May 2018

tampabayparenting.com

MAY 2018

y a D s ' r e o rie s , Moitrh ing st insp as gift ide ORE !

AND M

WATE R SAFET Y

advice from the YMCA

PL AY ALL DAY

growing young minds

TE ACH E R G IFTS

SESAME STREET ® Kids' Weekends at Busch Gardens

2018

SUMMER CAMP guide

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 1

READ ON THE GO! Powered by myON

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Read on Every child in Hillsborough County has FREE access to: • 6,000+ enhanced digital books • 24/7 online and offline reading • graphic novels, picture books, chapter books and so much more!

Register for this FREE digital library by going to www.childrensboard.org and following the myON link.

Enter for a chance to win prizes!

Prizes include, but are not limited to:

4-pack family tickets to: • Glazer Children’s Museum • The Florida Aquarium • ZooTampa at Lowry Park • And more!! funding provided by

2 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Monsters Don’t Have to Be Scary.

Neither Do Hospitals.

The hospital can be a scary place for anyone, especially children.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, we do our best to comfort parents and children, and ease their fears. Our nursing teams, physicians and specialists ensure that our patients receive exceptional care in surroundings designed just for kids.

Visit StJoesKids.org to learn more about us and our friends, the UnMonsters.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 3 18-330218-0218

Contents / May 2018

SECTIONS 8

10 11 13 14 16

LIFE + HOME

Eckerd Connects 5 reasons to foster a child

MOTHER'S DAY special section

A Mother's Resilience Dance toward healing Guest Editor The adoption option Diaper Bank The Junior League of Tampa's project benefits the community Moms Demand Action Making reforms happen Empowering Women Build your tribe with Know Tampa Bay

21

EDUCATION

49

Summer of Fun 5 traits that make great camp counselors Early Learning Play all day Sensory Story Time Library program for kids with autism Water Safety Keeping kids safe in and around the water Charm School Gifts teachers will love

56

Cryotherapy Freezing for good health

29 32 45

58 61

62 64 66

68 71

66

HEALTH + WELLNESS

FOOD + DRINK

Tradewinds Resort Eat, drink, shop and learn Date Night Guide Upscale date night that won't break the bank

BEAUTY + STYLE

Runway Translator A wish for mothers

FAMILY FUN

Park City Family Style Start planning your next spring break on the slopes Busch Gardens Sesame Street® Safari of Fun Kids' Weekends return to Busch Gardens

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Top Picks Events to enjoy during the month of May Around Town Highlights from the community

14

62

FEATURE

22

64

ON THE COVER

HAPPY CAMPERS Your guide to area summer camps.

Find the best places and experiences for your kids this summertime.

Cover kid Skylar, 3, at Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens READ MORE ON PAGE 66.

Cover image by Darlene Barlows Photography darlenebarlowsphotography.com

4 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 5

Guest editor note

GUEST EDITOR Jesse Miller

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Anu Varma Panchal

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

A SALUTE TO

SUPERMOMS

Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jesse Miller Anu Varma Panchal Danielle Bayard Jackson Courtney Cairns Pastor Dr. Steve Knobl Michelle Bremer Anna Tataris DeJesus Tara Payor, Ph.D. Caroline Foss Jennifer Hodges Lalita Llerena Sarah Stoulil Rosie Raggio Julianne Hendrickson Julie Tingley

CALENDAR

Sarah Stoulil Brianna Althaus

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Page Four Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darlene Barlows Photography Red Canary Photography Theresa NeSmith Photography

In 14 years with the Heart Gallery of Tampa, I’ve met many remarkable moms. Extraordinary moms.

Unsung-hero-moms. Moms without capes, but an extra diaper, a snack and perhaps a faint, crusted and unidentifiable food smudge on their blazer as they whisk off to work.

These days we have come to recognize and celebrate the various configurations of what constitutes a family, and they are as different as your mom’s meatloaf recipe is from mine.

This Mother’s Day issue, I’ve been given the opportunity to remind readers of an alternative route to motherhood.

Adopting from foster care isn’t (always) easy. I’m sure you’ve heard a horror story or two. But the Heart Gallery has helped over 500 local children find loving, permanent families and provided many happy beginnings.

In this issue I’ll share with you an inspiring tale of a super mother-daughter duo who recently found space in their hearts and homes for nine siblings.

The driving philosophy of the Heart Gallery is simple: Every child deserves love. Children find

themselves living in foster care through no fault of their own, and many have experienced trauma and abuse. Even for me, it’s still difficult to put myself in their shoes.

No child’s future is set in stone, but for foster children, the odds are stacked against them. The nurturing, or lack thereof, can be the defining factor in whether a child thrives or becomes a statistic in our foster-child-to-prison highway.

I believe the welfare of these children is the responsibility of us all, but there are a heroic few doing the really hard work. And, in celebration of all you amazing moms (and dads!), I’m honored to share one of these stories with you.

Moms, I say to you: your. love. is. everything. I wish you all a happy Mother’s Day. The kind that comes with a long bath (alone) or an unprompted hug from your teenager.

JESSE MILLER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HEART GALLERY OF TAMPA

INTERN

Brianna Althaus

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

Read the inspiring story of these siblings.

BECOME A FAN AT:

tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

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.

6 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Photos by Red Canary Photography

MORE ON

THE HEART GALLERY OF TAMPA ON PAGE 11 AND 12

What Parents Talk About When They Talk About Learning: A National Survey About Young Children and Science

99%

of parents

want to be involved in their child’s education

85%

of parents

say their children will not learn everything they need to know in school

A new survey asked parents about their attitudes, beliefs and practices related to early learning and early science learning.

7 out of 10 parents

say having ideas for doing science with everyday materials would help them do a lot more science at home

edc.org/what-parents-talk-about

Visit pbs.org/parents for ways to make learning part of your everyday routine. Sign up for the WEDU EdConnect monthly e-newsletter at wedu.org/subscribe to learn about upcoming events, workshops, educational resources, parenting tips and more!

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 7

SPONSORED

LIFE + HOME | ECKERD CONNECTS

REASONS

to foster a child

By Danielle Bayard Jackson, Eckerd Connects Senior Staff Writer

T

here are thousands of children in the Tampa Bay area who have experienced trauma but have no family to turn to.

Fortunately, there is a force of change making an impact in the lives of these children every day: foster parents. Since May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, we are highlighting the need for more champions by listing the top five reasons you should considering fostering a child (or two):

1

THE CHILDREN NEED YOU.

When young people are removed from their homes due to substance abuse, domestic violence or neglect, they often feel anxious and abandoned. Foster parents step in to offer a home where they feel loved and heard. Your patience and willingness to listen can help a child begin his or her journey toward healing. You have the chance to be a real difference-maker during a time when children need a loving adult with whom they can work through their trauma.

Eckerd Connects is a national private nonprofit that operates locally in the Tampa Bay area, and the organization’s placement specialists work to match incoming children with a foster home that is just right for them. As you support the children, the organization’s team supports you.

8 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

2

THE CHILDREN’S PARENTS NEED YOU.

Having a child taken away is difficult for everyone involved. Biological parents feel ashamed, angry, scared and frustrated. During the mandated separation, these parents have to meet certain conditions to reunify with their children.

The biological parents often want the reassurance that their children, although removed from their personal care, are with safe and loving homes while they take the necessary steps to be together again.

Foster parents provide that peace of mind.

Many “bio parents” are also allowed visits with their children, which allows you to serve as a support system (and sometimes an example). That collaboration and partnership help build a stronger family, and stronger families make for strong communities.

3

YOUR OWN KIDS WILL LEARN COMPASSION.

Working with foster kids is challenging and rewarding—for everyone in the home. If you have your own children, they will have a daily opportunity to watch patience and kind-heartedness at work. Joining you as you work with a young foster child can serve as a firsthand lesson in empathy and understanding.

“When I went to my daughter’s school for parentteacher conference night, her teachers told me that they couldn’t believe how compassionate she was for her age,” says Alicia Novell, foster parent and

licensing specialist with A Door of Hope. “That is the greatest compliment as a parent, and I know it’s because of the patience and understanding that we have to show at home every time we bring in new babies.”

4

IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR RESOURCES.

5

YOU WILL MAKE A DIRECT IMPACT ON YOUR COMMUNITY.

Opening your home is a chance to share the blessings you have with children who go without— food, attention and proper housing all may have been lacking in their homes. To foster, you can be single or married, a renter or homeowner. As long as you are at least 21 years old, have adequate sleeping space, can demonstrate stable income, and pass a background check, you can qualify to foster. Beyond these requirements, all that is needed is a heart for children and a home full of love.

With nearly 4,581 children in out-of-home care in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties, there is an opportunity for the community to come together and answer the call for help. Although there is a high number of children entering foster care (due to physical abuse, substance abuse or neglect), the number of those becoming foster parents is not increasing as quickly. Our children are our collective responsibility, and providing a safe haven makes an impact on both the child and the overall Tampa Bay community.

MORE D N A S A IES, IDE R O T S G INSPIRIN l l for

m o M a

MOTHERS HOLD THEIR CHILDREN’S HANDS FOR A SHORT WHILE, BUT THEIR HEARTS FOREVER.

-Unknown

Skylar and mom Jasmine stroll through Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 9

A MOTHER'S RESILIENCE

ONE DANCER OVERCOMES CHALLENGES

By Tara Payor, Ph.D.

T

here are a few people in my life that I find deeply inspirational.

Janet Claire Trapuzzano is one of them.

Growing up, Trapuzzano lived for dance. Her raw talent and stage presence were undeniable—her fouette turns powerful. She was one of 50 chosen out of 5,000 to attend Florida State University’s dance program, and also earned a place on FSU’s Golden Girls dance team.

Planning to move to New York to dance, Trapuzzano began to schedule auditions in New York City as graduation neared.

A TURN

On Dec. 18, 2001, Janet was in a car accident that severed her left arm. “I was single and suddenly not whole,” Trapuzzano says. “It may

10 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

sound vain, but all amputees I’ve spoken with have similar thoughts.”

Afterwards, she returned to Tampa and after a particularly emotionally trying week, chose to pick herself up and move on with life. She graduated from FSU and got back into the dance studio.

Trapuzzano gets emotional remembering her return to her second home, Elsa Pardo Dance center in Tampa: “Everyone in the studio cried.

I cried through the entire class. But, that first class catapulted the healing of my mind and heart.” Dancing was the thing that always filled her with peace and stepping into that first class, despite the unknown, paved a path to recovery: “Dancing started my process of becoming whole again.”

TAKING STEPS

Trapuzzano started teaching dance again. She landed a spot dancing for Willa Ford, and she became one of the top 17 girls on “So You Think You Can Dance.” “I wore long sleeves to auditions because I wanted to be chosen for my talent, not my story.”

Trapuzzano is direct with her kids about the adversity she’s faced and the choice she makes not to dwell and complain. “I tell them that anything is possible, how proud I am of them, and that, no matter what, they are going to succeed.” Her 4-year-old son asks questions, knows about the accident, and knows what to do when his mom tells him to “run upstairs and grab my arm.” She has about seven prosthetic arms, all with different functions and aesthetics.

Trapuzzano’s professional life has also nurtured her healing. As an orthobiologic sales specialist, she shares her story with other amputees.

“Being an amputee requires being comfortable with yourself, and I share that with patients.” She has found that people aren’t uncomfortable approaching her because she doesn’t make it uncomfortable: “I encourage patients, and even parents at our kids’ school, to ask questions.” A successful entrepreneur, she and her husband recently bought Pine Lake Nursery and model for their kids how to get stuff done: “We wouldn’t be where we are without each other.”

The family’s success, personally and professionally, is built on a positive mindset: “I’ve learned that adaptability is key. How we choose to treat one outcome affects the next decision.” While she doesn’t deny having low points after her accident, she understands the mind’s power and encourages, “Pick yourself up and surround yourself with positive people.”

Prosthetics are classified as durable medical equipment, and this limits amputees’ access to them. Trapuzzano has worked with lobbyists to increase amputees’ financial rights.

Each day, we make choices— choices about our perspective, what we do with our time, and with whom we share ourselves. Trapuzzano’s story illustrates the good that can come from choosing to see the possible, choosing resiliency and to take the first steps, and choosing to dance your way through getting stuff done.

TAKE A LOOK

Learn more about the Amputee Coalition: amputee-coalition.org Watch Janet on So You Think You Can Dance youtube.com/ watch?v=LNCfwUlt1No

GUEST EDITOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION WHO CAN ADOPT? There are no restrictions based on race, marital status or sexual orientation. You must be 21 and pass certain background screenings. All foster kids are different, with a variety of unique needs; this means they need all different types of families, too.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT? Nada. There is no cost to adopt from foster care.

HOW MANY KIDS ARE IN FOSTER CARE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY? 2,900. About 250 are available for adoption.

Eight siblings featured in a Heart Gallery social media post caught the eye of Loryn Smith.

Photo by Red Canary Photography

the

adoption option

DOES THE STATE PROVIDE ANY ADOPTION BENEFITS? Children adopted from foster care receive a tuition waiver for in-state college and Medicaid benefits.

