The Hood Magazine March 2022

does your child: Struggle to get homework done? Fatigue when reading? Have poor comprehension? Lose his/her place when reading? Get distracted easily?

60% of children who struggle in school have undiagnosed vision issues. Our Vision Therapy Center can put learning back on track by eliminating barriers that limit success.

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Find your child’s next summer adventure in our camp and programming guide.

Living with Endometriosis: Endometriosis Awareness Month

A local mom shares the journey of her endometriosis diagnosis to having children.

4 Tips to Help with Picky Eaters

Learn behaviors that point to eating difficulties in your child and ways to help them have a positive experience.

Local parents share their advice on navigating teen dating.

Overnight Camp Q&A

A mother and daughter share their experience with overnight camps.

Tumble into Summer Camp Fun

Wings Gymnastics shares the adventures that await at their summer programming.

Happy March!

Welcome to our annual Summer Camps and Programs issue. My heart is full seeing so many options for families this summer, and excited for you to learn about some new ones. You will want to sign up early for camps as spots are still limited. You can find our 2022 Summer Camps and Programs on our website at www.thehoodmagazine.com or page 17. If you want to do your first overnight camp this year, learn from one local mom and daughter how they prepared for this experience.

March is all about St. Patrick’s Day, and we have some craft and snack ideas for you on our website and our Hood at Home pages. One of Jaxson and Khloe’s

favorite things for St. Patrick’s Day is a Leprechaun Treasure Hunt. Their picture is with all the treasures from last year.

Did you know if you were on our email list, you were able to get early access to some of the camps for this year? In addition, we send out weekly emails with the top events to do as a family, and you can add them right to your calendar. Head to www.thehoodmagzine.com and click on the Stay Informed button to sign up.

Wishing you a Happy Spring,

Steff

and the ‘Hood Team

‘Hood Magazine is published 9 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

©2022 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

‘Hood Online

We are so much more than a magazine. We are here to meet you where you’re at in life. You’ll find us in the community, online and in our printed issues, which are always FREE!

If you haven’t visited our website yet, you’ll want to check it out. There, you’ll find exclusive content not available in print! Here is what you’ll find this month:

Will this Breakfast Bring you Luck?

Three fun and festive green breakfast ideas for your family this St. Patrick’s Day!

every home buyer should know about.

Your Parenting Resource

Hood online is your go-to parenting resource. With several directories and guides readily available, there is something for everyone. From party planning to preschools, summer camps and seasonal activities; no matter what phase you find yourself in there is a resource for you.

What is Behavior

Momentum?

Spring is upon us, and when you are a parent this shift into warmer weather is usually paired with a slew of organized activities. A power-struggle to get out the door can turn into a stressful event that sets the whole family off-kilter, so Behavior Care Specialist is sharing a strategy to help these transitions go more smoothly.

FUNCRUISE

Save the Date:

The Familyfest Fun Cruise will be on July 23, 2022. Pack up the family and cruise around to some of the best businesses in the Sioux Empire. The stops will have free activities, giveaways, and fun! Head over to www.familyfestsf.com to learn more or find out how to get involved as a business.

Community Sponsors thank you

Spring is in the Air

The warmer temperatures are giving us our first glimpse of Spring. While gardening season may not be here quite yet, it is the perfect time to start thinking about indoor gardens. Indoor gardening is a great option for senior citizens and Trail Ridge Senior Living is sharing the why’s and how’s this hobby is beneficial.

m

Living

by Katie Purkapile

with Endometriosis

Endometriosis Awareness Month

Since I was ten years old, I have lived with pain. I assumed that the pain was more intense than most women experience during their menstrual cycle, and I didn’t find out the pain had a diagnosis until I had a laparoscopy at 28 years old.

At that appointment, I learned the severity of my situation: endometriosis, an incurable disease. The doctor had told me that it might be challenging for me to get pregnant. The good news was that I did have some eggs in my ovaries, and I appeared to be fertile. The bad news was there was always a chance my pregnancies would not last.

Once I got married, we decided we wanted to try to conceive. I was lucky to get pregnant naturally quickly. However, I spent the entire pregnancy fearing our baby would not survive due to my condition. He arrived safely and is a happy threeyear-old.

