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March 2014March 2014
The importance of creative play
Page 14
Page 20
Page 12
wild child!
+
Learning beyond
class
Divide and conquer
parenting too much divide?
Raheem, 4, and
Ronak, 1, of Woodbury
Rock on
Pure fun at Camp Kesem iCampBig imagination on the small
stage
Bakken brainstorm Spanish immersionSTARTING ON PAGE 31
LEARN ABOU
T
MORE THAN
100 DIFFERE
NT
CAMPS!
Page 71
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6camp i" uetheCONTENTS Minnesota ParentMarch 2014
Departments
Out&About
On the coverRaheem and Ronak, sons of Sameera and Ravi
Soni.PHOTO BY MANDY DWYER, GLIMPSES OF SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY
GLIMPSESOFSOUL.COM
10 CHATTER
12 BABY ON BOARDThe general weirdness of divide and conquer
parenting.
14 TODDLER TIMESometimes you just have to let your child paint
in the bathtub.
16 ASK THE PEDIATRICIANHow to select a new pediatrician.
18 IN THE KITCHENSo its not really spring, but you can start
cooking like it is.
20 TWEENS & TEENSUsing out-of-school time for learning.
22 HOT STUFFGreat products for the great outdoors.
24 GROWS ON TREESMake tax time a little less painful.
26 BOOK SHELFStories for Our Fragile Planet and other books
about nature.
28 RELATIONSHIPSHow to focus on whats working in your
relationship.
82 REAL LIFE Chemical crusader Sara McLoone.
Page 63
ALL ABOUT PURE FUNAt Camp Kesem, a normal camp experience is the
goal.By Cali Owings
31
SMALL STAGE, BIG CREATIVITYAn experience in building miniature
theater productions.By Zoe Gahan
41
BRAINSTORMING AT THE BAKKENScience camps help kids brainstorm
inventions.By Emily Mongan
49
A CONSERVATION ETHICDeep Portage o! ers camps for young
explorers, hunters and wilderness enthusiasts.By Cali Owings
60
APPLE CAMPApple 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 CONTEXTCamp at Joyce Preschool o! ers life skills,
cultural lessons.By Zoe Gahan
54
camp i" ueCAMP RESOURCES
Page 71
6 March 2014
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7MNP 0314.indd 7 2/20/14 2:19 PM
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8It 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 lot of
camp content, so I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the
camp thing. Until I read the story with the daughter who was 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 battled cancer. And
its a pretty great example of the power of camp.
Theres a quote from the camp co-director a little further along
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 maybe it
is. The idea that a group of kids facing such a challenge could get
together with the goal of pure fun is pretty powerful.
Camp Kesem isnt about therapy, nor is it about providing an
escape. Camp Kesem is about the same thing that all camps are
about: A group of kids with something in common be it an interest,
a talent, a challenge or whatever put together to have some
fun.
Throw in a little shared anxiety, newfound independence, and
some new responsibilities and a funny thing happens. Kids gain
confidence. Here Ill give you a third quote from the feature.
If it werent for Camp Kesem I would probably still be like a
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 starting to
understand what its really about.
What camp is really all about
From the editor
Dana Croatt, Interim Editor
8 March 2014
GYMNASTICS TUMBLING
TRAMPOLINE
Gleasons Gymnastics
SchoolStrengthening children in mind and body through successful
gymnastics experiences
Maple Grove 763.493.2526 9778 85th Ave. N
Eagan 651.454.6203 2015 Silver Bell Rd.
www.gleasons.com
Gleason's Gymnastics MNP 0613 V3.indd 1 5/14/13 1:31 PM
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9Co-PublishersJanis Hall
[email protected]
Terry Gahan [email protected]
General ManagerChris Damlo
612-436-4376 [email protected]
Contributing Writers/PhotographersShannon Keough
Jen WittesPeter Dehnel
Joy RiggsKara McGuireSean TorenCali Owings
Emily MonganZoe Gahan
Julie Kendrick
Creative DirectorDana Croatt
[email protected]
Senior Graphic DesignerValerie Moe
Graphic DesignerAmanda Wadeson
Sales AdministratorKate Manson
612-436-5085 [email protected]
CirculationMarlo Johnson
612-436-4388 [email protected]
Advertising612-825-9205 [email protected]
PrintingBrown 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 9
The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently
pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a
research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on
mood following childbirth
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3URJUDPGHOLYHUHGWR\RXYLDWKHPDLODQGSKRQH0XVWEH\HDUVRIDJHRUROGHUPXVWQRWFXUUHQWO\H[HUFLVHUHJXODUO\0XVWQRWWDNHDQWLGHSUHVVDQWV0XVWKDYHDKLVWRU\RIGHSUHVVLRQ
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10
Thin Mints and Tagalongs and Samoas, oh my! March is your last
chance to get Girl 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 fi
nd cookies nearest you. The program is about much more than just
cookies and helps teach girls business skills, fi nancial
competence, goal setting, and people skills. Profi ts 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 o! to summer camps. To that end,
Hope Paige had created a set of medical ID bracelets that 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
Program helps introduce young children to healthy foods at their
childcare or preschool, providing hands-on experiences to cook and
taste a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many children 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
stands for Learning About Nutrition through Activities, is the
outgrowth of a successful 24-week program designed by the Minnesota
Department of Health and the University of Minnesota. 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 conversations about healthy eating with your
young ones. Learn more and see a video of the program in action at
lananutrition.com.