Additional support is provided for children with ongoing needs.

WHEN LOVE HAS NINE LIVES

Photo by Red Canary Photography

By Jesse Miller, Tampa Bay Heart Gallery

R

emember your last holiday family photo shoot? How many clicks did it take to get the baby and the dog to look at the camera?

Imagine being a Heart Gallery photographer, tasked with capturing the unique personality of a foster child they’ve never met. Now multiply that by eight and you can begin to understand the struggle and triumph of photographer Daniel Wallace.

You never know what might be happening in a foster child’s world on any particular day, or what traumatic circumstances they have been forced to cope with in their young lives. But our patient and talented photographers usually prevail, and these images are added to touring exhibits, our website and social media with the hope that they draw the attention of a potential adoptive mom or dad. It’s a simple concept and one that really works. For 15 years, the Heart Gallery of Tampa has successfully recruited hundreds of adoptive families this way.

A perfect example is this winning image featuring eight children ages 1-14 with identical vivacious brown eyes. About 80 percent of all local foster child inquiries begin with the Heart Gallery, so it’s not all that unusual that Loryn Smith, 58, discovered the eight siblings through a Heart Gallery social media post and

Peggy Smith cuddles with one of her newly adopted daughters.

continued next page MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 11

GUEST EDITOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION HOW LONG DOES THE ADOPTION PROCESS TAKE? Orientation to finalization can take anywhere from 6-9 months, varying mostly by how open the family is to different types of children. Matching a child with a family can be a lengthy process, somewhat on purpose to ensure a positive match for both the child and family and to avoid emotionally traumatic disruptions. We've seen adoptions occur as quickly as 3.5 months and some take well over a year.

HOW OLD ARE THE CHILDREN WAITING TO BE ADOPTED? Although it varies greatly, the majority of children are between the ages of 8-17 years old. Younger children are often part of larger sibling groups to be adopted together or have specialized needs.

WHOM DO I CONTACT TO START THE PROCESS? The Heart Gallery of Tampa at 813-314-2021. Based on the information you provide, we’ll get you started on the next steps.

12 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Photo by Red Canary Photography

Peggy Smith plays with younger siblings.

then shared it. Having fostered over 100 children eight lives became nine when the bio mom gave (yes, you read that correctly), Loryn is somewhat of a birth to another child. And so, Loryn and her celebrity in the local adoption scene. husband took the eldest five and Peggy and Jacob Her experience led her to worry there would be have the youngest four. no one family, no matter how well-equipped or Peggy and mother-in-law Loryn are relaxed and experienced, that would be able to raise so many easy-going when I steal an hour of their valuable children, as each would time to chat about their Photo by Jesse Miller Photography certainly require specialized recent and unique attention and healing. adventures in parenting.

Loryn’s son, Jacob, who is Peggy has long, blonde recently married, replied to hair and a warm, relaxed the post and, perhaps spitsmile that is wise beyond balling the idea, suggested her years. Loryn is coming that if no one family would from a tough day at court, be able to help, perhaps they and with her matching could take on the challenge leopard print sweater together. He proposed they and handbag, she’s the each take in half the group, epitome of a successful so they could be raised in business woman. She’s a a large, closely-connected no-nonsense, quick-witted loving family. woman with a Zen-like Peggy Smith and mother-in-law Loryn Smith This is how Peggy Smith, insight to children that is 28, became a first-time mom admirable and often funny. to four young children. As it sometimes happens,

HERE ARE A FEW OF THEIR INSIGHTS ABOUT MOTHERHOOD AND ADOPTION J.M.: What surprised you most about being a mom?

Peggy: I just didn’t know I could love anyone that much.

The depth of their dependence on me and my responsibility for them immediately translated to love. Adoption gave my life such a genuine sense of purpose. Being a mom has taught me that I’m so much stronger than I realized.

Loryn: I was surprised how immediately I could love a child I did not give birth to. I was 19 years old when I adopted for the first time and he got the only love I ever knew how to give as a mother. I gave birth to my next child and it honestly never felt any different. Even with my teens.

J.M.: For potential-parent readers, can you help address some common fears about adoption?

Peggy: Hard isn’t bad. Hard changes everyone, but it’s completely worth it. Adoption is a difficult process all the way through, but I’ve found so much more love and strength than I even knew I had. I feel that God called me to adopt and therefore God gives me the strength to be a good mom.

Loryn: Adoption is not the struggle. The struggle is in the trauma these children have faced through no fault of their own. Trauma significantly impacts the brain and child development, so we’ve got to be educated as parents to accept

that their behaviors stem from actual trauma they suffered as children. Another common fear is that adoption will negatively impact their other children. But adoption is the best gift I ever gave to my biological children.

It taught them compassion, patience and tolerance. It made them better people who have learned to genuinely love others, in spite of behaviors they don’t really like.

J.M.: For readers considering adoption, what advice would you give them?

Peggy: Don’t take things too personally. Try to remember these children are in a healing process. They will lash out and test your love. It’s only natural considering how many times they’ve been failed by other adults. Also, you can learn a lot from other adoptive parents, so spend time with them to be better prepared. Of course, I’ve got the best family coach in the world! (Indicating Loryn, who has raised 20 children, five biological and 15 adopted.) Also, “love heals all” is a beautiful idea, but it’s not exhaustive.

Jacob and I are learning when to show mercy and forgiveness for some behaviors and when to demonstrate loving discipline.

Loryn: Don’t do it because you want to be a hero. Do it because you are willing to partner with that child on their journey, try to meet them where they are at.

And, don’t put your expectations

on them. Every child has a different story. My job as a mother is to help them uncover that story and support (push or drag) them to their own destiny.

I find that if I stick to this role, and not try to manipulate the outcomes, there’s a sense of overall peace even in a chaotic household. It’s natural for new moms to need feedback, to know they are doing a good job, but as an adoptive mom and a therapist, I’ve learned to not need a lot from parenting.

J.M.: What does self-care look like for you?

Peggy: Once a week I hang out with friends, maybe a weekly run. I’m pretty low-maintenance.

If I’m wearing matching socks and they belong to me, I’m winning.

Loryn: I’m winning if I’m wearing clean underwear that belongs to me. I enjoy getting my nails done and shopping, but really just a quick phone call with a friend and I’m good to go.

J.M.: What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?

Peggy: Everything! I love their smiles and tucking them in at night.

Loryn: My husband and I believe that every child deserves to grow up in a family.

I love seeing a child realize that someone wants them and, regardless of their behavior, wants to keep them.

DIAPER BANK

invest in the bank

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TAMPA DIAPER BANK BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY

Caroline Foss and 21-month-old son Artie help fill the car with donated diaper items to deliver to Champions for Children.

FROM LEFT: Jenna Pullara, Diaper Program Coordinator for Champions for Children; Liz Kennedy, Champions for Children Community Liaison; Caroline Foss, The Junior League of Tampa Committee Chair; and Isabel Dewey, President-elect of The Junior League of Tampa.

By Caroline Foss

L

ast month, The Junior League of Tampa members and supporters donated more than 1,000 diapers to Champions for Children’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events. Many daycares require parents to provide five clean, disposable diapers per day, so making diapers available allows parents to attend work and school and children to receive early childhood education. The Junior League is honored to be able to serve our community by helping to close the diaper gap and to support organizations like Champions for Children, who is tireless in its pursuit of improving the lives of parents and children in Hillsborough County.

To help the Junior League, email diaperbank@jltampa.org.

FACTS ABOUT DIAPER NEED

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant clean, dry and healthy.

• Affects 1 in 3 families in the United States • The cost to diaper one child is $70-$80 per month • No government safety net program provides diapers for babies • You cannot purchase diapers under WIC or SNAP • Diaper banks provide assistance to more than ¼ million infants and toddlers each month

Pinellas County has an established diaper bank called BabyCycle Diaper Bank. Visit babycyclefl.org.

To learn more about diaper need, visit nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

MOMS DEMAND ACTION

Action packed

Members of Moms Demand Action traveled to Tallahassee in 2017 to take part in Advocacy Day.

By Anu Varma Panchal

MOMS DEMAND ACTION — AND THEY'RE MAKING IT HAPPEN

W

endy Malloy would like you to take a hard look at some numbers: 96. That’s the number of Americans killed every day by gun violence.

50. That’s the number of women shot and killed every month by their current or former intimate partners.

25. The rate by which America’s gun homicide rate is higher than that of the other high income countries.

And yet, Malloy, leader for the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense Tampa group, is hopeful.

“I do believe there has been a sea change,” says Malloy. “We’ve made progress in three years. We’re in every state house. We’ve become a counterweight to the NRA and the gun lobby. We have passed laws in at least 25 states and Washington D.C. to help keep guns away from domestic abusers.”

Moms Demand Action was founded five years ago by an Indiana mother, Shannon Watts, in anguished response to the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut. The organization soon joined forces with Mayors Against Illegal Guns—today Everytown for Gun Safety—and with every subsequent highly-publicized mass shooting, the group has experienced an upsurge in membership. Today, membership hovers at 4

14 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

ABOVE: Erin Wiley, Rep. Kathy Castor, Justin Diaz and Wendy Malloy at Tampa's March For Our Lives event.

LEFT:

million, and the number of groups in Florida alone has doubled.

“We are sort of the fighting warriors on the ground,” says Malloy. “We are happy to have more people join us, and heartbroken for the reason. My greatest joy would be to have a day when we no longer have to exist.”

With a three-pronged strategy of education and awareness, safety and legislation, the group frames the debate in terms of gun violence as a public health crisis, and looks to hold candidates and leaders accountable.

“At any state house in the country, you will see us in our red shirts in support of good common sense legislation dealing with gun violence,” says Malloy. She’s relieved that for the “first time in decades, Florida has

passed meaningful gun reform legislation. We support it with the exception of arming school personnel. We vehemently oppose that piece.

Our intention is to go district to district to urge every school board to opt out.”

There’s one misconception that Malloy wants to dispel. Moms Demand Action is not against the second amendment. In fact, many members of the group own guns and some are members of the NRA. The group just wants common sense measures in place that dictate who can have a gun, how they are regulated and where they can carry firearms.

“Our solutions go hand in hand with the second amendment,” says Malloy. “This is not partisan. It’s a public health issue.”

At The Portico in downtown Tampa, activists sported "Wear Orange" shirts to show support for Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 2, 2017.

RIGHT: Volunteers check in attendees at the Portico in downtown Tampa during the Gun Violence Awareness Day workshop.

1

Visit momsdemandaction. org or text READY to 644-33 to stay in the loop about upcoming events, legislative items and calls to action.

2

Younger activists can join up with Students Demand Action, which is modeled after the adult organization and has access to the same tools and technology.

3

Follow Everytown for Gun Safety’s #throwthemout campaign which asks you to (1) pledge to vote for gun safety, (2) Follow the NRA money, (3) Register to vote and make sure your friends are too, and (4) Get candidates on the record about their record.

4

Check out “Our Lives, Our Votes”—a brand new initiative

by Everytown, NextGen America and Giffords—that has pledged $1.5 million to register up to 50,000 Americans ages 18-19 for mid-term elections and even preregister 16 and 17-year-olds where it is legal.

Florida is one of the 10 states targeted for the initiative.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR MAY 19—Come meet the Moms Demand Action team at Safe & Sound Hillsborough’s event, the 2018 Safe Summit Hillsborough. The day of workshops, community conversations and performances by local talent will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hillsborough High School.

JUNE 2—Show your support of Gun Violence Awareness Day by wearing orange and heading to The Portico in downtown Tampa for an afternoon of family-friendly events to raise awareness of gun violence. Look to Tampa’s skyline the night before: Several high-profile buildings will turn orange to show the city’s support for the cause.

FAR LEFT:

Wendy Malloy leads the Moms Demand Action group during Tampa's March For Our Lives.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 15

EMPOWERING WOMEN

A

s a native Floridian, I have called several Sunshine State cities home. Now in my lucky seventh year in Tampa, I’ve never felt more grounded and more ready to do something for the community of women here who have become family.

After spending 15 years as an award-winning sales representative in the medical industry, I stepped away from my career to stay home with my oldest daughter, Ella, in her infancy. When I attempted to re-enter my field at the same level for comparable pay, I struggled in my search. I was told that the gap on my resume demonstrated a lack of commitment to my career, and that because of the time that had passed, my customer relationships were not relevant. I was finally hired by a company that was willing to overlook my absence from the field, but the pay was lower and the geography was huge.

Shortly after I became pregnant with my second daughter, I was recognized for my sales performance and account acquisitions. The award came with a note from a vice president expressing his appreciation for my ability to excel despite the “extra weight I was carrying.” I knew that day that I would not be returning after my baby was born, and that something had to change.

