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March 2014arch 2 14
Theimportanceofcreativeplay
Page14
Page
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Raheem,
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Pure fun at Camp Kesem iCa
Big imagination on the small sta
Bakken brainstorm Spanish immers
STARTING ON PAGE
LEARNA
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100DIFF
ERENT
CAMPS!
Page71
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amiue
theCONTENTS Minnesota PaMarch 2
Departments
Out&About
On the cover
Raheem and Ronak, sons of Sameer
and Ravi Soni.
PHOTO BY MANDY DWYER, GLIMPSES OF SOUL
PHOTOGRAPHY GLIMPSESOFSOUL.COM
10 CHATTER
12BABY ON BOARD
The general weirdness of
divide and conquer parenting
14TODDLER TIME
Sometimes you just have to let
your child paint in the bathtub
16 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN
How to select a new pediatrici
18 IN THE KITCHEN
So its not really spring, but yo
can start cooking like it is.
20 TWEENS & TEENS
Using out-of-school time
for learning.
22HOT STUFF
Great products for the great
outdoors.
24GROWS ON TREES
Make tax time a little less painf
26BOOK SHELF
Stories for Our Fragile Planeta
other books about nature.
28 RELATIONSHIPS
How to focus on whats workin
in your relationship.
82 REAL LIFE
Chemical crusader Sara McLoo
Page 63
ALL ABOUT PURE FUN
At Camp Kesem, a normal
camp experience is the goal.
By Cali Owings
31
SMALL STAGE, BIG
CREATIVITY
An experience in building
miniature theater productions.
By Zoe Gahan
41
BRAINSTORMING
AT THE BAKKEN
Science camps help kids
brainstorm inventions.
By Emily Mongan
49
A CONSERVATION ETHIC
Deep Portage offers camps for
young explorers, hunters and
wilderness enthusiasts.
By Cali Owings
60
APPLE CAMP
Apple Camps give kids the
tools to bring their visions to
life.By Emily Mongan
37
IS YOUR CHILD READY
FOR SLEEPAWAY CAMP?
Factors to consider.
By Julie Kendrick
44
CULTURAL CONTEXT
Camp at Joyce Preschooloffers life skills, cultural
lessons.
By Zoe Gahan
54
miueCAMP
RESOURCESPage71
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It was like we had our daughter back.
When I read those words while editing this issue, I
think I had my first glimpse of what summer camp is
really all about.
Camp is a big deal at Minnesota Parent because its a big
deal to our readers. But unfortunately I never actually went to
camp myself.
Working here for seven years has meant Ive worked on a locamp content, so I thought I had a pretty good understanding
the camp thing. Until I read the story with the daughter who w
truly back when she returned from camp.
The girl is nine-year-old Autumn, and she attended Camp
Kesem, which is featured in this issue beginning on page 31.
And Camp Kesem is a camp for kids with a parent who has bat
cancer. And its a pretty great example of the power of camp.
Theres a quote from the camp co-director a little further al
in the story: We want to make sure that camp is one week of
pure fun.
Maybe that quote isnt as dramatic as the first one. Or mayb
is. The idea that a group of kids facing such a challenge couldtogether with the goal of pure fun is pretty powerful.
Camp Kesem isnt about therapy, nor is it about providing a
escape. Camp Kesem is about the same thing that all camps a
about: A group of kids with something in common be it an
interest, a talent, a challenge or whatever put together to h
some fun.
Throw in a little shared anxiety, newfound independence, an
some new responsibilities and a funny thing happens. Kids g
confidence. Here Ill give you a third quote from the feature.
If it werent for Camp Kesem I would probably still be like
turtle hiding in its shell.
That one, from Autumn herself, sums it all up.
I never went to camp myself, but now I do think Im startin
understand what its really about.
What camp is
really all about
From the editor
Dana Croatt, Interim Ed
8 March 2014
GYMNASTICS
TUMBLING
TRAMPOLINE
GleasonsGymnasticsSchool
Strengthening children in mind and bodythrough successful gymnastics experiences
Maple Grove 763.493.25269778 85th Ave. N
Eagan 651.454.62032015 Silver Bell Rd.
www.gleasons.com
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Co-Publishers
Janis Hall
Terry Gahan
General Manager
Chris Damlo
612-436-4376 [email protected]
Contributing Writers/Photographers
Shannon Keough
Jen Wittes
Peter Dehnel
Joy Riggs
Kara McGuire
Sean Toren
Cali Owings
Emily Mongan
Zoe Gahan
Julie Kendrick
Creative DirectorDana Croatt
Senior Graphic Designer
Valerie Moe
Graphic Designer
Amanda Wadeson
Sales Administrator
Kate Manson
612-436-5085 [email protected]
Circulation
Marlo Johnson
612-436-4388 [email protected]
Advertising612-825-9205 [email protected]
Printing
Brown Printing
60,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly,
available at news stands statewide.
Get Minnesota Parent mailed to your home for just
$12 a year. Call 612-825-9205 for more information.
Minnesota Parent (ISSN 0740 3437) is published
monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications.
POSTMASTER send address changes to:
MINNESOTA PARENT, 1115 Hennepin Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Minnesota Parent is copyright 2014 by Minnesota Premier
Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole
or part without written permission is prohibited.
Address all material to address above.
Vol. 29 Issue 3
March 2014
!"# %&'(#)*'+, -. /'&*-+0 '* *##1'&2 3-4#& 3"- 0)# 56))#&+7, 8)#2&0&+
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Thin Mints and Tagalongs and Samoas, oh my! March is your
last chance to getGirl Scout cookies!Girls Scouts in Minnesota
and Wisconsin will be selling their tasty treats until Sunday,
March 23. Use their convenient cookie locator at girlscoutsrv.org
to find cookies nearest you. The program is about much more
than just cookies and helps teach girls business skills, financial
competence, goal setting, and people skills. Profits raised
through the Cookie Program help to fund troop activities and
community service projects. Find out more, and learn how your
daughter could become a Girl Scout, at girlscoutsrv.org.
Allergies or medical conditions can create a unique challenge for children on the go
or heading offto summer camps. To that end, Hope Paige had created a set of medical
ID braceletsthat are discreet enough in everyday wear so as not to draw attention,
but will instantly provide necessary information to any camp counselor or medical
professional if the need arises. They are customizable and available in a wide variety of
colors. Check them out at hopepaige.com.
Good food habits, early on: The
Minnesota born LANA Nutrition
Programhelps introduce young child
to healthy foods at their childcare
or preschool, providing hands-on
experiences to cook and taste a varie
of fruits and vegetables. Many childre
who participate in the program have
been shown to increase the amounts
of these foods they eat in and out of
school. The program, which standsfor Learning About Nutrition through
Activities, is the outgrowth of a
successful 24-week program designe
by the Minnesota Department of
Health and the University of Minneso
And speaking of eating well, March
is recognized as National Nutrition
Month by the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics, so it may be a perfect
time to open the door to conversatio
about healthy eating with your young
ones. Learn more and see a video of
program in action at lananutrition.co
MINNESOTA PARENT LIKES
MINNESOTA PARENT SAFETY
Dont let packing for an overnight summer camp
become a source of stress. Check with the camp to see
what kind of storage space will be available, and have
your child pack early to avoid problems. It might be
tempting to over-pack just to cover your bases, but an
over-full suitcase can lead to frustration for a kid or
counselor as they dig to find the right items when they
need them. Check the list created by The American
Camp Association for a starting point of necessary
items at campparents.org/travellight. And remember to
break in any new shoes or sandals before camp to avoid
blisters that can interrupt camp fun. Be sure to check outHot Stuffon page 22 for some snazzy outdoor items.
