Capital District Parent Pages April 2018

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LOCAL CAMP LISTING See Inside

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Talking to kids about gun violence

Capital District

Volume 22 • Number 4 • APRIL 2018 • Complimentary

The Resource for Parents

Empowering girls and women Enjoy a cheesy spring snack April calendar listings

cdparentpages.com APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 1

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at RPI! Swimming, arts and crafts, nature walks, sports, drama, field trips ... SamaritanRensselaer Children’s Center Discovery Day Camp has it all!

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• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, or to register, call Deirdre or Kristina at (518) 271-3748. Or go to sphp.com/childrens-day-care-sam.

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Time to start planning for summer Our first of two camp listings can help you find the perfect fit for your child

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Editor’s desk

arent pages April 2018

Features Smartphones and kids

6-7

Five reasons for camp

14-15

hose of you who have been reading Capital District Parent Pages for a while might remember that April is the month we put out our first of two summer camp themed issues. Every year we run a list in April and May of local camps that cater to such broad and varied interests as science, sports, music and more. And these aren’t just camps for the older kids. Included in our listings are a number of options for preschoolers, who are traditionally too young for the town-sponsored summer activities in the area.

Columnists

This month, the list runs on pages 14-15 with a story about why summer camp is good for kids. In May, you can expect our camp listing to grow as we add to it, and look for it all summer online at www.cdparentpages.com.

On the Bookshelf

Also in this issue, in recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month, British Nanny writer Sharon Cole shares her column with her daughter as they pen a pair of heartfelt open letters to the autistic child and his or her family. You’ll find them on Page 12.

Resources

Speaking of heartfelt, columnist Jennifer Steuer writes of the fear she feels for the safety of her children every time they leave the house ­— a fear that has only intensified in the wake of recent school shootings. It is something that many parents can relate to. Read the latest Triple Threat on Page 10.

Finally, we at Capital District Parent Pages would like to thank those of you who stopped by our booth at the Kidz Expo last month to say hello. It is always great to meet with our readers and hear first-hand what you think about our magazine.

As always, thanks for reading. Check out our articles and resource listings at www. cdparentpages.com and mail your story ideas and pictures to Capital District Parent Pages, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, NY 12054, or e-mail me at robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

Kristen Roberts Editor, Capital District Parent Pages

On the cover: Kaya, 3, of Clifton Park, frolics among the flowers in this photo submitted by her mom, Marie Cooper, and taken by Sweet Confections Photography.

Parent Pages is always accepting photos for potential covers.

Submissions shouldbe at least 8-by-10-inches with a dpi of 400.

They can be sent via email to robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

The Resource for Parents

Let’s Cook

5

24-Hour Shift

8

Triple Threat

10

British Nanny

12

What’s new 4

Kids fun page

Summer camp listings

16

14-15

Calendar 17-22

publisher - John

McIntyre editor - Kristen Roberts advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Parent Pages is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request.

Capital District Parent Pages reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright 2013 by Capital District Parent Pages. No portion of Capital District Parent Pages may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC. Rachelle & Lawrence Stallman Founders of Capital District Parent Pages

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 3

On the Bookshelf

Stories are the silver lining ‘Thank you, Earth’

‘Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms’

By April Pulley Sayre

By Robert Paul Weston and Misa Saburi

A striking, visual love letter to the planet that introduces children to concepts in science, nature and other disciplines through vibrant, close-up images of subjects ranging from plants and animals to weather and natural-world landscapes. Greenwillow Books

Moving from her native Japan to America when her father gets a new job, little Sakura misses her grandmother and the cherry blossom trees under which they shared so many happy hours. Tundra Books

‘The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley’

By April Stevens A nature lover who longs to follow in the footsteps of anthropologist Margaret Mead struggles to remain true to herself while making connections with others, including her sister, who is changing in ways she does not understand. Schwartz & Wade Books

PLAY WITH PURPOSE

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Get the word out!

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26 Computer Drive East • Albany New York 12205 (518) 438-4800 • www.spottedzebra.org

4 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

26 Computer Drive East Albany NY 12205 518-438-4800 List your event for parents & children

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in our calendar section.

www.spottedzebra.org Send calendar submission by the 5th

of the previous month to: Capital District Parent Pages, Attn: Calendar, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, N.Y. 12054 email: robertsk@spotlightnews.com

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Let’s Cook! by

Jodie Fitz

A snack with a sunny side

O

n-the go eating options are always appreciated by the busy family.

This grilled egg and

cheese sandwich is a crowd pleaser and packs a protein punch. It’s also a great way to use up some of those leftover Easter eggs.

Get more recipes from Jodie Fitz through the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club at www.pricechopper.com or visit www.jodiefitz.com.

Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich 1 flatbread (like FlatOut) 1 hard-boiled egg 3 tablespoons sharp cheese, finely shredded 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon paprika Black pepper Butter Peel the hard-boiled egg and slice. Stir the dry mustard, paprika, a pinch of black pepper and the shredded cheese together.

On one side of the flatbread, lay out the egg

slices. Top the egg with the seasoned shredded cheese and fold the flatbread in half to create a sandwich. Toast the sandwich in a grilled cheese fashion on a frying pan with a very thin coating of butter. Cook the sandwich over low heat on one side until it’s toasted, flip and cook the other side.

Hard boiling eggs: Place the uncooked eggs, in their shell, in a pan. Cover them with cold water; 1/4 inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, cover and let boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to the pan off and let the eggs sit, covered in the hot water for an additional 7 minutes. Run cold water over the eggs to stop the cooking process.

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Register online: www.CDYMCA.org/CAMP CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA • 518.869.3500 • www.CDYMCA.org CDPP.3.18 For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 5

A growing Wait Until 8th movement is attempting to persuade parents to refrain from buying smartphones for their children until at least eighth grade.

