May 2021

MAY 2021

DANIEL TIGER EXHIBIT

Opens this month at Glazer Children's Museum page 26

Kate White of Glazer Children's Museum and her family.

2021 GUIDE TO TAMPA BAY SUMMER CAMPS

WAYS TO CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY IN TAMPA BAY

INSIDE LOOK AT SECRETS OF THE ZOO: ZOOTAMPA

New Location in Bloomingdale!

Closer to Care.

Closer to Home.

Now Accepting

Newborns and New Patients

NEW

Bloomingdale Office 901 E Bloomingdale Ave. Suite 501 Brandon, FL 33511 813.699.3995

www.pediatricassociates.com 2

TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

YO U C A N A L S O F I N D U S H E R E:

Citrus Park 813.471.4445 Riverview 813.689.7571 Trinity 727.376.4040

Helping new moms become experienced moms.

Take a deep breath and push all your other options aside. At BayCare, we do everything possible to make sure that expectant moms have the best labor and delivery experience possible. For starters, you can take free online classes to help you understand childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care. And at the hospital, our labor and delivery nurses will coach, instruct and watch over you, one-on-one, every step of the way. Because when it comes to delivering your baby, BayCare knows best. Learn more about having the best labor and delivery experience: BayCareChildbirth.org

Register for BayCare’s free online childbirth class.

Go to BayCareChildbirth.org to sign up. Our classes provide convenient learning from any mobile device or computer.

21-1387374-0221

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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MAY 2021 CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Byrne Anu Varma Panchal Natassja Prose Suzy Mesmer Sorboni Banerjee Laura Frasor Kylie Ponton Julie Tingley Maggie Rodriguez Sandra Torres Kate White Tara Payor, PhD Laura Cross Jessica Rehbaum Courtney Cairns Pastor Janet White Kelli Biandudi Lalita Llerena Lacy Chavis, Psy.D ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Byrne Stacy Larsen Photography BOOKKEEPING Employee of the Month, LLC TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE 320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com BECOME A FAN tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

2021 summer camp GUIDE YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL AND SLEEP AWAY SUMMER CAMPS

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

25 / INSIDE LOOK: Behind the scenes of the reality show "Secrets of the Zoo: ZooTampa" 26 / COVER STORY: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grrr-ific Exhibit opens this month at Glazer Children’s Museum! Find out what to expect when you go.

29 / LIFE’S CALLING: Local moms share their journey in nursing, teaching and mothering

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31 / LOVE FOR LITERACY: Hillsborough County Schools want books in every hand 32 / READING BEYOND THE PAGE: Learn in new and fun ways with unique library collections just for kids

SPECIAL SECTION: MOTHER'S DAY 11 / MOTHER’S DAY GIFT OF EXPERIENCE: Unique ways to spoil the moms in your life

38 / DESIGN THE PERFECT SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUR KIDS: 5 Questions to ask 46 / BUILDING SUMMER FUN AT MOSI: 10 reasons to send your child to camp at MOSI 57 / THE YMCA IS READY FOR ANOTHER FUN, SAFE SUMMER: See what they have planned for campers

12 / THE PANDEMIC AND MENTAL HEALTH: As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing ways to get help when needed

65 / PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY: The pandemic has amplified stress for expectant moms; Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital shares ways to cope

14 / FIND YOUR FAIRYTALE; FIND YOUR COMMUNITY: Local news anchor Sorboni Banerjee started a live Instagram show during the pandemic to seek out some common themes of success

66 / THE GRACE OF A MOMENT: A local family’s close call with drowning and what you can do to protect your child 68 / A SIGHT TO SEE: The Glazer Vision Foundation has provided 100,000+ free eye screenings to local kids; grow that number by taking a simple selfie

17 / DESIGN + FUNCTION: Pro organizers and designers share their favorite places to shop for the home in Tampa Bay

EVERY ISSUE:

21 / MAGGIE AND THE MOMS: Daytime TV show host Maggie Rodriguez shares top pieces of advice she’s learned from local moms on her weekly panel

8 / MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS: Learn more about some of the writers who shared their stories in this month’s issue

22 / WHICH ANIMAL MOM ARE YOU? Meet the new moms of ZooTampa, like Jamie the one-horned rhino Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

ARTICLES:

ON THE COVER: Kate White of Glazer Children's Museum with her husband, Ben, and daughters Audrey, 6, and Ellie, 4.5.

White shares what you can expect at the new Daniel Tiger exhibit on p. 26.

6 / NOTEWORTHY: May’s highlights around Tampa Bay

18 / MOMS TO KNOW: Meet Marissa Stratton of Salumi Custom Charcuterie 70 / WHAT’S TRENDING on TampaBayParenting.com

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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MAY

GLAZER VISION FOUNDATION: Snap a selfie and help provide a child with a free eye exam and glasses. Yes, it really is that easy! The Glazer Vision Foundation’s super-sized eyeglasses will be on display at the Florida Aquarium through May 14 and then from May 14 through June 4 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. All you have to do is snap a pic in front of the glasses, share on social media with #OneShareOnePair and tag @glazervisionfdn and they’ll give a local child a free eye exam and glasses!

Learn more about the mission on page 68.

NEW AT GLAZER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9

SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a good reminder to schedule your annual visit to the dermatologist if you haven’t already done so. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It’s estimated that 90% of non-melanoma and 85% of melanoma cancers are associated with exposure to UV light. Since we call the Sunshine State home, make sure to slather the sunscreen on yourself and the kiddos.

JOIN THE KIDS CLUB: RAYS ROOKIES The 2021 Rays Rookies Kids Club is $30 for kids ages 14 and under.

All you have to do is register your child/children online. Membership includes a duffle bag, hat, 2020 American League Championship socks and plenty of digital experiences with Rays players and staff! raysbaseball.com/raysrookies

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NEW AND RETURNING FAVORITES AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY: Kids’ Weekends are back at Busch Gardens on Saturdays and Sundays from May 1-May 23.

Busch Gardens is also bringing back live shows with the return of the "Turn it Up" ice-skating show and the ALL-NEW acrobatic show "Cirque Electric." Theater capacity will be limited and face masks and social distancing are required.

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

Our cover story is GRR-ific news for littles who love Daniel Tiger!

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A GRR-ific Exhibit opens May 29 and runs through Sept. 7. This means you only have until May 16 to explore the Wild Kratts exhibit at the museum! Learn more about what to expect in the immersive world of Daniel Tiger on page 26.

NEW AT LEGOLAND FLORIDA:

There’s a new way to play at LEGOLAND Florida!

PLANET LEGOLAND recently opened at the theme park where there are “no rules, just pure creativity.”

When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a giant 6-foot LEGO globe (also a gentle reminder to stay six feet away from others).

From there, your child can choose between different building stations, including dragons, knights and princesses, ninjas, vehicles and creatures and animals. Keep in mind, face masks are still required when indoors and you’ll be asked to use hand sanitizer.

LEGOLAND says the bricks in the exhibit will be sanitized each day and then ‘quarantined’ for 72 hours, and the stations will be cleaned frequently throughout the day. To learn about more fun events at the park, visit LEGOLAND.com/ Florida.

Wild Kratts® © 2021 Kratt Bros. Co. Ltd. / 9 Story Media Group Inc.

Open NOW Downtown Tampa GlazerMuseum.org/wild

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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Meet our Contributors

ANU VARMA PANCHAL Anu Varma Panchal has written and edited for area publications for nearly 20 years. She’s ac­t ive on her children’s PTA boards, loves theatre, concerts, the local brewery scene and travel, and spends way too much time schlepping her 12 and 16-year-olds around in her minivan.

She never leaves home without her library card. You can find her at youreditingsolutions.com.

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS

TARA PAYOR, PH.D. Tara Payor earned a Ph.D., in curriculum and instruction, from the University of South Florida. She’s a language arts educator and has taught students from the middle school level to adult learners at the doctorate level. A member of the Junior League of Tampa and KNOW Women, she has two children, Harlow and Hendrix. You can reach her at tara@tbparenting.com.

JULIE TINGLEY Julie Tingley is a 10-year Tampa transplant who has found her way through numerous professional and parenting transitions by maintaining focus on her daily inspirations: Ella, 7, and Kate, 4. With a vision of a better future for her girls, she has introduced the KNOW Women, a women’s publication and community, to Tampa Bay.

thank you to our advertisers and sponsors

Because of them, we are able to provide this family-friendly resource to you for FREE.

DR. LACY CHAVIS Dr. Lacy Chavis is a pediatric psychologist at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences. She holds specialty certification in evaluation and treatment of perinatal mental health. She provides consultation, evaluation and treatment intervention services on the inpatient units regarding adaptation and coping with illness, treatment adherence, and emotional and behavioral functioning.

She joined the hospital staff in 2012. Dr. Chavis’ research interests include neurodevelopmental and social-emotional outcomes of premature infants, maternal mental health and the cost-effectiveness of early psychological intervention.

JESSICA REHBAUM Jessica Rehbaum has been a librarian with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library for about 15 years. She loves reading eBooks and spending time outdoors.

KELLI BIANDUDI & LALITA LLERENA Kelli Biandudi and Lalita Llerena make up the communications team for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast.

Coincidentally, before their communications careers, this pair worked together for a 24-hour local TV news team. When they aren’t promoting the good work of Y, they’re both busy exploring all Tampa Bay has to offer with their families.

MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ Maggie Rodriguez co-hosts the nationally-syndicated lifestyle show, "Daytime" on WFLA, Channel 8. She recently returned to TV after taking a 10-year break to raise her two children. During her career, Maggie reported and anchored the news in Miami, Los Angeles, and at the network level in New York as the host of "The Early Show" on CBS. She now lives in South Tampa, which she calls the perfect place to raise a family.

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

Story Idea?

Are you a local blogger or writer? If you have a content idea or a story to tell, tell us. editor@tbparenting.com

Call 2-1-1. Your Gateway to Help, Hope, and Healing!

• Confidential, emotional support

• Developmental screenings & assistance

• Child care & youth services

• Counseling for emotional trauma

• Medical & dental resources

• Help with food, clothing & shelter Funded by:

2021 TampaBayParenting.com 9 One Crisis Center Plaza • Tampa, Florida 33613 • (813) 964-1964MAY | www.crisiscenter.com

5th Annual

Presented by

Virtual Rubber Duck Race May 22, 2021 | 12 PM | Facebook Live 1st Place - $5,000 | 2nd Place - $1,000 | 3rd Place - $500 The 5th Annual Incredible Duck Race is going VIRTUAL! Adopt a Duck for just $5, all proceeds benefit The Kiwanis Club of Tampa and provide services for local kids in need.

The Kiwanis Club of Tampa has been helping children in the local community since 1919. Our enthusiastic members pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children in our community. Locally, the Kiwanis Club of Tampa builds ramps for the disabled, hosts immunization events, purchases holiday gifts for kids in need, provides scholarships, works with leadership clubs in schools at the middle school, high school and college level, and we build reading rooms in Boys and Girls Clubs around Tampa. Additionally, our foundation provides grants to local non-profit organizations.

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

adopt a duck for $5 visit: www.TampaDuckRace.com Thank you to

for your support!

istockphoto.com/ Kotkoa

Pampering Ideas for Every Kind of Mom story and photos by Natassja Prose, IG @proseandcompany

Moms are usually the ones meticulously planning amazing gifts and experiences for their families, but this time we want to share some ideas for MOM to experience!

Focus on getting her out of the house to enjoy something new. Is there a special place she’s been wanting to try, or a day of pampering that she wouldn’t book for herself? Is she a thrill-seeker craving adventure? Here’s a list of unique gift experiences mom is sure to enjoy this Mother’s Day!

FLORAL WORKSHOP WITH TAILORED TWIG The gift of learning f loral design from accomplished designer Darin Bahl would make for an excellent experience. Choose from an in-person studio experience or virtual workshop with a f loral design kit delivered right to her door. tailoredtwig.com

KAYAK TOUR AT WEEDON ISLAND Plan a day of adventure for Mom with Sweetwater Kayaks at Weedon Island Preserve in Pinellas County. Kayak through the preserve's mangroves and search for the ultimate waterfront picnic spot!

THE CANDLE POUR Does she love candles?

Book a custom candlemaking experience with more than 100 unique fragrances to choose from. She’s bound to find something special just for her. thecandlepour.com

weedonislandpreserve.org

THE CAKE DRIP EBOATS TAMPA Plan a special tour of the city from the water! Rent an eBoat from eBoats Tampa and f loat down the Hillsborough River. Stop for dinner along the Riverwalk or bring snacks aboard and enjoy the views of downtown from your very own electric boat.

Does Mom have a sweet tooth? Book an experience for her to create her very own custom cake or chocolate bar f light! She will have the sweetest experience making her own decadent dessert inside this Willy Wonka-like destination!

eboatstampa.com

thecakedrip.com

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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The Pandemic & Mental Health: GET THE HELP YOU NEED

by Suzy Mesmer

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During the month of May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to educate the public, fight stigma, advocate for policies and provide support to people with mental illness and their families.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

“In children, stress commonly manifests with struggles going to bed or staying asleep, increased crying spells or meltdowns, increased questions about death/ dying and increased separation anxiety (including school refusal),” Giarratana says. “Parents expressed feeling out of control, being short tempered with kids, feeling disconnected, feeling hopeless, increased feelings of inadequacy or guilt, engaging in things to numb or distract from the stress (alcohol, drugs, obsessive worry, change in eating and sleeping patterns, consumerism, doom scrolling, etc.)”

There is an abundance of research on how adverse childhood experiences impact our mental and emotional health in adulthood. If you’re struggling, Giarratana believes you may benefit from processing past experiences that continue to impact your present life. Additionally, look out for these signs:

In teens, she said, depression can manifest as irritability. “This can be tricky to tease out from typical adolescence, but is so important to pay attention to. When teens transitioned back to school in the fall (whether attending in-person or virtually), many teens expressed an increase in anxiety and panic at school. Unfortunately, a lot of times teens suffered these symptoms in silence and were unwilling to share their anxiety with their parents. Many teens who only had a history of experimenting with illicit drugs started to increase their use.”

Families reported extra tensions in the household. Teens and parents clashed on COVID-19 boundaries and strain with extended family triggered childhood traumas. “The complexity of even a birthday to be celebrated spurred family and friend debates that bred division,” Giarratana says.

“This lack of connection with ourselves and others coupled with political division sent us into deeper isolation – physically and emotionally.”

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

an

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Over the last year or so, we have endured radical changes from the global pandemic. As the messages increased that we were not able to live life as we once did, our bodies entered a fight or flight stress response. Worrying about losing our jobs, our health and our family’s well-being while also trying to care for our vulnerable loved ones and homeschool our cooped-up Lis a children sent many of us parents into a tailspin of emotional and parenting regressions. According to Lisa Giarratana, a Tampa-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), an EMDR-trained therapist, owner/director of Mosaic Wellness Collective and mom of three, many people are experiencing an uptick of symptoms congruent with anxiety and depression. Quite a few, she said, reported experiencing these symptoms for the first time during the pandemic.

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● Behavior patterns or changes such as sleep issues, impulsivity, unhealthy coping or any behavior that creates a barrier to health or relationships ● Thought patterns that are negative or hopeless (e.g. “I’m not good enough.

I can’t do this anymore. Other people don’t care about me. I’m a failure.

Things won’t get better.”) ● Substance abuse issues – many times it’s a close friend or loved one who notices it first ● Body image issues, including symptoms of an eating disorder or chronic dissatisfaction ● Relationship issues including involvement in abusive relationship patterns (controlling behaviors, verbal or physical abuse) ● Feeling sad or dissatisfied often, which in teens can look like isolation or lack of peer interest or involvement ● Experiencing significant life change or loss ● Frequent feelings of worry or anxiety that may include panic attacks, which are moments of feeling overwhelmed and short of breath Additionally, seek immediate help if there are any thoughts of harming yourself or someone else.