Camp season is fast approaching! Get a jump on your summer planning and enjoy a
day at Como Zoo in St. Paulwith the help ofMinnesota Parents Camp Fair. You and
your child can meet representatives from over 50 different camps and summer activity
coordinators to find the best fit for everyone. Meet a Como Zoo animal up-close, get
your face painted and enjoy live entertainment and music. The Fair will be held March
8th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit mnparent.com/camp-fair for more information.
See you there!
A recallhas been issued that covers
11 models of Graco child carseats sold
between 2009 and 2013. The buckles
the seat often needed excessive forc
be unlatched, occasionally to the poi
of needing to be cut to free children.
see affected models visit mprnews.o
story/2014/02/11/graco-recalls-car-s
If you have a budding artist on your
hands, get this: The Guthrie Theater h
announced a Shakespeare art contes
for childrengrades 412 in associatio
with The Acting Companys producti
of Hamlet. The winners artwork will
be reprinted as the cover image of th
Shakespeare Classic program an ev
designed to introduce Shakespeare tyounger audience and their schoo
receive 50 free tickets to see the play
The deadline for submissions is April
4th. More details at guthrietheater.or
artcontest.
10 March 2014
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CCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
#$%!"!$ '()* +),- ./((01234(2- 5' 66!78#$%:$ ;, 4,- ./((01234(2- 5' 66!?$
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
" @AB4 !4= >4)CC4- >4, DAE/- 5' 66#$#
CALL US AT: (651) 291-1750 OR VISIT US AT:
. OMMONBOND.ORG FINDHOUSING
!"#$%#&' )*+,$- ./0-12 )*3/&' 4"*"3-1+&% 5#,3+&* 6/00"*#-1 )#&7- 8
MINNEAPOLIS
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Shannon
Keough
And then there were two
The idea of having two kids (or more) has always scared me a
little. Im an only child, so the prospect of having just one baby
has never seemed lonely or selfish to me things Ive
heard applied to the only child situation just normal.
And since I have no personal experience with sibling dynamics, I was
concerned about how that might impact my ability to parent two kids.
My husband often credits my inability to understand playful fighting orcompetitive banter to my only-child status. If I were to witness my two
theoretical children in some standard-issue sibling argument, would I
just stare at them in confusion, unable to comprehend it and respond
appropriately?
But then I became pregnant with a second child and I thought, Well,
why not? Our daughter Lydia was almost a year and a half old when we
found out, so the newborn days were well behind us. Lydia was sleeping
well, generally jolly of temperament and had seemed like an actual little
person (instead of a perplexing baby) for quite some time. Although in
some ways it seemed too soon, and I could definitely remember the
trials of the newborn period, I figured I could handle another child.
My first surprise came with the onset of the first trimester. Althoughmy first pregnancy was relatively easy, the second one was much more
difficult. (See my November column, What to expect when youre
expectingagain, for more about that.) Add to that the fact of having to
care for my active toddler, and I basically felt done-in before the
contractions even started.
Of course, the real surprises surfaced when we brought little baby
Felix back from the hospital. At first, things at home seemed relatively
calm. Lydia had been in a months-long daddy phase, so my
husband Nick was able to seamlessly take on most of the toddler care
with little drama. I, on the other hand, took on baby duty, dutifully
getting up with Felix every three hours or so to address his hunger,
diapers and so on. This went on with little incident for a day or two.
Then Lydia became significantly ill for the first time in her
young life. Throwing up, a fever, coughing, and so much
Instead of Nick and Shannon,
it was now Nick and Lydia
and Shannon and Felix.
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more. Since she suddenly refused to sleep
alone in her crib, Nick shacked up with her
in another room, staying awake all night
long while Lydia coughed and moaned
beside him. Meanwhile, the relentless,
24-hour newborn schedule started to
seriously take its toll on me. And then, ofcourse, we all came down with Lydias illness
in the days that followed.
Many parents of two have described the
aforementioned divide and conquer
coping strategy for handling two kids, and it
made logical sense to me. I was expecting to
fall into that dynamic, at least at the
beginning.
What I wasnt expecting was how weird
this would seem in practice. Its like weve
split off into two new couples, said Nick,
and scarily, he was right. Instead of Nick andShannon, it was now Nick and Lydia and
Shannon and Felix. One day I heard Nick
saying something to Lydia about mama and
Felixs room. I was reminded of a quote
from the movieBefore Sunset: I feel like Im
running a small nursery with someone I
used to date.
That said, Im writing this while only a
month into our new family situation, so
were bound to get a babysitter and go out
for dinner one of these days. And I have
faith that Felix will eventually learn to sleepand move into his very own room, just like
his sister before him. The newborn phase is
a dire, but temporary, condition.
Meanwhile, Ive generally found that the
transition from one to two kids isnt quite as
rough for me as the switch from none to
one. Like my friend Jen said, With the first
one, theres this existential crisis who am
I now? Whats happened to my old life?
Whereas with the arrival of a second, its all
about the logistics can we wedge another
car seat into our 20-year-old Honda? How
will I mix this mac and cheese while
simultaneously bouncing a screaming baby?
Is there time to watch another episode of
Boardwalk Empire before the baby wakes up
howling?
Shannon Keough lives in south
Minneapolis with her husband, Nick, and
daughter, Lydia. She can be reached at
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Rockonwildchild!TODDLER TIP
There is a sweet duality in the developing
toddler brain boundless imagination
alongside a tendency to be extremelyliteral.
We ask them not to actually eat the dusty, colorful
fallen leaves on the ground and later make a garden
salad. Or we watch as they stare perplexed at
the dark sky, after the announcement that its raining
cats and dogs.
On the flip side play a game of cloud-watching
with a toddler and be blown away by what they come
up with.
That cloud looks like a duck, you say.
Your two year old replies, I think it looks like a
turtle with an ice cream cone. Helping Grandpa mowthe lawn. With Elmo.
Her budding minds creativity is incredible, and is
in a sense sprouted from the same seed that makes a
toddler paradoxically literal belief in the impos-
sible, everything new, glitter as pixy dust, and a chat
with the man in the moon. She doesnt quite under-
stand the world yet and the possibilities are limitless.
The time is ripe for exploration and creativity.
I recently chatted with Molly Breen, a St. Paul
native who taught music and dance to young children
for years before becoming the director of Saint
Anthony Park United Methodist Church Community
Nursery School. She also leads a choir of get this
children aged newborn to three. In her spare time?
Shes working toward a Masters in Education,
specializing in the early childhood years. As a mother
herself, small, creative, ever-changing minds are kind
of her thing. She enthusiastically talked with me
about the importance of art, creative freedom, and
imaginative play in a toddlers development.
Current research shows evidence that the
Toddler Time
development of creativity and intelligence go hand in
hand Breen says. Creative play makes kids smarter,
thats the bottom line. Actually, play makes everyone
smarter!
This is good news for parents playing with your
toddler is one of the finer perks of the job!
But how do we guide exploration without
squelching the very nature of creativity with our rules
and pre-conceived notions? How do we encourage
freedom of expression with little people who are
limited in their abilities and possess an independence
level that is constantly in flux? And what if were not
crafty? Is there any hope for the not-so-creative parent
trying to help their child explore their artsy side?
Worry not. You dont need to know how to make a
craft-show worthy reindeer out of a bag of pipe
cleaners and a stick of glue, nor do you ever in your
life have to use the word decoupage.
Jen
Wittes
Embraceand
ExploreGo crazywith fl
Ask your child
describe the sta
and record her
observations.
Let a toebe a
paint brush.
