NWI PARENT June/July 2010

JUNE/JULY 2010

Real Solutions for Real Families

KID BITS Arts-based literacy

OUR KIDS Talent and leadership in NWI

THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

This summer, encourage your child to unplug—and get back in touch with nature Northwest Indiana children take a break from the action at Valparaiso Discovery Camp.

TOT SPOT Learning through play

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CONTENTS

16

JUNE/JULY 2010

features 26

EXPLORE OUTDOORS It’s more important than ever for your child to resist the call of electronic media and tune in to the natural world.

BY SHARON BIGGS WALLER

28

PEOPLES BANK Local financial professionals are reaching out to educate the spenders and savers of tomorrow—our children.

BY MARK LOEHRKE

departments 16

KID BITS Arts-based literacy, All About Kids, and the Indiana Parenting Institute

18

OUR KIDS Three Northwest Indiana children who exhibit excellence and leadership

10

HEALTH CHECK Vision therapy, and what parents should know about pediatric pain relievers

12

SCHOOL NOTES Summer music programs, and Challenge Education

16

TOT SPOT Learning through play, and summer programs for preschool readiness

18

MEAL TIME Gourmet sandwich ideas for Dad on Father’s Day

20

FIT FAMILY A “greener” way to look at your family workout

24

TEEN SCENE Career planning opportunities for teens

30

REAL REVIEWS The latest and greatest products for in-the-know parents

32

FAMILY ROOM A $49 tent provides a wealth of camping misadventures

8

in every issue 14 14

12

Editor’s Letter Calendar

june/july 2010

2

26

nwi.com/parent

May 29 through

August 15

at Chicago Children’s Museum

Meet your neighbors from around the city at Chicago’s only kid-size block party!

Chicago Children’s Museum Located at Navy Pier (312) 527-1000 www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

JUNE/JULY 2010

NWI PARENT ADVISORY BOARD

VOLUME 4 — ISSUE 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Director of Product Development Chris Managing Editor Kathy

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MacNeil

Art Director Joe Designers April

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Assistant Managing Editor Julia Online Editor Ashley

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Boyer

Contributing Editors

Heather Augustyn, Sue Bero, Juli Doshan, Jane Dunne, Rob Earnshaw, Rick Kaempfer, Mark Loehrke, Debi Pillarella, Stephanie Precourt, Erika Rose, Carrie Steinweg, Sharon Biggs Waller Photographer Robert Wray Advertising Managers

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A

couple of months ago, I received an email from Dunes Learning Center executive director John Hayes, who wrote, “There has been growing interest as of late in the value of getting kids outside. A recent study done by the Kresge Foundation found that kids ages 8-17 spend on average 8 hours a day interfacing with an electronic device. A growing body of research suggests that this lack of naturebased play may have a negative impact on a child’s mental, physical and cognitive health.”

And, just like that, our “Great Outdoors” issue was born.

The statistics are sobering. We may not want to admit it, but a staggering amount of our time is spent indoors—or in cars. Sure, we usually don’t have a choice in the matter (jobs, school, housework, homework, errands, commuting), but let’s face it, when we do have free time, we tend to gravitate toward electronic entertainment (television, video games, social networking).

So on a long-overdue family vacation last month, we flew out of our comfort zone and landed in another world, a world where the tropical surroundings would take the place of television, and actual face-to-face conversations to hear We want so would replace Facebook. We had a ease pl u, yo from comments few early lessons to learn (always email your ns tio and sugges put sunscreen on the back of your to us at: legs, and NEVER run into the ocean tFeedback@

Tell Us Whka!t You Thin NWIParen es.com nwitim

PUBLISHED BY Lee Enterprises/ The Times of Northwest Indiana/ Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave., Munster, Indiana 46321 COPYRIGHT, REPRINTS AND PERMISSIONS: You must have permission before reproducing material from NWI Parent magazine.

with your cell phone in the pocket of your swim trunks), but by the second day, it felt as natural as breathing. We communed with dolphins, sea turtles and whales; sighted geckos, wild turkeys and a mongoose; hiked to the crater of a volcano—and it seemed inconceivable that we would ever eat a meal indoors again.

Of course, it’s easy to be intoxicated by the outdoors while vacationing in an exotic locale, but when we returned to our Northwest Indiana reality, I realized that while the smell of salt water and the sound of crashing ocean waves are exhilarating, there’s also something infinitely therapeutic about the chirping of early morning robins, the smell of freshly mown grass and the flash and growl of a midnight Midwest thunderstorm.

This summer, there are plenty of opportunities in the region to plug your children into this natural energy source, too. Check out our “Explore Outdoors” feature on page 26 for some local camps that try to reverse the effects of “nature deficit disorder” while providing a lot of fun in the process. If you’re looking for a great summer activity that could lead to a lifelong passion, why not enroll your child in music lessons (page 12)? There’s no better time to start—or continue—learning to appreciate and participate in one of life’s greatest joys. For the younger set, Northwest Indiana offers summer preschool readiness programs and even a place to learn through play (page 16). Need more ideas? Visit nwi.com/parent for family-friendly news, destinations and resources, and don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter while you’re there!

Finally, I’d like to thank Peoples Bank, one of our valued sponsors, for their commitment to increasing the financial literacy of our children (page 28). It’s never too early—or too late—to start good spending and saving habits.

So get outside, take a look around this beautiful area, and let the rhythm of your busy life slow down to synchronize with your natural surroundings—because before you know it, we’ll be coming to you with our “Back to School” issue!

Kathy MacNeil

check out nwi.com/parent, where you’ll find: • • • • •

TimeOut

NWI Parent magazine is published six times each year by Lee Enterprises, The Times of Northwest Indiana, Niche Division, 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, IN 46321. june/july 2010

4

fresh new articles and information every day entertaining and inspirational blogs by area parents our comprehensive calendar of events local destination and resource listings the place to sign up for our weekly “new arrivals” newsletter, packed with up-to-the-minute news and happenings

nwi.com/parent

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Easy Smart

KID BITS

News and Notes from Northwest Indiana

BY ROB EARNSHAW

all about

kids a Fieler Elementary School in Merrillville

the skin you live in

Second-graders in several Lake County schools are reaping the benefits of an arts-based literacy program presented by South Shore Arts in Munster.

“The Skin You Live In” is a program based on the popular book of the same title that develops literacy skills through a message of friendship, social acceptance and diversity.

“It’s about feeling good about who you are and that it doesn’t matter what color your skin is, there’s room for many different kinds of people and many different kinds of careers,” says South Shore Arts director of education Linda Eyermann.

The program was spurred by a similar South Shore Arts and Lake County Schools’ project involving first-graders and the book POLAR EXPRESS. It is funded by the Legacy Foundation with a match from South Shore’s “everykid” program.

Published by the Chicago Children’s Museum, THE SKIN YOU LIVE IN was written by Chicagobased author Michael Tyler and illustrated

by Hammond native David Lee Csicsko, who

exhibited works at South Shore Arts several years ago.

“He’s a great artist,” Eyermann says.

The art workshops are conducted in secondgrade classrooms in East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Lake Station and Merrillville. Each teacher receives a copy of the book and South Shore Arts instructors lead an art project inspired by it. Teachers discuss the language arts, self-esteem and good citizenship raised by the story and the students consider their roles in the community as they create a selfportrait using multicultural paper and other art materials.

“We give them a template of a head shape that would be in keeping with what David would use with his characters in the book,” Eyermann says.

Eyermann says they are in the process of developing a similar program for third-grade classes.

june/july 2010

6

nwi.com/parent

n early intervention program at Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso addresses the fact that the earlier a child with a disability or developmental delay is diagnosed, the better the chance of bringing that child within a normal range of development.

In existence since 1972 and known as “All About Kids” for the last ten years, the program treats children from birth to 3 years who have delays or disabilities.

Children are served mostly in their homes with individual therapies they may need such as physical, occupational and speech. “All About Kids” therapists work with the children and train the parents on activities, exercises and things they can do to increase their children’s development and lessen the impact of any delay or disability they might have.

“It’s real critical to get it in the first three years, because that’s when the child develops the fastest,” program director Sally Gaff says. “If you can get in to help them and stimulate the different areas they’re behind in, that lessens the impact over their entire lives of what that disability might mean.”

“All About Kids” also offers two programs onsite at 3101 Evans Avenue. The Toddler Group is for children two years of age and is designed to promote development in the following areas: fine/gross motor skills, language, cognition, self-help, sensory and social interaction.

