Kids & Camps

KIDS & camps Your guide to summer fun!

A special publication of the

Saturday • April 18 • 1-4pm

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Kids Play For Free with Mismo Gymnastics while you plan their summer fun.

From Music to Sports, Arts to Gymnastics.

Come Meet the People Who Will Spend the Summer With Your Children!

Sponsored by:

Booths Include: Clark Fork School Dunrovin Ranch Garden City Montessori Historical Museum at Fort Missoula Inspire Mismo Missoula Children’s Theater Missoula Community School Missoula Family YMCA Missoula International School Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures Missoula Parks & Recreation Montana Natural History Center On Center Dance Sylvan Learning Tangled Tones UM Campus Recreation Youth Camps Unparalleled Movement Zootown Arts Community Center

Location: Mismo Gymnastics • 1900 W. Broadway

For More Information: facebook.com/MissoulaCampExpo • (406) 728-0908

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Table of Contents Find Your Oasis: Kids Dig In At A Local Farm ������������������ 4 Summer Camp Packing List �������������������������������������������������5 Brushing Teeth with Children �������������������������������������������� 6 Make Water Safety Your Priority ���������������������������������������� 9 Bike for Shelter ������������������������������������������������������������������ 10 25 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Missoula ������������������������� 12 A Place to be Yourself ��������������������������������������������������������� 15 Missoula’s Public Parks �����������������������������������������������������16 Enjoying Parks and Open Space ����������������������������������������� 17 Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation �����������������������������������18 Fun with Food ���������������������������������������������������������������������19 View online at missoulian.com/specialsections

Arts & Adventure Summer Program Adventures in Missoula’s great outdoors, creative arts, natural science, and swim lessons at the Y

For more information call 240-0290 Woods Explorers .................................. June 15-19 Wet and Wild ...................................... June 22-26 Watershed Wonders .................June 29 - July 3rd We’ve got the Beat ................................July 6-10th Everything Clay .................................July 13-17th Let’s Get Moving .................................July 20-24th

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Find Your Oasis: Kids Dig In At A Local Farm

By Genevieve Jessop Marsh, Garden City Harvest

I

n a nook below Reserve Street, before it intersects with Third Street, just along the Milwaukee Trail bike path, Orchard Gardens sits, waiting for you. It is a working farm, community garden, and orchard inside the city limits of Missoula. It is a kind of oasis from the buzz of Reserve traffic.

Run by Garden City Harvest, Orchard Gardens is a part of Homeword’s Orchard Gardens affordable housing complex. And many of the residents garden or stop by Farmer Sarah’s farm stand once a week to buy their produce at reduced costs.

But it is the children at Orchard Gardens who love the farm the most.

They are the ones that feel free to walk through the gates and right up to Sarah, the farm’s manager to ask, “Whatcha doing, Sarah?” There’s always a pack of kiddos excited to come and ask that question. Excited to find out the answer and excited to dig in.

A study out of Sage College showed how interacting with the soil enhanced learning and decreased anxiety, and that the bacteria in soil actually mimics what drugs like Prozac do in your brain – without the side effects. And maybe that is why these kids flock to the garden. And maybe that is why their families follow.

Because it makes everyone feel so darn good. But it also might be the time away – the time to drop away from screens and just be in the garden. Anyone that has spent time digging in the soil knows it is a therapeutic exercise.

Sarah says that her young friends will often help her weed or

water, but their favorite is the Kid’s Garden. They will spend hours in there – it’s in the center of the farm, and it’s for KIDS ONLY! The kids plant it, and nibble from it, all summer long. They also play in it.

They dig holes just to feel the soil under their fingernails. They make mud pies and play hide and seek amidst the tall flowers that hide busy Reserve Street from view. (If you close your eyes, it almost sounds like ocean waves…almost.) They even eat lunch under the shady hops yome (half dome, half yurt, clothed in hops vine).

In the last 20 years, there has been a national increase in obesity in the US, and Missoula is no exception. According to the Missoula County Health Department, local childhood obesity rates have increased steadily from 7% in 1980 to nearly 13% in 2008. By 2014, 28% of 3rd graders in Missoula County were considered overweight, and 12% were considered to be obese. Time outside, working the earth, seeing things grow, moving, eating fresh foods straight from the field helps children form life-long habits and tastes. There is pride and extra delicious flavor in the taste of any veggie (even brussel sprouts!) if you’ve grown it yourself.

The Orchard Gardens kid’s garden will be getting some improvements this season. Take a moment out of the Reserve Street traffic to stop in and see this little oasis unfold before you. Maybe dig your fingers into the well-fortified soil while you are at it.

