for advance registration to $39 for day-of-event registration. A $49 all-access pass allows children to run the obstacle course multiple times.

Admission is free for spectators accompanying children, and there is a dedicated Parent Viewing Lane so parents can run alongside their children. There is a water stop halfway through the course. Visit www.krazykidsinflatablefunrun.com for details.

According to Krazy Kids Inflatable Fun Run operators, they will donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society to benefit their Relay for Life movement.

Local schools and PTAs can raise money in conjunction with the event by collecting a pledge for every healthy activity their students complete as they “train” for the Fun Run. Schools and PTAs are also eligible for a $25 flat rate per student registration, and keep all donations collected. For more information, visit the School Involvement page on the website. 

May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Active Learning Services

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Rocky Hill School, 530 Ives Road, East Greenwich 1-888-652-4377 ​www.activelearningcamps.com Fun enrichment camps for chess and video game creation that help develop critical thinking skills and improve creativity so important to the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. See ad, page 23.

ummer reaming D

Summer Program & Camp Guide

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hoosing the right summer program or camp can

take time, so it’s not too early to think about what your kids will do this summer. To help you, Rhode Island Parent Magazine offers the following Summer Program & Camp Guide, in alphabetical order. Check out the programs and camps for many fun things to do.

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

Adventure Zone

Drop off & pick up in Coventry (401) 487-9331 www.advzone.org Explore, Discover, Have Fun. Mobile adventure-based youth enrichment program that provides new and exciting outdoor opportunities for campers (rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, biking, and much more). Our programs encompass many types of challenges, ensuring that each camper is able to find an experience that suits their level. And because our programs are designed to build upon one another, returning campers are able to try new adventures and further their personal growth–year after year. Ages 6–15. Visit website for early specials, schedule, and price chart.

Artists’ Exchange

50 Rolfe Square, Cranston (401) 490-9475 www.artists-exchange.org Fantastic day camps for the creative mind! Art, Theater, Rock 'N' Roll, and Ceramics. Ages 5–15. Camps start June 20th, and run through August 26th. Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm, before and after care available. See ad, page 7.

Dream Big Academy

41 Comstock Parkway, Cranston 70 Industrial Road, Cumberland (401) 228-8946 www.dreambiggym.com A high-energy, fun-filled, 1/2 day or Full Day Camp Experience. Boys and Girls ages 4 and up will be placed in age- and level-appropriate groups with qualified coaches to learn gymnastics skills, play games, do crafts, and play outdoor water activities. Thrilling zip line and Super Awesome 20-foot-high waterslide at our Cranston location! Extended day available. See ad, page 4.

Community Boating Center

India Point Park, Providence (401) 454-7245 www.communityboating.com Two-week youth sailing camps offered June-August, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3:30 pm. NEW one-week Save The Bay Camp. Two age groups, 8–11 years old and 12–16 years old. Waterfront “Sailabration” skippered sailing events, room/deck rentals, youth afterschool programs, and evening or weekend adult lessons, recreational sailing, and NEW kayaking also available. See ad on this page.

Girl Scouts

Glocester; West Kingston; Newport; Swansea, MA (401) 331-4500/1-(800) 331-0149 www.gssne.org Day and overnight summer camps with a girl-empowered focus! Archery, swimming, canoeing, rock wall, ropes course, sailing, etc. Financial aid available. See website for Camp Catalog, being released in February. Registration opens in March. See ad, page 24.

Kingston’s Camp on Larkin’s Pond (401) 783-8620 www.kingstonscamp.com See ad on this page.

Mother of Hope Camp

1589 Putnam Pike, Chepachet (401) 568-3580 www.motherofhopecamp.com American Camp Association Accredited, Traditional, Co-Ed Day Camp on Beautiful Echo Lake in Chepachet for Boys & Girls ages 5–12. Camp offers Archery, Arts & Crafts, Canoeing, Daily Prayer, Hiking, Low Element Challenge Course, Nature Exploration, Pet Stewardship, Sports, Swimming, and Weekly Mass. Free Convenient Busing for Neighborhoods around RI. Affordable Tuition. Early Bird and Sibling Discounts. Open House: Sunday, 5/15, 1–4 pm. See ad on this page.