The Threes Group is for children three years of age and is designed to stimulate creativity, imagination and critical thinking.

“It’s been a real popular program,” Gaff says. “Kids have a chance to be in group activities and be with other peers. Parents really like that.”

For more information, please call 219.462.0786 or visit oppent.org.

a e v a h o t e k i L e f i L d e c n a l Ba OW

Indiana Parenting Institute Addressing parenting issues in a very positive way is a goal of the Indiana Parenting Institute in Gary.

Operated by its president and founder, Laura Smith-Wynn, and her daughter and marketing director, JenĂĄ Bellezza, Indiana Parenting Institute offers parenting, education and family enrichment programs serving Northwest Indiana. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to create an environment where parents challenged in their role can come learn how to address those issues that are going on in their homes,â&#x20AC;? Smith-Wynn says.

That includes couples who are having issues in their relationships, especially if they are co-parenting, Bellezza says.

Indiana Parenting Institute offers courses, classes and workshops including Life Skills Seminars, The Importance of Men, Before You Marry, Pre-Parenthood, Grandparents Parenting and Single Parenting.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also RISE, a 16-week summer program for boys 10 to 17 years of age; and Rare Voices, a program empowering girls and young women with sustainable life management skills to make positive life choices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girls are the mothers of future generations and I feel like if we do not capture them during their teen years and prepare them for adulthood, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to consistently have a generation of children getting lost in the shuffle,â&#x20AC;? Smith-Wynn says.

Indiana Parenting Institute also created Parenting Awareness Month Indiana. Every April PAMI celebrates and pays tribute to people raising children in Indiana and calls attention to the need for effective and responsible parenting and parent education.

The first celebration was held in 2007, and included proclamations of support from Gov. Mitch Daniels, Gary mayor Rudy Clay and state senator Earline Rogers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our focus is, what can we do as parents to raise great kids?â&#x20AC;? SmithWynn says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel that every child should have the opportunity to live their absolute best life possible and it starts with the parent.â&#x20AC;?

Smith-Wynn says she wants the Indiana Parenting Institute to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;a happy place.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you have a problem, this is where you can come and sit down and talk to someone about those issues or you can get involved in a class and share your experiences with other parents,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are confident when you ome here you are going to learn something you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know before,â&#x20AC;?

Bellezza adds.

For more information contact the Indiana Parenting Institute at 219.886.1111 or visit indianaparentinginstitute.org.

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OUR KIDS

BY SUE BERO

Sue Bero, freelance journalist and mother of two adult sons, lives in Schererville with her husband, Bill.

Do you know a child in Northwest Indiana who deserves special recognition? If so, please email us at nwiparentfeedback@nwitimes.com.

TimeOut

leadership and talent in northwest indiana

JOE WISNIEWSKI, 17

DANA HANDLER, 13

TOBY PEREZ, 8

Joe Wisniewski has an ability that expresses itself loudly and clearly in both the spoken and written word.

Wisniewski, son of Pat and Gene Wisniewski of Valparaiso and a senior at Wheeler High School, recently took first place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars-sponsored Voice of Democracy essay contest in Indiana and placed 15th out of fifty-four participants in a national competition in Washington, D.C. The competition includes a written essay and an oral presentation. Wisniewski received a $2,500 scholarship for his state achievement and a $2,000 scholarship for his national effort.

“I really enjoyed the experience, overall; it was awesome,” Wisniewski says of the Washington competition, adding that he narrowly missed a chance to meet President Barack Obama.

Locally, “I tried last year and got fourth place at state and decided to try it again this year. Things worked out beyond my expectations,” he adds.

The English honors student, who also is his school’s National Honor Society president, is an Academic Super Bowl participant in social studies and science categories and a member of the Student Council and robotics team.

Wisniewski also has received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award from the Valparaiso Rotary Club.

He has been accepted at American University in Washington, D.C., where he plans to major in political science and go on to law school.

“It’s been a busy year, but a great year,” Wisniewski says.

Dana Handler didn’t have to do a project as part of her Bat Mitzvah program, but the Congregation Beth Israel member said she “wanted to do something.”

Handler, daughter of Becky and Steve Handler of Munster and seventh-grade honors student at Wilbur Wright Middle School (and a local Hebrew School student on weekends), teamed with friend Rachel Gross of Schererville to raise money for charity. “Rachel goes to a different [youth] camp, but I’ve known her forever,” Handler says.

The pair combined their talents to create bags containing ten purple zebra print note cards that sell for $5 each. The money is being donated to Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge Inc., an organization that helps send underprivileged children to summer camps, and to the Jewish Federation, for scholarships that will make happy campers of kids who will be able to attend summer programs at camps K’ton Ton and JCY. “We took a notepad and sketched the design, which has the purple zebra print along the border,” Handler says. “Many people have bought them, and we have raised $1,400 so far.”

This summer will mark her third time attending camp, where she enjoys tennis, water sports, acting and dance activities. “It’s my favorite thing to do; I look forward to it all year,” she says of attending camp.

At Wilbur Wright, where language is her favorite subject, Handler plays on the tennis team and acts in school plays. She also enjoys softball, basketball and art.

Toby Perez, who started figure skating when she was 4, already has received Midwest recognition.

The daughter of Emelinda and Marvin Perez of Sauk Village received three medals at a recent District 8 Championship competition in Oak Lawn. She took first place in the Character category, fourth place in the Compulsory contest and fifth in the Solo competition.

Perez, who has been competing for two years, also was selected as a participant in an Ice Dreams show in Bensenville that was hosted by Olympic champion Dorothy Hamill and in which professional skaters participated. “It was cool,” she says. “I got to carry the American flag at the beginning of the show” that saluted the Olympics. She also enjoyed being on the ice with the professionals during rehearsals. “It was good; I was excited,” she recalls.

Besides Hamill, she looks up to Johnny Weir, but her favorite is 2010 U.S. National Champion Rachael Flatt.

Perez so far has won thirteen trophies, ribbons and medals as a competitor.

The second-grader at Sandridge Elementary School, who favors math and physical education classes the most, also is preparing for a June competition in Chicago by practicing with a coach at Midwest Training and Ice Center in Dyer.

She enjoys dancing and skating to Disney music.

Although skating is her first love, Perez swims, cycles, participates in rock climbing and plays baseball and soccer with her friends.

june/july 2010

8

nwi.com/parent

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HEALTH CHECK

BY ERIKA ROSE

Erika Rose is a freelance journalist who primarily covers health news in Northwest Indiana. Erika and her husband Kevin live in Highland with their two girls, Morgan and Alexandra.

vision therapy

Dr. Steven Levin, a Whiting-based developmental optometrist, says an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the school-aged population suffer from some type of visual disorder that is likely holding them back academically.

e

ighty percent of what a child learns in the classroom is received through the vision system, he says, and 80 percent of that comes from doing close work.

Vision is so much more than how clearly a child recognizes a letter at 20 feet away, he says, yet most eye doctors don’t evaluate children beyond the standard 20/20 vision exam.

Levin’s specialty is looking at how the eyes process visual information. He explains that information is taken in through the eyes and is sent to the brain, which organizes and interprets it before sending it to other areas.

Specialists in developmental vision disorders look for problems with an individual’s close range ocular motor skills, such as visual tracking, how well the eyes team together, the ability to bring the eyes together and more—all critical skills necessary for reading, comprehending and learning.

Problems in these areas often result in poor academic performance and behavior

problems. In fact, Levin suspects many children are incorrectly labeled as having attention deficit disorder when in fact, the problem is with the visual system, something that he says is 100 percent trainable with vision therapy.

Dr. Amanda Sprehe, an optometrist specializing in vision therapy at Gailmard Eye Center in Munster, says children are typically referred to her after a teacher or parent notices a child’s difficulty in school. They may lose their place frequently while reading, take too long to complete homework, or exhibit more obvious symptoms like eyestrain or double vision. Perhaps they cover one eye, squint or tilt their head while reading.

At Levin’s office, a developmental vision evaluation, if warranted, involves about three or four hours of tests designed to assess how an individual brings in visual information and organizes and interprets it. An individualized vision therapy program is then created, typically involving a 45-minute session once or twice a week and some home exercises done three or four times a week. “What you are really doing is retraining the neurological system that basically controls how the visual system works,” Levin says.

