ALL ABOUT KIDS

School is almost out for the summer, and you know what that means…soon, you'll hear WHAT ARE WE GONNA DOOOOO? Never fear, Do South® is here with our 8th annual All About Kids Guide!

We are proud to partner with the best providers, businesses, and organizations in our community that strive to keep our kids active, healthy, and entertained all year long. We hope that our guide also serves as a resource as you seek out specialized healthcare, educational opportunities, and financial information to best serve your family.

415 Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas

479.474.7767 artsonmainvb.com

Arts On Main offers enriching art experiences for families during the summer. Our program for ages 3-15 includes interactive STEM workshops, Saturday art classes, pottery classes, culinary workshops, a children’s theatre program, and birthday parties as well as off-campus art camps to keep your kids engaged all summer long. Adult programs include paint parties, art classes and workshops, culinary events, and more. We are so excited to get you connected to all of the arts activities that we offer. For information, visit artsonmainvb.com or call AOM at 479-4747767. Keep up to date with classes, events, and more by subscribing to our newsletter.

1500 Dodson Avenue, Suite 260-A, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.709.7337 baptist-health.com

Whether your children need newborn care, back-to-school vaccinations, or physicals, Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic located at 1500 Dodson Avenue, Suite 260-A, in Fort Smith has you covered. Dr. Raelene Mapes and her team also treat illnesses and injuries for children of all ages. For Dr. Mapes, the most rewarding part of her career is getting the opportunity to watch her patients grow up. By having a long-term history with a pediatrician, you’ll get insight into your children’s development and will be able to better detect emerging problems, such as changes in academic or emotional status. For more about Dr. Mapes and the services she provides, call 479-709-7337 or visit baptist-health.com.

866.952.9523 arvest.com/savings

When it comes to developing healthy habits, it’s important to learn them early in life. The same is true for healthy financial habits. Opening a savings account for kids is a great way for them to learn about money. A savings account is a useful tool to teach the importance of setting financial goals and budgeting so that they develop good savings and spending habits. Arvest’s Cool Blue Savings account is designed specifically for children under age 18, with no monthly service fee and other great advantages. Help your child get on the road to financial responsibility sooner with a Cool Blue Savings account. Learn more at arvest.com/savings, visit a local branch or call (866) 952-9523.

South Zero, Fort Smith, Arkansas

What other product can bring a family together, turn special moments into lasting memories, and improve your health, all without leaving the comfort of your own backyard? We all know the family that spends thousands of dollars on family vacations that require months of planning, but then they’re over in the blink of an eye. Invest in a swimming pool to provide those moments of family fun, and you’ll find you never need to go anywhere else. Call Burton Pools & Spas today – at Burton, we don't just build swimming pools, we build long-term relationships!

201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.434.2020 csafortsmith.org

Community School of the Arts is excited to announce the lineup of camps and classes for Summer 2023! Camps and activities are available in music, theatre, dance, and visual art for preschoolers to adults. Pop, Rock, & All That Jazz, an instrumental and vocal jazz camp for students entering grades 7-12 is FREE of charge! Summer music camps include Piano Camp, Ultimate Drums Camp, and Summer Strings for violin, viola, cello, and bass, as well as a String Ensemble for adult and nontraditional students. Register now for our youth theatre production of Godspell the Musical! Private lessons are offered year-round, jump in any time! Preschool for the Creative Arts is now enrolling for Summer and Fall semesters.

344 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Arkansas

479.632.4600 almareferrals@pediatricsplus.com

2805 Alma Highway, Van Buren, Arkansas

479.471.9600 vanburenreferrals@pediatricsplus.com fnbfs.com

Pediatrics Plus is NOW ENROLLING for PRESCHOOL students at both our Alma and Van Buren locations. To enroll your child today, please contact us by using the location information above. Our preschool offers therapy services throughout the day including applied behavior analysis, occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Learn more about how we can serve your family and help your child achieve their goals at PediatricsPlus.com.