“If your child expresses this in any way, always take them seriously and seek help,” Giarratana says. “It is important to send a message that we, as parents, are listening and will act. Even if it’s a false alarm, the risk of sending the message that we won’t take them seriously is far greater.”

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE, PLEASE SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY. SUICIDAL IDEATION CAN FEEL ISOLATING AND ALARMING, BUT THERE ARE PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN HELP YOU. THE NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE AT 800-273-8255 AND 211 ARE BOTH RESOURCES YOU CAN ACCESS ANY TIME. ADDITIONALLY, YOU CAN GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM AND THEY CAN ASSIST YOU.

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HOW THERAPY HELPS A therapist is a trained professional qualified by a 4-year college degree and the completion of a 2- to 3-year master’s degree in mental health, followed by a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical hours and the passing of a licensure exam. Therapists are also required to remain current on continuing education and are governed by their respective board.

Therapists use many types of therapeutic interventions that are evidenced-based practices, meaning research shows they are highly effective at reducing different issues and symptom sets. You can find a therapist specialized in the very thing you’re wanting to improve, or you can seek more general counseling for improved overall well-being.

Therapy offers a unique space for people to share any aspect of their life free of judgment or subjective opinion. Mental health counselors also operate from a place of unconditional positive regard, meaning not only can you tell them anything, but they will also work to always offer unwavering support and acceptance.

FIND AFFORDABLE COUNSELING

EMDR AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPEUTICS

Many times, people who need help have difficulty in finding mental health resources within their means. Here are a few ways you can access affordable therapy:

“Mental health is the integration of the mind and the body, and requires modalities that honor both,” Giarratana explains. “Anxiety, for example, is felt physically (heart rate increase, sweaty palms) and mentally (thoughts of worry and fear). My colleague, Melody Granzow, combines her skills as a mental health clinician with her knowledge as a certified yoga instructor to assist clients in de-escalating their bodies’ stress responses.

Ask about a sliding scale. While the provider may not come out and say it directly, you can always inquire if they offer a reduced rate based on income.

Utilize your insurance. Some providers accept insurance, which requires a co-pay. Your insurance provider can supply you with a list of covered therapists. Or you can visit psychologytoday.com and click the “Find a Therapist” tab. This is an incredible resource as you can select areas of specialty in addition to insurance and payment types accepted.

Ask for a Super Bill. Some insurance providers offer reimbursement after services are rendered. Find out if your insurance carrier offers this and if so request a Super Bill from your therapist to provide to your carrier.

Maybe you qualify for grant-funded therapy. Agencies such as The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay may have grant funding available to clients who qualify. Any community member can also call its 24-hour hotline at 211 if they are experiencing a mental health crisis or to be connected to resources in the community.

Many employers offer EAPs. Employee Assistance Programs typically offer several free therapy sessions per year, and sometimes the benefits even extend to other members of the employee’s household.

Skip the credit card and use your HSA. Many employees can opt into a health savings account which can be used for out-of-pocket health expenses such as therapy. This is money taken out of your paycheck pre-tax. Often, employers assist in funding these accounts.

Try a membership program. Open Path Collective requires a one-time lifetime membership fee and offers a network of therapists who guarantee reduced rates based on financial need. Find out more at openpathcollective.org.

“I practice a type of therapy called EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This form of therapy engages the brain (and body) by stimulating it bilaterally (using tones in each ear or eyes moving side to side for example) to reprocess distressing memories so that we can have a more adaptive and positive view of ourselves, our world and others. The technique has been used to treat veterans experiencing PTSD and is a trusted form of treatment for individuals to process not only past trauma but also work on processing future events that may be perceived as distressing.”

AT-HOME PRACTICES Whether you’re on the go or the timing isn’t right for therapy now, there are many ways you can easily lower your stress level. Here are some tips recommended by Giarratana: ● Breathe in for four seconds through your nose and exhale for a count of seven, slowly and deeply through pursed lips. For kids, have them pretend to hold a birthday cupcake. Have them smell the cupcake (inhale), then blow out the candle (exhale). ● Recognize when you are stressed, name the stressor and talk to your body. Remember your body is likely responding before you’re even aware. Talk to your body like you would your child. “You’re feeling overwhelmed. There’s just a lot going on today. I hear you. We are OK. You can handle this.” ● Get outside and practice mindfulness. Use your senses to notice five things. ● Physical touch helps. Ask for a hug or pet a furry friend. ● Ask for help when you need it, and accept it when it’s offered. ● Engage any of your senses. Sometimes just lighting a candle can help calm your nervous system. ● Nurture yourself. Take a moment. Close your eyes. Place your hand over your heart. Notice the warmth of your skin and the beat of your heart.

Breathe in and out. Thank your body for everything it does for you.

Mental health is a vital component to our physical health. Therapy is for everyone and, frankly, we all can benefit. You don’t have to do this alone. What you’re feeling is real and valid. You can feel better.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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FIND YOUR FIND YOUR

by Sorboni Banerjee, IG @sorbonified

Fairytale.

Community.

Once upon a time… you trusted in happily ever after. Swords slayed dragons.

Magic saved the day. True love’s kiss healed evil. We tell our children fairytales, but when was the last time you told yourself one—and believed it?

At the beginning of the pandemic and at the height of the lockdown, I filled the evening hours researching fairytales for my next novel. Original fairytales are dark and twisted. Yet somehow these cautionary tales where you can dance to your death in hot iron shoes/have your eyes pecked out by birds/be poisoned by an apple morphed over the years into sweet promises that dreams really do come true. Yup. We hijacked those fables and slapped on a “happily ever after.”

But what is happily ever after? Being a news anchor and reporter by day, I did what any good journalist would do. I asked.

I decided to start a live Instagram series called "Find Your Fairytale." I invite authors, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, chefs, influencers, therapists and more to tell me their fairytale. What are the dragons of doubt they had to slay along the way? Are they living their happily ever after? Is there such a thing?

After almost a year of interviews, the parallel advice is clear. Whether from a courageous female war correspondent, lacrosse world champ, Black activist breaking down racial tension or TikTok star, there are common themes about how to find your fairytale.

BLOCK OUT THE NOISE.

My first interview was with a young adult author who had just gone viral over a passionate explanation of race relations in America. Kimberly Latrice Jones told a story from when she was a development assistant on “Being Bobby Brown” and blew in all excited to tell Whitney Houston to read a glowing article. Whitney told Jones, “No baby, I don’t read any of it. If I believe the good, then I also have to believe the bad, and I don’t want to believe anything that’s exterior to me.”

The advice stuck with Jones. Ever since, she has said that to find your fairytale, “the power is within you, and you cannot allow things, good or bad, exterior to you, to tell you who you are and what you’re capable of.”

DON’T FEAR FAILURE.

Singer and comedian Sheena Melwani said the same. “Be yourself. I wasted so many years trying to be what I thought people wanted to see from me, just hiding certain sides of me.”

EMBRACE CHANGE.

To find your fairytale you have to know when it’s time for that change. Tampa entrepreneur Melanie Griffin shifted from law to founding Spread Your Sunshine motivational stationary. She pointed out that when you’re bored, you start dropping balls. But when you’re chasing your passion, even when it’s hard, you’re focused and committed. Listen to those feelings.

You cannot compare your happy to someone else’s or to a definition you used to hold. Because guess what?

A fairytale can change. And that’s okay.

TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

We are parents. We have to chase time like it’s a toddler who ate too much candy zigzagging just out of reach in a crowded room. Every person I interviewed had to claw back time from the day. Author and father Jeff Zentner told me he wrote his books on his phone, on his commute on the bus, with his thumbs. It takes commitment and being ready to use every moment at any given moment.

Just ask Maggie Rodriguez. The former anchor of CBS’s Morning Show stepped away from her network television career to be with her kids. Rodriguez says that to find your fairytale, embrace the different seasons of your life. “I don’t believe in regret at all. It’s such a wasted emotion. What about right now? Just either live in the moment or be actively working towards a goal.” Now that her kids are older, she’s back on TV in Tampa. And the fairytale plot changes, again.

She sings online. Her husband interrupts and heckles her and comedy ensues.

She has millions of followers she never saw coming. “You have to find your own version of what your ‘happy’ fairytale is.”

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STEAL TIME.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY.

I did this all virtually, never expecting to find such an amazing group of teachers, mentors and now, friends. I de-cluttered with local minimalist couple Lauren Davenport and Daniel Fernandez. I cooked with Master Chef Jeff Philbin. I learned how to paint watercolors with local artist and mom Katie White.

I found my community—and my fairytale. I live happily ever after every day when I find kindred spirits interested in exploring ways to better connect and live our best lives.

My co-author on my next novel, fellow Tampa mom Dominique Richardson, summed it up perfectly on a text the other day.

“For some it’s activism, some it’s finding beauty and joy and sharing it. For others it’s going out on a limb and putting your art out there and being surprised by the response. It’s leaning into the things you care about and finding ways to help others with the same passions you have.”

Nurture your dream like it’s your child. Tell yourself a fairytale… about yourself.

JUST ONE One sister.

One brother.

Mother.

Neighbor.

Cab driver.

Restaurant chef.

Delivery specialist.

One nurse.

One physician.

One video call.

One person to just listen.

Or hold a hand.

One virus.

And one year.

A whole year that drove us apart while bringing us together. To fight an uphill battle as one. So that we could protect those who depend on us even when they felt like all was lost.

In each one of us, lies the power of many.

Strength. Resilience. Hope.

Johns Hopkins Medicine Together As One Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine • The Johns Hopkins Hospital • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center • Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Howard County General Hospital • Sibley Memorial Hospital • Suburban Hospital • Johns Hopkins HealthCare • Johns Hopkins Home Care Group Johns Hopkins Medicine International • Johns Hopkins Community Physicians • Johns Hopkins Children’s Center MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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A BABY-PROOFING INSPECTION IS WHAT YOU NEED!

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Contact us today at 813-536-6755 or at baby@berylprojectengineering.com Se habla Español

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With its Giant White Alligators, Florida Panthers, Bobcats, interactive animal experiences & thrilling shows, it’s clear to see that Gatorland is the theme park adventure calls home!

For online specials, Florida resident specials, zipline specials and to learn what’s new visit us at www.GATORLAND.com

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Design + Function: Shopping Local

by Kylie Ponton and Laura Frasor

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WE ASKED PONTON AND FRASER TO SHARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS: INSPIRED HOME FURNISHINGS

CLAYTON GRAY HOME: 2021 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa claytongrayhome.com; (813) 250-3663 SCHILLERS ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN SALVAGE: 1002 N. Rome Ave., Tampa schillersalvage.com; (813) 443-4641 CANDLE POUR: Hyde Park Village: 734 S. Village Circle, Tampa thecandlepour.com; (813) 284-0621 CONTAINER STORE TAMPA: 4720 W. Spruce St., Tampa (813) 774-4060 NEAT METHOD: neatmethod.com

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The Container Store is the backbone of the organization game. The Tampa store has thousands of staples for functional and maintainable organization. “A few of my personal favorites are the OXO storage containers for your kitchen and pantry and the weathertight totes for garage storage,” Frasor says.

GREENERY

The right indoor tree adds a little drama, brings in the outdoors and connects us to nature. Indoor greenery can also promote a positive mood and add the value of air purification. “Indoor plants and trees aren’t just part of the biophilic buzz; we’ve used them in our interiors for years!” Ponton says. “We love Bloom Garden Shop for a fresh plant pick up as well as local knowledge on how to care for your new addition.”

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When organizing kids’ rooms and playrooms, it’s fun to play off the style and decor of the room to make the organization an extension of the space. Frasor likes Pottery Barn Kids & Teen along with Restoration Hardware Kids & Teen for easy sourcing of gorgeous baskets to store frequently used toys, crafts and accessories.

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BLOOM GARDEN SHOP: 3005 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa bloomtampa.com; (813) 805-2151

“NEAT Method has recently developed our own line of products that have become a personal favorite and my new go-to,” Frasor says.

From quality craftsmanship to gorgeous clean lines and function, you can’t go wrong with products like the acacia line in kitchens and the grid and perforated baskets. Find them at www.neatmethod.com and also in select Bloomingdales across the country.

UNIQUE CONVERSATION STARTERS

Schillers Architectural and Design Salvage is a fantastic local resource for quirky finds, reclaimed flooring and unusual antiques that are environment-friendly and make for great conversation starters.

“We love stopping by Schillers for inspiration and historical remnants,” Ponton says. “We have found unusual cabinetry hardware, interior doors and gates and unique materials to create table tops for custom projects.”

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FRASOR owns Neat Method Tampa. Her passion for organization and a clean design aesthetic has allowed her to establish a growing client base in the Tampa Bay Area.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Laura has called Tampa home for the past 13 years. She loves watching her son play spor ts and her daughter ride horses and enjoys the incredible weather year round.

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When Ponton furnishes and styles projects, she often looks to Clayton Gray Home for beautiful accent pieces and fab furnishings. The Tampa shop is an extension of Clayton Gray Home’s website, which carries over 8,000 products sourced from unique creators. In addition to larger furniture pieces and options to create custom items, the store carries smaller gifts and accessories, perfect for grab and go occasions.

NEAT METHOD

PONTON is the principal designer and CEO of Ponton Interiors, a boutique design firm that specializes in luxur y residential and sophisticated commercial projects. Her passion for travel and adventure brought her from her native Australia to the United States, and she now calls Tampa home.

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For more than two decades, interior designers and home organization experts Kylie Ponton and Laura Frasor have helped keep Tampa Bay homes as organized as they are beautiful. Both transplants who love their new hometown of Tampa, they are enthusiastic about finding local sources for design inspiration and organizational bliss.

CANDLES AS ACCESSORIES

Candles make the perfect host/ess gift and also become a wellplaced accessory. We love The Candle Pour in Hyde Park Village for simple and elegant vessels you can fill with your own custom candle pour scent to create a truly customizable accessory that appeals to multiple senses.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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by Julie Tingley, The KNOW Book + Tribe Director, KNOW Tampa and KNOW St. Pete | Clearwater

Combining creativity, passion and life with kids AND attracting a sizable following that wants to give you business sounds like the storyline of a grown-up fairy tale, but for this mother, dreams really do come true! During a month where we celebrate mothers across the world, I want to highlight this incredible woman who not only delights families all over Tampa Bay with her beautiful grazing boards, but has been an exceptionally close caretaker to her own family, including her father who recently passed away. Meet this KNOW Women Tampa Bay 2020 featuree and our May issue Mom to KNOW: Marissa Stratton!

MARISSA STRATTON | SALUMI CUSTOM CHARCUTERIE IG: @salumi.tampa | salumi.tampa@gmail.com

JT: A PHOTOGRAPHER, FOOD STYLIST AND VERY INVOLVED MAMA- IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DON’T DO? WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE BEFORE OWNING A BUSINESS? MS: I always tell people I add things to my plate to get out of cleaning and laundry—those are two of my many shortcomings. Life before my photography business was chaos! I had my twins in 2010. I got pregnant again when they were eight months after a date night that apparently went wild. So there I was nine months later with three babies sixteen months apart. It was so very overwhelming at times, so I decided to start a business … obvious choice when one is trying to find more peace and simplicity, right? Actually, I was seeking a creative outlet which ended up involving a perfectly sharp photo of three wiggly babies. Over time after seeing photos I posted on social media, people reached out assuming I was a photographer and requested sessions. I'm never one to turn down a fun and challenging opportunity, so I ran with it, and I'm so glad I did. I love my clients, and so many of them have become amazing friends.