A therapy session in action at Gailmard Eye Center may have children focusing on a string of beads, wearing special lenses or following a stick adorned with a small letter, for example. “Vision therapy is kind of like physical therapy for the eyes and the vision system,” Sprehe says. “It gives basically the skills and ability to help the eyes work together more comfortably and efficiently.”

The length of therapy depends on the severity of the problem and how much retraining is needed. The result, Levin says, is better grades, more confidence and changed lives.

“It really does bring you to tears sometimes,” he says. june/july 2010

10

nwi.com/parent

ANALGESIC ANSWERS Parents of small children frequently question themselves when it comes to using analgesics to relieve their ill child’s discomfort. Dyer pediatrician Dr. Parul Pathak offers some sound advice to help parents in their decision-making.

Over-the-counter choices include aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Pathak defines aspirin and ibuprofen as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are designed to reduce fever, pain and inflammation. She says acetaminophen, more commonly known as Tylenol, is designed to reduce fever and pain, but not really inflammation (redness, swelling).

“For the typical fever and pain, I usually recommend acetaminophen first,” she says. “When children are sick, they usually are not eating or drinking well, and acetaminophen is easier on the stomach.”

When choosing an analgesic for the child, Pathak says parents should be aware of the appropriate ages for each.

She says acetaminophen can be used from two months on, ibuprofen not until around six or nine months of age, and aspirin should never be given before twelve years of age, because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Doses vary for each child, and this should be discussed first with the child’s doctor.

Many parents are familiar with the idea of alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) when one doesn’t seem to be offering the child enough relief. This practice, Pathak says, came about in an effort to reduce the incidence of febrile seizures. However, she says, recent studies have shown that there really is not a decrease in the incidence, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours of illness.

“Temperatures can stay elevated and can get quite high, and sometimes alternating between the two medications helps the patients feel better, so they’re more likely to take fluids and sleep better. However,” she cautions, “anytime you are giving two medications like that, there is the risk of overdose, so it should NEVER be done without discussing it with your pediatrician first.”

Addressing concerns about possible overdoses, Pathak says, “an overdose should be considered any time you feel a child has accidentally taken, or been administered, too much of any one active ingredient. You have to be careful with all cold preparations on the market, as oftentimes they also contain fever reducers.

Parents often don’t realize this and give a fever reducer on top of what was in the cold preparation.”

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SCHOOL NOTES

Carrie Steinweg (carriesteinweg.com) is a freelance writer who lives in Lansing with her husband Paul and five sons.

BY CARRIE STEINWEG

summer songs

W

hile summer vacation is meant to be a less-structured time for some relaxation, many parents opt to enroll their kids in some type of summer activity, whether it’s academic enrichment classes, swim lessons or a day camp. Music experts suggest it’s also a great time to pick up a new instrument and give lessons a try.

“Summer is a good time to get kids completely focused on music,” says Jodi Pesich, manager of HGS Music in Highland. “I hesitate to call school a distraction, but when you start in the summer, you don’t have to go home and do five hours of homework or worry about school projects. You’re not distracted by the sports and school work. There’s more time to spend listening to music and going to live shows and more time to practice it.”

At HGS, private lessons are available for guitar, bass, drums, piano, saxophone, mandolin and voice. Fourteen instructors on staff do weekly half-hour lessons for $84 a month. For more information, call 219.923.9210 or visit hgsmusic.net.

Mary Lou Cramer, of Music of Oz Studio in Crown Point, also encourages music students to continue lessons throughout the summer. “If they take a full summer off, that’s three months they’ve lost. It takes a lot of time to get back to where they quit.” The studio offers lessons for most instruments throughout the summer and also welcomes beginners.

Half-hour weekly lessons are $65 per month. For more information, call 219.661.9191 or visit musicofoz.com.

HGS offers two summer group classes for established students. One is “History of Rock and Roll for Guitarists.” The other is called “Rock Band,” where a group forms to learn music together.

Both HGS and Music of Oz offer a summer session for young children to introduce them to music. HGS’s “Rock and Roll for the Tiny Soul” includes using play instruments, rhythm learning, number learning, free dance and parachute play. The six-week session, for ages 10 months to 4 years, meets weekly and runs $110 for the child and caregiver.

Music of Oz’s “Wondermusic Class” is for children ages 18 months to 3 years and a caregiver, and it explores rhythm and timing using simple instruments. A four-week session is $45.

The Northwest Indiana Suzuki School in Hammond will begin violin group lessons for beginners starting June 8 for kids age 5 and older. The 10-week class is $98. An instrument is not needed at the first session and rental arrangements can be made.

Parental involvement is a big part of the program, with a basic lesson for parents included. For more information, call 708.895.0453 or email potpourristrings@aol.com.

“Summer is an optimum time to take music lessons,” says Linda Lager, violin instructor.

“Kids have more flexibility with schedules. Beginners especially need the consistency and accountability of a weekly lesson lest they forget much of what they learned.”

june/july 2010

12

Challenge Education

Team building outings and exercises have been used in recent years in corporate America to help strengthen relationships between coworkers and encourage problem solving in groups.

Kids in the Portage Township Schools are able to take part in similar activities as part of the Challenge Education Program in ten wooded acres located behind Fegely Middle School. The activities and lessons help to teach them how to cooperate and collaborate with others to find solutions, skills that can then be applied outside the classroom.

Connie Melton, home school advisor at South Haven Elementary School works with teachers and students on the three courses that make up the outdoor classroom.

The low rope section is used mainly by fourth graders.

“It’s a great confidence builder and teaches that each job is important,” Melton says. Kids who aren’t on the ropes act as spotters. “We never push a kid to do more than they’re willing to do. It’s challenge by choice.”

Fifth graders and junior high students nwi.com/parent

take part in the teams course, where an entire classroom must work together for a resolution to a problem. “In that course, the group does the activities as one. It’s ‘We all succeed or nobody succeeds,’” Melton says.

The high ropes and climbing wall are used, as needed, by high school students. The program has been in operation for more than a decade, with the facility used by Portage Township students in 4th grade through high school.

Other area schools come to the grounds for field trips as well.

“We do activities back at the building

afterwards,” Melton says. “It really encourages cooperation within the classroom. The quietest kid in class can be the one to find out the answer. It helps kids look at each other in a different way and gives us a chance to see who the natural leaders are.”

Besides the class visits, the courses are also used by the ROTC groups, SWAT teams and firefighters. “It’s kind of neat when we come out and they may be using part of the course, and the kids get to talk to them and learn how they also need to work together,” Melton says.

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sPorts and recreation

ongoing FYSB Parent Enrichment Workshops, 4:306:30pm Tue, Family and Youth Services Bureau, 253 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.464.9585. This group focuses on strengthening the family unit, and discusses topics such as how to avoid power struggles, choosing effective discipline, the power of encouragement, how to instill the desire to cooperate, and more.

ongoing City-wide Youth Sports Recreation Program Registration, 219.853.6371. The City of Hammond will provide low-income youth with the enrollment fees for entering into organized sports activities such as Little League, Golf, Boxing, Cheerleading and Soccer. To obtain an application, contact Marcus Williams, community development planner at the Department of Planning & Development, at 219.853.6371.

May 22 Red Cross Babysitting Course, 9am-4pm, Crown Point Civic Center, 101 S East St, Crown Point. 219.661.2271.

This babysitting course, for anyone age 10 and older, features valuable safety and babysitting tips. Participants should bring a sack lunch and a baby doll to practice with.

Jun 1-Jul 31 Hammond Public Library Summer Reading Programs, E.B. Hayward Branch, 1212 172nd St, Hammond. 219.844.2668; Howard Branch, 7047 Grand Ave, Hammond. 219.844.1622; Main Library, 564 State St, Hammond. 219.931.5100. hammond.lib.in.us. Two separate programs will be offered through the Hammond Public Library this summer—one for listeners and one for readers.

PerForMance/arts ongoing The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park, Ill. 708.235.2222. centertickets.net. The Center for Performing Arts is celebrating 11 years of promoting cultural enhancement on the South Side of Chicago through worldclass performing arts productions and arts education.

Jul 15: Peter Pan. ongoing Science Storms, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago. 773.684.1414. msichicago.org. This unprecedented and dramatic exhibit reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena, including tornadoes, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion. The 26,000-square-foot exhibit features a 40-foot tornado, bolts of lightning and more than 50 hands-on activities. ongoing The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster.