Delaying digital dependence A local mom wants to get community involved in a wider discussion about the ways smartphones are affecting young people by

Ali Hibbs

Parenting has never been for the faint of heart. Keeping children safe and guarding against the wounds imposed by bullying, exclusion and retaliatory behaviors, while at the same time encouraging them to explore and be independent, has always presented a minefield fraught with uncertainty and more than a few tears.

Now, however, in the age of the smartphone, parents and educators are presented with a new and virtually inescapable social conundrum.

To allow a developing mind unguided access to much of the content available online certainly comes with obvious problems, not to mention the prevalence of cyber-bullying and online peer pressure. There is also a growing concern about how that kind of constant connection and barrage of likes, invites and updates is affecting the mental health of our youth.

However, when every other child in school has one of these devices, to deny

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one’s own child might feel a bit like punishment rather than honest concern for their well-being. It is also true that having a way to contact family, especially in cases of emergency, can be comforting.

So how is a parent to proceed?

A national conversation has arisen surrounding the use of smart-tech devices, and how to use them in healthy and “humane” ways. One Bethlehem parent has decided she would like to have that very conversation in her community. After confirming on Facebook that other parents were interested in the topic, she hosted a public meeting last month to delve deeper into the issue.

Marietta Angelotti said she was first inspired to learn more after reading Jean Twenge, a much-cited generational psychologist who wrote a book called “iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood—and What That Means for the Rest of Us.”

Continued on Page 7

n Digital dependence continued from Page 6 Twenge wrote that an abrupt and unusually steep decline in teen behavior and emotional states began in 2012, at the same time that the percentage of Americans who owned a smartphone passed 50 percent.

“The arrival of the smartphone has radically changed every aspect of teenagers’ lives,” she wrote, “from the nature of their social interactions to their mental health” Rates of teen depression, she said, have “skyrocketed” since 2011.

Twenge has said that the postMillennial “iGen” generation is developing later, delaying independence and, more generally, wasting valuable time as they sit staring at their phones.

A survey funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found teens who spend more time staring at screens are more likely to be unhappy, without exception.

“Social networking sites like Facebook promise to connect us to friends,” wrote Twenge.

“But the portrait of iGen teens emerging from the data is one of a lonely, dislocated generation.”

make it easier to limit children’s use of their devices.)

The Center for Human Technology is composed of many early programmers who created some of the very tech they are now pushing back against. “What began as a race to monetize our attention is now eroding the pillars of our society: mental health, democracy, social relationships, and our children,” reads the first page on the website.

Melinda Gates published an op-ed in the Washington Post last summer entitled, “I spent my career in technology. I wasn’t prepared for its effect on my kids,” in which she talked about the pace at which the media landscape has changed

addressed one student or child at a time,” she said. “You can take one kid’s phone away, and they’re just going to borrow a friend’s and be right back on social media.”

by the classroom teacher. In the cafeteria, students may use their phones for any purposes and, in the halls and library, they are expected to restrict use to academic purposes. Angelotti said she has approached the district about A mother from Austin, Texas, whether it would be open to has created a movement, called placing more limits on smartWait Until 8th, in an attempt phone usage and was told it does to persuade parents to refrain not prohibit the devices because from buying smartphones for administrators believe it is an their children until at least eighth educational decision that staff grade. Last spring, she began need to make based upon their asking parents to sign a pledge. lessons and activities.

While Angelotti feels that may still be a bit young, she likes that In the Ravena-Coeymansit has brought the conversation, Selkirk Central School District, and search for solutions, out middle school students are into local communities. As of not allowed to have phones in early January, more than 6,700 their possession but may keep parents had signed the pledge. them turned off in their locker.

While there are other options, According to a teacher at the school, phones are generally confiscated on a first offense or after a warning is given.

“I know that often parents are embarrassed about how they can’t control their kids online, but they need to know that, look, here are the design features that they put into your apps to make them more addictive, to hack into your kid’s brains.” ­— Bethlehem parent Marietta Angelotti and offered resources for parents concerned about their children’s media consumption. She said she hoped to inspire parents to become resources for one another, and have conversations about the issue, which is exactly what Angelotti wants to do.

said Angelotti, none are terribly easy, nor are they foolproof. Controls and settings meant to limit A group out of Silicon Valley, access, she said, are universally headed up by Tristan Harris, easy to work around. In schools, a former in-house ethicist at personal smart devices could Google, recently announced be locked into special pouches, the creation of the Center for such as those used at some live Human Technology, a group of performances that don’t allow Angelotti, who held the former employees and investors recording, for the duration of conversation with the support at companies such as Apple and the school day. Angelotti also of the Bethlehem Healthy Kids Facebook, will work with the noted that there are plenty of flip nonprofit media watchdog group Committee, said she had been phones still on the market.

Common Sense Media to launch speaking with other parents in an It’s never easy to fight with a an anti-tech addiction campaign effort to come up with activities to get the ball rolling. teen or pre-teen, especially when that plans to spend millions it comes to the all-consuming educating parents, teachers and Now that a larger conversaneed to be accepted by one’s students about the dangers of tion is taking place, Angelotti new technology and heavy use feels this is an opportune time to peers, but Angelotti said limiting of social media. The group also her daughter’s screen time has aladdress the dangers of this kind plans to lobby for laws seeking of dependence on technology as lowed her time to renew interests to limit the power companies in the real world, such as learning a local community. have to target children and comJapanese and playing the piano.

“Seems like there’s always mission research on the impact Currently, in the Bethlehem technology is having on children. this assertion that it’s a private, Central School District, policy (In January, two major Apple in- family discussion and choice, guiding the use of smartphones but phones are everywhere.

It’s vestors asked the company study not really something that can be and other media devices is set those impacts as well, and to

“We’re not naive,” said Jennifer Jaskolka. “We know the kids have them, but they are usually off and we do not see them.”

According to Jaskolska, the older kids are the more common offenders. “The seventh graders,” she said, “are pretty good about hiding them or keeping them in their lockers.”