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 fi nd 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 out Hot Stu! on 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. Paul with the help of
Minnesota Parents Camp Fair. You and your child can meet
representatives from over 50 di! erent camps and summer activity
coordinators to fi nd the best fi t 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 recall has been issued that covers 11 models of Graco child
carseats sold between 2009 and 2013. The buckles of the seat often
needed excessive force to be unlatched, occasionally to the point
of needing to be cut to free children. To see a! ected models visit
mprnews.org/story/2014/02/11/graco-recalls-car-seats
If you have a budding artist on your hands, get this: The
Guthrie Theater has announced a Shakespeare art contest for
children grades 412 in association with The Acting Companys
production of Hamlet. The winners artwork will be reprinted as the
cover image of the Shakespeare Classic program an event designed to
introduce Shakespeare to a younger audience and their school will
receive 50 free tickets to see the play. The deadline for
submissions is April 4th. More details at
guthrietheater.org/artcontest.
10 March 2014
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11
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12
Shannon Keough
And then there were twoThe 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 or competitive 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.
Although my 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.
12 March 2014
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13more. 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, of course, 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 and Shannon, 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 movie Before 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 sleep and 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 editor@ mnparent.com.
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14
Rock on wild child!TODDLER TIP
There is a sweet duality in the developing toddler brain
boundless imagination alongside a tendency to be extremely literal.
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 mow the 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.
JenWittes
Embrace and ExploreGo crazy with flour.
Ask your child to describe the stars and record her
observations.
Let a toe be a paint brush.
Share your favorite song.
Build a fort and call it a castle.
Ask What if?
Dance!
Take a walk and guess the names of passing dogs.
Let the child tell the bedtime story.
Delight in your own rediscovery of crayons.
The importance of creative play
14 March 2014
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15 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 mentality and 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 little
come 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
at [email protected].
March 2014 15
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16
Many parents are often faced with choosing 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 for things 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.
PeterDehnel, MD
hold. Some families will prefer a female pediatrician and some
will prefer a male pediatrician, although this generally becomes
more of a concern as kids reach their pre-teen years and often
prefer a same-sex pediatrician. Many clinics provide websites with
physician history, which can also be helpful as you select a
pediatrician.
We are expecting a new baby in three months. How do we get our
toddler 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 a new brother or sister can be very disrup-tive to the
future older sibling, especially if the older sibling is a
first-born. Even under the best and most skillful of circumstances,
it will likely take at least two or three months for your older
child to get used to the idea of another child being in their
territory and adjust to the fact that a new person is getting way
too much attention from their perspective.
Starting to prepare your child months ahead of time is a good
idea. Trying to impart some notion of ownership by the older
brother or sister can be very helpful, as well. For example, the
phrase your baby brother/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 also help ease the
transition. Having a grand-parent, aunt or uncle around to give
lots of extra attention to the older sibling has been key for an
easier transition in some families. Finally, lots of reassurance
from mom and dad that there is plenty of love to go around is a
good principle to have.
Regardless of the age of the children in your home, there can be
unexpected surprises at any age. A six-year-old who previously was
an only child can be much more challenging than a two-year-old.
Adoptive children will add another dimension of transition if the
adoptive child is a little older than the sibling and is ahead of
them in milestones, too.
Even if there are three children in your
16 March 2014
MNP 0314.indd 16 2/20/14 2:20 PM
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17home 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 exposed to 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 you warm 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 editor@ mnparent.com.
MNP 0314.indd 17 2/20/14 2:20 PM
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18
RECIPESRECIPES
Think spring!
Preheat oven to 450.
Grease a large baking sheet.
Mix the fi rst 4 ingredients in a bowl.
Make an assembly line with bowls of whisked egg, fl our, and the
panko mixture. Dip the asparagus fi rst into the fl our, then the
egg and then into the panko mixture, coating evenly and repeating
with all the sticks.
Place all of the coated sticks on 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.
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Preheat oven to 450.
Cook and crumble bacon.
Place crust on an ungreased pizza pan, pizza stone or baking
sheet. Brush top with 4 teaspoons oil.
Top crust with shredded cheese, asparagus, and bacon. Drop
spreadable cheese by teaspoonfuls over pizza. Sprinkle with pepper
fl akes. Drizzle with remaining oil.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.
1 cup panko
1 Tbsp Italian herbs
tsp salt
tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs
cup fl our
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Marinara sauce
1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
6 tsp olive oil, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups asparagus
8 bacon strips
cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese
tsp crushed red pepper fl akes
Italian asparagus sticks
Asparagus and bacon pizza
Asparagus is the vegetable that most says spring. Get yourself
in the spirit of the season with these recipes or save them until
local asparagus is available.
18 March 2014
MNP 0314.indd 18 2/20/14 2:20 PM
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19
Preheat oven to 350.
Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.
Steam asparagus until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes.