It took longer to conceive our second child. The endometriosis pain was excruciating during that process, and we had to evaluate continuing to try because life was miserable during my periods and throughout my cycle. But thankfully, we were

successful and now have a precious daughter. Pain is a part of my life and has become routine. Sometimes, it is better or worse, but it’s almost always there. At 38 years old and with two children, I am now embarking on the next part of my journey - a hysterectomy. Not all doctors will perform this procedure until it is the last option, but I am hopeful to live without the pain.

Though I’ve struggled and had a lot of pain for many years, I have been fortunate. I have friends that needed a hysterectomy immediately, which didn’t allow them to conceive, and I saw the sorrow they experienced.

My advice is to be proactive about your health and body. You need to be your own advocate, especially if you have had a similar experience, because a laparoscopy is the only way they can tell you have endometriosis. l

by Lifescape

Picky Eaters 4 Tips to Help with

Parents, take a look at your mealtimes. Are they stressful? Is picky eating or other mealtime challenges preventing you from using that time to connect with one another after another busy day? Breathe easy, as you are not alone.

Research indicates that up to 50% of all infants and children will experience difficulties with feeding. What is important to remember is that early intervention is critical because difficult dinners can negatively impact parent-child relationships.

What can you look out for as a parent? Many behaviors can indicate difficulty for a child to safely eat including, but not limited to:

• Food aversions, including avoiding textures, flavors, etc.

• Difficulty swallowing or chewing

• Coughing or choking when eating or drinking

• Poor weight gain

• Eating a limited variety of foods and food groups

• Refusal to eat or drink

If you recognize any of these behaviors, even if you feel your concern is minor, reach out to your child’s primary care physician or other healthcare organizations to see if your child should be evaluated for feeding therapy. Some organizations provide a free feeding screening through a fast and easy over-thephone consultation.

In the meantime, here are a few tips to try at home to make food and eating a more positive experience for everyone at home:

1. Exposure: The number one thing that can help prevent picky eating is exposing kids to different foods, not just once, but over and over. It can take up to 20 times for a child to try (chew and swallow) a new food to know if they genuinely don’t like it.

2. Stay Positive: Don’t make mealtimes all about what your child will or will not eat. Focus on family time, conversation, and having it be a time where you can connect as a family.

3. Make Food Fun: Let your kids explore and play with their food. Take non-preferred foods and think of a creative way to prepare them. For example, give your kids some toothpicks, grapes and strawberries, and see what they can build! The ideas are endless!

4. Get Involved: Bring your kids into the kitchen and have them participate in preparing meals and snacks. This provides exposure to those foods and teaches various other skills, like math, reading, problem-solving, and following directions.

Remember, the end goal is to bring joy and connection back to the dinner table for the entire family. l

Inspiring the next generation of scientists and problem solvers

Sanford PROMISE is hosting scholarship-based camps for students. Each camp provides hands-on, immersive STEM experiences tailored for their age group. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

2022 Summer Camps

LEADING EDGE SCIENCE

June 2, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • 6-8 grade*

LEADING EDGE SCIENCE

June 14, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • 6-8 grade*

LEADING EDGE SCIENCE

July 15, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • 9-12 grade*

FINDING YOUR ROOTS

July 26-29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • 6-8 grade*

*2021/2022 school year

Application required. Registration is open from Feb. 14 to April 1.

“I really loved this camp! I learned so much and had such a fun experience.”

– Student

Register or learn more at promise.sanfordhealth.org.

Sensory

Sensory bottles, or sometimes they are called calm down bottles, are becoming quite a trend! Sensory bottles are mesmerizing for all ages and a great tool and distraction for children. You can purchase these online and in several big retail stores; but why buy when you can make one right at home? Plus, the kids will love to help and add the items they want!

Here is all you need:

Empty plastic water bottle 3 - 6oz bottles of clear Elmer’s Glue 1 C warm water

Sequins, glitter, confetti, and gems of choice.

Optional: Use a hot glue gun to secure the lid in place.