JT: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CUSTOM CHARCUTERIE ARTIST?

MS: I like to say I accidentally start businesses, which really means I just trust in the magic and run with it when it feels right. I decided randomly a few years ago that I would take a charcuterie board to a friend’s house for Friendsgiving, and I took the task seriously. I got such positive feedback and just kept playing around with different ideas, so by Christmas people were asking to place orders. Another happy accident, and Salumi was born. It's been such a wild and fun ride, and I'm so glad it happened. I love that this allows me to marry my love for food with my love for art. I feel like I was born with a love for all things creative, but it was absolutely fostered and encouraged by my parents all my life. Both my mom and dad have great eyes for style, detail and symmetry, which are really important to me for my boards.

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JT: TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR BEST PROJECTS.

MS: Quarantine allowed me some of my greatest projects and challenges. Big boards turned into mini, individual boards. I was getting behind the saw, sanding and staining to make custom mini sizes for those who were having events, but still wanted their guests to feel comfortable. We started doing personal charcuterie cones. And people started sending surprise candy boards to friends for birthdays, which I love doing. Last year stretched me out of my creative comfort zone so many times. And Super Bowl, that was definitely a fun and crazy time with Tampa hosting the game, and the Bucs playing in it! I think we ended up with almost thirty boards in 24 hours—it was bananas!!

JT: DID YOU EVER SEE YOURSELF AS A SOLO ENTREPRENEUR?

MS: I honestly am not sure I could do it any other way. I think because the art and vibe in both businesses are so important to me that I couldn't imagine not having control of my vision. Being home with babies can be so amazing, but also can start to feel mundane, even if you don't realize it. We all have gifts, and I would encourage anyone who has even the smallest little nudge to put themselves out there, even if it feels a little crazy. And it's especially rewarding for those who do feel that overwhelming stress, but don't know where to find an outlet while still being home. I think allowing things to unfold organically takes some of the pressure off. If you would have told me in 2012 I needed a business plan and to do things the "right" way, it would have felt like too much pressure while being home with three under two. But developing your skill with a hobby can lead to magical results, so just keep growing, learning and put it out there.

JT: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY IN TAMPA BAY?

MS: We love going to the horse track! I've been going since I was young and we introduced it to our kids when they were young, too.

There is an area of picnic tables where you can bring your own food and drinks in coolers for the day. We set up, watch the ponies race and try to walk away with more money than we came with—doesn’t happen often! They have family days where they have pony rides, games for the kids and other fun activities. I feel like it's such a low key, hidden gem for a perfect Sunday Funday.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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See All Things With Your Heart, Not Just Your Eyes

www.howiemacphoto.com

hello@howiemacphoto.com

BUBBLESANDBLOWOUTS.COM | 813.871.2822 | 808 S. DALE MABRY. TAMPA 20

TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

MAGGIE and the MOMS

Some our favorite moments come from spinning a virtual wheel which lands on random topics that prompt us to share our own parenting and marriage tips, philosophies and frustrations. Here are some favorites:

MOM HACKS:

Tampa Bay moms talk “all things parenting” on TV

• Use cheap hair spray to remove permanent marker • To teach your child which shoe goes on which foot, draw half a heart inside each shoe and have the child piece it together • Use old dryer sheets to scrub hard water stains from your shower • To soften a hard lime or lemon and get the most juice out of it, roll and massage it before cutting • Prevent mold on water and bath toys by plugging holes with a glue gun

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The ten minutes that follow those words every Monday on “Daytime” seem to fly by. That’s how it is when moms get together to share, vent and laugh about parenting: We could go on forever!

Every week, we invite a different group of local moms to join us— women from diverse backgrounds and at varying stages of parenting. With children ranging from toddlers to teens, our perspectives and opinions vary, but our shared desire to raise good children unites us.

We debate the latest parenting news and trends like “TEAM parenting”— a recent topic of discussion.

The notion, laid out in a new book titled “Hunt, Gather, Parent,” is an acronym for togetherness, encouragement, autonomy and minimal interference. The author, Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff, travelled the world and observed cultures where “there’s no yelling, no bickering, no nagging even, and yet the children are kind and generous and super helpful.”

Doucleff explains that children are hard-wired to be cooperative and when they’re taught from a young age that each family member is equally responsible for household duties, they take pride in carrying their weight. In turn, parents offer encouragement and resist the temptation to take over when their children are struggling or doing something “the wrong way”.

“Our knee-jerk reaction is to jump in and micromanage them all the time,” Doucleff explained on Daytime, “and this is actually interfering with them.

It’s causing stress and anxiety…. Step back and only step back in when it’s really needed.”

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“It’s time for Maggie and the Moms, where we celebrate, but never sugarcoat, parenting.”

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by Maggie Rodriguez, Host of Daytime, IG @maggierodrigueztv

MOM RULES: “Make your bed.” - A popular book with the same title reminds us, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another.”

“There need to be two hours of outside time for every one hour of screen time.”

“I cook, you clean.”

“If mom says we’re doing it, we’re doing it.” - Kids may complain about having to go on adventures that mom suggests, but it inevitably leads to quality family time and the kids wind up enjoying it.’”

MOTHER KNOWS BEST: “I tell my kids, ‘Come talk to me.’ We tell each other everything in our family, and even if they think I’m going to be upset, I will always be there to help them, and we will always figure it out.”

“Live your truth. Don’t lie. There’s never a good reason to lie.”

“I say it all the time at home, ‘Make good choices.’ It’s never too early to start teaching your children that the kind of life they will lead will be a direct result of the choices they make.”

AM I A MOMSTER? “I tell my kids that the ice cream man puts the music on to let them know not to come out of the house because he’s out of ice cream.”

“They think I’m a momster because I say, if I sign you up for a sport, you are going to play that season out. You are not going to quit, no matter how much you hate it.”

“I let my kids play video games and electronics so I can get things done.”

Spending time with fellow mamas is good for the soul. We lean on each other, learn from one another and, if nothing else, take comfort in knowing that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent; we’re all just doing the best we can.

During our “mom discussion” about Doucleff’s approach, we agreed that it’s easier said than done.

One reason is because we often equate “mother” with “problem solver.” As one panelist put it, “the ‘mom guilt’ kicks in when you feel like you’re not helping your child enough.”

We also admitted that our harried schedules make us more prone to jump in and tie our kids’ shoes, for example, simply because we don’t have time to wait patiently for them to figure out how to do it on their own.

Sharing these types of insights makes us realize that we all go through the same things as mothers, but also teaches us what we can work on to improve.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY ZOOTAMPA

Which Animal Mom Are You?

by Sandra Torres, senior director of Communications & External Affairs, photos provided by ZooTampa at Lowry Park

MOM. Only three letters, but the word signifies so much. From unconditional love to guidance, mothers play a crucial role in our lives, and the animal kingdom is no exception. At ZooTampa, we have an array of animal mothers, each one highlighting the unique qualities that make all mothers, regardless of species, one of the most important people in our lives.

JAMIE

JAMIE, our greater one-horned rhino is an “endurance mom.” Following a gestation of 15 months, rhinoceroses give birth to only one calf at a time, which can weigh over 100 pounds at birth! Jamie’s baby boy, Gronk (Go Bucs!), will stick close to mom for at least the first year of life and can reach up to 6,000 pounds as an adult.

Meet DEEDEE, a Bornean orangutan. She’s the “protective and attentive mom.” The bond between an orangutan mother and her young is one of the strongest. Mother orangutans will hold their babies for the first four to five months of life and nurse them until they are approximately five years old. The Zoo’s newest addition, Riplee, joins three generations of this endangered species, all of which are part of AZA’s Species Survival Program.

One of our newest moms is HUTAN, a siamang gibbon. She’s an “affectionate mom.” Siamang babies will cling to their mother’s bellies as they climb and swing high above in the canopies. The largest of all gibbons, siamangs occupy habitats as extensive as 50 acres in the wild, and their calls can be heard up to two miles away. The yet-to-be-named baby is a positive step forward in maintaining these swinging primates’ population for generations to come.

Just like human moms, animal moms are fiercely protective, full of love and would do anything for their offspring!

At ZooTampa we love Moms—animal and human alike! The work we’re able to do to protect and preserve animals and to inspire future wildlife conservationists is made possible in part by all the moms who pack their strollers, slather on sunscreen and bring their kids to the Zoo to connect with amazing species (and hopefully get tired). Moms, we salute you!

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STAY COOL THIS SUMMER & EXPERIENCE WILDLIFE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE ZooTampa makes every day a safe and fun-filled family adventure! Meet our incredible animal ambassadors, go behind-the-scenes on one of our many tours and Signature Encounters, splash down on the family-friendly water ride Roaring Springs, presented by Pinch A Penny, and so much more! With so much to do every day and awesome events year-round, you’ll want to come back again and again with your new membership. Individual, Dual, and Family Memberships available.

23 To learn more or to purchase your Membership visit ZooTampa.org/Membership MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

INSIDE LOOK:

Secrets of the Zoo: ZooTampa

With Tiffany Burns, mother and ZooTampa associate curator TBP: What was your reaction when you were first approached by the Secrets of the Zoo team?

If you’ve ever watched an episode of the popular Nat Geo WILD series “Secrets of the Zoo: ZooTampa,” you may already know that ZooTampa is home to some of the animal kingdom’s newest television celebrities.

TB: We were excited about the idea of sharing our zoo and community with the world. We have a pretty incredible team that’s passionate and dedicated to the animals entrusted to our care. Many people don’t see what happens behind the scenes of a zoo, and it’s an opportunity to educate, connect people with animals and hopefully inspire the next generation of animal care professionals.

Produced by Emmy-winning, Tampa-based Remedy Television + Branded and filmed entirely at ZooTampa, the series highlights fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about everything from rescued manatees needing 24-hour critical care to the birth of an endangered white rhino. Two six-episode seasons are available to stream on Disney+ and Amazon, and filming is under way on a third season with 12 episodes.

TBP: What has it been like to have the zoo in the worldwide spotlight?

TB: I love that we get to share our animals and the connection with them to new audiences both nationally and throughout the world. We also have so many great conservation programs that we are working on that people wouldn’t necessarily be aware of by just walking through the zoo. The show not only helps us connect with guests that can’t make it to Tampa, but it also gives them an unprecedented look into all the work that happens here 24-7 in our mission to care and preserve wildlife.

TBP: How is it helping you all make an impact in your work to conserve and protect wildlife?

For Associate Curator Tiffany Burns, both the zoo and the show are family affairs. Her husband, Mike Burns, also works at the zoo and is on the show. “We are both very passionate about the animals and it’s fun that we can share this experience as a family,” Burns says. “Our daughter likes to watch the show and will ask about specific animals. I don’t think she has a favorite just yet, but she is drawn to the manatees most of the time.”

TB: The show brings awareness in an entertaining way which is the first step to any conservation program. We also have an opportunity to highlight how wildlife in our own backyard is being affected and what we are doing for Florida species. The Florida panther and manatee are two critical projects that we are involved in. It has been helpful to be able to share the unfortunate challenges these animals face in their native habitat.

TBP: Any special moments from the show or favorite episodes we should all be on the lookout for?

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TB: I think the animal births are my favorite. The anticipation of when the animal will be born [and] the excitement of seeing the baby all mixed with the slight fear of birthing complications is an indescribable feeling. It always amazes me how instinct kicks in when it comes to birthing and raising their babies. Animals sometimes even make it look easy.

We were fortunate enough to be present for our latest orangutan birth which will be really exciting to share on the show with everyone.

TBP: Is it strange to be a ‘reality star’?

TB: Honestly, it still catches me by surprise when someone introduces themselves to me because they saw me on the show. I think it’s really cool that I’m able to share my passion with people through the show, and I hope I can inspire someone to care about these animals as much as I do.

TBP: You have special tours based on the show. Tell us more about how families can participate.

TB: We love connecting people with animals on the show, but we also love having people connect with those same animals here at the zoo when possible.

Anytime we offer these behind-thescenes tour, we post them on our website and social media for guests to sign up.

TBP: How has the pandemic impacted production?

TB: The Nat Geo crew is one of the best in the business, and they have many safety precautions to ensure their team and ours stay safe and healthy. There have been some production changes (for example, we mic ourselves up and always use masks when near mammals or within 6 feet of each other), but hopefully the audience will not notice the details and focus on the incredible animal stories.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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COVER STORY

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit” IS COMING TO THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM!

by Kate White, photos provided by the Glazer Children's Museum

I can hear my daughters playing together in the other room. As often happens when young children are learning and growing, their sweet giggles subside and are replaced by sounds of frustration. I pop my head into the room and start singing: “When you’re feeling frustrated Take a step back, and ask for help” They stop playing and look at me. I sing it again, and this time they join in.

“When you’re feeling frustrated Take a step back, and ask for help” With calmer voices now, they start to discuss what went wrong. The youngest is struggling to express her feelings. “Use your words,” I remind her. When she explains that she can’t get the crayon box open, her big sister simply reaches over and opens it. Problem solved.

As I leave the room, quietly congratulating myself on handling that conf lict, I realize that I can’t take credit.

Daniel Tiger solved this problem. In fact, Daniel Tiger helps me with a lot of parenting challenges and teachable moments. His simple and thoughtful songs and phrases address many of the big feelings that my little ones experience every day.

At the Glazer Children’s Museum, we love that Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood teaches life’s little lessons. And we are thrilled to announce that Daniel is coming to our neighborhood this summer! “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit” is opening at the Glazer Children’s Museum on May 29. This exhibit brings to life the themes presented in the PBS series like community, communication and emotions, helping young children to understand their feelings and those of their neighbors.

In this exhibit, you enter the world of Daniel Tiger and friends to explore the Neighborhood. Collaborate to solve problems, use your imagination to transform your surroundings and play along with Daniel’s singable strategies for learning life’s little lessons. Sing with Daniel, work together to solve problems and even experience the contagious nature of kindness.

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ALONG WITH THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LESSONS GLEANED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU CAN: ● Compose a song or play along with one-of-a-kind instruments ● Visit the Post Office and sort, deliver and receive packages and letters ● Create stories through the Movable Character Mural ● Step inside the Clock Factory to play with a variety of clocks ● Identify spots in one’s own neighborhood on the interactive world map ● Write or draw thank-you notes and put them on the Thank You Tree ● Cozy up with a good book in O the Owl’s Reading Nest I loved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a child. I remember feeling like he understood me,, that he cared. The Neighborhood of Make Believe captured my imagination and led to hours of pretend play.

Now that I’m grown with children of my own, we watch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood together. As soon as the song begins, a wave of nostalgia passes over me. I am transported back to the Neighborhood of Make Believe, and this time I get to share it with my daughters.

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood A beautiful day for a neighbor Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

Won’t you be my neighbor?”

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The sun is out! It’s time to Press Play On Your Summer in Florida’s Sweetest Spot. Discover the epic adventures that await you at VisitCentralFlorida.com.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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LIMITLESS

OPPORTUNITIES.

At Academy at the Lakes, we create big opportunities for your child in a small setting.

Our You Matter Here philosophy creates a unique environment for students to embrace safe risks. If you and your student are ready for an approach to school where opportunities today open doors for tomorrow, you found the right school.

Contact us today to experience the Academy Difference with a safe and socially distanced tour.

LEARN MORE PreK3 – Grade 12

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TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

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STEPHANIE’S JOURNEY An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (orthopedic surgery), Stephanie Cooke entered nursing because of the relationships she could forge with patients. “After shadowing, I saw the impact we make in people’s lives just through interacting. Twelve hours meant 100 patients.