RISD Young Artists

2 College Street, Providence (401) 454-6200 CE.RISD.EDU Summer is busy at RISD, where kids shape their creativity and imagination, and teens develop their personal style as artists and designers. Camps and classes for kids and teens ages 6–17. See ad, page 23. (continued on next page) May 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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Rock Spot Climbing

100 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, (401) 727-1704 1174 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, (401) 789-SPOT www.rockspotclimbing.com ​Indoor rock climbing is an amazing experience that ​is both fun and great exercise for kids of all ​ages, ​fitness ​levels, and experience. Classes run different ​days/times. See website or call for info. See ad, page 7.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence (401) 785-3510 www.rwpzoo.org Campers ages 4–13 enjoy fun-filled days at Roger Williams Park Zoo in age-appropriate programs. Younger children learn to explore the natural world while tweens/teens learn to become conservation leaders. More affordable than many vacation options, small camper-to-counselor ratios, optional after care and pre-paid lunch offerings. Details and easy registration on the website. Discount for RWP Zoo members and another discount when siblings are registered in the same account.

South County Movement Center

335 Woodville Alton Road, Hope Valley (401) 539-2512 www.southcountymovementcenter.com South County Movement Center will have 4 weeks of Camp this summer. June 27–July 1: Skills and Thrills Camp for competitive team gymnasts; August 1–5: Princess Dance Camp; July 18–22: Safari Gymnastics Camp; August 15– 19: Wild West Gymnastics Camp. Ages 4+. Camp times: 1/2 day camp: 9 am–12:30 pm or 1:30 pm–5:00 pm; Full day Camp: 9 am–5:00 pm. You provide the child, we provide the fun. Great way to keep kids active throughout the summer. Kids work on balance and coordination, play group games, have snacks, make crafts, and learn fun and exciting new skills! See ad, page 11.

Stepping Stone Ranch

201 Escoheag Hill Road, West Greenwich (401) 397-3725 www.steppingstoneranch.com See ad, page 23.

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Summer J-Camp at the Dwares JCC

401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence (401) 421-4111 www.jewishallianceri.org June 20–August 19, Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm. For children ages 2–15. Welcoming all faiths and backgrounds.

We offer a variety of activities with themes including mystery, creepy crawlers, space, and Olympics. Schedules filled with assorted sports, swim lessons, art, cooking, science, drama, field trips, and more. Lunch and snacks are included. Early arrival and extended day options; half-day options for 2–5 year olds; sibling and early bird discounts; payment plan options; counselor-in-training opportunities for teens.

Teamworks

170 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick (401) 463-5565 www.teamworkswarwick.com See ad, back cover.

To The Pointe of Performing Arts

Cranston: 999 Oaklawn Avenue (401) 942-5554 North Providence: 1525 Smith Street (401) 354-0054 Coventry: 2435 Nooseneck Hill Road (401) 385-9500 www.tothepointeofperformingarts.com Dance Camps & Summer Dance Classes: Fun weekly day camps include full day/half day options for ages 3–16.

Recreational or intensive camps available. Reasonable rates.

Healthy snacks provided. Campers learn dance techniques in various styles as they relate to the camp theme, make arts n’ crafts related to the theme, and perform in a minirecital on the last day of the camp. Lots of fun and very educational. Great teaching staff. All camps are offered in air-conditioned rooms at any of our three locations. Exact dates and age groupings will be listed on our website on the SUMMER CAMPS page. Registration is accepted by phone or online. Regular fee waived if your child is signed up by May 1st. See ad, page 15.

YMCA of Greater Providence

Barrington; Cranston; Warwick; Peace Dale; Seekonk, MA See ad or website for site telephone numbers www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org Day camps, pre-school camp, specialty camps, overnight camp. Fun, adventure, excitement, and new friends.