I took 18 months off to spend time with my second daughter, Kate. It was the happiest and hardest time, and not because “momming” is hard, because we all know that’s a given! The hardest part was knowing that my time in a male-dominated field had passed. With the responsibility of these two precious girls, I had begun the most important job I could ever land, and I was only just beginning. The outside struggle I was met with when I chose them would not be a struggle they would ever know. I was sure the future could be better and I had the power to make it so. When I learned about the KNOW Tribe with the vision and movement behind it, I found exactly what I wanted for Tampa, for myself and for my two little girls.

As the KNOW Tampa Ambassador, I have partnered with a publisher out of Phoenix, Arizona, to bring both a coffee table style book and the KNOW Tribe to our beautiful city.

The perfectly bound collection of carefully curated pages with the dynamic community that forms from it breathes life into the ideals of “women empowering women,” “collaboration over competition,” and, when given the choice, KNOWing which female-run business and women leaders to support and celebrate. This is the type of community I want my girls to witness. This movement provides a foundation of the values I want them to learn. It’s just like Oprah said: “I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon.”

To learn more, contact Tingley at knowtampabay@gmail.com or visit knowpublications.com.

16 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Women Empowering Women BUILD YOUR TRIBE WITH KNOW TAMPA BAY

By Julie Tingley, KNOW Tampa Ambassador

At GCM, your little learners imagine, discover, and connect to the world around them. Register your kids to play with purpose and embrace curiosity this Summer at Camp Imagination!

FOR CAMPERS AGES 5-10

With imaginative themes, there is a camp for every kid! Find dates, themes, and details at GlazerMuseum.org/camps

SUMMER CAMP!

June 4-August 3, 8:30am-5pm $265 a week | Members Save 15%

BOOK TODAY!

AND MORE!

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, PLAYTIMES GLAZERMUSEUM.ORG/EVENTS

ART

SCIENCE

THEATER

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 17

S UU MMM- E R

CAMP 7701 22nd Ave N,St. Petersburg

May 28 – Aug 10, 2018

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF SUMMER THROUGH DISCOVERY AND FUN!

CAMP PRICES: $180-$240 per camp/per child CONTACT US AND DISCOVER ALL THAT OUR CAMPS HAVE TO OFFER!

REGISTER ONLINE AT:

HTTP://WWW.SCIENCECENTEROFPINELLAS.ORG/YOUTH/

18 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Themed camps are available for grades K-8, featuring hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! Your child can sharpen their academic skills in a fun, supportive learning environment free of stress and pressure. In addition to fun learning experiences, our camps also offer before and after care hours for your convenience (camps go from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and provide free lunch for our campers.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 19

Where everyone has a great time!

7 Weeks of Options: June 11 – July 27, 2018 100 full- and half-day camps Ages PreK3-high school Before- and after-care

Located on Corbett Prep's beautiful campus in North Tampa!

Outdoor

Field Trips

S.T.E.A.M.

Performing & Visual Arts

Academic

World Languages

Athletics

And So Much More!

Sign up today!

(813) 961-3087 CAMPIDS@corbettprep.com 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa, FL www.corbettprep.com 20 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

SPONSORED

SUMMER OF FUN | EDUCATION

summer of fun 5 TRAITS THAT MAKE GREAT CAMP COUNSELORS

teacher or professional in that field. Counselors in training work with the lead counselor, assuming duties and responsibilities based on how much experience they have. Rising ninth graders are matched with these assistant counselors as volunteers in training, allowing them to learn on the job from mentors. As counselors gain experience, their privileges increase, and they earn the right to take on more complicated duties, an incentive to return to the job each year.

INITIATIVE With more than 100 camps, CAMP IDS buzzes with activity all summer. Every employee plays a part to ensure camp runs smoothly. Counselors need to be proactive and look for ways to provide excellent customer service to students and parents within their camp session and for the camp as a whole. Counselor assistants and volunteers must know the campers and camp well enough to anticipate what everyone needs and take the initiative to respond. Lead counselors appreciate the chance to focus on the lesson they need to teach, while their assistants handle preparation, cleanup and camper issues.

By Courtney Cairns Pastor, Corbett Prep

A

s summer approaches, the main question parents have about summer camp is where they should enroll their children. But there’s another factor to consider that can turn a camp experience from average to exceptional: the counselors.

Who’s spending all day with your kids? The counselors are, and they set the tone. We expect them to provide safe supervision but also offer warmth, caring and fun.

Here are five factors outstanding camp counselors have in common:

A POSITIVE PRESENCE. The right attitude lets campers know from the first day that they’re in a good place. It establishes counselors as role models, soothes anxiety campers might have about new experiences and encourages involvement and participation.

Directors at Corbett Prep’s CAMP IDS provide training to counselors to ensure their upbeat attitudes match their body language and speech, strategies Corbett Prep teachers practice all year at school. Positive

communication is reflected when body language, facial expression and tone of voice are aligned. Positive phrasing puts the emphasis on what teachers want from kids, rather than dwelling on forbidden behaviors. Saying “please walk” instead of “don’t run,” for example, draws attention to the desired actions instead of dwelling on the negative.

EXPERIENCE WITH KIDS Camps have a limited amount of time for a lot of fun. Counselors need to know how to manage students of different ages, how to talk to kids at their level and how to move efficiently from activity to activity. Experienced counselors know techniques to grab students’ attention and help them stay on task. They know when a camper needs a friendly ear and how to step in to manage conflicts.

EXPERIENCE AS A COUNSELOR Imagine the chaos if every year a director had to start camp with an entirely new team. One way camp organizers make sure they have strong candidates for counselor jobs is to grow their own staff. They give new counselors the chance to develop their skills under seasoned professionals.

Every camp at CAMP IDS has a lead counselor who is a

ENERGY Counselors are more than babysitters – they play an active role in campers’ days. Campers of all ages value their time with counselors and want them by their sides, decorating cupcakes, catching fish, playing soccer or making slime. They want their counselors to share their excitement over whatever they do. And they want to be known. The mantra at CAMP IDS is that “every child is visible,” and conscientious counselors interact daily to build meaningful relationships with each camper.

A camp counselor job demands a high level of interaction, but the payoff is worth it for the students, the parents and even the counselors themselves.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 21

EDUCATION | SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

happy campers YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Admiral Farragut Academy Summer Camps 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-384-5500 x220; summer@farragut.org farragut.org/summer

June 4 - Aug. 3 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. $200/week average Co-ed; PreK3 - 11

Waterfront, athletics, trips, educational activities.

American Stage Summer Camp & Teen Summer Institute First Presbyterian Church 701 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg 33701 727-823-1600 x204; education@americanstage.org americanstage.org/summer

June 4 - Aug. 3 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $205 - $570 per session Co-ed; ages 5-18; K-12

Acting, improvisation, voice and language, movement and dance, creative writing, singing, career studies

Art Around the World 1846 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33712 Visit website for contact information creativeclay.org/summer-camp

June 4 - July 27 9 a.m to 3 p.m. $150/week Co-ed; ages 6-12

Study the cultures of four countries around the world through art

Art Adventures Camp Color Me Mine 1609 W. Snow Circle, Tampa 33606 813-258-8368; tampa@colormemine.com tampa.colormemine.com/summercamps.tpl

June 4 - Aug. 3; no camp the week of July 4 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $175/week Co-ed; ages 6-12

Arts and crafts activities, games

AquaCamps at The Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa 33602 813-273-4015; education@flaquarium.org flaquarium.org

May 29 - Aug. 3 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $90 - $760 Co-ed; ages 3-18

Educational, marine science, experiments, crafts, animal encounters, games, field trips, swimming, water play, kayaking, snorkeling

Berkeley Prep Summer Programs 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673 berkeleyprep.org/summer

June 4 - July 27 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; times vary by camp Price varies Co-ed and single gender camps; PreK-12

Over 100 camps and classes - sports, fine arts, music, enrichment, academics.

Best Summer Ever at your Tampa area YMCA Hillsborough / Pinellas / Pasco Phone numbers vary by location tampaymca.org/ymcasuncoast.org/ stpeteymca.org

May 29 - Aug. 3 (Hillsborough) Times vary by location Prices vary by location Co-ed; PreK-12

Wide variety of activities and specialty camps

Beach Volleyball Youth Summer Camp 1845 17th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33713 727-317-6846; info@bevolleyacademy.com bevolleyacademy.com

May 2 - June 11; June 6 - July 19 First session 5-6:45 p.m.; Second session 6:30-8:15 p.m. $270/session Co-ed; U7 to U18, beginner to advanced levels

Beach volleyball practices and tournaments. Free clinics and short camps

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 26 22 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

mosi.org

2018

SUMMER E SCIEMNPC S CA

% 25 e sav es! s r be p fe m m Me n ca I S o MO

MOSI’s Summer Science Camps bring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) alive through hands-on experiments and building projects. From extracting DNA to launching rockets and building robots, 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 can last a lifetime. Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations, and inventions will help you discover the innovator within.

Ready for a summer of science adventures? Register online at mosi.org. Call us with any questions at 813-987-6000.

Come sit in the pilot’s seat of tomorrow’s space craft in our new traveling exhibit:

SAME ADDRESS. N EW M OSI .

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 MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 23

Plan A Summer To Remember Come Join Us For Camps, Classes, Workshops and More!

The FUN begins the week of June 18th Register at MJPAA.com/summer

Come Discover the Difference    Fun-loving kids ages 3 and up may choose from themed day camps, technology, sports, and enrichment camps at the Academy of the Holy Names’ ever-popular Summer on Bayshore!

For additional information or to register online, visit holynamestpa.org/summer.

Weekly sessions run from June 11 - July 27.

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES

3319 Bayshore Blvd. | Tampa, FL 33629 24 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

holynamestpa.org

813.839.5371

Academy of the @holynamestpa Holy Names - Tampa

mps a C r e m m u S & g Sprin Activities ly d n ie r F y il m a F s Birthday Partie Kid’s Night Out

1609 W. Snow Circle Hyde Park Village 813-258-8368 Tampa.ColorMeMine.com

Sign Up for Summer Camps at Innisbrook Resort Camp Nessie

Junior Tennis Camps*

Junior Golf

Make a splash this summer at Camp Nessie.

School’s out and it’s time to get ready for a summer full of adventure. Join us for great crafts, exciting games and lots of fun in the sun. Camp Nessie offers a safe and enjoyable place for your little time traveler to make lasting memories.

Innisbrook’s Tennis Camps, held at the resort’s championship facility with 11 Har-Tru tennis courts, provide a challenging and fun environment.

Certified Professionals provide first-rate instruction.

Juniors are welcome to join our Golf Programs, for the beginner golfer to intermediate golfer through proper fundamentals and simple drills and games. Different itineraries available based on experience.

Ages 4–12 yrs

Ages 8–12 yrs

Ages 4–12 yrs

To register now, call 727-942-5241

To register now, call 727-942-5283

To register now, call 727-942-5987

*You may combine Tennis & Swim camps with Golf

Splash!

Fun in the Sun!

Let’s Play!

(Check the web site for specific times and dates or call for details) FOR MORE INFO, VISIT

W W W. I N N I S B R O O K G O L F R E S O R T. C O M / P L AY / S U M M E R - C A M P S

3 6 7 5 0 U . S . H I G H W AY 1 9 N O R T H , PA L M H A R B O R , F L 3 4 6 8 4

INNIS-SummerCampsAd-(8.125x4.75)(1-22-18).indd 1

1/24/18 5:44 PM

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

EDUCATION | SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Brandon All Stars 12811 N. Nebraska Ave. C, Tampa 33612 813-558-6675; mandy@brandonallstars.com brandonallstars.com

June 4 - Aug. 3 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $150/week Co-ed: ages 4-13

Tumbling, stunting, jumps, stretching, dancing and fun summer camp crafts.

Bullseye Learning’s Camp Exploration & Adventure Bloomingdale Presbyterian Church 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon 33511 813-413-4998; support@bullseyelearning.com bullseyelearning.com/camp

May 29 - Aug. 3, weekly 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $95/week; free extended care available Co-ed; ages 5-12

Adventures throughout the world with super heroes, spies, detectives, world travel, animals, chemistry, electricity and more. Create super heroes that save cities, dust for fingerprints, explode two-liter bottles and race across the globe to unwrap real-life mummies.

Busch Gardens Summer Camps 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa 33612 813-884-4FUN buschgardens.com/camps

Day camp: May 30 - Aug. 3; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Starting at $189 Co-ed; K-12 Resident camp: June 9 - Aug. 16 Saturday noon to Thursday 8 a.m.

Starting at $899 Co-ed, 5-college

Campers will enjoy up-close animal experiences, thrilling rides, world class shows and more!

Camp Dovewood 23221 101st Road, O’Brien 32071 386-935-0863; campdovewood@windstream.net campdovewood.org

June 10 - July 21 Overnight $595 - $995; one and two week sessions Female; ages 7-14

Horseback riding instruction, swimming, water ballet, dance, gymnastics, cooking, cheerleading, baton, archery, drama, art, softball, river rafting, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, book study, digital photography, and Bible classes.