There was clinic, post-ops, traumas and hospital work.” Organized chaos, surely, but the extroverted Cooke thrived.

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While she was furloughed for weeks during the pandemic’s peak, patient contact went virtual for Cooke. “Telemedicine was tough. I couldn’t get good physicals. Appointments became counseling and coaching centered.” Now back in the clinical setting, she’s grateful for the interactions that attracted her to nursing—the opportunities to hear patients’ stories in person again.

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HOUSE CALL COVID-19 birthed meaningful choices in Cooke's personal life.

“COVID forced slowing down and shifting perspective. My husband and I grew closer, realizing our marriage must remain a priority; knowing with certainty we wanted a baby.”

Before COVID-19 when the couple focused primarily on their careers, they tried getting pregnant for two years. In April 2020, Cooke began IVF. “It was one of the hardest experiences of my life because Ryan couldn’t attend appointments. He couldn’t FaceTime during ultrasounds. He did his best to support me but, understandably, felt left out.” A pandemic pregnancy was exceptionally emotional. “Sometimes, I almost shut down,” Cooke says. Nervous about the vaccine, she registered and canceled three times before getting vaccinated. “I’m still nervous. I want her to be protected but question whether or not I made the right choice.”

Claire Addison Cooke, born April 5, 2021, is the brightest silver lining.

ENCOMPASSING EMPATHY While Cooke doesn’t have clarity on what work-life blend will look like as a parent, she sees herself staying in practice. “Nursing gives me much purpose in life. Still, I want to attend Claire’s field trips and afternoon practices.”

Pregnancy during COVID-19 taught Cooke the centrality of empathy.

“Now, when patients enter crying, I know how crucial my relatability is. I understand being alone, having no emotional caregiver next to you. I put myself in patients’ shoes, and I hope healthcare professionals would stay to help me or my mom. Greatness is showing compassion.

It’s relationships; people are scared when navigating health issues.

It’s my responsibility to slow down and acknowledge patients are also people with loved ones.”

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Some professions, like teaching and nursing, are truly vocations. In May, we honor both with National Teacher and National Nurses Day. Two Tampa Bay moms share perspective from each field, both of which are greatly impacted by COVID-19. From journeying to motherhood to realizations about balance, a bay area science teacher and a nurse practitioner—both accustomed to offering help—share ebbs and flows from the past year.

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LAUREN’S PRACTICE Lauren Maguire, mom of three boys and science teacher at Jesuit High School, has envisioned herself as a teacher since age 5. “I’d come home from kindergarten and teach my sister everything I learned. It’s an innate, integral part of who I am.” The lightbulb moments she witnesses and the thank you messages she receives from former students affirm her calling.

But Maguire never anticipated straddling virtual and real worlds, as both mother and teacher amidst a global pandemic.

Even pre-COVID-19, Maguire’s life was packed. “I’d be at school by 7 a.m., with students already there for academic support.” By her own kids’ 8 p.m. bedtime, she was spent.

COVID-19 enabled later wake up calls, but “There’s no description for what ensued other than anxiety-inducing chaos,” she recalls. Initially attempting to hold real-time instruction for her high school students while managing her three boys and their instructional Zoom schedules, she only sustained that online model for two weeks.

Choosing an asynchronous instructional model, she held Zoom office hours a few evenings per week. “Those times became therapy sessions. Students joined so they could actually see each other and chat.” Zoom-filled-quarantine days remained long but gave Maguire dedicated daytime for her own boys’ schoolwork and evenings for personalized, student feedback. “There was a learning curve—new platforms included—and bed by midnight wasn’t always possible.”

Maguire needed support, too. “My husband was my rock.

He helped whenever he could.” Colleagues also offered strength. “We leaned on, refocused and reenergized each other. No Super Mom goal. I reevaluated how I allocate time and increased in-the-moment presence with my own kids.” COVID-19 highlighted Maguire’s sentiments that, personally and professionally, she’s where she needs to be. “I’m intent on helping form young men of character and integrity. It’s more than teaching biology. It’s the big picture.”

Ready for a return to solely in-person instruction, Maguire is thankful she received the COVID-19 vaccine.

She enters summer with the warmth of lessons learned on her back: wash away guilt; strike the right work-life blend for you.

DARING TO THRIVE In their respective professions and roles as mothers, Cooke and Maguire chose to dance with the tides. True to life, there are everchanging highs and lows. Paraphrasing the great Garth Brooks, we are all vessels, needing to follow life’s f low; learning from what’s passed. May all nurses and teachers have heads high above water.

MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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National Award Winning Hillsborough County Public Schools

1st Place Congratulations to the Chamberlain High School 3DE for earning 1st place in the Arby’s National Case Challenge competition!

Transforming education at Chamberlain and Hillsborough high schools is the Junior Achievement 3DE School Model. A 3DE high school is re-engineered to be more relevant, experiential and authentically connected to the complexities of the real world in order to more fully prepare today’s students for the demands of tomorrow’s economy. 3DE is a joint venture between Hillsborough County Public Schools, Junior Achievement and the business community. Local business community partnerships provide relevant case studies geared towards entrepreneurial thinking, project and problem-based learning, and authentic workplace experiences resulting in proven increased engagement, strengthened comprehension, building critical thinking and accelerating academic performance.

Middle school students and parents interested in 3DE Choice Attractor Programs for the future can find out more here: http://bit.ly/HCPSoptions

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Arby’s National Case Challenge Chamberlain High 3DE

HillsboroughSchools.org

istockphoto.com/ Iana Kotova

LOVE FOR LITERACY

Hillsborough County Schools want books in every hand!

by Laura Cross

On a rainy Saturday back in November, cars lined up as far as the eye could see near Lanier Elementary School in Tampa. Inside the cars were kids—hungry for books!

OUR UPCOMING EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY FAIRS WILL BE HELD: MAY 8 at Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center in Plant City MAY 22 at Foster Elementary in East Tampa

BROWSE BOOKS IN THE ONLINE SCHOOL LIBRARIES: First, GO TO www.HillsboroughSchools.org/library In the upper right hand corner of the page, CLICK the icon that reads “Virtual Library & Catalog” FIND your school in the dropdown to the left Before your eyes, books will appear that can be found in your child’s school library

It was our Early Childhood Literacy Fair, organized by School Board Vice-Chair Stacy Hahn. These Literacy Fairs are big events! We’ve held two of them so far with the help of community partners like Caspers Company, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Buccaneers and MyON. So far, we’ve given out nearly a thousand home libraries.

“We want to make sure every child in our community has books in their home,” says Dr. Hahn. “We know when children are read to or read books every day they have better outcomes in school.”

Now, the district is gearing up for two more Literacy Fairs. Dr. Hahn’s aim is to provide the opportunity to every area in our district.

To keep these events socially distanced, cars simply drive through the Literacy Fair and pick up their home libraries, as well as plenty of other goodies from our community partners.

Literacy is a priority in our district. It’s crucial to make sure our littlest readers have books that suit their interests in order to foster that love of reading.

It’s also important that ALL our students keep reading over the summer. You’ve heard of the Summer Slump? Unfortunately, it’s real.

However, it’s a lot less harrowing if kids continue to read and tune their phonics skills over the summer.

With that in mind, our district is creating a series of phonics videos for Pre-K through third grade to help our students stay sharp. These videos will be great resource for families. Stay tuned to our website, www.HillsboroughSchools.org, for more on these videos.

Lastly, don’t forget about our school libraries. They are amazing and filled with books that are perfect for every age level. And here’s something cool that you and your child can do together. You can actually browse books in our school libraries online.

Now, you and your child can sit together and browse titles and descriptions of books they may be interested in, and they can check them out at school.

THE LOVE OF READING IS STRONG IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

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Reading Beyond the Page Learn in New and Fun Ways with Unique Library Collections Just for Kids

by Jessica Rehbaum, photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Fostering a child’s literacy development while feeding their curiosity can be a hard task.

The secret is to mix traditional and innovative methods. Hillsborough County Public Library system is here to help keep you and your child excited about learning through a variety of unique items. Most people only associate the library with books and DVDs, but the library also offers educational games and models, Playaway Launchpads, Wonderbooks and Vox Books for you to borrow.

The Library’s EDUCATIONAL GAMES & MODELS COLLECTION features educational games, scientific equipment and models and tools that promote science, technology, early learning and creative thinking. These items are available at the John F. Germany and Seffner-Mango Branch Libraries. Hillsborough County residents can check out items like telescopes, microscopes with slides, robotic kits and anatomy models.

You can borrow these items for 21 days. They can be picked up and returned to the John F. Germany or Seffner-Mango Branch Libraries. Start exploring this collection at HCPLC. org/Books.

LAUNCHPADS are tablets preloaded with educational games and activities. We offer launchpads for ages 5-10.

The tablets are arranged by a theme, so some may be geared towards early literacy or math while others may be STEM, science or critical thinking. These devices are not connected to the internet and do not require Wi-Fi for use. Children can safely use these tablets, which are contained in a shock-absorbing case. You can borrow up to three of these devices at a time and keep them for 14 days using an adult library card.

WONDERBOOKS are print books with built-in audio. You can read to your child while they follow along in the text. The audio is recorded by professional narrators and even contains a feature in which the narrator will ask a few questions about the book. You can use these questions to start a conversation about the book and engage the child’s critical thinking skills and vocabulary accumulation. Wonderbooks are available in early chapter, easy reader and bilingual formats. Borrow these for 21 days. http://bit.ly/HCPLCReadAlongChapterBooks VOX BOOKS are similar to Wonderbooks in that they are books with a built-in audiobook. They offer easy fiction and nonfiction picture book titles with easy bilingual selections as well. You can also borrow these for 21 days.

Explore suggested fiction titles at http://bit.ly/HCPLCReadAlongFiction and nonfiction titles at http://bit.ly/HCPLCReadAlongNonFiction.

With the library’s EBOOKS collection, kids can read no matter where they are. Digital read along titles are convenient and can serve kids with many different types of learning differences. Check out these digital read along titles at http://bit.ly/HCPLCReadAlongs.

Browse these items on the public library’s website www.HCPLC.org this summer and beyond for new and fun ways to keep your child engaged in learning.

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WEDU is excited to announce a new addition to the WEDU PBS At-Home Learning program!

LET’S LEARN WEDU PBS is a new television series created to provide children ages 3-8 with the knowledge and skills to learn and succeed during these challenging times.

Each one-hour episode includes a variety of fun, instructional activities in: • Literacy • Social Studies • Science • Math • The Arts Activities are presented by educators, STEM specialists, teaching artists, and others plus virtual field trips, storytimes, and much more to supplement at-home learning.

A companion lesson collection aligned to Florida education standards also is available on PBS LearningMedia (florida.pbslearningmedia.org), a free digital education service from PBS. Visit florida.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/lets-learn to learn more.

Tune in to LET’S LEARN WEDU PBS weekdays at 1:30PM on WEDU! Let’s Learn is produced by WNET in partnership with the NYC Department of Education and is provided to WEDU through the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA).

Get ready for the Summer Boost with great educational programming and activities from WEDU PBS, including Camp TV, a new series that provides a day camp experience for grades K-5! Learn more at wedu.org/edconnect

New Series Premieres

May 3, 2021

Donkey Hodie, an imaginative new PBS KIDS® puppet series from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, is inspired by the quirky, funny side of children’s TV pioneer Fred Rogers and his mission to help young viewers navigate the challenges of childhood. The series is set in the land of Someplace Else, which was created by Rogers on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Learn more and meet the characters by visiting pbskids.org/donkeyhodie MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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your guide to Tampa Bay Area Featured listings

Berkeley Preparatory Summer Programs 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org/summer Berkeley has an enormous summer catalog of over 120 camps and classes on a beautiful 80-acre campus. There’s something for everyone at Berkeley Summer Programs: swim lessons, tech camps, fine arts, volleyball, baseball, football, LEGO, basketball, rock climbing, skateboard design, reading skills, lacrosse, tennis, chess, marine science, math review and so much more! *Online registration; half-day and full-day camps, early/ after care, and lunch options!

Cost: prices vary per camp Dates: June 7 - July 30 Times: Times vary

Summer Camps

Camp Bayshore

CAMP IDS

3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org/ student-life/camp-bayshore.cfm

12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618

Camp Bayshore is a fun, Christian-centered program for campers ages 3 through rising 6th grade.

Children from all around the Tampa Bay area are provided an exciting and safe family atmosphere to learn, grow, play and make memories that last a lifetime.

Campers can try their hand at archery or Lego Robotics in the morning and dabble in painting or photography in the afternoon.

More than 100 half- and full-day camps ensure everyone has a great time! Academic camps include math, science, reading, writing and engineering. Performing arts, music, recreation and sports camps last all summer.

Chinese and Spanish language camps are also available. Sessions run weekly for six weeks from June 14-July 23. Free morning drop-off at 7:15 am. After-care (3-6 p.m.) and bus transportation are available for a fee. Open to all students entering PreK3-8. Located on Corbett Prep’s beautiful lakeside campus.

Cost: $225-$250/week plus a one-time non-refundable registration fee.

Dates: June 1 - July 30, M-F *Registration opens March 1 Times: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 3 years through rising 6th graders, Coed

Ages: 4-17, Coed and single sex camps

813-961-3087; corbettprep.com/campids

Cost: $120-$360/week Dates: 6 weeks, June 14 - July 23 Times: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m.

Ages: PreK3-grade 8, Coed

Camp Imagination at the Glazer Children's Museum 110 W. Gasparilla Place, Tampa 33602 813-443-3861; glazermuseum.org/camps At Camp Imagination, your little learner will imagine, discover and connect to the world around them. With unique weekly themes, there’s a camp for every kid: from Wild World to Time Travel, Maker Mania, Magical Tales and more.

Children need play now more than ever and the Glazer Children’s Museum’s play-based approach sparks imagination and curiosity.

This inclusive camp even features select autism-friendly weeks with additional specially trained staff, a quiet space for campers who need a break and orientation so they know what to expect. Register your kids to play with purpose and embrace curiosity this Summer!

Cost: $240/week before May 1, $265/week after May 1 *GCM Members save 15% Dates: June 7 - July 30 Ages: 5-10, Coed

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istockphoto.com/ Nadezda_Grapes

History Adventure Camps

The Coder School CODE CAMPS

Delphi Academy of Florida Summer Camp

Tampa Bay History Center 801 Water St., Tampa 33602 813-228-0097; tampabayhistorycenter.org

New Tampa | 8632 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 33647 813-422-5566; newtampa.thecoderschool.com

1831 Drew St., Clearwater 33765 727-447-6385; delphifl.org

Unmask the myths behind pirates, learn the ins-and-outs of archeology or journey to three different periods in history with American Girls Felicity, Kirsten and Nanea at the Tampa Bay History Center.

History Adventure Camps include in-gallery activities, hand-on learning, guest speakers and outdoor activities. Camps are offered with reduced capacities and social distancing protocols in place.

Cost: $230 for History Center Members Dates: beginning June 7 Times: times vary Ages 7-11, Coed

Our camps provide coding lessons for kids as well as fun offline activities. Kids code throughout the week and then demo their week's creations on the last day of camp.

Register online and use the code EARLY100 (for in-person camps) and EARLY50 (for online camps) at checkout!

Summer Camp is the perfect time to give Delphi a try. Most of our regular school year curriculum is available to students, but we spend a lot of our time during the weeks just having lots of summer fun. Summer at Delphi is available for students from the age of 2 through 17. With day trips and jampacked adventures, explorations in the sciences and arts, kids are definitely happy campers! We also have a half day “Get Ahead, Stay Ahead” academic booster for your high schooler. Come tour today and sign up for the fun.

