Active Family Magazine | August 2021

AUGUST 2021

5 Ways to Raise Socially Responsible Kids

CAMPING Family Bonding Time at its Best

PALM SPRINGS BUDGET VACAY

Volume 8 / Issue 87

[ PARENTING ] Camping: Family Bonding Time At Its Best

6

5 Ways to Raise Socially Responsible Kids

[ TRAVEL ]

16

12

Pal Springs On A Budget

Tips and Tricks to Help Your Child Prepare for Full-Time Learning

10 Ways to Raise Tolerant, Non-Racist Kids

26

8

6 2 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ SUMMER CAMPS ] Summer Camp Guide

22

12

16

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Local Life & Style for the East Bay Area

Publisher/Editor

Social Media Manager and Sales Manager

Tracie Brown Vollgraf

Trista Cambra-Flanders

Advertising Sales Director

Design/Production

Whitney Ignacio Whitney@activefamilymag.com

Teresa Agnew Craft

Contributing Authors Elizabeth Kang Dr. Michele Borba Dr. Laura Markham Amy McCready Dr. Rebecca Jackson

Travel Editor Elizabeth Kang ekang@activefamilymag.com

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Editor’s Note Back to school time! Who is ready to get the kids back into the classroom?! For many, it has been a long time coming! We hope your transition is seamless and you are able to find some “me” time, if only for a few hours!

While school may be back in session, the summer months are still here! Check out our camping article on page 6 and our Palm Springs travel feature on page 12.

Plenty of time left to explore with the family!

Wishing you all a wonderful school year!

Enjoy your month!

Tracie Brown Vollgraf Editor info@activefamilymag.com

4 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

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[ PARENTING ]

Camping: Family Bonding Time At Its Best

by Dr. Laura Markham Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and has worked as a parenting coach with countless parents across the English-speaking world, both in person and via phone.

You can find Dr. Laura online at AhaParenting.com, the website of Aha! Moments for parents of kids from birth through the teen years, where she offers a free daily inspiration email to parents.

With all the uncertainty as we try to put Covid behind us, many families have been hesitant to make travel plans this summer. But your family needs some breaks away from home. Wouldn't it be amazing if that break also helps you hit the reset button on screens with a "dopamine fast," gets everybody in the family moving, facilitates some nice family bonding, and gives your kids a chance to climb trees, chase fireflies, and roast marshmallows?

Whether you go for a week or a weekend, camping has all the ingredients for a fun, safe, affordable and meaningful family vacation. It's also a great learning experience for children of all ages. In one large study, parents said that camping benefitted their children by giving them more freedom, independence, confidence, and responsibility within a safe setting, as well as the opportunity to appreciate nature, escape from technology, and bond with family.

6 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ PARENTING ] Yes, it takes some planning. But that's part of the fun,

outside.

and a great learning experience for your child!

5. Plan on a campfire so you don't need a lot of 1. Find a campground close to home.

cooking gear.

Use a National Park Service website or Reserve

Be sure to pack food that your kids like, but keep it

America. Hopefully you'll be able to drive there in a

simple. Everything tastes better around a campfire.

few hours. Prioritize campgrounds close to water for

As long as you have tin foil and tongs, you can make

swimming, tubing, boating or other activities your

everything from french toast to vegies to popcorn.

kids will like. (No car? New York and many other cities have campgrounds that are available via public

6. Think low-tech.

transportation, or consider renting a car just for the

What your kids will remember is lying on a blanket

trip.)

looking at the stars with you, singing around the

2. Make planning part of the fun.

Remember, anticipation builds excitement and kids learn a lot by taking responsibility for making a project happen. Brainstorm with your family about how to make this super fun for everyone. Empower your kids to do some of the planning about where are you'll go and what food you'll eat. Come up with a list of camping games, like camping bingo, scavenger hunts, and flashlight tag. Stress that everyone's contribution will be needed, and everyone will work together.

3. Work with each child on a list of things for them to bring.

Let them take the lead on their packing, checking off the items on the list. Kids can also take responsibility for part of the "family list." Don't forget matches and

campfire, or floating down the river with you in an inner tube. Keep devices off except in emergencies.

7. Include simple surprises.

To ease screen withdrawal, plan some simple surprises.

For instance: • If you're hiking, plan for something fun at the end of every trail so kids can look forward to it. Maybe there's a waterfall or you bring some chocolate for a snack.

• See if there's a geocache location near your campsite and bring a small toy or knickknack to leave. Your kids will love using the coordinates to track the geocache and discovering the "treasure."

• Download a fun children's audio book for the car.

• Bring some surprises your children don't expect, like

newspapers to start a fire, ingredients for s'mores, water

glow sticks, bubbles, kiddie headlamps, or a festive

bottles, drums and other musical instruments, messy art

string of battery lights to decorate your tent.

supplies, board games, cards, flashlights, extra towels, wipes, sleeping pads, magnifying glass, baggies for

8. Prioritize being present and flexible!

cool leaves, and rocks, snacks to keep kids happy

Focus on fun of the journey with your child, not the

while they're hiking, and of course bug spray and

destination. Don't worry if you never make it to the

sunscreen.

end of the hiking trail. What matters most is the fun everybody has along the way. That means that YOUR

4. If you don't have camping equipment, borrow it, rent

good mood is the key to a rewarding trip for everyone.

it, or buy it used.

Enjoy your child, and find things to appreciate. You'll

Practice setting your tent up before you go. Consider

almost certainly discover that unplugging for some

a test-run camping weekend in your backyard, to

quality family time in nature is as good for you as it is for

help your child become more comfortable sleeping

your child.

AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 7

[ PARENTING ] Dr. Michele Borba is an internationally recognized expert and author on children, teens, parenting, bullying and moral development. She is an NBC contributor appearing over 100 times on the TODAY show and is the regular parenting expert on Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers. Her work has been featured on Dr. Phil, Dateline, The View, The Doctors, Fox News, The Early Show and CNN and well as in Newsweek, People, Good Housekeeping, Chicago Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Post, The New York Times and The Globe and Mail.