We nurture campers in a challenging and supportive environment where safety is a top priority. All programs directed by full-time YMCA staff. Financial aid available.

See ad on inside cover.

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Kid of the Month

Choosing the

harder path

Editor’s note: Christian Ortiz, a Classical High School senior and board member of Young Voices, spoke to more than 600 people at the release of this year’s Factbook – a statistical accounting of RI’s children by KIDS COUNT, which works to enhance children’s lives. The audience included the Governor, House Speaker, Senate President, and Congressional delegation. Ortiz received a standing ovation. What follows is a portion of his speech.

"I

’m so proud to represent not only my family and my community, but the 180 youth members of Young Voices. Young Voices is our only statewide organization that empowers youth to become confident civic leaders and advocates in their communities.

It teaches youth like me how to understand issues, think strategically, and speak out and lead.

“As I was preparing for this speech, I took a look at last year’s Factbook. It pained me so much to read it. Because in its pages of statistics, I saw the youth I grew up with in the ghetto of Wiggins Village. I saw my old friends in the drop-out and suspension statistics. I saw my community in the statistics about violence and poverty.

“I thought about why the life I am about to live, one of success and accomplishment, is so different. I will be going to college to major in computer hardware development, and also plan to join the National Guard and become an officer. The life in front of me couldn’t be farther from those statistics. Why? “I know I could have been on their path. But I intentionally chose a different path, which at the moment was the harder path to take. The experience of growing up in Wiggins Village wasn’t positive until my turning point, my junior year in high school. Before this point, I spent my time trying to blend into my surroundings. I changed my speech pattern and the way I dressed. I watched close friends lose confidence in their ability to succeed in school and instead yield to the life of crime and violence. At times I felt powerless.

I was a low-income minority with a single mother.

“All the drug offers and threats I received on a daily basis still reverberate in the back of my head. I never accepted any of the offers and always ended with a new scar on some part of my body. I never got over these experiences, and I can proudly say that I never will. They are a reminder of where I come from and where I will not reside.

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“Actually, it’s not a mystery why I’m here today. I had a mother who constantly pushed me. My mother has not only been my anchor, but my inspiration and motivation to push forward. She seeded in me the discipline needed to succeed in my harsh environment, and for that I am forever grateful.

“I discovered Young Voices. [They] saw my true potential, my leadership ability, my intellect – they never stopped pushing me. They gave me opportunities that I never could have dreamed of. Testifying at the State House against the use of high-stakes testing. Meeting regularly with the Providence superintendent to diminish the number of high school suspensions citywide. Being a part of the Youth Advisory Committee for the RI Education Commissioner. Sitting on a statewide committee led by KIDS COUNT to increase student-centered learning across RI. “When I started Young Voices, I would never have been able to meet with the Education Commissioner and have the ability to debate him on issues, or to lead presentations to corporate leaders across the state. It’s because they took the time to train me, to push me and develop my capacities.

“The real question is: How can we take these elements that made a difference in my life, and take them to scale? What if more youth had people in their home and community that pushed them? What if our schools were places where youth could have personalized learning, focused on their passions and career interests? What if more youth had access to advanced leadership programs like Young Voices, and what if they had a chance to learn through making systemic change in their communities?

“There are so many youths like me out there, with the potential to succeed and greatly benefit our state. But do we have the commitment as a state to harness the potential of all our young people? If we all work together, so much more is possible. I hope we all follow this event today with unified action that shows the will to make real change.”  For more information about Young Voices, contact karenfeldman1@gmail.com or visit www.youngvoicesri.org

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May 2016 Our calendar is as up-to-date as possible at press time. Be sure to check information with event sponsors for updates/ changes. To submit calendar items for June and beyond, please email them to editor@ RIParentMag.com.