Cost: $299-$499/week

Cost: $260/week

South Tampa | 1730 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 33629 813-466-1411; southtampa.thecoderschool.com

Dates: June 1 - Aug. 2 Times: in-person 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; online 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. *early drop off and late pick up available.

Dates: June 14 - July 23 Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: 2 to 17, Coed

Dunedin Fine Art Center Summer ART Academy 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 34698 727-298-3322; dfac.org/kidscorner/summer-camp DFAC’s Summer Art Academy proudly offers over 30 years of summer art enrichment fun. Todd Still, director of youth education, is excited about heading up his 22nd year at one of the premier summer programs in the Tampa Bay area.

Seven different art camps feature the best artists and art educators in the region, including multi-media experts with skills from painting to clay to drawing to dreamin’!

Cost: $170-$215 Dates: Weekly sessions June 14 Aug. 6 Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. *before and aftercare available Ages: 4.5-14, Coed

Ages: 7-15, Coed

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your guide to Tampa Bay Area Featured listings

Summer Camps

The James Museum Summer Art Camp

MOSI Summer Science Camps

150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 33701 727-892-4200 ext. 1010; thejamesmuseum.org/ summercamp

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 34639 813-987-6000; mosi.org

Unleash your inner artist this summer at The James Museum. Our week-long summer day camps encourage children to get messy as they explore a variety of art-making processes. Inspired by our collection of paintings and sculptures, campers will bring their own ideas to life in our children’s art studio.

Art camp offers opportunities for hands-on learning, creative thinking and collaboration.

Cost: $95; $85 for members (per half-day session) Dates: Select weeks June 14 - July 30 Times: 8:30 a.m. to noon or 1-4:30 p.m.

Ages: 6-11, Coed

MOSI’s Summer Science Camps bring science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) alive through hands-on experiments and building projects. From launching rockets, building robots and extracting DNA, we are about creating the experiences that expand interests and make dreams a reality. Doing real science with the tools and technologies used by industry professionals is just one way MOSI Summer Science Camps inspire our campers with a can-do attitude that will last a lifetime.

Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations and inventions will help you discover the innovator within.

Cost: Starting at $168/week Dates: June 1 - Aug. 6, M-F (except holiday weeks) Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., *extended care available: 7-9 a.m. $15 members/$20 non-members.

4-6 p.m. $15 members/$20 non-members Ages: For children who have completed K-8, Coed

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Patel Conservatory 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 33602 813-222-1040; patelconservatory.org At the Patel Conservatory, every student deserves the opportunity to discover their creative potential. Our summer programs provide training in dance, theater and music. Camps and classes vary by length, age and skill level. Patel Conservatory summer camps require active learning participation by campers and result in a performance.

Cost: Varies *scholarships available Dates: June 1 - Aug. 6 Ages: 3 through adult, Coed

Summer at Shorecrest 5101 1st St. NE, St. Petersburg 33703 727-409-1668; shorecrest.org/summer Summer at Shorecrest offers affordable, educational and FUN summer programs for students in preschool-12th grade including Drones & Robotics, STEAM options, musical theatre training, specialty sports clinics, academic enrichment/college prep and so much more. Programs run June 7-Aug. 6. View the full catalog and register at www.shorecrest. org/summer.

Cost: Varies by session, $125$550/week. Prices range from $125 for a 20-hour program to $350 for a 40-hour program (contact for travel camp pricing) Dates: June 7 - Aug. 6 Times: Full day and half day camps available Ages: Preschool-grade 12, Coed

istockphoto.com/ Nadezda_Grapes

Tampa Prep Summer Programs 727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org/summer Camp Terrapin is Tampa Prep’s well-known coeducational, sports and fine arts camp for students entering grades 1-8. Structured activities and theme days provide friendship and fun in downtown Tampa. Additional summer programs include a variety of sports camps and courses in robotics, academics and enrichment.

This summertime extension of our award-winning day school program offers something for everyone.

Cost: $175-$280 for camps and enrichment Dates: June 1 – July 23 Times: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *before and after care provided weeks 6/7-7/23 Ages: Various camps, enrichment courses and or-credit courses are offered for students entering grades 1-12, Coed

Wakesurf Tampa Watersports Summer Camp 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor 34685 804-300-1683; wakesurftampabay.com Welcome to Wakesurf Tampa’s kids summer camps. Our trained staff will ensure your child has a rewarding summer learning a multitude of watersports during our 4-day camps Monday through Thursday. We accommodate all levels from beginner to advanced and ages 5 to 16 years old. Each child will receive personal oneon-one training each time they ride. Staff members and captains are CPR and First Aid-certified.

Aside from constructive training in the water, we also allow campers to swim and tube, making it easy for your child to make irreplaceable summer memories.

Cost: $495/week

YMCA Summer Camp

ZooTampa Summer Camps

Multiple locations 813-224-9622; tampaymca.org 727-467-9622; ymcasuncoast.org

1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33604 813-935-8552; zootampa.org/summer-camps

Y Summer Camp offers children a day camp curriculum full of fun educational activities infused with the Y’s character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Campers experience a variety of activities including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more! The fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. In Y Summer Camp, kids are in a safe and welcoming environment where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential.

Your kids can explore the Zoo like never before! Campers will get VIP behind-the-scenes access to the Zoo, get up-close to our amazing animals from across the globe and learn directly from the teams that care for these animals every day about what it takes to become a zoo veterinarian or animal care expert. Plus, they’ll get plenty of splashes on our water adventure, Roaring Springs! #GetWildSafely this summer at ZooTampa!

Dates: May 31 - Aug. 12

Cost: Starting at $129/week (Tampa Y) and $95/week (Suncoast Y)

Ages: 5-16, Coed

Dates: begins June 1

Cost: Starting at $290 Dates: June 7-Aug. 6 Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: Rising K-8, Coed

Times: times vary by location Ages: 6-15 (Tampa Y), 3-17 (Suncoast Y), Coed

CAMP

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PRESENTED BY CORBETT PREP

DESIGN THE PERFECT SUMMER AT CAMP: 5 Questions to Ask

by Courtney Cairns Pastor, communications coordinator, photos provided by Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

Think about the perfect summer for your kids.

Are they fishing and canoeing on a sparkling lake or busy in the kitchen, baking delicious baked treats to share at the end of the day? Maybe they are building giant sculptures, learning Spanish or playing lacrosse for the first time. This should be the summer they unleash their imaginations drawing comic books, composing songs, filming LEGO movies or designing video games. They could hit a bullseye in archery, sing a solo on stage or splash around at the beach.

Or maybe they’ll do all of the above. But how do you decide?

The laid back, fun-first attitude of summer camp gives students a chance to enjoy favorite activities, test out new hobbies, play games and tackle projects. Consider these five questions when planning your summer to narrow your options and find the camp program that suits your family the best.

WHAT’S YOUR SUMMER PLAN? Are you looking for outdoor activities or do you have academic goals in mind? Do you want a specialty camp where your kids can immerse themselves in their favorite interests or a general camp with a little bit of everything? Overnight or day?

Do you want a camp that cultivates your child’s talent in sports or performing arts? Identify your priorities and see what local camps align. Some camps offer open houses or tours where you can meet directors, see the facility and ask questions.

DO YOU AND YOUR KIDS LIKE THE SAME CAMPS? Your child may want to game all day. You think they need to run and play. Meet in the middle with half-day camps that allow you to schedule two different kinds of camp each day. How about Minecraft camp in the morning and retro summer camp games in the afternoon? Or combine halfday academic and sports camps for the week to exercise their mind and body.

IS YOUR CHILD PREPARING TO START SCHOOL? Camp can be a wonderful experience for 3- and 4-year-olds to help ease the transition to fulltime school in the fall. Camps spark curiosity and introduce academic concepts, with plenty of time to play and explore. The prekindergarten camps at CAMP IDS include sessions that emphasize reading and math basics. Children sing songs connecting letters and sounds, make crafts and engage in activities to help with counting and number recognition. A prekindergarten camp also helps children practice social skills as they make new friends and learn to work alongside other children their age.

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ARE YOUR KIDS TELLING YOU THEY’RE TOO OLD FOR CAMP? If your children attend camp every summer, you may encounter pushback when it’s time to register.

Appeal to their personal passions or sense of adventure. At CAMP IDS, pre-teens and teens love the full-day recreational and “Wilderness Extreme” camps, which take them off campus to fun locations and activities every day. It’s even better if you sign them up with a friend.

Technology-minded students may enjoy 3D printing or advanced programming, while sports-focused teens jump on the opportunity to train like pro athletes. Middle and high school students who love drama return for two-week full-day musical theatre camps at CAMP IDS, which culminates in the production of a Broadway show. This year, students are presenting “Shrek” and “Les Miserables!”

DOES YOUR CHILD GET BORED EASILY? Counter cries of boredom with an assortment of camp choices. You can pick different themed camps every week or even two camps a day where half-day camps are available – with six weeks of sessions at CAMP IDS, that could mean as many as 12 different camps. And if your child prefers even more variety, try a field trip camp that takes them to a new place or on an exciting adventure each day.

It might take a little work to figure out how to fit in all the fun, but there is something for every student at summer camp. With so many different types of opportunities, you may find yourself wishing you could attend camp as well when summer arrives.

SUMMER 2021 6 Weeks of Options June 14 - July 23

Over 100 Full & Half Day Camps PreK3 - 8th Grade Before & After Care

813.961.3087 corbettprep.com Bus Service Available

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your guide to Tampa Bay Area

Summer Camps

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES SUMMER ON BAYSHORE 3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org/summer

Fun-loving kids ages 3 and up may choose from themed day camps, STEM, technology, sports and enrichment camps at the Academy of the Holy Names’ ever-popular Summer on Bayshore. From LEGO to lacrosse and cooking to cartooning, Summer on Bayshore has something for everyone.

Complete session information and online registration are available at holynamestpa.org/summer. Full- and half-day weekly sessions run from June 7-July 30.

Cost: $150 (half day) to $325 (full-day specialty camps) Dates: June 7-July 30, weekly Ages: PreK3-grade 8, Coed

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-384-4555; farragut.org/summer

Whether you’re looking for fun weekly-themed activities or sports camps, Farragut’s day camps will entertain and educate your rising kindergartener to 12th grader. Our boarding Summer Signature Series is available to rising 8th-12th graders. Each week offers campers the opportunity to explore one or two of our signature programs.

Cost: varies per camp Dates/Times: June 1 – Aug. 14, dates and times vary per camp Ages: grades K-12, Coed

ALLIGATOR & WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTER (Summer Fun Activity) 12973 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach 33708 727-329-8751; kissagator.com

Our Center provides humane, professional care for pet surrenders that cannot be returned safely to the wild. The facility is home to a little over 200 animals including alligators, lizards, mammals, marine life and more.

Our animal family comes to us from places such as the SPCA, wildlife rescues or individual owners who can no longer care for their pet.

Details: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Children $8 (2 and under free). Group rate of five or more all get in for $8 per guest.

Open every day, all summer long!

AMERICAN STAGE SUMMER THEATRE PROGRAMS

Admiral Farragut Academy: 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-823-1600 x 212; americanstage.org/summer

Cost: $225/week *financial aid available

American Stage provides a quality performing arts education in a positive and empowering environment, giving young people the tools to be fearless, focused and flexible on stage and in life. All experience levels are welcome! We believe in fostering an accessible environment that encourages a sense of belonging, curiosity and collaboration.

Dates/Times: June 21 Aug 6., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: grades K-12, Coed

ANTS CAMP AT THE VILLAGE ELC

3741 Canoga Park Dr., Brandon 33511 813-651-0779; villageelc.com/programs/summer-program Arts, nature, technology and Spanish are key areas of investigation at ANTS Camp. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to this hands-on experience where they can explore STEAM/STEM topics, practice cooperation and develop friendships. A nutritious lunch and snacks are provided at no extra cost. Field trips are offered with a coach-to-student ratio of 1:10 (additional fee applies). Drop off between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and pick up your student by 6 p.m.

Cost: $155/week Dates/Times: June 1 Aug. 5, 7-9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ages: grades K-5, Coed

ART AROUND THE WORLD

1846 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33712 727-825-0515; creativeclay.org Creative Clay’s 2021 inclusive Art Around the World camp focuses on four cultures—Scotland, Zimbabwe, Laos and New Zealand--and will incorporate art history lessons into each class. The camp classroom environment has a 6:1 camper/teacher ratio and is designed to provide individually-paced learning, freedom of expression and sensitivity to learning differences. All children will have one painting per week on exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History located at the St. Pete Pier.

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Cost: $200/week Dates/Times: June 21 - July 30, M-F, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: 6-12, Coed *Inclusive—accepts at least two children with disabilities each week

Unleash your inner artist and make friends this summer at The James Museum!

COLOR EXPLOSION June 14-18 Ages 6-8

UPCYCLED ART July 12-16 Ages 6-8

S.T.E.A.M. SPECTACULAR June 28-July 2 Ages 9-11

ART ADVENTURES July 26-30 Ages 9-11

thejamesmuseum.org/summercamp 150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 727-892-4200 x1010

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We can’t wait to see you again this summer!

Camp Terrapin (grades 1–8) Special Interest Camps (6 years to grade 12) • • • •

Robotics LEGOs Programming Cheer

• • • •

Rowing Volleyball Arts Chess

tampaprep.org/summer

ART & ARCHAEOLOGY WILD CREATIONS ART CAMP & EMPOWERMENT Dig up some history and travel back in WORKSHOP time with the exhibition Antioch Reclaimed, and learn about the art and science of archaeology. Discover how archaeologists piece together the past from Ancient Greece, to Mesoamerica, and even right here in Tampa Bay.

JULY 12–16 (grades 1-5)

ART & NATURE CAMP

Calling all nature enthusiasts! Dive into the environmentally-focused exhibition Skyway 20/21, and meet local artists inspired by the beauty of Tampa Bay. Learn about our unique environment, create your own nature artworks and enjoy a field trip to the new St. Pete Pier.

JULY 19–23 (grades 1–5)

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During this week rising 6th to 9th graders who identify as female learn about historical and contemporary female artists from the women of the MFA Curatorial staff. We’ll explore different ways of selfexpression through mind, body and art.

JULY 26–30 (grades 6–9)

Price: $190 members, $250 not-yet-members Scholarships available Camp times: 9 am–4 pm Due to safety precautions, camp sizes will be limited. All guests will be required to wear a face mask, observe social distancing and adhere to the additional safety protocols of the MFA.

BECOME A HISTORY CENTER MEMBER AND SAVE 10%*

Summer Camps Campers get hands-on with history through games, crafts, activities, gallery time and guest speakers.

Swashbuckling Summer June 7 - 11 or July 5 - 9 American Girl© June 21 - 25 or July 19 - 23

New! Archaeology Camp will feature the exhibit Tusks to Tails: A Fossil History of Florida.

June 14 - 18

Register online at tampabayhistorycenter.org/camps Created for children ages 7 to 11 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before care and after care available. *Cannot be combined with other discounts.

NEW EXHIBIT NOW OPEN

Tampa Riverwalk | 813.228.0097 Smithsonian Affiliate

Jr. Adventure Camp 5 - 9 year olds

Summer will never

Adventure Camp 10 - 15 year olds

be the

SAME! Summer is coming, and Jr. Adventure Camp is the place to be. Join us for a summer of crazy games, fun field trips, awesome crafts and our annual food fight! Our weekly camps offer a fun and exciting alternative for summer.

Energetic camp counselors will keep your child active during our fun-filled weeks. Campers will participate in activities such as rock climbing, bounce houses, sports, water games, crafts, and much, much more! Join us for a summer adventure!

Soul Adventures is located at 129 North Belcher Rd, Clearwater.