219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. This theater, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in Northwest Indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the Midwest.

Jun 16: Rumpelstiltskin.

through Jun 10 Chicago Fire Juniors Child Development School, Tue, Thu, Tigers Home Fields, 4901 E 109th Ave, Crown Point. 219.308.7956. This individual training program is specifically designed for soccer players who aspire to reach the next level and consists of 60 minutes of instructional coaching two times per week for four weeks. through aug 13 Beginner Junior Golf Lessons, Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, 10483 W 109th Ave, Cedar Lake.

219.365.2902. lakecountyparks.com. Junior golfers will learn the fundamentals of golf, including basic grip, stance and club usage. Pre-registration and payment is required.

Jul 7, Jul 21 Pool Parties, 6-8pm, various locations, Hammond. 219.853.6378 ext 304. gohammond.com. These free pool parties, which are for all ages, feature a DJ and refreshments. Jul 7: Edison Pool, 6730 Jackson Ave; Jul 21: King Pool, 6000 Tapper Ave. Jul 17 Festival of the Lakes Fishing Derby, 8am-noon, Indiana side of Wolf Lake, Hammond. 219.989.0575, 219.853.6378. festivalofthelakes.com. Trophies for the largest bass, walleye and pan fish catch in two divisions, as well as for the oldest and youngest participants, will be awarded. Children age 15 and younger will receive free fishing equipment while supplies last and a free fishing seminar will be held at 10am.

caMPs Jun 14-Jul 10 Musical Theater Summer Camp, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso.

219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. This intensive four-week program is designed for students who want to engage in rigorous musical theater training in acting, music and movement.

Jul 12-Jul 16 Action! Summer Camp, Wilbur Wright Middle School, 8650 Columbia Ave, Munster.

888.779.8801. actionsummercamp.com. The only camp of its kind in Northwest Indiana, Action! provides kids ages 12-17

june/july 2010

14

nwi.com/parent

with the chance to explore the intensely creative medium of making digital movies. The week-long course offers every camper the opportunity to write, shoot, direct, star in, edit and premiere a film using state-of-the-art technology.

sPecial events Jun 1 Annual Block Party, 6-9pm, Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave, Lansing. 708.474.2447. All ages are welcome to enjoy games, food and music at this annual block party to help kick off Lansing Public Library’s Summer Reading Program—sign up while you’re there!

Jun 3-6 26th Annual Country Carnival, 5-10pm Thu, 5-11pm Fri, 3pm-midnight Sat, noon-9pm Sun, 165th & Kentucky Ave, Hammond. 219.845.1939. This event, sponsored by St. Catherine of Siena Church, will include a $3,500 cash raffle, a beer and casino tent, food, bingo, a rummage sale, games and live bands every night.

For more local events, destinations and resources, please visit nwi.com/parent.

GET THE WORD OUT! if your organization has a family-friendly event that takes place in late July or later, and you would like it to be considered for inclusion in nWi Parent magazine, please send a detailed description of your event—with complete contact information—to kmacneil@nwitimes.com

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BY HEATHER AUGUSTYN

learning

THROUGH PLAY

T

his September will mark one year since Bellaboo’s opened its doors to happy kids all over the region. The facility, billed as a “play and discovery center,” offers children the chance to learn in the name of fun. The $5 million, 23,000-square-foot center is operated by the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department and is located at Three Rivers County Park in Lake Station.

It caters to kids 8 years old and younger with colorful, secure rooms of hands-on activities such as water tables, dress-up areas, pretend play rooms, a floor-toceiling jungle gym and ball pit, a do-ityourself face painting area, art studio, doit-yourself cooking, a performance area and more, all in the name of fun learning. Plus, Bellaboo’s has a universal design, so it is accessible to all children, whether or not they have physical or mental challenges. There are never different areas for children who are challenged.

General manager Kara Mackey

says the goal of the facility is to engage the whole family in learning while having a great time in the process. “We try to inform the parents about what the children are learning and we do that with our signs. If you’re working on something in the water room, you could test what floats and what sinks. There’s role playing in the pretend village. There are things they might see here they

don’t other places, like they can do hands-on cooking and experiment with foods. They work on gross and fine motor skills throughout, with paintbrushes in the art studio and a jungle gym in the soft play room. They are also learning through repetition,

where they can play independently as long as they want and try things over and over again. Usually in life you’re pressed to move on and try something else. They also learn social responsibilities, how to interact with kids, babies or bigger kids, and how to clean up after themselves. Imagination, too—we have a performance room where we do storytelling.

There’s a lot,” Mackey says.

She says that the staff is really the key to a great experience, in addition to the beautiful facility. “Instead of interviews, we held auditions.

We wanted people who are vibrant and animated and aren’t afraid to be silly.

We have retired teachers, grandmas, moms, and a good amount of theater students. The energy this staff brings really makes our facility great.”

Bellaboo’s is open for day visits, birthday parties, Discovery Trips, special events, classes, and a variety of camps and summer programs.

june/july 2010

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GET READY FOR FALL THIS SUMMER Preschool and kindergarten readiness camps make learning fun valParaiso yMca Children ages 3-5 can experience camp in the YMCA’s AllWays Learning program. These camps are designed to continue children’s preschool experience and give them readiness skills for kindergarten. Children can participate in a variety of activities through the facility’s various amenities, including the swimming pool. Camps are located at the AllWays Learning facility at 750 Ransom Road, and the AllWays Learning Preschool at 105 North Washington. Camps are available all summer long. Call 219.462.0040.

the learninG center Preschool, hiGhland Owner Sharon Apato says, “We have a summer program that is an outdoor play program, but we have story, snack, music and crafts centered around a theme.

We found this was an amazing way to introduce kids to routine and staff, and it works. There’s a little less structure outside so we can move them into the routine slowly.” Programs are offered in June and/or July, three days a week in the morning. The Learning Center is located at 3135 45th Street. Call 219.922.8111.

Parents as teachers oF Porter coUnty Executive director Jill Stricker says, “We work on social skills for kids who haven’t had preschool yet, in an environment that is very fun. It’s the first time for many preschoolers without their parents, and the independence and listening skills they gain within a week is amazing. For the older kids entering kindergarten, they work on skills such as knowing your address and phone number, tying your shoes and cutting, and it’s a great time to teach a lot of kids to take directions.” All camps are at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso. Call 219.395.8412 or visit patpc.org.

dUneland Montessori acadeMy, chesterton Kimberly Ehn, director, says their summer programming— which takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the eleven weeks of summer—is geared toward education. “All of our activities build on skills to get kids ready for the next stage. We offer a themed activity class and accept children as young as four. We offer Montessori enrichment activities in the morning and afternoon before this class. We also offer elementary-aged reading, writing and tutor time.” For more information, call 219.331.6635 or visit dunelandmontessori.com.

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MEAL TIME

Jane Dunne has two sons, each married with three children, and she loves to cook with her grandchildren.

Roast Beef with Horseradish and Cucumbers

BY JANE DUNNE

Mix horseradish with enough mayo to make it spreadable, and smear it on two slices of whole-grain, chewy, crisp-crusted bread. Top the bottom bread slice generously with thinly sliced roast beef, thinly sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion rings (optional).

Add salt and pepper to taste; then top with arugula or another spicy green. Put the lid on.

Thanksgiving-in-June

For

Spread whole-wheat toast with softened goat or cream cheese. Top with whole-berry cranberry sauce and a generous layer of sliced roast turkey breast. Top with avocado slices, along with some cooked and crumbled bacon. Top with the other slice of toast.

Chicken and Red Pepper Pesto

O

ne thing is for sure: men love sandwiches.

Dagwood Bumstead— the nap-taking, boss-irritating, postman-butting, hapless husband and father in Chic Young’s circa 1930 comic strip Blondie, positively adored them. Dagwood could often be found in the kitchen around midnight, creating six-layer-plus monstrosities.

Eighty years later, the Dagwood Sandwich beat goes on in the many newspapers still carrying Blondie.

Making sandwiches to take on a Father’s Day picnic is something my brother and I did for our own dad while we were growing up. Dad professed to be crazy about our sandwiches, and they were easy for us to put together. Obviously, in the health-conscious 21st century, a more varied array of ingredients and the wonderful artisanal breads at our disposal take sandwich-making to new creative heights. So this Father’s Day, take Dad on a picnic and ply him with a Dagwood Special, 2010style. Round out the meal with some coleslaw, pickles and potato chips—and don’t forget the brownies. I’ve never met a man who didn’t love those, too!