Instructions:

Remove any labels from water bottle. Pour 1 bottle of glue into water bottle. Fill the empty glue bottle about half full with warm water. Shake glue bottle to combine glue and water, pour into the water bottle and shake.

Add in sequins and glitter of choice into the glue mixture! Repeat the above steps until your water bottle is full. If your glitter and sequins move around easily, you may need to add more glue. If they are not moving much, you may need more

Find the answer keys to the kids puzzles on our website!

by Sanford Children’s

Preparing for the Puberty Talk

You might be dreading talking with your preteen about puberty, but it’s essential to start the conversation early and keep the lines of communication open. The key is to make sure your children hear about puberty from you before they get information from other sources.

Talking to your daughter

When patients express anxiety about talking to their adolescent daughters, Sarah Roe, a certified nurse-midwife with Sanford Women’s, assures them that there’s no one better to lead the conversation.

“I really try to empower moms. Their daughter wants to talk to somebody she trusts and loves, not the school nurse or school counselor,” Roe says.

Girls should expect their first period between the ages of 10 to 15. Roe urges moms to talk with their daughters before that first menstruation cycle begins.

“Don’t wait to have a conversation until that first period arrives because she will be terrified,” Roe says. “We’ve all been through this and for her to hear your personal experience will make a huge impact.”

Conversations about puberty are not only about a girl’s first period.

“It’s not just the start of menstruation; it’s the changing body, the hormones, emotions, and

friend challenges they start to go through,” says Roe. “It’s an important time in a girl’s life to make bonds with mothers and women they consider mentors to have someone to help coach them through this time in their life.”

Talking to your son

Conversations about the changes boys go through during puberty are encouraged when a boy is roughly middle school-aged.

“For boys especially, there isn’t a natural initiation into manhood,” says Glenn Ridder, MD, who specializes in family medicine at Sanford Health. “Unlike puberty in girls, there isn’t a defined event to mark the beginning.”

Puberty for boys involves many transitions with their bodies, including deeper vocal cords, growing more hair, and becoming broader at the shoulders and narrower at the hips. On average, puberty starts between the ages of 9 and 14.

Whether it’s changes in the reproductive systems or rising testosterone levels, Dr. Ridder encourages parents to be frank and emphasize that the changes are normal.

Boys need to learn the information from someone they can trust. Fathers, uncles, or other adult male mentors can be good resources for an adolescent boy.

Continuing the conversation

There is nothing to fear when talking to your preteen son or daughter about puberty. Focus on making sure they feel comfortable enough to ask you or another trusted adult about any questions they have. The more often you discuss the topic, the easier it will get. l

Any teen parent knows the mix of excitement and fear that happens when their child finally gets their drivers license. Parents can have more peace of mind with Hum+ from Verizon, available at CellOnly.

• Speed alerts

• Boundary alerts

• Vehicle locater

• Vehicle diagnostics

• View daily safety score

• Crash detection

• 24/7 Pinpoint Roadside Assistance

Hum+ isn’t just great for teens, but the whole family.

On the Go? Whether you work on the go or have kids with tablets, Hum+ offers in-vehicle wi-fi for only an additional cost of $10/mo.

Take care of your car. You can check your car’s health from your phone and detect issues before you hit the road, including your car’s battery level.

Get help when you need it. Get peace of mind knowing you’re never alone on the go. If Hum+ detects a crash, it can automatically notify emergency services and send help your way. With 24/7 Pinpoint Roadside Assistance help will be sent to your exact location.

2022

Summer Camps & PROGRAMS

Summers are full of adventures, and our area has many great camps and programs available to keep your kids engaged and learning. With the following pages full of options, we’re sure you’ll find a great fit for your family. These camps and programs range from a few hours to overnight and on a wide variety of topics and experiences.

As with all our directories, you can view the list of 2022 Summer Camps and Programs in print or online at www.thehoodmagazine.com.

605 Ninja www.605ninja.com

We offer SO many fun summer camps for ages 6-14. Sweat, Train, & Play like a Ninja Warrior with our Ninja Camps. Get your Circus on at our Aerial Silk & Lyra Hoop Camps. Learn to Vault, Roll and Trick in our super fun Parkour Camps.