She was an MSNBC contributor to two televised “Education Nation” specials. Dr. Borba is the awardwinning author of 22 parenting and educational books translated into 14 languages. Titles include: Don’t Give Me That Attitude!, Parents Do Make A Difference, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, and Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me!, No More Misbehavin’, Building Moral Intelligence (cited

by Publishers’ Weekly as “Among the most noteworthy of 2001”), and Esteem Builders used by 1.5 million students worldwide. She writes as the parenting expert for Dr. Oz’s website, as well a daily column for her blog, Dr. Borba’s Reality Check: www.micheleborba.com Twitter: @micheleborba

10 Ways to Raise Tolerant, Non-Racist Kids

by Dr. Michele Borba I was in the Portland, Oregon, airport last year and witnessed one of the most powerful lessons about teaching tolerance. About two dozen preschool children and their teachers were on an airport field trip. All were walking hand in hand and wearing t-shirts that read: “Children Are Not Born Racist.” It was quite an image. Other passengers were struck as I was, and many stopped to stare. One man standing near me said to no one in particular, “If only parents could understand that one message—maybe we could get along.”

The lesson conveyed on the children’s shirts conveyed what research confirms: We are not born with intolerant beliefs-we learn them and was aimed at the adults, not children. If we really are concerned about ending bullying, cruelty, racism, bigotry, intolerance, and hate, we must consciously model and nurture tolerance, and use science-backed ways to nurture acceptance, compassion

8 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ PARENTING ] parenting will. We must demand that our children treat everyone with dignity.

A

Laws don’t change hate, parenting will. We must

and at younger ages. Hate crimes in the

Here are ten ways to boost tolerance and raise a morally

United States reached the highest level in

strong generation.

merican youth are displaying intolerant actions at alarming rates

more than a decade. What’s more, a 2020 nationwide 50-state survey of millennials

demand that our children treat everyone with dignity.

10 Ways to Boost Tolerance and Raise Non-Racist, Empathetic Kids

and Generation Z showed that sixty-three percent did not know that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. Over half of those could not name a single

1. Confront outdated beliefs.

You might begin to examining your own childhood upbringing. What were some of your parents’ prejudices?

Do any of those remain with you today? Take time

concentration camp and thought the

to reflect on how you might be projecting those old,

death toll was fewer than two million.

outdated ideas to your child. Then make a conscious attempt to temper them so that they don’t become your child’s prejudices. Sometimes you might not even know you are tainting your children’s views.

and empathy in our homes and schools from the time

2. Encourage open and accepting minds.

our kids are young. Doing so, is the best chance we have

Parents who think through how they want their kids to

to help children grow to appreciate and respect others

turn out usually succeed simply because they planned

who are different from themselves.

their parenting efforts. If you really want your child to respect diversity, you must adopt a conviction early

Tolerance is a powerful virtue that help curtail hatred,

on to raise him to do so. Once your child knows your

bullying, violence, and bigotry while at the same time

expectations, he will be more likely to embrace your

influencing us to treat others with kindness, respect, and

principles.

understanding. While tolerance doesn’t call upon us to suspend moral judgment, it does require us to respect

3. Cultivate pride in their own culture.

differences. This character strength is what helps our

Learning about their family background helps

children recognize that all people deserve to be treated

children connect with their heritage and develop an

with dignity, justice and respect even if we disagree

appreciation and respect for not only their own national

with some of their beliefs or behaviors. And it is a critical

and ethnic backgrounds, but also for those of their

component of character that we must build in our

friends and classmates.

children so they aren’t so quick to judge and focus on differences but instead what they have in common.

As Barbara Mathias and Mary Ann French, authors of 40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child, explain: “Once

The Anti-Defamation League points out that hate

your child has a solid sense of self and pride in her

develops slowly and builds say . It starts with a stereotype

own people, it will be easier for her to find joy in the

or bias and then if not countered can increase.

differences of others.”

Stereotypes can easily turn to prejudice, bullying and then racism and become systemic.. Racism can

So help your child understand his heritage and as well as

become institutional discrimination and hate crimes with

begin to appreciate just how much the world is a melting

genocide as the outcome. Laws don’t change hate,

pot of different customs and ideas.

AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 9

[ PARENTING ] 4. Disallow discriminatory comments.

form pairs. Tell each pair to think of five ways they are

When you hear prejudicial comments, verbalize your

alike and five ways they are different. Answers can be

displeasure. How you respond sends a clear message

written or drawn. “Alike” answers might be, for example,

to your child about your values: “That’s disrespectful

“We are African-American, Baptist, dark haired, brown

and I won’t allow such things to be said in my house,”

eyed, sisters, and Williams family members.” “Different”

or “That’s a biased comment, and I don’t want to hear

answers could be, for example, “I like soccer, she likes

it.” Your child needs to hear your discomfort so that they

tennis; I play saxophone, she plays violin; I am a fourth

know you really walk your talk. It also models a response

grader, she is a second grader; I am 4’5", she is 4’2".”

they should imitate if prejudicial comments are made in her presence.

In a larger family, have each twosome report their findings back to the family. From then on, any time your

5. Embrace diversity.

child points out how she is different from someone, you

From a young age, expose your child to positive images

might say. “Yes, there are lots of ways you are different

– including toys, music, literature, videos, public role

from other people. Now let’s try to think of ways you are

models, and examples from TV or newspaper reports

the same.”

– that represent a variety of ethnic groups. Encourage your child, no matter how young, to have contact with

7. Give straightforward, simple answers.

individuals of different races, religions, cultures, genders,

Kids are naturally curious, so you should expect

abilities, and beliefs. The more your child sees how you

questions. Asking them is one way for them to sort out

embrace diversity, the more prone he’ll be to follow your

how they are different or the same from others as well as

standards.

to learn to feel comfortable with those differences.