Here are a few suggestions to get you started: Wrap the sandwiches well and cut them in half at the picnic site. Make two kinds, so Dad can have half of each (or one of each, if he’s a big fan of the “Dag”). All the meats, cheeses and breads are readily available at most supermarkets.

Happy Father’s Day! june/july 2010

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nwi.com/parent

Puree a drained jar of roasted red peppers with a little olive oil, a few drops of balsamic vinegar and salt.

Smear the mix on a split ciabatta or crusty roll. Top with grilled chicken tenders and chopped arugula or other spicy green. Drizzle with a little more balsamic and put on the lid.

Pork Sandwich with Red-Onion Relish

Sauté thinly sliced red onions in a little olive oil over medium heat until soft, adding a splash of redwine vinegar and salt and pepper as they cook. (Onion relish can be made a day in advance. Bring to room temperature before putting the sandwiches together.)

Generously layer thin slices of roast pork tenderloin on sourdough bread and top the pork with the onion relish and a dash of ketchup before putting on the lid.

BALT Sandwich

Smear mayo on slices of toasted whole-grain bread.

Layer with romaine lettuce, thinly sliced ripe tomatoes and thinly sliced ripe avocado. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and crown with three strips of crisp bacon.

For a “Daggier” Dagwood, add some sliced turkey.

Tuna Salad with Style

Mix 2 cans of drained white tuna in water with a package of softened Boursin Cheese with Cranberry and Pepper (or add a teaspoon of dried cranberries and some black pepper to a package of regular Boursin).

Mix in a little finely chopped celery. On lightly toasted, horizontally halved mini-baguettes, layer romaine lettuce leaves, thinly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, and the tuna mixture; top with thinly sliced radishes.

(Makes enough for 4 sandwiches.)

Dad’s Favorite “Dag”

Lightly butter artisanal rye bread slices and spread them with Dijon mustard.

Layer slices of smoked ham, thinly sliced salami, dill pickle slices and Havarti or Gruyère cheese. (We kids used to add a layer of potato chips for crunch.)

TimeOut Does your family have a traditional Father’s Day Feast? We want to hear about it, so send your ideas to nwiparentfeedback@ nwitimes.com.

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FIT FAMILY

Debi Pillarella is the exercise program manager for the Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, National Youth Spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, certified personal trainer, and, most importantly, mother of two children. You can reach her at dpillarella@comhs.org.

BY DEBI PILLARELLA, M.ED.

greening the family workout in

years gone by, families got their workouts the old-fashioned way: by getting outside. Of course, a lot of them were harvesting crops, tending fields and manually caring for their homes, things not very common today. But you can take advantage of lessons from the “good old days” and transfer your family workouts outdoors while being kind to the environment. Here are some traditional as well as not-so-traditional ways to garner a greener family workout. Who knows?

You might even find exercising fun while feeling good about your contribution to Planet Earth.

Get out of here

Don’t be stuck indoors when the warm weather calls.

Lacing up a pair of athletic shoes and hitting the pavement is as Earth-friendly as workouts get. Going for a family walk, hike, jog or stroll is a good calorie burner, and it also allows time for you to bond with each other—and don't forget to take the dog!

let nature Be your Guide

Think outside the running, hiking, walking “box” and let nature guide your workout. Th at’s right, raking, mowing, digging and gardening, with effort, can burn some pretty good calories. This year, why not think about a family vegetable garden and reap the rewards of a “planting workout” while enjoying healthy fruits and vegetables at the same time? An hour of yard and garden work (for a 150pound person) can burn approximately 300 calories (equivalent to a 30-minute indoor cycle moderate intensity workout).

Green energy You can’t talk about burning calories from a workout without discussing replenishing

june/july 2010

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The weather is getting warmer and the outdoors is calling. But before you commit to a family workout plan that depends on electricity usage, automotive transportation, and a slew of new gear, wait: there’s a greener way. your energy. Fuel your family’s body with fresh, organic food, and skip the processed aisles at the grocery store. Go for organic energy bars that don’t include ingredients like sugar or artificial colors and flavors, and that are made from fruit, nuts, fiber, protein and natural (not trans) fats.

Before your family exercises, fuel up with a snack that’s high in carbs and low in fat—like pretzels—and drink lots of water. After your session, snack on a combination of carbs and protein to replenish your energy supplies.

eco-Friendly Workout Gadgets If you’re going to make working out a regular part of your family’s life, you might need some workout props. Don’t feel pressured to buy the latest products sold on QVC, as many of them leave a carbon footprint that counteracts your greening efforts. Instead, think about products like an eco-friendly yoga mat, which is made of non-PVC material. In addition, workouts can be great using items you have around your house, such as water-filled jugs instead of store-bought weights, a dining room chair as a substitute for a seated bench, or even your stairs in place of expensive plastic steps.

Bey ouro wnW orkoutP owerhouse Although this idea hasn’t come to Northwest Indiana’s mainstream population, when you think about this, it’s really pretty simple. When you exert yourself, like when working out with your family, you’re expending energy.

So why not think about capturing that “human energy” and use it to reduce your NIPSCO bill? On a stationary bike designed to catch that energy, like the Pedal-A-Watt (econvergence.net/electro.htm), every time the back wheel turns, the generator spins, creating electricity in watts.

Plug an appliance into the generator, and voila: you’re powering it. Since small appliances use small wattages— cell phones need an average of five watts; a small TV, about 100—it’s feasible to produce enough energy to keep them running.

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ENROLL NOW FOR FALL 2010

TEEN SCENE

BY MARK LOEHRKE

Window to the Workforce With all of the grim employment news and statistics that have weighed on the economy for the better part of the last couple of years, it’s easy for adults to slip into a sort of knowing cynicism when it comes to discussions about career planning. But for teens thinking about their lives beyond high school, the future is still bright with possibility, regardless of whether current trends argue otherwise—and that’s just the way Hebron High School teacher Nancy Anders likes to see it.

A three-decade teaching and job of the future. It veteran who chairs Hebrings relevance to high bron’s business department school requirements.” and coordinates its stuAnders has placed dent vocational program, more than 110 of her Anders has also been the students in job shadowing driving creative force besituations with businesses hind the career curriculum throughout Northwest at the school for the past Indiana this year. In parfive years. This unique ticular, twenty-five stuclass option integrates the dents with an interest in hebron high School students attend a career career evaluation decision the burgeoning health care information day at St. anthony Medical center. photo courtesy of St. Anthony Medical Center directly into the academic industry went through the process, rather than treatprocess at Saint Anthony ing it as an arm’s-length afMedical Center in Crown terthought. Students learn Point in conjunction with about the array of career fields, test for areas of strength an April career fair. Saint Anthony’s director of training, and interest, look into postsecondary training options, development and wellness Kathy Velgos found the kids and participate in a job shadowing exercise. to be open to various health care specialties like nursing, Job shadowing can encompass anything from a surgitherapy and paramedic services, with the typical concerns cal observation for students with an interest in veterinary about training and opportunity at the fore. medicine to a day at the office for kids looking at a bank“The students were pretty evenly split on their career ing career. Anders feels this opportunity for students to choices,” Velgos says. “They were mostly interested in the experience a potential amount of schooling required for various positions and occupation in practical the anticipated availability of jobs when they are ready to OOH?AHHH. action is one of the most join the workforce.”

So where should teens valuable pieces of the In other words, the job shadowing program seems to who aren’t involved with career puzzle. be giving Anders’ students exactly the kind of real-world a dedicated program like “The job shadowing perspective that it promises. After all, not every decision the one at Hebron turn for bridges the gap between about a lifelong career needs to be set in stone by the time career guidance? Anders high school and the high school graduation rolls around, but it certainly helps says that one of the main resources for students world,” Anders explains. to have narrowed one’s options along the way. in her classes is actually “For example, students “The students come back to school one of two ways,” free and available online to see why they have to sit she says. “Either yes, it is definitely what they thought anyone who’s interested— in three math courses it would be and they want to continue their high school the Occupational Outlook in high school today, studies in that direction, or no, it isn’t for them. Job shadHandbook (OOH) from the and how it leads to their owing shows the students all sides of the career, and lets U.S. Department of Labor. postsecondary training them determine if they really want to do this for a living.”

