Free Times Parent June-July 2014 by Free Times

parent JUNE-JULY 2014 | ftparent.com

Midlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Magazine for Smart Families

Yes, We Can Still Be Friends How to Keep Your Child-Free Friends After You Start a Family

What You (and Your Kids) Need to Know About Guns

So Your Child Bombed Out of School?

Seven Steps to Financial Literacy for Kids

We’re Here For You!

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At 89.7 WMHK we promise to never say anything that will embarrass you in front of your kids, and to keep you informed of what’s happening in a way that’s friendly for your entire family. We play music that will encourage you...and, as we’re having fun, it will always be good, clean fun. 89.7 WMHK is designed to bring you closer to God, and we’re committed to being a radio station that’s safe for your whole family because - we’re here for you! And listen online or your smartphone at www.WMHK.com

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89.7 WMHK is a ministry of Columbia International University.

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contents

parent

JUNE-JULY 2014

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

life

learning

6 Why Can’t We Be Friends?

22 So Your Kid Bombed Out of School?

8 Listings

activities 10 Smart Apps for Smart Moms 12 Listings

health 16 What You Need to Know About Guns 18 Listings

24 Listings

calendar 26 Events and Programming

family finance 28 Ready, Set, Spend!

media 30 Music and DVD Reviews 32 All The World’s a Stage

34 Listings

Published by Resorts Media 1534 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 765.0707

ftparent.com EDITORIAL EDITOR: Dan Cook, editor@free-times.com | ext. 133 MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Haight LISTINGS EDITOR: Jordan Lawrence CONTRIBUTORS: Jason Crosby, Elizabeth Catanese, Anna Gelbman Edmunds, Heather Green, Amanda Ladymon, Thomas Maluck, Heather McCue, Kara Meador, Jenny Munro, Kevin Oliver, Anne Postic

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER: Lisa Willis GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Ayer GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Matt Bradley

ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Kerry Powers kpowers@free-times.com | ext. 128 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Hyatt Drake, Ginny Kuhn, Brian Wingard, Jerry Viles ADVERTISING ASSISTANT: Rachel Kuhnle SALES MANAGER: Cale Johnson

DISTRIBUTION CIRCULATION MANAGER: Davey Mathias DOCK MANAGER: David Alexander

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER: Jen Coody

RESORTS MEDIA Charlie Nutt, Publisher

South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Music School

The Columbia Arts Academy Locations in Columbia and Lexington

Over 900 students will take our lessons this summer. So visit our website or call today before all of the prime lesson spots are gone!

life

Why Can’t We Be Friends?

for a sitter to keep little Joe. Please keep us on your list for next time!” This response allows your friend to accept your regrets graciously, but it also opens the door to, “Oh! Please bring him. We’d love to mop up little Joe’s drool!”

THE SITUATION: Our friends

Six Situations and How to Handle Them with Your Child-Free Friends

invited us over, and asked us to bring the rug rats, but their house isn’t child friendly at all. They didn’t have a single outlet cover and there were lamps on all the tables!

By Anne Postic | Illustrations by Jason Crosby “Why can’t we be friends? Why can’t we be friends? I seen you ‘round for a long long time I really ‘membered you when you drink my wine”

ing it with me. Whether you are a parent or enthusiastically child-free, you may have found yourself humming this tune and thinking of a friend on the other side of the fence. Why can’t we be friends? Funny you should ask. The reality is a stark contrast to what we read in magazines and online: We can be friends. And I have the social life to prove it. Friends don’t change, but their lives and schedules do. Want to keep your crew? Learn how to navigate the changes. Here are a few situations you may have encountered, and how to handle them without losing a friend.

THE SITUATION: My friends

invited us to an afternoon picnic, and we were sure our kids were included. When we got there, they seemed surprised to see us all.

THE SITUATION: I used to love

HANDLED: First of all, avoid this one in the future by asking if kids are included. Never assume. If you don’t want to make your host feel uncomfortable by asking, try this. “We’d love to come, but we aren’t ready

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

HANDLED: Accept that your children are your responsibility, and that your friends had good intentions. They wanted to see you, but childproofing a house just isn’t on their radar — nor should it be. There may be some places that aren’t a lot of fun for you with your toddler and that’s just fine. One surefire way to make people think you are a good parent and your child is an angel is to make sure is to make sure your adorable monster’s behavior doesn’t affect them. Screaming child? Slip outside. In fact, learn to anticipate the whininess and go home before it happens. Keep an eye on your progeny and don’t let them break anything. Too many breakables? Make plans elsewhere with your friend or get a sitter.

going out to eat with friends, but our toddler won’t allow me to eat or talk to them. She demands all of our attention. HANDLED: Invite your friend over for a glass of wine or three after your children are asleep. There are times in every child’s life when they aren’t meant for restaurants. If you can’t afford a sitter or don’t have a good one, get take out and eat at home. You know how people say television isn’t a babysitter? Lies. Pull out the DVD collection or get on Netflix — in limited amounts. The real problem is when you start using mind-numbing media as a teacher. Walt Disney makes an excellent, inexpensive babysitter, as long as you are a room or two away, so you won’t have to listen. Speaking of babysitters, use them. Yes, they are expensive and yes, it can be hard to let go, but that “me time” thing is no joke.

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Summer 2014

Tips for Child-Free Friends of Breeders • Let them talk about their kids. Try to be amused. But don’t suffer in silence if they go on too long. A well-placed “Did you see Eva’s latest blog about City Council in Free Times? Crazy stuff!” can steer the conversation in a more interesting direction. THE SITUATION: My friend

stopped calling me once I became a parent. I feel really hurt. HANDLED: Call your friend, and make sure you have time to spend with her that isn’t all about you and your brood. It’s normal to want to be friends with other parents when you become one. After all, we look to our friends for sympathy, advice and commiseration, not to mention company for our children. But when your kid gets a little older, you are going to miss your friends. There will come a time when you want to talk about anything but kids. If you must talk about your baby, make sure the story is funny, not too gross, and in no way implies that parenthood is the only true way to nirvana. Yes, parenthood is magical. Duh. But you must know happily fulfilled people who are child-free. THE SITUATION: I’ve been staying home with our children or have been limiting my hours at work. I feel out of the loop and, frankly, a little stupid when I try to keep up the pace in a conversation with my child-free pals. What happened to me? HANDLED: You are already winning, because you’ve noticed the difference. You aren’t stupid. (Well, unless you were already stupid before you had children, because that sticks.) You may be a little tired, and not at the top of your conversational game. Remember that people love listeners, too, and keeping up with what’s going on in your field — or your friend’s — can’t hurt. You may think you never want to work again. You may change your mind, so keep your options open. And read a book every now and then. Too tired to talk? Ask questions about your friend’s life. You can’t go wrong. Summer 2014

THE SITUATION: I just had a baby.

I post pictures and updates, but no more than one a day or so. My friend posts daily rants on her own page about how she hates seeing pictures of people’s gross kids all over Facebook and Instagram. Is she talking to me? HANDLED: Ask her if she knows how to unfollow or hide people from her feed and if she understands that social media is optional. Kidding. Don’t go there. Just hide her from your feed and forget about it. This isn’t about you.

here are times when parenting is all-consuming, and it’s hard to think about anything else. Baby care takes up all your time, toddlers sap your energy, grade schoolers need rides everywhere — and teenagers will steal your soul, if you aren’t careful. It may be a cliché, but you do need time for yourself. Making and keeping child-free friends is worth the effort, because if you don’t, one day, you’ll really miss them. That fence between parents and the child-free? There’s no reason on earth not to make it a gate. But you may want to add a child-proof latch so your little one doesn’t trample your friend’s herb garden and pull on her dog’s tail.

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• Offer to meet them in child-friendly places, like for coffee in the park. Or be the friend who asks, “What time do the kids usually go to sleep? Can I come over and pop some popcorn while you put them to bed and we can chat after?” Most parents love that friend. • If you truly can’t stand kids, don’t force yourself to be around them. Your feelings will show and the parents may be hurt. • If you do invite kids to your place, consider getting a couple of Wiggles DVDs from the library and pick up some washable markers and construction paper, just in case. • If your friend with children is truly insufferable, like the type who berates you for not childproofing your home, she may just be a jerk. Chances are she wasn’t that great as a friend before, was she? Some friendships aren’t meant to be. • Try to keep in touch. One day, your friend will get back to normal and you’ll want to be there!

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

life

Lake Murray Counseling Center 7511 St. Andrews Rd., 781-1003 lakemurraycounseling.com Offering counseling for children’s and adolescent issues.

Leadership Institute at Columbia College columbiacollegesc.edu/ leadership_inst/ Girls Empowered and LEAD residential programs.

Lexington-Richland Anti-Drug Abuse Council Lexington County: 1068 S. Lake Dr., 726-9400 Richland County: 2711 Colonial Dr., 726-9300 lradac.org Alcohol and drug abuse authority offering a wide array of prevention, intervention and treatment programs, including child and adolescent programs.

Mental Health America of South Carolina 1823 Gadsden St., 779-5363 mha-sc.org Assists those with mental illnesses and their families through education and advocacy.

NAMI Mid Carolina 1823 Gadsden St., 20-2916 namimidcarolina.org Local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Palmetto Counseling Associates 1911 Gadsden St., 254-9767 palmettocounseling.com

ife is full of tough questions. Is your 4-year-old ready for a sleepover? Should your 12-year-old be on Snapchat? How do you talk to your 16-year-old about sexting? Teach your children well, or so the song says — and here’s how you can help them learn how to live.

ASY Counseling Services

Children’s Chance

1825 St. Julian Pl., 254-1210 asycounseling.com

609 Sims Ave., 254-5996 childrenschance.org

Providing quality mental health services to children and families in the Columbia area.

Children’s Chance’s mission is to improve the quality of life of children and families who are dealing with the trauma of pediatric cancer.

Behavior Consulting Services 3227 Sunset Blvd. behaviorconsultingservices.com Serves children with a variety of special needs, including autism spectrum disorders, behavioral difficulties and academic difficulties.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia bbbs.org Oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. Serves children ages 6 through 18.

Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands bgcmidland.org Formed in 1959, operates 31 clubs, eight summer camps and a teen center serving youth and families from Fairfield, Lexington and Richland Counties.

Children’s Trust of SC 1634 Main St., 733-5430 scchildren.org Aims to promote healthy, nurturing relationships between children and adults — because strengthening families is the best way to prevent abuse, neglect and unintentional injuries.

Christian Counseling Center 1500 Lady St., 779-1995 christiancounseling.ws Offers counseling on a variety of topics; also offers spiritual and religious counseling. Offered by First Presbyterian Church.

Columbia Counseling Center

Crossroads Counseling Center 130 Whiteford Way, 808-1800 solutionsforlife.org Counseling for adults, adolescents, children and marriages.

Family Connection of South Carolina 2712 Middleburg Dr., 252-0914 familyconnectionsc.org Statewide organization of parents helping parents of children with disabilities, developmental delays, and chronic illnesses.

Family Service Center of South Carolina 2712 Middleburg Dr., 733-5450 fsconline.wordpress.com A multi-service non-profit agency offering adoption services, consumer credit counseling, child dental clinics, an eye care clinic and more.

900 St. Andrews Rd., 731-4708 columbiacounseling.accountsupport.com A Christian perspective on counseling.

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

Holistic approach emphasizes not only psychology, but also social, physical and spiritual well-being.

SC Childcare scchildcare.org, childcare.sc.gov Clearinghouse of information on childcare licensing and childhood development programs.

South Carolina Youth Advocate Program 140 Stoneridge Dr., Ste. 350, 779-5500, scyap.com Nonprofit child-placing agency offering training, support and compensation to qualified families who provide a home to a foster child.

Three Rivers Behavioral Health West Columbia: 200 Ermine Rd., 791-9918 West Columbia: 2900 Sunset Blvd., 796-9911 threeriversbehavioral.org Provides comprehensive residential treatment for children and adolescents providing treatment for psychiatric and chemical dependency related illnesses.

University of South Carolina Speech and Hearing Research Center 1601 St. Julian Pl., 77-2614, sph.sc.edu/shc/ Provides a variety of evaluation and treatment programs for individuals of all ages.

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Spring 2014

WE PRACTICE AFTER HOURS TOO! Midlands Orthopaedics knows that sports-related injuries can happen almost any time. That’s why our OrthoPM and Saturday morning clinics are open when young athletes often need us most. No appointment is necessary and our highly trained specialists are standing by to get you back in the game.

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Summer 2014

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Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

9 5/21/14 11:53:21 AM

activities

Smart Apps for Smart Moms 10 Apps to Help You Keep Life on Track By Amanda Ladymon-Stockard

rmed with an endless to-do list, moms are always on the go.

You would probably call me “old school”: I have two paper calendars where I jot down schedules and accomplished tasks in the kitchen, along with a spiral day planner, and tons of Post-it notes with to-do’s scattered around the house. Sometimes, it has proven less than efficient, as wayward scraps of paper disappear. And communicating and scheduling for other family members continues to grow more complicated. With a new wave of tech-savvy apps readily available — and free in many cases — I started looking for a more streamlined approach. My first search led me to Cozi, an all-inclusive tool for family life and planning for both computer and mobile devices. The Cozi dashboard lets you manage multiple calendars, keep task and shopping lists, and get quick tips on a variety of topics like green living, travel planning and nutrition. Signing up was easy and quick. The web page layout and accessibility is very user-friendly and, in a way, fun — even for the less tech-savvy. This app works on both your home computer and mobile device, syncs up with multiple family users, and is the highest rated “all-inclusive” family app. If you have more specific interests or needs, here are 10 free apps to help you keep your family healthy, happy and on time.

Medical

Miscellaneous

WebMD Baby

Google Calendar

iTriage Mobile Health

Mom Maps

webmd.com I’ve used this app for researching ailments of my daughter, who is under 2. Both the website (webmd.com/baby) and the app have the same information. Mobile app available for Android and iOS.

itriagehealth.com iTriage is a mobile database that allows you to check symptoms and gather information about potential illnesses or conditions. Also offers one-click access to urgent care centers and free clinics, as well as onetouch dialing for emergency situations. You can take iTriage further by creating an online account, linking your medical information as well as your providers so everything you need as reference is always in your pocket. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.

I’m Expecting

healthymagination.com This is my second pregnancy and second app I have used. I enjoy getting the weekly updates on development stages and upcoming doctor visits. You can also track and record symptoms, weight gain, belly bump pics and more. Available for Android and iOS.

google.com/calendar If you want the easiest way to keep an online calendar that can be privately shared with anyone of your choosing, this is it. Available for home computer, Android and iOS.

mommaps.com Need to find a fun, kid-friendly activity or place to go? This is the app for you. Use anywhere using a GPS or navigation-based system. Available for Android and iOS.

Pandora

pandora.com Love it. Use it daily. This streaming, personalized online radio app offers child-protected stations, including Disney Movie songs, classical music, and much more. Use it on your home computer or any mobile device.

ShopSavvy

Mint

mint.com You link Mint (created by financial services company Intuit) to your bank accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, and insurance companies. Mint pulls in all your transactions and offers methods to categorize your spending and track financial goals. The Wall Street Journal calls it “the best online tool for personal finance.” Available for home computers and all mobile devices at mint.com.

Child Tracking

shopsavvy.com This highly regarded app helps you shop and price compare with barcode scanning system to help you decide if you want to purchase locally or online. Caters to users as a personalized shopping experience. Available for home computers, Android and iOS.

Grocery IQ

gps-tracking.android.informer.com With over 5 million downloads and a 4.5star rating, this Android app makes locating loved ones via cell phone easy. Using a GPS

your list, organize items by aisle in your favorite store, barcode scan, price compare and more. Available for home computer, Android and iOS.

Shopping

Financial Tracking

GPS Tracking Pro

map, each family member has a user icon — it’s easy and free. Android only. Search child-tracking app in Google Play on your mobile.

groceryiq.com Similar to Shop Savvy, but meant just for grocery shopping — make

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

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Summer 2014

FAMILY FUN AT THE CMA Passport to Art

Gladys’ Gang

Stripes, Spots, and Scales

Let the Fur Fly!

Come get your Passport to Art! This free drop-in program for families features a new hands-on art project each month. After spending time in our open studios, explore our galleries at your own leisure or join us for the family tour at 1:00 p.m. Held the second Sunday of the month from noon until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 8

Patriotic Portraits Sunday, July 13

Go Team!

Sunday, August 10

Join us for this exciting series! Participants (ages 2-5) and their adult companions explore art through the introduction of elementary art terms such as color, line, shape and texture. This free monthly program includes a gallery visit, story time and a creative studio activity. Registration required as space is limited. Gladys’ Gang meets from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4

Alphabet Animals

Wednesday, August 6

Red, White, Blue and You! Wednesday, July 9

Summer Camps This summer, the CMA is offering a variety of unique camps to capture the interest of any young artist. Having your child or teen participate in our summer camps is a great way for them to think creatively, practice problem-solving skills, and have fun! 24 Week-Long Camps June – August Ages 4-7: $135 / $108 for Dual/Family Members and above Ages 8-12: $160 / $128 for Dual/Family Members and above Ages 13-18: $190 / $152 for Dual/Family Members and above

Details and registration at columbiamuseum.org. See you there!

1515 Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC | 803.799.2810 | columbiamuseum.org

Carolina CrossFit 1804 Blanding St., carolinacrossfit.com Offers kids’ Crossfit classes.

Chuck E. Cheese’s 1775 Burning Tree Dr., 772-0435 chuckecheese.com The motto of the nationwide family entertainment center chain: Where a kid can be a kid. Often home to birthdays, play groups and school fundraising events, Chuck E. Cheese’s features games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for all ages.

City of Columbia Parks & Recreation columbiasc.net/parksandrec Family-friendly Columbia boasts 52 public parks where your wee ones can run and jump and skip and play, plus a host of community gardens, three swimming pools, one splash pad water park, and a public skate park. The city also offers a host of youth sports and outdoor environmental programs.

Colonial Life Arena 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.com When Disney princesses and the Sesame Street gang come to Columbia, this is where they play.

Columbia Arts Academy

activities

Riverbanks Zoo Photo by Robin Vondrak Photography

787-0931, columbiaartsacademy.com The largest music school in the state of South Carolina, the Columbia Arts Academy boasts a large and qualified staff to train your kids in electric and acoustic guitar, voice, piano, bass, drums and year-round rock band classes. Has a Lexington location, too.

Columbia Children’s Theatre

ith the myriad options for children’s programming on television these days, it’s tempting to plop your kid down in front of the flat-screen to keep him or her occupied. But kids like to be active, and we know you dig that whole quality-time shebang. So we have put together a select list of places where you and junior can play … and play together.

3400 Forest Dr, 691-4548 columbiachildrenstheatre.com Professional theater company for young audiences and families.

Columbia Marionette Theatre 401 Laurel St., 252-7366 cmtpuppet.org Founded in 1988 by famed puppeteer Allie Scollon and her son John, the Columbia Marionette Theatre has established itself as a premiere children’s theater in South Carolina. Its mission is to entertain and educate children and adults through the long-standing tradition and artistry of puppetry.

All4Fun Party Rental

Bouncerific

all4funbouncehouses.com Rents bounce houses and slides.

921 Longtown Rd., 865-7939 bouncerific.com No, Bouncerific isn’t a place to send your kid to learn to be a doorman; it’s an indoor party and play center for kids and families. Inflatable bouncers, slides, dress-up, games, more.

Columbia Museum of Art

Capital Karate

Columbia Tai Chi Center

Art Smart Academy 732o Broad River Rd., 667-9912 artsmartacademy.com Walk-in pottery and painting, birthday parties and more.

Asheland Art Camp Tapp’s Arts Center: 1644 Main St., 738-2770 Offers camps in drawing, painting, printmaking and more.

capitalkaratesc.com Develops character, discipline and focus as well as physical conditioning and skills.

