Bear Essential News for Kids by Boomer Bear

KIDS, PARENTS, TEACHERS!

ESSENTIAL NEWS

March 2013 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

See Listings Pages 13 thr u 19

In this Picture: Find a tent, a spring flower, a clock, a canoe, an Easter egg, the word SPRING, a four-leaf clover, a flashlight, a basketball and a book.

FEATURE

NEWS

S ummer Camps G alore! March Madness Find one that’s right for you Pages 12 thru 19

Spotlight on North Korea News Highlights page 5

NEWS

PARENTS S— FAMILIE for ide Look ins pons, u o c great Parenting Tips from Dr. Leman ts. e n u ven tips & f page 20

N EW! Bully Breakers New Kid by Friday! Win a Sliding Puzzle!!! page 7

Bear essential news for kids!

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March 2013

He’s wise, he’s cool and he’s ready to respond — write to Boomer Bear at Bear Essential News for Kids 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 Tucson, AZ 85711

GET CONNECTED with the latest from Bear Essential News on Facebook!

• News • Contests, • Events • Family Happenings

Visit: facebook.com/bearnews Volume 34 Issue 7 TM

Serving Arizona Families for 33 Years! Editor & Publisher Stephen B Gin Assistant Editors Renee Griffith Mike Loghry

Sales Director & Publisher Nancy Holmes Account Executives Syndi Taylor Terri Anderson

Administrative Asst. Kathy Cooper Rachael Drozdoff

Art Director Gary Shepard

Bear Essential News for Kids® is published monthly by Kids’ View Communications Corp. to educate, enrich and entertain children and their families. Content of this newspaper is designed to promote reading and writing skills as well as creativity. Classroom educators are welcome to reproduce any portion of this newspaper for their students. Call or fax Kids’ View Communications for any additional information on stories. Please Call 1-480-752-2327 for any editorial or advertising inquiries. ©2013 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 • Tucson, AZ 85711 Fax (520)792-2580 Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

Web Address: www.bearessentialnews.com Printed with recycled newsprint. ENDORSED BY THE

Arizona Education Association

He’s wise, he’s cool, and he’s ready to respond! Hey, Boomer Bear! How can I look good in school? Your friend, L.J. Dear L.J., It’s never too early to start developing your fashion sense—your “style.” Pay attention to magazine covers, TV shows and commercials, and stuff online. There are so many fun styles out there. Look around your school or when you’re out and about to find a style that you really like for yourself and that works well for kids your age. I like going with my folks to thrift stores and vintage clothing places for great deals. As for the clothes, they don’t hafta be expensive or new to make you look good!

Dear Boomer, My favorite pizza topping is pepperoni. I like it because it’s so good. In fact, it’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Sincerely, C.G. Hi, C.G., That’s quite a coincidence— pepperoni is my favorite thing on a pizza, too! You’re obviously a word person, and I have just the event for

See ya, Boomer Bear Boomer Bear, Have you ever done baton twirling? It’s unique, and it can definitely help with flexibility. When I started three years ago, I couldn’t touch my toes. Now I’m doing features like splits, leaps and leg holds. It will help with posture because that helps you get points in competition. A lot of coaches stress over that. We aren’t allowed to do gymnastics in competition, but we do lots of jumps, spins and illusions. I twirl for Kelly’s Kuties, and I LOVE it. I practically live for twirling. Try it! R.R. Hey, R.R.! I have played with a baton before and ended up hitting myself in the head! It sounds like you’ve found a terrific athletic activity that you’re gonna enjoy for years. For those who don’t know, Kelly’s Kuties is in Missouri. Keep twirling! Boomer Bear

or e-mail your letters to boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Dear Boomer, Can you add a page of fun and games like crossword puzzles, codes, word searches, etc.? Some students in my class have been thinking of this! Thank you, M.Z. Dear M.Z., I love that you and your classmates are thinking about ways to make Bear Essential News even more FUN! As you know, our fun and challenging puzzles and word games (not to mention cool contests for the family and classrooms) are scattered throughout my newspaper, even in our ads. I’ll check with my fellow editors and publishers to see what they think of your idea, thank you. Readers are winners, Boomer Bear

you and your family. On March 9 and 10, I’ll be at the big Bear Essential News tent in front of the children’s area of the Tucson Festival of Books. It’s Arizona’s biggest bookfest! The event and parking are free, and it’s at the University of Arizona from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days. A literary-themed circus will perform; there are workshops for aspiring young writers and illustrators (and adults, too); and Science City and all the great children’s authors will inspire you. It’s definitely worth the drive if you’re coming from anywhere in Arizona. Check out TucsonFestivalofBooks.org for details and where to park. It’ll be a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time! See ya there, Boomer Bear

Dear Boomer, My friend wants to join the Young Reporters Program, but doesn’t know how. He’s 9 and in fourth grade. He wants to do news stories around the library and park. He thinks it’ll be very fun! From A.B. Dear A.B., Any kid in grades 2 through 8 who wants to write for me is welcome to join Bear Essential as a Young Reporter! YR wannabees can go to BearEssentialNews.com and click on the Young Reporter button for info and to print out the sign-up form— just follow the buttons and select Phoenix for the correct form. Fill it out and have your parent sign it; then mail it in. In a few weeks, you’ll receive your official Young Reporter Kit that has everything you need to get started.

Read LETTERS TO BOOMER to younger readers to enhance their Common Core experience. Bear readers also can practice their letter writing!

Write for me! Boomer Bear

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

N! W4 IPasses to To enter, complete the activity below, and send it in for a chance to win.

Fill in the blanks to name the safety items Read the 10 Easy Rules for clues

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10 Easy Rules for Swimmers

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3. If you don’t know how to swim or give CPR, ask your parent/guardian to sign you up for a class.

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2. Always lock the gate to the pool when you are not in the water to avoid an incident.

4. Always wear sunscreen. Sunburns hurt.

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5. On a deck or dock, always walk, never run.

6. Don’t depend on floating toys; they are not designed to save lives. 8. Be nice around water—never splash or jump in the water to land on someone.

9. Keep a cordless phone near the area in case of an emergency.

10. Never, never get in the water with someone who is drowning. Throw them something to hold on to, yell for an adult and dial 911.

Win Harkins Movie Passes! CONTEST DEADLINE: March 15, 2013

Safety Connection srpnet.com/safety TM

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7. Before you dive, check the depth. The bottom can be closer than you think.

1. Always have an adult around you when you are in the pool. No sneaking into the pool area.

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Name: __________________________________ Tel: (

) _______________ ZIP: _______

Email: __________________________________ Email your entry to kathy@bearessentialnews.com Please put SRP in the subject line. Mail your entry to Bear Essential News, SRP 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 • Tucson, AZ 85711 There will be 4 winners.

Bear essential news for kids!

March 2013

Teachers! Plan Your End of

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Year & 2013-14 Field Trips NOW!

Make the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium part of your classroom experience! Arizona’s largest animal collection is exhibited on 66 acres. Discount pricing for your class and chaperones. Admission includes access to scheduled lory parrot feeding, wildlife encounters shows, children’s play area and petting zoo. Check out www.wildlifeworld.com/educators/field-trip.shtml or call 623-935-9453 for rates, info and to schedule your visit. School Onsite Outreach Program also available. 30 to 40 minute presentations. Call 623-935-5692 or email via: www.wildlifeworld.com/educators/outreach.shtml

The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Is Featured in Wildlife Encounter Shows!

he Abyssinian ground hornbill, also called the northern ground hornbill, is a large bodied African bird that stands more than 3 feet tall.

Although strong fliers, these animals spend much of their time walking on the ground in search of insects, lizards, seeds, fruits, snakes

and other small ground dwelling animals. Hornbills have large structures on top of their narrow beak called a casque, which is more pronounced on mature males. Unlike smaller hornbills that tend to live mostly in trees, ground hornbills form nests along riverbank walls. During breeding season, the male helps to seal the female inside of a mud nest with only a narrow slit left open for the passage of food items by the male to the female as she incubates the eggs. The male continues to use his narrow beak to provide for the female and any hatchlings until they are old enough to leave the nest. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium features several varieties of hornbill including an animal ambassador named Elvis, the education department ground hornbill. Elvis is often seen on the education stage during one of three Wildlife Encounters Shows each day. At these shows you can learn about unique wildlife as they demonstrate natural behaviors like foraging and free flight. Plan your next visit to see one of these facinating shows.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, in Litchfield Park, is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. Zoo exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last zoo admission is at 5 p.m.) Aquarium exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daytime admission includes access to the zoo and aquarium. Special reduced evening Aquarium-Only admission is available after 5 p.m.