“Even we, as adults, struggle with addiction,” said Angelotti, who is a family physician as well as a mother. “And our brains are much more developed. Kids just don’t have the frontal lobe development. I know that often parents are embarrassed about how they can’t control their kids online, but they need to know that, look, here are the design features that they put into your apps to make them more addictive, to hack into your kid’s brains.”

Angelotti said the time to have this discussion is now.

“We’ve had our fun time, but the honeymoon is over with these cool devices,” said Angelotti. “Now we need to talk about what we can do so they’re not such a destructive force in our society.”

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 7

The 24-hour shift

parenting is a full-time job

Let’s hear it for the girls My Daughters and Me in Schenectady provides empowering options for women of all ages

G

irl power seems to be the hot topic these days. Women ages 1 to 99 are finding more strength to speak out against those entities that are threatening to put them back in the kitchen.

But this power to speak and act does not find every woman or girl. Some, especially the ones in need, have either lost or have yet to find their voices.

In the Capital District, there is a place that can help.

My Daughters and Me is a Schenectady-based program where women and girls can go for most anything they need.

The volunteer-based nonprofit organization helps with em-

ployment, housing and parent education. But it also goes far beyond that.

every aspect of theater, from props to costumes and scene building.

Established in 2015 and The Peer Mediation and Self officially launched in Esteem programs focus December 2017, on generating a MDAM is a feeling of control. by communityThey also help based organizathe women to tion that profeel more comvides programs fortable about such as Home themselves, as Economics, The well as warm up to Arts, Peer Mediation the agency volunand Self Esteem Buildteers. Workshops are also ing. The Arts program teaches offered to help girls understand art, music, dance and theater, how they view themselves. The which helps women and girls Home Economics program channel energy in a productive teaches women how to cook, manner. MDAM participants sew, decorate and develop other are currently working on a stage skills or hobbies they might production in which they learn enjoy. Group or one-to-one

Theresa Davis

mentoring provides additional support.

The need for this program in Schenectady is great because some women feel shame or fear about their situations or circumstances and may not come forward or ask for help.

Often they lack social skills necessary to meet their needs.

Very often the women lack self-esteem. MDAM mentors the participants with a culturebased approach. The agency has begun outreach programs, partnering with the YWCA and Eyes Wide Open, an agency devoted to helping trafficked women and girls. MDAM plans to partner with other agencies in Schenectady in the future.

Continued on Page 9

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n 24-Hour Shift continued from Page 8 The women who participate are not bullied into doing what they “should” or “have” to do. MDAM’s basic mission is to help them succeed. That success is not measured by the agency or social standards; it is measured in the client’s own personal goals.

To take part in My Daughters and Me, women only need to make an appointment and fill out a registration form. There is no endless paperwork or having to endure an invasion of privacy or space to get their needs met.

There are no hoops to jump through. The only requirement is performing two hours of community service a month.

This is empowering because it lets the participants know they have something valuable to give.

My Daughters and Me is run solely by volunteers and is funded by donations. Anyone interested in donating or helping MDAM can do it in a variety of ways, such as sponsoring one of the women or girls so they can attend retreats, workshops, college courses and more. MDAM is accepting donations in the form of craft items, food items and gently used instruments. Stop-

ping by to volunteer is always welcome, and anyone can come in to teach a class. Holding a fundraiser for MDAM’s behalf is also welcome. Fundraisers of any type, such as bake sales, car washes, tournaments, or craft parties are always a great way to help.

MDAM is also available to do outreach in the form of speaking or performing for your civic or church group. They will also visit schools.

My Daughters and Me comes just in time to address the particular needs of women and girls who could use a hand, and as a culture-based program, it is filling a void that most other programs ignore.

To Contact My Daughters and Me to make an appointment, volunteer, or donate: My Daughters and Me 570 Lansing St. Schenectady NY 12303 (518) 491-6162 Website:www.mdamweb.com Email: mdam@mdamweb. com

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Theresa Davis is a former early childhood educator and has worked in childcare centers for more than 15 years. She is also an adoptive mother, living and taking care of her family in the Capital District.

At My Daughters and Me in Schenectady, women and girls gain the skills and confidence they need to be successful on their own terms.

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APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 9

Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

Talking about gun violence

P

Parenting through the fear while hoping for a real solution

arenting today is so much more complicated than when I was a kid. At least it seems so. Shielding Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca from the violence, mayhem and toxic hatred being spewed in this world is so much more complicated now that they can read on their own, hear things like super ninjas and ask hundreds of questions.

Trying to parent three amazing kids who are so curious and smart is hard, but the conversations are enlightening and sobering.

Harlan and I have been forced, like many families, to have repeated discussions about violence, guns and people who hurt others for no apparent

reason. How do we explain that guns can be bought at Walmart down the aisle from the toys and garden department? How can I explain to my kids that people can buy guns to hurt people, sometimes children? How many times do I have to say that there are bad people in this world? How many more times do we need to tell Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia that, as their parents, we will do everything we can to keep them safe?

spend every minute of every day with all three kids, I would probably be a wonderful candidate for valium. Those jokes by are not so funny anymore. Now I wonder if I could keep them any safer if they never left my sight.

I wonder if we keep Rebecca, Olivia and Benjamin with us all the time will they be less likely to be hurt by someone else. The anxiety and horrible acidic fear that rises in my throat every time I see an ambulance go in the diI have joked so many times rection of the school could stop that if I had to homeschool my if I just home schooled them. kids, I would lose my mind.

Or would that level of fear just I have joked that if I had to

Jennifer Steuer

WW.DRAMAKIDS.COM WWW.DRAMAKIDS.COM 18) 458-1313 (518) 458-1313

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I understand the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, but in my home there are no guns. My children do not have toy guns.

We don’t allow games that simulate shooting. We don’t let the kids play games that involve hunting the police or running from them. Teaching awareness at this age can hopefully start turning the tide of disrespect toward the police and by the police. It goes both ways. I keep praying that someday the news will come on and the announcer will say that there was no violence anywhere in the country.

No one was killed. No one walked into a school or onto

Continued on Page 11

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WWW.DRAMAKIDS.COM (518) 458-1313

get postponed until high school?

