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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I was strapping myself into a seat on a jet bound for St. Louis when the captain's voice came over the loudspeaker. "This trip will be a rough one: short, but bumpy enough that we are canceling beverage service. And it's probably best to use the bathroom now." It turned out that the flight wasn't nearly as bad as what the captain had led us to expect, but if I hadn't been prepared, it would have been nerve-wracking.
When you have little kids, everyone talks in hushed tones about how difficult they'll be when they're teenagers. So you prepare. You read books like Faber & Mazlish's How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk (my all-time favorite parenting book). You make your own parents sift through their memories to describe what YOU were like as a teenager. You steel yourself against the turmoil that is sure to come, pasting on a smile while planning a bar mitzvah.
And then... nothing. Or, at least, not what you were expecting (not EVER what you were expecting). Sure, lots of items shift during flight... and wow, do those kids unleash their uncertainty about that in your direction! But for most, if you stick close (but not suffocatingly close), set your expectations high and your confidence in them to match it, and step in when your inexperienced pilot veers too far off course, that should do the trick to launch them toward their own personal horizon.
And, sometimes, there are disasters like a pandemic, even when you think you're prepared. (I almost WAS a disaster myself, though my parents never found out.) That's the most important lesson here: You can, and should, think reasonably about what the chances are for certain problems to occur given your family's circumstances, and seek professional assistance when the winds fling you about too much. Don't set yourselves up for needless turbulence over things that don't matter (homework! instrument practice! hair color!). But for the most part, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Teens are endlessly fascinating. And confusing. And amusing. And infuriating. And worthwhile.
Just keep your seat belt fastened low and tight across your lap.
—Debra Ross, publisher
If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.
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 Summer Camp at Guidepost Montessori Laurel Oak
Voorhees Township, NJ
Guidepost Montessori is offering fun and educational summer camp experiences for elementary age students 6-12. With Guidepost Summer Camp, your child will have the chance to grow their skills in science, art, creative thinking, and outdoor games while having an amazing time. Weekly themes include Spectacular Structures, Fantastic Fibers, Taking Flight, and lots more. In-person camps start the week of June 20 at Guidepost Montessori Laurel Oak. Cost is $340/week, with flexible drop off from 7:00 - 8:00 am and pick up from 3:00 - 6:00 pm.
Summer camps are open to current Guidepost students and non-students alike! Registration is now open: sign up here to secure your spot. If you have questions, email inquiries@guidepostmontessori.com or call (636) 445-5360. We’re ready to have some fun in summer 2022!
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Camp Kesem, a free program for children impacted by a parent’s cancer
Camp Kesem is a free, week-long overnight summer camp experience for children ages 6-18 who are impacted by a parent’s cancer. With more than 130 chapters in 44 states, our approach focuses on creating fun experiences and a community of understanding and support for every child. Campers enjoy traditional summer camp activities like sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and intentional and unique Kesem programming like “Cabin Chats,” and “Empowerment,” designed to provide them with a peer-support network that understands their unique needs, builds confidence, and strengthens their communication skills. Ninety-nine percent of parents surveyed agreed that Camp Kesem had a positive impact on their family. Register today.
Parents Night Out at Philadelphia Rock Gym
PARENTS: What could you do with 4 hours all to yourself? Date night? Hit the gym? Run some errands? Netflix and chill? We know; the possibilities are endless! Drop the kids off at PRG every first Friday of the month with our Parents’ Night Out program! PRG Coaches will facilitate two hours of Top Rope climbing, bouldering and climbing games, serve a pizza dinner and offer non-climbing activities as well such as team building challenges and arts & crafts. Ages 6-11 welcome. No climbing experience needed. Space is limited.
Click here for more information.
Family Art Night at Portside Arts Center 
Enjoy a fun and creative night out with the entire family at our monthly Family Art Night! During this 1.5 hour long workshop on Friday nights, parents and kids will collaborate on art projects and work together to create something everyone can be proud of. This class allows for some quality family bonding time and is a great kick-off to the weekend!
Click here for more information.
Hammerstein: The Song is You - The Philly POPS
Music Director and Principal Conductor David Charles Abell brings the fun and elegance of Oscar Hammerstein 2nd’s masterworks to the POPS in HAMMERSTEIN: The Song is You. This original show will feature the full Philly POPS orchestra with Broadway and West End stars Liz Callaway, Damian Humbley, and Rosena Hill Jackson. The program will explore Oscar’s career and life, starting with his collaborations with Jerome Kern and Sigmund Romberg and continuing with selections from his legacy musicals, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King & I, and The Sound of Music. Notable songs include: “All The Things You Are,” “The Song is You,” “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “Edelweiss,” and more.