Camp Fun: Galactic Starveyors 17030 Lakeshore Rd., Lutz 33558 813-968-3983 x148; pkepley@bayhope.com tinyurl.com/campfun2018

July 23 - July 27 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. $110 per camper Co-ed; ages 5-17

Arts and crafts, Bible Story, games, science investigations.

Camp Idlewild of Florida, Inc. 7602 Henry Drive, Land O' Lakes 34638 813-996-1226; wneal@campidlewildofflorida.com campidlewildofflorida.com

July 2 - Aug. 4, weekly Day camp: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Mon.-Fri.; $500/week; Overnight camp: Mon. - Sat., $1,000/week Co-ed; ages 6-17

Nature, sportsmanship, creative and performing arts, and waterfront experiences such boating, and fishing. Our goal is to offer fun activities that promote confidence, relationship building and lasting friendships.

Camp IDS Corbett Preparatory School 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087; csamuel@corbettprep.com corbettprep.com/community/camp-ids

June 11 - July 27 Full-day, half-day, extended day; Time varies by camp Price varies Co-ed; PreK3 - 12

Sports, academics, recreation, technology, STEAM, performing arts, visual arts, foreign language, and field trips!

Camp Illahaw 4755 N. Kenansville Road, St.Cloud 34773 info@foreverflorida.com campillahaw.com

June 3 - July 28, weekly Overnight, Sunday - Saturday $899/week Co-ed; ages 9-16, former camper 17

Horseback riding, shooting, archery and field sports, arts and crafts, low ropes, hiking, nature tours and kayaking.

Camp Imagination Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 33602 camps@glazermuseum.org glazermuseum.org/camps

June 4 - Aug. 3 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $240/week before May 1 | $265/week starting May 1 Co-ed; ages 5-10

Imaginative weekly themes, exclusive experiences in our motion-capture SMALLab, special guests, museum playtime, and more.

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 31 26 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

MOSI CAMPINVENTION.ORG

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Led by local educators 1,500+ Summer Programs Nationwide In Partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

VPK is FREE for ALL Florida 4-year olds. Your child must turn 4 by September 1st to be eligible.

Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. Spring Hill Location: 15506 County Line Road Suite 104 Spring Hill, FL 34610 Phone: (727) 233-8291

28 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Dade City Location: Dade City Business Center 15000 US Hwy 301 Dade City, FL 33523 Phone: (352) 834-0052

Brooksville Location: 26 S. Brooksville Avenue Brooksville, FL 34601 Phone: (352) 799-8159

New Port Richey Location: 7334 Little Road, Suite 102 Courtside Commons New Port Richey, FL 34654 Phone: (727) 569-1004

SPONSORED

EARLY LEARNING | EDUCATION

all day

LEARNING WITH INTERACTION AND PLAY

By Dr. Steve Knobl, Executive Director, Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition

istock.com/nidwiw

A

ccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only one in three children is physically active every day. If you’re a teacher in an average classroom of 18 children, it’s possible that six or more aren’t getting the exercise they need. Do these children seem tired, distracted, and less engaged and excited? For both parents and teachers, a child’s lack of physical activity raises both health and learning concerns.

Playing and interacting with other children teaches kids important skills that educators and parents should foster and encourage. When children jump rope, they’re counting after the jumps, working on coordination and fitness, and socializing with other children. When children use playground equipment, they’re learning to take turns before they go down a slide or use the swings. When a child plays with blocks, they’re balancing them to create a building and focus on creativity and balance.

As parents, you are the biggest supporters of your children’s learning.

You can make sure they have as much time to play as possible to promote cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development. Don’t underestimate the value and power of play for children and for adults!

Every year, the ELC of Pasco and Hernando hosts an early learning conference for more than 900 providers in our communities. Last year’s conference theme focused on “learning through play.” Teachers participated in sessions throughout the day learning from experts how to effectively teach young children how to interact and have fun learning through play. As adults, we should be creating fun and exciting opportunities for our children to foster a long-lasting love for learning.

Children learn through play during Storybook Forest, a yearly Pasco-Hernando ELC event that attracts over 2,500 guests.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

ECKERD COLLEGE

727-864-8288

30 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

www.eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE | EDUCATION

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Camp Invention Multiple Locations 800-968-4332; campinvention@invent.org campinvention.org

Dates, times and costs vary by camp Co-ed; ages 5-11

STEM, creative thinking, real-world problem solving, teamwork

Camp J 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa 33625 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa 33606 CampJ365@jewishtampa.com; jewishtampa.com/campj

June 4 - Aug. 3 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; extended care available Price varies Co-ed; entering K-8

Swimming, archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, boating, fishing, sports, zip lining, cooking, iMovie, musical theater, hip-hop dance, hockey and much more.

Camp Osprey 18050 U.S. Highway 301 S., Wimauma 33598 941-928-6860; info@camposprey.com camposprey.com

June 3 - Aug. 4 Overnight Price varies Co-ed; ages 7-15

Ziplines, tri-level high ropes challenge course, giant swing, horseback riding, paintball, swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, water sports, the blob, knocker ball, archery, BB gun target range, arts and crafts, sewing, cooking, dancing, color wars.

Camp R.O.Y.A.L. (Real Outstanding Young Achieving Ladies) 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33711 813-699-0564; stephanie@camproyaltampa.org camproyaltampa.org

July 16 - July 21 Overnight $700 Female; ages 10-16

Dancing, cooking, swimming, fireside chats and more. At the end of the week, take center stage in a Royal Night where one girl will have the opportunity to win a trip to the nation’s capital.

Camp Wai Lani Girl Scouts of West Central Florida 500 Wai Lani Road, Palm Harbor 34683 1-800-881-4475; customerconnections@gswcf.org gswcf.org/summercamp

June 11 - Aug. 10 Weeklong day or overnight camps $225 - $475/week Female; entering grades 1 - 12

Canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, NEW challenge course, marine science lab, snorkeling/swimming in the bay and pool, archery, hiking, sewing, dance and more.Week-long stay includes all-camp luau celebration with traditional music, dancing and food.

Circle C Ranch Academy 6204 Interbay Blvd., Tampa 33611 813-831-8429; circlecranchacademy@gmail.com circlecranchacademy.com

June 4 - July 30 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. $205-$220/week Co-ed; ages 1 - Grade 8

Horseback riding, arts and crafts, swimming and sports.

CDS “Turn It Up” Summer Camp 2018 1515 West Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 kakins@carrollwooddayschool.org carrollwooddayschool.org

June 4 - July 27 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; extended care available $185 Day camps; $150 - $600 enrichment camps Co-ed; ages 3-18

Sports, cooking, STEAM, drones, science, writing, art, theater, weekly field trips, weekly pool trips, Minecraft, American Girl, jewelry making and more.

Clearwater Community Sailing Center 1001 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater 33767 office@clearwatercommunitysailing.org clearwatercommunitysailing.org

Jun 4 - Aug. 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $295/week Co-ed; ages 5-17

Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding

Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater 33767 727-441-1790 x270; camps@cmaquarium.org seewinter.com/education/camps

June 4 - Aug. 17, Weekly 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. $125 - $260/week Co-ed; PreK to high school career shadow

Snorkeling, kayaking, boating, marine life, handson learning from aquarium personnel in a working marine hospital.

Clearwater Summer Camps “The Place to Be!” Four Locations in Clearwater 727-562-4800 myclearwaterparks.com

May 29 - Aug. 10 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $100 or less per week. Field trips included!

Co-ed; entering grades 1-8

Sports, games, field trips, crafts, swimming, character development and lots of fun!

Locations: Countryside, The Long Center, North Greenwood, Ross Norton

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 40 MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

EDUCATION | SENSORY STORY TIME

I’m the parent of an 11-year-old boy with ASD. He has 12-and 13-year-old sisters; both neurotypical. When my kids were young, I would take them to the library for story time, and I was “that mom.” You know the one—the one with the kid running around, making noise, seeming like they aren’t paying attention and distracting everyone else in the room. Although my son loved books and loved being read to, and despite me being a librarian, we rarely visited the library when he was young. I would literally break out in a cold sweat when I thought about taking him to a story time because I didn’t know how he would behave. So we just stopped going. When I returned to work in the public library, offering a story time program for kids with ASD was high on my list of priorities.

Beginning in May, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library will begin offering Sensory Story Time programs for children with ASD. Using a visual schedule, movement, music, stories and directed sensory play will encourage children with ASD to experiment, develop imagination and think creatively in a welcoming, language-rich environment. These programs are designed for children who are not able to attend a traditional story time program. Play and social time are extremely important for this program, not just for kids, but for their parents and caretakers who have an opportunity to make connections with one another.

Advance registration is suggested, as each session has a registration cap of 10 children. A caregiver is required.

A visual schedule like this helps children with ASD to experience story time in a language-rich environment.

sensory

story time LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM

By Jennifer Hodges, PhD, MS, MLIS

N

early a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination, and ensure that each person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.

April was Autism Awareness Month, and the word “autism” is being heard more and more, but what is autism? Autism is a general term used to describe complex developmental brain disorders caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. People with ASD don’t look that different from others, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people.

The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Current statistics indicate that 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) have ASD. It is estimated 25,000 people with autism live in and around Tampa Bay (CARD, 2017).

32 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARIES OFFERING SENSORY STORY TIME PROGRAMS IN THE MONTH OF MAY INCLUDE: • • •

Riverview Branch Library Monday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Lutz Branch Library Monday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library Thursday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m.

Call the library at 813-273-3652 to register.

ESCAPE THE SUMMER HEAT

WITH FLORIDA HOSPITAL CENTER ICE LEARN TO SKATE & LEARN TO PLAY CAMPS 5-DAY CAMP WITH SEVERAL WEEKS TO CHOOSE FROM DATES VARY FROM JUNE 2018 TO AUGUST 2018

TIME: 9:00AM-3:00PM To register and view speciямБc dates please visit www.FloridaHospitalCenterIce.com

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

34 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 35

C L E A RWAT E R M A R I N E AQ UA R I U M June 4 – August 17, 2018

GREAT VALUE

ONE WEEK CAMPS Early Drop-Off & Late Pick-Up included in Registration Fee

REGISTER EARLY. CAMPS FILL UP QUICKLY! (Career

CAMP LEVELS: Pre-K; K-1; 2-3; 4-5; 6-8; 9-12 Shadow) Snorkeling, Kayaking, Education, Marine Life and much more...

JEWISh

COMMUNITY

(Lunch included with morning and afternoon camp registration in the same week.)

Sign up today at SeeWinter.com. Email us at tbcamps@cmaquarium.org

CAMP

awesome adventures!

• Weekly Field Trips: Rays Baseball, Waterpark, Luau, Sea Screamer & More!

• Rock Wall • Swimming 3 Times Per Week • Shabbat • Social Action Projects • Color War! • Undernights • Jewish Cooking and Culture

new in 2018

• Taste of Camp Week - May 29-June 1 • Middle School Mitzvah Camp: Amazing experiences, menschy themes, and community service • Goodbye Summer Camp Alum Overnight!

Transportation available from St. Pete and Palm Harbor and discounts for siblings and full-summer campers

jewishcommunitycamp.com

Summer

2018

36 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

open to

ALL!

junior docent art camp a surreal summer experience Ages 9-14 | June & July The Dalí Museum invites adventurous kids to Junior Docent Art Camp, where award-winning instructors lead surrealist-inspired activities that help build self-esteem, enhance speaking skills and provide opportunities for personal expression. Learn why parents call it

“A great hands-on experience unlike other summer camps.”

learn more at TheDali.org/camp

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 37

Looking for a fun and safe summer camp that your kids will Love?

Camp registration begins in March.

For camp locations, registration and fee information, visit myclearwaterparks.com and click on the Programs tab.

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 5-13

BOYS ONLY AGES 9-18

Don’t “bee” left out of the Fun!

All Camps are $100 per week or less, including all field trips!

38 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

ZOO BEGINNINGS

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT THE ZOO! • Visit our unprecedented amount of adorable, rare newborn babies.

• Pay for a day and watch them grow all year!

• Experience the thrill of our new water adventure - Roaring Springs opening soon.

Learn more at ZooTampa.org

All-Star Membership: $20 SUNDAY HOME GAME TICKET VOUCHERS JERSEY DRAWSTRING BACKPACK BASEBALL ROPE BRACELET TWO (2) FREE MEAL VOUCHERS Sign up today at RaysBaseball.com/RaysRookies

PRI18868_Tampa_Bay_Parenting_Kids_Club_v2.indd 1

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 39 4/13/18 4:51 PM

EDUCATION | SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Club TI Summer Camp 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island 33706 727-367-4511 theclubti.com

May 29 - July 6: 1 Week Sessions 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Daily: $55-$80; weekly: $225-$290 Co-ed; ages 6-12

Swimming, sailing, tennis, special presentations

Dance, Theater and Music Camps at the Patel Conservatory The Straz Center 813.222.1040; patelconservatory@strazcenter.org patelconservatory.org

Dates, times and costs vary by camp Co-ed; age varies

Dance, theater and music camps and classes at the Straz Center all summer long!