Shareyour favo
song.
Build a fortandcall it a castle.
AskWhat if?
Dance!
Take a walkan
guess the name
of passing dog
Let the childte
the bedtime sto
Delightin your
own rediscover
of crayons.
Theimportanceofcreativeplay
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Ive always thought that parents and
teachers are like the architects, setting up
structure, materials, and opportunity for
open-ended play. After these opportunities
are created, its time to get out of the way,
says Breen.
She also encourages a yes mentalityand an acceptance of some level of mess.
This means allowing for materials to be
used in a way you wouldnt have predicted
rather than immediately saying no.
Again, this is within the structure
initially created and does not require
Mom or Dad to swallow frustration as
they embrace a little Jackson Pollack on
the duvet cover in the name of free expres-
sion. The structuring is merely trying
something slightly closer to the parental
comfort level while still honoring a littlecome what may, rock on wild child that
accompanies our sweet toddlers.
For example, I have occasionally set up
a bathroom studio in which I put a
variety of brushes and washable paints in
the bathtub. The guidelines are: paint
what you want, how you want, but only
on the tub and tile. The beyond paper
scenario allows for creative rebellion
while falling a few steps short of painting
on the walls. And by the way, if youre cool
with paint on the walls go for it!Of course, not all art requires mess. Not
in the mood for clay? Put on some music
and pull out the rhythm instruments.
(These can look an awful lot like pots and
pans!) Find things around the house and
use them in your living room band. Dont
be alarmed if your toddler decides to name
the band Cookie Drum. Just go with it.
There are so many wonderful ways to
spark the imagination of your toddler.
Beyond the desired developmental
progress, you reap the benefit of together-
ness, fun, a little mess, and occasionally a
finished project for the fridge.
Ah, a finger paint masterpiece on the
fridge. Yes, Toddler Parent, that means
youve arrived.
Jen Wittes is the mother of two young
children. Questions? She can be reached
March 2014
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Many parents are often faced withchoosing a new pediatrician for their
children, whether due to a move to a new
area or a change in clinics with new
insurance coverage. Depending on your
personal preference, wants, comfort level
and style, you are highly likely to find
someone that you and your children
are comfortable seeing on a regular basis.
One of the first considerations for many
families is to determine which physicians
and clinics are covered by your insurance
policy. It may be easiest to select a
pediatrician that is considered in
network for your health plan, as this is
often the most cost efficient. You will want
to check your insurance coverage for
specifics about your in-network and
out-of-network providers.
Another item to contemplate in
selecting a pediatrician is size of the clinic,
and if it is a stand alone facility or a part
of a larger clinic system. This matters forthings such as after hours (evenings,
weekends and holidays) availability,
alternative care options, etc. Ease of
setting appointments and ease of getting
through on the telephone to talk live with
a nurse or doctor is another important
factor to consider when you think about
clinic size. Also, find out the likelihood of
seeing your chosen pediatrician for well
visits and/or sick visits and how the clinic
addresses those issues.
Finally, and, perhaps the most impor-
tant in terms of care for your child(ren), is
determining if a particular pediatrician is
within a practice. Some additional
considerations include if she or he has a
particular area of interest within pediat-
rics (sports medicine, attention deficit/
hyperactivity disorder, allergies, asthma,
etc.). Board certification in pediatrics is
generally a highly positive credential to
We are new in town
and wondering how to
best select a pediatrician.
Peter
Dehnel, MD
hold. Some families will prefer a fema
pediatrician and some will prefer a ma
pediatrician, although this generally
becomes more of a concern as kids rea
their pre-teen years and often prefer a
same-sex pediatrician. Many clinics
provide websites with physician historwhich can also be helpful as you select
pediatrician.
We are expecting a new baby in th
months. How do we get our toddle
ready for the arrival of her baby
brother or sister?
In spite of the great joy that it brings to
parents and grandparents, the birth of
new brother or sister can be very disru
tive to the future older sibling, especia
if the older sibling is a first-born. Evenunder the best and most skillful of
circumstances, it will likely take at leas
two or three months for your older chi
to get used to the idea of another child
being in their territory and adjust to
fact that a new person is getting way
much attention from their perspectiv
Starting to prepare your child months
ahead of time is a good idea. Trying to
impart some notion of ownership by t
older brother or sister can be very helpfu
as well. For example, the phrase your bbrother/sister can go a long way to help
them gain acceptance. Having the older
sibling participate in caring for their new
sibling in age-appropriate jobs can
help ease the transition. Having a grand
parent, aunt or uncle around to give lots
extra attention to the older sibling has b
key for an easier transition in some
families. Finally, lots of reassurance from
mom and dad that there is plenty of love
go around is a good principle to have.
Regardless of the age of the children
your home, there can be unexpected
surprises at any age. A six-year-old wh
previously was an only child can be
much more challenging than a two-yea
old. Adoptive children will add anothe
dimension of transition if the adoptive
child is a little older than the sibling an
is ahead of them in milestones, too.
Even if there are three children in yo
16 March 2014
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home already, a new baby will require an
adjustment by everyone. An important
principle is to reinforce that there is an
abundance of love, care and concern for
everyone and that this new arrival is a
very positive addition to everyones life.
We are soon going on a family vacation
to a warm climate soon. What items
should we bring?
Family vacations can be a great experience.
A warm weather vacation after a very cold
Minnesota winter will be welcome by your
kids as much as you. Much of what you
need to know and bring would also apply to
a family going on vacation up north in
mid-July. You definitely need to pack the sun
screen (SPF 50 or higher for most kids) and
insect repellent if you will likely be exposedto mosquitoes or other biting insects.
Sunglasses and hats will help many kids and
adults alike, with the intensity of southern
sunlight. Rugged sandals are often over-
looked, but work well for beaches, climbing
and walking. Lots of hydration is important
even before they start to feel thirsty because
they will have a lot of insensible water losses
that they are not used to having under five
layers of winter clothing. Also, dont forget
long sleeves during the day to shield you
from the suns rays or at night to keep youwarm as the temperature dips.
As always, safety is key to a successful
family vacation. Safety in an automobile is
as important while traveling as it is here.
Water safety may present new challenges if
your kids are just at the age of really wanting
to be in the pool or ocean several hours
of the day. NEVER leave a child alone in any
water, for any reason. Finally, practicing
overload safety, not trying to pack too
much into each day, will lead to a better
family experience for everyone.
This column is intended to provide
general information and guidance only
and not specific medical advice. If you
have specific questions about your
child, please consult your health care
professional. Dr. Peter Dehnel is a board
certified pediatrician and medical director
with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.
Have a question for Dr. Dehnel? Email
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RECIPES IPS
Thinkspring!Preheatoven to 450.
Greasea large baking sheet.
Mixthe first 4 ingredients in a bowl.
Make an assembly linewith bowls of whisked egg, flour, and
the panko mixture. Dip the asparagus first into the flour, then
the egg and then into the panko mixture, coating evenly and
repeating with all the sticks.
Place all of the coated stickson the baking sheet. Arrange
so theyre not touching, spray lightly with oil and bake for 30-
35 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden brown.
Servewith marinara sauce for dipping.
Preheatoven to 450.
Cookand crumblebacon.
Placecruston an ungreased pizza pan, pizza stone
baking sheet. Brush top with 4 teaspoons oil.
Top crustwith shredded cheese, asparagus, and ba
Drop spreadable cheese by teaspoonfuls over pizza
Sprinkle with pepper flakes. Drizzle with remaining o
Bake12-15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned
1 cup panko
1 Tbsp Italian herbs
tsp salt
tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs
cup flour
1 bunch asparagus,
trimmed
Marinara sauce
1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
6 tsp olive oil, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2cups asparagus
8 bacon strips
cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese
tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Italian asparagus sticks
Asparagus and bacon pizza
Asparagusis the vegetable that most saysspring. Get yourself in the spirit of the seasonwith these recipes or save them until localasparagus is available.