Abiding Savior Summer Care

www.abidingsavior.church/ministries/ucc Abiding Savior Summer Care program offers engaging activities and adventures to keep K-6 graders entertained and active all summer long. Frequent field trips, trips to the swimming pool, service projects, worship time, and classroom activities will fill their days with fun and meaningful experiences. We offer full-time and part-time options.

Acton Academy Camp Curiosity

www.actonacademysiouxfalls.org/events

In collaboration with Camp Empower, Acton Academy Sioux Falls presents a highly engaging, open-ended, learner-driven Summer Play Camp! A place to be Curious. A place to Wonder. Not only will your children be able to WONDER… but also TEST their wonders through active hands-on learning. Reserve your spot today.

Apple Tree Children’s Center

www.appletreechildren.org

Apple Tree’s Summer Camp Program is full of outdoor activities, field trips and hands-on projects to help keep children’s minds and bodies active. Be sure to call and reserve your spot early and find out all that our program includes like hot lunches, snacks, sunscreen, and field trip costs.

BritZa Performing Arts Studio

www.britzastudios.com Dance! Create! Craft! Sing! Act! Move! We have a variety of camps for movers and dancers of all ages (Walking Age - 18yo!), so there’s plenty to discover this summer. From DiscoverDance to Musical Theatre Camp to Technique/ Choreography Workshops to Pop-Up Dance Parties, we’ve got something for everyone.

Bishop O’Gorman

Catholic Schools Summer Activities

www.ogknights.org/parents/camps

We provide a wide range of camps and activities to keep your child busy this summer. We have a variety of Pre K-12th grade options including athletics camps and academic summer classes to avoid the “summer slump”. See full camp and class descriptions on our website!

Butterfly House & Aquarium: “Incredible Insects” & “Wonders of Water” www.butterflyhouseaquarium.org/camp Imagine your K-5th grader working directly with animals, engaging in observations of the Oxbow river, and working behind the scenes with a Biologist and/or Aquarist. This camp is designed to provide interactive, hands-on, and fun experiences in one of the most unique locations in the Midwest!

Camp High Hopes

www.camphighhopes.com

Camp High Hopes is for kids with disabilities and special needs. Your child will stretch their independence, gain new friends, grow their self-esteem, and challenge their perceived limitations with our therapeutic recreational experiences though our adaptive activities like archery, canoeing, high and low ropes elements, and more!

Camp OnAqua www.catfishbay.com

Camp OnAqua is a week-long day camp for kids ages 8 to 13. This camp gives kids the opportunity to experience water recreation in a fun and safe learning environment. Includes water skiing, fishing, canoeing, tubing, swimming, and more.

Camp Invention

www.invent.org/local

Inspire your kid’s creativity and confidence with Explore! Children in grades K-6 will team up with friends for fun, hands-on STEM adventures. From adopting a robotic fish to exploring space to building robotic artists and marble arcades, each activity is designed to give your explorer an unforgettable summer experience.

Code Ninjas Summer Camps

www.codeninjas.com

Code Ninjas Camps offer an immersive environment for children to explore technology and develop new skills. We offer a wide range of camps that teach kids of all skill levels computer programming. We offer engaging topics like coding, game building, Minecraft & Roblox. Check our website for full camp schedule.

Color Me Mine

Sioux Falls

http://siouxfalls.colormemine.com

Come and join us for a fun and creative camp! We will be making five amazing projects using ceramics, clay, and other fun materials! Each camper will receive a Color Me Mine canvas bag for their projects.

Destiny Youth Ranch

www.destinyyouthranch.com

We are a non-denominational, non-profit organization that runs camps and retreats where you can learn more about faith and horses in a quiet atmosphere. We have great speakers, worship, crafts, games, and campfires! We teach basic horsemanship, arena riding, and trail riding on over 45 acres of land!

CTE and Southeast Tech Career Exploration Camps

www.ctecareercamps.com

The SFSD Career and Technical Education Academy is planning to offer summer career exploration camps for middle school students. Please visit our website for the latest details, dates and registration information.

EmBe Summer Camps

www.embe.org

EmBe has supported the youth of our community for one century. Our camps are intended to help children gain confidence, grow new friendships, and learn valuable lessons in teamwork and responsibility. From FIRST® LEGO® League to Babysitting camps, summer fun starts with EmBe!