The Delphi Adventure 1831 Drew St., Clearwater 33765 admissions@delphifl.org delphifl.org/summer

June 18 - July 27 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. $200-$260/week Co-ed; ages 2-17

Swim lessons, field trips, arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, STEM, circus arts, overnight trips, nature hikes, reading, cooking, group and individual projects.

DFAC’s Art Academy Summer Camps 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 34698 727-298-3322 x224; shannon@dfac.org dfac.org/kids-corner/summer-camp

May 29 - Aug. 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available $170 - $200/week Co-ed; ages 4.5-16

Sizzlin’ Summer Camp, Mural Madness, Arts In Motion, Art Squad, iPad, Mini-Masters

Eckerd College Summer Watersports Camp 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33711 727-864-8288; wfprograms@eckerd.edu eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp

June 4 - Aug. 3 9 a.m. to noon. and/or 1 - 4 p.m.

Price varies Co-ed; ages 5-17

Watersports, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, exploring marine life

Elite Animation Academy Summer Camp 5215 West Laurel St., Tampa 33607 813-321-3939 eliteanimationacademy.com/online-enrollment

June 4 - Aug. 10 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $350/week; plus $25 supply fee Co-ed; ages 8-17

Art and animation education

Equestrian Camp 606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA 30731 706-862-2231; info@valleyviewranch.com valleyviewranch.com

June 3 - Aug. 3 Overnight $2,000-$3,500 Female; ages 8-17

English and hunt seat; western stock seat and barrels (gymkhana); trails and vaulting

Estuary EDventures Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde 33715 727-867-8166 x224; jfindley@tampabaywatch.org tampabaywatch.org/camps

June 4 - Aug. 3 (camp dates vary) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 -11:30 a.m. depending on age/ date Full day: $275-325/week, half day: $125-175/week Co-ed; ages 6-15

Sea Monkey Camp is for kids ages 6-8 and offers an introduction to the marine environment, with half and full day options. Activities: snorkeling, habitat exploration, marine science-themed labs and games, and marine-themed arts and crafts.

Girls Rock Camp St. Pete 100 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg 33701 727-455-0677; grcstpete@gmail.com girlsrockstpete.org

July 16 - July 21 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $200 Female; ages 7-17

Music, life-skill workshops, self-defense, yoga and band practice

Great Explorations Summer Camp 1925 4th St. N., St. Petersburg 33704 727-821-8992 x226; lleavine@greatex.org greatex.org/programs/summer-camp

May 29 - Aug. 10 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; extended care available Non-members $210/week; Members $190/week Co-ed; K - 3

Art, music, movement, play, field trips, guest presenters and more.

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 43 40 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

JUN 5-10

MORSANI HALL

@

STRAZ CENTER IT’S BROADWAY AT ITS BEST.

813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG • Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or 1047 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Handling fees will apply.

PATEL CONSERVATORY

STRAZ CENTER

SUMMER 2018 CAMPS & CLASSES DANCE • THEATER • MUSIC Camps for all ages and skill levels

Scholarships available Pre-camps and post-camps available

REGISTER TODAY!

PATELCONSERVATORY.ORG 813.222.1040

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 41

SPORTS SUMMER CAMP COED: AGES 5–14

includes:

 instructional sports camp, teaching: tennis, basketball, swimming, volleyball, soccer, baseball, football, & dodgeball  certified & trained coaches teaching teamwork, leadership & more  local field-trips

LOCATIONS IN

NEW TAMPA AND

WESLEY CHAPEL

LEARN MORE ONLINE AT

WWW.PROTENTIALSPORTS.COM

813.843.9460

7 s e g *A

14

American Girl

©

June 4-8 & July 9-13

Pirates & Explorers

June 18-22

Create Tampa Crafts & Games

AT THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

TAMPABAYHISTORYCENTER.ORG 801 OLD WATER STREET 813.675.8987

42 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Guest Speakers Museum Insider’s Tour Outdoor fun Extended Care Available

new middle school camp!

June 25-29

Wild Florida

July 10-12

The History Sense

July 23-27

Register online at TampaBayHistoryCenter.org!

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE | EDUCATION

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Gulfport Community Players' Junior Stars 1619 49th St. S., Gulfport 33707 727-490-8482 info@gulfportcommunityplayers.org gcpjrstars.com

June 4 - June 30 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; late pickup until 4 p.m. $600 Co-ed; ages 7-14

We'll put on "Grease: School Version", a full 90-minute musical. Campers will have the Broadway experience of rehearsing and performing this show. They will act, dance and sing. We will have outdoor activities during lunch breaks. There will be crafts and movies from 2 - 4 p.m. if campers stay until late pickup.

HCC Kids’ College Summer Programs 39 Columbia Drive, Tampa 33606 813-259-6010 tampatraining.com

May 29 - Aug. 3 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Price Varies Co-ed; Grades 1-12

STEAM; MOSI @ HCC Summer Science Academy, fashion design, innovative tech programs, sign language, youth empowerment, architecture and art

History Adventure Camps 801 Old Water St., Tampa 33602 813-675-8987 tampabayhistorycenter.org

Starting June 4 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; extended care available $100 - $215/week; Member camp price: 20 percent discount Co-ed; ages 7-11

Crafts, games, history, guest speakers, indoor and outdoor fun, museum insider’s tour and take-home memory book.

Innisbrook Summer Camps 36750 US Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor 34684 Visit website for contact information innisbrookgolfresort.com/play/summer-camps

May 29 - Aug. 3; varies by camp 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; varies by camp $60 - $400/week Co-ed; ages 4-12

Tennis, golf, tennis/golf/swim or Camp Nessie (recreation)

In The Breeze Ranch and Children's Camp 7539 Gardner Road, Tampa 33625 813-264-1919; itbhorseranch@gmail.com inthebreezeranch.com

Year-round Open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Prices starting at just $39 Co-ed; all ages

Horses, horseback riding, pony rides, horse camp and horse rentals

Jewish Community Camp 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater 33764 emilie@jewishpinellas.org jewishcommunitycamp.org

May 29 - Aug. 3 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $795 per three-week session Co-ed; ages 5 (by Sept. 1) - 17

Swim 2-3x per week, weekly field trip (ziplining, snorkeling, luau, waterpark, and more!), on-site rock wall, sports, Friday Shabbat, Jewish cooking and culture, arts and crafts, community service.

Junior Docent Art Camp One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg 33701 sfornof@thedali.org thedali.org/programs/camp

June 11 - July 27, weekly 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Museum members: $200/week Non-members: $250/week Co-ed; ages 9-14

Learn about the art & life of Salvador Dalí, lead docent tours of The Dalí collection, create art in new ways, imaginative games and activities, explore The Dalí Museum galleries and Avant-Garden.

Martial Arts Advantage - Kids FUN Camp North: 813-977-8800; 234A E. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 South: 813-832-8800; 3311 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 33629 chris@martialartsadvantage.com martialartsadvantage.com/summer-camps/

June 4 - July 30 (no camp week of July 2) 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; early drop off and half days available Early bird pricing (before May 1): $129 half day both locations $159 full day North; $239 full day South Co-ed; ages 6-12

Obstacle courses, themed activities, dodgeball, active, safe, fun games, martial arts (no experience required).

Mary Help of Christians Camp 6400 East Chelsea St., Tampa 33610 813-626-6191 x27; sloos@mhctampa.org mhctampa.org

June 11 - July 20, weekly 7 - 8 a.m. early drop off to 5 - 6 p.m. pickup $175/week; scholarships available Co-ed; ages 5-15

Horseback riding, archery, kayaking, dance, fishing, field sports, tubing, swimming, cooking, arts and crafts, music, animal care, nature explorers, lacrosse, wacky Wednesdays, faith time, award ceremonies, Olympic week

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 48 MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 43

MORE THAN JUST SUMMER CAMP...

YMCA Summer Camp programs provide the traditional fun summer experiences, with a focus on achievement, belonging and relationships. Our positive staff role models are trained to encourage inclusion, nurture uniqueness, and cultivate fun moments by engaging your campers.

SEE YOU THIS SUMMER!

TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA tampaymca.org

44 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG stpeteymca.org

YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST ymcasuncoast.org

WATER SAFETY | EDUCATION

hello, pool time!

KEEPING KIDS SAFE IN AND AROUND THE WATER

By Lalita Llerena, Communications Director for the Tampa YMCA

T

here is a list of basic life skills all parents instinctively know they must teach their children to keep them safe and healthy.

It includes habits like looking both ways before you cross the street, washing your hands with soap and water and eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables every day.

For too many parents, safety in and around water is not on the list; and that’s something we need to change. More children under the age of four drown in Florida than anywhere else in the nation. In fact, each year in this state, enough kids to fill four classrooms drown and do not live to see their fifth birthday.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is committed to reducing these staggering statistics, particularly in communities where children are most at risk. Formal swim lessons cut the risk of drowning by 88 percent. Since there’s proof swim lessons save lives, the Tampa Y is working to reach as many kids as possible to ensure not one more child drowns in Tampa Bay! Thanks to the generosity of the Tampa Bay Rays and United Way Suncoast, the Tampa Y is offering a free 3-week Safety Around Water session to kids who have never tried Tampa Y swim lessons

before. Twice a week from May 21 until June 7, certified instructors will introduce new swim lesson participants to water safety skills that could save their lives.

In another effort to reach kids who can’t swim, the Tampa Y provides free swim lessons to YMCA summer campers unable to pass the swim test. They receive free swim lessons throughout the summer until they pass the swim test.

As part of National Water Safety Month, the Tampa YMCA encourages parents to take an active role in water safety. Here are safety tips to practice when in and around the water: •Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.

•Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.

•Inexperienced or nonswimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

•Parents or guardians of young children should be within arm’s reach.

•Children and adults should not engage in breath holding-activities.

If you know how to stay safe in and around water, swimming can be a lifelong source of fun and exercise. Instead of keeping your kids away from water, help them learn fundamental water safety skills by enrolling them in lessons. These classes can provide them a new, exciting way to keep active and meet new friends.

To learn more about the Tampa Y’s swim lessons, stop by one of our 10 locations with a pool in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties or go to tampaymca.org/ swim-lessons-home.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 45

SAILING

TENNIS

COOKING

SWIMMING

The Club at Treasure Island’s summer camp is now accepting daily, weekly & summer-long registrations for May 29 – July 6 2018!

Summer Fun for the Entire Family!

Become a summer member and enjoy access to all amenities of The Club as well as exclusive pricing on summer camp.

To register, please call Diane Patterson at 727.367.4511.

To learn more about camp activities and Club membership, please visit us at theclubti.com 46 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

w w w. t h e c l u b t i . c o m

Summer Programs at Shorecrest

HALF & FULL DAY SUMMER CAMPS MAY 28 - AUGUST 17, 2018

Day Camp weekly themes, activities, field trip, art, games and water fun.

Plus a menu of 1-week options for every interest.

With Extended Day Care, Camps are Available 7:30am-5pm Expanded Offerings

Greater Adventure

PK–12 service, paddleboarding and kayaking, fishing, a week at Busch Gardens

trips to the Southwest, Iceland and England, field archeology, Costa Rica, Peru (for grades 4 to 12)

More Upper School Options

college essay writing, SAT/ACT prep, leadership and service, travel, field archeology of the Southwest, glass blowing, CPR/1st Aid

AND NOW OFFERING

Parent Courses Great Books, Intro to Mandarin, Tots and Me Yoga, CPR/1st Aid Diversity & Inclusivity, Swim with Manatees

For full course/camp listing and to register, visit www.shorecrest.org/summer AND NOW OFFERING

Summer Camps and Programs for students in preschool through high school.

5101 FIRST STREET NE, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33703 | 727-522-2111 MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 47

EDUCATION | SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Montessori Academies 11302 N. 53rd St., Temple Terrace 33617 813-899-2345 montessoriacademies.com

June 4 - July 27 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. $790 - $950/month Co-ed; 12 Months - 5th Grade

Soccer, gymnastics, dance

MOSI Summer Science Camp 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 33617 813-987-6000; reservations@mosi.org mosi.org/summer-camp

May 29 - Aug. 9; week-long camps 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; extended care available $72 - $450 for travel camps Co-ed; age 4 - 8th grade

Chemistry, coding, robotics, rocketry, Minecraft, toy design, cooking, Roblox, game, Legos, Harry Potter, dinosaurs, Java, survival skills, Star Wars, marine biology, modern medicine and more.

Music and More at Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon 33511 814-685-5778 faopa.org

June 4 - July 20 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price Varies Co-ed; ages 6-12

Learn to play musical instruments, act, sing, arts and crafts and much more.

Protential Sports Summer Camp Visit website for camp locations 813-843-9460 protentialsports.com

May 29 - Aug. 3 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. $125/week Co-ed; ages 5-14

Tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, swimming, volleyball and more.

Riverview Camp for Girls 757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 256-634-4043 riverviewcamp.com

May 27 - July 27 Overnight; 1 and 2-week Sessions, may add extra weeks View prices online Female; ages 6-16

English and Western riding, swimming, tennis, canoeing, ropes course, archery, sports, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, arts and crafts, nature adventures, dance, gymnastics, chorus, drama, cheerleading, flag twirling and more.