Check it out at bls.gov/oco.

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Lighting the Way WHILE EVERY COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL, BY DEFINITION, STRIVES TO READY STUDENTS FOR THE ACADEMIC DEMANDS OF LEARNING AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL, FEW GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM TO MIMIC THE FULL SCOPE OF THE UNIVERSITY LIFESTYLE QUITE LIKE LA LUMIERE, A PRIVATE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL JUST OUTSIDE OF LAPORTE.

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hat subtle difference in mission is apparent in many areas, not the least of which is the school’s bucolic 155acre lakeside site itself, which gives an immediate feel more akin to a college campus than a typical institution, with classrooms, athletic facilities, and living quarters scattered about the grounds and connected by a system of trails. But the similarities go far beyond just the aesthetic, with far-ranging classes and extracurricular options designed to let every student get a real-life taste of the true college experience—an all-inclusive system that is actually quite pragmatic, given that nearly 100 percent of la lumiere graduates go on to a university. the diversity of la lumiere’s 152-pupil student body also reflects an atmosphere that most students can expect to encounter at the next stop on their educational journeys.

Founded in 1963 by a group of chicago and northwest indiana businessmen as a religious boarding school for boys (girls were granted admission beginning in 1978), LA LUMIERE SCHOOL la lumiere has 6801 N WILHELM RD maintained its LAPORTE, IND. commitment to 219.326.7450 LALUMIERE.ORG providing rigorous academic training in a traditional catholic setting—focusing on character, scholarship and faith—for nearly a half-century. along the way, the school has sent several notable alumni into the world, including comedian Jim Gaffigan, U.s. supreme court chief Justice John roberts, and current school headmaster Michael Kennedy.

Wisdom

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Dr. Jay Platt and his staff work closely with you and your dentist to ensure your treatment exceeds your expectations. Choosing an oral surgeon is an important decision. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who are dedicated to your care. We are looking forward to fulfilling your dental needs in the future.

E R O L EXP OORS OUTD This summer, n dre expose your chil efits to the many ben orld of the natural w S WALLER

BY SHARON BIGG

“I’m more of an indoor person,” announces Greg Heffley, the main character of the best-selling book Diary of a Wimpy Kid, a modern tween who’d rather spend his summers playing video games and watching television in the dark than “frolicking” outdoors. Although a humorous fictional character, Greg represents an alarmingly high number of kids who prefer the indoors to the outdoors. In 2010 the Kaiser Family Foundation study showed that the average child spends eight hours a day engaged in some sort of electronic media.

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I

t seems that the days when kids raced home from school, donned their play clothes and banded together with the neighborhood kids to climb trees and build forts are over. Such tales of swinging on a rope swing over a creek or playing a game of flashlight tag hold no amusement for the youth of today who, like Greg, would rather spend time with their Xboxes and iTouches.

Unplugging Unplugging your child from the virtual world and releasing him into the real world might take some convincing, but it’s worth doing, because playing outside has many benefits besides exercise.

NATURE DEFICIT

Child advocacy expert Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods [Algonquin Books, 2008], says that our kids today have “nature deficit disorder,” an affliction that can lead to real behavior problems such as attention deficit disorder and depression, and health problems such as anxiety and obesity. Louv says this is because children have a natural drive and a strong yearning to be part of nature, and being prevented from expressing that drive creates problems.

A study in 2005 found that outdoor play led to cognitive, social and emotional development in children. Children become better problem-solvers due to the hands-on learning inherent in nature. “This translates into higher test scores and better grades in school,” says John Hayes, executive director of the Dunes Learning Center in Chesterton. “The novelty of coming out and spending time immersed in a memorable setting helps them learn and remember things better. Studies also showed that getting kids out into nature helped them manage stress and bounce back easier from problems. Kids are stressed by school and their daily lives, just like adults are. Natural spaces, even urban green spaces, are very calming places.”

It’s difficult for anyone to care about something with which they aren’t familiar. Today’s children are so disconnected from the environment that a 2002 British study reported that 8-year-olds could identify Pokémon characters more easily than they could identify woodland creatures. “Kids who are encouraged to be in nature have a healthier sense of connection to their natural world and know its importance,” Hayes says. “As a result they are more inclined to become stewards of the land and advocates of the environment when they grow up.”

NATURE IMMERSION

Not everyone lives right next door to a city or state park or even a band of woods. And with today’s schedule so fraught and packed tight, there might be

Dunes Learning Center Discovery Camp

little chance of any time out of doors. The summer is the perfect time to get your kids outside. Camps are great places for kids to explore their environment and be fully present in nature.

Parents are often concerned about letting their children play outside without adult supervision, but summer day camps put that worry to rest. “Parents are afraid to let their kids outside alone, but when they come to camp they can play and be safe here in nature,” says Megan Owens, recreation coordinator of the Valparaiso Parks Department. Owens runs the Valparaiso Discovery Camps, which run through the summer with weekly registration. The day camps are centered around Rogers-Lakewood Park, a 122-acre natural park home to two lakes, Loomis Lake and Spectacle Lake.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the experience, Dunes Learning Center—located on Howe Road in Chesterton on the historic site of the legendary Camp Good Fellow—specializes in overnight camps. Located in the heart of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, the center has ten modern cabins and a dining room that serves wholesome and healthy meals. From dunes to glacial “kettle lakes,” natural bogs and oak savannahs, Dunes Learning Center takes children into the “outdoor classroom” to discover this unique landscape.

Cynthia Smith-Faught, environmental education coordinator for City of Portage Parks and Recreation, which offers a summer day camp called Earth Camp, says she’s seen firsthand the transformation kids go through after spending time in the natural world.

“The relationship with nature as a child can shape and nurture a child’s spirit,” she says. “Understanding the rhythms of nature can help a child understand their own rhythms.”

If your child is a self-professed indoor person, like Greg the wimpy kid, introduce him to the outdoors. He might just change find he’s an outdoor person after all.

sUMMer oUtdoor caMPs

DAY CAMPS

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

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EARTH CAMP

DUNES DISCOVERY CAMP (ages 9-12) PARK KIDS DISCOVERY CAMP (ages 7-13)

ARTGANIC SUMMER ART CAMP

Portage Parks Department 219.762.1675 ci.portage.in.us Earth Camp explores the unique parks in Portage such as Imagination Glen, Lakefront Park and Woodland Park.

This day camp is divided into two age groups: Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6.

There is also a program for older kids, called Earth Protectors Camp.

DISCOVERY CAMPS Valparaiso Parks Department at Rogers-Lakewood Park 219.462.5144 valparaisoparks.org This American Camping Association accredited program is divided into four age groups: Explorers (1st and 2nd grade), Pioneers (3rd and 4th grade), Jr. Rangers (5th and 6th grade), and Rangers (7th and 8th grade). Outdoor adventures include cooking over a campfire, boating, hiking and nature crafts. Day campers learn all about the ecosystem in this community park.

Dunes Learning Center (partner of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) 219.395.9555 duneslearningcenter.org Five days and nights of adventure, exploring wetlands, prairies, dunes and woodlands of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Swim in Lake Michigan; experience hands-on living history activities; explore the park at night and participate in nature games, arts and crafts and games. Led by a team of naturalists and teachers.

CAMP TECUMSEH 765.564.2898 camptecumseh.org This YMCA 500-acre camp in Brookston, Indiana, is an old-fashioned sleep-away camp for ages 8-15, offering canoeing, nature crafts, pioneer cooking, horseback riding and hiking. Choose one-, two- or threeweek camping programs.

CULVER SUMMER CAMPS 574.842.7000, culver.org

Valparaiso Parks Discovery Camp

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In the summer, Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana, becomes a summer school and camp. Situated on Lake Maxinkuckee and surrounded by forest, this accredited six-week program is split into two age groups: Woodcraft Camp (ages 9-13) and Upper Camp (ages 13-18). There is also a 5-day Junior Woodcraft Camp (ages 7-9).

Activities include Indian lore, hiking, swimming, boating, horseback riding and crafts.

nwi.com/parent

Lubeznik Center for the Arts at the lakefront in Michigan City 219.874.4900 lubeznikcenter.org Instructor Alison Jaksa teaches children ages 7-13 about ecofriendly art using elements from the outdoors.

Depending on the week, projects may include painting the flora and fauna of the Dunes with homemade, natural paints, branch weaving, printmaking and more.