Saute mushrooms and chopped onion in olive oil until the
mushrooms have given o! their liquid, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the
asparagus, tossing vegetables just until hot. Remove from heat.
Crush saltine cracker crumbs and mix with cheddar and black
pepper. Spread half the mixture into the bottom of the baking
dish.
Spoon the asparagus mixture over the crumb mixture.
Whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, and pour
over the asparagus mixture.
Spread the remaining crumb-cheese mixture over the casserole and
sprinkle with pecans.
Bake in 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 and mushroom hotdish
March 2014 19
Childrens Music Classes
Also offering private lessons, Suzuki and traditional for all
ages & levels; All instruments & voice
Ages 0-7
St. Joseph School of Music MNP 0913 12.indd 1 8/15/13 11:14
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20
Joy Riggs
My kids generally enjoy school, but there are times Monday
mornings, for instance 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 varied interests,
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 learning beyond 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-school programs 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 improve out-of-school-time
activities for kids and make them more available to everyone.
Leading the effort in St. Paul is Sprockets, a citywide network
of more than 170 afterschool and summer programs. Sprockets was
launched in 2011 by Mayor Chris Coleman, Superintendent Valeria
Silva, and the Second Shift Commission community advisory group. It
provides training, professional development, coaching and data
sharing for 50 organiza-tions that serve more than 7,000 youth
throughout the city.
The Sprockets network is a network of support. The organizations
feel that they are a cohesive entity, even if they are located in
different parts of town, because of the shared language about how
to provide quality 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 is that all
the program providers agree to undergo assessments of what they do
well and where they could improve in four general areas: welcoming
staff, spark (youth having fun), belonging, and safety.
Parents can think of it as a stamp of approval that they are
undergoing these trainings and looking at ways to improve, Bokamba
says. They are happy to have interactions and answer questions
that, to me, is an indicator of a dynamic system, and 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 sta!. Look for upbeat sta! members who encourage
young people to learn new skills by helping the youth take on tasks
that build self-confidence. Ask: What are the sta!s 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 peer
relationships. Ask: How are conflicts addressed? How is
communication maintained between participants, parents or guardians
and sta!?
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 sta! and others who have access to the
space? Are sta! CPR certified?
MORE INFO
Eyenga Bokamba
20 March 2014
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21
Sprockets St. Paulsprocketssaintpaul.org
Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Boardycb.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 fi nder 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 show them a list of different programs
that fi t those criteria. They can also fi nd 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 fi t for a youth, he or she will
be referred to another program.
Their feeling is, were going to do the homework to fi nd the
right fi t 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].
March 2014 21
A curriculum-based child development program created to
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OUTDOOR FUN
SwimZipLong sleeves may seem counter-intuitive, but the intense
UV-blocking power of this fabric means less hassle with slimy
sunscreen. These zip-up suits, many of which have long sleeves,
make it easy to run quick to the bathroom and to remove a wet suit
when swim time is over. Additionally, the zipper is covered in the
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swimzip.com $29.99
DuluthPackMade right here in Minnesota, these backpacks are
known for their durability you can tell by their lifetime warranty
and wont let a little (or a lot) of dirt or water wear them down.
Let your little camper head out in style with the rustic envelope
backpack perfect for shorter overnight stays or day trips, or with
a box-style pack for older children or longer outings. Available in
a range of colors.
duluthpack.com $90
Frogglez GogglesIf youve ever had to struggle with traditional
swim goggles, only to have them slide down your childs head, pinch
their ears or pull their hair, heres a solution: An inventive dad
created these non-slip, easy to use childrens googles that
eliminate the frustration and discomfort normally associated with
goggles. The unique shape of Frogglez Goggles mean smaller hands
can put them on and take them o! without much assistance, and the
soft wide straps stay put throughout activities. And, as icing on
the cake, they float! A great camp-ready item for those upcoming
summer months.
frogglezgoggles.com $24.95
Name BubblesIts always wise to mark your childs belongings
before they head to camp, but this time use Name Bubbles and theres
no risk of it washing away or rubbing o!, as these are laundry and
dishwasher-safe. Kids can choose a customized style and pattern
that might make them more inclined to accept the labels over Moms
old-fashioned marker. Beyond just name labels for all their items,
you can buy alert labels to warn of an allergy or medical concern
with easy-to-read directions and phone number in case of
emergency.
namebubbles.com $19.88 for a set
22 March 2014
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23
LED Mini Camping LanternsA small lantern with serious power. The
narrow beam of a fl ashlight can restrict activities in low-light
camping situations, but set one of these little guys up and youre
good to go with 360 degrees of light over 15 feet. Small enough and
lightweight to send o! to summer camp using just 4 AA batteries and
equipped with a hook perfect for hanging it from a bunk.
dorcydirect.com $9.99
LunchSkinsIf your child is heading o! to day camp and bringing
along a lunch, all those sandwich baggies each day can add up. Skip
the plastic and get these reusable, toxin-free lunch sacks, with
varying sizes for items from tiny snacks to fully-loaded sandwiches
and full lunch totes with durable handles. Pop them in the
dishwasher at night and theyre ready to go again tomorrow. A great
range of patterns keeps lunch-time exciting, and who knows might
just get the kids excited about broccoli!
lunchskins.com $7.85 and up
March 2014 23
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24
Kara McGuire
on your taxes. Actually, you can do both, so long as you dont
double dip, or take advantage of both programs with the same
dollars. Since childcare is so pricey, my family has always used
both to make the bite less painful. Remember summer camps and other
activities that provide childcare while you work qualify as
dependent care. Minnesota has its own special tax breaks for
education-related camps. Some school supplies too.