Saddlebrook Junior Golf & Tennis Camps 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel 33543 813-907-4200 saddlebrook.com

Year-round 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. $650 - $750 Co-ed; ages 8 - 18 for tennis & 12-18 for golf

Golf and tennis

Shorecrest Summer Programs 5101 First St. NE, St. Petersburg 33703 tkessel@shorecrest.org shorecrest.org/page/student-life/summerprograms

May 28 - Aug. 17 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., half day and extended care available $170 - $240 Co-ed; ages 4 to adult

STEAM, arts, sports, music, theatre, ACT/SAT prep, glass blowing, travel, service

Skycrest Summer Programs 129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater 33765 727-797-1186; pwilliamson@skycrest.us skycrest.us

May 21 - Aug. 3 Varies by Camp Varies by Camp Co-ed; ages 5-14

Outdoor Adventure Camps: kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing and much more. Fine arts (band and drama); robotics, soccer, lacrosse, basketball and volleyball.

Skyland Camp For Girls 317 Spencer St., Clyde, NC 28721 828-627-2470; mailbox@skylandcamp.com skylandcamp.com/camper-registration

June 23 - July 28; 2 sessions available Overnight $2,530/9 days; $4,590/18 days; $8,230/36 days Female; ages 6-15

Archery, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, volleyball, camping, drama, musical theatre, arts and crafts, cooking classes, hiking and other special electives

Summer Arts Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-712-2706 rutheckerdhall.com

June 4 - July 20 9 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., weekly $200-$575 Co-ed; ages 5-18 Tuition assistance is available

One-week performing arts camps with themes including Super Week, Wizards & Wands, A New Galaxy and Virtual Adventures. Multi-week, production camps include Broadway Bound!, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” plus dance and on-camera acting camps.

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 51 48 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

CHARM SCHOOL | Education

Charm school HOW TO GRACIOUSLY THANK A TEACHER FOR A GREAT YEAR

By Julianne Hendrickson

arrange me nt l a r o l

ervice s s pa

ge ar r e m m u s

movie gift car ds

f

istock.com/nuture, istock.com/sungyoonjo, istock.com/monkeybusinessimage istock.com/believe_in_me, istock.com/belyjmischka, istock.com/goir, istock.com/shatenka07

S

ummer is right around the corner and students everywhere are getting excited about vacations, camps and free time. May is the busy month when families check off exams and end-of-the-year and graduation parties. It is also a great time to think about how best to thank the teacher(s) in your child’s life. It’s important to note that teachers don’t expect a grand gesture. One of the most important things you can do is to sit down with your child and either write, or help write, a thank-you note to the teacher.

You can include a special moment your child remembers fondly about their year, something you admire about the teacher, or just well wishes for their summer. My children are young, so I usually do the writing and ask them to tell me the characteristic they love best about their teacher to include in the message.

If you are inclined to do more, here are a few suggestions for gifts all teachers would appreciate.

restaurant gift cards

y r e n io ts at

mobile detailing service

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

THIS

CLOSE TO AMAZING CAMP EXPERIENCES

Choose from a variety of Summer AquaCamps that take fun and learning to all new depths for kids from 3 to 18 years old. Spots are filling up fast, so enroll today. There are discounts for members and for booking multiple camps.

For more details, visit flaquarium.org or call 813-273-4015.

50 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE | EDUCATION

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

Sweetwater Farm Camp 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa 33634 813 887-4066; education@sweetwater-organic.org sweetwater-organic.org/community-programs/ farm-camp1/

July 30 - Aug. 2 and Aug. 6 - Aug. 9 9 a.m. to 3 or 5 p.m. $195 9-3; $250 9-5 Co-ed; ages 9-11 Space is limited to 15 spots per week. Register early

Campers will learn how to: Compost and maintain soil health. Cook and preserve food. Grow an organic garden. Identify plant species, nutrients/ chemicals in food, and avian and aquatic species.

Make a biodegradable seed pot. Use microscopes to study plant life at the cellular level.

Summer at the Lakes Academy at the Lakes 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639 813-948-7600; summer@academyatthelakes.org summeratthelakes.com

June 4 - Aug. 3 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; half and full day session options $145 half day; $250 full day $1,500 for-credit high school courses; $225 noncredit courses Co-ed; age 3 - 12th Grade

Archery, arts and crafts, cooking, chess, robotics, dance, sports, field trips, video production, photography, drama and comedy and STEM. Noncredit courses focus on reading, writing and math. For-credit courses include math, foreign language and physical education.

Summer at Mary Jo’s!

15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa 33624 813-969-0240; tammi@mjpaa.com mjpaa.com/summer

June 18 - Aug. 3 Time varies by camp; extended care available Cost varies by camp Co-ed; ages 2 and up

Dance, singing, acting, acrobatics, music, arts and crafts, musical theater, hip hop, pilates and more

Summer Fun Learn to Skate Camp Florida Hospital Center Ice 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel 33544 813-803-7372; learntoskate@ floridahospitalcenterice.com/sports/lts-camps/

June 4 - Aug. 3 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $240/week Co-ed; ages 6-13

Ice skating, off-ice conditioning, crafts and games

Summer on Bayshore 3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 ewise@holynamestpa.org holynamestpa.org/summer

June 11 - July 27 Full and half day sessions; extended care available $150 and up Co-ed; PK3 - 8

Swimming, art, technology, enrichments, athletics

Tampa Prep Summer Programs and Camp Terrapin 727 Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; thonegger@tampaprep.org tampaprep.org/summer

Dates, times and costs varies by camp Co-ed; age varies

Camp Terrapin, sports camps and courses in robotics, academics and enrichment

Tampa Theatre Summer Film Camp 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa 33602 nicole@tampatheatre.org tampatheatre.org

June 11 - July 27; select weeks 9 a.m. to noon and 1 - 4 p.m. $200 per session Co-ed; Entering grades 3-12

Camp t-shirt, daily snacks, a digital copy of the finished films, and an invitation to the end-ofsummer Summer Camp Film Festival.

The Science Center 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-608-2437; tribble@careersourcepinellas.com 727-366-1314; sciencecenterofpinellas.org

Starting June 4 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $180-$240 per camp/per child Co-ed; K-8

Science, technology, engineering, art and math

Tampa Elite Soccer Academy at University of Tampa 417 N. Blvd., Tampa 33606 813-323-3933; ab.tesacamps@gmail.com tampaelitesa.com

May 29 - July 27 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. - Thur.; Friday 9 a.m. to noon Resident camp for boys ages 9-18, June 14-16 $275/week Co-ed; ages 5-13

Soccer, indoor soccer, swimming, video College ID camp July 28

GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 53 MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 51

Enroll ONLINE!

Central Florida’s only ¡ Animation Academy for children 8 and up

Anime/Manga Traditional Animation Foundational Drawing Illustration

Character Design Photoshop 2D Animation 2D Gaming

In Tampa (813) 321-3939 Westshore Business District 5215 W Laurel Street, Tampa FL 33607

52 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE | EDUCATION

YOUR SUMMER CAMP GUIDE CAMP DETAILS

BRING ON THE FUN

USF Soccer Camps USF Main Campus, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 33620 usfsoccercamp@gmail.com usfsoccercamps.com

May 30 - July 27 Varies by camp Varies by camp Separate boys and girls camps; ages 4-18

Soccer and futsal

Vosler Young Artists' Studio Teen Classical Drawing Workshop 1906 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa 33607 813-417-5867 vosleryoungartistsstudio.com

June 4-8 and June 11-14 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $350/week Co-ed; ages 12-18

Classical drawing instruction

Zoo School at Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33604 jamie.elkington@lowryparkzoo.org zootampa.org/camps

June 11 - July 27 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Starting at $229 Co-ed; K-8

Zoo explorations, behind-the-scenes tours, animal feedings, exclusive ride time including on the all-new Roaring Springs water adventure, water play, meet veterinarians and animal care team, arts, crafts and more.

MUSICAL ARTS PIANO CONSERVATORY JUDITH CATALDO, DIRECTOR

Piano lessons and classes for every age Private Lessons, Group Classes

& Summer Music Camps PIANO IS OUR PASSION! 2101 W.Xennedv'Blvd. Tampa. YC... 33606 WWW. MUSICALARTSPIANOCONSERVATORY.COM (813)294-1348 MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

54 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Mcilwain Family Dentistry Comprehensive Dental Care Under One Roof!

Pediatric Laser Dentistry

Orthodontics

Cosmetic & Adult Dentistry

Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry James E. McIlwain, DDS, MSD Leigh Ann McIlwain, DMD Michael D. McIlwain, DMD

Matthew S. Ahrens, DMD, MS American Board of Orthodontics

Michael Chiaramonte, DMD Robert S. Hart, DDS

McIlwainDentistry.com MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 55

HEALTH + WELLNESS | CRYOTHERAPY

cryotherapy FREEZING FOR GOOD HEALTH

By Rosie Raggio

I

magine your core temperature increasing while your skin temperature drops over 30 degrees. Don’t think that can happen in sunny Florida with our mild winters? Think again! At US Cryotherapy, you can experience this temperature drop within a few minutes. And it’s completely safe and even has several beneficial results. For those who don’t know what cryotherapy is, here’s a rundown.

special attention to a certain area such as your knee or neck, for example, a machine would point the rush of cool air straight at the desired area. There is also a facial rejuvenation option available.

WHAT IT IS

MY EXPERIENCE

Whole Body Cryotherapy uses extreme cold in specially designed chambers to give the body a cold shock meant to stimulate the body’s fight or flight response. This causes the healing process to speed up, resulting in benefits such as pain relief, reduced inflammation, reduced joint pain and more.

US Cryotherapy’s systems are the only ones in the United States which offer a true whole-body treatment. Unlike the more common nitrogen-based treatments, those at US Cryotherapy envelop the entire body, including the head and shoulders, which would be left out at a nitrogen treatment center.

Additionally, at US Cryotherapy, you can choose to use localized cryotherapy in conjunction with the whole body treatment or as a stand-alone treatment. If you want to pay 56 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

When I discovered cryotherapy, I was skeptical at best. Regardless, I tried it and I was surprised at the process and the results. Here’s what I experienced.

First, I changed into shorts and a short-sleeved shirt to maximize my skin exposure to the cold temperatures. I also wore a mask to cover my nose and mouth, a headband to cover my ears, and gloves,

socks and slippers. However, these coverings were mostly precautionary.

The actual US Cryotherapy whole body treatment occurred in a room with temperatures at subzero degrees. Before going in, my skin surface temperature was recorded at 88°F. As soon as I went in the cryotherapy chamber, I was instantly freezing. Since it was my first time trying cryotherapy, the recommended time for me was 2 minutes and 30 seconds in the chamber. After I hit that time, I left the chamber and had my skin temperature measured again. It was now at 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

I was surprised when my body instantly started warming up as soon as I left the chamber, and I immediately felt very refreshed. My knee, which was sore from a bad night's sleep, had completely stopped hurting. I'd gone in feeling tired, and after exiting the chamber, felt completely awake, as if I'd had a cup of coffee. That night, after trying cryotherapy for the first time, I slept better than I had in a long while.

Even though I felt terribly cold, I would do it again, especially if I were injured or needed medical therapy for any reason.

Visit uscryotherapy.com for more information about the services provided and more. US Cryotherapy Tampa is located at 1905 W. Kennedy Blvd.

GROWING TOGETHER

A NEW Pediatric ER for your family’s emergencies!

Tailored exclusively for young patients, the Pediatric Center at Brandon Regional Hospital provides advanced pediatric care for kids of all ages.

As your family grows, our Pediatric Center experts are here for you:

All NEW Pediatric ER with dedicated entrance and family areas Advanced Pediatric Inpatient and Intensive Care Units Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) NICU and Pediatric Surgical Care from All Children’s Specialty Physicians

For more information on the Pediatric Center, or to find a pediatric specialist for your child call (813) 653-1065.

2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 57 119 Oakfield DriveMAY I Brandon, Florida

FOOD + DRINK | TRADEWINDS

SPONSORED

Eat. Drink.

Shop.

Learn

R

umFish Grill® has made a big splash on St. Pete Beach with its one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and shop located in front of Guy Harvey Outpost – a TradeWinds Beach Resort. But did you know that it’s also a place where you can learn about Tampa Bay’s tropical environment?

Simply dining at RumFish Grill will open your family’s eyes to the wonders of the underwater world. A 33,500-gallon tank spans an entire wall of the dining room – it’s a stunning sight to see as you enjoy the chef’s latest culinary creations. This amazing tank is inhabited by large fish indigenous to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It was built by Wayde King and Brett Raymer of Animal Planet’s hit series “Tanked” and was featured on the show. A four-foot green moray eel, “Frankie,” shares the coral ledge and rocks with grouper, while more than 37 species including snook, redfish, spotted trout and lookdowns cruise by.