Ten Weeks of Summer Fun for Your Child

r e m m Su cAmPs ic mus

For more info and to register:

www.tangledtones.com

406-396-3352

Where Children Come First

k of Roccord as a Band! r e m Sum ians! ! Re sic a Band nal mu Play in with professio g Camp r

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9:00-3:00 $150/week 9:00-12:00 $100/week Drop off between 8:30 and 9:00 $5/day or $20/week After camp care until 5:15 $12/day or $55/week

Kim Mead & Catherine Reilly invite you to learn more by calling 406-880-2819

June 8-12: Planting the MVM Garden June 15-19: Composting & Recycling June 22-26: Space & Astronomy June 29-July 3: Celebrate Dr. Seuss July 6-10: Animal Classification July 13-17: Sports & Games July 20-24: The Amazing World of Insects July 27-31: Eric Carle August 3-7: Dinosaurs August 10-14: Solids, Liquids, & Gases

Each day of the week will have a special focus: Monday - Art Tuesday - Cooking Wednesday - Riding Bikes Thursday - Drama/Dance Friday - Sprinkler Fun

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Summer Camp Packing List q Hat q Sunglasses q Tennis Shoes q Water Shoes q Flip-Flops for the shower q Swim suit q Swim Goggles q Shorts/Pants q Shirts q Pajamas q Jacket q Rain Coat/Pancho/Umbrella q Underwear q Socks q Wash Cloth/Towel q Shower Caddy q Soap/Shampoo/Brush/Comb q Tooth Paste/Tooth Brush q Deodorant and Other Toiletries q Pillow/Sleeping Bags or other Bedding

q Beach Towel q Flash Light with Batteries q Sunscreen q Bug Spray q Medication q Plastic/Laundry Bag (For Dirty/ Wet Clothes)

q Sharpie (To Write Name on Items) q Small backpack for day-trips q Camera q Re-Usable Water Bottle q Notebook/Pen q Stationary, Pre-Addressed Envelopes, and Stamps or Calling Card

q Spending Money (Depending on Camp Policies)

q Book, Playing Cards, etc. For Down Time.

q Comforts of Home Like a Family Photo or Stuffed Animal

Homestead Summer Camp Ages 8-13 July 20-24

http://www.fortmissoulamuseum.org/ed_daycamp.php

(406) 728-3476 x.3

Primrose Montessori School June 15 thru July 31

Monday thru Friday • 3-6 years old

Full Day 8:30-3 • $150 HalF Day 8:30-12 or 12-3 • $75 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula, MT 59804

•Fairies • Sewing • Gardening dening •Lots Mor ore

728-7383 | 600 S. AVE. VE. E., MISSOULA | primrosenancy@gmail.com

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Brushing Teeth with Children

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ome of the most frequent questions asked by parents of young children involve concerns about brushing their child’s teeth. This seemingly simple task can at times be daunting to parents, especially when their child isn’t cooperating. The good news is that with patience and practice, every parent and child can gain the skills and confidence necessary to achieve great oral hygiene.

A child’s first tooth typically appears at around six months of age. This exciting landmark also marks the time that a child is at risk for tooth decay. When tooth decay develops in infants and toddlers it is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

As children grow older they can continue be at risk for cavities when sugars are introduced into the diet. Especially harmful are sippy cups that contain any liquids other than water. Other than promoting a diet low in sugar, the most important thing parents can do to prevent tooth decay is to properly remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth. This means brushing and flossing. Here are several important things to keep in mind while brushing teeth with children.

• Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur.

• When your child’s teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and water.

• When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily.

• For children older than 2, brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they spit out the toothpaste.

Dunrovin ranch is offering a variety of aDventure camps this summer. We are partnering With other local organizations anD professionals to proviDe your chilDren With a summer full of aDventure, fun anD outDoor eDucation!

Horse Camp Best horse camp arounD! your chilDren With BuilD a relationship With ‘their’ horse caring for them, learning hoW to groom saDDle anD riDe; enDing the Week With a trail riDe along the Bitterroot river.

June 15, 2015 – June 19, 2015 July 6, 2015 – July 10, 2015 aug. 3, 2015 – aug. 7, 2015 aug. 17, 2015 – aug. 21, 2015

•

weT & wild river advenTures wiTH ZooTown surfers shoWcasing the our favorite river activities: fishing, rafting, kayaking, paDDle BoarDs anD more!

July 13, 2015 - July 17, 2015 July 27, 2015 - July 31, 2015

lewis & Clark advenTure Camp experience montana through the eyes of leWis anD clark. raft anD fish the Bitterroot river, try your hanD at archery anD BB guns, hike the same trail as leWis anD clark anD the salish people anD finish the Week at lolo hot springs.