College? Marriage?

n Triple Threat continued from Page 10 a playground and opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon.

Is that too much to ask?

How do we as a society keep saying what is happening is wrong, maintain the status quo, and then tell the family of the next shooting victims that “our thoughts and prayers are with you?” Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca are practicing lockdown drills at school. At first they were scary, but then there was another school shooting.

And another. And another. And another. And the Steuers sat around the dinner table and talked about the necessity of lockdown drills and following directions. Unfortunately, we had to introduce a little reality.

In 1999, Columbine became synonymous with every parent’s worst nightmare. I watched as the students got out of the school, some with legs hanging in the air out the window.

Parents were sobbing as they

searched for their precious children. In 2006, the Amish girls were killed. In 2012, Sandy Hook joined the list of school shootings. Now in 2018, Parkland has been added. The list has to end there. No more shootings. No more children with guns. No more adults with guns who don’t need to have one.

I am a mother. The fear and anxiety I feel every single school day when my children open the door and take that first step out the door is overwhelming. I’m not the only mom who feels this way. I’m not the only mom who has a prayer going in the back of her mind all day until the kids cross that doorway after school. Being a mother is not the same as it was in 1984.

Violence existed, of course, but I wasn’t the mom then.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 10-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

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APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 11

British Nanny

speech matters

Open letters on autism

A

pril is National Autism Awareness Month, and in recognition, columnist Sharon Cole and her daughter Delia are sharing their thoughts in a pair of open letters. For more information about Autism Awareness Month, visit www. autism-society.org.

Just For Today

by Delia Thompson Just for today, little one, I’m going to forget that you’re autistic and remember that you’re a child.

For this brief shining time, I will only see the beauty of you and your world.

I will marvel at the spun gold

of your hair in the sunlight.

How can anything be so impossibly brilliant?

I will see the blue-green of your infinite eyes and not worry if they focus on me.

I will admire your concentration and not mind that it isn’t directed in the usual way.

Your smile and laugh will bring me joy.

It won’t matter what caused them, they are marvels unto themselves.

Through your eyes, I will delve into the unseen, looking at the world with

that perspective unique to you.

I will see your lines of leaves and stones and share your happiness at their precision.

I will close my own eyes and let the textures you explore overby whelm my senses.

Spinning in circles with you, I will let go until all is lost but the dizzy.

Just for today, I will close my books and ignore the research, the worry, the “shoulds” and the shadowy future.

You are my baby, my son, my love.

Today, we play.

Sharon Cole

Dear Families

by Sharon Cole JUST FOR TODAY and every day, I want you to know that when I see you, I see only the love you have for your child.

I see that you spend many sleepless nights And hold tight to the dreams that seem to slip away.

JUST FOR TODAY and every day, I will see your child through the eyes of that same love.

I will hold on to that dream and be its keeper As it spins into a million other beautiful dreams On to the road less travelled.

Continued on Page 13

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n British Nanny continued from Page 12 JUST FOR TODAY and every day, I will guide your child to his authentic voice.

I will listen with my whole body.

He will feel heard and valued As he whispers all his secrets.

JUST FOR TODAY and every day, My face will light up each time I see your child.

He will know that learning is an adventure And that each moment is possibility Waiting to happen.

He will always know that my day did not begin Until that moment.

Your child’s speech therapist, Miss Sharon Sharon Cole is a speechlanguage pathologist and proud grandmother based in Brunswick. She is the owner of Vocally Clear Communications PLLC. Vocally Clear’s goal is to promote effective communication for all ages. She can be reached at Vocallyclear.com or message her at “British Nanny” on Facebook.

Did you know?

Playgrounds are meant to be entertaining outdoor respites and places where children can engage in some much-needed fun and exercise. But they also can be the sites of serious injury and may even contribute to child fatalities.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that the four equipment pieces most often associated with injuries include climbers, swings, slides, and overhead ladders. The majority of injuries result from falls and equipment failure and take place more often in public playgrounds rather than home play areas.

Injuries from playground falls can be serious, ranging from fractured bones to brain and spinal injuries. Deaths resulting from playground injuries are rare, according to Para-

JUST FOR TODAY and every day.

Thank you for sharing your precious child with me.

chute, a charitable organization dedicated to preventing injuries.

Throughout North America, playground fatalities are most often caused by strangulation.

To continue to make playground play safer, parents and children should: · Visit only those playgrounds that have safe, soft surfaces beneath the equipment. · Avoid clothing that has cords, drawstrings or straps, such as those on “hoodie” sweatshirts. · Ensure playground equipment is used only in the manner it was intended. · Supervise children at all times on the playground. · Routinely inspect and maintain equipment.

Start a CHILD CARE PROGRAM in your home 105008_4

ATTEND A FREE START UP CLASS CALL 518.426.7181 TO REGISTER APRIL 10, 6:30-8:30P APRIL 24, 6:30-8:30P CORNELL COOP EXT. CHILD CARE COUNCIL 50 WEST HIGH ST, 91 BROADWAY, MENANDS BALLSTON SPA

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO FIND MORE DATES FOR A FAMILY CHILD CARE STARTUP CLASS, CALL 518.426.7181 OR VISIT CDCCCC.ORG. 104984_4

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 13

Get set up for summ Five reasons why camp is a good choice for kids Summer vacation offers students a respite from lessons and the routine of school. Children might once have eagerly awaited those final days of classes so they could lounge poolside, skip rocks across ponds and spend the long days playing with friends. But many of today’s youngsters spend much of their summer vacations indoors playing with their digital devices.

Perhaps that’s why one of the last vestiges of the classic summer vacation escape -- summer camp -- remains such a viable option for parents who want their children to get outdoors once the school year ends.

Although kids don’t need to be in camp all summer long, a week or two can benefit campers of all ages. The following are five reasons why summer

camp might be the right fit this year.

1.