Wildlife Encounters Show Weekdays:

10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays: 12 p.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Enjoy Our Newest Exhibits

DRAGON WORLD!

An exciting new exhibit featuring giant ectotherms, meet the state’s first salt water crocodile, nicknamed “JAWS”

RIVER MONSTERS!

Enjoy a fourth aquarium featuring creatures from the Amazon River. See exhibits featuring marine sea turtles and small clawed otters.

Discount coupons available: www.BearEssentialNews.com

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

Athletics

North Korean Blast

Can freshman sensation Jahi i Carson lead the Sun Devils into March Mad ness?

Photo courtesy of

College basketball fans soon will have something to cheer about—or weep about—as March Madness nears! March Madness is the nickname for the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship, a wild and exciting tournament of 68 top-notch college teams. Just getting into the tourney creates a lot of drama. If your favorite team wins its conference championship, it earns a place at March Madness. While 31 conference champs get automatic berths, the NCAA selection committee gets to choose the other 37 teams and also pair which teams will face each other and where they’ll play. This is known as the bracket, which is announced by the committee on Selection Sunday (March 17). How does your team get picked for March Madness? The selection committee looks at things like how tough or easy your regular season schedule was, what teams you beat and what teams you lost to—even what teams your opponents played, which is reflected in your team’s RPI (ratings percentage index). Even though ASU has won a lot of games this season, its RPI isn’t that high. The talented Sun Devils didn’t have a very strong schedule and might or might not get an invite to March Madness. ASU needs to finish strong in the regular season or have a really good showing in the PAC-12 Tournament. Many good teams like ASU are considered “on the bubble,” which adds to the drama. Most of the Associated Press Top 25 teams will get in, and those at or near the top of the Top 25 will be

Jason Wise, ASU

Bring on the Madness!

seeded as #1 or #2 teams in the brackets, meaning they’ll face lower-seeded, Facts About North Korea: usually less talented teams to start things off. CHINA But they don’t call it March Madness for nothing. Formal Name: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Sea of It’s a one-and-done championship tournament— North Japan Population: 22,665,345 Korea one loss and you’re sent packing. And because Capital: Pyongyang it’s basketball, any team is capable of beating any • Pyongyang ★ Language: Korean other team on any given day! Monetary unit: won ★ • Seoul Some top seeds should be teams like Indiana, Government: Communist South Gonzaga, Miami, Duke and Kansas. dictatorship Korea Yellow Eight “bubble” teams will compete in the first Industries: military products, Sea mining, textiles, food products, round of March Madness, known as the First Four, on March 19 and 20. The winners are added to the coal, iron ore, tungsten brackets, broken down into South, East, Midwest missile in December, North Korea conducted and West regions. Each region starts out with 16 its third underground nuclear test on Feb. 12. teams, seeded #1 through #16. This was the most powerful explosion yet. Its March Madness is a TV phenomenon. Second other two nuclear tests were in 2006 and 2009. and third rounds are March 21–24, and Regionals are North Korea claims it used “a miniaturized March 28–31, where hot teams make it to the Sweet and lighter nuclear device with greater 16 and the Elite 8. Winning your region gets you to the explosive force than previously,” one that Final Four. Have fun filling out your brackets and good “did not pose any negative impact on the luck to your favorite team. Bring on the Madness! surrounding ecological environment.” The

Meteorite Attack! by Reporter Farah Eltohamy, BASIS Chandler On Feb. 15 at 9 a.m., a huge meteorite lit up the sky before crashing into a frozen lake in Chelyabinsk, Russia. As the 11-ton space rock exploded in the sky, it sent shock waves that shattered windows throughout the area, injuring 1,200 people and damaging 3,000 buildings! The meteorite was so loud and frightening that witnesses yelled, “Doomsday is here!” This latest intense meteorite blast is Russia’s strongest in more than 100 years. A huge one rocked Tunguska, Siberia on June 30, 1908. Back then, victims witnessed a fireball soaring in the sky, coming towards them. As it struck, it took down millions of trees. In fact, it was at least 1,000 times stronger than the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima! February’s blazing meteorite zoomed across the sky, as footage from a video shows. Traveling at 19 miles per second, the meteorite created a white streak and exploded with a huge flash and produced a horrible bang. The blast released energy comparable to a 300–500 kiloton nuclear warhead. Coincidentally on the

Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, North Korea continues to develop its nuclear weapons program with a recent long-range missile launch and its third nuclear bomb test. Kim Jong Un took over the country in December 2011, after the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, his father. Since taking over, the new leader has continued the country’s quest for nuclear weapons despite world efforts to stop the program with some of the strongest economic sanctions (limits on international trading) that can be placed on a country. After successfully launching a long-range

A dash cam shows the powerful fireball plummeting to Earth in Russia.

same day, two hours later, an asteroid known as 2012 DA14 had a near miss with Earth. The asteroid came within 171,100 miles from our planet—closer than the orbit of some of our weather satellites. Believe it or not, the asteroid is as big as a football field! Luckily, our NASA scientists knew about it, and they were confident that the asteroid would miss our planet.

government says it’s developing a nuclear program to protect itself from the hostile acts of the United States and other countries. North Korea has long been a source of controversy. On June 25, 1950, its troops invaded South Korea, sparking a conflict that pulled in the United States. A truce signed on July 27, 1953, ended the fighting. However, the two Koreas are still technically at war because they never signed a peace treaty. North Korea is one of the world’s least open economies, meaning it rarely participates in trade with other countries. The government restricts what crops can be grown and what can be sold. North Korea accepts limited food aid from other countries, but many of its citizens still suffer from malnutrition and poor living conditions. The citizens of the country have little freedom. Only people who live in the capital city have cell phones. There are only four television stations, and a “national intercom” cable radio station is the main source of information.

Bear essential news for kids!

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March 2013

In this issue! Check Out All of Bear’s Contests! Page 7…Bully Breakers. This new program aims to end bullying in our state. Pages 8, 11 & 21…Get the Scoop! Does music belong in schools, a visit from mascot Nite Al and more great news by kids, for kids. Page 10…Water Wise. Learn how snowmelt affects the Central Arizona Project. Page 12–13…All About Camps! Start making your plans for a great summer at camp. Details on Bear’s Summer Camp Festival

Pages 13–19…Bear’s Summer Camp Guide. Find the right camp for your child in

Check Out BearEssentialNews.com

Bear’s Summer Camp listings.

Page 20…Have a New Kid by Friday. Dr. Kevin Leman advises on talking about tragedies with your child.

Does Your Child Have Allergies? Common allergens in Phoenix area include trees, grass, air pollution, dust, household mites, and insect parts. Symptoms include chronic cough and runny nose (over several weeks), especially in the absence of fever, red and itchy eyes, skin rash, and difficulty breathing. Consult your pediatrician for these problems.

Urgent Care Just for Kids at Night • 3600 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix • 602-412-4033 • 8801 W. Union Hills, Peoria • 623-241-9026 • 10320 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale • 623-643-9233 • 325 E. Baseline, Phoenix • 602-824-4228 • 1452 N. Higley, Gilbert • 480-813-9600

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All-Night Urgent Care for Kids—Open all night, every night 5pm-5am • Children only: Newborns thru 18-year-olds • All children seen by a pediatrician • On-site X-ray & lab services • Accept most insurance & all AHCCCS • Save time and money compared to an emergency room

Do the Allergy Word Search!

AIR POLLUTION ALLERGIES ALL NIGHT CHRONIC COUGH DUST GRASS INSECT PARTS ITCHY EYES KIDS ONLY MITES NO FEVER PRDIATRICIAN RED EYES RUNNY NOSE SKIN RASH TREES

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March 2013

akkeerrss e r a B e r B y y l l l l B Buu A new program for kids, teens & parents to help end bullying in our state & to keep young people safe when it comes to today’s technology.

A Letter from Attorney General Tom Horne Dear Students and Parents, As Arizona Attorney General, it is my job to protect Arizonans from those who would try to harm us. Every one of us has a right to feel safe in our schools, neighborhoods and our communities. Each month in “Bully Breakers,” my office will share stories, events and provide resources so that you have the tools to know what to do if you have to deal with a bully.