Jan Arnow, author of Teaching Peace, points out that

Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of “Why Are All the Black

“only 10 percent of the almost five thousand children’s

Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” stresses the

books published each year in the United States are

importance of answering children’s questions simply

multicultural in nature. Of those, fewer than fifty titles

and honestly even though some issues may seem

annually have been written about Native American

embarrassing or even taboo. How you respond can

and Asian peoples.” That is a troubling statistic, because

either create stereotypes or prevent from forming. For

research says that children first become aware of race

very young kids, usually a one-or two-sentence answer is

and gender differences around two years of age,

enough:

around the time many parents have started nightly bedtime traditions of reading with their kids. Expose your

CHILD: “Sally is a girl. She shouldn’t be playing football!”

child early to a variety of multicultural literature that features positive images of all cultures and genders. It

PARENT: “Girls can play the same sports boys do. Some

is one way to increase tolerance as well as reduce or

girls like football, and some girls don’t. Sally likes to play

prevent prejudice.

football, so she should play it.”

6. Emphasize WE, not ME.

CHILD: “Why is that boy sitting in that chair that moves?”

Encourage your child to look for what he has in common with others instead of how he is different. Any time your

PARENT: “That chair is called a wheelchair, and it has a

child points out how they are unlike someone, you might

motor. The boy’s legs don’t work the same as yours. The

say. “There are lots of ways you are different from other

chair is what he uses to get from place to place.”

people. Now let’s try to think of ways you are the same.”

8. Counter biased beliefs.

One fun way is to play as a family a simple game called

When you hear a child make a prejudicial comment,

“Alike and Different.” It begins by having family members

listen to find out why they feel the way they do. Then

10 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ PARENTING ] gently challenge their views and point out why they

living textbook of tolerance for your child and for all

are incorrect. For example if your child says: “Homeless

other children. It’s also the best way we have to create a

people should get job,” you might counter: “There are

peaceful world for our children and reduce peer cruelty.

many reasons homeless people don’t work or have houses. They may be ill or can’t find jobs. Houses cost money, and not everyone can pay for one.”

10. Nurture understanding.

Just as hatred, bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance are learned, so too are sensitivity, understanding, empathy,

9. Model tolerance.

The best way for your child to learn tolerance is for him to watch and listen to your daily example. So ask yourself one critical question each day: “If my child had only my behavior to copy, would they be witnessing an example

and acceptance. The sooner we start our lessons, the better the chance we have of preventing small-minded attitudes and behaviors from taking hold-and inspiring children to live more harmoniously in this global world.

of what I want them to emulate?” Make sure you are Kids aren’t born hateful: prejudices are learned. While

walking your talk.

intolerance, insensitivity, and hatred can be learned, The best secret to teaching kids tolerance is not by

so too can sensitivity, understanding, empathy, and

lectures or worksheets, but through our example. Be a

tolerance.

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[ TRAVEL ]

[ TRAVEL ]

PALM SPRINGS ON A BUDGET Finally — A Family Vacation That Won’t Break the Bank

by Elizabeth Kang Most family vacations take months of planning and

Springs, and reservations are recommended. Enjoy

saving, and looking forward to them is part of the fun. But

sweeping views of the entire valley on this family friendly

a spontaneous, last-minute trip can be just as exciting as

attraction. Adult tickets are $28.95, children are $16.95

a well-planned vacation, and it can also be affordable,

(ages 3-10) and under 3 are free.

too.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a longstanding attraction Palm Springs is a wonderful choice for a fun-filled,

that the dinosaur-obsessed kids in your family will adore,

spontaneous and budget-friendly vacay. If your family

featuring “the worlds largest dinosaurs.” These giant

finds itself with some free consecutive days this summer,

dinosaurs have been featured in numerous movies, and

consider vibrant and eclectic Palm Springs for a fun and

are a kitschy cult-classic that makes for great photos.

affordable family vacay. Sure, the off-season summer

Adults admission is $13, and children are $11.

months are hot, but that means hotel rates a steal, and no expensive plane tickets are needed, because this

Palm Springs Air Museum is chock-full of aviation history,

desert oasis is an easy 7.5-hour drive.

artifacts and memorabilia and is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. There is plenty to do and see for

Can’t take the heat? Visit in the fall months, when hotel

both children and adults and is a fun, affordable and

rates are still cheap, but the weather starts to cool. Either

educational experience. Adults tickets are $20, and

way, Palm Springs is a must-see destination that should

youth ages 13-17 are $18. Admission is free on Thursdays,

be on your radar. Pack up some swimsuits and hit the

and children 12 and under are free all summer!

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Springs hotel of choice when traveling as a family

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or group. This peaceful resort has been renovated

accessible and worth every second of the drive. And the

numerous times, so it’s clean and modern, with all the

best part? This is a completely free excursion!

up-to-date amenities you’d expect from a much more expensive hotel.

Joshua Tree National Park is just under an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, and is a fantastic way to spend a day.

The refreshing, oversized pool never feels too crowded,

This otherworldly park offers giant boulders for climbing

the grounds are beautiful and well kept, and the location

and squeezing between, and some short flat hikes that

is ideal for walking to downtown shops and restaurants.

are perfect for small children. The desert landscape is

Many rooms offer cozy fire pits for nighttime hangouts,

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and private balcony spaces for outdoor lounging. Rooms

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Be sure to pack plenty of water and food, as it’s not

fall months – an absolute steal.

available inside the park. Entrance is $30 per private vehicle.

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[ TRAVEL ]

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Bill’s Pizza is the go-to pizza joint in Palm Springs, and for good reason — generous toppings, chewy crusts, pizza-by-the-slice and affordable prices keep this haunt consistently buzzing with customers.

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[ PARENTING ]

Parenting expert and “recovering yeller” Amy McCready is the Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and the author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time…

The Revolutionary Program That Gets Your Kids to Listen Without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling (Penguin, 2011.) Amy is a regular parenting contributor on The TODAY Show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, Steve Harvey and elsewhere. In her most important role, she plays mom to two teenage boys. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyMcCreadyPPS. For more information on Postive Parenting, go to www.positiveparentingsolutions. com/course-details

5 Ways to Raise Socially Responsible Kids

by Amy McCready It’s Friday–the BEST day of the week–and 12-year-old Sam is walking to school.