First Tee—South Dakota www.firstteesouthdakota.org

First Tee – South Dakota is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges, all on the golf course. First Tee – South Dakota is building game changers one swing at a time.

Great Plains Zoo: Zoo Camp

www.greatzoo.org

Wild about animals? With half-day and wholeday camps, ZooCamp has an adventure waiting for everyone! Camps include games, crafts, snacks, Zoo tours, animal encounters and more. Register today at greatzoo.org!

Inspiration Hills www.inspirationhills.org

Our mission for campers is to come to know and grow in Christ and build long lasting relationships! We have a variety of camps for all ages to enjoy through bible studies, chapels, and worship along with fun outdoor adventures: bonfires, swimming, horseback riding, archery, ropes course, canoeing, recreational games, and much more!

Kairos Elite Volleyball June Camps www.averasportsteams.org/camps

Avera Sports Kairos Elite Volleyball offers training camps for athletes from 4th grade through 12th grade. These camps use proven skill-building techniques to boost volleyball athletes to their best performance level. June camps: college showcase, all skills, boys all skills, beach and private lessons. To learn more or register, visit our website.

READY . SET. LEARN !

Field trips and special speakers are also used to enhance the educational experience. Our teachers help each child become an individual who is aware of their abilities and who can focus on their own strengths.

Stop in and check out our programs and teachers anytime! No appointment necessary.

Apple

Apple

Apple

Kids R Kids

www.kidsrkids.com/prairie-hills/ Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to launch Summer Camp 2022, the return to summer fun! Both the Junior and Senior Camps have jam-packed weeks filled with endless fun. New themes and engaging activities every week. Sign your child up today for a safe and exciting summer they won’t forget.

Mathnasium of Sioux Falls www.mathnasium.com/siouxfalls

Mathnasium gives you one less thing to worry about this summer. Instead of losing the average two months of math knowledge this summer, your child will grow his or her confidence in math... and actually enjoy doing it!

PeaceCARE at WestSide www.peacecareatwestside.com

PeaceCare at WestSide is a partnership between PeaceCARE at Peace Lutheran and WestSide Lutheran. This new summer care program in northwest Sioux Falls for grades K-5 features activities on-site like arts & crafts, outdoor play, and games, as well as field trips off-site to the zoo, pools, parks, and more.

Museum of Visual Materials

www.sfmvm.com

We are excited for a variety of fun arts and craft classes all summer long! Classes range from one to two hours and only $5-$15! We will have new classes planned for children preschool age to teens. Look for upcoming creative classes such as painting, DIY projects, drawing, pottery and more!

SafeSplash

www.safesplash.com/locations/sioux-fallssouth-sd

Try our SwimJams! SwimJams provide two months of lessons in just two weeks. Same great curriculum, same great instructors, same great 4:1 swimmer to instructor ratio as regular lessons. Each class is 30 minutes, Monday –Thursday.

Sanford POWER Academies

www.sanfordpower.com/perform/academies/

sioux-falls/#sp

We start you on the path to maximum performance. Our sport-specific coaches observe and adjust while paying attention to fundamentals. In a one-on-one or small group setting, they develop a tailored plan through fundamentals and drill work. Academies include baseball, softball, basketball, golf, football, volleyball, and strength and conditioning.

Safety Village of South Dakota

https://safetyvillage.org

Safety Town, Heroes Camp and Teen CRASH Clinic. We are committed to reducing accidents involving children and teens by offering Safety Camps and Clinics to help identify safety issues and to offer healthy injury prevention choices. We partner with community safety organizations to coordinate these comprehensive safety programs.

Sanford Research PROMISE Summer Camps

http://Promise.SanfordHealth.org

Sanford PROMISE is hosting scholarship-based camps for students. Each camp provides handson, immersive STEM experiences tailored for their age group. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Leading Edge Science camp is for grades 6-12 (varies by dates) and Finding Your Roots camp is for grades 6-8. Applications required.