Bear essential news for kids!

Let’s Do It... ACTIVITIES! Word Scramble: Unscramble the words below, taken from this month’s letter from the Attorney General. Once you’ve unscrambled all the words, mail them in with your completed Entry Form below for a chance to win.

Win This Sliding Bullying Puzzle! First Classroom Entry & 12 Individuals selected at random will win. Hurry! Entry Deadline Is April 15, 2013.

Bullying is defined as: 1. Verbal Bullying • Name-calling • Teasing that is insulting and hurtful

1. CROPETT

2. Relationship Bullying • Ignoring someone intentionally • Spreading lies/rumors about someone • Forcing someone to do things against their will

Bully Breakers also will cover the growing problem of cyberbullying for tweens, teens and parents!

3. Physical Bullying • Stealing, hiding or destroying someone’s personal possessions • Hitting, kicking, pushing or shoving someone…or threatening to do these things These are examples of ways one person can make another person feel hurt, uncomfortable or afraid. Bullying is a growing problem, especially with new technology—the phenomenon of CYBER-BULLYING. Bullying makes people feel lonely, unhappy and scared. Sometimes students who are being bullied think “something is wrong with me.” If you do not want to go to school or play outside because of a bully, tell your parents or teachers. It’s very important to deal with bullying and not let it ruin your life! The reason one child may bully another is to make him feel bad. The bully does this to gain power or attention from peers, teachers or other adults.

But don’t try to fight back or get “revenge”—this will only make the situation worse. Tell a trusted adult what is happening and ask for help. Parents and teachers know what to do to keep you safe. Asking for help is not tattling and is necessary if you’re being bullied. Next month we’ll look at “Who’s a Bully?” If you would like a bullying presentation from our office, contact us at 602-542-2123.

AZAG.gov/cyberbullying

bullyville.com

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Kids Against Bullying

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5. YLUBL SKAREEBR __ __ __ __ __

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Bear Essential News 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 Tucson, AZ 85711

Name: Address: City:

pacerkidsagainstbullying.org

Phone:

Anti-Bullying Network

School:

antibullying.net

Anti-Bullying Resource for Young Children to Stop Bullying and Bullies

anti-bullying.net

3. ORIGNIGN

Tom Horne

BullyVille: Take The Bull By The Horns!

www.thebullyproject.com

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Mail your unscrambled words & this Entry Form to

Cyber-Bullying & the Megan Pledge

“Bully” 2011 Documentary

2. BRYEC–LYINULGB

ENTRY ENTRY FORM FORM

Bullying Prevention Resources! StopBullying.gov

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Grade:

ZIP:

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March 2013

Is Music Important, and Should We Have It in School? by Reporter Joshua Mortenson, Neely Traditional Academy Due to a lack of funding, public schools have to cut their spending. As a result, music programs are suffering. “According to a report…by the Campaign for America’s Future, evidence suggests that cuts to education funding are leading to cutbacks from early childhood education programs, increases in class sizes and termination of art, music, physical education and other elective subjects,” says The Huffington Post. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities showed that 26 states will spend less per pupil in fiscal year 2013 than the year before, and Arizona is at the top of that list. According to a nationwide survey by the Gallup organization in 2010, music programs are essential to kids learning. Here are highlights from the study: • 95 percent of Americans believe that music is a key component in a child’s well-rounded education. • 80 percent believe that music makes kids smarter. • 78 percent believe that learning a musical instrument helps students do better in other subjects.

• 80 percent believe that participating in music helps teach kids discipline. Music in school is the only exposure that some kids have to music. So what happens to the kids that can’t afford Recording artist & teacher Jordan Bl private music lessons? uth I interviewed recording artist and private vocal instructor Jordan Bluth about this subject. Bluth grew up in Gilbert, and was in choir throughout elementary school, junior high and high school. “My high school choir teacher had a heavy influence on my decision to attend college and major in music,” Bluth points out. “Music programs are important. I believe they are a valuable tool for learning, and I hope our society can find a way to keep music as an integral part of public school education,” he emphasizes.

Alert, Alert! How and Why to Save Animals by Reporter Janneth Barr Shaw Elementary Do you know how many animals are disappearing? You may not, but other people do. Our animal life is in danger, and animals are part of our food chain. Herbivores eat the plants, then the meat eaters eat the herbivores. We eat both plants and animals. We should save animals from becoming extinct. If all the animals go extinct, we will have no food left to eat but plants. Here are some of the animals I think we need to work on saving.

Nite Al Soars with Class by Reporters Abran Gonzalez and Kenneth Phimmasone, Integrity Education Centre with many people, so they brought The Night Run Co-director Tricia back The Night Run. “The Night Schafer and mascot Nite Al visited Run is like a big birthday party—we the Integrity Education Centre on bring people together to celebrate Feb. 1 to teach students about physical fitness, community and health and fitness. wellness,” she explains. The Night She began by asking students Run is Arizona’s oldest night race what types of exercise they do and started in Old Towne Scottsdale outside of school, and then pointed over 25 years ago. It was formerly out activities that you can do on your Nite Al and Schafer visit Integrity. known as the “Night Run for the own. She points out that things like Arts” and today has partnered with the local nonprofit running, biking and swimming can be more fun with other people! Workshops for Youth and Families, a place where adults help kids make things better by stopping drugs and Being an only child, Schafer learned early how to bullying. Last year The Night Run raised over $10,000 exercise on her own and quickly realized how good for the nonprofit. it made her feel. “Running makes you feel good and After the presentation, Schafer took the K–6 classes healthy,” Schafer says. Today, she enjoys many types outdoors to exercise. First we warmed-up and did of exercises, especially running. She met co-director stretches, push-ups and marching before running Johnny Lookabaugh at a 2010 running event on May two laps around the parking lot. “When you exercise 14, Nite Al’s bib number. They wanted to share the fun regularly, you have more energy to do sports,” she says. Schafer tells us that we can run in the upcoming Night Run on May 11, which is an 8K race or do the 3Visit BearEssentialNews.com Mile Fun Run/Walk. She also gave us a sneek preview or call toll free: 1-866-NEWS KID to an upcoming race for the Children’s Museum that sponsors happens Oct. 19. Schafer and Nite Al gave the class cool tattoos with an Owl on them. Visit TheNightRun. com for more information. MORE SCOOPS! page 11 ➧

Be a young reporter!

First, sea turtles are becoming endangered because of the trash we throw into the ocean. A sea turtle may think plastic bags are jellyfish and choke on them. They also can die from strangulation when plastic soda can holders get stuck on their necks. Second animals: sharks. They are being hunted by humans for their fins, which are used to make shark fin soup. Help sharks by banning shark fin soup. Third one: manatees, which move so slowly that they get badly injured by boat propellers. Manatees are endangered, too. Fourth one: gorillas. Save gorillas by protecting their forest habitat. Help other animals, too! There are many more to help. You also can help by recycling, not cutting down trees, not throwing food on the ground and donating to organizations that help animals. It feels good to help! I promise you that you won’t regret it. If you do it, you are an animal saver, and the animals thank you.

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

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March 2013

with BOOMER! What’s on Your Mind? From Pizza to Presidents, Boomer Wants to Know What You Like/Dislike and Hope for the Future.

Click on “BOOMER’S BLOG” at

BearEssential News.com

Central Arizona Project (CAP) is a modern aqueduct system that stretches 336 miles across the state. CAP delivers water from the mighty Colorado River to where it’s needed in Arizona.

KIDS & FAMILIES —Welcome to Bear’s water conservation page. Water means life to all of us desert dwellers. In fact, water is Arizona’s most precious natural resource, and using it wisely is everybody’s responsibility!

Measuring Snowpack Snow in Phoenix? A winter storm warning about blizzard conditions for Tucson? Recent weird winter weather in the West actually helps our water supply for spring! Seven Western states share water from the Colorado River, which is also the water source for Central Arizona Project (CAP). The river flows through more than 1,400 miles of mountains and deserts, providing water to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, California, New Mexico and Arizona. River water is a RENEWABLE resource, meaning that nature replenishes it through rainfall and snowmelt year after year.

Let It Snow!

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Guides & Directories • Summer Camps. Look for a summer program for your kids. • Birthday Guide. Find the latest in birthday party venues and activities. • Academic Directory. A go-to educational resource guide for school and resources • Field Trips. Plan a cool outing for your class.