Explore talents. Summer camps help young people explore their unique interests and talents. Under an organized, yet often easygoing, camp schedule, kids can dabble in sports, arts and crafts, leadership, community support, and so many other activities that may not be fully available to them elsewhere.

2.

Physical activity: Lots of camps build their itineraries around physical activities that takes place outdoors. Campers may spend their time swimming, running, hiking, playing sports, climbing, and so much more. This can be a welcome change for kids accustomed to living sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity has many

2018 summer camp options: AFRIM’S Sports Summer Camps Soccer Camp – Train/Learn/Improve for ages 6-14.

Action Camp – Bounce/Play/Create for ages 3-12.

636 Albany Shaker Road, Albany Call (518) 438-3131 or visit www.AfrimSports.com

Albany Academies 10+ co-ed programs for pre-K to 10th grade.

135 Academy Road, Albany Call (518) 429-2332 or visit www.AlbanyAcademies.org

Albany Berkshire Ballet Summer dance camps and intensives for ages 4 to adult, beginner to professional.

14 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

25 Monroe St., Albany Call (518) 426-0660 or visit www.SchoolofABB.org

Albany JCC Summer Camps Experience summer fun for ages 3-15 with water sports, the arts, science, specialty camps and more.

340 Whitehall Road, Albany Call (518) 438-6651 or visit www.AlbanyJCC.org or www.Camp@AlbanyJCC.org

Bethlehem Children’s School 10 weeks of adventure-filled camps for children ages 2.5-10 with art, science, outdoor education and more.

12 Fisher Blvd., Slingerlands Call (518) 478-0224 or visit www.BethlehemChildrensSchool.org/ wordpress/summer-camp.

health benefits and can set a foundation for healthy habits as an adult.

3.

Gain confidence. Day and sleepaway camps offer campers the opportunity to get comfortable in their own skin. Camps can foster activities in self-esteem by removing the academic measures of success and fill in with noncompetitive opportunities to succeed. Campers learn independence, decision-making skills and the ability to thrive outside of the shadow of their parents, siblings or other students.

4.

Try new things. Camp gives children the chance to try new things, whether that’s learning to cook, exploring new environments or embracing a new sport or leisure activity. Opening oneself up to

new oppo prove enl

5.

near and chance to yond the schools.

Camps of ways. L strengthe develop c sity strike lifelong f

This mo featuring c

Camp Scully Summer Camp

Children’s Museum of Science & Technology

Day and overnight summer programs, with a wide variety of outdoor activities for ages 5-16.

Call (518) 512-3577 or visit www.CampScully.camp

Hands-on summer camps explore topics from archeology to zoology, paleontology to sustainability science.

250 Jordan Road, Troy Call (518) 235-2120 or visit www.CMOST.org

Capital District Child Care Council Providing a free 2018 summer camp catalog featuring over 200 local camps of all types, with pricing and activities.

Call (518) 426-7181 or visit www.CDCCCC.org

Capital District YMCA Over 12 locations. From day camps to overnight camps to specialty camps, field trips and weekly themes, there is something for everyone.

Call (518) 869-3500 or visit www.CDYMCA.org/camp

College of Saint Rose Summer Academy Four weeks of fun and learning for students in grades 6-10.

432 Western Ave., Albany Call (518) 454-5144 or visit www.StRose.edu/summeracademy

Doane Stuart School Announcing SCAMP – a summer experience for 3-8-year-olds with dance, music, science and outdoor fun.

199 Washington Ave., Rensselaer Call (518) 465-5222 or email:

mer

ortunities can build character and lightening for children.

.

Make new friends. Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friends.

Campers flood in from areas far. This provides kids with a o expand their social circles beeir immediate neighborhoods and

s benefit children in a variety Lessons learned in camp can en values, build confidence, coping mechanisms when adveres, and enable campers to make friends.

onth and next, Parent Pages will be camp listings that cater to all interests.

scamp@DoaneStuart.org or visit www.DoaneStuart.org/SCAMP

Drama Kids International Weekly full and half-day summer camps held in the Capital District for ages 4-11.

Call (518) 458-1313 or visit www.DramaKids.com

Ohav Shalom Nursery School Summer weekly themed camp for preschool kids ages 18 months to 5 years old. Full or part-time availability.

113 New Krumkill Road, Albany Call Sheryl @ (518) 489-4894 or visit www.OhavShalom.com/ Early-Childhood

Rosa Venerini Early Childhood Center Summer program for 18 months to age 8. Children bring a beloved book to life through STEAM-inspired play.

1840 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady Call (518) 372-5961 or email OfficeAdmin@rosavenerini.com

Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center: Summer Fun at RPI For kids ages 4-12 with swimming, arts and crafts, sports, drama, field trips and more. Full or part-time.

Located on the campus of RPI Call Deirdre or Kristina @ (518) 271-3748 or visit www.SPHP.com/childrens-day-care-sam

SPORTIME Summer Camps 2018 Preschool Camp for ages 3-5, MultiSport Camp for ages 6-16 and Tennis Combo Camp for ages 6-16.

2699 Curry Road, Schenectady Call (518) 356-0100 or visit www.SportimeCamps.com/SCH

St. Matthew School and Child Care Summer camp for ages 3-12.

75 Whitehall Road, Albany Call (518) 463-6495 or visit www.StMatthewLutheranschool.org

Temple Israel — ­ Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Education Center Summer Fun program for kids under 5 with creative play and activities.

600 New Scotland Ave., Albany Call Amie at (518) 438-7858, ext. 120 or email AmieBloom@tialbany.org or visit www.templeisraelalbany.webs.com/ early-childhood-center

The Music Studio Summer Fun with Music for ages 2-7 and Piano Camp for ages 9 and up.

1237 Central Ave., Albany

Call (518) 459-7799 or visit www.TheMusicStudio.com

TSL Adventures 10 full weeks of action packed summer adventures at multiple locations: Troy, Brunswick, East Greenbush, Albany, Guilderland, Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Scotia, Schoharie, Clifton Park and Ballston Spa starting June 25.