Revenue.state.mn.us has the details.
Kids in college? For your college student, there are several tax
benefits worth up to a few thousand dollars. Unfortunately,
deciding which of the many programs you qualify for is tougher than
it should be. The IRS tax assistant, housed in the Tax Benefits for
Education section online, can help make sense of the credit mess in
a few minutes. Any tax professional can also guide you. The
important thing here is that 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 much tax is withheld from your paycheck. Before
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 in college, 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 life changes 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 make tax time
less taxing
24 March 2014
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25getting 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, youre not 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 are
required. 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
[email protected].
You can get there. We can help.
Visit www.MN529today.com or call 1-877-338-4646
MN College Savings Plan MNP 0913 2-3page with bleed.indd 1
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26
NATURE & OUR PLANET
Natures Patchwork QuiltBuild a web of knowledge of important
habitats and ecosystems, from the desert to rainforest and
everywhere in between. The pages are fi lled with mosaics of rich
watercolor paintings, prompting the recognition of the
interdependence of all creatures in their own habitats. With
mentions of topics such as the food chain, biodiversity, and
environmentalism, the book introduces children to complex concepts
in a manageable way.
By Mary Mich Illustrated by Consie Powell$8.95
Stories for a Fragile PlanetDiverse, expansive and thoughtful,
this book of traditional stories from around the globe 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 kindness toward all humans and
creatures on
our planet.By Kenneth StevenIllustrated by Jane Ray$10.99
Geography: A Visual EncyclopediaThe shear volume of information
between these covers is astonishing. Keep an inquisitive young mind
buzzing with this volume detailing Earths physical processes, its
cultures and continents, and our own human impact on the planet.
Children can explore the comprehensive sections Planet Earth, Rocks
& Minerals, Life On Earth, Climate & Weather, and a Country
Factfi le to name a few which are rich with photos, maps, and
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 in
tangible and relevant illustrations. See 1,320 Earths piled
inside Jupiter, learn how far
certain birds can fl y, discover the age of the oldest tree and
fi nd out how many Empire State Buildings it takes to reach the
bottom of the ocean. The comparisons made here give kids the tools
to help comprehend our
fascinating and extreme planet. $19.99
earth, and a history of ideas that can teach young readers to
look with kindness
toward all humans and creatures on our planet.
tangible and relevant illustrations. See 1,320 Earths piled
inside Jupiter, learn how far
certain birds can fl y, discover the age of the oldest tree and
fi nd out how
kids the tools to help comprehend our fascinating and extreme
planet.
$19.99
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27
My Nature Book: A Journal and Activity Book for KidsA fully
hands-on, inspiring journal for children to fi ll with their own
unique experiences. With activity pages, blank pages for drawing or
writing, and activity suggestions, My Nature Book is a tool to
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 SkillsA guide to living fully and taking
advantage of the beautiful natural resources in our great state.
Whether its down-right outdated or actually practical, this
lighthearted book explores the true skills and know-how of living
in our great state, from growing your own wheat (did we mention
out-dated?) to exiting a chairlift gracefully, (now thats one we
could use!). While some of the skills may be beyond the average
persons expertise, its the rich history lessons from local experts
that make this book worthwhile for any Minnesotan.
By Chris Niskanen$19.95
MELSA MNP 0314 2-3page with bleed.indd 1 2/13/14 9:57 AMMNP
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The best of my loveValentines 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 bigger picture 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 engine. I used to think that I
had to share all 12 relation-ship cylinders with my partner
romance, intelligence, sexiness, good parenting, fi nancial
security, knowing where the keys are, fi ne cooking, caring,
communication, kindness, friendship and desire to have (or not
have) kids.
I had a few relationships where the cylinders werent all fi ring
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 dated
me. And the Peace Corps volunteer who was just about to leave for
10 months.
This was much less the case with a fellow writer I met in grad
school, the smart, beautiful Kitty, who also had a venomous sense
of humor and a tongue wicked enough to wield it. I lured her back
to Minnesota where she got a curator job at one of our big art
museums.
We started out revving at pretty high-RPMs, and I gave her more
of the best of me than Id given the others, but she also had me at
my worst. Id had a mountain bike injury and ruptured some disks in
my neck, then blew out my rock-climbing elbows so badly I couldnt
climb. I was in pain and grumpy all the time and needed someone to
care for me more. Plus I was myopically fi nishing a novel and
couldnt broaden my focus to include her interests which frustrated
Kitty, who wanted to be all-in together.
Maybe we just needed to accept that, although we were fi ring on
most cylinders, we werent fi ring on a few that really mattered. I
found it hard to tell her how awesome she was when she had so much
going 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 time and
needed someone to care for me more. Plus I was myopically fi
nishing a novel and couldnt broaden my focus to include her
interests which frustrated Kitty, who wanted to be all-in
together.