Click here for more information.
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80 Easter Basket Ideas That Aren't Eggs or Candy 
Of course we all love chocolate bunnies, but you likely don't want the Easter Bunny to fill your kids' baskets with pounds of candy. The staff at KidsOutAndAbout have put their heads together to share some of their favorite, most well-received treats to fill your Easter baskets. Whether you're trying to avoid sweets, you're looking for practical items that won't break your budget, or you just want to celebrate spring, these ideas will delight your kids while getting your household ready for warm weather. Keep in mind that these are also great treats to offer to the kids at your Passover seder or just gifts to say "Happy Spring" to everyone.
Click here for more information.
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 Virtual Summer Camps from Guidepost Montessori: Half-day experiences throughout the summer in a fun variety of topics!
Guidepost Montessori is offering half-day virtual summer camp experiences for Elementary age students 6-12 all summer long, with different themes each week. With Guidepost Virtual Summer Camp, your child will have the chance to grow skills in science, art, and creative thinking, with daily live programming guided by our team. Families will need to source some general household products and supplies; we will share a materials list in advance.
Available in two time zones: 9 am - 12 pm EST / 9:30 am - 12:30 pm PST. COST: $150/week
Summer camps are open to current Guidepost students and non-students alike! Registration is now open: sign up here to secure your spot. If you have questions, email inquiries@guidepostmontessori.com or call (636) 445-5360. We’re ready to have some fun in summer 2022!
In-person camps are also available at Guidepost Montessori's campus at Laurel Oak in Voorhees Township, NJ!
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 Guide to Local Summer Camps
What are your kids doing this summer? We've got your week-by-week guide to day camps, overnight camps, and specialty subjects like music, theater, technology, science, history, sports, and fitness! There are in-person camps and virtual options, too. Our summer camps page lets you search by week, by subject, or by audience, and camps are adding new listings all the time. You're sure to find something amazing for your kids, whether they're trying something new, honing their skills, or just having fun outside!
Click here for our Guide to Summer Camps.
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Local Dy Trips and Staycations
Looking for a new place to explore that's still close to home? Kids Out And About has tons of ideas for local family travel, with places to explore, learn, and have fun! Find free activities and splurges that are worth it. We've collected the coolest stuff for a staycation in town and road trips for less than a tank of gas from here.
Click here for more information. |
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 How to Choose a Preschool That's Right for Your Family
Did you know that most preschools and nursery schools are registering students in January and February for the new academic year in the fall? Preschools vary widely in their educational philosophy and day-to-day routines, and the school that's a perfect fit for your neighbor or friend might not be just right for you. But how can you navigate through the preschool search process to find a place that will be best for you and your child? KidsOutAndAbout offers a list of specific factors to ponder and ask about as you attend open houses and school visits.
Click here for advice on How to Choose a Preschool That's Right for Your Family.
We have a list of local preschools to help you as you search for the perfect place for you and your child to start this new adventure.
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 Private Schools
Are you considering private school for your kids? As you contemplate what might be best for your family's upcoming education needs, we're here to help! You can always find our list of Private School on the menu you'll find on every page of KidsOutAndAbout.com: Just click Local Lists, then Schools & Preschools.
It's private school admissions season. The admissions offices of most private, charter, and alternative schools are employing a combination of virtual open houses and safe in-person tours. So browse our list, check out their websites, then connect with schools that sound like they may be good fits.
Here's the KidsOutAndAbout list of private schools. You'll find options for different ages and educational philosophies, and hopefully, someplace just right for you family
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 This Year's KidsOutAndAbout Top 20 Winners
Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks as well as winners in special categories like favorite sports education and favorite arts education! Check out your fellow readers' favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
Click here for the Top 20 list.
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Are you a member of an organization that offers events, camps, or classes?
Organizations that offer family and kid-friendly activities in the Philadelphia area can receive a FREE listing on KidsOutAndAbout.com, manage it easily, and post events to our extensive online calendars at no cost.
For more information about listing your organization, click here.
Boost your visibility to our readers with low-cost paragraphs in our newsletter or ads on our site see our local advertising page.
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Wishing you and yours good health.
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom to Madison and Ella
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