Call (518) 368-2653 or visit www.TSLAdventures.net

Woodland Hill Montessori School Summer Day Camp for ages 3-12 with fun and creative play and exploration.

100 Montessori Place, North Greenbush Call (518) 283-5400 or visit www.WoodlandHill.org

Look for even more summer camp options next month!

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 15

g n i r o l o C + s e l z Puz = s t c a F + Fun

e g a P n u F s Kid

Coloring Fun

16 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

family fun for April

April 2 Monday Fox Trot Learn about the two species of fox that live in the Pine Bush and continue outside for a hike to look for signs of them, 1-3:30 p.m. For ages 8 and up. Cost is $3 per person; $5 per family. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Kids’ Movie Matinee

Cooking with Children Cooks of all ages will be guided by a registered dietician through hands-on interactive demonstrations and will learn to prepare recipes, 2 p.m. Dress for a mess. For children ages three and up with an adult; registration is required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park.

For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Could You Survive a Hurricane?!

Learn what to expect and how to stay safe in two different weather scenarios: a blizzard

and a hurricane, and then the Red Cross will present the Pillowcase Project, which includes a pillowcase to decorate along with a “My Preparedness Workbook” and suggested items to include in case of an emergency, 6:30 p.m. For grades 2-6; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland.

For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Ice Ages Exploration Station A hands-on opportunity to learn about the landscape and incredible animals that roamed

Calendar of events New York during the Pleistocene Epoch, noon-1 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Bird Lab Also Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Come to the Museum Bird Lab for activities that reflect what we love about birds and learn how we can all make a better world for them, 10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, Albany.

For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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Movie starts at 1:30 p.m. and is rated PG, 99 minutes. Check online calendar or call for movie title and description. Refreshments served.

Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

3 Tuesday Eggy Storytime Find out what happened to Humpty Dumpty in Dan Santat’s “After the Fall,” and enjoy other egg-themed books and a craft, 10 a.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Paracord Keychains Make a keychain out of colorful parachute cord to keep, 2:30 p.m. Snacks will be served! For grades 6-12. Sign up online or call. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Turtle Time Meet a live turtle (no touching) and discover something new about these ancient reptiles, 2-2:15 p.m. For all ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Spring Fling: Parachute Play and Music Program Join Ms. Rose of Rose’s Joyful Noise at a.m. for an hour of singing, dancing, and parachute play celebrating the arrival of spring. For children ages 2-6 with parent/caregiver. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Join us from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as Master Sergeant Will Gizara of the 109th Airlift Wing of the NY National Guard will share his experiences serving in Antarctica. For ages 5 to adult. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

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Antarctic Exploration

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 17

Calendar of events

family fun for April

3 Tuesday (cont.)

Pick of the month

Sustainable Solutions A fun, hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainable solutions to many of our planet’s biggest challenges, 10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.

Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www. nysm.nysed.gov.

Project Runway Work Session: Dress Your Pet

4 Wednesday Star Lab: Spring Sky Also Thursday. Visit the inflatable planetarium, Star Lab, and crawl inside and experience a guided tour of the spring sky, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Space within the Star Lab is limited. Free tickets will be available at the main lobby desk one hour before each show time on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Nature Craft Explore Adirondack Hall and discover more about the region’s diverse plants and animals, forests, trails and lakes, and even the towns and villages that coexist with nature, and then, show your love of nature by making a craft to take home, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm. nysed.gov.

Fruit and Veggie Sculptures Using a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, kids will be able to create their own edible sculpture, 11 a.m. For grades 3-5; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Winter is Driving Me Crazy GPL will supply the cardboard boxes, colorful paper plates, markers and more, and kids in grades 1-4 will bring their magic imaginations to create and decorate their first car, 2-3 p.m. For pre-K-grade 2; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For

own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www. hydecollection.org.

April

10

Teddy Bear Sleepover Join local performer and educator Diane Payette for stories and songs about teddy bears, 6:30 p.m. For families with children ages 3-8. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Agents of Discovery App Hike Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that can be played at many locations around the country, including the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

There will be at least one mobile device that can be shared among program participants, but if you have your own mobile device (smart phone, iPad, etc.), download the app and bring it along, 1-2:30 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

the festivities. For children ages 3-11 with parent/ caregiver. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Mother-Daughter Beading Workshop Learn easy beading techniques for making simple jewelry. Mothers, grandmothers and aunts are encouraged to bring a child to bead along with them from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For ages 11 and up. There is a small materials fee. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

American Girl Tea Party

ARTfull Afternoons

You are cordially invited to join us for an afternoon tea party from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Please bring a favorite doll or stuffed friend to partake in

Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating their

Project Runway at the library is back, and this time, you will use your sewing and craft skills to create an outfit for your pet. Today, learn to use a sewing pattern; brush up on sewing machine basics, 10:30 a.m.-noon OR 2:30-4 p.m. Stop by for one or all of the work sessions, or just be a part of the final Pet Fashion Show on Sunday, May 20.

For guidelines or additional information, email tori@bplteens or cathy@bplkids. All ages welcome.

Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

5 Thursday Family Yoga Local yoga instructor Janine Murphy will share some stretching and relaxation techniques suitable for the whole family, 2:30 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Turtle Time Meet a live turtle (no touching) and discover something new about these ancient reptiles, 2-2:15 p.m. For all ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Wild and Wacky Woodcock Walk Watch the elaborate flight displays of the American Woodcock. During the mating season in early spring, male woodcocks perform amazing flight displays at dusk, 7-8:30 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Continued on the next page

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18 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

family fun for April

Tours for Tots Children ages 5 and younger learn about a work in the museum, then spend time in the Art Studio making their own creations, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Peer Led Book Discussion and Pizza Dinner Join seventh grader, Jason Zeliph as he facilitates a peer-led book discussion of the second book in the series, “Wings of Fire.” Pizza, discussion and book-related activities at 5 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m., we will be joined by author Tui Sutherland via Skype. For students in grades 4-7, please register and pick up a copy of the book at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Ice Ages Exploration Station A hands-on opportunity to learn about the landscape and incredible animals that roamed New York during the Pleistocene Epoch, noon-1 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.