LEAVE NO CHILD INSIDE kidsoutside.info This Chicago Wilderness initiative urges parents to experience nature with their children. Chicago Wilderness is a group of over 240 organizations that champion biodiversity and its contribution to the quality of life in the urban, suburban and rural areas of the Chicago Metropolitan region, including Northwest Indiana.

SPECIAL SPONSOR FEATURE

peoples bank

investinG in FUtUres

Most financial professionals agree that one of the best ways to prepare for a comfortable and secure future is to begin practicing smart saving and money management techniques as early in one’s life as possible.

Of course, these recommendations are not often directed specifically to potential savers at the elementary school level—kids whose limited funds are often tied up in more important short-term investments like candy and video games.

B

ut at Peoples Bank, children are seen as the savers and spenders of tomorrow—exactly the kind of audience that can benefit most from some habit-forming common sense advice and guidance today. That’s why reaching out to youngsters to educate them about the importance of saving and investing is a major theme of several of the bank’s community initiatives, including work with the local chapters of Junior Achievement, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the Teach Children to Save program of the American Bankers’ Association.

JUnior achieveMent When it comes to sparking the entrepreneurial impulses and fortifying the financial wherewithal of young minds, Junior Achievement (JA) has long been considered the gold standard. Though nearly 90 years into its mission of showing students how to channel their natural creativity and organizational skills into rewarding careers and lives of community service, JA’s message of youth empowerment seems more timely than ever in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Despite that broad outlook, however, the success or failure of any JA endeavor actually lies squarely at the local level, where teams of volunteers attempt to show students their true potential by forging the one-on-one connections that will lead to real growth and understanding.

Peoples Bank assistant vice president and retail lending specialist Austin P. Logue has been going into elementary classrooms on behalf of JA for nearly a decade, and has been on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Indiana chapter since 2008. Experience has shown him just how important those connections are to the success of the JA mission, especially early on.

“Each classroom varies, which is what makes JA a unique experience,” Logue says. “Within the first few moments in the classroom, the JA representative realjune/july 2010

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izes how the classroom is run and we adapt to that. We want to make it comfortable for the kids—if they are comfortable, they are receptive to the information being discussed.”

That information generally revolves around the importance of continuing education. JA tries to demonstrate to students just how important a solid education can be to their overall financial health and happiness down the road, touching on issues like budgeting and maintaining credit along the way. Logue knows that some of these topics can glaze the eyes of even adults staring them in the face, let alone students for whom the realities of financial well-being are years in the future, which is why he goes out of his way to make sure his kids remain active in discussions and invested in the process. That means tailoring the message to the age group at hand.

“With the younger grades, my experience has been that they are all excited to talk about money and how much they may have in their piggy bank—they don’t hesitate to tell the instructor how much they love money and what they are able to buy with their own money,” he explains. “In the middle school areas, the kids are exposed to starting up their own business Jill Knight, vice president, training and development coordinator at Peoples Bank, engages a kindergarten class in discussion at St. Bridget’s School in Hobart during a Teach Children to Save session.

nwi.com/parent

and being able to be the decision maker in that business, so they get really excited about who they can hire and who they can fire. As the kids get older, it is useful to use the correlation between GPA and how that may affect their exposure to certain professions, which ties in with how much those professions make.”

Of course, Logue knows that when push comes to shove in keeping his students interested in money and finance, there’s always the opportunity to give them a firsthand demonstration of the fine art of deal-making as well.

“A little candy bribery never hurts,” he jokes.

Money Matters Considering the dozens of initiatives offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs to help foster self-confidence and a sense of independence in at-risk students, the organization’s Money Matters program could easily get lost in the shuffle. After all, topics like education and healthy eating are often viewed as more immediately important, and programs dealing with sports or music are probably more popular among the kids themselves. But when Stacy Januszewski sees the lack of financial literacy among the 13- to 18year-olds that she deals with in her volunteer work with Money Matters, she’s determined to make sure that topics like money management and basic budgeting don’t get overlooked in the grand scheme of things.

“I’ve always been an advocate of planning ahead,” Januszewski explains.

“The earlier kids learn about money and financial matters, the easier it will be for them to obtain the goals they set for themselves—even something as simple as saving for a birthday gift for a parent. Once the goal is achieved, confidence is gained for future goals.”

A senior vice president of risk management at Peoples, Januszewski has been working with the Boys and Girls Club for a little over two years since the inception of Money Matters. Unlike some other financial education efforts that target kids at the grade school level, her work with Money Matters is focused almost exclusively on teenagers, meaning the window of opportunity for getting the students up to speed on these topics is considerably smaller. However, such immediacy doesn’t always translate into a more captive audience.

“The courses are taught in the early evening when the kids are tired because they’ve been in school all day,” Januszewski says. “Keeping their attention and getting them to understand the topics that they have never been exposed to before are huge challenges.”

Even so, Januszewski is gratified by the hard-earned results she’s seen from her work with Money Matters. Not every student who comes through the program will go on to become a CEO, of course, but CONTACT there’s no telling how many kids have benPeoples Bank is efited from a simple understanding of how to celebrating 100 years save, invest and plan for college. of providing community “At times, planning for sessions and keeping banking services the program fresh and interactive with current to the residents data can be challenging with all of the daily and businesses of Northwest Indiana. work and personal responsibilities that the To learn more, or to instructors have, but knowing you have the find a location near opportunity to make a difference in a young you, please visit ibankpeoples.com.

person’s life makes it all worth it,” she says. “By the time graduation comes, you forget about the hard work you put into the program because you have several faces smiling at you and appreciating what you have taught them.”

teach children to save If good money management techniques are indeed habit-forming, then there’s no better time to expose kids to important lessons about saving and spending than the early elementary level, when their brains are veritable sponges. That’s the theory behind Teach Children to Save (TCTS), a program from the American Bankers’ Association that Peoples has been involved with for almost seven years. In fact, one of the primary draws for youngsters in this age group is something very basic and universal—the guest speaker.

“Children are very receptive to this information—they are excited to have someone different teaching them,” says Jill Knight, a vice president and training coordinator in Peoples’ Munster office who has overseen the bank’s participation in TCTS for the past two years. “But keeping the content appropriate to their level of understanding is really key to the success of the program.”

Given the program’s K-3 audience, the lessons of TCTS are naturally very basic in nature—simple core concepts such as saving, budgeting and spending wisely—but Knight truly believes that these types of topics plant the seeds that can blossom into a solid financial understanding later in life.

“The earlier in life children are exposed to the value of saving, budgeting and wise spending, the easier it is for them to begin forming these habits,” she says, adding that having the lessons come from an outside visitor to the classroom only helps to get them across. “When children receive financial education from different sources, the importance is reinforced.”

Like most employees who volunteer to work with TCTS and Peoples’ other educational outreach efforts, Knight has to juggle a number of responsibilities to make it all fit. But occasionally, it’s the instructor who gets as much out of these experiences as the students, as Knight remembers fondly. At an age when many kids are just beginning to master the power of the word “mine,” Knight finds that her financial lessons have been taken to heart in a most gratifying way.

“My favorite teaching memory is with a kindergarten class,” she recalls. “When talking about the value of saving money and working together, a class of sixteen wanted to combine their money to buy their teacher a new car and some trading cards.” —Mark Loehrke

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QUICK TIPS TO DEVELOP STRONG SAVINGS HABITS Make Saving and Spending Money a FaMily Matter help your child understand the difference between a want and a need. set a family budget and a family savings goal, and talk about ways to increase your savings.

BecoMe your children’S teacher set a positive example by paying bills when due. return library books on time to avoid a fee. discuss choices between more and less expensive options, such as renting a video versus going to the movies. compare prices between name brand and generic grocery items, and cut coupons. teach children the value oF Money Using a toy cash register and fake money, put price tags on toys and help your child count out the correct money for the purchase. or, invite your child to contribute and price his toys or clothes at your next garage sale. consider opening a savings account with his earnings. give children the opportunity to earn Money Kids at the age of four can begin earning an allowance. completing chores teaches responsibility and instills pride in a job well done. help children BecoMe great Money ManagerS teach your child about budgeting by splitting the change up into separate jars marked for saving, spending and sharing. develop a Banking relationShip Keep their money safe by depositing it into a savings account. ask the bank representative to explain how their money will generate interest and how transactions work. remember, all fortunes are built a dollar at a time.