1515 Main St., 799-2810 columbiamuseum.org Offers plenty of fun programming for kids, from Family Fun Days, Passport to Art and Gladys’ Gang to its summer camps and school programs.

2910 Rosewood Dr., 873-2100 columbiataichicenter.com Help reduce stress and anxiety and boost energy.

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum 301 Gervais St., 737-8095 www.crr.sc.gov For more than a century, the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum has collected and preserved the military history of this state.

Congaree National Park 776-4396, nps.gov/cong This 22,000-acre park boasts the largest old-growth, floodplain forest on the continent. It’s also an International Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and a National Natural Landmark. Activities include hiking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, nature walks and more. Located in Hopkins, 20 miles southeast of Columbia.

Cottle Strawberry Farm 2533 Trotter Rd., 695-1714 cottlestrawberryfarm.com This 30-plus-year-old strawberry farm tucked in southeast Columbia is open to the public every spring — usually from April through May, and sometimes into June. Mmm … freshly picked strawberries.

CrossFit Vista 1125 Lady St., 600-5134 warriorfitnesssc.com CrossFit Kids is a strength and conditioning program used by many athletic teams, martial arts schools and P.E. programs. A great way to address childhood inactivity and obesity. Also has a location in Blythewood.

Dreher Island State Recreation Park 3677 State Park Rd., 364-4152, southcarolinaparks.com Located 30 miles northwest of Columbia in Prosperity, the Dreher Island recreation area consists of three islands encompassing 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray. Especially popular for fishing and boating, Dreher Island also offers lakefront camping, cabin and villa rentals, water skiing and picnicking.

Drew Park Splash Pad 2101 Walker Solomon Way drewwellnesscenter.com Sure, there’s a playground, a jogging track and a gazebo, but you’re coming here to get wet in the gigantic spray pad and lighted fountain. (Many of the city’s public parks offer smaller spray pools, too.)

EdVenture Children’s Museum 211 Gervais St., 779-3100 edventure.org The South’s largest children’s museum, with more than 70,000 square feet of cool stuff to keep the kids occupied.

Frankie’s Fun Park 140 Parkridge Dr., 781-2342 frankiesfunpark.com This Harbison-area entertainment center packs three go-kart tracks,

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Spring 2014

Summer Programs

Summer Programs 2014

Hammond offers a broad array of summer programs designed for every age and interest. Whether you’re seeking a full-day camp, interested in junior counselor training programs, or looking for supplemental academics, an athletic workshop, or want to try your hand at an art class, we’ve got something for everyone. Our programs are available to students ages four years-old through adult. If you’re a Hammond student, or simply interested in spending some time with us this summer, we invite you to apply. For more information on our Summer Programs, visit our website at hammondschool.org, or contact Kevin White, Director of Summer Programs, at 803•695•8624.

HAMMOND School • 854 Galway Lane • Columbia, SC 29209 • 803.776.0295 • hammondschool.org

activities three 18-hole mini-golf courses, batting cages, bumper boats, an arcade, a 5,000-square foot multi-tiered laser tag arena and a super-tall drop zone that says “In your face, gravity!” into 14 acres filled with fun for all ages. What, do you hate fun or something?

Flying High Academy flyinghighacademysc.com Dance, tumbling, gymnastics and cheerleading programs.

Harbison State Forest 896-8890 state.sc.us/forest/refharb.htm If you didn’t know it was there, you’d never expect to find 2,177 acres of forest along the sprawling mess that is Broad River Road. But there it is — one of the largest public green spaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States. Features more than 16 miles of roads and trails (popular for biking) and a canoe landing.

Little Loggerheads Swim School littleloggerheads.net Offers morning, afternoon and evening swim lessons for children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.

The Mad Platter 3101 Millwood Ave., 771-8080 mymadplatter.com Art, studies have shown, makes kids smarter. So take your tykes here, a paint-your-own pottery studio, where they can throw clay, paint plates and explore their creative sides.

Mad Science midlands.madscience.org Offers a wide variety of fun science programs at birthday parties, summer camps, pre-schools and more.

Monkey Joe’s

icrc.net The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission offers kids sports, programs and activities at Crooked Creek Park, Saluda Shoals Park and Seven Oaks Park.

171 Newland Rd., 788-1102 monkeyjoes.com/columbia For kids, Monkey Joe’s offers a place to monkey around, with wall-to-wall inflatable slides, jumps, climbing walls and obstacle courses. And for parents, there’s comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, concessions and sports on large, flatscreen TVs.

Laugh N Leap

My Gym

Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission

Patchwork Playhouse 1508 Columbia College Dr., 333-0372, patchworkplayers-sc.com A long-running children’s theater featuring child-sized puppets and actors.

Plex Indoor Sports plexindoorsports.com There are two locations of this local indoor sports complex franchise: The Sandhills location, by the Village at Sandhill, offers indoor soccer, basketball courts and a skate park; the Irmo location, off the Peak exit on I-26, features a ice rink, an indoor soccer field and an remote-controlled car track. Both locations offer summer camps, birthday party packages, after-school programs and youth sports.

Richland County Recreation Commission richlandcountyrecreation.com Offers youth sports, programs and activities at parks, playgrounds and activity centers in Richland County.

Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens

647-960, laughnleap.com Need to buy or rent an inflatable bounce house, water slide, dunk tank or obstacle course? Laugh N Leap has you covered.

110 Forum Dr., 788-1230 my-gym.com A non-competitive gymnastics and play center keeping children healthy by making fitness fun.

500 Wildlife Parkway 779-8717, riverbanks.org It’s a natural fact that kids love animals. And Riverbanks Zoo — one of the nation’s finest, according to TripAdvisor — offers plenty of ‘em, from elephants to gorillas to ibexes to an aquarium and reptile complex stocked with fish, frogs, lizards are more. Riverbanks also offers myriad educational programs, day camps, overnight adventures and other fun kids’ events.

Lexington County Recreation Commission

Owens Field Skate Park

Saluda Shoals Park

Jim Hamilton Blvd. The 14,500-square-foot custom concrete park, when it opened in 2010, replaced a small skate park many local skaters considered bogus. Ramps, bowls, rails, more.

5605 Bush River Rd., 731-5208 icrc.net Situated on 270 acres downstream from the Lake Murray Dam, Saluda Shoals features a popular water park, an environmental education center, canoe trips, nature hikes, biking trails, fishing spots, picnic shelters, art exhibits, summer camps, health and wellness programs, meeting facilities and more. Good trout fishing, too, if your wee ones are into that.

lcrac.com Offers youth sports, programs and activities at parks, playgrounds and activity centers in Lexington County.

Lexington County Soccer Club lexingtoncountysoccerclub.org Live in Lexington Country? Think your kid’s the next Ronaldo? Sign him or her up with this club team, which offers playing options from recreational to elite traveling squads.

Lexington School of Music 711 E. Main St., 929-7867 lexingtonschoolofmusic.com Offers flexible schedules for lessons on guitar, voice, bass, piano and more.

Little Gym 2005 N. Beltline Blvd., 738-1115 thelittlegym.com The Little Gym is an experiential learning and physical development center offering children’s physical activities centered on movement, music and learning.

Palmetto Children’s Music palmettochildrensmusic.com Offers Music Together classes, an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for infants through 5-year-olds and the grownups who love them.

Palmetto Falls Waterpark 3381 Marion Ave., 751-3475 fortjacksonmwr.com/waterpark/ Tucked just inside of Fort Jackson’s Gate 2 entrance, Palmetto Falls Water Park offers a 10,000-square foot family pool, two water slides, a 600-square foot splashdown pool, a 2,500-square foot kiddie pool, a lazy river stretching 800 feet, and a snack bar. Open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays during the summer.

The Patch 3807 Augusta Hwy., 359-3276 This Gilbert strawberry patch is open for picking during strawberry season, typically April through May.

Samurai Karate Studio samuraikaratestudio.net Offers classes for children and adults, as well as conducting stranger-danger and anti-bully workshops.

South Carolina State Museum 301 Gervais St., 898-4921 scmuseum.org. The South Carolina State Museum, named one of the top three museums in the Southeast by readers of Southern Living, offers a wide variety of kids programming, such as camp-ins, birthday parties, summer camps and living history re-enactments.

Talbot Swim School 792-7298, talbotswimschool.com. Before you can run, you gotta walk, right? Well, before you go to the pool, you gotta learn to swim, and Talbot Swim School offers private lessons year-round. .

Topspin Racquet and Swim Club topspinsc.com Clay tennis courts in Lexington offering family clinics.

Trenholm Little League eteamz.com/trenholmbaseball Fun, intensive baseball league. Parents can choose clinics only or clinics and team play. Fall and spring seasons.

Trustus Theatre 520 Lady St., 254-9732, trustus.org Offers customized acting classes with individualized instruction.

U.S. National Whitewater Center 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, N.C., 704-391-3900, usnwc.org OK, so the U.S. National Whitewater Center isn’t in Columbia; it’s a little more than an hour north in Charlotte. But it’s worth the trip up I-77. Offers whitewater rafting and kayaking, flatwater kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lines and more.

YMCA columbiaymca.org The YMCA in downtown Columbia was one of the first 50 Ys in the United States. It now has five branches — including locations in Northeast Columbia, Lexington, Irmo and Orangeburg —with which to provide childcare, camps and after-school programs.

Sesquicentennial State Park 9564 Two Notch Rd., 788-2706, www.southcarolinaparks.com This 1,419-acre park features a 30-acre lake surrounded by trails, picnic areas and campsites. Also offers boating, fishing, swimming, meeting facilities and trails. Trails include a 6.1-mile mountain bike trail, a 1.9-mile nature trail, and a 3.5-mile walking and jogging trail.