A piece of trash blows across his path before getting stuck in the chain-link fence. Along with school essays, sandwich wrappers, and crushed soda cans, it’s now part of a collage of debris, hopelessly clinging to the metal barrier as the wind blows through.

16 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ PARENTING ] How disgusting, he thinks. Something has to be done.

Let’s get started! But first…

The following day, Sam wakes up early and heads back

What Does it Mean to Be Socially Responsible?

to school. He wishes he could have slept in, had a big breakfast, maybe played some video games with his

The term “social responsibility” is thrown around a lot,

friends. But he couldn’t get that fence off his mind.

particularly in the corporate world. We often relate philanthropic or charitable ventures to large companies

Armed with a picking stick and an extra-large trash

and their commitment to their communities.

bag, Sam spends his morning clearing the fence of all the trash. It’s not a glamorous job by any stretch of the

But social responsibility isn’t only intended for Fortune 500

imagination, but he beams with pride when the task is

companies. It can be boiled down to the most basic,

complete.

individual level.

He discards the trash and heads home, ready for the

Simply put, social responsibility is the ethical idea

weekend fun to begin.

that as humans, we have a greater responsibility to work with others for society’s good. Our actions have

Suppose this scenario leaves you thinking, What an

consequences, and we should work to ensure that our

awesome kid! His parents should be so proud. If so, you

impact on others and the world is positive.

are certainly not alone.

So now that you know what it means to be socially responsible, here are 5 ways you can raise socially

But more likely than not, you’ve got something else on

responsible kids.

your mind. You may be wondering: #1: MODEL GENEROSITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY What did Sam’s parents do to raise such a socially

Generosity is a two-way street. You get what you give.

responsible boy? And how can I do the same?

This reciprocal relationship is precisely the reason why you should model generosity for your children–because

Fortunately, I have excellent news for you. You can raise

they will eventually send it right back at you!

socially responsible kids just like Sam! It’s so easy to let our love for our children spill out in In my years as a positive parenting educator, I’ve had the pleasure of helping over 100,000 families across the world learn how to bring joy back into their parenting journeys. Whether through my FREE WEBINAR, following along on social media, or remaining full members of the Positive Parenting Solutions family–they all have one

obvious ways. We give them hugs, have one-on-one time with them, leave little notes in their lunchboxes–the sky’s the limit when it comes to showing them how much we care.

So be generous with your caring attitude. They’re always watching and will likely reflect that out onto the world.

thing in common…

But don’t stop there! It’s equally important to make a The desire to raise kind, compassionate, and well-

point of being generous to other people as well. I’m

behaved children.

talking about friends, family, co-workers, and even AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 17

[[ PARENTING ] TRAVEL ] strangers.

Volunteering is a beautiful way for your children to understand what it means to help others. It opens their

Grab an extra coffee on a chilly morning for your son’s

eyes to the world around them while also instilling a

school crossing guard. Wait five more seconds to hold

sense of accomplishment and pride.

the door for the person behind you. Grab that stray shopping cart and put it away as you walk into the

Because many kids learn best through hands-

grocery store.

on, interactive environments, choosing volunteer opportunities that keep them active and engaged

Having an outwardly generous attitude is such a simple

significantly increases the lesson payoff. So, keep an eye

way to make a significant impact on your children.

out for options that fit that bill.

The same goes for accountability!

Let’s get you started with a few ideas the whole family

One of the best ways to do this is to be upfront about

can participate in–from toddlers to grandparents!

taking responsibility for your actions. When you’re wrong, admit your mistake and ask for forgiveness when

• Participate in or organize a park cleanup.

necessary.

• Donate toys, food, or clothing to a local shelter.

• Participate in a 5K Fun Run for a good cause.

“I’m sorry I lost my temper and yelled at you this morning. Can you forgive me?”

• Explore your artistic side by making art for residents at a local assisted living or nursing facility.

• Recycle used goods from around the house.

It’s also very important to own up to your obligations.

“I brought this picnic lunch with me to the park today,

If you’re looking for ideas for your older children to take

so it’s MY responsibility to throw away the trash before

part in, here are a few options:

leaving.”

• Volunteer at a food pantry.

If you intend to raise children with good values, you must actively exercise those values in front of them every single day. Trust me, after a while, it’ll feel like second nature to you, and they’ll catch on to those important lessons.

#2: PICK A VOLUNTEER PROJECT

• Rake leaves, mow the lawn, or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.

• Make no-sew fleece blankets for a children’s hospital.

• Help out at an animal rescue, or make and deliver dog toys to shelters.

• Tutor younger students.

• Volunteer at a blood drive.

• Organize a group to adopt a highway.

If simply uttering the word “project” scares you away, I completely understand. After all, no one wants one

#3: FOCUS ON EMPOWERMENT

more thing added to their already endless to-do list.

As parents, it can be hard to loosen the reins and allow our kids to grow independently.

But I promise this type of project isn’t meant to be another chore for you or your kids to tackle. In fact, you

We do things like pack their lunches, clean up their

may even find it, dare I say…enjoyable!

rooms, and remember their homework, even when

18 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ PARENTING ] they’re old enough to do it themselves. Why? Maybe

Children who feel capable and confident to make

because it’s easier, or we simply don’t feel like dealing

decisions that better the world around them will

with the whining when we ask them to do it themselves.

ultimately serve as the catalyst for more positive change.

These kids don’t just want to make the world a better

But the truth of the matter is, when we do everything for

place. They go out and do it!

them, we fail to empower them to do it on their own.

#4: HAVE A “WE” MENTALITY, NOT A “ME” MENTALITY As adults, we know the world is a huge place, filled with

And if there is one thing all children–both girls and boys–

billions of people and trillions of problems. But for our

need, it’s to feel empowered!

kids, it can be hard to see past their own small bubbles.

And in case you didn’t see it coming, this absolutely

They have a mentality that shouts, “Me, me, me!” But

applies to making socially responsible decisions.

if you want to get them less focused on themselves and more focused on others (the very heart of social

While it’s easy to ask your 3-year-old to put away the

responsibility!), you need to help them shift that thinking

toys another child left out, you’d want your older child

to “We, we, we!”

to do it on his own. Not because he was asked to do the right thing, but because he knew he could because you

Picture this…

empowered him to believe in himself.