Right next to the dining room, you can explore an underwater viewing area and an educational hallway that features illustrations and information about the marine life inside the tanks. You can also visit two other tanks at RumFish Grill: the Juvenile Tank, home to 15 species from the Southern Gulf of Mexico; and the Predator & Lionfish Tank, home to the majestic lionfish, which is actually invasive to the Gulf. Here you can read signage and learn about lionfish invasion from Reef.org.

“BEHIND-THE-SCENES” TOURS

But visiting the various tanks as part of your dining experience is just one way your family can learn about the area’s fascinating underwater world. As a hotel guest of Guy Harvey Outpost, you can also enjoy a personal “behindthe-scenes” tour highlighting eco-initiatives and tank management, including the chance to feed the fish.

58 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

GUY’S GREAT TOUCH TANK EXPERIENCE

While staying at Guy Harvey Outpost, you can also take advantage of a complimentary, hands-on learning experience by visiting the Touch Tank. This kid-friendly exhibit lets you hold sea urchins and other sea critters and learn some interesting marine trivia facts.

EXTRAORDINARY CUISINE, ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING, TOO! Dine on mouthwatering favorites like Firecracker Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli and enjoy drinks in the bar or deck with sports on the big screens, live music and happy hour specials daily from 2-5 p.m. And don’t miss out on the area’s largest selection of Guy Harvey merchandise in the shop.

A TOTALLY IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE: SWIM WITH THE FISHES

If you want to plunge even deeper into the aquarium experience at RumFish Grill, you can actually swim with the fishes! This snorkeling adventure is led by experts from the Marine Exploration Center. Their mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of the value and fragility of the marine environment through research, education and personal experiences. Anyone eight and older can enjoy this incredible experience, but it’s highly recommended that a participating adult accompany children eight through 12.

LEARN MORE Call 727.329.1433 or visit

SwimWithOurFish.com for details and advance reservations.

EAT. DRINK. SHOP. LEARN. Dining beside a breathtaking 33,500-gallon aquarium is just one exciting experience at RumFish Grill®. Come learn all about local marine life and even Swim with the Fishes our incredible snorkeling adventure. Plus shop the area’s largest selection of Guy Harvey merchandise.

6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach | 727.329.1429 | RumFishGrill.com

Are You Living With

A False Sense of Security?

Do you know what would happen to your kids if something happened to you? The answer may surprise you...

In this free resource, A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning, Attorney Mike Mastry reveals the most frequently asked questions that he hears from parents of minor children, and also the questions that parents should be asking to best protect their children.

Take the first step toward ensuring that your children will be taken care of, no matter what happens to you.

Request your FREE resource today.

Call 727-308-5266 or visit www.MastryLawParentsGuide.com MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 59

FAMILY FUN FOR AGES 5+ WORLD PREMIERE!

Created and Directed by CRAIG FRANCIS and RICK MILLER Based on the book by RUDYARD KIPLING Produced by KIDOONS/WYRD PRODUCTIONS (Montréal, Canada)

JUNE 9 –24

PREVIEWS JUNE 6–8

941.351.8000 | asolorep.org

Jungle Book Sponsors Linnie E. Dalbeck Memorial Foundation Trust

Joy McCann Culverhouse Charitable Trust

Pictured: Anita Majumdar, Levin Valayil, Miriam Fer nandes and Matt Lacas.

• Health & Fitness Expert • 26 Years of Experience • Former Food & Sugar Addict

Book your Complimentary Body Transformation Analysis Today!

Lost 63 lbs. in 6 Months 60 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

See her inspiring story on our website that aired on ABC’s Morning Blend

Palm Harbor Opening Soon!

32872 U.S. Highway 19 N.

DATE NIGHT GUIDE | FOOD + DRINK

The White Peach Margarita mixes Don Julio Silver Tequila, Nagomi white peach syrup, cranberries and Fresh Sour cider.

A

merican Social is an upscale sports bar and kitchen that recently opened at The Pointe on Harbour Island. Featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, two bars, fire pits, bay views, hand crafted cocktails and gourmet food, this hot spot definitely needs to make it on to your list of regular date night locations. The restaurant is located just over the bridge on Harbour Island within walking distance of both the Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena. There is also ample parking whether you choose the valet, parking garage or the dock.

AMERICAN SOCIAL IS OPEN FOR BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER AND LATE-NIGHT BITES.

Be Social

AN UPSCALE DATE NIGHT AT AMERICAN SOCIAL THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK

By Sarah Stoulil for tampabaydatenightguide.com

Photos compliments of American Social Bar & Kitchen

The AMSO Chicken Cobb salad features chicken, romaine, avocado, heirloom grape tomatoes, blue cheese, hardboiled egg, grilled corn and log smoked bacon lardons topped with a buttermilk ranch dressing.

Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes favorites such as omelets, chicken and waffles and French toast. It also includes some items you don’t find on every brunch menu such as the Acai Bowl, Amso Mac & Cheese and Cast Iron Blueberry Pancakes.

Lunch is nothing short of amazing. Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., take advantage of the eatery’s “In and Out Lunch Special” for only $14. Choose from one of their six options and get a dessert and non-alcoholic beverage included. Now that seems like a great reason to make American Social one of your weekly lunch spots!

Dinner is one for the books. With meals such as the cedar plank salmon, C.A.B. Filet Mignon and black grouper, you can’t go wrong. For lighter plates, Amso has a filling shrimp and arugula salad, Ropa Vieja Tacos and delectable burgers and sandwiches.

Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. you can enjoy select craft beer, wine and liquor at 50 percent off, as well as $6 shared plates—it’s a perfect option for any pregame or preshow light bite. Amso also offers deals every day of the week, from $5 Burger Monday to Ladies’ Night Thursday, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy an upscale experience.

Need a venue for a corporate event?

Rehearsal dinner? VIP party? Amso has an exquisite private dining room, indoor and outdoor VIP bars, and a VIP lounge area perfect for such an occasion. Private events can range from 15 to 400 guests. Call 813.605.3333 for more information.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 61

BEAUTY + STYLE | RUNWAY TRANSLATOR

By Michelle Bremer of Runwaytranslator.com

62 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

T

here’s a famous quote by author Elizabeth Stone that reads, “Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

That is a pretty accurate visual of motherhood.

No matter what type of parent we are, most of us can agree that our hearts are vulnerable in the hands of our children. We do our very best to protect them and guide them, and with high hopes we eventually set them free.

That’s the cycle and it goes on and on, forever.

A mother’s connection to her children cannot be measured; it is beyond comprehension, it is boundless. Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate those connections. It’s an opportunity to show gratitude to mothers everywhere for the many sacrifices they have made. If all moms could see themselves through the eyes of their young child, they would see a superhero! They would see a woman whose beauty shines like the sun and whose words hold infinite power. Mothers, step-mothers and mother-figures of the world, may you always carry with you in your heart the gratitude of those for whom you have given so much. Feeling unconditional love for your child is a gift from the universe, and having it reciprocated is the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae we call “motherhood.”

Photos by Theresa NeSmith Photography Styling by Michelle Bremer Women's fashions provided by Mis en Chic, Children's fashions provided by Ribbons and Ties

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 63

FAMILY FUN | PARK CITY FAMILY STYLE The whole family can dive into winter time activities such as snow tubing down Gorgoza Park hills during a Park City visit.

snow bunnies START PLANNING YOUR NEXT SPRING BREAK ON THE SLOPES

By Anna Tataris De Jesus of thegreatescapeplan.com

W

e love our warm sunny days in Tampa Bay, but sometimes we just need to escape the heat. That's why I jumped at the chance when Visit Park City invited us to come experience the family fun destination. As a mommy of two kids, I love finding direct flights, and there are direct flights from Tampa International Airport to Salt Lake City, which is only 35 minutes from Park City. A popular destination for Tampa Bay families who love to escape in the winter and during spring break, this charming mountain town is not only a fantastic ski destination, but is full of family offerings. It was also home to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and is currently home to the Sundance Film Festival.

WHAT TO DO

We spent five nights in Park City and still didn't have time to do it all. Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort combined make up the largest ski resort in the United States with 7,300 acres and over 348 trails offering adventures for every level of skier or snowboarder. Park City Mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults, and Aloha Ski & Snowboard not only offers ski rentals at their numerous locations, they also rent out ski apparel. At the National Ability Center, those with orthopedic, spinal cord, neuromuscular, 64 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

visual and hearing impairments, and cognitive and developmental disabilities can ski and try other snow activities. The center has specially designed equipment to ensure everyone in the family can enjoy the activities together. If you have a little one too young to ski, Park City Child Care offers care for children starting at 6 weeks of age.

When you’re tired of skiing, try a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride, an adrenaline rush on Flying Eagle Zip line or the thrill of the Alpine Coaster in which you sit in a toboggan-style car that takes you whizzing down the mountain on nearly 4,000 feet of track. Snow tubing at Gorgoza Park, free S'mores at Cannon Village, and a free tour of Utah's Olympic Park are all excellent ways to pass time.

Hotel staff at The Chateau Deer Valley set-up a play teepee for the kids to enjoy. For adults, there’s a ski lift right outside The Chateau’s doors.

WHERE TO STAY

Park City offers a variety of accommodations from snowcovered lodges and bed and breakfasts to more traditional hotels.

Our lodgings at The Chateaux Deer Valley offered a kitchen, a family-size table, two cozy fireplaces, a murphy bed for the kids and a balcony from which we could watch the snow fall. The hotel staff even set up a child's teepee with a lantern and a wolf stuffed animal for our kids to play with. Other amenities include the an Italian-inspired restaurant, grocery shopping service before arrival and a free on-demand shuttle to main street and the local ski lifts. Because it's located mid-mountain, you can walk out the lobby door and be right at the ski lift.

WHAT TO EAT

Park City has an amazing food scene. One of our favorite spots was the High West Distillery & Saloon where we enjoyed handcrafted cocktails with our bison burger and Parmesan fries. At Chimayo, a popular dinner spot offering dishes from Southern Mexico to Southern Utah, we loved the lobster and corn chowder, as well as the smoked citrus and serrano branzino dish.

For breakfast, I highly recommend venturing off Main Street to Five5eeds where I ate the best breakfast item I've ever had: a hotcake topped with mixed berries, lemon infused mascarpone, nuts, seeds and edible flowers. It was beautiful and delicious at the same time. And after a day of snow-tubing at Gorgoza Park, check out Billy Blanco's for some casual fare for the whole family.

The rocking themed diner has a delish sundae dessert; everyone's going to go for multiple spoonfulls.

On Park City’s Main Street you’ll find many dining options for everyone in the family. Try out the lobster and corn chowder at Chimayo Restaurant.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Park City’s free bus system offers stops at Historic Main Street, Kimball Junction, North of Main, Quarry Village, Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain and the Utah Olympic Park. There is also a Main Street Trolley Service which stops just about anywhere on Main. If you need to go elsewhere, Uber and Lyft services are available.

There are fine dining restaurants and a vibrant nightlife for mom and dad as well. This is the smoked citrus and serrano branzino from Chimayo.

TIPS ON A BUDGET

Booking early is the best way to save on your Park City stay, especially when it comes to hotels and lodging. For example, The Chateaux Deer Valley runs specials in the summer from July to August offering up to 25 percent off for booking your winter and spring break trips early. If you plan to do at least 5 days of skiing, you can book what is called an EPIC Local pass to save money.

For more information check out visitparkcity.com

It snows nine days on average every March in Park City. Sophia and Nikolas were lucky to have two full days of snowfall. It was their first time seeing snow and they were excited.

The average snowfall in March in Park City is almost 26 inches. Perfect for enough fresh powder to create snow angels.

During Nikolas’ ski lesson, Sophia made her snow angel.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 65

SPONSORED

FAMILY FUN | BUSCH GARDENS

Cover kid, Skylar, 3, rides the safari-themed carousel at Busch Garden's Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

SESAME STREET SAFARI OF FUN KIDS' WEEKENDS RETURNS TO BUSCH GARDENS

S

esame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends RETURNS! One of our favorite events of the year is returning to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with more family fun than ever before! Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends is expanding, adding an additional weekend each Saturday and Sunday from May 5- 20. This special event will feature handson games, activities, a flower garden maze, animal encounters and daily parades with your child’s favorite Sesame Street friends leading the way.

MAY 5 & 6: ELMO WEEKEND

NEW

Guests can join Sesame Street characters to help Elmo’s goldfish, Dorothy, find her friends as they make their way through Busch Gardens’ Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area, finding treasures on their way!

MAY 12 & 13: RUBBER DUCKIE WEEKEND

Look for cookies among the flowers with the one and only Cookie Monster and his closest friends. Guests can enjoy milk and cookies, arts and crafts and more during this special family-friendly weekend.

66 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

p m e W or ks ho © 20 18 Se sa

MAY 19 & 20: COOKIE MONSTER WEEKEND

Be sure to check out the all-new live show, “Let’s Play Together” starring Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and more! Show times are 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each weekend at Sunny Day Theater.