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

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Summer 2014

June 7 through Sept 14 Presented by

211 Gervais St. | Columbia, SC | www.edventure.org Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm

COUNTY OF LEXINGTON RECYCLE DAY TWO EVENTS, ONE LOCATION! Household Hazardous Waste Collection Registration Required for HHW drop-off. Call 803.785.3340 or email aedwards@lex-co.com to register! Fertilizers, Cleaners, Fire Extinguishers, Flourescent Tubes, Acid Waste and more, INCLUDING PAINT! Must register each HHW item by June 4th

Electronic Waste Collection Computers, Monitors, TV’s, VCR’s, Microwaves, Printers, Phones, and more! No items with Freon, please. Limit 8 items per visit.

Saturday June 14, 2014 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

2515 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia (Old Quincy’s Location) Entrance on Chris Dr. www.lex-co.sc.gov/recycling

Brought to you by: County of Lexington Solid Waste Management and Public Works Stormwater Division in partnership with Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Location provided by Maurice’s Piggy Park.

health What You (And Your Kids) Need to Know About Guns Even If You Don’t Have Guns, Your Kid’s Friends Might By Jenny Munro

ids see guns everywhere. They see them on television where gun deaths are commonplace, in electronic games where characters repeatedly die violent deaths, in their home or at friends’ houses. Government statistics show nearly half of all homes have guns.

With that kind of exposure, gun-safety experts say even children from homes without guns need to learn about safety. Even if you don’t have a gun, chances are your kids’ next play date could be in a home where guns are present.

Geri Allison of Columbia says she does not want her kids around weapons but wants them to know enough to be safe. “I just want them to know not to

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

touch a gun and not to stay around other kids if they have guns,” she says. “Kids seldom mean to hurt someone with a loaded gun, but you never know what will happen.” Kelly Powers, a gun-owning father of two, said he expects about 60 percent of the homes around his have guns. His son, 10, already uses firearms; his daughter, 6, is not much interested in them. The most important lesson of gun safety for his children: “The first thing I do is I practice gun safety. I set the example myself,” Powers says. “I do keep my guns locked up,” he says. The only exception is an unloaded handgun he has for home protection. That gun is never in his house if he’s not there, but his children also know not to touch it without him. Powers’ son’s first gun was a BB gun — and it came with plenty of instruction on how to hold it, shoot it and never to point it at anything he didn’t plan to hit. The boy now has firearms of his own, which are kept locked up except when in use. Paul Payne, a Columbia father of a 6-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, says, “My son’s had a BB gun for about a year. I started out with a BB gun as a kid.” The boy was taught not to point the gun at anything he doesn’t plan to shoot and to put the gun down while climbing over a fence. He uses the BB gun only when Payne is supervising. “I think it’s so much better to teach a child about guns,” he says, adding that he’s allowed the boy to sit in his lap and pull the trigger on “a real gun.” Because his son has been around guns, “he doesn’t think it’s anything special.” Payne said his son once found his unloaded handgun in his car’s glove box and reported that there was a real gun in the car. After removing the pistol, Payne now keeps his handguns with his hunting guns in a locked gun cabinet. Parents may not know whether their child’s friends have unsupervised access to guns and experts say they need to check that out. Powers and Payne both said they understand if any parents of their children’s friends ask if their firearms are secured safely. No parent should mind unless they do not secure their firearms safely. Although gun injuries among children are hard to track, a Yale University study released in January and published in the Journal of Pediatrics reported 20 children a day are victims of shootings. Twenty-nine percent of those shootings are accidents and 75 percent of injuries in those accidents were sustained by children under 10.

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Summer 2014

About 89 percent of unintentional shooting deaths of children occur in the home when a child finds a gun and begins playing with it, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Basic rules of safety should be taught to all children regardless of whether parents plan to teach them to use a gun eventually. The first and most important lesson is that a gun is not a toy: It is designed to hurt or kill. Powers says when his son shot his first deer they discussed how guns would do the same thing to people. “Educate them,” Powers says of children whose parents don’t own guns. Kids may be exposed to guns away from home so they need to know the safety rules. “All you can do is educate them. There’s nothing else to do,” he says. But that instruction may not be enough. In a 2001 study, published in Pediatrics, researchers watched through a one-way mirror as 64 boys between 8 and 12 explored a room in which an inoperative .38-caliber handgun was hidden in a drawer inside a cabinet. During the 15-minute scenario, 48 found the gun. Although more than 90 percent said they’d had some instruction in gun safety, two-thirds of those who found the gun handled it and one-third of those who found it pulled the trigger. Only one child went to tell an adult about the gun — and the others teased him about it.

Rules for Kids and Parents According to a Yale University research study, more than 1,600 children under 10 are injured or killed each year in the U.S. in an accident involving a gun. Whether you have a gun or not, teaching kids gun safety is critical. Parents also have a responsibility to keep guns safely secured. For both parents and children, these rules, according to KidSafe (goo.gl/Wnwaf9), should be unbreakable.

For Kids • If you find a gun, stop. • Don’t touch the gun at all. • Leave the area. That will keep you safe if someone picks it up. • Tell a responsible adult — your parent, another relative, a teacher, a neighbor. • If a friend wants to show you the gun, say “no” and leave right away if you are close to home. Or call your parent for a ride and talk about what happened as soon as you’re picked up. • If someone at your school threatens you or talks about bringing a gun to school, tell an adult like a teacher, a guidance counselor or the principal as soon as possible. Also, tell your mom or dad.

For Parents • Store guns in a locked location, unloaded and out of reach and sight of children. • Store ammunition in a separate locked location. • Keep the keys and combinations hidden. • Ensure all guns are equipped with effective, child-resistant gun locks. • If a visitor has a gun in a backpack, briefcase, handbag or an unlocked car, provide them with a locked place to hold it while they are in your home. • Talk to your kids and their caregivers.

Did you know 95% of car seats are not installed or used safely? Buckle Buddies provides education and community outreach on Child Passenger Safety. Learn how you can: • Get your car seat checked by a nationally certiﬁed technician • Attend a general education class on child passenger safety • Access new and safe car seats at a discounted price Visit www.bucklebuddiessc.org to view our calendar of events and learn more about our programs!

bucklebuddiessc.org Spring 2014

bucklebuddiessc@gmail.com

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Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

803.434.2955

health

or check-ups, vaccines, boosters and general wellness, you need a trusted family practitioner or pediatrician in your life. And there’s a lot more to staying healthy than just having a regular doctor. Here are some resources to get you started.

Ballentine Pediatrics

City of Columbia Community Gardens

Child Care Services

11134 Broad River Rd., 732-0920 ballentinepediatrics.com Christian-oriented practice.

Ballentine Family Dentistry 3533 Dreher Shoals Rd., 732-3001

scchildcare.org

columbiasc.net/communitygardens

An arm of the Department of Social Services, this childcare.sc.gov is an online hub with information on everything from child-care center licensing to Head Start programs. Also see related site scchildcare.org.

Five-by-12-foot publicly owned plots available for lease to residents and organizations. Cost is $20 per year.

cpcp.sph.sc.edu/cooking, 576-5636

Children’s Dental Group of South Carolina

Camden Family Care 1017 Fair St.,424-1260 camdenfamilycare.com

Carolina Children’s Dentistry 7701 Trenholm Rd., 736-6000 carolinachildrensdentistry.com

Colonial Family Practice

Children’s Dental Group of South Carolina is the fastest growing children’s dental office in Columbia, offering oral conscious sedation for a more pleasant dental experience. We gladly accept insurance and Medicaid for ages 1-21.

Part of a Sumter-based practice group.

Chapin Family Practice Downtown: 2113 Adams Grove Rd., 256-0531 Irmo: 7033 St. Andrews Rd., 376-2838 carolinapediatrics.co

1612 Chapin Rd., 345-3414 chapinfamilypractice.com

Children’s Choice Pediatrics 6108 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-1265 childrenschoicepeds.com

Carolina Teen Health carolinateenhealth.org Questions about sex and STDs answered in a teen-oriented format.

Healthy cooking classes for kids 9 and older and adults.

7210 K Broad River Rd., Irmo, 781-5141 childrensdentalgroupsc@gmail.com

Serving children from toddlers to age 18.

Carolina Pediatrics

Columbia’s Cooking!

3930 Devine St., 256-1511 colonialfamilypractice.com

Creative Cooking creativecookingsc.com Classes and camps for children ages 3 to 12.

Eat Smart Move More South Carolina eatsmartmovemoresc.org Offers events, live training and web training to assist local organizers in creating, managing and maintaining obesity prevention programs.

Chrysostom Family Dentistry 3308 Platt Springs Rd., 350-9124 drdeno.com

Ellis, Green & Jenkins Pediatric Dentistry 8905 Two Notch Rd., 788-9353 wecaredentalsc.com

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

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Summer 2014

sit

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A CAROLIENR MAST RS SCHOLA

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Your Passport to Adventure HTTP://SAEU.SC.EDU/ADVENTURES

2014 This award-winning series was chosen “best program” by the University Continuing Education Association.

Make the University of South Carolina your premier destination this summer and experience a summer camp like no other! Attend fascinating interactive classes and participate in group projects with other academically talented students from across the country. Your journey will include experiencing student life at the university – you’ll reside in a Residence Hall, eat in campus dining and enjoy bowling, movie, trivia and karaoke nights. The one-of-a-kind Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series encourages academic excellence, healthy lifestyles and giving back to our community.

2014 ADVENTURE SERIES COURSES RISING 6TH-9TH GRADERS Adventures in Aviation-Learn to Fly, Be a Pilot Adventures in Robot Programming using Scratch Adventures in Forensic Science Adventures in Physics Adventures in Law & Crime Adventures in Vex Robotics Adventures in Computer Gaming Adventures in Graphic/Digital Design Adventures in Health Sciences/Professions

June 15-20 June 15-20 June 15-20 June 15-20 June 22-27 July 6-11 July 6-11 July 6-11 July 6-11

RISING 9TH-12TH GRADERS Adventures in Pharmacy Adventures in Graphic/Digital Design Adventures in Forensic Science Adventures in Computer Gaming Adventures in Neuroscience Adventures in Aviation-Learn to Fly, Be a Pilot Adventures in Engineering & Computing

June 8-13 June 8-13 June 8-13 June 22-27 June 22-27 July 13-18 July 13-18

RISING 10TH – 12TH GRADERS Adventures in Medicine: Cardiology Adventures in Medicine: Functional Anatomy

June 22-27 July 13-18

sses through and interactive cla Attend fascinating luding demonstrations, inc s tie hand-on activi projects, and building sessions, experiments, labs, much more!