Let the adventure begin

“Mom, I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” If you’ve ever heard your child say that, then we have an adventure for you! “Bored” is never heard at Soul Adventures, a summer camp for 10-15 year-olds.

Imagine these experiences: • Rope courses • Kayaking • Paddle boarding • Fishing • Mountain biking • Snorkeling Combine these exploits with a powerful daily devotion time, and you have the recipe for an adventure that might just last a lifetime.

www.souladventures.us MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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June 7-August 6

Camps for students of all ages, from preschool to 12th grade.

Purposeful Preschool Play American Sign Language Drones & Robotics Fine Arts Musical Theatre Training Specialty Sports Clinics STEM & Video Game Creation Academic Enrichment/College Prep...and so much more!

5101 First Street NE St. Petersburg, FL 33703 727-522-2111

Register Now at www.shorecrest.org/summer Summer at Shorecrest offers academic enrichment camps, recreational camps, athletic camps and so much more!

Affordable full and half day camp options for students in preschool through 12th grade. OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY. 44

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SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section ART CAMPS & WORKSHOPS AT THE MFA 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg 33701 727-896-2667; mfastpete.org

Unleash your inner artist at the MFA's art camps and workshops. This July, the MFA is hosting THREE summer camps: two week-long art and science camps for grades 1-5 and one week-long art and empowerment workshop for female students in grades 6-9. Join us as we explore the world through art!

*scholarships available.

Cost: $190 for members; $250 for not-yet-members Dates/Times: July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: Grades 1-5, Coed; and 6-9, Female

BARRETT SCHOOL OF MUSIC SUMMER CAMPS

Various Locations 813-285-5091; musicschoolintampa.com/music-summer-camps-in-tampa

Cost: $110-$200

This summer, the Barrett School of Music is offering camps for anyone and everyone. Whether your child is a passionate string player, a musical theater fanatic, or a music tech enthusiast, we have the camp for them.

And if they're just getting started, our Brandon Music Camp will make for the perfect start to their musical journey. No matter the age or interest, the Barrett School of Music is your one-stop for musical summer fun.

Ages: 4-17, Coed

BAYSIDE SPORTS ACADEMY LIMITLESS SUMMER CAMP 4400 34th St. N., Suite E, St. Petersburg 33714 727-258-4981; baysidesportsacademy.org/camps

At Bayside's Limitless Summer Camp, we encourage children to love being active. Let your children enjoy a variety of camps this summer and have great experiences they will never forget! Early bird discount pricing is available. Attend eight full weeks, get all post-camp days FREE! Weekly and daily rates available.

Dates/Times: July 19-30, Times vary, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*extended care available Cost: Starting at $45/half day up to $340/week Dates/Times: June 10Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: 5-13 on or before Sept. 1, 2021, Coed

THE BEAT MUSIC ACADEMY

5956 54th Ave. N., Kenneth City 33709 727-266-2852; thebeatmusicacademy.com

Cost: $99-$699

The Beat Music Academy is a unique learning experience that aims to provide students with the foundations needed to become a successful DJ. Courses are put together and taught by local professional instructors for students of all ages. Classes are offered one-on-one and in groups.

Ages: All ages welcome

Dates/Times: Enrollment by request

BEST HORSE CAMP AT WEST COAST MORGANS 17126 Boy Scout Road, Odessa 33556 813-920-9870; westcoastmorgans.com

Cost: $80-$100/day, $400-$500/week

WCM has adjusted the 2021 BEST Horse Camp to include social distancing, more riding and outside time, lots of disinfection and camper separation protocols to protect everyone as best as possible! Spaces are limited due to logistical changes but the camp experience will be amazing!

Offering half and full days, single weeks and bulk weeks over summer and winter breaks, and family discounts! Riders of all levels can enjoy weekly themes, tons of hands-on horse activities, guest speakers and MORE!

Dates/Times: June 1 – Aug. 6, half and full day options, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: 6+, Coed

BRICKS 4 KIDZ LEGO® SUMMER CAMPS 3713 W. Dale Ave., Tampa 33609 813-545-4282; bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa

Cost: $125-$285, half and full day camps

Bricks 4 Kidz is back with a whole new summer of LEGO® camps. With over 50 different camps at several locations and brand new camp themes, we are sure to have an awesome camp your child will enjoy! Sign up today!

Dates/Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: 4.5-12, Coed

CAMP DOVEWOOD

23221 101st Road, O’Brien 32071 386-209-1908 or 386-935-0863; campdovewood.org

Cost: $725-$1,225

Camp Dovewood celebrates 44 years of dynamic Christian camping for girls 7-17 in North Florida. We have an outstanding equestrian program with certified instructors: huntseat, rodeo, dressage, grooming, vet care and trail rides. We also offer swimming instruction, tennis, cheerleading, art, drama, archery, Bible, volleyball, softball, cooking, gymnastics, music and baton. ACA and CHA accredited.

Ages: 7-17, Girls Only

Dates/Times: June 6-July 17, 1-2 week sessions

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PRESENTED BY MOSI

Building Summer Fun at MOSI

by Janet White, Director of Education at MOSI, photos provided by MOSI

Want your child to continue learning throughout summer in a fun, engaging, hands-on way? Then Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) camp is for you! Not only can summer camp keep kids busy over the summer, but camp experiences can be life changing. Multiple MOSI campers have sparked their curiosity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) and gone on to win STEM Fairs and work in STEAM careers.

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 REASONS FOR YOUR CHILD TO GO TO MOSI CAMP:

10 9 8

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CAMP CREATES MEMORIES |

Campers take away golden memories of camp whether they are of being silly with friends, trying something new or creating an innovation.

MOSI CAMP FOSTERS CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY | Children are naturally curious. Camps allow them to foster their curiosity and creativity in a variety of ways.

KIDS’ BRAINS STAY ACTIVELY ENGAGED |

Summer can be long, but it’s important to keep children’s brains engaged. Let MOSI be an extension of the classroom. Campers are having so much fun, they don’t even realize they are learning!

7

CAMPERS CONNECT WITH OTHERS WITH SIMILAR INTERESTS | Spending time at camp allows kids to connect with peers

6 5 4 3 2 1

MOSI ATTENDEES DO REAL SCIENCE AND LEARN NEW SKILLS | Whether it’s coding, measuring, dissection, artistic or obser-

they may not normally meet. Camps also encourage collaboration. Many of our campers return year after year and maintain their “camp” friendships.

vation skills ( just to name a few), campers engage in new experiences.

CHILDREN CHALLENGE THEMSELVES |

MOSI creates a safe environment to experiment, invent and innovate. MOSI campers soon learn that “FAIL” is just your “First Attempt In Learning!"

KIDS CAN EXPLORE CAREER INTERESTS |

Campers are introduced to different career opportunities in the themed camps.

THERE’S A THEME FOR EVERYONE! |

MOSI has so many themes, from Harry Potter, cooking, creating video games, Minecraft, robotics, chemistry, physics, dinosaurs, LEGOs and more!

IT’S A SAFE ENVIRONMENT |

CDC COVID-19 protocols and camp safety recommendations are being followed and all staff members’ backgrounds are screened.

CAMPERS DEVELOP LIFE-LONG SKILLS |

MOSI camps provide a safe environment for kids to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will carry over to all aspects of their life.

TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

MOSI Summer camp offers your child the opportunity to dive deeper into their interests and make friends. Your child will come home inspired and eager about what they have experienced during their time at camp. For more information visit www.mosi.org.

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4 8 0 1 E A S T F O W L E R AV E • TA M P A • 8 1 3 - 9 8 7 - 6 0 0 0 • M O S I . O R G MOSI’s mission is to be the intersection of science, technology and innovation in the Tampa Bay region where conversations and learning happen, knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are celebrated.

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This Summer At Mary Jo's!

It's So Much More Than Dance!

Virtual & In-Person

SUM CLASS MER CAMPS, ES AND MORE!

NLINE TER O REGIS JPAA.COM AT M

text DJ to 484848

om www.thebeatmusicacademy.c

SUMMER Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts

CAMPS 2021

Check out our sports and specialty camps for ages K-12!

- Artsy Science Camp - Live Action Role Playing - ESports Gaming - Drone Camp - LEGO Building Camp - Glee Club - Cooking Camps

PL&AY

LEARN

@ LARGO REC

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- Wrestling - Pickleball - Aquatics Team Sampler - Synchronized Swim - Youth Triathalon - Volleyball & More!

LARGOCAMPS.COM

TampaBayParenting.com MAY 2021

Learn Dj & Music production skills with The Beat Music Academy red By EZ Texting

Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Powe

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section CAMP FASTB BILINGUAL SUMMER CAMP & CHILDCARE The French American School of Tampa Bay 2100 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33702 727-800-2159; fastb.org/camp-fastb

If you are looking for a safe place for your kids to enjoy the summer and learn some French, please join us! Mornings will include fun French activities and afternoons will be filled with arts and crafts, games and plenty of time for free play. The co-ed camp is open to children ages 3-12, and no prior French instruction is required. Extended Care is available at $10/hour or $40/week morning and $75/week afternoons if paid in advance.

*extended care available Cost: Full Day $300$325/week; half day $200-$225/week Dates/Times: June 21 Aug. 2, weekly. 9 a.m. to noon or 3 p.m.

Ages: 3-12, Coed

CAMP IDLEWILD OF FLORIDA, INC.

7602 Henry Drive, Land O' Lakes 34638 813-996-1226; campidlewildofflorida.com

Cost: $700/Week

Camp Idlewild’s program model was developed for children ages 6-17 who have the following superpowers: autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome), sensory processing disorders, Down syndrome and developmental delays. We are also offering Young Adult Camp (YAC) programs for 18-30 year-olds on select dates. Check our website for more information.

Ages: 6-17; young adults ages 18-30, Coed

Dates: June 20 - July 30

CAMP INVENTION®

Turner/Bartels K-8 School, 9020 Imperial Oak Blvd., Tampa 33647 800-968-4332; invent.org/camp

Cost: $235

Spark your kid’s creativity and confidence with our new Camp Invention® program! At Turner/Bartels K-8 School the week of June 7, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate in hands-on activities exploring fun STEM concepts by taking apart their own microphone, exploring solar-powered crickets and more. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot and save.

Ages: K-grade 6, Coed

Dates: June 7-10

CAMP OSPREY

18050 US Highway 301 S., Wimauma 33598 941-928-6860; camposprey.com Camp Osprey Kid’s Day / Overnight Adventure Camp is located on 204 acres that meander along the Little Manatee River. Horseback riding, zipline, giant swing, paintball, BB guns, archery, kayaking, paddleboards, swimming, fishing and art and crafts are offered in a Christian-based environment of family fun. Make a lifetime of memories in just one summer.

Cost: $250-$525 Dates/Times: Day Camp M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Overnight Camp Sun. 4 p.m. to Sat. 9:30 a.m.

Ages: 7-15, Coed

CAMP WOODMONT

381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 423-472-6070; campwoodmont.com

Cost: $1,025/week or $1,595/2 weeks

Imagine a home away from home where your child feels secure, welcome and reassured—that’s Camp Woodmont! Just two-and-a-half hours from Atlanta, this ACA-accredited camp boasts two generations of family management. Overnight camp for boys & girls ages 6 to 14. Activities include archery, climbing, horseback riding, crafts, games, sports and more! Oneand two-week sessions available.

Dates/Times: May 30July 30, Overnight 1- and 2-week sessions Ages: 6-14, Coed

CANTERBURY SUMMER PROGRAMS

990 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg 33702 727-525-5419; canterburyflorida.org/summer Canterbury's Summer Programs will provide your camper with a variety of exciting options to promote adventure, a love of learning, and a playful spirit. Summer camp is not only a place where memories are made, but a place that will inspire your camper to grow intellectually, physically and socially.

CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER SUMMER ARTS CAMP 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa 33618 813-922-8167; carrollwoodcenter.org/camp-activities

At the Carrollwood Cultural Center, artistic expression, belting it out, busting a move and getting into character are all encouraged! Through art, music, dance and drama, campers ages 4-10 will explore a different theme each week, while campers ages 11-13 use the theme to create an original staged production.

Costs: Half day starting at $165; full day starting at $350 Dates: June 7-July 23 Ages: PreK4-grade 12, Coed

*extended care available Cost: ages 4-10: $90$230/week, ages 11-13: $390-$500/three weeks Dates/Times: M-F, June 7-Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m.

Ages: 4-13, Coed

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SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 and 12606 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 813-920-2288; carrollwooddayschool.org/summer-programs Carrollwood Day School is pleased to offer both our regular day and enrichment camps this summer to age 3 through grade 8, starting June 1 and running through July 23. Additionally, CDS has created a new Educational Enrichment summer program offering the opportunity to help students get a head start for fall with mastery learning in language arts and math, research methods and forensic science.

Cost: $150-$250 Dates/Times: ages 3-6: June 1-July 16 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., grades 1-8: June 1-July 23 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ages: age 3-grade 8, Coed

CIRCLE C RANCH ACADEMY

6204 Interbay Blvd., Tampa 33611 813-831-8429; ccranchacademy.com

Cost: Full-time $240, half day $180

We have Summer Camp and Summer VPK available with many activities!

Camp activities include horseback riding, swimming, art, sports including archery, canteen snack hut, outdoor exploration and bounce house. Come join us for all the fun outdoors!

Dates/Times: June 1 – Aug. 2, Closed July 5, full day 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., half day 8 a.m. to noon Ages: 1-12, Coed

CIRCLE F DUDE RANCH CAMP

5301 Dude Ranch Road, Lake Wales 33898 863-676-4113; circlefduderanchcamp.com Circle F Dude Ranch Camp is a place where campers can build confidence, character and self-esteem and create friendships that will last a lifetime. We offer campers an ever-evolving collection of specialized activities in the areas of extreme sports, aquatics, athletics, horseback riding and more that give our campers the opportunity to enjoy their existing interests and the chance to experience new ones.

Cost: $1,350/1 week, $3,200/2 weeks, $4175/3 weeks Dates: 4 sessions, June 13 – Aug. 14 Ages: 6-16, Coed

CITY OF LARGO SUMMER CAMPS 201 Highland Ave., Largo 33770 727-587-6720; largocamps.com

Cost: $25-$450 *limited scholarships available

Join us for City of Largo Summer Camps. From full day camps, to sports and specialty camps for PreK through high school, you’ll find the best options in Largo for your child this summer! Register today, as spots are sure to fill up. Visit LargoCamps.com for more information.

Dates/Times: June 1 Aug. 10, times vary from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ages: PreK to high school, Coed

CLEARWATER COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER 1001 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater 33767 727-517-7776; clearwatercommunitysailing.org

Cost: $178-$298

Clearwater Community Sailing Center is the place for kids to spend summer in the fresh air and on the water. We have sailing, windsurfing and paddling camps for all experience levels. Sign up and join the fun!

Ages: 5-17, Coed

Dates: June 14 – Aug. 6

EARTH IMMERSION SCUBA SUMMER CAMP

180th St., Live Oak 32060 352-641-0350; earthimmersion.com/scuba-diving-summer-camp.html

Cost: $1,850-$3,250/ session

Earth Immersion is a SCUBA, adventure and outdoor education camp for teens (13-17 years old) looking for an unmatched experience exploring North Florida's crystal-clear springs. Activities include earning SCUBA certifications, snorkeling, canoeing, hiking, fishing, tubing, community service hours and learning about freshwater/marine biology. We offer 7- or 13-day overnight programs.