You pull up to the school pick-up line only to find your You might say, “You are a competent and capable

10-year-old daughter standing there red-faced and

young man. I have confidence you know when to do the

fuming.

right thing.”

When you ask what’s made her so upset, she tells you right away.

You’d also expect your teenage daughter not to stick her gum underneath the desk or leave her empty soda can

“Allison asked Samantha to be her partner on the history

on the steps outside of school.

project, even though she KNOWS Samantha is MY best friend! She should be MY partner, not Allison’s.”

“I’m so glad you understand how important it is to leave a space as clean as you found it.”

Just be sure to keep your comments on the encouraging side rather than doling out the flowery praise.

You feel for your daughter and don’t want to see her upset, but a part of you is also left wondering: What’s the big deal?

The thing is, the problem may seem minor to you. But to your daughter, it is a big deal (even if it’s selfish).

So you may be wondering, What does empowerment have to do with raising socially responsible kids?

So how can you get her to shift her mindset from a “me” mentality to a “we” mentality??

The answer is simple. Empowered children empower others. Not just with their words, but with their actions as

As mentioned earlier, one great option is to get them

well.

more involved in the community through volunteer AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 19

[ PARENTING ]

efforts. Don’t aim to raise kids who volunteer simply for

efforts. Justin can wash the dishes, Erica can dry, and

the sake of image or college admissions. Instead, help

Kate gets to put them away!

ignite their hearts with a desire to create real, positive

Solo work is great, but what better way to get them out

change by helping those around them.

of that “me” mindset than by working closely with their own siblings? And as a nice little bonus, this one-on-one

Encouraging their participation in team sports, band,

sibling time may even lead to less fighting and rivalry.

or choir is another fantastic opportunity to help guide them out of that self-focused state. Not only will they

#5: ASSIGN FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS

have to learn to rely on others for the good of the whole,

Can I tell you something very important that many

but they’ll also gain valuable insight into working as one

families overlook?

cohesive unit.

Every single member of the family (no matter how young Holding regular Family Meetings is a powerful way to

or how much they complain) must contribute for the

get your family solving problems and making decisions

family to function successfully.

as a team. With the hands-on practice they’ll get every week, they’ll learn how to respectfully bring up their

That’s right, from toddler to grandparent, everyone

concerns and find solutions for everyone, from the oldest

brings something of value to the table! Mom and Dad

person at the table to the very youngest.

may go to work and provide for the family, but we all know it takes a lot more than that to keep a household

Finally, if you have multiple children, make sure you’re

running smoothly.

allowing them the opportunity to work together to accomplish household contributions and volunteer 20 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

There are meals to be made, schedules to keep, chores

[ ACTIVE FAMILY ] to do–the list goes on and on. Fortunately, kids can help!

leaves, take the dog for a walk–there are so many

And the great thing is, they want to feel essential to the

choices! And don’t forget, your driving teens can help

family because it provides them with a hefty dose of

cart their younger siblings around or go on a quick

belonging and significance.

grocery run.

Because your kids want to feel needed and important to

No matter what the job is, they’ll benefit greatly–

your family, you can capitalize on that desire by allowing them to contribute in meaningful ways. Make their efforts even more socially relevant by labeling them as Family Contributions.

Kids are often way more capable than parents give them credit for, so it’s important to sit down and figure out which jobs (contributions) they can do around the house regularly.

If you have toddlers, try asking them to help you by

especially when they see what positive impact their contributions have on the family unit.

FINAL THOUGHTS Your children don’t need their sights set on saving the rainforest or significant social change to make a difference in the world. Social responsibility can happen on the micro-level. In fact, it’s often in those small areas of generosity and good conscience that those seeds are best sown.

turning off the lights while being carried, carrying in the mail, or refilling the pet food bowls. Trust me, they’ll love

By putting a little extra effort into broadening their

it!

horizons and helping them think outside themselves, you’ll be well on your way to raising kind and

Older children can help clean the bathrooms, rake

compassionate social citizens.

AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 21

[ SUMMER CAMP ]

Summer Alameda County ALAMEDA Alameda School of Music 1307 High St. 510.769.0195 www.alamusic.org

Camp Bladium 800 West Tower Ave 510.814.4999 www.bladiumalameda.com/ youth-kids/kids-camps

BERKELEY Music Discovery Workshop 2005 Berryman St. 510.528.1725 www.sfems.org

St. John’s Camp Elmwood 2727 College Ave. 510.845.6830 www.stjohnsberkeley.org/ campelmwood

Sticky Art Lab 1682 University Ave. 510.981.1148 www.stickyartlab.com

City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza 925.556.4500 www.ci.dublin.ca.us

Young Writers Camp UC Berkeley Campus 510.642.0971

Valley Christian School 7500 Inspiration Dr. 925.560.6270

www.bawpwritingcamp.org

www.ValleyChristianSchools.org

Green Stuff Summer Camp UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens 510.643.4832

Edge Gymnastics Training Center 6780 Sierra Court St. K 925.479.9904

www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu

www.edge-gymnastics.com

Lawrence Hall of Science UC Berkeley 510.642.5134

Kidz Kraftz Quail Creek Cir. 925.271.0015

www.lawrencehallofscience.org

www.kidzkraftz.com/camps

BERKELEY/ECHO LAKE

Tri-Valley YMCA 6693 Sierra Ln 925.263.4444

Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd 530.659.7539 www.cityofberkeley.info/camps

CASTRO VALLEY Skye Valley Training Camp 10250 Crow Canyon Rd 925.858.8825 www.psi.lunariffic.com/~skyev0/

Sarah’s Science 21525 Knoll Way 510.581.3739 www.sarahscience.com

Camp Kee Tov 1301 Oxford St. 510.842.2372 www.campkeetov.org

Bee Best Learning 20394 San Miguel Ave. 510.728.2110 www.beebestlearning.com

Habitot 2065 Kittredge St. 510.647.1111 ext. 14 www.habitot.org/museum/ activities_camps.html

Monkey Business Camp 2880A Sacramento St. 510.540.6025

www.trivalley.ymcaeastbay.org

Extended Day Child Care 8435 Davona Dr. 925.829.4043 & 7997 Vomac Rd. 925.551.8170 7243 Tamarack Dr. 925.833.0127 & 5301 Hibernia Dr. 925.803.4154 & 3300 Antone Way 925.826.5538 www.extendeddaychildcare.com

Quarry Lane School 6363 Tassajara Rd. 925.829.8000

DUBLIN

www.quarrylane.org

East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 4651 Gleason Dr. 925.479.9670

FREMONT

www.eastbayspca.org/camp

www.monkeybusinesscamp.com

22 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

Learning Bee Summer Camp 39977 Mission Blvd.