July 20, 2015 - July 24, 2015

THeaTer and Horses wiTH rebeCCa sCHaffer comBine your love of horse With your love of theater. kiDs plan anD perform their oWn performance With their equine frienDs. enD of camp performance on friDay! aug. 10, 2015 - aug. 14, 2015

• Call for Details 406-273-7745 • •

(Ask your child’s dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before age 2.)

• Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his her own teeth, continue to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• When children begin brushing on their own remember to check frequently and to continue to supervise. A good rule of thumb is that when a child has the manual dexterity to tie their shoes they probably have the ability to properly brush on their own.

While parents may at times find a lack of cooperation or even opposition while brushing their child’s teeth, it is important to be consistent. Brushing teeth two times daily throughout childhood will develop habits that will continue on into adulthood. To become an effective brusher takes practice from both parent and child, so don’t be discouraged when it seems difficult.

Hang in there and don’t give up.

Joseph Hylton, DDS Pediatric Dentist Missoula

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Do you havee a writer in the house?

If so, consider…

Words With Wings An intensive writing program for ages 8–14 When: Two sessions: July 13–17 and/or July 20–24 Mornings only (9 a.m.–noon) Or extended day sessions (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Where: At the beautiful University of Montana Cost: Early registration through June 1, 2015 Morning session – $150 per week Full-day session – $250 per week $450 for two weeks or two siblings in one week Scholarships available.

Your writer will receive: • One-on-one direction from professional writers who teach in MWC creative writing residencies at local schools.

• Publication in and one complimentary copy of MWC Words with Wings 2015 Anthology • An invitation to share work at public readings • T-shirt (if registration by June 1).

For more information, call: 549-3348 e-mail: Missoulawriting@gmail.com www.missoulawritingcollaborative.org

Summer Fun at On Center Performing forming Arts!

Summer Classes Summer Camps Use It or Lose It!

Don’t let your hard work all year slide backward this summer. OCPA offers ongoing classes throughout the summer to keep your skills up and help you get to the next level.

Important Dates

• Student Appreciation Day - June 13th • Recital 2015 - June 15th - 19th • Curtain Up Auditions - June 20th • Open House - Sept. 11th 4pm-6pm

June 23 – July 31

Only $9/Hour Pre Register by April 24th and SAVE 10% Class Ages Time Tues. 6pmWed. 5:15 pm Baby Ballet 2-3 Pre Ballet/Tap 4-6 Tues. 6pmWed. 5:15 pm Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop Combo 7-11 Tues. 6pm/5:15 pm

Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop Combo 12+

Wed. 6:15 pm

Jr/Pre Ap Ballet

7-12+** Tues. 4:00 pmThurs. 4:00 pm

Ap/Sr Ballet– 2hrs

12+**

Tues. 1:30 pmThurs. 1:30 pm

Jr/Pre Ap Jazz

7-12**

Tues. 5:00 pm

Ap/Sr Jazz

12+**

Tues. 3:30 pm

Jr/Pre Ap Hip Hop

7-12**

Wed. 5:15 pm

Ap/Sr. Hip Hop

12+**

Wed. 6:15 pm

Jr/Pre Ap Contemporary 7-12**

Thurs. 5:00 pm

Ap/Sr. Contemporary 12+**

Thurs. 3:30 pm

Beg. Tap

TBD

Tues. 5:00 pm

Jr/Pre Ap Tap

7-12**

Tues. 6:00 pm

Ap/Sr Tap

13+**

Thurs. 5:00 pm

UPSTART Performing Arts Camp!

Summer Intensive Camp!

Pre Register by April 25th - $25 off UPSTART full day rate Designed to develop a versatile performing artist. Focus on Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Musical Camps include classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Theatre. Camp culminates with a final “Rising Acting, Voice, as well as fun arts and crafts.

Star” performance. Only 20 spots per Level.

UPSTART campers will create a personal memory book which will include a camp CD of their performance pieces and all shared learning experiences. Camps culminate in a “Rising Star” performance for their families!