• To have your event included in nysed.gov.

Submit an event

6 Friday Children’s Illustration Workshop with Dahl Taylor Find out how to make a picture that tells tell a story with a hands-on session with

Agents of Discovery App Hike Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that can be played at many locations around the country, including the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

There will be at least one mobile device that can be shared among program participants, but if you have your own mobile device (smart phone, iPad, etc.), download the app and bring it along, 1-2:30 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

LEGO Jr. Maker Event Get inspired by reading about building and creativity, then start putting bricks together to make whatever you’d like. For grades K- 2 with parent/caregiver. Please register for this 10:30 a.m. program at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

First Friday Friends Children ages 12 to 36 months and their parents are invited to the Library to play and interact with others while using age appropriate toys, “Leading The Little Ones Since 1971” Serving the Community for 46 Years

Est. 1971

St. Matthew School and

Child Care

75 Whitehall Road Albany, NY 12209

Ages 18 Months to 12 Years Full and Part-Time Programs 7:00AM – 5:45PM (Year Round) Toddlers, Pre-School, UPK After-School Programs Summer Programs

books and puzzles, 10 a.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Pool Noodle Fun Enjoy a guided parent/child play and learn with the Capital District Child Care Council. Make a sailboat from a pool noodle and other floating toys to take home, 2 p.m. For children ages three and up with an adult. Registration is required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Maple Sugaring Learn how maple trees work, why sugar is so important, and get a taste of real maple syrup, 2-3 p.m. For pre-K-grade 2; registration required.

Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

My Little Pony: The Movie After a dark force conquers Canterlot, the Mane 6 embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria (PG, 99 min., MLUSA), 6:30 p.m.

Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Continued on the next page

Summer camp 10 Weeks of Adventure-Filled Camps for Children Ages 2.5 - 10!

Half-Day, Full Day, and Extended-Day Options Campers explore science, art, outdoor education, creative movement, music, and more!

Certified by NYS Dept. of Education & Licensed by O.C.F.S.

ENROLL NOW FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR!

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our print edition, email the information, including date, time, place, cost and contact information to robertsk@ spotlightnews.com by the 10th of the preceding month. Events run space permitting, and submission does not guarantee publication.

the Illustrator of the “Addy” stories, 12:30-2 p.m.

For ages 8 and up. Cost is $12; registration required.

Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 4634478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

(5 minutes from Delmar, near AMC & St. Peter’s Hospitals, I-87, I-787, RT 85, downtown Albany and college campuses)

Rebecca Martin, Director

Rebecca.stmatt@gmail.com 104988_4

518.463.6495

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5 Thursday (cont.)

Calendar of events

12 Fisher Blvd., Slingerlands, NY

518-478-0224

www.bethlehemchildrensschool.org/ wordpress/summer-camp

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 19

Calendar of events 6 Friday (cont.)

Minerals Rock!

Enjoy an independent exploration of the mineral exhibit to search for specific minerals found in the Adirondack, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. For ages 8 and up; register at the main lobby desk. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

7 Saturday CANstruction Family Day Visit this year’s CANstruction exhibit and participate in several fun and engaging activities, 1-4 p.m. Don’t forget to bring in a canned good to vote for your favorite structure, too. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Saturday Stories: In the Jungle Stories, songs, and crafts for the whole family, 2-3 p.m. Best suited for ages 2-6 with a caregiver.

Registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

family fun for April

caregiver. Register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Make Your Own Video Game Learn to make a two-player race car video game with Scratch, a programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab. Class starts at 1 p.m. and will run until 2:30 p.m. Grades 4 -8 should register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Art for All Dop in art making with activities are based on current exhibitions, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www. albanyinstitute.org.

Cent$ and $ensibility Spend, save or give? Learn about how to manage money and protect your identity, 1 p.m.

For ages 12-16. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit www.rensselaerlibrary.org.

8 Sunday

Family Yoga Class Join us at 10:30 a.m. for a free hour of family yoga class with Tricia from Kind Performing Arts.

Class is designed for ages 4-9 with a parent/

explores the “A” in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), 1-4 p.m. For families with children ages 6 and older, but anyone can participate. Free with museum admission of $12.

Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

9 Monday Family STEAM Nights SUNY Polytechnic Institute will be at the library with fun STEAM activities, 6:30-7:30 p.m. For grades 2 and up; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

10 Tuesday Preschool Storytime Books, rhymes, songs, a short video, and an art activity, 10 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 with caregiver.

Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville For more info, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary. org or call (518) 765-2791.

11 Wednesday ARTfull Afternoons

Art Lab

Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the

A gallery and art-making activity that

concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating their own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Little Shakers Story and Craft Hour A Shaker themed story hour with age appropriate craft activities for pre-school age children, 10:30 a.m. There is a $5 materials fee per family. Pre-registration requested but not required. Register by sending an email to Michelle at Shakereducator@gmail.com or call (518) 4567890. Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany.

13 Friday World Language Story Times: Spanish This international story time will include stories and songs in a foreign language and English, plus a craf, 10 a.m. For children ages 3 and up with an adult; no registration required. Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Continued on the next page

Let zing-a-gram make your child’s party special

Popular Children’s Characters

Children’s Party Entertainment & Balloons

Check us out at:

www.cdparentpages.com

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518-462-1703 www.zingagram.com

To advertise on our website, call Denice Mau at 439-4949

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Anna & Elsa

Balloons Party Decorating Balloon Twisters…

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Costume Singing Telegrams Clowns Face Painters Magicians Pony Rides Petting Zoo Jugglers Mimes Bounce Houses

20 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

family fun for April

13 Friday (cont.)

Rubber Ducky Club: Sensory Play Explore sensory play at the library, 10-10:30 a.m. For up to age 6 with caregiver. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

14 Saturday Art for All

16 Monday

21 Saturday

STEAM Fair!