Dates: June 20 - July 31, 7- or 13-day sessions Ages: 13-17, Coed

ECKERD COLLEGE SUMMER WATERSPORTS CAMP 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33711 727-864-8288; eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp

The Eckerd College Summer Watersports Camp offers classes in Exploring Watersports, Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Saltwater Fishing, Little Mariners, Exploring Marine Life and more for students ages 5-17. This camp is taught in the perfect environment for learning watersports and gives campers exciting and unforgettable experiences.

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Cost: $175-$195 Dates/Times: June 7 – July 30, weekly, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

Ages: 5-17, Coed

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Camp Bayshore A ministry of Bayshore Christian School

SUMMER FUN AT CAMP BAYSHORE BAYSHORECHRISTIANSCHOOL.ORG (813) 839-4297 Ext. 300 3909 South MacDill Avenue Tampa, FL 33611

Campers 3 years old to rising 6th graders Registration Opens March 1st June 1st-July 30th

“Our family loves Camp Bayshore! My son feels safe and has the best time. He always shares about his exciting days. We are beyond grateful that Camp Bayshore is our second home every summer.”

-Camp Bayshore Parent

CREATE. LEARN. PLAY. Camps for Ages 6-17 Starting May 31

Register today!

Now offering camps in your neighborhood!

Learn more and register: TampaMuseum.org/SummerArtCamp Sponsored by:

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Be a Happy Camper DELPHI 2021 SUMMER CAMP

6 Weeks of Incredible Fun! June 14th - July 23rd, each week filled with age appropriate activities for: Preschool - Ages 2-3 • Lower School - Ages 4-8 Elementary School - Ages 8-12 • Middle & High School - Ages 13-17

727-447-6385 www.delphifl.org

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SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section THE FLORIDA ACADEMY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon 33511 813-490-ARTS; faopa.org

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts offers two types of camps. Music and More camps are weekly and let campers explore instruments, singing and art. Musical theatre camps meet for 2-3 weeks offering students an opportunity to sing, memorize lines, work on character development and perform in live shows.

Cost: varies Dates/Times: June – August, full and half-day options Ages: 5+, Coed

GIRLS WITH CONFIDENCE

Various locations: Lithia-Main Center, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Tampa, Lutz 813-571-2002; girlswithconfidence.com

Cost: Half and full day, $149-$249 for early registration through March 31

Girls With Confidence offers several unique, creative and fun camps for girls in grades K-12. Every camp day we focus on a new “confidence building” theme where we have meaningful discussions, activities and games and work on creative art projects and crafts. We are confident your girls will LOVE our camps. Come check out our new center located in Lithia. We have a little petting farm with goats and chickens.

Dates/Times: June 1 Aug. 6, times vary from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 4-14, girls only

HILLEL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa 33612 813-963-2242; hillelacademytampa.com

Cost: $225-$275/week (8 weeks available)

Hillel’s preschool camp will be held in our brand new state-of-the-art Early Learning Center building. This includes a large multi-purpose room, teaching kitchen and 5,000-square-foot outdoor playground. During themed weeks, campers have fun while working towards their social-emotional developmental milestones with centers, water play, hands-on activities, outdoor time and individualized attention.

Dates/Times: June 9 – July 30 Ages: 1-4 years, Coed

IN THE BREEZE HORSEBACK RIDING RANCH & CHILDREN’S CAMP 7539 Gardner Road, Tampa 33625 813-264-1919; inthebreezeranch.com

In The Breeze

Rated the number one horseback riding ranch and children’s camp in the southeastern United States, we rent our lovely horses to the general public daily. We offer horse camp any day there is no school. Swimming with the horses is big. We swim in our creek that stays 72 degrees all year round or out to our island in our 62-acre lake. We have custom parties, pony rides, photo shoots, lessons, boarding, hayrides/bonfires and much more. Fun for all ages!

Cost: $60/day Dates/Times: Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: 10 and up, Coed

JUNIOR DOCENT ART CAMP

One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg 33701 727-823-3767; thedali.org

Cost: In-person $200$225; Online $65-$85

Discover new ways to interpret and create art, meet new friends and have fun. This year’s theme will focus on surreal inventions. The Museum offers week-long camps in both face-to-face and online versions.

Dates/Times: In-person June 14-18, July 12-16, 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; Online June 28-July 2, July 2630, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: 9-14, Coed

LASER OPS EXTREME GAMING ARCADE - (Summer Fun Activity) 6283 W. Waters Ave., Tampa 33634 813-443-6509; laserops.com

Laser Ops is a 24,000-square-foot entertainment center featuring a game arcade with more than 60 games, virtual reality gaming, tactical laser tag, archery tag and Bazooka Ball. The venue also features a large sports bar and grill, including a full liquor bar. Laser Ops is great for friends and family fun.

Cost: Varies Summer-Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri. 4-11 p.m.

Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ages: All ages, Coed

LIFE ACADEMY INC.

6520 Richies Way, Apollo Beach 33572 813-641-1922; abkidscamp.com Life Academy emphasizes hands-on life skills lessons. Our programs and activities encourage critical thinking and problem solving. STEM, swimming, horse experience, canoeing, bike track, food forest, gardens, fishing, tennis, karate, sports, crafts, cooking and more. Campers utilize our 7-acre facility and go home sweaty, dirty and tired every day.

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Cost: Registration $125, full-time campers $145/ week, drop in $175/week Dates/Times: May 30 Aug. 10, M-F 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Ages: 5-13, Coed

L L O E N RD AY !

TO

DANCE • THEATER • MUSIC FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS

PATEL CONSER CONSERVA VATOR TORY Y

STRAZ CENTER

patelconservatory.org • 813.222.1040

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PRESENTED BY THE YMCA

THE YMCA IS READY for Another Fun, Safe Summer

by Kelli Biandudi and Lalita Llerena, photos provided by the YMCA

One lesson we quickly learned this past year: It’s hard to plan ahead when life can get so unpredictable. You may have canceled camp plans and kept your kids home last summer for understandable reasons, but for this summer, it might be time to consider other options.

Eva, 8, enjoyed summer camp at the YMCA so much, she’s returning for her second time this summer.

And you may have to start considering in a hurry: Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast are seeing a surge in summer camp sign-ups this summer from parents who want their kids to have something fun to do this summer after the year we’ve had.

Now more than ever, kids need enrichment, education and entertainment. What better way to achieve this than outdoors with new friends? At the Y, we know when kids accomplish more, make new friends and feel like they belong, they are developing the skills they need to be successful in life.

That’s why the YMCA offers summer camp—to make sure kids and teens in the Tampa Bay area are active and healthy while learning essential leadership and social skills to develop confidence and independence.

“After a year of confusion and being in homes, we’re looking forward to getting these kids out and having some great activities,” says Bart Cape, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Vice President of Operations.

From swimming to gymnastics and everything in between, the Y offers a variety of summer camp options. Safety is a top priority, and the Y will be in constant communication with camper families about all the extra precautions to expect.

“We’re continuing the COVID safety protocols that we have in place right now,” Cape says. “We are anticipating updated mandates from the county and state and when those come out, we will adjust to those.”

Lindsay Albright’s daughter, 8-year-old Eva, is returning for her second summer at the YMCA. “My daughter shared with me all the fun activities she did. Swimming every day was such a treat,” Albright says. “The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities were engaging and educational, yet fun for the kids. Eva enjoyed it and I felt it was a healthy, enriching environment for her. I love the member price and that breakfast and lunch are served every day. It can be a pain to pack a lunch.”

Albright says her daughter can’t wait to go back, “especially because she has neighborhood kids joining her this year. Other summer camps are so expensive and don’t offer all the perks of the Y.”

Spots are filling fast so register today to ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer.

Families in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties can register at: tampaymca.org/letscamp.

Families in Pinellas, West Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties can register at: ymcasuncoast.org/summercamp.

THE YMCA SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE STARTS AT $129/ WEEK DEPENDING ON CAMP LOCATION AND Y MEMBERSHIP STATUS. THE COST SAVINGS ARE SIGNIFICANT IF YOU ARE A YMCA MEMBER, SO NOW’S THE TIME TO JOIN!

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SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section MARY JO’S PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP 15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa 33624 813-969-0240; mjpaa.com

The arts are a perfect avenue to allow your child to explore their creativity, tap into their imagination and discover their potential. Students will develop self-expression, build confidence, learn to work with peers, foster problem solving skills and stimulate curiosity. From classics to pop culture, your children will unfold the wonderful world of the performing arts.

Cost: $125-225 Dates/Times: June-Aug., M-F, 9 a.m. to noon, 3, or 4 p.m.

Ages: 3+, Coed

MARCIA P. HOFFMAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-712-2706; rutheckerdhall.com/marcia-p-hoffman-school-arts The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall offers a variety of musical theater and drama camps to students ages 5 and up, providing them the opportunity to explore their talents, discover new friends and learn from professional arts instructors. Camps start June 14.

Cost: $200-$575, *financial assistance is available Dates/Times: June 14 – Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: 5-7, 8-10, 14-18, 18+, Co-ed

MISS ANITA'S CRAFTS

11811 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa 33612 813-815-0849; missanitascrafts.com

Cost: $12/session or $60/week

We are a woman-owned craft studio in North Tampa. Our Summer Camp is separated into eight themed weeks. Kids will learn a variety of crafts, including watercolor, cake decorating techniques, science crafts and more.

All supplies are included; no fancy contract is required. Come get crafty with us!

Dates/Times: M-F, 10 a.m. to noon Ages: 5 and up, Coed

MS. LISA'S DANCE CAMP & ACROBATIC/TUMBLING WORKSHOPS Dance Camps: 3805 W. San Miguel St., Tampa 33629 Acro/Tumbling Workshops: 4535 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 33611 813-326-8466; mslisasdancestudio.com

Cost: Classes $60-$70/ month, Camps/Workshops $165-$290/week

Ms. Lisa's Dance offers camps for ages 3-6 and acrobatic/tumbling & Dance workshops for ages 6-13. Some of the dance camps are Hip Hop Minion Madness, Elsa's Frozen Adventure and Fancy Nancy. Some of the acrobatic workshops are Cartwheels and Cupcakes, Handstands and Headstands and Pom Poms and Cheer. There are also Dance Workshops such as Cinderella, High school Musical, and Jojo Jazz and Pop.

Dates: June 7 - Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: 3-13, Coed

PRACTICALLY PIKASSO ART CAMP 1912 4th St. N., St Petersburg 33704 727-822-5204; practicallypikasso.com

Unleash your imagination, make friends and create art this summer. Fulland half-day summer camps offer a variety of fun, hands-on activities that encourage creative thinking, bold art-making and playful collaboration.

Campers will enjoy art-filled experiences based on weekly themes as well as stories, songs and games. Children will explore various art mediums, such as pottery painting, watercolor, oil pastels, tempera paints, collage and clay sculpture in both guided and self-guided experiences.

Cost: Full day $275/ week, Half day $175/ week Dates/Times: M-F, June 14 – Aug. 13, Full day 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Half day 9:30 a.m. to noon Ages: 6-12, Coed

SKY CAMP AT SKY ZONE

10137 E. Adamo Dr., #800b, Tampa 33619 813-833-1740; skyzone.com/tampa/programs/skycamp Sky Camp for ages 5-13 includes days of active play at Sky Zone on our Ninja Warrior Course, Free Climb, Sea of Trampolines and so much more.

Accompanied by Sky Zone camp counselors, kids enjoy healthy physical fitness and fun including crafts, movies and science experiments. It’s hassle-free for parents. Drop off the kids and we’ll make sure they have the best time ever. Full-, half-day and full-week options and sibling discounts are available.

Cost: $35.99-$45.99/ day, $139.99-$179.99/ week Dates/Times: Every day school is out from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 5-13, Coed

SOUL ADVENTURES

Skycrest Christian School, 129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater 33765 727-797-1186; souladventures.us Every day is a new adventure at Soul Adventures summer camp, which offers two exciting summer options. Adventure Camp for 10-15-year-olds includes off-campus outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, biking and fishing. Jr. Adventure Camp for 5-9-year-olds will keep your child active during our fun-filled weeks.

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Cost: Adventure Camp $285/week, Jr. Adventure Camp $168/week Date/Time: May 24-Aug. 6, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ages: Adventure Camp 10-15 and Jr. Adventure Camp 5-9, Coed

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SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section ST. RAPHAEL’S SUMMER CAMP

1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg 33704 727-823-7969 or 727-709-0060; straphaelschool.net Structured activities throughout the day keep minds and bodies active with experienced staff at a 1:10 ratio. We have a grassy field for sports and water play, shaded and fenced playground, air conditioned gym for group activities and snacks and meals, all on a secure waterfront campus. Fulltime and part-time attendance is offered and fees are all inclusive at the ‘cool’ place to spend the ‘hot’ summer!

Cost: Full-time $175/ week, Part-time $45/day, $50 registration fee Date/Time: June 14 - July 30, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., M-F Ages: 5-11, Coed

SUMMER ART CAMP

AR Workshop St. Petersburg, 2807 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg 33704 727-803-0189; arworkshop.com/stpetersburg This morning session camp is $195 per registrant and runs Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. Our camps are designed for girls and boys ages 7-14. Kids will create 4 DIY youth projects and a DIY camp t-shirt over the course of the camp. We also offer an optional Friday halfday camp. Check our calendar to register!

SVB SUMMER TENNIS CAMP

6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills 33541 813-361-6660; svbtenniscenter.com/summer-camps Regardless of your level, come and join our international team of coaches at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center. From 6-year-old beginners to high performance players, we are here for your specific needs!

Cost: $195 Dates/Times: June 14 – Aug. 12, M-Th, 9:30 a.m. to noon Ages: 7-14, Coed

*Private lessons available Cost: Recreational: $400-$600/week, Competition Group: $600-$850/week Dates/Times: May 31 – Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., M-F, Full and Half Days Ages: 6 and older, Coed

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART – SUMMER ART CAMP Tampa Museum of Art, Cornelia Corbett Center 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 33602 813-421-8373; tampamuseum.org/summerartcamp

Children and teens exercise their creativity and imagination with hands-on activities themed around the Tampa Museum of Art’s permanent collection of antiquities, modern and contemporary art. With a variety of 2D and 3D mediums to choose from, campers connect with the art on view and create unique works of art.

Cost: $150-$175 Dates/Times: May 31 July 2, 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m.

Ages: 6-17, Coed

TRADITIONAL TAEKWON-DO CENTER OF SOUTH TAMPA 3617 Henderson Blvd., Tampa 33609 813-350-9400; southtampataekwondo.com

Who wants to be a Ninja this summer? Kick, spin, jump and learn martial arts with our amazing black belt instructors. Other activities include fun field trips, arts and crafts, enrichment classes, Lego play, water slides, obstacle course fun and much more.

Cost: $175.00 per week, no registration and free uniform Dates/Times: May 31Aug. 6, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ages: 5-15, Coed

VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUESTRIAN CAMP

606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA 30731 706-862-2231; valleyviewranch.com Since 1954, this horse lovers’ paradise on top of Lookout Mountain offers 600 acres of scenic trails and panoramic views where all levels of riders will learn English and Western. Enrollment is limited to 50 girls and is open to ages 8-17. Spend up to six hours a day riding and caring for your OWN camp horse.

Cost: $2,050-$3,600 Dates/Times: Overnight, June 6 - Aug. 6 Ages: 8-17, Female

VIOLINS 4 JOY SUMMER VIOLIN CAMPS 1189 NE Cleveland St., Clearwater 33755 727-285-8535; violins4joy.com

Cost: $100-$225/week

Offered for school-aged children of all musical ability levels, the camps provide an opportunity for children to come together and grow as musicians and leaders. The programming is innovative, the repertoire is diverse and teachers are experienced educators who are experts in their musical instrument. As a bonus, the camp’s location is near one of America’s “Best Beaches.” Each camp will offer students opportunities to perform as soloists and as a group. For more details and to register, visit our website.