June 22nd-26th Age: 4-7 years July 20th-24th (No Experience Required) Full Day: 9am-3pm Half Day: Morning 9am-Noon Afternoon Noon-3pm

August 17th-21st

Ages: 7-9 yrs Junior Camp: Beg. (Some Dance Recommended) 10-13 yrs Pre-Ap/Apprentice Camp: Beg/Int. (Experience Required) 13yrs-Adult Senior Camp: Int/Adv. Apx. (Experience Required) Time: Junior - 9:00am-3:00pm Pre-Ap/Ap/Sr - 9:00am-5:00pm

Price*: Junior: $250/wk Pre-Ap/Apprentice: $275/wk Senior: $275/wk Price*: Full Day - $175/wk Half Day - $95/wk *All summer programs have a $30 registration fee ** Based on Level

For registration info call: 542-0730 ocpamt@gmail.com Ask About Our Private Lessons!

Full schedule & camp descriptions at oncenter.biz

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UNPARALLELED MOVEMENT

SUMMER CAMPS

parkour Freerunning NINJA WARRIOR MUCH MORE RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY 406 530-9054

Intro to Golf

Campers are introduced to the full swing, chipping, and putting.

Camps are 1 hour per day.

June 16-18, 23-25, July 7-9, 14-16, and 28-30. $25

Get Course Ready

2 1 6 C o m m e r c e S t. ( r a i l r o a d S i d e ) unparalleledmovement@gmail.com u n p a r a l l e l e d m o v e m e n t. c o m

Working on their golf skills, learning golf etiquette, rules and an on-course learning experience. Opportunity to apply the skills they have learned during the week. Receive a Larchmont Jr. Golf T-shirt.

June 16-18,23-25, July 7-9, 14-16, and 28-30. $75

3200 Fort Missoula Road • Phone: 721-4416

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Make Water Safety Your Priority • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!

• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

• Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breathholding contests.

• Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.

• I f you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.

•A void alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

• Prevent Unsupervised Access to the Water • Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub. Safety locally owned reSale Shop

Size 0-12 1940 Harve Avenue

(Near the Paxson Street entrance to the Southgate Mall) Missoula HOURS: Mon-Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm kidcrossingstores.com 406-829-8808

covers and pool alarms should be added as additional layers of protection.

• Ensure that pool barriers enclose the entire pool area, are at least 4-feet high with gates that are self-closing, self-latching and open outward, and away from the pool. The latch should be high enough to be out of a small child’s reach.

• I f you have an above-ground or inflatable pool, remove access ladders and secure the safety cover whenever the pool is not in use.

•R emove any structures that provide access to the pool, such as outdoor furniture, climbable trees, decorative walls and playground equipment.

•K eep toys that are not in use away from the pool and out of sight.

Toys can attract young children to the pool.

•M aintain Constant Supervision •A ctively supervise kids whenever around the water—even if lifeguards are present. Do not just drop your kids off at the public pool or leave them at the beach—designate a responsible adult to supervise.

• Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

• Know What to Do in an Emergency • If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

• If you own a home pool or hot tub, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/ AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies

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Bike for Shelter

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atson Children’s Shelter and Montana Rail Link are excited to be celebrating 15 years of Bike for Shelter on Saturday, May 30, 2015. This family friendly event at Community Medical Center at Fort Missoula includes a two mile fun loop, an eleven mile ride, a bike rodeo, carnival games, barbecue, music, costume contest, bounce house, mini horse rides and more! This fun event raises a critical portion of the funding for the shelter and brings the community together in support of children in crisis.

Every year, over 1000 participants and volunteers get together at Bike for Shelter in support of Watson Children’s Shelter’s mission to provide a safe and nurturing home to Montana children who have been abused, neglected or experienced family crisis. So grab your bike, helmet, family, friends and superhero costume and help make a difference in the life of a Montana child.

For more information or to register online, visit www. bikeforshelter.com. Hope to see you May 30th!

HIke

COnfIDenCe

BIke

LeADeRSHIP

RAfT CLIMB CAnOe SWIM CAMP

TeAMWORk SkILLS

SUMMER CAMP Week-Long Sessions • Jun. 8 - Aug. 28

9-5 Daily • Weekly Campout

Age Groups: 6-7 / 8-9 / 10-11 / 12-14 High School Leader-In-Training

Call Porter & MOLA @ 240-2458 • www.MissoulaOutdoors.com

Our 16th Year!

fRIenDS fITneSS

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25 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Missoula 1. Hike the M

13. Go fly a kite at Toole Park

2. Ride the ponies at the Carousel and play at Dragon Hollow

14. Attend an Osprey Game

3. Explore at the Missoula Children’s Museum

15. Explore the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

4. Visit the Spectrum Science Discovery Center

16. Ride your skateboard at Mobash Skate Park

5. Go fishing at Silver’s Lagoon in McCormick Park or the

17. Check out the Montana Natural History Center

Children’s Fish Pond (Off of Bancroft)