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Preheatoven to 350.
Greasea 1.5-quart baking dish.
Steamasparagus until just tender, 5 to 8
minutes.
Sautemushrooms and chopped onion in
olive oil until the mushrooms have given
offtheir liquid, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the
asparagus, tossing vegetables just until
hot. Remove from heat.
Crushsaltine cracker crumbs and mix with
cheddar and black pepper. Spread half the
mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoonthe asparagus mixture over the
crumb mixture.
Whiskthe cream of mushroom soup
and milk until smooth, and pour over the
asparagus mixture.
Spreadthe remaining crumb-cheese
mixture over the casserole and sprinkle
with pecans.
Bakein the preheated oven until the
casserole is bubbling, about 30 minutes.
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into
1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh
mushrooms
onion
1 (4 ounce) packet saltine crackers
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of
mushroom soup
cup milk
cup coarsely chopped pecans
Asparagus andmushroom hotdish
March 2014
Childrens Music Classe
Also offering private lessons, Suzuki
and traditional for all ages & levels;All instruments & voice
Ages 0-7
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Joy
Riggs
My kids generally enjoy school,
but there are times
Monday mornings, forinstance when they
complain that school takes up too much of
their lives. I can understand the sentiment,
even though I dont believe its true. If you
account for holidays, breaks and weekends,
the total number of hours they spend in a
classroom is much smaller per year than
the hours they spend exploring and
experiencing the world outside of school.
Finding positive ways to use that
out-of-school time isnt a problem for them
because they have multiple and variedinterests, and they live in a family that has
the ability to support their participation in
summer and afterschool activities. But
thats not the case for many tweens and
teens in Minnesota.
According to Youthprise, a Minneapolis-
based organization that works to increase
and improve opportunities for learningbeyond the classroom, 32 percent of
Minnesota students in grades K-12 are
responsible for taking care of themselves
after school, and only 12 percent participate
in afterschool programs. Youthprise
estimates that more than half of Minnesota
parents struggle to find things for their
children to do when theyre not in school.
How kids spend that out-of-school time is
important for both their social and academic
development. Research shows that youth
who participate in quality out-of-schoolprograms acquire important life, social and
communications skills, do better in school,
and are healthier and happier. Thats why
Im glad to see that a growing number of
schools, communities and organizations like
Youthprise are working together to impr
out-of-school-time activities for kids and
make them more available to everyone.
Leading the effort in St. Paul is Sprock
a citywide network of more than 170
afterschool and summer programs.
Sprockets was launched in 2011 by MayChris Coleman, Superintendent Valeria
Silva, and the Second Shift Commission
community advisory group. It provides
training, professional development,
coaching and data sharing for 50 organi
tions that serve more than 7,000 youth
throughout the city.
The Sprockets network is a network o
support. The organizations feel that they
a cohesive entity, even if they are located
different parts of town, because of the
shared language about how to providequality programming, says Sprockets
Director Eyenga Bokamba.
The programs cover a wide variety of
interests, from fine arts to sports to civic
engagement. What they have in common
that all the program providers agree to
undergo assessments of what they do we
and where they could improve in four
general areas: welcoming staff, spark (yo
having fun), belonging, and safety.
Parents can think of it as a stamp of
approval that they are undergoing thesetrainings and looking at ways to improve
Bokamba says. They are happy to have
interactions and answer questions tha
me, is an indicator of a dynamic system,
thats exciting.
Learning beyond
the classroom
Teens&Tweens
How to identify a quality afterschool or summer programFollow these tips from Sprockets (for more information, go to sprocketsstpaul.org)
A welcoming staff. Look for upbeat staffmembers who
encourage young people to learn new skills by helping
the youth take on tasks that build self-confidence. Ask:
What are the staffs qualifications? How far in advance
are activities planned?
Spark.Look for young people having fun. Participants
should be energized, focused, eager and on task. Ask:
Are the activities hands-on? Do the youth help choose or
plan the activities?
Belonging. Look for welcoming sociable interactions
among all the participants. Smiles, eye contact and
friendly conversation are good indicators of positive p
relationships. Ask: How are conflicts addressed? How
communication maintained between participants, par
or guardians and staff?
Safety.Look for a clean space with drinking fountains
and bathrooms nearby, safety equipment like fire
extinguishers and a first aid kit readily available, and
enough room to safely conduct the activities. Ask: Is
there an emergency plan? Are background checks
conducted on all staffand others who have access to
space? Are staffCPR certified?
MORE INFO
Eyenga
Bokamba
20 March 2014
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Sprockets St. Paul
sprocketssaintpaul.org
Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board
ycb.org
Youthpriseyouthprise.org
RESOURCES
The programs serve kids from pre-
kindergarten age through high school.
Bokamba says about 42 percent of
participants are ages 1014, and about 14
percent are ages 1517.
Parents can go to the program finder on
the Sprockets website and plug in details
like the type of program theyre looking for,
the time of day, the area of town they live in,
and the age of their child, and it will showthem a list of different programs that fit
those criteria. They can also find out
whether theres a fee, if scholarships are
available, and if the program has bilingual
staff members.
Bokamba says the organizations work
collaboratively and communicate with each
other regularly. If it turns out that a
particular program isnt the right fit for a
youth, he or she will be referred to another
program.
Their feeling is, were going to do thehomework to find the right fit because
ultimately thats what were about, she says.
Skills the youth learn through these
out-of-school programs like how to
navigate disagreements, how to articulate
an opinion, and how to show leadership
are skills that will serve them well in
their adult lives.
Bokamba says its exciting to be part of an
organization that is helping the city
reevaluate how it invests in youth, and what
opportunities it provides for them to become
involved, engaged citizens.
Its nothing but positive the
potential it has to reshape the entire way
that we interact, and what we expect
from young people in terms of their
participation, she said.
Joy Riggs is the mother of one
tween and two teens. Questions?
Contact her at [email protected].
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Frogglez Goggles
If youve ever had to struggle withtraditional swim goggles, only to have
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Name BubblesIts always wise to mark your childs
belongings before they head to camp, but
this time use Name Bubbles and theres no
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can choose a customized style and pattern
that might make them more inclined to
accept the labels over Moms old-fashioned
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namebubbles.com
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LED Mini CampingLanternsA small lantern with serious power. The
narrow beam of a flashlight can restrict
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but set one of these little guys up andyoure good to go with 360 degrees of light
over 15 feet. Small enough and lightweight
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LunchSkinsIf your child is heading offto day camp
and bringing along a lunch, all thosesandwich baggies each day can add up.
Skip the plastic and get these reusable,
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sizes for items from tiny snacks to fully-
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with durable handles. Pop them in the
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who knows might just get the kids
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lunchskins.com $7.85 and up
March 2014
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Kara
McGuire
on your taxes. Actually, you can do both
long as you dont double dip, or take
advantage of both programs with the sa
dollars. Since childcare is so pricey, my
family has always used both to make th
bite less painful. Remember summer
camps and other activities that provide
childcare while you work qualify as
dependent care. Minnesota has its ownspecial tax breaks for education-related
camps. Some school supplies too.
Revenue.state.mn.us has the details.
Kids in college?For your college stude
there are several tax benefits worth up to
few thousand dollars. Unfortunately,
deciding which of the many programs y
qualify for is tougher than it should be. T
IRS tax assistant, housed in the Tax
Benefits for Education section online, c
help make sense of the credit mess in a f
minutes. Any tax professional can also
guide you. The important thing here is t
you know they exist.