Maybe we just needed to accept that, although we were fi ring on
most cylinders, we werent fi ring on a few that really mattered. I
found it hard to tell her how awesome she was when she had so much
going for her. I begrudged her this and ultimately deprived myself
of greater happiness with her. Or,
Sometimes, if youre getting enough torque o! those cylinders
that are there, the other cylinders arent so important anymore.
28 March 2014
MNP 0314.indd 28 2/20/14 2:23 PM
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29was 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 that were 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 you are getting the best 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 29Special Olympics MNP 0314 S3.indd 1 2/12/14 4:49
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30E A R LY C H I L D H O O D F A M I LY E D U C A T I O N
Celebrating 40 Years of Educating Minnesotas Families
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31the
camp i" ue
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
usual bright and bubbly self.
Autumn shut down when her mom was diagnosed with cancer earlier
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 daughter
back, he said.Camp Kesem is a free University of Minnesota
student-run
summer camp for kids and teens whose parents have or have had
cancer.
If it werent for Camp Kesem I would probably still be like a
turtle hiding in its shell, said Autumn, now 11 and preparing for
her third summer at the camp.
Youre not only worrying about your parents and their cancer,
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 more
children like Autumn whose lives have been affected by their
parents battles with the disease.
The Kesem experienceCamp Kesem Minnesota started in 2012 when a
group of University of Minnesota students raised nearly $30,000
to
A TYPICAL SUMMER CAMP By Cali OwingsAt Camp Kesem, a normal camp
experience is the goal
Campers and counselors having fun at Camp Kesem.SUBMITTED
PHOTOS
March 2014 31
MNP 0314.indd 31 2/20/14 3:51 PM
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32
send 35 campers, including Autumn, to camp in Paynesville.
Its part of a nationwide network of college students across the
country who raise 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 camp is one week of pure
fun.
On the way to Camp Kesem for the first time last year, Melissa
Reynolds said her son and daughter werent that excited. There were
no smiles during camp registration and only one-word answers.
They were like Why do we have to go to a camp and deal with
cancer all over again, Reynolds said.
It was a night and day difference when she and her husband
picked them up. Ashlynn and Myca, known as Alfredo and 7evens at
camp, talked nonstop and taught their little sister Amelia who was
too young to go last summer all of the camp songs during the ride
home to Pequot Lakes.
This year, all three Reynolds kids plan to attend the camp and
theyre all excited.
The University of Minnesota student group is working to raise
$70,000 to send 85 campers to Camp Heartland in Willow River.
32 March 2014Lundstrum Center MNP 0214 V3.indd 1 1/17/14 1:34
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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 inaugural year, 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 CWhile 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 draw like this? Think again.
Call or go online for Summer Camp and Class Information
Chosen by WCCO 2013 Best Places for Summer Art ActivitiesWinner:
City Pages Best of the Twin Cities
Jacob Smith, Age 7
State Fair Winner! Maggie Enestvedt, Age 7
Ryan Sarafolean, Age 14
State Fair Winner! Izzy Wexler-Mann, Age 14
651-699-1573theartacademy.net
Art Academy MNP 0314 2-3page with bleed.indd 2 2/6/14 11:12
AMMNP 0314.indd 33 2/20/14 2:23 PM
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34
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 tie everyone 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 deal with like a camper
who says theyre 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 Autumn open up to her parents about
her feelings.
I was afraid to be by my mom, like if I was looking at her or
talking to her and shed die, she said. But I was afraid to be away
from her because I was afraid she would die while I was gone.
After camp, she knew it was safe to talk to her parents.
She was afraid to tell me how she was feeling because she was
afraid of hurting me, Penny Olson said.
Beyond summer campCamp Kesems influence extends beyond a 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, a dozen counselors made the three-hour
Myca and Ashlynn Reynolds.SUBMITTED PHOTO
34 March 2014
MNP 0314.indd 34 2/20/14 4:17 PM
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35
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 families to 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 counselors have 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 SNAPSHOTDates: Aug. 1723, 2014Location: Camp Heartland in
Willow RiverAges: 616Application 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, donors have come
through to fund the camp experience for wait-listed kids.
Give: You can help bring the Camp Kesem experience to a child
a!ected by cancer. For donation information visit
campkesem.org/minnesota/donate
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GET SPECIAL DEALSFEBRUARY 28 MARCH 2 & APRIL 11 13Learn more
at ymcadiscoversummer.org
ymcadiscoversummer.org
DISCOVER SUMMER
call: 612-822-2267
14-SP05 MN Par
Membership is not required for participation.
REGISTER NOW SURJUDPVOOXSIDVW
YMCA DAY CAMP Ages 4-140HPRUDEOHFDPSLQJE\GD\NLGVFRPHKRPHDWQLJKW
Amazing outdoor experiences, exciting traditional camp activities:
archery, canoeing, crafts, and cookouts.
Specialty Camps: horses, climbing, water sports and more! 10
convenient locations.
YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMP Ages
7-17&DPSLQJDV\RXIRQGO\UHPHPEHULWDQGWKHQVRPH Transformational
experiences and lasting memories for every child. Campers
HQMR\DFWLRQSDFNHGGD\VOOHGZLWKODQGDQGZDWHUDFWLYLWLHVDQGORGJHLQFDELQVwith
well-trained, college-age staff. RXWVWDQGLQJFDPSVCAMP ST. CROIX on
St. Croix River near Hudson, WI campstcroix.orgCAMP IHDUHAPI on
Lake Independence in Loretto, MN campihduhapi.orgCAMP ICAGHOWAN on
Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI campicaghowan.orgCAMP WARREN on Half
Moon Lake, girls camp & boys camp, near Eveleth, MN
campwarren.org
YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Ages
12-188QIRUJHWWDEOHH[SHULHQFHVWKDWEXLOGOLIHORQJVNLOOVDQGPHPRULHVHigh-quality
outdoor adventures in the BWCAW and throughout North America:
wilderness canoeing, backpacking, environmental education and rock
climbing. Focus is on lifetime skills and personal development.
JUHDWFDPSVCAMP MENOGYNRQ:HVW%HDUVNLQ/DNHRIIWKH*XQLQW7UDLOQHDUGrand
Marais, MN campmenogyn.orgCAMP WIDJIWAGAN on Burntside Lake near
Ely, MN widji.org
YMCA FAMILY CAMP All
Ages$WLPHDZD\DWLPHWRJHWKHUDWUHDVXUHGSOHDVXUHCAMP DU NORD on the
edge of the BWCAW. Develop the closeness that comes with sharing
quality time and family adventures in a pristine outdoor setting.
Year-round hiking, canoeing, nature, and specialty programs for
adults and families. Cozy cabins with kitchens. dunord.org
SUMMER POWER Y School Age Care/Grades K 6 Power up your summer
with fun and friendships. Exciting weekly theme,
FRRUGLQDWHGDFWLYLWLHVDQGHOGWULSV2YHUORFDWLRQV
SUMMER UPROAR Preteens and Teens/Grades 6-9
&KDUDFWHUGHYHORSPHQWWKURXJKOHDGHUVKLSDFWLYLWLHVVXSHUIXQHOGtrips,
outings and team building activities. 17 locations.
Accredited by the American Camp Association.
GET SPECIAL DEALSFEBRUARY 28 MARCH 2 & APRIL 11 13Learn more
at ymcadiscoversummer.org
ymcadiscoversummer.org
DISCOVER SUMMER
call: 612-822-2267
14-SP05 MN Par
Membership is not required for participation.
REGISTER NOW SURJUDPVOOXSIDVW
YMCA DAY CAMP Ages 4-140HPRUDEOHFDPSLQJE\GD\NLGVFRPHKRPHDWQLJKW
Amazing outdoor experiences, exciting traditional camp activities:
archery, canoeing, crafts, and cookouts.
Specialty Camps: horses, climbing, water sports and more! 10
convenient locations.
YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMP Ages
7-17&DPSLQJDV\RXIRQGO\UHPHPEHULWDQGWKHQVRPH Transformational
experiences and lasting memories for every child. Campers
HQMR\DFWLRQSDFNHGGD\VOOHGZLWKODQGDQGZDWHUDFWLYLWLHVDQGORGJHLQFDELQVwith
well-trained, college-age staff. RXWVWDQGLQJFDPSVCAMP ST. CROIX on
St. Croix River near Hudson, WI campstcroix.orgCAMP IHDUHAPI on
Lake Independence in Loretto, MN campihduhapi.orgCAMP ICAGHOWAN on
Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI campicaghowan.orgCAMP WARREN on Half
Moon Lake, girls camp & boys camp, near Eveleth, MN
campwarren.org
YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Ages
12-188QIRUJHWWDEOHH[SHULHQFHVWKDWEXLOGOLIHORQJVNLOOVDQGPHPRULHVHigh-quality
outdoor adventures in the BWCAW and throughout North America:
wilderness canoeing, backpacking, environmental education and rock
climbing. Focus is on lifetime skills and personal development.
JUHDWFDPSVCAMP MENOGYNRQ:HVW%HDUVNLQ/DNHRIIWKH*XQLQW7UDLOQHDUGrand
Marais, MN campmenogyn.orgCAMP WIDJIWAGAN on Burntside Lake near
Ely, MN widji.org
YMCA FAMILY CAMP All
Ages$WLPHDZD\DWLPHWRJHWKHUDWUHDVXUHGSOHDVXUHCAMP DU NORD on the
edge of the BWCAW. Develop the closeness that comes with sharing
quality time and family adventures in a pristine outdoor setting.
Year-round hiking, canoeing, nature, and specialty programs for
adults and families. Cozy cabins with kitchens. dunord.org
SUMMER POWER Y School Age Care/Grades K 6 Power up your summer
with fun and friendships. Exciting weekly theme,
FRRUGLQDWHGDFWLYLWLHVDQGHOGWULSV2YHUORFDWLRQV
SUMMER UPROAR Preteens and Teens/Grades 6-9
&KDUDFWHUGHYHORSPHQWWKURXJKOHDGHUVKLSDFWLYLWLHVVXSHUIXQHOGtrips,
outings and team building activities. 17 locations.