™

Join the search for Ernie’s favorite rubber duckie! Guests will experience all Sesame Street Safari of Fun has to offer while spending quality time with Bert and Ernie!

Add on extra special experiences like Lunch with Elmo & Friends, available for a limited time! Remember to take advantage of the FREE Busch Gardens Preschool Card for children ages 5 and under that gives them complimentary access to the park through the end of 2018. You must register your child online before you go to the park. The last day to get the Preschool Card is May 20!

If you don’t have your annual pass, you can set up to get one for as little as $14 per month.

Learn more at buschgardens.com/tampa.

REGISTER NOW!

YOUR SEARCH FOR SUMMER PLANS IS OVER

Home to more than 12,000 animals and world-class coasters, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay has camps for both animal lovers and thrill seekers alike.

Kids grade 5 – college can enroll in one-of-a-kind camps.

Day Camp: K-12th • Resident Camp: 5th -College Book today and start counting down to the best summer ever.

Day Camps run May 30th – August 3rd Resident Camps run June 9th – August 16th

BuschGardens.com/camps • (813)884-4FUN (4386) Program components, pricing and availability subject to change. © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 67

WHAT’S HAPPENING | TOP PICKS

May TREASURE SEEKERS: CONQUISTADORS, PIRATES AND SHIPWRECKS Various dates and times Set sail with conquistadors, prowl the coast with privateers and pirates and dive to the ocean floor in search of lost treasure in the Tampa Bay History Center’s all-new Treasure Seekers gallery. This brand-new permanent addition to the History Center features a nearly full-scale replica of an 18th-century sailing sloop, the interactive Pirates Fate theater and rare, 300-year-old artifacts recovered from Florida waters. tampabayhistorycenter.org EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL Through May 28, various times Experience spring through brilliant blooms, live entertainment, flavorful dishes and interactive playgrounds as part of this annual springtime celebration at EPCOT in Orlando. This year, guests can check out outdoor kitchens, more than 70 Disney-themed topiaries, vibrant gardens, play areas, flower towers, exhibits, how-to demos and outdoor concerts. disneyworld.com THE PRODUCERS Through May 13, various times American Stage Theatre in the Park presents “The Producers” by Mel Brooks.

Based on the 1967 film of the same name, the show has received 12 Tony Awards. Head over to Demens Landing in St. Petersburg to enjoy a night under the stars with great entertainment. americanstage.org 5TH ANNUAL GIVE DAY TAMPA BAY May 1 Give Day is your opportunity to learn about hundreds of nonprofits in our community so you can support the causes you care about. This 24–hour online giving challenge raised $1.7 million for bay area nonprofits during 2017 so make sure to take part in Give Day! givedaytampabay.razoo.com MOM’S NIGHT OUT: “SCIENCE OF PARENTHOOD” May 3, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Join Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, author of “Science of Parenthood,” for a discussion of her book. The discussion will explore the “unscientific explanations for utterly baffling parenting situations.” glazermuseum.org

68 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

Our favorite events and things to do for families in Tampa Bay!

4TH ANNUAL TAMPA RIVERFEST May 4-5, various times Take part in this weekend-long celebration of Tampa’s cultural institutions, local music and restaurants along the river walk in downtown Tampa.

Family-friendly activities include live entertainment, a wiener dog derby and more. thetampariverwalk.com

NEXT GENERATION BALLET “CINDERELLA” May 5-6, various times Become reacquainted with all your favorite characters as Prokofiev’s jubilant music sets the tone for this sweeping ballet. This beloved story collides with the award winning dancers of Next Generation Ballet to delight audiences. strazcenter.org

2018 CONCERTS IN THE PARK May 4, 11, 18 and 25, 7 p.m.

Historic River Tower Park is the setting for this series of outdoor family-friendly concerts that will showcase a variety of musical talent including rock, blues, country and jazz.

Bring a chair and blanket; local food trucks and vendors will also be onsite. tampagov.net

CRAFTY FEST MARKET May 5-6, various times Enjoy handmade, vintage and local crafts at this free monthly event that features some of Tampa Bay’s best artisans. All ages are welcome and pets are allowed in the outdoor market area. artpoolgallery.com

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 4 May 4, 8 p.m.

Join world-class violinist and Bradenton resident James Ehnes for a violin concerto written for him by James Newton Howard, an eight- time Oscar nominated film composer. Howard has composed for films like “The Hunger Games,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Dark Knight.” Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 ponders fate and melancholy while remaining playful and exciting. strazcenter.org 2018 MAY DAY RACE May 5, various times Partake in fun and competitive races in Saint Petersburg!

Runners will be taken through Clam Bayou on the Skyway Trail and end at the Ceridian campus. All portions of race will be on a paved trail and participants can enjoy food and beverages at the end. active.com

SESAME STREET® KID’S WEEKEND May 5 – 20, various times Join Elmo, the Cookie Monster and Big Bird at Busch Gardens for a fun-filled weekend!

Guests will enjoy exclusive activities, music and interaction with animal ambassadors.

Don’t forget to get a picture with one of your favorite characters! buschgardens.com

TODDLER TUESDAYS May 8, 9:30 a.m.

Zoo members are welcome to bring their little ones out to Lowry Park Zoo on this day!

Attendees will enjoy story time, arts and crafts, an animal mingle and a complimentary snack. zootampa.org MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH May 10, 11 a.m.

This special Mother’s Day brunch at Maestro’s Restaurant will feature a breakfast station, chef-attended omelet and carving station, salad display, hot buffet and dessert station.

Bring mom out for the breakfast she deserves. strazcenter.org DARCI LYNNE AND FRIENDS LIVE May 12, 7 p.m.

Singing ventriloquist Darci Lynn and her puppet Petunia stole the hearts of millions on “America’s Got Talent,” and now they’re coming to Morsani Hall to dazzle once again. As the youngest person to ever win America’s Got Talent, 13-yearold Darci has charmed audiences nationwide with her eclectic and endearing performance. strazcenter.org

SEA TURTLE AWARENESS DAY May 12, 8 a.m.

Join the Clearwater Aquarium Sea Turtle Team at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach to learn about sea turtle nesting and conservation. Participants will learn what they can do to help protect endangered marine animals and take part in activities that the whole family can enjoy.

These activities include beach cleanup, sea turtle nesting stake painting, and more! seewinter.com 6TH ANNUAL MADEIRA BEACH CRAFT FESTIVAL May 12-13, 10 a.m.

Browse art from crafters across the country as part of this free Madeira Beach event.

Shop for ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and more. artfestival.com YOGA IN THE WILD May 12, 8:30 a.m.

Relax and rejuvenate with Yoga in the Wild at Lowry Park Zoo. Beginner, intermediate and advanced yogis are welcome to pose like their favorite animals.

The class will be led by instructor Tina Tidwell from Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation.

Save your spot so you can enjoy inner peace while supporting the Zoo’s Animal Care and Conservation Program. zootampa.org

For even more family fun, visit TampaBayParenting.com to see our full calendar!

BUBBLE GUPPIES LIVE! READY TO ROCK May 18-19, 8 p.m.

You favorite underwater friends are ready to rock out at Jaeb Theatre. This performance will include fun tunes and when a band member goes missing, the guppies go on one of their exciting adventures. Come enjoy this swimsational underwater adventure! strazcenter.org 2018 RUN FOR ALL CHILDREN May 19, 7 a.m.

Hit the pavement for a good cause as part of this benefit for the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Foundation. All races will start at the hospital and end with an awards ceremony at Poynter Park. runforallchildren.com TARPON SPRINGS NIGHT IN THE ISLANDS May 19, 6– 11 p.m.

Visit Dodecanese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs for Greek music, free dance lessons, music along the sponge docks and authentic local dining. tarponarts.org

WALK TO CURE ARTHRITIS May 12 Community members are invited to gather at Al Lopez Park to support warriors, raise funds and find a cure for arthritis, a condition that affects more than 50 million Americans. walktocurearthritis.org/Tampa 6TH ANNUAL MADEIRA BEACH CRAFT FESTIVAL May 12-13, 10 a.m.

Browse art from crafters across the country as part of this free Madeira Beach event. Shop for ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and more. artfestival.com

CREATIVE LOAFING’S BRUNCHED 2018 May 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Experience delicious bites from more than 10 Tampa Bay area restaurants that offer brunch while sipping a Bloody Mary or a mimosa. Tickets can be purchased online; event takes place at the historic Rialto Theatre. cltampa.com/brunched TASTE OF DUNEDIN May 21, 1 – 4 p.m.

Sample dishes from the top restaurants in the tri-county area

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS at this special foodie fest in downtown Dunedin. tasteofdunedin.com PEPPA PIG LIVE! May 24, 6 p.m.

The #1 Family show of 2016 is returning to Ruth Eckerd Hall for an action-packed live show featuring all your favorite Peppa Pig characters. Life sized puppets and costumed characters bring Peppa and friends to life. This performance is full of songs, games and fun surprises! rutheckerdhall.com JACK HANNA WEEKEND May 26-27, various times Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for wild animal shows, autograph signings and a meet and greet.

This lifelong adventurer will share animal facts and travel tales about some of the planet’s most precious and endangered species. buschgardenstampa.com TAMPA BAY MARGARITA FESTIVAL May 26 – 27 Margarita Fest is back at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa. Enjoy live music, tequila tastings and margaritas galore at this event. Tickets are available online for presale. tampamargaritafest.com WALK TAMPA: TAMPA BAY BLACK HISTORY TOUR May 26, 10 a.m. to noon This outdoor trek will tour Tampa’s Central Avenue District, otherwise known as “the Harlem of the South.” Local historian Fred Hearns will lead the tour and explore the social, political, musical and religious traditions of Tampa’s black life. tampahistorycenter.org

TRAMPOLINE PARK SENSORY SATURDAYS May 5 and 19, 9-10 a.m.

Enjoy a morning of sensory-friendly trampoline fun at Altitude Trampoline Park in Tampa with smaller crowds and reduced music volume.

One accompanying parent jumps for free! altitudetampa.com SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAYS May 6, 9-11 a.m.

Stop by Chuck E. Cheese’s at both the Wesley Chapel and Brandon locations for a morning of sensory-friendly fun.

Families can enjoy an environment featuring reduced lighting and noise, food and games for everyone and a trained and caring staff. chuckecheese.com GREAT CONNECTIONS May 13, 10 a.m. to noon Experience Great Explorations and its exhibits with special early access hours made available to children with special needs and their families. Take part in sensory-friendly activities and crafts. This month, the museum partners with Family Network on Disabilities (FND), a national network of individuals of all ages who may be at-risk, have disabilities or have special needs and their families, professionals, and concerned citizens. greatex.org SUNSHINE SUNDAY May 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Explore Glazer Children’s Museum with lights and sounds lowered and special programming available for those with special needs to enjoy the museum exclusively. Free for members and $5 nonmembers. glazermuseum.org

MOTHER’S DAY: MOMS PLAY FREE May 13 Moms get in free on this day in celebration of Mother’s Day. Bring the whole family out to celebrate mom! glazermuseum.org ANIMANIACS LIVE! May 18, 8 p.m.

This brand new live show will bring original show performers like Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille and Jess Harnell to perform together onstage. Emmy-winning songwriter Randy Ragel will be teaming up with this talented group to bring you “Animaniacs Live!” themahaffey. com

SING-ALONG “THE LITTLE MERMAID” May 6, 3 p.m.

Come dressed as your favorite character for this special showing of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at Tampa Theatre.

The sing-along event will allow viewers to sing out loud all the fantastic songs they know and love. tampatheatre.org

MAY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 69

70 TampaBayParenting.com | MAY 2018

AROUND TOWN | WHAT’S HAPPENING

around town Congratulations to Eve Glenn of Tampa, the recipient of the 2018 Air Force Military Child of the Year. The 16-year-old is a student at Robinson High School and was selected as this year's recipient for her outstanding academic achievement and service to the community. She was recognized during Operation Homefront's 10th annual Military Child of the Year awards in Washington, D.C. on April 19.

Thousands in Tampa participate in March For Our Lives.

The Tampa Bay Parenting team competed in the bocce ball tournament at the 21st Annual Festa Italiana in Ybor City.

On Saturday, April 14, Adventure Island, in conjunction with the Event Development Institute, hosted the 6th Annual Tampa Bay Kids Triathlon, presented by Florida Blue.

More than 360 kids between the ages of 6-14 competed in the event by swimming through the park’s Ramblin’ Bayou, biking through Busch Gardens’ parking lot and running through the finish line on the sand, after which they were presented with a custom finishers’ medal.

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Glazer Children’s Museum and Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.®) gathered to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Eckerd Connects, Glazer Children’s Museum and other community partners gathered at Glazer Children’s Museum on April 2 to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month during the annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign kickoff.

Thousands of students, families and residents from around the Tampa Bay area gathered at Kiley Gardens in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on March 24 for the March for our Lives rally. Participants stood in solidarity with the national march in Washington, D.C. to demand tougher gun laws in the wake of the deadly shooting in Parkland, Florida. To learn more, visit everytown.org.

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