PREPARE FOR THE SAT AND ACT THROUGH SAT/ACT SUMMER INSTITUTES/PREP COURSES USC USC USC USC

Columbia: June 23-26, July 21-24; July 28-31 Sumter: July 21-24; Aiken: July 28-31 Beaufort/Hilton Head Gateway Campus: August 4-7

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Continuing Education and Conferences University of South Carolina Phone: 803.777.9444 Fax: 803.777.2663 Email: pups@mailbox.sc.edu http://saeu.sc.edu/adventures

health

Medcare Urgent Care Center

Providence Northeast Family

110 Medical Cir., 509-7316 medcareurgentcare.com

114 Gateway Corporate Blvd., 788-6508 providence-nefc.com

Family Medicine Centers of South Carolina

Midlands Orthopedics

Rice Creek Family Dentistry

1910 Blanding St., 256-4107 midlandsortho.com

101 Rice Bent Way, 788-2676 ricecreekdmd.com

Open Saturday mornings, when young athletes often need help.

Safe Kids Midlands

Moore Orthopaedic Clinic

7 Richland Medical Park Dr., Suite 7186 safekidsmidlands.org

Downtown: 1910 Gregg St., 931-0100 Hardscrabble: 300 Rice Meadow Way, 227-7777 Irmo: 7611 St. Andrews Rd., 724-1100 Lexington: 3630 Sunset Blvd., 239-1600 Northeast: 1721 Horseshoe Dr., 788-7884 Southeast: 813 Leesburg Rd., 783-4433 fmcofsc.com Private family practice group.

Five Points Pediatric & Walk-in Care 1228 Harden St., 748-7002, ecchc.org Part of the Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers.

Columbia: 14 Medical Park, 227-8000 Columbia: 114 Gateway Corp., 227-8000 Lexington: 104 Saluda Pointe Dr., 227-8000 moorecenter.net

Dedicated to decreasing the number of injuries to children. Offers information on safe car-seat practices, product recalls, safety with household products and more.

Smile Columbia

Northeast Children’s Dentistry

690A Columbiana Dr., 781-9090 smilecolumbia.com

147 Summit Cir., 865-1421 northeastchildrensdentistry.com

Gee Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 1701 St. Julian Place, 254-6763 advanceddentistrycolumbia.com Super-friendly, family owned practice led by Dr. Nicholas Gee.

Girls on the Run

Palmetto Health

South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

palmettohealth.org

teenpregnancysc.org

A frequent contender for Best Hospital in Free Times’ Best of Columbia poll.

Provides information and resources for teens, parents, educators and community organizations.

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital

South Carolina Dental Center

Inspires pre-teen girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through a fun curriculum that creatively integrates running.

7 Richland Medical Park Dr. ch.palmettohealth.org

2020 Laurel St., 254-4543 southcarolinadentalcenter.com

Hutchinson Family Dentistry

A state-of-the-art children’s hospital with comfortable family-centered spaces, age-appropriate play areas and therapeutic diversions to help reduce stress and encourage healing.

South Lake Family Dental

Palmetto Health Family Medicine Practices

Sterling Sharpe Pediatric Center

gotrcolumbia.org

209 W. Main St., 359-0566 hutchinsonfamilydentistry.com

Kids First Dental 2700 Broad River Rd., 772-4949 kidsfirstdentalsc.com

Harbison: 190 Parkridge Dr., 407-3857 Irmo: 190 Parkridge Dr., 749-0693 Lakeview: 1316 N. Lake Dr., 358-1191 Northeast: 115 Blarney Dr., 736-6262 South Hampton: 5900 Garners Ferry Rd., 695-5450 Twelve Mile Creek: 4711 Sunset Blvd., 356-3609 University: 4311 Hardscrabble Rd., 419-6334 palmettohealth.org

The Kids Group 206 Medical Cir., 796-9200 thekidsgroup.com

Kool Smiles

Family practice wing of Palmetto Health.

5422 Forest Dr., 753-8064 mykoolsmiles.com

Palmetto Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic

Lakeside Pediatrics

Downtown: 140 Park Central, 779-4001 Harbison: 16 Woodcross Dr., 732-0140 Lexington: 1970 Augusta Hwy., 358-2370 Northeast: 74 Polo Rd., 788-4886 Rice Creek: 300 Rice Meadow Way, 788-6360 palmettopediatric.com

811 W. Main St., Suite 205 (Lexington) lakesidepediatric.com

Affiliated with Richland, Baptist, Palmetto Richland Children’s and Lexington Hospitals.

Lake Murray Pediatric Dentistry 740 Old Lexington Hwy., 345-2483 lakemurraypediatricdentistry.com

Led by Dr. Douglas Luberoff; part of the Lexington Medical Center network.

Palmetto Smiles 139 Whiteford Way, 951-9100, palmetto-smiles.com

Lexington Family Practice lexmednetwork.org The Lexington Family Practice network is an umbrella group of the Lexington Medical Center.

Pediatric After Hours Care 114 Gateway Corporate Blvd., 865-4900

1223 S. Lake Dr., 520-5580 southlakedmd.com

4605 Monticello Rd., 252-7001 ecchc.org Part of the Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers.

Teen Talk palmettohealth.org/teentalk, 296-2273 Offers numerous resources for teens, including Teen Talk newsletter, peer-to-peer discussions and an askan-expert program.

USC Family Medicine Center 3209 Colonial Blvd., 434-6113 familymedicine.med.sc.edu Offers complete care for children and adults with a focus on prevention.

USC Sports Medicine Center Two Medical Park, Suite 104, 434-6812 uscsportsmedicine.com Open to athletes at all levels — recreational to high school, college and professional.

Vista Smiles 515 Richland St., 779-9666 vistasmilesofcolumbia.com

Open 6-10 p.m., Mon-Fri; 2-8 p.m., Sat-Sun.

Offers full range of family dental services with advancing technology in a welcoming environment.

lexmed.com

Providence Hospitals

Wellspring Family Medicine

A frequent winner of Best Hospital in Free Times’ Best of Columbia poll.

Downtown: 2435 Forest Dr. Northeast: 120 Gateway Corporate Blvd. providencehospitals.com

114 Gateway Corporate Blvd., 865-9655 wellspringfmed.com

Another of Columbia’s top-flight hospital systems.

Wild Smiles

Lexington Medical Center

Dr. Samuel J. Marsh Pediatric Dentistry 2302 Bush River Rd., 798-8675 wemakekidssmile.com

203 N. Lake Dr., 356-1606, wildsmiles.net

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

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Summer 2014

New Market Shoppes & Fine Consignment

Columbia’s Best Kept Secret!

10171 TWO NOTCH ROAD • 803.865.7640

daffadeals.childrensshop

Open Tuesday-Friday 10a-5:30p & Saturday 10a-5p

A Bite Out of Time

learning

Mathnasium oﬀers instruction ranging from second grade math to Algebra II.

So, Your Child Bombed Out of School? Schools, Corporate Centers and Private Tutors Oﬀer Parents a Range of Options By Elizabeth Catanese

chool’s out, and Junior’s grades weren’t exactly top of his class — or even in the middle. Actually, the words “below grade level” have been bandied about. Maybe your daughter’s A’s aren’t straight enough, Junior’s C’s are the gentleman’s variety and you fear they’ll both end up under the Gervais Street Bridge some day, begging for change from Vista shoppers.

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

Marginal grades are no joke — and Junior’s not alone. In 2013, the National Education Association found that only 35 percent of South Carolina fourth-graders are proficient in math and 28 percent in reading — and those numbers drop by several points for eighth-graders. Almost a full quarter (23.5 percent) of the state’s high school students fail to graduate on time. So Junior’s need for remediation is nothing unusual. But if you want to shore up his knowledge over the summer or get him a jump on next year’s, where do you turn? All local districts offer options for high schoolers to make up one or two course credits. Richland One maintains face-toface instruction at C.A. Johnson, while other districts have credit recovery programs that take place online (though attendance at a brick-and-mortar site is still sometimes required). In most cases, students need to have legitimately failed a course to enroll. Your best bet: Call your school’s guidance department, ask some questions and expect to fork over $100 to $125 per credit. If your child isn’t actually failing, but still needs a summer pick-me-up, you have other options, including Sylvan Learning Center, Kumon and Mathnasium. Most work like this: Students are tested and evaluated, and there is a discussion of their grades,

ftparent.com @FTParentSC

Summer 2014

their needs and your goals. This culminates with a detailed learning plan tailored to fill the gaps in your child’s knowledge, according to the specifically designed curriculum and teaching method unique to that center. It’s worth your time to browse their teaching philosophies before you shell out the cash. And shell out you will. Sylvan’s testing alone costs $199, with sessions at $47.99 each — and they usually recommend two a week. (And don’t expect that your child will learn algebra in two weeks if he didn’t learn it over the course of a year.) But don’t despair — there’s financing available. You’re paying for what are usually certified teachers who have proven success and a familiarity with Common Core standards. And it all comes with a 3-1 student-teacher ratio, which would be unheard of in a public school classroom. “We don’t want [the students] back,” says local Sylvan representative Tricia Wade. “We love them, but we want to help them become independent workers and thinkers.” Sylvan demands heavy parental involvement, with a touch-base meeting for every 12 hours of tutoring and daily homework. Mathnasium works much the same way. Like Sylvan, introductory testing identifies gaps in a child’s knowledge; Mathnasium’s testing is both written and oral. A learning plan is developed, with students doing worksheets that build to mastery. With a 4-1 student-teacher ratio, the tutor can, as local