510.226.8408 www.learningbeeusa.com

Ohlone for Kids 43600 Mission Blvd.

510.659.6000 www.ohlone.edu/org/ ohloneforkids

HAYWARD Hayward Area Recreation Park District (H.A.R.D.) Day Camps 510.881.6700 www.haywardrec.org

LIVERMORE Horizons East Equestrian Center 5111 Doolan Rd. 925.960.9696 www.showstables.com

Roy’s Magic Camp 2466 8th St. 925.455.0600 www.magiccamp.org

Camp Arroyo Taylor Family Foundation 5535 Arroyo Rd. 925.371.8401 www.ebparks.org/activities/ daycamps/parks_camp_arroyo

Saddle to Ride Topline Training, Inc. 4180 Greenville Rd. 925.858.3933 www.saddle2ride.com

Xtreme Force Dance Company 847 Rincon Ave. 925.455.6054 www.xtremeforcedanceco.com

Double Diamond Sports Academy 2272 Research Dr. 925.830.9765 www. doublediamondsportsacademy. com

[ SUMMER CAMP ]

Camps Valley Montessori 1273 N. Livermore Ave. 925.455.8021

MOCHA Summer Camp 1625 Clay St. 510.465.8770

Contra Costa County

www.valleymontessorischool.com

www.mocha.org

OAKLAND

PLEASANTON

Lakeshore Children’s Center 3534 Lakeshore Ave. 510.893.4048

Gingerbread Preschool 4333 Black Ave. 925.931.3430

City of Antioch Parks and Recreation 213 “F” St 925.776.7070

www.lakeshorechildrenscenter.org

www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/ recreation/gb/gbhome.html

Urban Adventure Camp 5701 Cabot Dr. 510.339.0676 www.urbanadventurecamps.com

Extended Day Child Care 5199 Black Ave. 925.846.5519 www.extendeddaychildcare.com

East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 8323 Baldwin St. 510.569.0702 www.eastbayspca.org/camp

Quarry Lane School - East 3750 Boulder St. 925.846.9400 www.quarrylane.org

California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 4660 Harbord Dr. 510.809.3293 www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html

Oakland Summer ZooCamp 9777 Golf Links Rd. 510.632.9525 www.oaklandzoo.org

Lake Merritt Boating Center Youth Boating Camps 568 Bellevue Ave. 510.238.2196 www.sailoakland.com

Raskob Learning Institute 3520 Mountain Blvd.

510.436.1275 www.raskobinstitute.org

Kids N’ Dance 3840 Macarthur Blvd.

510.531.4400 www.kidsndance.com

Quarry Lane School - West 4444B Black Ave. 925.462.6300 www.quarrylane.org

ANTIOCH

www.ci.antioch.ca.us/Recreation

Four Stars Gymnastics Academy 1799 Vineyard Dr. 925.778.8650 www.fourstarsgym.com

CONCORD City of Concord Parks and Recreation 925.671.3404 www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/ summercamps

Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe 1000 Mt. Tallac Trailhead Rd South Lake Tahoe 530.541.1203

Yang Fan Academy 4160 Hacienda Dr. St. 100 925.699.4664

www.ci.concord.ca.us/recreation/ camp

www.yfacademy.org

Backyard Explorers Corner of Babel Ln & Cowell Rd. 925.671.3118

City of Pleasanton Summer Programs 200 Old Bernal Ave. 925.931.3436

DANVILLE City of Danville Camps 420 Front St. 925.314.3400 www.danville.ca.gov/Recreation/ Camps

Vision Tech Camps 117 Town & Country Dr. St. B 925.699.9602 www.visiontechcamps.com

Athenian Summer Programs at Athenian School 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd 925.837.5375 www.athenian.org

Color Bundles 301 Hartz Ave. #104 925.727.3137 www.colorbundles.com

Camp Brainy Bunch 741 Brookside Dr. 510.548.4800 www.campbrainybunch.com

Quest Therapeutic Camps Charlotte Wood Middle School 600 El Captain Dr. 925.743.2900 www.questcamps.com

www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/ summercamps/backyardexp.htm

www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us

Expressions Dance & Art 3015 Hopyard Rd. Ste. I 925.200.9908 www.expressions-dance-arts.com/

Young Ivy Academy 5460 Sunol Blvd (#3) 925.548.0188 www.youngivyacademy.com

Inspire Music Academy 2340 Santa Rita Rd. Ste. 7 925.461.3266 www.inspiremusicacademy.com

AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 23

[ SUMMER CAMP ]

Summer LAFAYETTE California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd 510.809.3293 www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html

Kids N’ Dance 3369 Mt. Diablo 925.284.7388 www.kidsndance.com

Sienna Ranch 3232 Deer Hill Rd. 925.283.6311 www.siennaranch.net

Sherman Swim School 1075 Carol Ln. 925.283.2100 www.shermanswim.com

www.frenchforfun.com

Lafayette Tennis Club 3125 Camino Diablo 925.937.2582 www.lafayettetennis.com

Husky House for Kids 3855 Happy Valley Rd. 925.283.7100 www.huskyhouseforkids.org/ summer-camp-programs

Lafayette Community Center Camps 500 Saint Mary’s Rd. 925.284.2232 www.lafayetterec.org

Roughing It Day Camp 1010 Oak Hill Rd. 925.283.3795 www.roughingit.com

BandWorks Summer Camp 28 Orinda Way 925.254.2445 www.bandworks.com/summer_ orinda.php

Orinda Academy 19 Altarinda Rd. 925.478.4504

Lindsay Wildlife Museum Summer Science Camp 1931 First Ave. 925.935.1978 www.wildlife-museum.org

Camp ARF for Kids 2890 Mitchell Dr. 925.256.1273 www.youth.arf.net

Merriewood Children’s Center 561 Merriewood Dr. 925.284.2121

www.orindaacademy.org

Camp Doodle 66 St. Stephens Dr.