Contests

Year 1

Year 2

Year 5

Track the Snowpack!

More Ways to Learn About Water!

Make Your Snowpack Bar Graph Here!

Info and artwork from the “Discover the Waters of Arizona” booklet. This column is a collaborative effort between CAP and Arizona Project WET. 5

Young Reporters

• Join our award-winning Young Reporter program

Year 4

1. For the illustration to the right, use a ruler to measure the snowpack for each year (1/ 2 inch = 1 foot). 2. Figure out the AVERAGE amount of snowpack for all five years: • Add up the amounts from all five years. • Then divide this total by the number of years (5). • ( _+_+_+_+_ ) ÷ 5 = __ ? 3. Make a bar graph on the chart below to show the yearly snowpack. 4. Draw a horizontal line across your graph to show the average snowpack for the five years.

Enter to win Fun Prizes & Tickets!

• Report for Bear. See your news reports published in Bear Essential News and online.

Year 3

http://ag.arizona.edu/arizonawet/

For more water-related information, please visit:

www.CentralArizonaProject.com or call toll free: (888)

891-5795

Amount of Snow (feet)

A WEBSITE for Everyone in Your FAMILY!

Winter storms bring much-needed snow to the West. High up in the mountains, scientists measure snow to figure out how much water may be released into rivers and soil when the snow melts in the spring. Even if you live in a place without snow, your water may come from SNOWPACK that melts way up high in distant mountains! And while two freaky February snow storms cancelled some classes in the West, up in the mountains they added to the snowpack, which was running a bit below average at the end of January.

4 3 2 1 0 1

3 Year

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March 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

together, which was important because this step involved a lot of teamwork. Our engineering teacher, Peter Bartanen, notified us about the writing prompts we had to write— the city narrative and the research essay. I did the very challenging research essay. by Reporter Tasmia Alam, Orangedale Junior High Prep My prompt was to think about a solution for From aliens to agile flying cars, climate control and weather runoff in our city, which we named Eureka. probes, we all like to imagine what our future world will look like. Saturday, the big day, arrived with a bang. Most kids love to fantasize about what’s going to happen way I woke up at 5 in the morning to get myself ahead of their time. Now they can use their imagination, creativity ready and to practice my presentation. In and smarts for a program called Future Cities. the car, my mom reminded me that whatever Students at Orange Future Cities is a program where middle schoolers develop happens, I will be her star, her winner. dale use their imaginations and cre and build a city. Future Cities has been around for many years, Then, our presentation time arrived. I was ativity for Future Cit ies. but in 1992, National Engineers Week started the Future City scared—this was my first year in Future Cities. Competitions. As part of the competition, our team’s first step—one of many—was to Even though we had just one day of presentation, we pulled it off! Our team design a virtual city using SimCity 4. While designing our city, we had to make sure was announced as one of the finalists and took fourth place. Future Cities that we solved the city’s problems such as fires or protests. It was shocking how real doesn’t just impact the young minds in us, it impacts our society. Kids can the problems were! make a difference. Together, we can take one step off the ground and into The next step was the model, which could be whatever our team wished. the future. We had fun with paint and got messy with paint wars. It’s what bonded our team MORE SCOOPS! page 21 ➧

Into the Future!

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center

Win an UltraStar

Prize for 2!

Bowling & Shoe Rental, Laser Tag Games, WHEN YOUR KIDS Arcade $10 Game Play Cards, Movie Tickets Contest February Winner NEED A PLACE UltrtaStar TO Value: $80 Ruben R. Phoenix 2/3 Page UNWHINE. Can you complete these 5 movie titles? (Contest for kids 16 & under)

See these and more this summer at UltraStar!

________________ Age, Rise of the ____________________, The _____________________ Island, ______________ of a Wimpy Kid–Dog Days, _______________ Miracle Word Bank: Big, Mysterious, Diary, Ice, Guardians Simply bring them down to UltraStar Multi-tainment Center. Laser tag. Video Games. Bowling. Movies. It’s everything they—and you—need for a good time. All in one place.

One-stop, non-stop entertainment. (520) 494-STAR • UltraStarAkChin.com 16000 Maricopa Rd, adjacent to Harra’s Ak-Chin Casino

DEADLINE: April 5, 2013 First & last Name:__________________________________ Age: _______ Address:_________________________________________ Apt # ______ City:__________________________________ ZIP: _________________ E-mail address:_______________________________________________ Parent’s Signature:_____________________________________________ Telephone: (_________) _________________ School: ________________

Send to: Bear Essential News/UltraStar 1037 S. Alvernon Way #150 • Tucson, AZ 85711

Page 12

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

www.bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

All About

March

CAMPS!

ummer camp gives kids a chance to try new things, learn or improve skills, and make friends that will last a lifetime! Camp also can give kids new found confidence and boost their self esteem. Ginger Pauley, the executive director of American Camp Association Southwest, says that improving selfesteem, team building and acquiring leadership skills are some of the many benefits of going to camp. Academic enrichment, gaining job skills and learning about the environment are other great bonuses kids can get by attending a camp, she says. According to Pauley, the experience of going to camp can give kids “the ability to think on their own, work on their own and be comfortable away from home.” At camp, kids have opportunities to do things they would not do otherwise, says Pauley. With the support of their peers and camp counselors, “They really can explore,” she says. When trying to decide on a camp, kids and parents should talk about which camp works best for the family and what kind of camp the child is ready for. “The first thing they should do is decide what kind of camp—what the family wants, what the child wants,” says Pauley. To help you get started, check out Bear’s Summer Camp Guide in this issue and online.

Summer’s coming, time for fun! There’s a camp for everyone. Horseback riding, playing ball, try the zip line or rock wall. Explore nature, now’s your chance. Check out acting; sing and dance.

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

Page 13

Find Out What’s HOT in 2013 Summer Camps! April 6th, 2:00–5:00 p.m.

FREE Ad m is s io n !

at Castles-N-Coasters 9445 Metro Parkway East

Prizes

Science and the arts are cool! Learn new strokes out in the pool.

• FREE Golf for the first 50 kids • Meet camps for every interest & budget • FREE Prize Raffles every 20 minutes • All this and more!

Entertainment Info & more!

No matter where you choose to go, at camp your confidence will grow. Make new friends and gain skills, too. Find the camp that’s right for you!

ATTENTION: Current and Future Young Reporters!

See pages 13 through 19 for Bear’s 2013 Summer Camp Guide listings!

Already a BEAR Reporter or thinking about it? There will be special gifts for current Young Reporters and information, registrations & more for kids in 3rd to 8th grade.

For more info go to www.BearEssentialNews.com Camp Check List Different camps require different supplies, so touch base with the camp you’re attending to see what items you’ll need. But here’s a basic list of things you may want to have, especially outdoors!

FUN FAMILY MOVIES FEATURING CAMPS! • Heavyweights • Camp Nowhere • The Rainbow Tribe • Daddy Day Camp • The Parent Trap • Addams Family Values • Camp Rock

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

CAMP WORD SEARCH ARCHERY ARTS BASKETBALL CAMP CRAFTS DANCE

FRIENDS HORSES SCIENCE SMORES SWIMMING VOLLEYBALL

E V G E C N A D H L

B O A N A A Y O A L

Sunscreen Hat Water Towel Change of clothes Healthy snack Sense of adventure!

Y L S C I E N C E A

R L A U L M A P A B

E E H C A V M A K T

H Y O R P A H I L E

C B R A C A W A W K

R A S F R I E N D S

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CAMPS 2013

ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE ACADEMY FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS 7701 W. Paradise Ln. • Peoria 623-776-8400 Kurtis W. Overby, Artistic Associate kurtis@azbroadwaytheatre.com www.azbroadway.org

A L E T D N A J C A

O L S S M O R E S B

Four separate sessions where children will be involved in acting, music and music instruction. Classes are great for beginners, but also effective for those with theatre experience. Session 1: Squirm! A Wiggly, Giggly, Squiggly Musical June 3–7 • Ages: 7–9 Performance: June 8 at 10 a.m. Session 2: TBD June 10–28 • Ages:13–19 Performance: June 28 at 7:30 p.m. Session 3: Alice in Wonderland Presented by Missoula Children’s Theatre July 15–19 • Ages: 7–18 Performance: July 20 at 10 a.m. Session 4: Joust! A Mighty Medieval Musical July 22–Aug. 2 • Ages:10–12 Performance: July 3 at 10 a.m.

ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER Camp Innovation2013 Summer Camp Sessions 600 E. Washington St. • Phoenix 602-716-2000 • Soilo J. Felix June 4–July 20 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Mon.– Fri.) before & after care available: Drop-off as early as 7:30 a.m. & pickup as late as 6 p.m.—Additional $10 per day Registration available now felixs@azscience.org www.azscience.org Introduce your child to the wonderful world of Science. We offer 12 innovative and fun summer camp programs designed to inspire and educate any child from ages 3–14. Early drop-off and late pick-ups are available for most camps. Register on-line at azscience. org or call 602-716-2028. Registration NOW OPEN for Members, and Non-members starts Feb. 23. Camp Innovation: School of Medicine June 24–28, July 15–19 • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Welcome to Camp Innovation: School of Medicine. Get an exciting glimpse into the professions of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and scientists. Campers will examine x-rays,

diagnose patients, solve medical mysteries and more! Ages: 6–11 Camp Innovation: Go Green June 10–14, July 15–19 • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Discover strategies that will help create a sustainable future at Camp Innovation: Go Green. Research and test eco-friendly ways to reduce material waste, utilize natural resources for clean energy, and protect our natural environment. Ages: 12–14.

ARIZONA STATE PARKS 602-542-4174 • Nicole Armstrong-Best March 2–April 28 narmstrong@azstateparks.gov AZStateParks.com/Family The Arizona Family Campout Program is designed for families that have little or no experience camping. The program will teach families the art of camping outdoors! This weekend introductory adventure is taking place at the five Arizona State Parks throughout Spring 2013. Cost: $65 for family of 4. Ages: 6 and up.

BLACK MOUNTAIN BMX 602-938-1108 All ages and experience levels are welcome! Black Mountain BMX Camps are every Monday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Time 2 p.m. Call 602-938-1108 or go to blackmountainBMX.com for full details, location directions and more!

BOOKMANS ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE Bookmans.com Check out Bookmans.com for a complete list of weekly free in-store summer kids events and activities starting June 2013!

BRICKS STUDIO 4550 E. Indian School Rd. • Phoenix 602-954-5200 • June 3–28, 2013 info@bricksstudio.com www.bricksstudio.com We offer a variety of fun themed dance classes througout June. Ages: 3 and up.

CAMP INVENTION Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, Flagstaff, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, Tucson 1-800-968-4332 • See website and ad for camp dates and locations • campinvention@invent. org www.campinvention.org Camp Invention is a nationwide children’s summer camp that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to inspire innovation and invention.The Camp Invention program is an exciting, weeklong adventure in creativity which immerses children in imaginative play that reinforces and supplements school-year learning in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Led by local educators, the program is for children entering grades 1-6. New curriculum. $220-$245. Discounts and partial scholarships available.

continued on page 14 ➧

Page 12

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

www.bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

All About

March

CAMPS!

Summer’s coming, time for fun! There’s a camp for everyone. Horseback riding, playing ball, try the zip line or rock wall. Explore nature, now’s your chance. Check out acting; sing and dance.

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

Page 13

Find Out What’s HOT in 2013 Summer Camps! April 6th, 2:00–5:00 p.m.

FREE Ad m is s io n !

at Castles-N-Coasters 9445 Metro Parkway East

Prizes

Science and the arts are cool! Learn new strokes out in the pool.

• FREE Golf for the first 50 kids • Meet camps for every interest & budget • FREE Prize Raffles every 20 minutes • All this and more!

Entertainment Info & more!

No matter where you choose to go, at camp your confidence will grow. Make new friends and gain skills, too. Find the camp that’s right for you!

ATTENTION: Current and Future Young Reporters!

See pages 13 through 19 for Bear’s 2013 Summer Camp Guide listings!

Already a BEAR Reporter or thinking about it? There will be special gifts for current Young Reporters and information, registrations & more for kids in 3rd to 8th grade.

FUN FAMILY MOVIES FEATURING CAMPS! • Heavyweights • Camp Nowhere • The Rainbow Tribe • Daddy Day Camp • The Parent Trap • Addams Family Values • Camp Rock

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

CAMP WORD SEARCH ARCHERY ARTS BASKETBALL CAMP CRAFTS DANCE

FRIENDS HORSES SCIENCE SMORES SWIMMING VOLLEYBALL

E V G E C N A D H L

B O A N A A Y O A L

Sunscreen Hat Water Towel Change of clothes Healthy snack Sense of adventure!

Y L S C I E N C E A

R L A U L M A P A B

E E H C A V M A K T

H Y O R P A H I L E

C B R A C A W A W K

R A S F R I E N D S

ummer

CAMPS 2013

ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE ACADEMY FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS 7701 W. Paradise Ln. • Peoria 623-776-8400 Kurtis W. Overby, Artistic Associate kurtis@azbroadwaytheatre.com www.azbroadway.org

A L E T D N A J C A

O L S S M O R E S B

BOOKMANS ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE Bookmans.com Check out Bookmans.com for a complete list of weekly free in-store summer kids events and activities starting June 2013!

continued on page 14 ➧

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

CAMPS 2013

ummer

Continued from page 15

CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER AZ

CITY OF TEMPE PARKS & REC

21170 N. 83rd Ave. • Peoria 623-322-2001

480-350-5200 • www.tempe.gov/brochure Subscribe to Connecting Tempe E-Newsletter/Tempe Opportunities for events, news and program updates

May 27–Aug. 2 information@azchallenger.net www.AZChallenger.org Adventures in Space Summer Camp offers exciting half or full-day sessions. Discover the Dawn Of A New Era: Life in Space; Astronaut Survivor; We Need More Power; Solar System Science; Our Space Neighborhood, Astronauts In Training; Space-Based Start-Ups; Get Energized; Astronomy Adventures. Rocketry, interactive experiments, and LEGO! Cost: $220/week, full day. Ages: 5–13 (Grades: K–8).

Send your children to camp in Tempe this summer, and we’ll help keep their minds and bodies active. Choose from camps specializing in sports, arts & culture, education, middle school and more. Camps begin in June and run through the beginning of August with a range of starting and ending dates to fit every schedule. Youth scholarships available for Tempe Public School students. Register for swim classes on our website. Swim class ages: 8 months– adults.

dance, at... e v o l u If yo dancing e v o l l l ’ you

Jeanne’s

DANCE

SCHOOL of

Don’t miss our amazing Summer Programs beginning June 3!

Arizona Youth Ballet summer intensive

Arizona Youth Ballet Spring Performance of

June 3–20 Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Character, Variations & Pilates

Swan Lake-Act II & Enchanted Forest May 4th & 5th Westwood High School

✁COUPON

Director: Christina Hampton,

$20 OFF

With early Summer Registration

Before June 1 • New students only

Jeanne’s School of DANCE With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 6/1/13

Regular Summer Classes & Workshops June 3–July 20 Dance Camp Extravaganza Queen Creek July 15–19 • Mesa & East Mesa July 22–26 Drama, Dance, Musical Theatre Workshop & Power Force Company Workshops—TO BE ANNOUNCED! QUEEN CREEK

MESA

EAST MESA

480-988-3877

480-497-4646

480-396-8864

19035 E. San Tan

1337 S. Gilbert

1058 N. Higley

(S. of Southern)

(S.W. corner of Brown)

General info at 480-610-4783 • www.jeannesdance.com Home of Power Force Dancers, Directors Jennifer Roberts, Kacy Irvine, Amy Grover, Heidi Resh Arizona Youth Ballet Co. Director Christina Hampton

DAVID RUBIO VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Tucson • 520-818-8668 Contact: Amanda Rubio davidrubiovolleyballcamp@gmail.com www.davidrubiovolleyballcamp.com/ Three sessions for boys and girls emphasizing different skills or age groups. Directed by UA Head Coach David Rubio. INTERMEDIATE ALL SKILLS CAMP: July 8–10. Girls and boys. Ages: 10–18. Cost: Resident $340 or Commuter: $240. POSITION CAMP (SETTER/ATTACKER/ LIBERO/MB): July 11–14 Girls and boys. Ages: 10–18, Cost: Resident $440 or Commuter $340. ADVANCED ALL-SKILLS CAMP: July 15–18. Girls and boys. Ages: 10–18. Cost: Resident $440 or Commuter #340. DRVC is not an official function of the UA. It is open to all entrants, limited only by space, grade level and/ or gender.