SDGFP The Outdoor Campus

Sioux Falls – Summer Programming https://gfp.sd.gov/toc-east

We offer a variety of family focused outdoor programming in the summer. This programming includes archery, bb guns, kayaking, fishing, and more that is all free to the public! Registration for programming is at 8AM and opens May 11 for June; June 8 for July; and July 6 for August.

Sioux Falls Tennis Association (SFTA) www.sfta.net

Come join the fun! SFTA hosts one of the finest junior programs in the SD with our experienced and caring teaching staff for all ages and skill levels. 10 & Under Tennis is used in our beginning groups to facilitate quicker learning and enjoyment of the game.

Sioux Falls Figure Skating:

Shooting Stars Summer Skate Camp www.sffsc.com

Shooting Stars Summer Skate Camp will focus on building your child’s skating skills in a fun and exciting environment and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, making new friends, and creating lifelong memories. This camp is for skaters ages 5-12 and beginner skaters to Freeskate 3 level skaters.

Skate City Summer Skate Card

www.skatecitysd.com

SKATE FREE ALL SUMMER if you have your own skates and a Summer Skate Card from Skate City! Skates are available to rent at $3.00/session. Summer Skate Cards are on presale from April 1st to May 31st for just $10 each. Pricing is $20 each starting June 1st.

Soccer Sprouts www.sdsoccersprouts.com

We are an education-based soccer program that helps children learn the FUN-damentals of soccer through games and activities, while developing their gross and fine motor skills. Our PROFESSIONALLY trained coaches believe children learn by playing, and we strive to give them a solid foundation to enjoy soccer for many years.

Swan Lake Christian Camp www.myslcc.com

Come make great friends while experiencing a memorable week of camp on the shores of beautiful Swan Lake. Just 45 minutes from Sioux Falls, youth experience Christ through daily chapel, outdoor quiet times, campfires, and cabin devotions. Fun activities throughout the day include archery, crafts, swimming, canoeing, fishing, and recreational games.

Washington Pavilion Summer Camps

www.washingtonpavilion.org/summercamps

Our camps are hands-on experiences that create memorable moments in a safe, one-ofa-kind environment. The Washington Pavilion provides wonderful opportunities for students of all ages to venture into the worlds of art, science, and theatre.

Wings Kids Summer Camp www.wingsgym.com/wings-main-camp-care

What will your kids be talking about this summer? Space, Sharks, Dinosaurs, Legos, or Pirates? They can explore it all through Wings Gymnastics’ weekly themed summer camp. Something different every week at our Bahnson location. Sign up for all 12 weeks or pick and choose the weeks you need.

YMCA Camp Leif Ericson

www.siouxfallsymca.org/ymca-campleif-ericson

Campers ages 4-15 are welcome to join us for the best summer ever! Activities include: boating, archery, BB-guns, crafts, fishing, music, nature education, games, field trips, and MORE! 2022 programs are offered Monday-Friday in two-week sessions June 6th-August 12th.

As an added bonus, you can view the list of Summer 2022 Camps and Programs in print, online at www.thehoodmagazine.com or you can scan the QR code to get access to them on our website.

Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to launch Summer Camp 2022, the return to summer fun! Both the Junior and Senior Camps have weeks filled with endless fun.

by Desirae and Khallie Willms

CampOvernightQ&A

When it comes to summer camps, most parents think of day camps. However, our area offers excellent overnight camps as well. The staff at ‘Hood Magazine reached out to one local family to ask for insight and tips for families looking into overnight camps.

Desirae Willms

Q: What drew you into looking at an overnight camp?

A: Our child was looking for an opportunity to grow both spiritually and socially. We decided together that an overnight camp would be a fun way to meet additional friends, experience new things, and step out of the everyday routines of home.

mother daughter

Khallie Willms

Q: What is your favorite thing about attending overnight camp?

A: I really enjoy nightly campfires, swimming, and making lasting friendships with people from various towns.

Q: How do day camps and overnight camps compare? What things do you enjoy about both?

A: Day camps are super exciting but go by quickly.

Q: At what age did you start sending your daughter to camp? How did you know she was ready?

A: Our daughter attended her first overnight camp in 4th grade. We felt she was ready because she had successfully had sleepovers with friends and was super excited when we presented the overnight camp option to her.