The importance of saving early means kids and teens can take advantage of compound interest. Spending is easy, but saving is hard, even for adults. The earlier kids start learning to save, the more it will become part of their system and habit pattern. Financial literacy is extremely important for the future of our youth. In partnership with various public and private schools across Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, FNB provides a financial education program to children, with an emphasis on savings. Open your child a First Savers account today with First National Bank of Fort Smith to allow their savings to GROW with them!

622 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.431.8695

fsfuture.org

Future School of Fort Smith (Future School) envisions a future where each student graduates equipped with the tools to succeed and enthusiastic about their future due to their time spent at the school. We prioritize a learning environment that is open, inclusive, relationship-centered, and focused on student success. With a small advisor-to-student ratio, our educator-mentors guide students through the process of identifying interests, connecting with potential internships, and envisioning their plans upon graduation. Future School strives to earn its reputation as an innovative and impactful leader in education in Arkansas through its combination of personalized learning plans, internship network, concurrent college credit program, and robust partnerships with area businesses and the Fort Smith community.

Immaculate Conception icschoolfs.org

Christ the King ctkschoolfs.com

Trinity Catholic thinktrinity.org

The three Fort Smith Catholic schools have a rich history of quality education in the River Valley. These three schools represent almost 200 years of educational excellence. Fort Smith Catholic schools provide a safe environment and quality education in a faith-based setting. Our schools each have a distinctive culture, dynamic student population, and a deep sense of tradition and legacy. Enroll your children now and let us provide the necessary framework for building a brighter future. Immaculate Conception: 18 months – 5th Grade www.icschoolfs.org; Christ the King: 18 months –5th Grade www.ctkschoolfs.com; Trinity Catholic: 6th – 8th Grade www.thinktrinity.org.

1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.784.2787

fsram.org/education

Worlds of fun at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum this summer! We will explore new – and old – worlds with dinosaur and space-themed Summer Art Camp classes, as well as an art installation class, geared to three different age levels. Our regular programming will continue with our family-friendly RAM Saturdays classes and our online RAM Sketch on Tuesday evenings – great for kids 10 and older. Drop In and Draw on Thursday afternoons is a place for artists to sketch with a live model. All three of these classes are free! We will also continue our summer art programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Smith. Visit fsram.org/education for more information.

3205 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.2501 fortsmithschools.org

Through the new “Emerging Art & Design” program, PEAK art students will employ artistic ideas that integrate realworld scenarios using industry-standard technology and equipment. Students will develop a portfolio demonstrating 21st-Century skills, present in gallery exhibitions to peers and community partners, and gain the skills necessary to earn technical certifications in industry-recognized digital software. The PEAK Emerging Art & Design pathway is available exclusively to Fort Smith Public School students and incorporates three areas of study: Media Arts, Art History, and Studio Art. Students completing the program will graduate with a portfolio of work, gallery exhibition experience, and a network of future employers. Classes forming now for 2023-24 and seats are limited, contact us today!

1109 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren

815 Fort Street, Barling

479.474.6444 insynctherapy.com

In-Sync provides professional therapy services to children with special needs throughout the River Valley and Eastern Oklahoma. We offer various specialized therapy services to support the unique needs of every child. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, family-centered, multi-disciplinary care where children can learn to safely live fulfilling lives. We support patients from birth to age 21 and serve patients with a variety of diagnoses. Our team of pediatric specialists includes BoardCertified Behavior Analysts, and Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists who work together to create individualized treatment plans. Therapy is carried out in a creative and fun atmosphere where every child can be successful.

2101 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

808 South Broadway Street, Poteau, Oklahoma

479.782.3021 / 918.647.7272 udoujorthodontics.com

Udouj Orthodontics has provided orthodontic excellence in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere since 1972! Our staff takes the time to get to know each patient and makes appointments fun! Utilizing the latest technological advances to ensure you receive the most effective care possible, we offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults, including early interceptive and growth modification treatment, as well as treatment with fixed braces. From traditional metal brackets and wires to toothcolored appliances, we design your orthodontic treatment to suit your lifestyle and preferences, and also offer ceramic braces and clear aligners. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you create a beautiful, healthy smile!