Think forward. Yes, tax planning is
important too.
Owe too much?Big refund on the way
Then it might be time to readjust how m
tax is withheld from your paycheck. Bef
Tax time. If youre like many
Americans, you want to rush
through them, or outsource
them and be done. That is, until
next year.
But rushing through your taxes or failing
to plan can mean costly mistakes, added
hassle, or tax breaks left on the table.
For parents with kids at home or incollege, there are provisions in the tax
code just for you that can add up to
significant savings.
Before you turn in those tax forms,
double check the following:
Is your name spelled right?Is your
address correct? Do you have accurate and
complete Social Security numbers for you
and your kids. These are common
mistakes. Im not kidding. Last fall, the IRS
was sitting on $153 million in undeliver-
able refunds because the agency couldnt
locate taxpayers.
Have you entered the 21st century?
E-filing your taxes and setting up direct
deposit for your refund is the fastest,
least-error-prone way to get your taxes off
your plate and your money in your hands.
Free e-filing is available for some taxpayers.
Free fillable forms are available for
everyone. Learn more at freefile.irs.gov.
Even if you pay for online tax prep, its not
expensive. I use TaxAct and am charged less
than $25 to prepare and file both Federal
and state returns. Better than slaving away
with paper forms and a calculator.
Any big life events?Significant lifechanges getting married, moving,
sending a child to college alter tax
circumstances. Kiplingers.com has a good
series on tax planning by life event.
Following are some of the key kid-related
tax benefits.
New addition to the family?Each child
under 17 qualifies for the $1,000 child tax
credit. That phases out at higher tax
brackets, but is a welcome benefit for
families who earn less. Parents who adopt
qualify for an adoption credit of nearly
$13,000 per child. It also has a phase-out
for higher incomes. Check out Tax Topic
607 for the skinny.
Kids in daycare?If you require daycare,
there is a little help. You can contribute to
a pre-tax flexible spending dependent care
account or take the dependent care credit
How to maketax time
less taxing
24 March 2014
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getting down to the nitty gritty tax calcula-
tion, though, think about your refund
personality. While receiving a big refund
technically means youve given Uncle Sam
an interest free loan, some people swear by
refund-as-forced-savings. And in this
next-to-no interest rate environment, yourenot really losing much by way of forgone
earnings. However, if youre disciplined,
changing your withholding so you receive
bigger paychecks gives you ultimate
financial flexibility.
Have you made donations?Think back to
all of the charitable donations youve made
or the Goodwill runs youve taken for some
additional tax savings. This will only work if
you itemize your taxes. And you have to be
somewhat organized because receipts arerequired. If tax year 2013 is a lost cause, get
it together in 2014 with use of Turbo Taxs
free Its Deductible tool, available online
or as an app.
Dont forget about the future.As your
income grows, youll be looking for all sorts
of ways to reduce your tax burden. One of
the smartest is to take advantage of pre-tax
workplace retirement plans. Its a double
benefit because you are saving for your
future plus your taxable income falls today.Better yet, many employers offer matching
funds, free money you dont want to leave
on the table.
Prior to April 15, you also have the
option to fully fund IRAs for the previous
tax year. Its a funky rule, but dont
question it. Rather, take advantage of the
extra time you have to open or fund an IRA
or Roth IRA account. Roth IRAs wont give
you a tax break today, but you will be able
to take the money out tax-free at retire-
ment. Plus there are ways to tap the
principal now without penalty, making it
so versatile that I think of it as the little
black dress of personal finance.
Kara McGuire is a personal finance
expert and St. Paul mom of three. Send
comments, questions and story ideas to
You can get there. We can help.
Visit www.MN529today.com
or call 1-877-338-4646
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NATURE &OUR PLANET
Natures Patchwork Quilt
Build a web of knowledge of important habitats andecosystems, from the desert to rainforest and everywhere
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With mentions of topics such as the food chain,
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introduces children to complex concepts in a
manageable way.
By Mary Mich
Illustrated by Consie Powell
$8.95
Stories for a Fragile Planet
Diverse, expansive and thoughtful, this book
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is richly illustrated and tenderly poignant.
Ten stories weave a narrative that highlights
the importance of our stewardship of the
earth, and a history of ideas that can teach
young readers to look with kindnesstoward all humans and creatures on
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By Kenneth Steven
Illustrated by Jane Ray
$10.99
Geography: A VisualEncyclopedia
The shear volume of informationbetween these covers is astonishing
Keep an inquisitive young mind
buzzing with this volume detailing
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Planet Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Li
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which are rich with photos, maps, a
diagrams to illustrate concepts.
$29.99
It Cant Be True!
This book of incredible visual comparisons will
prompt wide eyes and fascination, as readers see the
true scale and diversity of the world around them intangible and relevant illustrations. See 1,320
Earths piled inside Jupiter, learn how far
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fascinating and extreme planet.
$19.99
earth, and a history of ideas that can teachyoung readers to look with kindnesstoward all humans and creatures on
our planet.
tangible and relevant illustrations. See 1,320Earths piled inside Jupiter, learn how far
certain birds can fly, discover the ageof the oldest tree and find out how
kids the tools to help comprehend ourfascinating and extreme planet.19.99
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My Nature Book: A Journaland Activity Book for Kids
A fully hands-on, inspiring journal forchildren to fill with their own unique
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build a life-long fascination with nature and
the world around us. Prompts encourage
in-depth exploration and consideration
beyond merely observation, and facts and
quotes reward curious minds.
By Linda Kranz
$12.95
The Book of Minnesota Skills
A guide to living fully and taking
advantage of the beautiful natural
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down-right outdated or actually practical,
this lighthearted book explores the true
skills and know-how of living in our great
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its the rich history lessons from local
experts that make this book worthwhile
for any Minnesotan.
By Chris Niskanen
$19.95
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The best of my love
Valentines Day has come and gone. Did my
partner Edna forget it again, as chroni-
cled in last years column? You might be
surprised to read that it didnt matter to
me. Reason One is because I really got her attention
last year.
Reason Two is that Im also seeing the biggerpicture as evidenced by an upcoming prostate
exam (which, for some reason, has become very
important for Edna, whos been showing more
concern for my well being). I was on hold the other
day, waiting to make the appointment and listening to
the canned 70s music when I realized I was
tapping my toes to the Best of My Love.
Was it The Eagles version, you may wonder, with
its lost-love lament? Or maybe Olivia Newton-Johns
sugar pop? Neither. It was The Emotions joyous,
booty-shakin R&B romp with the heavily-repeated
chorus: Whoa, whoa, you got the best of my love!
Sean
Toren
Hearing the chorus over and over got me to
thinking. Ive had a few relationships that fell on
The Eagles side of the fence, and a few on The
Emotions side, and it has something to do with
cylinders such as in a big, fat 12-cylinder eng
I used to think that I had to share all 12 relation
ship cylinders with my partner romance,intelligence, sexiness, good parenting, financial
security, knowing where the keys are, fine cooki
caring, communication, kindness, friendship an
desire to have (or not have) kids.
I had a few relationships where the cylinders
werent all firing and I had good reasons for not
giving the best of my love, like the fellow climber
who was in love with a married man while she da
me. And the Peace Corps volunteer who was just
about to leave for 10 months.
This was much less the case with a fellow write
met in grad school, the smart, beautiful Kitty, walso had a venomous sense of humor and a tongu
wicked enough to wield it. I lured her back to
Minnesota where she got a curator job at one of o
big art museums.