Q: How does an overnight camp compare in cost to day camps?

A: Day camps seem to range from $25-$50, and night camps vary depending on the number of nights included. Three-day camps are around $170, and five-day camps are typically about $250.

Overnight camps are equally fun but are more relaxed. They allow extra time for activities and for meeting new, lasting friends.

Q: What type of friendships have you been able to make at overnight camp? Do you keep in touch with anyone?

A: I’ve created several close friendships at camp. We stay in touch with each other through the mail and social media.

Q: How do you keep in touch with your family while away?

A: My family can send both mail and emails to me while at camp.

It may not feel that way, but SUMMER will be here before we know it. And with summer comes CAMP! Summer camp can make up some of a child’s most vivid and life-changing memories. Whether it’s day camp or sleep-away camp, one thing is for certain: camp is an ADVENTURE!

As parents, there are so many choices for designing our kids’ summer. Of course, we want them to have lots of time to play outside and just be a kid, but it’s also nice to keep their minds engaged, learning, and growing so we can equip them to “beat the summer slide” that often happens when school goes out of session.

On the southeast side of Sioux Falls, Wings Gymnastics decided to offer Summer Camp programming alongside our Gymnastics and Ninja programs when we recognized the ever-growing need for quality summer opportunities. Led by a certified teacher, summer camp at Wings takes the core values of our gymnastics program and infuses them with 12 different creative themes that come alive in a variety of ways each and every week!

Campers can choose to spend the whole summer with us or choose the theme weeks that make your campers the most excited!

Being a camper at a Wings Summer Camp means finding a safe place where you belong! It’s learning to become a servant leader and discovering that even though our campers may be young, they have a voice that needs to be shared. It’s learning new skills, not only during open gym time but also through guest presenters, group building activities, crafts, games, and more!

Whether you are creating Lego experiments, walking the plank during pirate week, or discovering your own inner Olympian, our camp community will be stronger because YOUR KIDS will be here to share their gifts with us.

We cannot wait to meet our campers this summer!

Summer

For more information and to register for Wings Summer Camp: https://wingsgym.com/wings-main-camp-care/

by Foley’s Heating & AC, Inc.

Why A Smart Thermostat?

It seems more and more devices are becoming “smart,” and thermostats that control your home’s temperature are no exception. A smart thermostat allows you to remotely control your home’s temperature, allowing for optimal setting of your home’s comfort level when you are home and minimizing temperatures when away, thereby achieving cost savings over the long run.

Sure, you can adjust the temperature a few times a day manually, but where’s the fun in that? With a smart thermostat, you may be able to track trends, automate settings and reduce in-home power struggles over temperature control. Whether you’re just across town at work or halfway around the world on vacation, you can manage the temperature of your house.

Depending on your specific needs and budget, there are smart thermostats that can learn and adapt to the day-to-day activities of your house, particular areas, and even specific rooms. A smart thermostat is a good investment when you consider the following factors:

• How busy is your lifestyle?

• How long do you plan to stay in the house you’re in?

• How long before you want your initial investment to pay off?

There are different types of smart thermostats available and can range in price from just over $100 to several hundred.

LEARNING THERMOSTATS

Learning thermostats are smart thermostats that can learn when the house is likely to be occupied and when it will be left empty according to the usual schedule and behavior of the occupants/ users.

CONNECTED THERMOSTATS

Connected thermostats are a type of smart thermostat that can be controlled through a WiFi or internet connection for remote management and programming. This type of smart thermostat typically does not provide analytic information.

ZONED SYSTEMS

Zoned systems can control the temperature in individual rooms rather than control the temperature of the whole house.

LEARNING ZONED SYSTEMS

Learning zoned systems are the most advanced smart thermostats which combine the abilities of a learning thermostat and a zoned system. l

YOU DON’T NEED AN ILLNESS TO NEED A DOCTOR.

Regular wellness visits with a primary care physician or provider at Sanford Health can lead to better overall health. Better health care starts with a provider who’s a familiar face. Someone who actually knows you and understands your concerns and your goals.

We’re here before you need us. We’re here when you need us. We’re here after you need us.