Help. Hope. Support. Will your child be ready for public school? At Stepping Stone, each child is challenged by our professional team in a fun, stimulating, and structured environment. Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, autism or medically fragile participate in pre-academics, language communication skills, motor development and socialization. Services provided: Free Developmental Screenings, Therapeutic Preschool, Early Interventions, ABA / Applied Behavioral Analysis, Individualized Care Plans, Transportation, Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies and an array of Nursing Services. The earlier you recognize your child’s special needs and request help, the better the possibilities to improve or overcome developmental challenges. Call for your free developmental assessment and a partner in your child’s potential.

5912 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.646.1616 flamefs.com

Founded in 1985 Flame Gymnastics Academy has been owned and operated by the Beam family since 1995. Emphasis is on maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere for all their students regardless of age or skill level. Flame’s professional staff have over 300 years of combined gymnastics teaching experience and are recognized for producing gymnasts competitive on a state and regional level through the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program. Flame has been voted “Best of the Best” for gymnastics in the River Valley for six straight years. Classes in gymnastics and tumbling are offered year-round and swim lessons for ages 9 months through 12 years are offered during the months of June and July. Contact us today!

200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.782.5068 fsfumc.org

At First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, we care about kids! We have a full program of children's ministries to develop your child’s spiritual life including Sunday School, Wednesday Program, Holiday Celebrations, Choir, and Handbells. We also have three excellent weekday childcare programs: Child Enrichment Center, Weekday School, and Children's Day Out. We host community events several times a year that are open to any child and their family. If you want to find out more, visit our website, fsfumc.org, call the church office at 479-782-5068, or email our Children's Minister, Ashley McNeal, at amcneal@fsfumc.org. At First United Methodist Church, your child will be loved, supported, and encouraged!

7300 Ellis Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.452.4554 chaffeecrossingfam.com

The Chaffee Crossing Farmers & Artisans Market (CCFAM) is an outdoor, festival-style market held on second Saturdays, May through October in the peaceful Chaffee Crossing Historic and Entertainment District! Local farmers, artists, artisans, and craftsmen selling homegrown, homemade, and handmade products line the street and parking lots. Food and beverage vendors, local musicians and entertainers enrich the vibe with sights, sounds, and smells. Monthly themed activities include contests and demonstrations. Making new friends, bumping into old friends, and an inviting atmosphere keep all ages coming back for more. CCFAM 2023 season schedule: May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.

3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.6302

reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

Our Kids Kicking Cancer group, facilitated by a licensed therapeutic professional, is specifically for adolescents affected by cancer, whether they are fighting cancer, are a survivor, or have a family member with cancer. The group meets bi-monthly for arts and crafts, games, and special events. They can share and normalize their feelings in a safe, fun environment as they deal with a range of emotions and challenges while receiving education and support. Parents meet simultaneously for support to empower them to cope. We serve thousands of people in our region battling or surviving a cancer diagnosis and are committed to helping patients and families regardless of age, gender, or type of cancer diagnosis, all at no cost.

2221 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Arkansas 479.474.7942

vbsd.us

The school year may be winding down, but the fun doesn't stop when the last bell rings! VBSD is gearing up for an exciting summer, filled with opportunities to engage students. Our District is offering a wide range of art and sports camps, as well as ACT test prep courses designed to help students succeed on their entrance exam. We are also helping feed families, by serving FREE breakfast and lunch at a variety of convenient locations throughout the city. These programs demonstrate VBSD's commitment to excellence at every level – all year long. Follow @VBSDPointers on social media or visit our District website to stay up-to-date on summer activities and more! #PointerPride

4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.0152

waballet.org

Western Arkansas Ballet Academy offers classes in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop for ages 3 through adult. Committed to creating a community dedicated to the Fine Arts through quality dance education, training, and performance, Western Arkansas Ballet Academy is proud to provide three performance opportunities each season to local dancers. The 2023-2024 season includes the 38th Annual production of The Nutcracker December 16 & 17, 2023 at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center in downtown Fort Smith. Summer dance camp and workshop registration is open now and our 2023-2024 Academy registration opens June 15, 2023. You can learn more and register online at waballet.org.