“We don’t want [the students] back. We love them, but we want to help them become independent workers and thinkers.” — Tricia Wade, Sylvan Learning Center franchise owner Jason Elliston says, “step back” and “not hover.” “We make math make sense,” he says, with Mathnasium methods focusing on “number sense” rather than letter grades and rote memorization. “Just like a gymnasium works out the body, we want to work out the mind.” But he’s honest: depending on the gaps in your child’s knowledge, he may not be able to bring him to grade level over one summer. “If his gaps are too far back, we may not get there,” he says. And this isn’t a nickel-and-dime operation. Rates are monthly, rather than per session, with drop-ins welcome. As the center expands, Elliston and his wife, April, plan to hire more teachers and enlarge their course offering, which now runs from second grade to Algebra II. Another option is to bypass the world of binders, standardized testing and learning prescriptions with a private tutor. A tutor offers one-on-one instruction where and

when Junior needs it. You can hover or stand back. And unlike a corporate center, a private tutor can tailor lessons. Local mom Janet Walkup prefers using a private tutor for her son because of flexibility and cost — significantly less than a corporate center’s, without the tacked-on testing fees. So where do you find someone who is (a) qualified, and (b) not a convicted felon/serial killer? Ask Junior’s teachers, his guidance office and his buddies’ parents for tutors who pass muster. Email local university departments, but be wary: Graduate degrees don’t magically confer teaching skills. When it comes to finding tutors online, Eduboard.com and Wyzant.com are reputable sites, and there are many others, also; just make sure to do your homework. Check references to rule out unqualified pretenders, look for specialists (writing tutors rather than writing-and-10-other-subject tutors), and negotiate expectations beforehand. Make sure their teaching style meshes with your kid’s learning preferences. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 per hour on up for quality help. Whatever you choose, public school teachers, corporate learning center representatives and private tutors all cite hard work as the determining factor in any child’s success. If your child wants to get into Princeton or just avoid a life of vagrancy and crime, the first lesson to learn is: Yes, you can, if you put in the effort.

CAMPS AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 2ND–AUGUST 1ST WITH FULL DAY & EXTENDED CARE OPTIONS. Heathwood Hall offers an extensive summer program for students age 3 through 12th grade: ADVENTURE: Kayaking, Climbing Adventure & Adventures Abound • ACADEMICS: Chemistry, Math Matters, Algebra/Algebra Prep, SAT Math Prep, Study Skills, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students & College Essay Workshop ATHLETICS: Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball, Archery, Volleyball, Cheer, Dance, Fencing & Football ARTS & SCIENCE: Fancy Friends, Artists in Action, Garden Sprouts, Robotics, American Girls, Mythbusters, Chess, Comic Book Creations, Cake Decorating, Leadership Skills, ABC’s of Etiquette, Safe Sitter, Critter Camp, Storybook Adventure, LEGO City, Video Game Creation, Book Buddies, Graphic Novel Workshop, Video Editing & Graphic Arts

Come join the fun! Register online at www.heathwood.org/summer. Questions? Call 803.231.7710 or email camps@heathwood.org. Spring 2014

Heathwood Hall • 3000 South Beltline Boulevard • Columbia, South Carolina • 29201

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Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

learning

ometimes your kids hit it off with their teachers; sometimes they don’t. Every child learns differently and has different interests, whether those are music and art or math, science, architecture or astronomy. And then there are special situations — struggling learners or exemplary learners — where some additional help might be needed outside the classroom. Here are some resources to get you started.

Aim High Education

Challenger Learning Center

4561 Hardscrabble Rd., 788-6894 aimhigheducationsc.com

2600A Barhamville Rd. 929-3951, thechallengercenter.net

Customized after-school education programs and tutoring.

The Challenger Learning Center of Richland County School District One is an aeronautics- and space-themed learning program designed to provide interactive learning experiences, integrating science, technology, engineering and math curricula with 21st century life skills.

The Afterschool Zone theafterschoozoneacademy.com Offers afterschool pickup from Lexington/Richland 5 and Richland 1 schools. Students engage in physical and educational activities.

Aspire Early Learning Academy 1103 B Ave. (West Columbia), 834-4976 aspireearlylearningacademy.com Pre-K program using the Creative Curriculum, a nationally approved curriculum based on the ideas of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Hammond Plus Programs

Mathnasium

854 Galway Lane, 695-8624 hammondschool.org

mathnasium.com

In addition to being a top college-prep school, Hammond offers a wide array of after-school classes for children and adults.

Head Start 1400 St. Andrews Rd., 898-2550

3120 Covenant Rd., 787-0225

A comprehensive school readiness program serving kids 0-5 that has a strong focus on ensuring that they start school ready to learn.

Infuses a Biblical worldview into academics, athletics and arts.

Heathwood Hall

Covenant Christian Academy

Discovery Program of South Carolina 8807 Two Notch Rd., 419-0126 discoveryprogramsc.org

107 Westpark Blvd., 798-3001

400 Arbor Lake Dr., 735-9110 sc.provostacademy

Glenforest School

The Language Buzz

glenforest.org Works with K-12 students who have not thrived in traditional learning environments, including students with dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder or other developmental challenges.

1921 Henderson St., 252-7002 thelanguagebuzz.com

Pearson Professional Centers

Offers a wide range of summer programs, from outdoors to athletics and academics.

After-school program operated by Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands.

Provides quality comprehensive services to all individuals with special needs and developmental delays.

Language immersion programs for ages 30 months to 5th grade.

Provost Academy South Carolina

500 Gracern Road, 231-3100 portal.begreatacademy.com

720 Gracern Rd., 929-1112 brightstartsc.com

myamigosbec.org

3000 S. Beltline Boulevard, 231-7710 heathwood.org

Lango South Carolina

Bright Start

My Amigos

Offers GMAT testing.

Noted as a program of excellence with the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD), the Discovery Program helps those struggling to learn — whether via learning disabilities or other learning disorders — to become independent students.

Be Great Academy

Offers math help for students from grades 2 through 12.

facebook.com/langokidssc At Lango, your child will learn another language, make developmental strides, explore other cultures. At various Midlands locations.

A unique foreign language learning center that promotes the early command of languages through language immersion, contextualized learning, and the learning and acceptance of different cultures.

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

A tuition-free, online-only public high school. Live online classrooms give students the ability to includes the ability to participate in discussions and ask questions.

REACH reachgroup.org A support group for Columbia-area home schoolers; provides information and activities, offers information about academic résumés and transcripts.

Richland County First Steps 2008 Marion St., 256-7237 rcfirststeps.org Works with kids, parents, schools and childcare providers to promote health, literacy and school readiness in young children.

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Spring 2014

parent om APRIL-MAY 2014 | ftparent.c

Families Midlands’ Magazine for Smart

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In every issue you’ll ﬁnd articles about: • family activities • health • family ﬁnance • learning • community events

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Upcoming Issues: July 30 • Sept. 24 • Nov. 26

June Beauty and the Beast Jr. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College icrc.net June 1. Children showcase classic Disney story in Midlands Technical College’s Harbison Theatre.

Storytime: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Barnes & Noble (Midtown at Forest Acres) June 4. Celebrate the caterpillar’s 45th birthday with coloring and other hands-on activities. For ages 4 and up.

Build a Riding Lawn Mower Workshop

Calendar

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice runs June 7-Sept. 14 at EdVenture Children’s Museum.

For more event listings, visit free-times.com/events. To see summer camp listings, visit free-times.com and search “Columbia SC Camps.”

Ongoing Blooming Butterflies EdVenture Children’s Museum edventure.org May 4-Oct. 6. A 2,500-square-foot enclosed habitat designed to showcase the lifespan of over 20 species of butterflies.

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice Edventure.org June 7-Sept. 14. View landscapes from the Cretaceous Period and touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes. Children can wear insect costumes while buzzing through volcanoes and swamps, learning about different ecosystems along the way.

EdVenture Family Night

Parents’ Survival Night

EdVenture Children’s Museum edventure.org Second Tuesdays. $1 museum admission between 5 and 8 p.m.

The Little Gym Select Fridays and Saturdays. Parents call it a break from the kids. Kids call it a break from their parents. That sounds like a win-win situation.

Gladys’ Gang Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Free monthly program includes story time and creative studio activity.

Lowes Build and Grow lowesbuildandgrow.com June 14 – Aug. 23. Begins at 10 a.m. on select Saturdays. Children build small toys from their favorite movies using provided material. First clinic features Toothless from How to Train your Dragon. Call a nearby location for details.

Passport to Art Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Second Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. Free open-studio program for families with activities corresponding with one of the museum’s exhibitions.

Toddler Tuesdays EdVenture Children’s Museum edventure.org Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. for children 12 months to 5 years old. Some activities include arts & crafts, easel painting and playing in the sandbox. Free with admission or membership.

Home Depot workshops.homedepot.com June 7. Free, hands-on workshop for children aged 5 through 12 at which they build a pint-sized riding mower. Participants receive certificate of achievement, workshop apron and commemorative pin. Call store for details.

Gladys’ Gang: Let the Fur Fly Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org June 4. Want your child to be the next Picasso? This class will teach them basic art terms like color, line, shape and texture. Free monthly program includes story time and creative studio activity.

Puss in Boots Columbia Marionette Theater cmtpuppet.org June 7-Aug. 30. Columbia’s favorite child-focused puppeteers take on the tale of the feline with the famous footwear.

Passport to Art: Stripes, Spots, and Scales Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org June 8. Afternoon where families view painting by Shelley Reed, while creating their own patterned animal portrait. Noon to 3 p.m. Family tour of museum also available at 1 p.m.

ENJOY A COOL, NATURALLY INVIGORATING CUP OF TEA THIS SUMMER

Diana Hardy (910) 224-8307 LAIenterprises.llc@gmail.com

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

ftparent.com @FTParentSC

Summer 2014

Columbia Mini Maker Faire EdVenture Children’s Museum makerfairecolumbiasc.com June 14. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., crafters, engineers and artists of all ages will convene to show off their skills. And to mess with cool toys, of course. Explore your inner inventor.