Wild Kratts Live!

Bones

Wrap up our fun year of STEAM with a kid-centered STEAM fair where you can bring in your STEAM-based projects to show your friends, 6:30-7:30 p.m. For grades 2 and up; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Animated Kratt Brothers Martin and Chris “come to real life” and activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain, 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32.50-$100. The Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www.palacealbany.org.

Scientist George Steele will have a hands-on class about bones and what they can tell us about how animals live, 1 p.m. For ages 8-16; sign-up requested. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 4621193 or visit www.rensselaerlibrary.org.

17 Tuesday

ARTfull Afternoons

Danny Doodles Book Party

Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join us in the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making with activities are based on current exhibitions, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Pick up your copy of the book to take home and read, and at the book party, talk about the book, play games and get crafty, 6:30-8 p.m. For grades 1-3; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

So, What’s a Coral Reef?

Wild and Wacky Woodcock Walk

Barbara Lukas will talk about coral reefs, followed by a coral reef craft and movie, 10:30 a.m.-noon. All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. For pre-K-grade 2; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

18 Wednesday

Calendar of events

Watch the elaborate flight displays of the American Woodcock. During the mating season in early spring, male woodcocks perform amazing flight displays at dusk, 7-8:30 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating their own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

19 Thursday Tours for Tots Children ages 5 and younger learn about a work in the museum, then spend time in the Art Studio making their own creations, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Little Wonders of Science: Curious George Plants a Tree Inspire curiosity through stories, play and special hands-on activities specifically created for children ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Cost is $5 plus regular admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit www.misci.org.

Earth Day in the Pine Bush Come celebrate Earth Day by volunteering on a conservation project in the Pine Bush. A variety of activities suitable for all ages will be taking place and all equipment will be provided, 9 a.m.-noon. For all ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

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Calendar of events

The Resource for Parents

Upcoming Monthly Themes & Deadlines Summer Camp Guide (Part 2) Mother’s Day The Family Rensselaer County: Parenting Resources Deadline: April 2nd

June

Father’s Day Adolescents Saratoga County: Parenting Resources Deadline: May 7th

26 Thursday

Earth Day Activities

GPL Sprouts: Metamorphosis

In recognition of Earth Day 2018, the museum will have fun, hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainable solutions to many of our planet’s biggest challenges, 1-4 p.m. Free.

New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www. nysm.nysed.gov.

A fun-filled STEM program for kids ages 4-7 to explore the world around them through books, experiments, activities, and crafts, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland.

For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Family Storytime: Earth Day Celebration

27 Friday

August

Child Care Guide & After School Activities (Part1) Planning Back To School Deadline: July 9th

Interactive program exploring the stars, planets, comets and constellations in the night sky, 11 a.m. For children pre-K -2 and their families. Cost is $3 per person. Henry Hudson Planetarium at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany. For more information, call (518) 434-0405.

This international story time will include stories and songs in a foreign language and English, plus a craf, 10 a.m. For children ages 3 and up with an adult; no registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

22 Sunday

28 Saturday

Denice Mau at 439-4940 or email: maud@spotlightnews.com

24 Tuesday Disney Junior Dance Party Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard and more, 6 p.m. Tickets cost $29.50-$62. The Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www.palacealbany.org.

25 Wednesday ARTfull Afternoons

To advertise in one or more of these issues please call

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Playtime to develop motor skills for children up to age 6 with family, 10-10:45 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar.

For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

World Language Story Times: Russian

Drop in and enjoy stories and crafts to celebrate Earth Day, 1 p.m. For children ages 3 and up with an adult. No registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

July

Rubber Ducky Club: Motor Skills Playtime

Children’s Star Sighting

Earth Day Story Time

Summer Fun & Travel Summer Birthdays Schenectady County: Parenting Resources Deadline: June 4th

22 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

21 Saturday (cont.)

Come learn about Earth Day with Miss Amy from 10:30 to noon. We will share stories about recycling, endangered animals and different ways we can help our planet! For ages 3-7 with parent or caregiver. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

May

family fun for April

Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating their own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

PJ Masks Live: Time To Be A Hero Catboy, Owlette, Gekko, and the Baddies will delight fans of all ages with live performances featuring familiar and original music, and immersive interactivity, 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $32.50-$102.50. The Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www.palacealbany.org.

29 Sunday SenseAble Science A sensory friendly science center experience for those with autism and other sensory needs, 10 a.m.-noon. Presented by the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, Schenectady ARC, and miSci with additional funds from sponsors. Cost $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit www.misci.org.

School House Rock Live A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage and features classics like “Just a Bill,”“Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction,” 2 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults; free for kids 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www. palacealbany.org.

We’re all about family.

At Burdett Birth Center, we want your birth experience to be as special as your new infant.

That’s why we offer a range of personal options to make your experience your own, including access to highly-experienced OB/GYN and midwife providers, as well as private rooms and state-of-the-art services. Childbirth education and support groups are also available.

Burdett Birth Center. A family experience.

Located on the second floor of Samaritan Hospital in the heart of Troy. burdettbirthcenter.org | 2215 Burdett Avenue, Suite 200, Troy, NY 12180 | (518) 271-3393 | 104976_4

IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT PRESCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMPS FOR 2018!

Come check out The Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel!

Located right next to St Peter’s Hospital

Temple Israel Nursery School offers: • Care for children 18 months 5 years • Register for 2 - 5 days per week, Full Day 8:00am - 5:30pm or Half Day 9:00am - 1:00pm • Unique Hebrew immersion program, ages 3 - 5 years • Music, art, gardening, and so much more every day!

Summer Camp is right around the corner…Registration begins March 1 for our 2018 Summer Camp season!

Take a tour, learn more, or register by contacting: Amie Bloom, Director • 518 438-7858 x120 amiebloom@tialbany.org • 600 New Scotland Ave, Albany 103683_4

APRIL 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 23

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518/356-0100 SportimeCamps.com/SCH 2699 Curry Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303

24 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2018

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