We started out revving at pretty high-RPMs, and
gave her more of the best of me than Id given th
others, but she also had me at my worst. Id had a
mountain bike injury and ruptured some disks in m
neck, then blew out my rock-climbing elbows so ba
I couldnt climb. I was in pain and grumpy all the t
and needed someone to care for me more. Plus
was myopically finishing a novel and couldnt broa
my focus to include her interests which frustrate
Kitty, who wanted to be all-in together.
Maybe we just needed to accept that, although
were firing on most cylinders, we werent firing on
few that really mattered. I found it hard to tell her
how awesome she was when she had so much goi
for her. I begrudged her this and ultimately
deprived myself of greater happiness with her. Or,
heck, maybe we both just got out while the gettin
I couldnt climb. I was in pain and grumpy all the t and needed someone to care for me more. Plus was myopically finishing a novel and couldnt broamy focus to include her interests which frustrateKitty who wanted to be all-in together.
Maybe we just needed to accept that although were firing on most cylinders we werent firing onfew that really mattered. I found it hard to tell herhow awesome she was when she had so much goifor her. I begrudged her this and ultimatelydeprived myself of greater happiness with her. Or
Sometimes, if youre
getting enough torque
offthose cylinders that
are there, the other
cylinders arent
so importantanymore.
28 March 2014
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was good.
In any case, I learned my lesson, and
when my present partner (and wife) Edna
came cruising by I made sure we drove
slowly even though we didnt have all our
shared relationship cylinders firing
equally. I decided that the cylinders thatwere firing should get an awful lot of
attention. I tell her when shes looking
good, and when her food is delicious, and
how much I appreciate her smart,
well-considered opinions and what a
loving mother she is to our son.
To make sure your own shared cylin-
ders are firing right and to give and get
the best of each other, ask yourself
these questions:
Are your past relationships coloring your
present one?Do you begrudge your partner some
parts of you that they deserve? Is there
something that youre withholding?
If there are some cylinders in your
relationship that arent firing right, decide
if you should fight for them or let them
go. Sometimes, if youre getting enough
torque off those cylinders that are there,
the other cylinders (like remembering
birthdays or putting gas in the car) arent
so important anymore.
Finally, ask yourself if youare getting thebest of your partner. Are they holding back?
Can you draw them out? Thats what I had
to do with Edna, when I demanded that she
give me more attention through the mild
lashing of last years post-Valentines Day
column. Since then, shes shared more of
her love and care for me even urging me
to get that pesky prostate exam.
Come to think of it, though, she did
grin rather impishly when I thanked her
for pushing me to make the appointment,
and then mumbled just making sure you
really are getting the best of my love, as
she mimed the snapping of a examination
glove. Hmm.
Sean Toren loves living the full catastrophe
in Minneapolis with his wife and son. He
can be contacted at [email protected]
with thoughts or suggestions.
March 2014
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E A R L Y C H I L D H O O D F A M I L Y E D U C A T I O N
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the
cam iue
2014
When Jay and Penny Olson dropped their nine-year
old daughter Autumn off at Camp Kesem two
summers ago, she was withdrawn not her usua
bright and bubbly self.
Autumn shut down when her mom was diagnosed with cancearlier that year.
It was like we had lost our little girl, Jay Olson said.
When they picked her up a week later, things were different.
She gave us a great big hug. It was like we had our daughte
back, he said.
Camp Kesem is a free University of Minnesota student-run
summer camp for kids and teens whose parents have or have h
cancer.
If it werent for Camp Kesem I would probably still be like
turtle hiding in its shell, said Autumn, now 11 and preparing
her third summer at the camp.
Youre not only worrying about your parents and their canc
youre worrying like every kid does how am I going to make
friends? How is this going to work? she said.
Now in its third year, Camp Kesem is poised to help even mo
children like Autumn whose lives have been affected by their
parents battles with the disease.
The Kesem experience
Camp Kesem Minnesota started in 2012 when a group of
University of Minnesota students raised nearly $30,000 to
A TYPICALSUMMER
CAMP By Cali OwingsAt Camp Kesem, a normalcamp experience is the goal
CampersandcounselorshavingfunatCampKesem.SUBMITTEDPHOTOS
March 2014
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send 35 campers, including Autumn, to
camp in Paynesville.
Its part of a nationwide network of
college students across the country whoraise funds throughout the year and
volunteer to bring the camp experience to
their communities.
Today, there are 54 Camp Kesem
chapters at colleges throughout the U.S.
Kesem is Hebrew for magic and the
camps strive to bring magic to families
coping with cancer.
Alek Tomich, a University of Minnesota
senior and one of the co-directors for this
years camp, said Camp Kesem prides
itself on not being too different from other
summer camps.
Campers can expect a pretty typical
array of activities like arts and crafts,
campfires, canoeing, hiking, fishing
and games.
When youre a kid and youre dealing
with a parent who has a cancer, you dont
have a lot of opportunities to have fun
because you have so much on your plate,
he said. We want to make sure that ca
is one week of pure fun.
On the way to Camp Kesem for the fi
time last year, Melissa Reynolds said hson and daughter werent that excited.
There were no smiles during camp
registration and only one-word answer
They were like Why do we have to
to a camp and deal with cancer all ove
again, Reynolds said.
It was a night and day difference wh
she and her husband picked them up.
Ashlynn and Myca, known as Alfredo a
7evens at camp, talked nonstop and
taught their little sister Amelia who
was too young to go last summer al
the camp songs during the ride home t
Pequot Lakes.
This year, all three Reynolds kids pla
to attend the camp and theyre all
excited.
The University of Minnesota student
group is working to raise $70,000 to se
85 campers to Camp Heartland in Will
River.
32 March 2014
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Last year, about $50,000 sent 65 kids
ages six to 16 to camp in Hayward, Wis.
Camp Kesem Minnesota, which more
than doubled in size since its inauguralyear, has outgrown the camps that have
hosted the group in previous years. The
camp boasts a 3-to-1 camper to counselor
ratio, Tomich said. So when the number
of kids increases year over year, so does
the groups all-volunteer counselor count.
To accommodate this years large group,
Camp Heartland is bigger than any other
camp weve been to before, Tomich said.
The Big C
While Camp Kesem has a non-thera-
peutic approach, the camp is uniquely
designed to help address the kids
experiences with cancer.
During one night early in the week,
campers participate in an empowerment
ceremony where theyre invited to share
their story and tell everyone what brought
them to Camp Kesem. Kids arent
required to participate, but many
Autumn Olson and
counselor "Seashell."
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Think your child cant dra
like this?Think again.
Call or go online for
Summer Camp and Class Informatio
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choose to open up about their fears and
vent their frustrations with campers and
counselors whove had similar experi-
ences.
Tomich said its really the only time
they address cancer head-on.
You have to talk about it at some
point, he said. Its like the elephant in
the room.
The emotional ceremony helps tieeveryone together like a family. They usually
hold it earlier in the week to make everyone
more comfortable with each other so they
can focus on having fun, he said.
We share our stories about our parents
and what happened to us in our lives,
Autumn said. All of the rest of the time
its like youre at a regular camp.
Most of the counselors can relate to the
campers because theyve had experience
with the disease in their families.
[The counselors] were looking for
something like this when they were a kid
and its kind of like paying it forward
now, said Tomich, who lost his dad to
cancer at age 8.
Penny Olson was surprised when she
learned so many of the counselors had
experience with cancer.
Theyve been down a similar trail
which gives them a direct connection with
many of the kids, she said.
Counselors personal experience
combined with specialized training
helps them to tackle some big issues
that other camps might not have to d
with like a camper who says theyr
not sure if their mom or dad will be
alive when they get home.