18. Spend an afternoon bowling

6. Learn about history at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

19. Visit the Smoke Jumper Visitor’s Center

7. Cool off at Splash Montana!

20. Pack a picnic and go to Bonner Park

8. Swim like a fish at Currents

21. Folf at Blue Mountain

9. Take a walk on the Kim Williams Trail

22. Play fetch with Fido at Jacob’s Island

10. Go to Out to Lunch or Downtown Tonight at Caras Park

23. Watch a movie at Missoula Outdoor Cinema

11. Try a new veggie at the Missoula Farmer’s Market

24. Observe Nature at MacLay Flats

12. Read a book at the Missoula Public Library

25. Hike Kootenai Creek Trail

Get your feet wet at Clark Fork School Summer Camp

• K-5 Camps: 8:30 - 3:30 daily • Preschool Camps: 8:30 - 3:30 daily (406) 728-3395 clarkforkschool.org

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Clark Fork School

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SUMMER DAY CAMPS 2015 Grades 1-12

SUMMER 1 June 22-28

Early Registration discount ends June 8

PERFORMANCES Sat/Sun, June 27 & 28 @ 3:00 & 5:00 PM

SUMMER 2 July 6-12

Early Registration discount ends June 22

PERFORMANCES Sat/Sun, July 11 & 12 @ 3:00 & 5:00 PM

SUMMER 3

July 20-26

Early Registration discount ends July 6

PERFORMANCES Sat/Sun, July 25 & 26 @ 3:00 & 5:00 PM

Camps are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday-Friday, with performances on Saturday or Sunday (you choose when you register). The engaging week entails a one-week rehearsal process in which all campers participate in an audition, are cast in a role, and perform in the show. Space is limited. *Now offering after-care from 4-5:30 PM.

w w w. M C T i n c . o rg | 4 0 6 -72 8 -75 2 9

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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

IT’S THE SEASON FOR FUN & GROWTH! 2015 FUN AT A GLANCE Week 1: June 15-19. KinderKubs, Zootown, Basketball, Art, Rookie Sports (Half Day), Theater Week 2: June 22-26. KinderKubs, Zootown, Soccer, Climbing, Gymnastics (Half Day), Babysitting (Half Day) Week 3: June 29- July 3. KinderKubs, Zootown, Multi-Sport, Fly Fishing (Half Day), Theater Week 4: July 6-10. KinderKubs, Zootown, Flag Football, Art, Rookie Sports (Half Day), Theater Week 5: July 13-17 KinderKubs, Zootown, Baseball/Softball, Theater, Babysitting (Half Day), Gymnastics (Half Day)

Week 6: July 20-24. KinderKubs, Tepeetonka, Basketball, Lacross (Half Day), Climbing, Babysitting (Half Day) Week 7: July 27-31. KinderKubs, Tepeetonka, Soccer, Fly Fishing (Half Day), Art Week 8: August 3-7. KinderKubs, Tepeetonka, Flag Football, Volleyball (Half Day), Babysitting (Half Day), Theater, Swimming Technique Week 9: August 10-14. KinderKubs, Tepeetonka, Baseball/Softball, Fly Fishing (Half Day), Mission 2 Mars, Swimming Technique Week 10: August 17-21. KinderKubs, Tepeetonka, Multi-Sport, Rookie Sports (Half Day), Art, Swimming Technique

KINDERKUBS (AGES 5 – 6)

Provides an introduction for participants who are not quite old enough for extended camp. Activities around the Y, Missoula area parks and attractions, etc.

CAMP ZOOTOWN (AGES 6-14)

Campers will experience fun field trips in and around Missoula, weekly outings to surrounding lakes, arts and crafts, games, swimming, rock climbing, and more!

Learn

CAMP IMAGINATION (LICENSED) (GRADES 1-5)

Prevent summer learning loss! Campers experience field trips, activities, and guest speakers, intertwined with an educational component.

Best Beginnings Scholarships accepted.

CAMP TEPEETONKA (AGES 6 – 13)

Located at the beautiful Trout Meadows Ranch, campers will have an opportunity to experience the outdoors through a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, archery, BB guns, crafts, Ziplining adventures, skits, scavenger hunts and more!

www.ymcamissoula.org | 721-YMCA (9622)

Summer Science Discovery Day Camps

Explore...

Have Fun!

29 different camps with field trips, small group sizes, and LOTS of hands on learning and discovery outdoors!

New this year: full day Early Childhood Summer Camps for kids ages 3-5!

Register before June 1 and Save 10%!

Register Early and Save!

Visit www.MontanaNaturalist.org to register or call 327-0405 to learn more!