City of Walnut Creek Summer Camps 1666 North Main St. 925.943.5899

www.merriewood.org

www.campdoodles.com

www.walnut-creek.org

MARTINEZ

PLEASANT HILL

John Muir Mountain Day Camp John Muir National Historic Site 925.680.8807

City of Pleasant Hill Camps 147 Gregory Ln 925.682.0896

Castle Rock Arabians 1350 Castle Rock Rd. 925.933.3701

www.johnmuirassociation.org/ muircamp/index.php

French For Fun 3381 Mt. Diablo Blvd 925.283.9822

ORINDA

Rancho Saguaro 1050 Pereira Rd. 925.788.5200 www.ranchosaguaro.com

MORAGA Gaels Summer Camp 1928 St Mary’s Rd. 925.631.4FUN www.smcgaels.com

Camp Saklan 1678 School St. 925.376.7900 www.saklan.org/about-us/campsaklan

OAKLEY City of Oakley Parks and Recreation 3231 Main St. 925.625.7044 www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Diamond Hills Sports Club 1510 Neroly Rd. 925.420.4575 www.sparetimeclubs.com

24 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

www.castlerockarabians.com

www.pleasanthillrec.com

PITTSBURG City of Pittsburg Parks and Recreation 300 Presido Ln. 925.252.4842 www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us

SAN RAMON City of San Ramon Camps 2226 Camino Ramon 925.973.2500 www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us

School of Rock San Ramon 460 Montgomery Street 925.415.3340 510.207.9281 bit.ly/SORsanramoncamps

Adventure Day Camp Dorris-Eaton School One Annabel Lane 925.937.6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com

WALNUT CREEK Adventure Day Camp Seven Hills School 975 North San Carlos Dr. 925.937.6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com

Multiple Locations The Growing Room Academy Various locations around the Bay Offers: 3,4 and 5 Day Camps 925.837.4392 www.thegrowingroom.org

Camp Rocks: Girl Scouts of Northern California Offered at 5 locations: San Rafael (Camp Bothin), Santa Cruz (Skylark Ranch), San Jose (Camp Metro Day Camp), North Lake Tahoe (Deer Lake), and the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Sugar Pine) 800.447.4475 ext. 2091 www.camprocks.org

Mad Science Camp Offered at several local Recreation sites and Community Centers 925.687.1900 www.mtdiablo.madscience.org

[ SUMMER CAMP ]

Camps Steve and Kate’s Camp Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Berkeley 415.389.5437 www.steveandkatescamp.com

Camp Galileo Alameda, Alamo, Berkeley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Oakland, Lafayette and Orinda 510.595.7293

Lango Language Summer Camps Serving Alamo, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Canyon, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and surrounding regions 888.445.2646 www.langokids.com/parent/kidslanguage-summer-camps

Out of Area Golden Arrow Camps 644 Pollasky Avenue, Ste. 100 Clovis, 93612 800.554.CAMP www.goldarrowcamp.com

Coppercreek Camp 1887 Williams Valley Rd. Greenville, 95947 800.350.0006 www.coppercreek.com

www.galileo-learning.com

KinderCare Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Martinez and Clayton 888.523.6765 www.kindercare.com/ summercamp

Viva el Espanol!

Lafayette, Piedmont, Pleasanton & San Anselmo 925.962.9177 www.vivaelespanol.org/ summerprograms.php

Club Sport Fremont, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek 925.938.8700 www.clubsports.com

Camp Edmo Alameda, Fremont, and Oakland 415.282.6673 www.campedmo.org

Kids’ Carpentry Berkeley, Lafayette, Alameda, Oakland, Alamo & Walnut Creek 510.524.9232

Stratford School Summer Sports Camp & Enrichment Danville, Fremont, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill and Pleasanton 925.737.0001

www.kidscarpentry.com

www.stratfordschools.com

www.techknowhowkids.com

Sky hawk’s Sports Camp Various locations around the Bay Area 800.804.3509

iD Tech Camp Moraga, Concord, Livermore, Berkeley and other Bay Area locations www.idtech.com

www.skyhawks.com

TechKnowHow Kids Dublin, Berkeley, Fremont, Livermore, Oakland & Pleasanton 650.638.0500

Camp Unalayee 3921 East Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto 650.969.6313 www.unalayee-summer-camp.com

CYO Summer Camp 2136 Bohemian Hwy Occidental, 95465 707.874.0200 www.camp.cccyo.org

Mountain Camp Woodside 302 Portola Rd. Portola Valley 650.576.2267 www.mountaincampwoodside.com

SF Zoo Camp Sloat Blvd. & the Great Highway San Francisco 415.753.7080 www.sfzoo.org Almaden Equestrian Center 20100 Almaden Rd. San Jose 408.927.0232 www.almadenequestriancenter.net

Silver Creek Sportsplex 800 Embedded Way San Jose 408.224.8774 www.gotoplex.com

College For Kids 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd.

San Mateo 650.574.6149 www.collegeforkids-smccd.com

School of Rock Summer Camp 711 South B St. San Mateo, San Jose & Palo Alto 650.347.3474 www.schoolofrock.com

Camp Tawonga 131 Steuart Ste. 460 San Francisco 415.543.2267 www.tawonga.org

Kennolyn Camps 8205 Glen Haven Rd. Soquel 831.479.6714 www.kennolyncamps.com

888.709.8324

AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 25

[ PARENTING ]

Dr. Rebecca Jackson is an industry leader in optimizing brain performance to drive human performance. She brings 12 years of Brain Balance experience to her role as VP of Programs and Outcomes where she drives programmatic enhancements, the creation of new programs, and research on outcomes. Creating hope and an action plan for kids and adults wanting to positively impact their lives is her passion.