REAL REVIEWS

Stephanie Precourt lives with her husband, three sons and daughter in Valparaiso. For more great product reviews, and to read about her life as a proud stay-at-home mom, check out her blog, “Close to Home,” on nwi.com/parent.

BY STEPHANIE PRECOURT

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Access over 30 popular Real Simple customizable checklists, whether you’re housekeeping, organizing or planning a wedding. Just for fun: shake your phone for an easy task suggestion that will instantly help you feel more in control.

Eat Sleep [$3.99]

Keep track of trends in your baby’s eating, sleeping and diaper habits. Simply click Eat, Sleep or Diaper and zip through the easy-touse menus. Eating features include record keeping for breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Always know how long you last breastfed and from which side, and how many ounces were taken from the last bottle. Log baby’s naps and sleeping patterns as well as wet and dirty diapers. Great for multiple caretakers to always be in communication about your child’s needs without having to write it all down. (And also a break for the new Mommy and Daddy brain.)

Grocery Zen [$1.99]

Finally, a grocery list you won’t leave at home—because it’s on your phone! Create shopping lists for your favorite recipes so you won’t leave without a crucial ingredient.

As you check off each item, it moves to the bottom of the list so you’ll never miss a thing.

Don’t know what to make for dinner? Photos of recipes lend inspiration. Even better? Email your list with one touch and send someone else to do the shopping!

RedLaser [$.99]

Save time and shop smarter with the RedLaser app. Scan virtually any product barcode and search instantly for low online and local prices from hundreds of thousands of retailers. Aside from price comparison, additional features like product reviews and saving an item to note for future purchase make life a little bit easier.

Clek ’em in

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he hip clek olli booster seat [$95] is designed with an integrated rigid latch system to deliver both safety and superconvenient installation. stylish covers, including funky Paul Frank editions, let big kids still be individual and unique, and are available as a seat or a jacket [$24.95] to update your existing booster seat. aside from the safety protection and all, maybe the best part is that the seat fabric provides stain, bacteria and moisture resistance. the clek is recommended for children 40 to 57 inches tall and 40 to 100 pounds, and should be used along with your vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts. (indiana law states children ages 7 and younger must be in a child restraint.) Purchase clek at babiesrus.com and target.com.

For creative types, [me] & goji allows you (and your kids) to design a cereal from 60+ all-natural ingredients. Click as you go with the simple stepby-step online process, choosing your “base” cereal from granola, wheat, flakes, etc. Add nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even chocolate. When you’ve finished creating, name your mix, and upload a picture to the label for ultra-personalization.

Perfect for families with multiple food sensitivities and special needs, or the usual picky eater. Serve it up with milk or take along for a healthy on-the-go snack. Pre-made mixes [$8.49+] are available, including kid-fave Strawberry Monster packed with juicy, no-sugaradded strawberries. The cool capsule [me] & goji container is almost double the amount of a regular 14-ounce cereal box. Start designing your own at meandgoji.com. Make it work!

Green your sunscreen Eco- and allergy-friendly Little Twig SPF 30+ Mineral Sunscreen [$20.99] is free of parabens, oils, nut, soy and wheat, yet it is still water resistant.

It contains micronized zinc oxide and titanium for broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Little Twig has a whole organic body care line for wee ones including baby shampoo, wash and a diaper cream that’s gaining in popularity among moms. Not just earth-friendly on the inside, Little Twig’s recycling program allows customers to send in their empty containers in exchange for 30 percent off of their next online purchase. Available at littletwig.com. june/july 2010

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Relax, Be Creative and Save Money

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PARUL G. PATHAK, MD, FAAP

MD, FAAP

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Summer Adventures in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

We also offer private lessons on your machine at your convenience.

Day Camps

We carry

Preschool to 12 Years

Overnight Camps 7 to 12 Years

Registration Information at www.duneslearningcenter.org

Sewing Machines Embroidery & Sewing Thread in over 450 colors!

TAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NI CHANG-STROMAN,

An exciting summer adventure exploring the dunes, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands of the Indiana Dunes. The Dunes Learning Center has a great team of Naturalists to lead all activities.

Camps ďŹ ll fast, so register today!

58 W. Jefferson St. Valparaiso, IN

219-477-5073

A Special Place for a Special Time !") & $& " + % %# & "$ & ) " + ! ) ", $ " " & "!% & & #$"( "& #$ ( + ! & " "$&% " " "$ & % ( $+ # $%"! *# $ ! & & + $& ! !& $ "! " & $ "! % "%& *# $ ! & % " '% % "! ) & && $% "%& & & ! ) ! " ( $+ "& $ ! ( $+ + B $ ( & $& ! ! #"%&# $&' %' & % B ! " & $ % "%& ( ! "! & !& !% ( $ '! &% B ( $ % $ "$! + $ & " '! &+ "%# & ! & "! " & ! & % ! & %& & "$ ! ) "$! $

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Camps hosted by Dunes Learning Center 700 Howe Road | Chesterton, IN 46304

Partners with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore & The Field Station Cooperative

219-395-9555 or visit www.duneslearningcenter.org for registration information

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FAMILY ROOM

Rick Kaempfer’s business card says author/writer/blogger, but his real job is “stay-at-home dad” for his three school-aged sons. For more adventures-in-parenting tales, check out Rick’s “Father Knows Nothing” blog at nwi.com/parent.

BY RICK KAEMPFER

camp calamity TENT TALES FROM A FAMILY OF ‘INDOORSMEN’ Some people are born to be outdoors. There’s something about that wholesome, crisp, fresh air, that sunshine warming you through your skin to your heart and soul—a beautiful marriage of man and nature.

Some people are as much a part of the earth as the soil itself. You can spot them from a mile away—brawny flannel shirts, full masculine beards, sturdy hiking boots, and devil-may-care smiles on their faces.

M

y boys and I are not those people.

We’re what I like to call “Indoorsmen.” We really do our best work sitting in dark cool rooms breathing stuffy recycled air. You may think we’re ecological menaces for our overuse of air-conditioning, but I’ve done the math on this. Trust me; it’s a net gain for the environment.

When we commune with nature, nature is confronted by a force stronger than it can handle: our legendary allergies. The number of trees needed to be cut down to supply us with the Kleenex for our runny noses would decimate the forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Nevertheless, every year we go on at least a few camping trips. (Sorry, U.P.!)

We do this for several reasons. First and foremost, my two oldest are Boy Scouts, and that’s what Boy Scouts do. They enjoy the adventure of it, even though their survival skills are, I think it’s safe to say, slightly subpar.

Another reason we go is that we bought a tent, and by golly, once you purchase something, you’d better get your money’s worth. $49 doesn’t grow on trees, you know (I checked). On a related note, this cheapskate father couldn’t help but notice that a camping trip is significantly cheaper than a legitimate vacation.

But the number one reason I encourage these trips is

for the material. We are a walking sitcom, and there’s nothing funnier in the sitcom world than a fish out of water. This fish has flopped on the shore several times, and I’m sure the passersby have enjoyed the show.

FOR INSTANCE . . .

• Last summer’s camping trip included an excursion tubing down a river. None of us had any idea how to steer. I steered our inner tubes into the riverbank within a few feet of an actual river snake. Oh, and I lost my wedding ring in the river during the ensuing panic.

• The previous summer’s camping trip included a hike through the woods. All of us emerged from the hike covered with ticks, and spent the rest of the weekend picking them off and flicking them into the fire.

• One year the temperature was 85 degrees during the day, and our site had zero shade.

We wilted in the heat. At night, the temperature dropped into the 30s and we slept wearing stocking caps. (I remember laughing at my wife when she packed those caps, too.)

june/july 2010

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nwi.com/parent

• Another year, a thunderstorm ripped through the campground. Here are two words you should never take for granted on a camping trip: Rain Flap. It took two days for all of our stuff to dry out.

• In the days before I bought a tent, I had to borrow one from a friend of mine. When I opened it at the campsite, it was covered—and I mean covered— with spiders.

• My first camping experience included a canoe trip down a river. Unfortunately, I had no idea that a nudist colony called that river home. A nude middle-aged man standing with his hands on his hips greeted every unsuspecting canoe. That’s a visual I’ve never quite been able to shake.

Have any of these experiences made us tougher?

Not exactly. But they have given us something that is much more valuable than personal toughness: good stories.

And despite what they say, you can put a price tag on that: $49.