Connecting People with Nature

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A Place to be Yourself

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hen I was in fourth grade, I auditioned for my first play, The Sound of Music. No big deal? HUGE deal. For me. In my world. Because some unknown something INSIDE of me drew me to that experience. To that audition. You wouldn’t have known that—looking at me from the OUTSIDE. I was shy. Awkward. Afraid to talk to people. Crazy, frizzy hair and a big gap between my two front teeth. Never without a hat on my head (aforementioned crazy, frizzy hair). Part tomboy, part girlygirl, part lost. Definite drama queen around those I knew well. An insanely avid reader, I loved getting lost in stories in my own head, in my own world. But I wasn’t really expressing myself creatively— because I didn’t know how---except with the weirdly imaginative basement plays my little brother and sister and I created. I always directed them and starred in them, of course! But an audition for the high school play?? This was serious stuff! I knew I liked music.

I knew I liked performing in the basement. I knew I loved the movie, The Sound of Music. Ok. But I needed a nudge to nurture my secret desire to audition. So when my big brother decided to check out the audition, I went along.

I got a part. I was cast as “Marta”—the second youngest of the Von Trapp kiddos. My brother was cast as “Frederik.” And on that small high school stage in that small town, an incredible world opened up for me. A world where I could be loud, expressive, and not me at all—all while being completely and absolutely me. It was amazing and captivating. It felt like a place I belonged and would always belong.

And it is. Theatre is still my world. Now I have been able to share that world and love with so many kids, including my own 8 year old son, through my experiences with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. MCT’s programs, and the many other wonderful theatre programs Missoula is so fortunate to have, light a fire in the hearts of so many kids just like me—kids wanting to express themselves, looking for a world to discover and belong. Theatre skills open up those worlds. What are those theatre skills? Public speaking, confidence, creativity, imagination, focus, following directions, the value of team work as well as individual hard work, earning applause…those skills help kids (and adults!) in every area of life. Life skills, fed and nurtured by rehearsing and putting on a play. Kids don’t even realize that INSIDE part of them is coming OUTSIDE and showing up on stage. I know I didn’t. Why? Because putting on a play is super fun!! How cool is that?

What could your kids discover this summer? Maybe a bit of themselves. Maybe what’s going on inside needs a creative outlet.

A place to be loud and expressive. A safe place to break through shyness. A place to put on an awesome costume and be someone else. A place to try something new. A place to belong. Come on down to your theatre, Missoula. And be sure to bring your kids!

Michelle Nigh Marketing Associate MCT, Inc. Missoula Children’s Theatre & Missoula Community Theatre

We Deliver RESULTS Wildlife documentary camp Monday thru Friday, June 22-26 animation camp Monday thru Friday, July 6-10 moVie-maKinG camp Monday thru Friday, July 27-31

500 N. Higgins • Suite 105 Missoula, MT mcat@mcat.org • mcat.org 406-542-6228

These camps are for kids ages 9 to 13 All camps are 1:15-5:15pm Registration fee is $110/week

Just a few hours per week • Individualized programs for all grades • Summer Camps in Math and Reading Make sure your child is ready for the next grade or the next big leap • Serving all grades entering K through 12 SylvanMissoula.com

543-2522

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Missoula’s Public Parks Name Address 44 Ranch 2503 Riata Rd Anderson 220 Blaine St Ben Hughes 183 S Easy St Bess Reed 225 S Pattee St Blackthorn 2522 Blackthorn Dr BN Plaza/Circle Square 100 E Railroad St Bonner 1600 Ronald Boyd 3131 Washburn Ave Broadway & Russell 1520 Liberty Ln Caras 123 Carousel City Hall 435 Ryman Clark Fork 200 Chestnut St Downtown 520 N California St Elms 3101 Elm Park Dr Franklin 2100 10th St. Garland 4810 23rd Ave

Name Address Greenough 1001 Monroe St Gregory 707 Van Buren St Honeysuckle 4331 Barbara Ln Jacobs Island 6 S Van Buren St Kiwanis 350 Kiwanis St Lafray 616 Lafray Lester 200 Sentinel St Little McCormick 711 Toole Ave Lincolnwood North 4505 Fox Farm Rd Maloney Ranch 5200 Big Fork Rd Marilyn 6000 Linda Vista Blvd McCormick 600 Cregg Lane McLeod 1651 North Ave W Memorial Rose Garden 800 Brooks St Northside 800 N 6th Penland 150 Penland Way

www.missoulaparks.org

Outside and Active with Parks and Recreation!

Over 60 exciting summer camps for ages 5 through teen.