Mother’s Day Bead Making Create a variety of beads and bead jewelry in celebration of Mother's Day. Mold, sculpt and roll beads from paper, clay and other materials and use them to make necklaces, keychains, and more. 11 am–2 pm. May 7 and 8. Mothers/grandmothers free on Mother’s Day. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/ children under 12 months. www. childrenmuseum.org

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Special events 8/Sunday: Mother’s Day Free

Admission – Providence Children’s Museum. Mothers and grandmothers receive free admission from 9 am–6 pm on May 8. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/ children under 12 months. www. childrenmuseum.org

21/Saturday: The Met School’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. Festival including information on the school’s innovative programs, live music, and the chance to meet organizations that are working to reduce violence in RI. Followed by a Waterfire lighting in the evening. Noon-11:30 pm. 325 Public Street, Providence. Free.

Daily throughout May: Birds from Down Under. An exciting, immersive experience with bird species native to Australia. More than 450 birds.

10:30 am–4:30 pm. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. $3 in addition to Zoo admission, $14.95/adults; $9.95/ children, 2–12; free/Zoo members, children under 2. www.rwpzoo.org Daily until May 28: Wicked Tulips U-Pick. Celebrate spring in a two-acre tulip field on a historic farm where you pick your own bouquet. 9 am–6 pm, daily through May 28. Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, 90 Brown Avenue, Johnston. $5/adults; $2.50/children.

Saturdays and Sundays: Spring Weekend Harbor Seal Encounters.

Feed a seal on Saturdays and Sundays.

For ages 5 and older. Children ages 5–11 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Online registration is required. 2–3 pm. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. www.rwpzoo.org

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  May 2016

Places to go Artists’ Exchange. A non-profit arts collaborative with art studios, a gallery, art boutique, and café as well as a secondary venue, Theatre 82 and Café, a multi-use performance, meeting, and instructional space. Offers family events and classes in art, music, and theater. 9 am–5 pm, Monday– Saturday. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston.

Paid and free events. artists-exchange.org [See the Artist’s Exchange ad on page 7.]

Audubon Society Environmental Education Center. 9 am–5 pm, Wednesday–Saturday and noon–5 pm, Sunday. 1401 Hope Street, Bristol.

Some activities free. Admission $6/ adults; $4/children 4–12; free/under 4. asri.org RISD Museum. Museum, classes, and family activities. 10 am–5 pm, Tuesday–Sunday. 20 North Main Street, Providence. Also enter from 224 Benefit Street, Providence. $12/ adult; $10 seniors; $5/college students; $3/youth 5–18; free/under age 5. Free on Sundays and 5–9 pm on the third Thursday of the month. risdmuseum.org

Roger Williams Park Zoo. See a variety of animals. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. $14.95/adults; $9.95/children, 2–12; free/Zoo members, children under 2. www.rwpzoo.org

Fridays 6/Friday: Toddler Try-It: Magnet

Magic. Children ages 18 months to 3 years use real tools and explore the creative process as they delve into different hands-on art and science activities each Friday morning. On May 6, toddlers paint with magnetic marbles. 10 am–noon. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/ children under 12 months. www. childrenmuseum.org

Every Friday: Bring Your Own

Improv. Family–friendly comedy show. 7–8:30 pm. Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Road. $8/adults; $4/children under 12 and seniors. bringyourownimprov.com

Every Friday: Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater. Public stargazing. 6 pm. 61 Park Lane, Charlestown. $1/person suggested donation. frostydrew.org

Weekends 1/Sunday Family Learning Sunday – Mad Science. Get ready for gardening and spring with Mad Science’s Decomposers workshop. Learn about the importance of decomposition and make your own composter, complete with a worm! 2–4 pm. Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street, Providence. Free. www.provlib.org [See Mad Science’s ad on page 27]

RI Kids Consignment Sale.

Final day. Children’s clothing, toys, and baby gear. Everything for newborns to preteens. 9 am– 12:30 pm. Wide World of Indoor Sports, 1610 Davisville Road, North Kingstown. Free entrance. www.rikidsconsignment.com [See ad on page 3.]