It takes some practice to take their
mind off that situation, Tomich said.The camp experience helped Autum
open up to her parents about her feelin
I was afraid to be by my mom, like
was looking at her or talking to her an
shed die, she said. But I was afraid t
be away from her because I was afraid
would die while I was gone.
After camp, she knew it was safe to t
to her parents.
She was afraid to tell me how she w
feeling because she was afraid of hurti
me, Penny Olson said.
Beyond summer camp
Camp Kesems influence extends beyon
week of summer fun to reunions
throughout the year and a network of
support for campers and their families
When Melissa Reynolds husband
passed away from cancer in December
dozen counselors made the three-hour
Myca and
Ashlynn Reynolds.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
34 March 2014
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trip to Pequot Lakes for the visitation
service and funeral. It was just after finals
week at the University of Minnesota and
they delayed trips home to their familiesto spend time with Ashlynn, Myca and
Amelia, Reynolds said.
It was such a testimony. Just look at
the commitment and dedication these
college students have to these little kids,
she said.
The counselors that couldnt make it
sent a care package, referring to them by
their camp names. Even Amelia, who
hasnt yet attended camp, was included
and given her own camp shirt.
Reynolds said the camp counselorshave had a huge impact on her family.
Its encouraging to look at them as
mentors, as older kids, that have gone
through it and are successful, she said.
Theyre still happy and doing something
positive out of something negative.
Even though the camp is free, the
Olsons donate each year to Camp Kesem
to give the opportunity to another child.
It meant so much to us to have our
daughter back so we decided to sponsor
another kid so that another child could
become whole again, Jay Olson said
He said he hopes to send Autumn to
Camp Kesem as long as she can and
maybe shell have the opportunity to be a
counselor when shes older.
They say Once youre in the Kesem
family, youre in, he said.
CAMP SNAPSHOT
Dates:Aug. 1723, 2014
Location:Camp Heartland in Willow River
Ages:616
Application info:Interested campers
should apply online at www.campkesem.
org/camper-application
Capacity:The camp is currently at 65
percent capacity for this year, Tomich
said. If spots run out, prospective
campers can put their names on a
waiting list. In previous years, donorshave come through to fund the camp
experience for wait-listed kids.
Give: You can help bring the Camp Kesem
experience to a child affected by cancer.
For donation information visit
campkesem.org/minnesota/donate
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The Apple Store in Uptown Minneapolis
has held camp each year since it opened
in 2010. The store operates as usual while
camp in session, with campers grouped
around one of the massive display tables
to work on their projects and learn that
days lesson. Apple Camps encourage kids
to bring their own Apple devices with
them, if they own any. If they dont, the
store offers iMac and iPads for the kids touse in the store.
Siblings Wyatt and Bria Budziszewski
were already plugged in and intently
focused on their iPads before the session
even began, playing around with apps and
games. They were both first time film-
makers, but like many of the other
campers they were certainly no strangers
to using Apple products.
Day one of each camp session begins
with the fundamentals of filmmaking,
like the basic parts of a story and popular
movie genres. To spark inspiration, the
instructors asked what good movies the
kids had recently seen. Answers ranged
fromDespicable Me 2to Star Wars,which
the campers then broke down into
genres. The instructors explained that
genres like action, sports, and how-to
videos were popular with young film-
makers at past camp sessions, but that
Apple campers Joel DuBay and Bria Budziszewski score their films using iPads, while
Brias mom Heidi Ripplinger checks in on their progress. PHOTO BY LYON KEASLER
kids were free to create their film abo
whatever inspired them.
Each camper then received a piece o
paper to use as their storyboard, wher
each scene would be sketched out into
cohesive story with a beginning, middl
and end. Pen and paper in hand, the
campers began drawing.
On the first day of Apple Camp, pare
are invited to stick around while their work for a free parents workshop. The
they can learn how to set time limits a
parental controls on Apple products. In
addition to attending the parent work-
shop, many parents stayed in the store
during the camp session to lend their k
a hand with the brainstorming process
Steve Kinny, dad of first time campe
Dylan and Maddie, watched as Maddie
sketched out a story about the familys
pets texting each other. Dylan had
previous experience making videos in
fifth grade class, but Maddies tale of
texting pets was her first foray into
filmmaking.
It will be fun to see what she does w
it, Kinny said.
Lights, camera, action!
Within minutes, several distinct storie
38 March 2014
shell lake arts centermaster teachers. magic setting.
music art dance theatre
WWW.SHELLLAKEARTSCENTER.ORGfor a complete camp schedule, please visit:
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had been sketched out on the campers
storyboarding sheets. Wyatt planned an
instructional video explaining how to
build an underwater observatory on the
popular building block-based computer
game Minecraft, while his sister had
sketched out an adventure story that she
would animate with Legos. Siblings
Kaitlyn, Eric, and Briana Terry would be
teaming up to create a bowling movie, tobe filmed that afternoon when the family
used their pass to a local bowling alley.
All of the camera work for the films
happens outside of the store, between the
first and second sessions. Campers are
encouraged to use their iPads, iPhones,
and digital cameras to shoot video, and
gather old photos and video that can be
edited in if their story revolves around a
past event. The editing happens during
the second session, using iMovie and the
iMacs available in the Apple store.After planning out their stories,
campers are shown how to create songs
using the music program GarageBand.
They use the touch screen on the iPads to
play a variety of virtual drums, guitars,
and pianos to create a looping track that
would serve as the score to their film. The
Terry siblings each had their own ideas
for the score, which they hoped would
mesh later in the filmmaking process.
I have lots of drums, kind of hip-hop,
Briana said. [Eric] has jazz, so well try toput it all together.
After two sessions of working on their
films, the campers returned to the Apple
Store the next Saturday morning with
their families in tow. But this time, there
would be no brainstorming or editing.
The kids walked past the giant table
where they had brought their ideas to life,
and headed towards three giant built-in
screens at the front of the store.
Apple Camps culminate on Day 3 with a
short film festival, a chance for campers
to show off their creations to family and
friends. Unlike the first two sessions, the
film festival takes place before regular
store hours, giving campers a place thats
solely dedicated to showing off their work.
Up first is Bria, whose Lego action flick
expertly utilized sound effects to bring its
jungle setting to life. The counselors
admitted that one sequence involving a
boat chase and clever use of fishing line
had them stumped when they first viewed
it. Her brother Wyatt was next, with his
how-to Minecraft guide that used text
subtitles to explain each step of the project.
Between each film, the counselors
pointed out cool tips and tricks that the
kids had learned during camps and put to
practice in their projects, like adding text,
sparkly special effects, or title screensthroughout the film.
The films continued, ranging from one
about horseback riding to an intense
movie trailer-style film about one
campers promising baseball season. The
filmmaking team of Briana, Eric, and
Kaitlyn Terry did agree on a cohesive
soundtrack in the end, with instant
replay shots of their bowling games set to
jazzy, upbeat music.
Maddie and Dylan Kinnys film
became a family affair, not only starringthe familys pets but their parents and
grandmother as well. In it, the familys
dog and cat appear to be texting back
and forth (on iPhones, naturally) about
their humans crazy party lifestyles. The
texting looked so realistic, one counselor
couldnt help but ask Maddies special
effects secret.
We put gravy on the screen, she said.
When the last of the credits rolled,
Apple Camp officially came to an end. As
the campers left with their families, thecounselors encouraged them to return to
the store with any questions they have
about future projects, which may come in
handy; some campers had already made
more films in the time between the camp
sessions and the festival, inspired by what
they had learned in store.