Sports, art, nature, science, disc golf, bicycling, fishing, rafting, survival skills, girls adventure camp, skateboarding, rock climbing and so much more!

New this year: Reach MORE adaptive camp for all abilities.

Register now at Currents Aquatics Center or phone 721-PARK. Share The Fun Youth Recreation Grants available for families needing financial assistance.

Name Address Pheasant Run 2425 Garland Dr Pineview 1010 Pineview Playfair 3001 Bancroft Pleasant View 4104 Lexington Av Rankin 630 S 5th St E River Pines 5252 Dorothy Ct Sacajawea 810 S Orange St Silver 900 Cregg Ln Skyview 5550 Skyview Dr Southside Lions 2100 Bow Toole Park 202 S 4th St E Wapikia 134 Tahoe Dr Westside 1100 Sherwood Whitaker 511 Whitaker Dr White Pine 1551 Scott St List courtesy of Missoula Parks & Recreation

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Enjoying Parks and Open Space Courtesy of Missoula Parks & Recreation (406) 721-PARK

Open to All

Many of Missoula’s outdoor amenities are accessible to people with limited mobility. Ron MacDonald Riverfront Trail, north shore, features a paved trail, public art, interpretative features, A Carousel For Missoula, Caras Park Pavilion and the Clark Fork River observation deck. The south shore of the Ron MacDonald Riverfront Trail has a paved trail, natural park and native plants, interpretative features as well as the Biomimicry Interpretative Trail.

Take a ride on Dasani Blue Bikes

Check out a free Dasani Blue Bike at Currents Aquatics Center in McCormick Park and explore Missoula’s Riverfront Trail System and Missoula’s downtown. The single-speed “cruiser” bikes are available to anyone — a bike ride is a great way to explore Missoula’s natural world. Pick up a guided bike tour map of the Riverfront Trail system when you rent your bike.

To check out a Blue Bike, you will need to be 18 and have a credit card; a legal guardian can check out a bike for kids. The bikes are available daily during Currents Aquatic Center’s hours of operation. (Visit www.missoulaparks.org or phone 721-PARK.) Blue Bikes cannot be used overnight, but there is no limit on the number of days you can borrow one. If you have family or friends visiting, this is a great way to show them around. Or be a smart commuter and park your car in McCormick Park and ride to work!

ZooTown Inflatapark

Unlimited Pass For more information visit: missoulaindoor.com Valid through September 2015

406-531-3331 | soccer@missoulaindoor.com 2811 Latimer St, Missoula, MT 59808

Get To Know Missoula: Staff Picks Creekside Saunter Rattlesnake Greenway Start at Pineview Park, off Rattlesnake Drive at 1220 Pineview Drive. Visit Tom Green Park, a natural area with a trail along Rattlesnake Creek, on the southwest corner of Pineview Park. Cross the Mountain View pedestrian bridge to the north and saunter north along the Mountain View trail bordered by Rattlesnake Creek on one side and a community farm on the other.

At the trail’s end, cross Duncan Drive to continue on to the North Hills Open Space, or continue north for a short distance on Duncan Drive to cross the footbridge over Rattlesnake Creek. From there, you can head north to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area or south along the Rattlesnake Greenway.

Oasis In The City Old Children’s Fish Pond The Children’s Fish Pond is a riparian oasis in the center of Missoula, located at Bancroft and 34th. This lovely wetland area, fed by Pattee Creek, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species of waterfowl and other birds, plus turtles and frogs, and it’s often visited by deer, muskrat and raccoons. Several flat trails wind around the pond and creek. It’s a wonderful place to bring the children or take a restful “nature break.” Please don’t feed the ducks and other birds who make their home there—human food is like junk food for wild animals; it doesn’t have the nutrients they need!

MISSOULA COMMUNITY SCHOOL

SUMMER CAMP 2015

All camps provide fun and learning through games, arts, stories, science, humor and problem solving. Special field trips relate to each camp. Experienced, caring teachers and lots of outdoor fun! Camp registration by week; pick what fits your schedule. All students receive a Missoula Community School t-shirt.

Campers must be between 3 years and 8 years old.

406.542.2833 missoulacommunityschool.org

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Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation

B

eing active in the great outdoors is an essential part of life in Missoula. Missoula Parks and Recreation makes sure everyone has a chance to appreciate Montana’s natural beauty and experience the joys of free play.

“Recreation is a right—not a privilege. Adventure in the outdoors is not a physical thing, but a state of mind—and we want to make sure that a sense of adventure on every level is accessible to everyone in our community,” says Outdoor Recreation Specialist Meg Rogosienski. Adaptive and inclusive program offerings at Parks and Recreation include the All-Abilities Recreation League for ages 5 and up, family outdoor recreation adventures, and Reach MORE Camp, a fully inclusive summer camp program.