The Commedia Snow White Columbia Children’s Theatre columbiachildrenstheatre.com June 13-22. The Spaghetti and Meatball Players are back for a fifth hilarious summer! Join Pantalone, Arlequino, Rosetta, Columbina and Punchin as take a bite out of the classic tale of forbidden fruit.

July Build a Bug House Workshop  Home Depot  workshops.homedepot.com July 5. Free, hands-on workshop for children aged 5 to 12. Call a nearby location for details.

Family Fishing Clinics dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed/fishingclinic July 12, July 13, July 19. Learn the basics of fishing from S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources volunteers. Knot tying, lure selection and casting techniques will be covered. Participation is open to children ages 4 and above.

Gladys’ Gang: Red, White, Blue and You Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org July 9. Teaches children basic art terms (line, shape, etc.) with an emphasis on color and pattern usage in museum pieces. Free monthly program includes story time and creative studio activity.

Kids Fun Night: Skyhawks Carnival

Columbia Museum of Art

masks. Includes a magic show and balloon animals. Register in advance online.

Passport to Art: Patriotic Portraits Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org July 13. Make a self-portrait using patriotic colors. Noon to 3 p.m. Family tour of museum also available at 1 p.m.

Kids Fun Night Hi-Wire Trampoline Park hammondschool.org July 25. Off-site trampoline field trip. Dinner provided by Hammond School prior to departing from campus. Register in advance online.

Hammond School hammondschool.org July 12. Hammond School mini-carnival from 6 to 10 p.m. where children can make their own tie-dye shirts and

August Gladys Gang: Alphabet Animals Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Aug. 6. Kids will get inspiration from picture book author Anita Lobel’s exhibition, All the World’s a Stage, then head back to the studios to create part of their own picture book.

Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Aug. 10. Inspired by the exhibit Cheer for the Home Team. Boost your team spirit and create your own masterpiece using team colors.

Asheland_quartpg_March14_ftparent:Layout 6

A is for

3/17/14

2:05 PM

RT CAMP asheland.com at

td@asheland.com | 803.738.2770

• Painting • Drawing • Sculpting • Printmaking • Mixed Media • Games • Art History • Contests • Plein Air Painting • & more ftparent.com @FTParentSC

Mann-Simons Cottage historiccolumbia.org Aug. 23. Features hands-on demonstrations from skilled artists and craftsmen and vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise. Music ranges from African drumming to R&B, jazz and gospel.

Passport to Art: Go Team!

Summer 2014

Jubilee Festival of Heritage

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

Hands-on Field Trips:

studio projects

• Art Museum • Finlay Park • Art Walk

family finance

Set Goals What’s the use of saving if you have no idea what you want to use the money for, and if you get everything you want right away, why save? These are questions that can be answered by helping your child set goals for their spending and saving. Do they really want an expensive gadget or toy? Show them the cost, then work to see how long they’ll need to stockpile their allowance or other income to make the purchase.

Ready, Set, Spend! Seven Steps to Financial Literacy for Kids By Kevin Oliver

Let Them Splurge

by using coins for counting games. To teach your child about saving, consider opening a savings account in the child’s name or giving them a piggy bank in the shape of their favorite animated character.

It seems to contradict the above sentiment, but if you don’t let your child spend frivolously on occasion, when they get out on their own they’ll take all that pent-up want and do it anyway, with more significant consequences. Once they’ve saved a bit, blowing a few of those dollars on the latest video game or some candy is OK; the aftermath can teach kids about buyer’s remorse and remind them that saving for something that they really need is much more rewarding and lasting.

Repeat Often

Set Them Up to Succeed

our children don’t have any money that you haven’t given them, unless they are old enough to babysit, mow yards or get a summer job. Still, they end up with cash from birthdays, Christmas gifts or an allowance. Teaching them what to do with their money is an essential step in their development — and doing it now can help them avoid pitfalls and problems later in life.

It’s never too early to start incorporating money management into a child’s day, and even very young children can learn the basics. “The sooner these concepts are taught, the better,” says Anna Burns, coordinator of legislative and public affairs at the South Carolina Department of Education. “Children in grades K-2 can be taught some of the basic concepts in financial literacy such as taking responsibility for personal financial decisions and considering the alternatives and consequences of financial decisions.” You can teach monetary concepts through board games such as Life or Monopoly. Also, you can reinforce both math and financial skills

Take every opportunity that presents itself to reinforce monetary lessons. A trip to the store can become a teachable moment as you compare prices, quantities, and stick to a predetermined budget for spending. If you want to keep a child busy for an hour and get them to really think about what they’re spending, give them a few dollars and set them loose in the dollar store. They’ll study every item and make their own decisions about what to spend the money on, never realizing they’ve just learned a lesson on making financial choices. “Parents should talk to children about the various ways to earn, save and spend money,” Burns says. “Opportunity cost, what one will lose or gain by making a choice about what to buy or not, can be part of a conversation with small children.”

Credit cards are the biggest financial danger lurking in most teenagers’ futures, with many receiving their first plastic when they head off to college. Interest rates, making payments over time, and not spending more than you can pay back quickly are all good lessons for children to learn prior to that first card in their name. “The decision to provide children with credit cards should be based on their demonstrated understanding of the appropriate use of credit, interest rates and debt,” Burns says. “In the end, it is a family decision if the child is a minor or a personal decision if the student is old enough.” A prepaid Visa or Mastercard is a good, safe way to start that process. If they get a checking account the difference between a debit card and a credit card is another aspect of card use to cover.

Set the Example

Set Limits As soon as your child begins to accumulate funds of their own, they’ll naturally want to spend the money. That’s OK, but make sure to have them set aside a portion of everything they receive. A savings account will keep the funds far enough away to avoid impulse purchases and offer an opportunity to explain compound interest as the child sees the bank statements each month.

Kids do what they see you doing. If your financial house is not in order — you make impulse purchases regularly, you have no savings account, and you budget week-toweek — it may be hard to get your children to understand concepts such as saving and frugal spending. The same lessons apply no matter what your age, so make sure you can lead by example when it comes to your money and your children will follow in your financial footsteps.

Who gets an allowance? 61 percent of parents pay an allowance to their children

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

54 percent begin allowances by 8 years of age

48 percent pay children for good grades

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89 percent of parents expect at least one hour of work per week for their allowance Spring 2014

Source: American Institute of CPAs; mint.com

Start Early

Give advice. Get advice. Free Times Parent presents “Parent Picks.” It’s your guide to what parents have to say about their favorite places to go and things to do when it comes to kid-friendly restaurants, whole-family activities, programs for kids, pediatricians, dentists and much more. We’re inviting readers like you to tell us about your favorites, and later this year we’ll share the results of what we hear.

parent picks 2014

Everyone who participates in this quick and easy survey will be eligible in a drawing for a $100 gift card and a complete painting party for 10 people at Studio Cellar!

So go to ftparent.com today and give us a piece of your mind.

Studio Cellar 912 Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201

media Music & DVD Reviews By Kevin Oliver

LaPrelle yields several humorous ad-libbed musical moments. Many of the album songs are included in the DVD footage, either as set music video style pieces or in passing during their travels and visits to others. The “Jamboree” footage in the Floyd County General Store is especially fun, and the segment on songwriting with Mailander and Lansing offering up intentionally bad song ideas to each other is hilarious and instructive at the same time, showing kids it’s OK to fail repeatedly and that often a good idea can come out of those failures. It’s that kind of subtle lesson that the Okee Dokee Brothers are best at — playing music and having fun, while still making a point about friendship, feeling free to go adventuring, stopping to enjoy the wildlife (including a visit with some adorable wild ponies), and being playful with each other while going on an adventure that will serve to inspire families to try their own.

D is for Django Django Jones Deputy Jones Records

Through The Woods The Okee Dokee Brothers CD and DVD boxed set Okee Dokee Music Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing are a pair of GenXers who play guitar and banjo and make fun songs for kids in the folk tradition, so taking a stroll through the music of the mountains in the Eastern U.S. is a natural fit. Guests such as musician David Holt of Asheville, N.C., Hubby Jenkins of the band The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and venerable kiddie folkies Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer all make appearances on the album tracks, which are mostly new compositions inspired by traditional mountain music. Even without the accompanying DVD, the music alone is worth the walk through the gentle breezy style of Mailander and Lansing. From the easy gait of the title tune through the up-tempo dance of “Jamboree” and the inadvertent music theory lesson of “Out of Tune,” the message here is one of fun and feeling free to enjoy the great outdoors.

Various instruments and percussion pieces make themselves known throughout, from the unusual ‘bones’ Hubby Jenkins plays in the traditional “Big Rock Candy Mountain” to the washboard, banjo and fiddle. Other traditional elements are incorporated as well, such as setting “Hillbilly Willy” to the tune of “Old Dan Tucker,” making the whole affair seem like a month-long family hootenanny. The DVD component is what sets this apart from just another kid’s music album featuring vintage music instruments and favorite songs, as Lansing and Mailander set off on a trek along the Appalachian Trail, stopping along the way to learn about mountain music and play a few tunes with those they come across. There is a five-minute segment with Holt, who shows off such unusual instruments as the mouth bow and the bones, demonstrating each briefly. A visit with the Wright Family shows off a group of talented kids the same age as the video’s target audience playing a pretty slick “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” And a session on a Virginia porch with banjo player Elizabeth

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

When an indie-rock band decides to start making music for kids, it isn’t always the natural progression many of them might think. Just because you are starting to have kids of your own doesn’t mean your music will translate to the kinder-core set. Former members of the band Girlyman took that plunge after disbanding their adult efforts and Django Jones is the result. “P-O-P” is an effective, upbeat dance-along with actual Jiffy Pop percussion that’ll have kids bouncing around like popcorn, but much of the band’s lyrical content may be too dense and complicated for the littlest ears. Their lack of simplicity is an asset in the instrumental side, however, with layered arrangements filling up the group’s sprightly pop sound nicely. Gypsy jazz fans might be disappointed to know that the “Django” referenced in the band name and album title is a pet chihuahua, not the legendary guitarist, by the way. Put this one on in the car or during those ‘get the sillies out’ moments when all the kids want to do is flail around and have fun, but don’t expect them to sit down and listen intently for too many minutes at a time otherwise.