Dr. Jackson has published research on the topics of anxiety and emotional well-being as well as cognition and is a frequent media contributor and guest speaker appearing on shows such as ABC’s The Doctors Show, NBC’s Nightly News and more.

Tips and Tricks to Help Your Child Prepare for Full-Time Learning

by Dr. Rebecca Jackson Long shopping and to-do lists for new shoes, pencils and haircuts means it’s that time of year again - back to school. The return to early mornings and earlier nights. Back to more structure, routine and rushing from one thing to the next. For many families it’s a time of mixed feelings - nervous excitement for the kids and relief for the parents.

Who could have guessed that once again at the start of the 2021-22 school year, we would be faced with the potential for more change and continued uncertainty?

These last 17 months have taught us all that while there is no predicting the future, we can prepare for what we know to be true right now and take the changes as they come - one step at a time.

26 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

[ PARENTING ] The first change to face is preparing for the transition

comfortable.

from a year of at-home learning to back in class. This will be an adjustment period for both students and teachers

Environmental

in many ways - social, environmental, structure and

Not only have our kids (and adults) experienced

learning.

fewer social interactions this last year, but they have experienced less in the way of sensory stimulation

Social Interactions From the social perspective, most of our kids have experienced far fewer peer interactions over this last year. This is critical, as so many of life’s lessons are learned on the playground. The time of free play allows kids to push boundaries with their peers, watch reactions and learn how to modify behaviors to integrate with peers in an age-appropriate manner. On the playground most kids experience moments of positive and negative experiences and emotions, which all contribute to our

and experiences. The return to crowded hallways and cafeteria chaos may be a shock to the system.

Our brain takes in and processes sensory information, which is critical information that provides constant feedback to our brain regarding our environment. Are we safe? Is there someone talking to me? Or is there a ball coming towards my head? This information is what allows us to engage and interact with the world around us but it requires the brain and energy to process that

social learning. Winning and losing, times of being left

bombardment of environmental cues. This comes at a

out, or included, sharing fun and excitement. All of these

cost - draining our fuel reserves which can result in a tired

moments contribute to our learning how to navigate so

or irritable child and all that goes along with that - less

many of life’s interactions and emotions.

focus, more negative behaviors.

Re-adjusting to massive sensory stimulation will happen

A year with fewer playground lessons may leave some

more easily from some than others, but will have an

kids further behind with their social development.

impact on nearly everyone.

Immaturity in this area can result in a child that can be overlay eager (not knowing when enough is enough), or

To help the re-adjustment period seek out more chaotic

overly sensitive - they see a peer laughing, but may not

environments between now and when school starts - a

be able to determine why. Perhaps the friend is laughing WITH them, but it may be perceived as laughing AT them, resulting in hurt feelings. Be prepared to help your child navigate interactions and emotions. Take the time to role play and discuss examples of good interactions and decisions, and times when things could have or should have been handled differently.

Schedule 1:1 playdates or get togethers for your child

busy park, the mall, a sporting event. Places that are filled with people, noise, smells and activity. Be sure your child is well-rested and well fed to provide the resources needed to support the brain’s ability to process.

Start and end the day with quiet time that doesn’t burn more resources. Turn the TV and music off in the morning to start the day in a simple and calm environment. Then,

before school starts. Providing time with just one other

do the same afterschool and add in a healthy snack.

person can give the opportunity to connect on a deeper

Before asking your child to do homework, encourage

level than in a group setting. Those simple interactions

some simple play or physical activity, since physical

may provide some insight on areas your child may need

activity can rejuvenate the brain, while video games and

additional support or guidance to engage and feel

social media burns more fuel to process.

AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 27

Structure

curriculum standards and expectations by grade have

Structure and expectations in the classroom differ

not shifted.

greatly from a home environment. Working or school from home allows us to wander with our mind and body

Working closely with your child’s teacher early in the

more freely. Need to use the bathroom or want a snack?

school year can help to identify areas of concern.

Turn off the camera and mute the sound and you can

Then prioritize the areas of focus so that you can

do what you want to do. Tired of sitting in your office and

reinforce concepts at home, or work to address holes in

craving more sunshine? Grab your laptop and set up on the deck. Not interested in the content? Grab your

foundational knowledge. Algebra without multiplication is a recipe for disaster.

phone and scroll through social media while sitting at your computer.

Preparing Taking a few minutes a day between now and the first

All of this ends when stepping back into the classroom.

Bathroom and snack breaks, where you sit and when you move are no longer an option and deviating may

day of school to review math facts, sight words, or other age appropriate content, can help to refresh and reengage the brain.

result in demerits.

To prepare for a return to structure, talk to your child about what the expectations will be for their age and grade so they know what to expect. Brainstorm strategies together of what they can do to be prepared.

Use the bathroom before class starts, even if they don’t really have to go. Eat a big breakfast and pack a midmorning snack they can eat quickly so they don’t get too hungry. Use recess or transition times to get the wiggles and energy out.

It will also be important to have calm, yet candid conversations with your kids about the upcoming year.

The unknown causes stress, so focusing the conversation on what you do know right now can be helpful. You might not know if there will be masks or no masks, virtual or at home, but there will be some facts you can confirm and focus on. Saying things like, “We know who your teacher will be, and what classes or subjects you have and many of the things you will be learning about in those classes this year.”

Learning Across the country students have fallen behind, and

While we don’t know what the 2021/22 school year will

the data is showing that fully virtual students fell further

bring, we do know that with a thoughtful plan we can

behind that students in-person or hybrid. Gaps in

help set our kids and teachers up to get the most out of

learning from last year will absolutely impact this year, as

what lays ahead.

28 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021

Programs available at

Donald Rheem School Moraga

A traditional summer camp experience

Celebrating Years

925.937.6500 • Adventuredaycamp.com AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y

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