Free Admission – Herreshoff Marine Museum. Opening day. 10 am–5 pm.

One Burnside Street, Bristol. Free.

Rigamajig. Invent robots, structures, carts and other creative contraptions with a large-scale building kit featuring wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, rope, and nuts and bolts. 11 am–2 pm.

Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www. childrenmuseum.org

Cinco de Meow. Benefit for ANGLECAT HAVEN. Food, face painting, games for the kids, raffles, and more. 11 am–3 pm. Seven Arrows Farm, 346 Oak Hill Road, Seekonk, Mass. Free/donations accepted.

8/Sunday Happy Mother’s Day! Open Studio – RISD Museum.

Artist-designed activities let visitors of all ages experience artworks in imaginative, thought provoking, and whimsical ways. 1:30–4 pm.

RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street, Providence. Free. www.risdmuseum.org

14/Saturday

7/Saturday

Spring Plant Sale. Benefits civic beautification projects in Jamestown.

Sponsored by the Quononoquott Garden Club. 9 am–noon. Ft. Getty Pavilion, 913 Fort Getty Rd, Jamestown. Free entrance.

Touch-A-Truck. 10th annual TouchA-Truck hosted by East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce in their huge, enclosed parking lot. 30+ vehicles, free rides on the Chamber Choo Choo, free raffle drawings and more. 9:30 am–2 pm. East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce, 1011 Waterman Avenue, East Providence. $4-$20/tickets.

Woonsocket Rotary Days – TouchA-Truck. See, touch, and climb on over 30+ unique and interesting vehicles and demonstrations. Special appearance of the Mutt Cutts van.

10 am–4 pm. (Outdoor movie, Back to the Future, at 8 pm.) Homestead Gardens, 200 Industrial Drive, North Smithfield. $5

Family Performance Series. Different performances each week such as magic, puppet shows, music, theater, storytelling, improv, and more. 11 am–noon. Theatre 82, 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. Pay what you can. artists-exchange.org

Imagination Playground. Kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks, wheels, spools, tubes and a variety of loose parts. Construct castles and forts, create interesting sculptures and more. 11 am–2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org (continued on next page)

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May 2016 Family Performance Series.

See May 7.

15/Sunday Mosaics: Parts and Wholes. A special celebration of Hearing Loss Awareness Month, hosted by Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Make mosaics with muralist and teacher of the deaf Peter Geisser and enjoy stories told in American Sign Language (ASL) and interpreted for the hearing. 1–3 pm. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org Woonsocket Rotary Days – TouchA-Truck. See May 14.

21/Saturday Mohr Medieval Faire 2016. Live combat, games, music, performance, and fantasy. Includes knights in full armor and swashbuckling fencers.

9 am–5 pm. Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library, 1 Memorial Way, Johnston. Free.

After the Beanstalk: Jack, Jill and the Giant. Help Jack and Jill solve the giant's puzzling spatial challenges in an interactive performance. Ages 3 and up. Shows at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

Family Nature Hikes. Monthly guided hikes to learn about local flora and fauna. Hikes happen rain or shine, dress accordingly. 10–11 am. Oak Knoll and Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park Street, Attleboro, Mass. $2–$8/person.

Craft Bash. Different crafts each month. 11 am–2 pm. Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston.

Free. www.artists-exchange.org Family Performance Series.

See May 7.

22/Sunday After the Beanstalk: Jack, Jill and the Giant. See May 21.

28/Saturday Chalk the Walk. Kids make a mark by creating colorful sidewalk chalk drawings and doodles. 9 am–6 pm.

Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org RPAC Performance Night. Be inspired, uplifted and transformed with a multimedia performance of ‘Up.’ A positive and powerful experience in the arts. 2 pm. East Greenwich High School, 300 Avenger Drive, East Greenwich. Sponsored by Reverb Performing Arts Center, 128 C Pleasant View Avenue, Smithfield. $13/online, $15/at the door.

Family Performance Series.

See May 7.

29/Sunday Chalk the Walk. See May 28.

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