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE’S SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS Mesa • 480-756-3828 info@evct.org • www.evct.org Teens on Broadway (July 8–12) is a musical theatre camp for youths ages 13–18, and is a week long intensive program in acting, singing and dance culminating in a performance. Cost: $195. EVCT Summer Camp 2013 (June 3–14 & June 17–28) is a musical theatre camp for kids ages 8–15. Young actors will be

motivated to think creatively and build selfconfidence through music, dance and acting. Includes a final performance. Each session is 2 weeks of non-competitive, education FUN with theatre. Full or half day programs. Cost: $295 full day, $195 half day. July 8–19 Session III for kids ages 8–15. Each day a different workshop. Come for two weeks, one week or pick the days and workshops you want to attend. Cost: $295/ 2 weeks, $195/week, or $45/day. Imagination Theatre Camp (June 3–14) for ages 5–8, 9 a.m.–noon. Intro to singing, dance & acting. Cost: $195 for the 2 week program. Includes daily snacks.

FRIENDLY PINES CAMP 933 Friendly Pines Rd. • Prescott, AZ 1-888-281-2267 (CAMP) • 928-445-2128 Kevin Nissen Session 1: June 16–June 29 (14 days) Session 2: June 30–July 13 (14 days) Session 3: July 14–July 28 (18 days) Trailseekers (8-day sessions only available to first-time campers ages 6-10): July 14–21, July 21–28 info@friendlypines.com www.friendlypines.com Nestled in the tall, cool pines, Friendly Pines offers 30+ activities to choose from—horseback riding, swimming, waterskiing, rock climbing, ropes course, archery, sports, hiking, pets & more. Excellent campers to staff radios. Professional background checks and drug tests on staff. ACA accredited. 72 years of experience. An Arizona Tradition since 1941. Cost: Contact for prices. Ages: 6–13 COED overnight camp.

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

iD TECH CAMPS & iD TEEN ACADEMIES Held at ASU, UCLA, Stanford, Princeton, and 60+ universities in 26 states 1-888-709-TECH (8324) June-Aug. • www.internalDrive.com Gain a competitive edge! Create iPhone apps, video games, C++ and Java programs, movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight programs held at ASU, UCLA, UNLV, Stanford, Princeton, and others. Also 2-week, Teen-only programs held at UCLA, Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and other universities: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy. Ages: 7-18.

JEANNE’S SCHOOL OF DANCE Mesa • 1337 S. Gilbert 480-497-4646 East Mesa • 1058 N. Higley 480-396-8864 Queen Creek • Vineyard Plaza San Tan Blvd./ E. of Power 480-988-3877 www.jeannesdance.net Summer classes begin June 3. Don’t miss Dance Camp Extravaganza— • Queen Creek, July 15–19, • Mesa July 22–26 • Mesa Workshops—call for dates. Register now for Arizona Youth Ballet Summer Intensive June 3–20. (See discount coupon, page 14.)

MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT 2700 N. Central Ave. #700 • Phoenix 602-652-3000 • www.mcldaz.org Maricopa County Library District Summer Reading Program. Kids up to 18 can sign

March 2013

up. Prizes, fun, age-appropriate activities in MCLD libraries and other participating libraries in Maricopa County. Sign-up at www.mcldaz.org/summer closer to summer. FREE. Ages: 0–18.

PARADISE VALLEY SCHOOL OF KARATE 13647 N. 32nd St. & Thunderbird (SE corner) Mike Wall • 602-867-9204 7 a.m.–6 p.m. • pvkarate@cox.net www.PVKarate.com Summer camp includes two karate classes per day, swimming and movies. Specialized karate instruction. Camp stresses courtesy, respect, mental alertness and the discipline that goes with martial arts. Why not learn a skill as opposed to just killing time? Family rates available. Ages: 5–12.

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM 1625 N. Central Ave. • Phoenix 602-257-1880 April 6 & May 18 • 12–3 p.m. • PhxArt.org PhxArtKids Days add extra fun to our already extraordinary exhibits. Ages: 5–12. Blooming Buds, April 6 • Take a stroll through the galleries to see Arts & Flowers®! Choose your favorite to recreate as an art object and explore new artwork in the Dorrance Sculpture Garden. Sculpture Search, May 18• Use colorful wire to create a sculpture of your own and search for 3-D artworks on the Museum’s latest scavenger hunt! Cost: Included with general admission and free for members. On any day KidPacks with activities corresponding to our Museum collection are available for kids 6–10.

continued on page 16 ➧

Offering dance and cheer classes for all ages: Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Mommy & Me, Tumbling

Join Us! in June

Bear essential news for kids!

Fun themed dance classes for ages 3 and up • June 3–28. Call for Info.

ABT’s Academy provides children interested in the performing arts the opportunity to explore their creativity and expand their imagination. All classes focus on acting, music and movement instruction. Register Now!

SPRING BREAK

SUMMER SESSIONS

Mar. 18–22, 2013 Daily: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Showcase: March 23

For information, check out the Camp Guide in this issue of BEAR. Page ??

June 3–Aug. 3, 2013

For information: email Kurtis Overby, Artistic Associate

Kurtis@azbroadwaytheatre.com DINNER THEATRE REDEFINED

623.776.8400 • AZBROADWAY.ORG 7701 W. PARADISE LN. • PEORIA, AZ 85382

Bear essential news for kids!

March 2013

CAMPS 2013

ummer

PHOENIX CENTER FOR THE ARTS Joseph Benesh • 602-254-3100 Session 1: June 3–21 • Session 2: June 24– July 12 • Session 3: July 15–Aug. 2 j.benesh@phoenixcenterforthearts.org www.phoenixcenterforthearts.org Our Summer Extravaganza will be full days of music, dance, theatre and art (painting, drawing, photography and clay), all taught by professional artists. Each session culminates in a performance and gallery show. Cost: $450, before and after care $25/week. Ages: 5–15.

PHOENIX HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Reptile Encounters Summer Camp 480-513-HERP Mon.–Fri. (May–Aug.) • 9 a.m.–3 p.m. One week sessions • See website for dates camp@phoenixherp.com www.phoenixherp.com Phoenix Herpetological Society’s week-long camp is designed for students (ages 9–14) with a strong interest in nature and animals. Explore the fascinating world of reptiles in a combination of classroom and field sessions. Each day is a different species study and packed with age-appropriate activities and information that is both educational and

www.bearessentialnews.com

Continued from page 15 entertaining. Very interactive and handson with some of the 1500 animals at this working sanctuary: crocodilians, tortoises, lizards/monitors and snakes. Learn about reptile environment, anatomy/reproduction, ecosystems, proper handling, husbandry, venomous reptile ID, reptiles as pets, endangered species and reptile myths. Cost: $275/person, per session.

PHOENIX PARKS & RECREATION 12 community centers throughout Phoenix 602-262-6862 • early June–July phoenix.gov/recreation/rec To register: phoenix.gov/parks Full-day supervised recreation programs are available. Centers also offer general-interest classes for all ages. Ages: 6–12 (may vary).

PHOENIX SPORTS CENTER 3839 W. Indian School Rd. • Phoenix 602-269-6766 March 23–Aug. • pscsoccer@pscsoccer.com www.soccerlocker.net. See ad page 18. Escape the summer heat and come play indoor soccer. Great for kids ages 2 to 15. Hurry! Indoor Soccer Academy for ages

6–14 begins March 2. Basic 8-weeks skills program for ages 2–5 starts March 23. Both include a camp T-shirt.

PHOENIX ZOO CAMP ZOO 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. • Phoenix 602-914-4333 www.phoenixzoo.org Children will have fascinating adventures with the natural world this summer at Camp Zoo. Each age-appropriate, weeklong session is filled with up-close animal encounters, hands-on activities, games, in-depth investigations and organized free-time. During the mornings, we’ll take advantage of the cooler temperatures and participate in outdoor activities such as waterplay and hiking. In the afternoons, we will spend more time participating in indoor activities. Camp Zoo is for students entering K–8 grade in the fall of 2013. Full and half day sessions available. 7 and 8 grade are only full-days and Kindergarten is only a half-day option. Reservations required, please call 602-914-4333 or register at phoenixzoo.org. Cost: Full day $275 non-members, $250 members; Half day $170 non-members, $155 members.