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Spring 2014

Camps Begin the Week of June 2 & June 9, 2014 7:30am - 6:30pm

*Additional fees apply for early bird care and morning care.

Breakfast, lunch, and snack will be provided.

For details and more information, visit us online at

www.portal.begreatacademy.com

No refunds will be issued Payment required to guarantee registration

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands 500 Gracern Road | Columbia, South Carolina 29210 | 803-231-3300

All information on this publication is only valid for the 2014 Summer Camp

media 1952. A true artist, Lobel also has experience in theater and textile design. Although her amazing and sometimes difficult past is reflected in her work, Lobel prefers to tell stories that are pleasant and spiritual for the reader. She chooses not to ruminate on her survival but to highlight her celebrated art and stories. She is no stranger to Columbia, having previously visited Richland Library and participated in the Annual Augusta Baker’s Dozen Storytelling event hosted by Richland Library and the University of South Carolina. Lobel has befriended many area librarians, including Leslie Tetreault, manager of the Richland Library Children’s Room. “Ms. Lobel’s books are part of the canon of the most important, highest quality books for children”, Tetreault says. “Her picture books are wonderful for sharing with young children.” The exhibit will be in the Gallery at Main, on the Garden level of the Main Library and in the Education Gallery at the museum.

All the World’s a Stage Renowned Children’s Author-Illustrator Set for Columbia Exhibition By Heather Green

oda City is teeming with creative juices these days. Whether you’re checking out our local museums, taking the family to a ballet or simply strolling down Main Street, Columbia’s art scene is on the upswing for both adult and youth audiences. So it should be no surprise that Richland Library and the Columbia Museum of Art are teaming up to bring Anita Lobel, one of the most talented and beloved children’s authors and illustrators, to Columbia. (Full disclosure: I work at the Wheatley branch of the Richland Library.) When one thinks of the legendary author-artist, beautifully illustrated picture books filled with rich colors and traditional stories instantly come to mind. Since 1965, Lobel has authored and illustrated more than 50 children’s books. Her memoir, No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War, was a finalist

for the National Book Award and On Market Street is a Caldecott Medal honor book, which she created with her late husband, Arnold. Born in Cracow, Poland, in 1934, Lobel survived a Nazi concentration camp and moved to New York with her parents in

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

It contains more than 70 pieces of art and 30 books from throughout Lobel’s career. Roughly two-thirds of the art will be in Richland Library’s downstairs gallery with the rest on display at the museum. There will be a joint Scavenger Hunt/Gallery Guide for the entire exhibit that will lead visitors from one location to the other. The exhibit, on loan from the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Texas, runs through Aug. 17. There are also two opportunities to meet and connect with Lobel. A book signing and reception will be held in the main library’s Bostick Auditorium on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. On June 21, Lobel will discuss her work at a gallery talk beginning at 1 p.m. at the Richland Library and moving to the Columbia Museum of Art at 2:15. A book signing will follow.

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Summer 2014

A Lobel sampler Artwork from these works will be on display during the show. This is a good selection of books to give you a taste of Anita Lobel’s work before exploring the full exhibit.

Hello, Day! Anita Lobel

Greenwillow Books, 40 pages, $16.99 Ages: Pre-K

Illustrated with pencil, watercolors, and other media, Hello, Day is a colorful work of art introducing animal sounds. It begins with a rooster who welcomes us at sunrise with a “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” and ends with an owl just getting ready to begin his night as the moon rises. A beautiful book that’s entertaining for any listener or reader — a wonderful readaloud.

Nini Here and There Anita Lobel

Greenwillow Books, 32 Pages, $16.99 Ages: 3-7

Lobel’s cat, Nini, makes a special appearance in Nini Here and There. Seeing her owner packing for a trip, Nini knows something’s up and feels anxious about

the possibilities. Once she’s zipped into her carrier, she’s on her way from New York to Vermont for a summer vacation. During Nini’s catnap, she dreams of floating on a cloud and riding an elephant. All anxiety is gone when she arrives at her destination with her owner, her food, and a nice window sill for Nini to watch the day. It’s not her home but at least she’s not alone.

On Market Street Arnold Lobel (author) and Anita Lobel (illustrator) Greenwillow Books, 40 pages, $16.99 Ages: 4-8

Inspired by the 1977 Children’s Book Week poster designed by Lobel herself, On Market Street is a unique, and beautifully illustrated take on the alphabet. When you’re on Market Street there are so many delights, it’s hard for little ones to decide what to buy. Beginning with apples and ending with zippers (my personal

Three Age Groups 3-6 • 7-9 • 10 & up Classes Start in June

2014

Riverbanks Zoo Photo by Robin Vondrak Photography

free-times.com | Summer 2014

arts & humanities, p. 26 math & science, p. 28

sports & recreation, p. 32 traditional & multidisciplinary, p. 36

summercampsguide 25

Free Times Summer Camps Guide 2014 For information on more than 450 local camps, go to free-times.com and search “Columbia SC Camps.”

3101 MILLWOOD AVE. • 771.8080 • www.MyMadPlatter.com

summer camps

favorite), each purchase is beautifully adorned on the shopkeepers themselves. A Caldecott Medal honor book. — Heather Green, Richland Library

Chapin: 129 NW Columbia Ave., 345-5479 Gaston: 214 S. Main St., 791-3208 Gilbert-Summit: 405 Broad St., 785-5387 Irmo: 6251 St. Andrews Rd., 798-7880 Pelion: 206 Pine St., 785-3272 Swansea: 199 N. Lawrence Ave., 785-3519 South Congaree: 200 Sunset Dr., 785-3050 lex.lib.sc.us Books are invaluable to a child’s development. The 10-branch Lexington County Library system stocks tons of books for kids, but will also help your child understand them, too. Offers classes, book clubs, homework help, kids’ events and much more.

Manifest 1563 Broad River Rd., 798-2606 From music and games to T-shirts of rock, pop and hip-hop artists, Manifest is always looking out for the latest youth trends.

Papa Jazz Record Shoppe 2014 Greene St., 256-0095 Has your kid been humming Led Zeppelin lately? It might be time to introduce him or her to the wonders of used vinyl.

Rainy Day Pal Books 711 E. Main St., 951-2780 Located on the bottom floor of Lexington’s historic Old Mill, Rainy Day Pal Used Books is known for its wide selection, and it specializes in children’s books.

media

our kids are surrounded by media — everything from Snapchat, video games and the Internet to traditional media such as books, magazines, comics and movies. It’s your job to help them navigate this ever-shifting landscape, taking the best of what’s out there and avoiding excesses. Visit medialit.org for helpful media literacy resources. Ed’s Editions

Forest Acres: 3400 Forest Dr., 787-5600 barnesandnoble.com The mega-chain bookstore stocks tons of reading material for kids, sure, but it also hosts kid-friendly events — storytimes, games, etc. — too.

406 Meeting St., 791-8002 edseditions.com This family-owned bookstore carries a wide variety of used books and is a nigh-yearly winner in the Free Times Best of Columbia awards.

The Book Dispensary

Gamestop

Books-A-Million Harbison: 275 Harbison Blvd., 749-9378 Lexington: 918 North Lake Dr., 951-3674 Northeast: 164 Forum Dr., 788-4349 booksamillion.com

gamestop.com When coupled with strong parental and teacher involvement, educational video games can actually improve literacy skills, while other games can improve hand-eye coordination, memory formation and strategic planning. So if junior is doing well in school, it might not hurt to let him have Minecraft.

Heroes and Dragons

The mega-chain bookstore stocks tons of reading material for kids, sure, but it also hosts kid-friendly events and a teen book club.

510 Bush River Rd., 731-4376 Like video games, comic books, too, provide benefits, stimulating the imagination and creativity. So don’t toss your kids’ Avengers comics.

Lexington County Library Main Branch: 5440 Augusta Rd., 785-2600 Batesburg-Leesville: 203 Armory St., 532-9223 Cayce-West Columbia: 1500 Augusta Rd., 794-6791

Midlands’ Magazine for Smart Families

Main Branch: 1431 Assembly St., 799-9084 Ballentine: 1321 Dutch Fork Rd., 781-5026 Blythewood: 218 McNulty Rd., 691-9806. Cooper: 5317 N. Trenholm Rd., 787-3462 Eastover: 608 Main St., 353-8584 North Main: 5306 N. Main St., 754-7734 Northeast: 7490 Parklane Rd., 736-6575 Sandhills: 1 Summit Pkwy., 699-9230 Southeast: 7421 Garners Ferry Rd., 776-0855 St. Andrews: 2916 Broad River Rd., 772-6675 Wheatley: 931 Woodrow St., 799-5873 myrcpl.com. Like the library system across the river, the 11-branch Richland County Public Library system stocks tons of books for kids, but will also help your child understand them, too. Offers classes, book clubs, homework help, kids’ events and much more. Also check out its Teen Center.

Barnes & Noble

710 Gracern Rd.,798-4739 mybookdispensary.com The best books, often, are ones that have been treasured and cared for, and Columbia’s oldest specializes in pre-loved books.

Richland Library

Rolling Video Games rollingvideogamescolumbia.com Rolling Video Games delivers what it promises: a mobile video game theater stocked with the latest titles available for birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, whatever.

Silver City Comics 538 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-4021 Remember what we said about Heroes and Dragons? Ditto for Silver City.

South Carolina State Library 1430 Senate St., statelibrary.sc.gov The South Carolina State Library is home to the South Carolina Center for the Book, which co-sponsor adult and adolescent literary events, such as the South Carolina Book Festival, the State Library Read-In, Letters About Literature, and many workshops.

Thomas Lee Hall Library 4679 Lee Rd., 751-5589 fortjacksonmwr.com/library Military kids don’t have to go off-post to find a great library.

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Summer 2014