Accredited by the American Camp Association.
YMCA MNP 0314 FP with bleed.indd 1 2/11/14 2:19 PMMNP 0314.indd
36 2/20/14 2:24 PM
-
37
Apple Camps give kids the tools to bring their visions to lifeBy
Emily Mongan
n Apple store, with its neatly organized displays of high-tech
gadgets and funky piped-in
music, hardly seems like the type of place a typical summer camp
would be held. There are no tents, no smores, no campfi re
sing-alongs (dont worry about the lack of bonfi re...theres an app
for that). But here, among the iPads and
MacBooks, camp is in session. From mid-July to early August,
Apples
retail stores across the globe serve as camps for kids ages
eight to 12 with an interest in fi lmmaking and learning more about
Apples range of products and software. Over the span of three
90-minute classes, Apple store employees teach campers how to use
Apple programs
like iMovie and GarageBand to create short movies that they
write, fi lm, edit, score, and sometimes even star in themselves.
The camps are short and free, a welcome addition to any hectic
summer activity schedule. But dont let their brevity fool you; like
the camps slogan says, the kids are there to get down to business
and make movie magic.
iCamp
a
thecamp i" ue
2014
PHOTO BY LYON KEASLER
March 2014 37
GET SPECIAL DEALSFEBRUARY 28 MARCH 2 & APRIL 11 13Learn more
at ymcadiscoversummer.org
ymcadiscoversummer.org
DISCOVER SUMMER
call: 612-822-2267
14-SP05 MN Par
Membership is not required for participation.
REGISTER NOW SURJUDPVOOXSIDVW
YMCA DAY CAMP Ages 4-140HPRUDEOHFDPSLQJE\GD\NLGVFRPHKRPHDWQLJKW
Amazing outdoor experiences, exciting traditional camp activities:
archery, canoeing, crafts, and cookouts.
Specialty Camps: horses, climbing, water sports and more! 10
convenient locations.
YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMP Ages
7-17&DPSLQJDV\RXIRQGO\UHPHPEHULWDQGWKHQVRPH Transformational
experiences and lasting memories for every child. Campers
HQMR\DFWLRQSDFNHGGD\VOOHGZLWKODQGDQGZDWHUDFWLYLWLHVDQGORGJHLQFDELQVwith
well-trained, college-age staff. RXWVWDQGLQJFDPSVCAMP ST. CROIX on
St. Croix River near Hudson, WI campstcroix.orgCAMP IHDUHAPI on
Lake Independence in Loretto, MN campihduhapi.orgCAMP ICAGHOWAN on
Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI campicaghowan.orgCAMP WARREN on Half
Moon Lake, girls camp & boys camp, near Eveleth, MN
campwarren.org
YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Ages
12-188QIRUJHWWDEOHH[SHULHQFHVWKDWEXLOGOLIHORQJVNLOOVDQGPHPRULHVHigh-quality
outdoor adventures in the BWCAW and throughout North America:
wilderness canoeing, backpacking, environmental education and rock
climbing. Focus is on lifetime skills and personal development.
JUHDWFDPSVCAMP MENOGYNRQ:HVW%HDUVNLQ/DNHRIIWKH*XQLQW7UDLOQHDUGrand
Marais, MN campmenogyn.orgCAMP WIDJIWAGAN on Burntside Lake near
Ely, MN widji.org
YMCA FAMILY CAMP All
Ages$WLPHDZD\DWLPHWRJHWKHUDWUHDVXUHGSOHDVXUHCAMP DU NORD on the
edge of the BWCAW. Develop the closeness that comes with sharing
quality time and family adventures in a pristine outdoor setting.
Year-round hiking, canoeing, nature, and specialty programs for
adults and families. Cozy cabins with kitchens. dunord.org
SUMMER POWER Y School Age Care/Grades K 6 Power up your summer
with fun and friendships. Exciting weekly theme,
FRRUGLQDWHGDFWLYLWLHVDQGHOGWULSV2YHUORFDWLRQV
SUMMER UPROAR Preteens and Teens/Grades 6-9
&KDUDFWHUGHYHORSPHQWWKURXJKOHDGHUVKLSDFWLYLWLHVVXSHUIXQHOGtrips,
outings and team building activities. 17 locations.
Accredited by the American Camp Association.
GET SPECIAL DEALSFEBRUARY 28 MARCH 2 & APRIL 11 13Learn more
at ymcadiscoversummer.org
ymcadiscoversummer.org
DISCOVER SUMMER
call: 612-822-2267
14-SP05 MN Par
Membership is not required for participation.
REGISTER NOW SURJUDPVOOXSIDVW
YMCA DAY CAMP Ages 4-140HPRUDEOHFDPSLQJE\GD\NLGVFRPHKRPHDWQLJKW
Amazing outdoor experiences, exciting traditional camp activities:
archery, canoeing, crafts, and cookouts.
Specialty Camps: horses, climbing, water sports and more! 10
convenient locations.
YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMP Ages
7-17&DPSLQJDV\RXIRQGO\UHPHPEHULWDQGWKHQVRPH Transformational
experiences and lasting memories for every child. Campers
HQMR\DFWLRQSDFNHGGD\VOOHGZLWKODQGDQGZDWHUDFWLYLWLHVDQGORGJHLQFDELQVwith
well-trained, college-age staff. RXWVWDQGLQJFDPSVCAMP ST. CROIX on
St. Croix River near Hudson, WI campstcroix.orgCAMP IHDUHAPI on
Lake Independence in Loretto, MN campihduhapi.orgCAMP ICAGHOWAN on
Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI campicaghowan.orgCAMP WARREN on Half
Moon Lake, girls camp & boys camp, near Eveleth, MN
campwarren.org
YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Ages
12-188QIRUJHWWDEOHH[SHULHQFHVWKDWEXLOGOLIHORQJVNLOOVDQGPHPRULHVHigh-quality
outdoor adventures in the BWCAW and throughout North America:
wilderness canoeing, backpacking, environmental education and rock
climbing. Focus is on lifetime skills and personal development.
JUHDWFDPSVCAMP MENOGYNRQ:HVW%HDUVNLQ/DNHRIIWKH*XQLQW7UDLOQHDUGrand
Marais, MN campmenogyn.orgCAMP WIDJIWAGAN on Burntside Lake near
Ely, MN widji.org
YMCA FAMILY CAMP All
Ages$WLPHDZD\DWLPHWRJHWKHUDWUHDVXUHGSOHDVXUHCAMP DU NORD on the
edge of the BWCAW. Develop the closeness that comes with sharing
quality time and family adventures in a pristine outdoor setting.
Year-round hiking, canoeing, nature, and specialty programs for
adults and families. Cozy cabins with kitchens. dunord.org
SUMMER POWER Y School Age Care/Grades K 6 Power up your summer
with fun and friendships. Exciting weekly theme,
FRRUGLQDWHGDFWLYLWLHVDQGHOGWULSV2YHUORFDWLRQV
SUMMER UPROAR Preteens and Teens/Grades 6-9
&KDUDFWHUGHYHORSPHQWWKURXJKOHDGHUVKLSDFWLYLWLHVVXSHUIXQHOGtrips,
outings and team building activities. 17 locations.
Accredited by the American Camp Association.
YMCA MNP 0314 FP with bleed.indd 1 2/11/14 2:19 PMMNP 0314.indd
37 2/20/14 2:24 PM
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38
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 to use 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 fi rst time fi
lm-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 fi
lmmaking, 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 from Despicable Me 2 to 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 fi lm-makers at past camp sessions,
but that
Apple campers Joel DuBay and Bria Budziszewski score their fi
lms using iPads, while Brias mom Heidi Ripplinger checks in on
their progress. PHOTO BY LYON KEASLER
kids were free to create their fi lm about whatever inspired
them.
Each camper then received a piece of paper to use as their
storyboard, where each scene would be sketched out into a cohesive
story with a beginning, middle, and end. Pen and paper in hand, the
campers began drawing.
On the fi rst day of Apple Camp, parents are invited to stick
around while their kids work for a free parents workshop. There,
they can learn how to set time limits and 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
kids a hand with the brainstorming process.
Steve Kinny, dad of fi rst time campers Dylan and Maddie,
watched as Maddie sketched out a story about the familys pets
texting each other. Dylan had previous experience making videos in
his fi fth grade class, but Maddies tale of texting pets was her fi
rst foray into fi lmmaking.
It will be fun to see what she does with it, Kinny said.
Lights , camera, action!Within minutes, several distinct
stories
38 March 2014
shell lake arts centermaster teachers. magic setting.
music art dance theatreWWW.SHELLLAKEARTSCENTER.ORGfor a complete
camp schedule, please visit:
Go Big or Go Home!
Shell Lake Arts MNP 0313 12.indd 3 2/13/13 10:55 AM
MNP 0314.indd 38 2/20/14 2:24 PM
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39had 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, to
be 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 to put 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 screens throughout 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
starring the 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, the counselors 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 39
Tech Camps held at Macalester, Stanford,and 80+ Universities
Ages 7-18
iDTech.com1-888-709-TECH (8324)
MNP 0314.indd 39 2/20/14 2:24 PM
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MNP 0314.indd 40 2/20/14 2:25 PM
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BIG CREATIVITYSMALL STAGE
Campers get an immersive experience building miniature theater
productions
By Zoe Gahan
A camper gets some hands-on puppet experience at In The Heart of
the Beast Theater. PHOTO BY BRUCE SILCOX
thecamp i"ue
2014
March 2014 41
MNP 0314.indd 41 2/20/14 3:53 PM
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A long traditionToy 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 skillsIn 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 refl ect
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, often informed by
surprising observations. No longer does Jack dutifully climb the
beanstalk to steal golden eggs and provide for his mother, but
instead spends his days nose-to-screen, playing video games on his
cell phone.
Campers Siri and Sanna, who together wrote and built Jack and
the Beanstalk NOT!, featuring the lazy Jack, both enjoyed 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 enjoyed herself during the
week. Her group partner, Siri, nodded agreement.
The campers took the images they wrote out, and fi gured out how
to represent them in artwork, says HOBT counselor, Lynette LaRue.
Then the challenge is to make it 3D after that. They had to reconfi
gure, scene-by-sc