Ages: 5-14, Coed

Dates: June 7-11

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Dance Friends are Forever Friends!

Classes

Acro

Workshops

Camps

Summer Registration Going on Now at Ms. Lisa's Dance!

Visit www.mslisasdancestudio.com

MUSICAL THEATER & DRAMA STARTING JUNE 14 CAMP THEMES INCLUDE: Superheroes • Wizards & Wands • Sci-Fi • Fairytale Frenzy Mysterious Monsters •Toon Tales • Mermaids & Pirates

Ages 5-7 & 8-10 & up!

ENRoLL ToDAy!

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SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY | special advertising section VOSLER YOUNG ARTISTS' STUDIO

330 Pauls Drive, Brandon 33511 813-417-5867; vosleryoungartistsstudio.com This workshop will introduce the young artist to a classical atelier program of instruction. Students will learn to draw through direct observation. Kerry Vosler, master instructor, will do frequent demonstrations and give regular instruction at the artist's easel. See website for more details about the Tampa Bay, Sarasota and McLean, Virginia workshops. Supplies included.

Cost: $320-$395/week Dates: March 15-18, June 7-11 and June 14-18 Ages: 12-18, Coed

WEB OF WISDOM SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP 5238 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday 34690 727-389-4750; wowschools.org

At WOW science camp, children will learn about the Florida ecosystem through hands-on science labs and outdoor adventures. Students learn basic skills such as fishing, boating safety and animal identification. Field trip activities include snorkeling, fish sampling, kayaking and more.

Cost: $150/week Dates/Times: June 1 July 30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (camp activities 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Ages: K-8, Coed

YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG SUMMER CAMP Multiple Locations 727-895-9622; stpeteymca.org/childcare/summer-camp

Summer Day Camp at the Y is an 8-week program that integrates exercise, play, STEM-based activities, field trips and more. Children can explore their favorite interests with our Specialty Camps featuring sports, outdoor adventures, cooking and more. Pair a one-week Specialty Camp with Day Camp for a full 8-week summer of fun and exploration at the Y!

Cost/Ages: Starting at $150, ages 5-14 (Bardmoor, Jim & Heather Gills Y). Starting at $125, ages 5-12 (Childs Park Y, Lealman Exchange), Coed Dates: June 14 – Aug. 6

VISIT TAMPABAYPARENTING.COM TO VIEW OUR FULL SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY.

IS IT TYPICAL TEENAGE MOOD SWINGS, OR COULD IT BE MORE?

If you think your child may be struggling, your pediatrician can ensure they have the right support.

Mental health benefits are available through Florida KidCare.

floridakidcare.org 1-888-540-KIDS (5437) MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY JOHNS HOPKINS ALL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Prioritizing Mental During Pregnancy

Health

by Lacy Chavis, Psy.D., pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of people of all ages, but it can be especially hard on expectant mothers who are already experiencing many physical, emotional and lifestyle changes.

Women often experience a range of emotions during pregnancy, and many have at least some worries about being pregnant, giving birth and parenting. Studies show that during a typical pregnancy, maternal cortisol (stress hormone) increases, which is a normal process and critical to the development of organ systems in the fetus.

HOWEVER, THE PANDEMIC MAY AMPLIFY STRESS FOR SOME NEW OR EXPECTANT MOMS. SOME COMMON CHALLENGES INCLUDE: ● Less human interaction leaves many pregnant women feeling isolated from friends and family who normally would have helped to alleviate stress. ● To limit COVID-19 exposure, some practitioners are scheduling less frequent appointments, while others utilize telemedicine. This can be a new source of stress for pregnant women as the routine checks often ease concerns about health of mother and baby. ● Many expectant moms are feeling a sense of grief and loss at this time. Many cultures have prenatal and postnatal rituals and celebrations to celebrate pregnancy and birth of a child that may have been placed on hold, modified or canceled to minimize exposures. ● Birth plans are requiring adjustments as many facilities have altered the accommodations available such as water baths, walking around the hospital and the presence of multiple support persons.

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● Expecting parents fear separation from the baby if mom and/or partner test positive for COVID-19 at delivery.

TIPS FOR COPING WITH STRESS

If you are feeling stressed, you are not alone. It’s important to take an active approach to reducing stress with some of these tips: Be honest with yourself, your provider and partner/family because suppressing or denying negative emotions will cause them to multiply. When we numb the negative emotions, we also numb joy, happiness, love and our sense of worthiness.

Build a reliable social support network.

Although COVID-19 has made it more difficult to connect, it is not impossible with platforms that allow for audio and visual connection, such as an online or telehealth social support group.

Practice cognitive reappraisal. Recognize negative emotion to ultimately turn these into positive responses. For example, instead of saying, “All my plans are ruined,” think, “Plans change, and I can adapt.”

Practice relaxation strategies like diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation/yoga and spending time in nature.

WHEN SHOULD MOMS SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP? All women should talk with their provider about stress, anxiety and depression throughout the pregnancy and during the first year postpartum, especially if your symptoms are interfering with sleep, work, personal responsibilities or social interactions or if you feel like you are just not yourself.

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Grace

The of a Moment

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PRESENTED BY BAYCARE

by Anu Varma Panchal, photo provided by the Gonzales Family

It was a hot summer day in 2019 when Riverview residents James and Marianne Gonzales decided to take their five children, visiting nephew, and James’ parents to their community pool. Marianne and her mother-in-law took the two older kids—their son Brennan, 9, and nephew, Uriah, 8—to the lap pool. James stayed in the kiddie pool with his father and the four little ones: Caiden (3), Asher (2), Dakota (3) and Breanna (4).

The couple had come to the pool often and knew the drill.

They did head counts. If a child wandered from one parent to the other, they had a system to signal the handoff so one parent had an eye on the child at all times.

Caiden was sitting on a deck chair in timeout when Asher and Dakota got into an altercation. James turned his attention to them for seconds to tell them to cut it out.

When he turned around, Caiden was gone.

James scanned the area, heart in his mouth. He leaped up on to the deck and to his horror, saw Caiden beneath him in four feet of water, struggling silently. Though the pool area was packed with neighbors, not one person had seen the little boy fall in and sink to the bottom. It took James a moment to jump in and pull him out. An X-Ray and CT Scan technician at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, James immediately put Caiden on his knee and began CPR. It felt like forever, but Caiden eventually coughed up water and sat up. He looked at his father and said, “Daddy, I was calling for you to help me.”

“I lost it,” the devastated James says today. “I was beside myself. He was my responsibility and I damn near let him drown.”

It was the simplest of accidents, one that could happen to anybody. For the Gonzales family, the story had a happy ending, but it took time to heal. Caiden was scared of the pool for months, and as for James and Marianne, they slept beside their son in his room for the next five nights to ensure he had none of the signs of secondary drowning—f luid in the lungs, lethargic behavior, fever or hoarseness in his voice.

Even after it became clear that Caiden was fine, James continued to feel depressed and often had nightmares. One thing that helped him recover from the situation was Marianne’s support.

The second thing? Doubling up on water safety measures.

“Even with us being proactive, we managed to lose a moment and almost lost a child,” Marianne says. “We grew up thinking drowning is f lailing in the water. People don’t know how silent drowning is.”

The couple hired an instructor from Angelfish Swim School in Valrico to come to their house and teach all the kids to swim confidently. They repeat lessons annually. They do frequent head checks and “voice checks” to make sure all five children are accounted for. One of them wears a bracelet with a whistle on it at all times when around the pool, and that person is the designated water watcher. They have alarms on their doors and locks on their fences. And they want everyone to know that drowning is quick, silent and can happen to anyone. “When they say it happens fast, they’re not kidding,” says James.

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WATER SAFETY TIPS FROM BAYCARE KIDS WELLNESS AND SAFETY SPECIALIST MICHELLE STERLING: WATCH kids in and around water without being distracted not just in pools, but also in ponds, lakes, rivers and the sea.

Open water has currents, drop-offs and visibility changes that can confuse a swimmer.

CHOOSE one adult to be the water watcher who keeps a constant, undistracted eye on the children in the water. Rotate this position at intervals among the adults present.

TEACH children to swim and refresh muscle memory annually with swim lessons until you are confident. BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialists teach water safety classes to preschool children at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County. Visit familysupporthc.org for more information on water safety classes available at your local resource center.

SECURE Secure your pool area with pool fences that have self-closing gates and secure locks. Install door alarms to alert you if a child exits the house, and make sure the alarms work.

EMPTY out any kiddie pools, buckets, planters or any other receptacle in which water can collect. Toddlers are top heavy and can drown in as little as one inch of water.

PUT AWAY any pool toys, noodles, f loats and balls that may linger in your pool to prevent little ones from reaching in to get a toy.

LEARN CPR. BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialists teach a CPR and First Aid class at Children’s Board Family Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County. Visit familysupporthc.org for information on CPR classes available at your local resource center.

Lastly, if you are ever in the position of having to SEARCH for a missing child, whether they’ve been gone for a few minutes or a few hours, always look in water first. Search the pool and any nearby body of water before you look within your house.

COARSE FACIAL FEATURES

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS COARSE FACIAL FEATURES

RESPIRATORY VALVE SYMPTOMS COARSE FACIAL DISEASE FEATURES

TYMPANOSTOMY

OTITIS MEDIA

HEARING

ENLARGED RESPIRATORY VALVE LIVER/SPLEEN AND DISEASE SYMPTOMS ABDOMINAL HERNIA

ENLARGED VALVE DEVELOPMENTAL LIVER/SPLEEN AND

ABDOMINAL HERNIA

ENLARGED LIVER/SPLEEN ABDOMINAL HERNIA

ENLARGED KYPHOSIS/ LIVER/SPLEEN ABDOMINAL SCOLIOSIS HERNIA

CURLED FINGERS

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME CURLED FINGERS

CARPAL TUNNEL ADENOIDECTOMY/ SYNDROME CURLED DUE ADENOTONSILLECTOMY FINGERS TO CHRONIC INFECTION

TYMPANOSTOMY

OTITIS MEDIA TYMPANOSTOMY

OTITIS HEARING MEDIA TYMPANOST LOSS

FACIAL BEHAVIOURAL SKELETAL ENLARGED CARPAL TUNNEL ABDOMINAL OTITIS ENLARGED COARSE KYPHOSIS/ ADENOIDECTOMY/ HEARING HERNIA FEATURES PROBLEMSMEDIA SYMPTOMS TONGUE SYNDROME LIVER/SPLEEN SCOLIOSIS ADENOTONSILLECTOMY DUE LOSS TO CHRONIC INFECTION

SKELETAL KYPHOSIS/ SURGICAL SYMPTOMS

RESPIRATORY ENLARGED MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com 67 SYMPTOMS LIVER/SPLEEN BEHAVIOURAL ENLARGED ADENOIDECTOMY/ PROBLEMS HEARING DEVELOPMENT TONGUE

A SIGHT TO SEE:

Providing Clear Vision for Success for Every Child

by Laura Byrne, photos provided by Glazer Vision Foundation

“With the gift of vision, anything is possible.” - Malcolm Glazer These eight powerful words by Malcolm Glazer, late patriarch of the Glazer family, speak a truth that research has proven: Clear vision plays a vital role in a child’s education and success in life.

It’s estimated that as many as one in four children has a vision impairment and one in five cannot afford an eye exam. For the Glazer family, that’s one child too many. Healthy vision was personal for Glazer, who attributed his own success in life to the first pair of glasses he received as a child. Addressing vision struggles among children became the mission of the Glazer Vision Foundation, which was created more than 15 years ago to ensure that every child has access to an eye exam and glasses if needed.

As we recognize Healthy Vision Month in May, it’s a reminder to families to schedule a comprehensive eye exam not only for their children, but themselves. This is also a time you and the family can get involved in the Glazer Vision Foundation’s important mission—and have fun while you’re doing it. Check out how a selfie and even an Instagram filter help put a child on a path to success.

ART FOR GOOD: The Tampa Bay community loves and embraces art, which is why the Glazer Vision Foundation is using this visual medium to help raise awareness about the vision issues impacting chil­d ren that often go undetected. But it’s not just artwork to see…it’s art to experience and share.

THE SUPER-SIZED GLASSES AND MURAL: You may have seen colorful, largerthan-life glasses popping up all around town. They’ll be at the Florida Aquarium through May 14 and then at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from May 14 to June 4. If you spot them, take a moment to snap a selfie and share on social media with #OneShareOnePair and tag @glazervisionfdn, and the foundation will provide a child with a free eye exam and glasses!

You can do the same at the Glasses for All Children mural at Armature Works. The Insta-worthy mural greets you as you walk to the building from the parking lot. Stay tuned, because another mural is in the works in St. Pete.

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THE MOBILE VISION CLINIC The Glazer Vision Foundation’s Mobile Vision Clinic brings doctors and nurses to kids in our community and has made visits to 60 Title 1 schools. The children receive an eye screening and exam if needed. Even better, the on-board lens lab puts a pair of glasses right into the hands of children before they head home for the day­— all at no charge. Pretty cool.

Want to share right now?

There’s a filter for that.

Who doesn’t love a really cool filter? We know kids do! Head over to @glazervisionfdn and tap on the smiley face icon to try the filter that will give you a selection of cool glasses and colors to choose from. Our editor Laura Byrne gave it a try! Be sure to share with #OneShareOnePair and tag @glazervisionfdn and, just like with the other pics, they’ll provide a child with a free eye exam and glasses.

LEARN MORE: WWW.GLAZERVISIONFOUNDATION.ORG

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To date, the foundation has provided local children with 100,000+ eye screenings and 20,000+ glasses and counting. With interesting art tie-ins and initiatives such as bringing their Mobile Vision Clinic with an onboard lens lab to schools, museums and community events, the Glazer Vision Foundation is stepping into the breach.

To date, the Glazer Vision Foun dation has provide d 100,000+ EY E SCREENING S 20,000+ GLA SSES to local chil dren.

!

W E N

Quit tobacco with virtual Group Quit.

There’s never been a more important time to quit.

Free, expert-led virtual sessions are now available for all Florida residents, regardless of insurance status. Participants are also eligible to receive free nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.* For more information on virtual Group Quit sessions, contact:

813-974-7889

*if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Learn more about all of Tobacco Free Florida’s tools and services at tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

AHEC Logo MAY 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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.com #TAMPABAYPARENTING Articles Th i n g s t o D o Guides +More

what's trending...

Best Beaches in Tampa Bay

including how to have the perfect day on America's top beach, St. Pete Beach.

10+ Florida Springs Your Family Needs to Explore:

Crystal River, photo by Maggie Rodriguez

We're sharing our top picks of natural Florida springs within driving distance of Tampa Bay.

Scalloping Season: Scalloping season kicks off in Tampa Bay in July. Find out what to expect and how to book your adventure now.

Find the Perfect Summer Camp:

ONLY IN FLORIDA ADVENTURES TO EXPERIENCE TOGETHER

Our Favorite Tampa Bay Area MOMfluencers We're growing our list of our favorite moms to follow who are keeping it real and sharing bright ideas, like Kiva Williams of @thefunfoodiemama who is sharing some fun Mother's Day ideas. Scan the QR code to see the list.

Gatorland Orlando

Beyond the world-renowned beaches, year-round sunshine and pleasant weather, countless Florida adventures await that can only be enjoyed in the Sunshine State.

It’s that time of year again to research and book a summer camp for the kids!

Our directory includes something for every child’s interests. We even have a new digital magazine you can explore!

St. Pete Beach

Follow along with us for inside looks of fun things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay; behind-thescenes, sneek peeks and more.

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