RAWHIDE RANCH Bonsall, Calif. (near San Diego) PO Box 216 • 760-758-0083

June 16–Aug. 17, 2013 info@rawhideranch.com

www.rawhideranch.com A Southern California tradition since 1963. Features ranch activities, daily Western riding lessons, animal & horse science classes, animal care time, archery/riflery, climbing tower, vaulting lessons (gymnastics on horseback) and much more. Ideal for beginning/intermediate riders. Overnight program. ACA & CHA accredited. WAIC member camp. Cost: $930/weekly session. Ages: 7–15.

SKORE SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS Gilbert/Williams Field • Gilbert Gilbert/Broadway • Mesa Elliot/Lindsay • Gilbert Power/Guadalupe • Mesa McKellips/Lindsay • Mesa University/Sossaman • Mesa Southern/McClintock • Tempe 480-747-5756 info@skorecamps.org www.skorecamps.org FREE EXTENDED HOURS! EARLY ENROLLMENT DISCOUNT! SIBLING DISCOUNTS! MILITARY DISCOUNTS! Come for a day, a week, or all summer! All locations serving Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe feature fun, interactive activities designed to offer your child a wide variety of organized recreational and educational excitement. SKORE offers a huge variety of recreation and sports: BASEBALL, KARATE, BASKETBALL, KICKBALL, VOLLEYBALL, SOCCER & MINI GOLF! PLUS, loads of amazing activities like weird science, Frisbee games, water fun, dance, music, super stunts, aerobics, arts, crafts, tumbling, obstacle course and more!

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

SWIMKIDS USA SUMMER SWIM TEAM & JUMP STARTS 2725 W. Guadalupe Rd. • Mesa 480-820-9109

www.swimkidsusa.us Summer Swim Team: Offers advanced stroke instruction and competitive skills in a fun team setting. Low swimmer-to-coach ratios, over 20 years of coaching experience and a beautiful outdoor Olympic-sized pool. Enjoy the optimal swim team experience and fitness program. Practices two to three times per week with four Saturday meets. Preevaluations required. Space is limited. Swim like an Olympian! June–July. Jump Start 2-week Lessons: Experience the best of SWIMkids USA’s teaching techniques in a flexible, condensed, four days a week for two weeks program—all summer long! Whether your child is just learning to blow bubbles or wants to learn freestyle, we have the class for you. Comfortable, indoor pools with low student-to-teacher ratios. In the Valley for 40 years. See “Double My Coupon” page 19.

YMCA CAMPING SERVICES CAMP SKY-Y 5725 S. Senator Hwy. • Prescott 800-660-1385 • Dave Fermoile June 1–July 20 djfermoile@vosymca.org azycamps.org Located in the heart of the Prescott National Forest, this summer overnight camp is a big adventure for kids 7–16—the fun and freedom of being outdoors, while learning new skills and making memories that will last a lifetime. Cost: $555–$1,000. Ages: 7–17.

VALLEY OF THE SUN YMCA DAY CAMP 606-404-9622 Day Camp means fun all summer long for kids 3–17—peace of mind for parents! From theme weeks like Summer Olympics to crafts, water fun, sports, and more—all under the watchful eyes of our fully-trained staff. Log on to valleyYMCA.org—we fill up fast!

Locations: Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA 480-759-6762 Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA 480-899-9622 Copper Basin Family YMCA 480-882-2242 Desert Foothills Family YMCA 480-596-9622 Flagstaff Family YMCA 928-556-9622 Glendale/Peoria Family YMCA 602-588-9622 Legacy Foundation Chris-Town YMCA 602-242-7717 Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA 602-257-5138 Maryvale Family YMCA 623-873-9622 Mesa Family YMCA 480-969-8166

continued on page 18 ➧

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

ummer

CAMPS 2013 Continued from page 17

VALLEY OF THE SUN YMCA CONTINUED 606.404.9622 Ross Farnsworth-East Valley YMCA 480-649-9622 Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Family YMCA 480-951-9622 South Mountain Family YMCA 602-276-4246 Southwest Valley Family YMCA 623-935-5193 Tempe Family YMCA 480-730-0240 Yuma Family YMCA 928-317-0522

3839 W. Indian School Rd.

Indoor Soccer FUN Starts Now! Basic Skills Program for ages 2–5 PSC Indoor Academy for ages 6–14 $75 for 8 weeks: Begins March 2 $150 for 10 weeks: Begins May 11 For information call (602) 269-6766 or (602) 272-2938 Email: pscsoccer@pscsoccer.com

www.soccerlocker.net

CASTLES N’ COASTERS 9445 Metro Pkwy. • Phoenix 602-997-7575 www.castlesncoasters.com

$60 for 8 weeks: Begins March 23

Indoor Soccer League for ages 8–14

SUMMER ATTRACTIONS & CAMP FIELD TRIP SITES

FREE Camp Tee with Basic Skills & Academy Registration. May 11–Summer League Registration includes uniform.

Whether you’re young or old, big or small, you’ll find lots of fun, food and excitement at Arizona’s Finest Family Fun and Thrill Park. Castles N’ Coasters opens its six most popular rides and attractions for your children, camp or group field trip. Groups can bring a sack lunch or purchase food from our snack bar. See our website for attraction information, events, park hours, prices and general coupons. Minimum attendance required.

SEA LIFE ARIZONA 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir. • Tempe 480-478-7600 www.sealifeus.com A great adventure for any summer camp. Come face to face with more than 5,000 sea creatures in displays that recreate natural habitats. Guests see all types of different sea creatures including sharks, rays, tropical

fish, jellyfish, sea horses, a green sea turtle and more. Knowledgeable staff on hand to offer amazing facts about creatures you’ll see. Cost: Check website. Coupon online at bearessentialnews.com/coupons.php. See column page 23. Ages: 3–12.

SKY ZONE INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK 9040 W. Larkspur Dr. #134 • Peoria 623-979-4000 www.skyzonesports.com/phoenix Adventures for individuals and groups that truly soar! Our patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts offer the ultimate 3-D play experience for all ages and physical abilities. We have hosted thousands of group events, from schools and summer camps, to church groups, corporate team building and Boy/Girl Scouts. All group sizes are welcome. We also offer fundraising opportunities.

ULTRALUXE SCOTTSDALE & ULTRASTAR MULTI-TAINMENT CENTER @AK-CHIN CIRCLE Summer Movie Series 16000 Maricopa Rd. May 27–Aug. 2 • Doors open 9 a.m., movie starts 9:30 a.m. (Mon.–Fri.) ultrastarmovies.com All films G or PG. Cost: $10 movie package for only $5, 50¢ per movie. Week 1: May 27–31: Mirror Mirror (PG) Week 2: June 3–7: Hotel Transylvania (PG) Week 3: June 10–14: Madagascar 3 (PG) Week 4: June 17–21: The Lorax (PG) Week 5: June 24–28: Ice Age 4 (PG) Week 6: July 1–5: Rise of the Guardians (PG) Week 7: July 8–12: Big Miracle (PG) Week 8: July 15–19: Journey 2 The Mysterious Island (PG) Week 9: July 22–26: Diary of a Wimpy KidDog Days (PG) Week 10: July 29–Aug. 2: Pirates Band of Misfits (PG) *Titles subject to change

Black Mountain BMX Races Every Friday & Saturday Night Sign ups–6:30—7:30 pm Races starts at 8:00 pm

Wed. Night Practice 6:30—8:30 pm

Interested in quality family time, sportsmanship & racing action? Give BMX a try!

Beginner Clinic! Every Monday, 6:30–8:30 pm • Call for details Race once without a membership. Must wear long sleeved shirt, long pants, helmet and tennis shoes.

Rent a bike! Just $5 a night!

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM 16501 W. Northern • Litchfield Park 623-935-9453 (WILD) Open 365 days a year • Field trips Mon.–Fri. Zoo: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. • Aquarium: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Special rates for evening aquarium admission www.wildlifeworld.com Onsite programs • 623-935-5692 x106 Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, a new aquarium with 75 exhibits, including Amazon River Monsters, make our zoo perfect for family outings and summer camps. Experience the thrill of our Lory

Parrot Feeding and Wildlife Encounters. For a small fee, you can also enjoy the African Safari Train, Australian Boat Ride, Skyride or Carousel. Family membership includes free unlimited zoo & aquarium admission for members. Come as often as you like—we’re open every day of the summer...and year! Field trip: $8/student, $15/adult, one adult free with every 10 paying students (10 student min.). Our onsite outreach programs can also bring the zoo and multiple live animals to you anywhere valleywide! Admission coupon online at bearessentialnews.com/coupons.php. See column page 4.