Inclusive programs offer children of all abilities the chance to play together. “Play has crucial and wide-ranging benefits to children and their families,” Rogosienski says. “Recreation provides opportunities for kids learn to appreciate the differences among us and respect the perspectives of others. Playing together connects our community and creates fun, happy memories we all can share,” she adds.

In addition to new recreation programs, Parks and Recreation meets the needs of families with more adaptive and inclusive

playground equipment. Silver Summit playground in McCormick Park brings the latest inclusive play technology to Missoula— including play features for children with sensory, cognitive and multiple disabilities–and expands on the vision of the Bonner Park All-Children’s Playground, which was built by community volunteers 25 years ago.

With the passage of the 2014 Parks and Trails Bond, exciting new play features will be added to Silver Summit—and to several other playgrounds throughout the City. The Bond project includes 10 new or enhanced playgrounds. Each playground will be fully ADA accessible and adaptive play equipment will be included at several parks. Fort Missoula Regional Park, which is also part of the Parks and Trails Bond project, includes four new playgrounds.

While all will be ADA accessible, one of the playgrounds will feature adaptive play equipment and wheelchair-friendly surfacing similar to what’s installed at Silver Summit.

For more information about adaptive play in Missoula, phone Parks and Recreation at 721-PARK (7275) or visit www. missoulaparks.org. Share The Fun Youth Recreation Grants are available for families who need financial assistance.

UM DINING SUMMER GARDEN & COOKING CAMP

175 per Camper Includes lunch, materials and t-shirt.

$

Program designed for students entering 6th Grade - entering 8th Grade.

GROW @ UM – THE UMD SUMMER GARDEN & COOKING CAMP!

For more information and to register please call

(406) 243-6325

or email rebecca.wade@mso.umt.edu

Join us for this fun-filled, sustainable gardening and cooking skills summer camp.We will explore how food is grown, turn food into your favorite meals, and learn the importance of eating healthy foods that nourish our bodies and minds.

Our one-week day camp balances gardening & cooking by utilizing the UMD Garden and the University of Montana campus as a livinglearning laboratory. Campers will experience urban farming from

greenhouse propagation to harvest, learn concepts of soil science, cook in a professional kitchen, and practice general wellness and healthy eating.

During cooking classes, campers will prepare a variety of fruits and vegetables, make recipes from scratch, and learn many basic cooking techniques from our chefs.

2015 Camp Dates

9 AM - 3 PM, M - F • July 13-17, 2015

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Fun with Food Krispy Bird Nests

Snail Sandwich Wraps Ingredients

Ingredients

3 Tbsp Butter 1 10-oz. bag Marshmallows 6 Cups Cocoa Krispies 1 Cup Coconut Strawberries Orange Starburst Minis Wilton Candy Eyes Cooking Spray Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese

Directions

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

3. Add Cocoa Rice Krispies and coconut and stir until completely combined.

4. Use cooking spray to spray a cupcake pan.

5. Working quickly, take a small handful of mixture and press into cupcake tin, forming a cupped nest.

Large flour tortillas Vegetable cream cheese softened Deli lunch meat Baby salad greens or spinach Gherkin pickles, sliced in half at an angle Chives

Directions

1. Spread softened cream cheese onto the tortilla, place lettuce or spinach on top then deli lunch meat.

2. Roll up tightly. Slice into pieces to make the snail shell. Place a gherkin, cut side down, next to the “shell � to make the head and neck. Poke holes in the top of the gherkin and slice cut chives for antennae.

Strawberry Owls Ingredients

Strawberries Orange Starburst Minis Wilton Candy Eyes Cooking Spray Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese

Directions

1. Hollow out the center of a strawberry and fill with strawberry cream cheese.

2. Use a small amount of cream cheese to secure Wilton candy eyes. Fashion a beak out of Starburst candy cut into quarters.

3. After nests are completely cooled place owls in their nests.

Strawberry Owls in Krispy Bird Nests

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Snail Sandwich Wraps

Call 542-9924 for more information or visit us online at www.mistmt.org

The Missoula International School (MIS), a nonprofit, independent preschool through eighth grade school, offers unique and challenging 21st century educational opportunities for students in the greater Missoula area.The school provides and inquiry based learning environment as the flagship Primary Years Program (PYP) International Baccalaurette (IB) World School in the Northwest and a full Spanish language immersion environment.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE CAMPS - a different theme each week

ROBOTICS AND TECHNOLOGY CAMPS

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