Apple Camps are definitely not your
typical summer camp. Theyre free, short,
and take place in a space thats usually
reserved for shopping or camping out for
the latest Apple product. But in just two
short days, Apple campers had created
something awesome that was entirely
their own. They left the store with not just
a basic knowledge of filmmaking, but the
skills to use their Apple devices to bring
any story they can imagine to life.
March 2014
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BIG CREATIVITY
SMALL STAGE
Campers get an immersive experience
building miniature theater productionsBy Zoe Gahan
A camper gets some hands-on puppet experience at In The Heart of the Beast Theater. PHOTO BY BRUCE SILCOX
thecam i
2014
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A long tradition
Toy theater, as In The Heart of the Beasts
Education Director Bart Buch explains,
is a unique and intimate combination of
art and performance that allows artists
complete control of the production.
Originally sold as kits of popular plays in
the 19th century, a typical toy theater sits
about a foot or two tall and looks just
like a miniature stage. Inside the theater,
puppets cut from cardstock and paper,
and suspended by strings or small sticks,
dance and twirl at the whim of the
puppeteers.
Its a little like pre-TV, or primitive TV.
Thats how we explain it, says Buch.
In the Heart of the Beast Theater
(HOBT) prides itself on repurposing old
materials, and discarded cardboard boxes
provide the perfect frame for a make-it-
yourself toy theater, upon which endless
sets, paints, tiny curtains, and ornaments
may be placed.
[Toy theater] gives the kids an over-
view. They can create an entire theatrical
production, including the set, the
costumes, and the puppets. It gives them
an immersive design and performance
experience in a way that they have control
of almost all the variables in a show.
Building skills
In a spacious though cluttered room,
edged with heaps of craft supplies, seven
children between the ages of nine and 11
immersed themselves in the process of
bringing their fractured fairy tales to life.
The campers clearly embrace the creative
freedom they are given, enthusiastically
warping traditional fairy tales to reflect
Youve heard of the Big, Bad Wolf, but how about the Big, Bad Pig? He wears a
bowler hat and suspenders, a monocle wedged in his pudgy pink face, and
runs a nuclear power plant on the side that is, according to campers at In
The Heart of the Beast Theaters Fractured Fairy Tales Toy Theater Camp. The camp is a
collaboration with the Loft Literary Center, inviting children to take traditional fairy
tales and fracture them in satirical and imaginative ways, before challenging them to
create a toy theater performance for family and friends at the end of the week.
their wry sense of adolescent humor, o
informed by surprising observations. N
longer does Jack dutifully climb the
beanstalk to steal golden eggs and prov
for his mother, but instead spends his
days nose-to-screen, playing video gam
on his cell phone.
Campers Siri and Sanna, who togeth
wrote and builtJack and the Beanstalk
NOT!,featuring the lazy Jack, bothenjoyed imagining and creating the
characters. It can be kind of compli-
cated, says Sanna, referencing the
problem-solving involved in the whole
process, but said also that she has enjo
herself during the week. Her group
partner, Siri, nodded agreement.
The campers took the images they
wrote out, and figured out how to
represent them in artwork, says HOB
counselor, Lynette LaRue. Then the
challenge is to make it 3D after that. Thad to reconfigure, scene-by-scene, wh
the action is, and thats been a really fu
challenge for them to work through.
Watching the campers, it is evident
creating a toy theater production requ
more than just the writing of a fun stor
Considerations of size, such that pupp
fit properly in the small theater, was so
thing each of the three small groups
worked through uniquely. Campers ch
instruments to create a range of sound
effects just what sound does a tele-porter make? and did vocal exercise
throughout the week to perfect the
performance of each characters uniqu
voice. They also learned various literar
techniques to help in their writing.
Linda Back McKay, the counselor fr
the Loft Literary Center who helped
primarily in the writing of the fairy tal
but could be seen assisting in the
construction of the characters and sets
spoke of the writing process: We ha
each of them write their own ideas...an
did some editing. We talked a lot abou
similes, metaphors, and images and tr
to include some of those concepts in a
the pieces we wrote.
Working on a production that spans
such a variety of art forms the child
wrote, sang, acted, painted, and drew
throughout the week allowed for th
campers to learn new skills, but as wel
Campers practice their
toy theater production.SUBMITTED PHOTO
42 March 2014
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delve into areas they already held an
interest in. Buch emphasizes the collabor-
ative element that goes into creating each
production. Theres a place for kids that
are shy, theres a place for kids that arent
shy, theres a place for kids who just want
to make, so youll see them take different
roles. [The counselors] split them up into
groups of two to three, and then a lot of
times one person takes a more theatrical
lead, and one person takes a design lead.
Evan, Elliot, and Oliver, the brainsbehind The Big, Bad Pig,exemplified this
division of creative work. Elliot, who has a
propensity for taking things apart and
putting them back together, as he put it,
easily stepped into the roll of set designer,
deftly gluing and cutting to create build-
ings and props. Evan was busy drawing,
shading, and detailing the three little
wolves, and Oliver added the finishing
touches to the monstrous, pink pig.
What was really beautiful was when the
children started making their own storiesand ideas come to life by drawing the
characters, and then figuring out their
voices and having it all happen and come to
life on stage, says Back McKay of watching
the campers throughout the week.
Future plans
As this collaborative camp was a new
endeavor for both The Loft and HOBT,
Buch recognized that the format of the
camp might change in the coming years
depending on what worked and what
needs adjustment. Though the element of
toy theater will remain the primary focus,
Buch looks forward to working with a
variety of literary forms and genres.
Weve done haikus with toy theater
before, which is a really great thing,
because it leaves a lot of room for
interpretation, says Buch.
RESOURCES
In the Heart of the Beast Theater, known
for its beautiful, larger-than-life puppets
and plays that comment on themes of
community, spirituality, and nature, is
located in Minneapolis. The theater offers a
range of camps each summer for a variety
of ages (preschool to adult) and interests.
See more camp information at hobt.org or
call 612-721-2535.
March 2014
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By Julie Kendrick
When it comes to deciding whether or not
a child is ready for a sleepaway camp this
summer, many parents rely on the
successful completion of some major life
events, including getting through most
nights without wetting the bed, or happily
managing an overnight sleepover at a
friends house.
While those are excellent indicators
there are some additional cues that a
savvy parent may want to consider. We
talked with parents whose kids are cam
veterans, longtime counselors, and chi
mental health professionals to dig a lit
deeper into helping you decide when y
little one is ready for a few days or e
a whole summer away at camp.
What happens after the parent drives
Sleepawaycamp is yourchild ready?
44 March 2014
Recreational gymnasticsfor all ages and skill levels
Girls and Boys Ages 5 and Up
No Gymnastics Experience Necessary
Packages Starting at $90
NEW SUMMER
DAY CAMPS
612.798.6386richfieldgymnasticsclub.org
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away and the kids get on the bus to camp
with their counselors is really different than
what you might expect, says longtimeUrban 4-H Camp at Bay Lake counselor
Nathalie Young. The southwest Minneapolis
resident, now a freshman at the Chicago
College of Performing Arts, says that she is
very familiar with the phenomenon of the
child who clamps onto the parents leg,
sobbing dont make me go! but who perks
up as soon as a parents brakelights
disappear in the driveway.
Drama queens and brave fronts
We try to get kids distracted, involved
and making friends right away, says
Young. Well start with name games, help
them meet new people, and talk about
how much fun well have when we arrive
at camp. While the drama-queen-turned-
happy-camper is certainly a category of
camper with whom most counselors are
familiar, Young also notes that this type
has its less well-known counterpart.
thecam iue
2014
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46 March 2014