Multiple East Valley Locations • Gilbert • Mesa • Tempe

Have a Great Time at Summer Camp!

Enter to Win! In Stores Now! Entry Deadline: April 7, 2013

Name: ___________________________ Grade: _____ Address: ____________________________________ School: _____________________________________ Send to: Bear Essential News 1037 S. Alvernon Way #150 Tucson, AZ 85711

Email: ______________________________________ Parent’s Signature: ____________________________

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Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

Have a New Kid by

Friday! by Dr. Kevin Leman

A column to help parents with their kid’s attitude, behavior and character

Talk About Tragedies with Your Child

A Great MATCH! Summer and Dave Rubio

Volleyball Camp Camps in McKale Center • University of Arizona

Boys & Girls, ages 10–18 July 8–10 • Intermediate All Skills Camp This camp is for girls and boys, ages 10–18, who have little experience or who have never played volleyball and want to learn how. You can be a resident and stay on campus or commute!

July 11–14 • Position Camp (ages 10–18) • July 15–18 • Advanced All Skills (ages 10–18)

520-818-8668 • davidrubiovolleyballcamp@gmail.com

www.davidrubiovolleyballcamp.com

Come Join the FUN at Arizona’s Largest Literary Event for Kids & Adults! Saturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10 on the Mall at the University of Arizona Stop by the Bear Essential News tent across from the entrance to the Kids Area. • Free admission for the entire family • Over 400 authors—meet your favorites! • Live music • See book characters come to life • Amazing book-themed circus acts • Meet Boomer Bear from Bear Essential News

TucsonFestivalofBooks.org

The tragedy of the Sandy Hook school shootings in Newtown, Conn., left an indelible mark on us all. With terrible events happening more and more, I’m often asked how parents should talk to their kids about these tragedies. It’s unfortunate that these conversations with children have to take place at all. It is, sadly, a sign of the times. After the Sandy Hook shootings, my daughter asked me about talking to her kids, who are 9 and 7. I said, “Well, do they know about it yet?” They did not. My response was that I would keep it from them. There is no need to worry kids about this terrible disaster on the other side of the country. A child’s world is small – his dog, his cat, his goldfish, his mom, his dad, his grandma, his grandpa, his friends, his neighborhood school. It is hard to keep tragic events like this in perspective when you are a child. There really is no benefit to telling a child about this if they have not already heard. But young kids do hear about things. “Mommy, I heard a bad man killed a bunch of little kids in a school today.” “Yes, honey, that is a terrible tragedy.” “Mommy, I’m scared.” I would not get into a long, drawn-out conversation, and I would certainly not share all of the details of the shooting. But as a parent, you need to deal with your child’s fear. You need to put that fear at ease. “Honey, we are fine. This happened a long way away, and a very bad man did some very bad things to kids that were really terrible. But we are safe here. We are all fine.” It’s important that you take this opportunity to revisit where they are in life. “You’re fine, your brother is fine, your sister is fine.” Keep it simple. Chances are, your child will move on to another subject pretty quickly after you reassure him or her that all is well with your family and that you are safe. The questions, however, might still come. “Mommy, why would somebody do that?” “Honey, sometimes people get sick, like you get the flu. That kind of sickness comes and goes. But some people get sick in a different way. Their mind isn’t right, and they do very bad things because their mind isn’t working right.” Come up with some kind of an explanation. Tell them what they need to know, but do not belabor the point. They do not need to know the terrible details. Make sure your child understands that this tragedy did not happen nearby. Pull out a map and show the child how far away this was. Kids often feel these events must have happened in their backyard. Showing them on a map helps put it in proper perspective. Give your child some information, but do not give them the whole enchilada. Be there if they have questions but do not belabor the point. Next month: Talking to your child about finances. Dr. Kevin Leman is a Tucson psychologist and author of more than 30 bestselling books. His latest is “The Way of the Wise: Simple Truths for Living Well.” Read his parenting blogs at www.birthorderguy.com.

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

Continued from page 11

What’s New by Reporter Kaelie Zelms, Wildfire Elementary Everybody knows that a lot of new devices have been coming out, such as: iPhone 5 and 4S, iPod 5 and iPads. Also there’s lots more from Apple. But with the new devices come new and old popular games. Everybody has heard of Facebook, but the hot new app is Instagram. Instagram has over 100 million downloads. It is a way to share photos and be social. Since I’m a user of Instagram I recommend it. It’s a fast way to talk to friends and be open to the social world. Instagram is Facebook for kids. It gets more popular every day. Instagram is a great way to advertise. Even though a lot of kids have it, people of all ages are downloading it, too. It’s easy for a business to make an account so it can advertise. Most people have heard now that Facebook bought Instagram. It was bought for $1 billion dollars. But it is still not as popular. Instagram and Facebook look exactly alike. And they are both frequently being changed, but that doesn’t change the fact that they really popular in the app store. In the app store Instagram is free. In top charts it’s 8th. Facebook is in the app store, too. It is 23rd but remember it changes all the time. Also in the app store there are a lot of games and effects for Instagram. I hope you enjoy these apps as much as all the users do.

Student Loves AMS@BHS by Reporter Catalina Mendoza, Accelerated Middle School at Basha High School

AMS 6/7th grade

Have you ever been to an Accelerated Middle School? If not, let me tell you about it! The school I go to is called The Accelerated Middle School at Basha High School (AMS@BHS). In my opinion this is the best middle school I’ve ever been to. AMS offers students the opportunity to become academically accomplished and wellrounded individuals. Plus,

the teachers there are just amazing! The amazing Amanda Cook is basically considered the “Middle School Mom.” She is the most amazing teacher you could ever ask for! She is our homeroom, math, and social studies teacher. She explains her lessons in different ways to help you understand them better. If you don’t understand a lesson she teaches you, she’ll take time to reteach it and help you with any other curriculum you don’t understand. Everyone at AMS thinks she’s the best, because she gives us advice if we need it. She’s always there if you need someone to talk to whether it’s school related or not, and she is just flat out the best. AMS isn’t like any ordinary school. It has its own differences. First, you learn at a faster pace, and when you are being taught, the teachers give you great details to help you understand the subject better. Another thing that makes AMS unique is that there’s always time for one-on-one time with the teachers, if you need more explanation or help on lessons you don’t quite get. Finally, when you come to AMS you’ll feel like you’re part of one big family, where no drama occurs, and where you fit in and there’s no judgment. Honestly, I recommend you try it out. But I promise you’ll love it. AMS, where you’re part of one BIG family.

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS! Only $15 Per Person

ARIZONAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST FAMILY FUN & THRILL PARK

Includes four Hours of Unlimited Rides! Valid for groups of 10 or more. Reservations are required.

Food Specials! $5.50

$3.50

PLUS

CALL FOR AVAILABLE DATES TODAY! ROY PETERSON 602-2997-7575 EXT. #107

roypeterson@castlesncoasters.com

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

There’s No Place Like a “Coral Reef” Home! ropical oceans are known mainly for one as well as reptiles such as sea turtles, mammals thing coral reefs. Coral reefs are referred such as dolphins and whales, invertebrates such as to as the rainforests of lobsters, crabs and shrimp and the ocean because of the mollusks. Even coral is actuhigh diversity of animals that ally a colony of many tiny make them their home. They animals living together! are among the most diverse Several types of reefs are and productive ecosystems found in the world’s oceans: the fringing reef (in shallow on Earth consisting of both water along coastlines), the living and non-living compobarrier reef (running parallel nents. to the shoreline) and the atoll Many species of fish ( a circular island enclosing such as barracuda, clownor partially enclosing a central fish, angelfish, sharks, rays Rays are experts in the art of cam ouflage. lagoon). and tiggerfish live in reefs

Live Coral Tanks open in March! Join us March 8–24 for “Crazy Coral” days. Coral talks • Demonstrations • Craft activity & Mermaid Meet & Greet!

Help the Clown Fish Find the Coral!

You Made it! For more information call

480-478-7600

Bear essential news for kids!

March 2013