Art Lab at Irving Arts Center
May 23, 2010 by Happy Campers
Filed under To Do in DFW
A few Sundays ago, the Irving Arts Center hosted an Art Lab for children & young adults.
Jessie & I took Reese to see what exactly an “Art Lab” was, and what a neat surprise!
The Arts Center had a large room set aside for the children, & our guide gave us a short introduction to the artist on display in the Museum, Arie Van Selm.
He uses stencils to create his very large paintings, so our guide showed us how to use the stencils & sponges to create our own works of art. Van Selm uses lots of head, bird, & “blob” shaped stencils, and so did we!
Jessie’s Favorite Painting
Reese’s Favorite Painting
My Favorite Painting
Heather writes of daily life with a homeschooler at Reese’s View of the World.
Dallas Zoo
July 14, 2009 by Texasholly
Filed under DFW East, feature
Last Friday we had good intentions. A friend and I agreed to meet at the Science Museum with our collective 5 boys for a morning of fun.
I was 1/2 the way to Dallas when my husband called and said, “Where is this museum?”
“Fair Park.”
“You CAN’T GO THERE TODAY! It is the Cotton Bowl!”
About that time my friend called to report her husband had just called her with the same information and she was already in a traffic jam on I-30.
We had 5 anxious boys, 1 grandma and 2 very uninformed mommies!
We made a snap decision to go to the Dallas Zoo instead. The weather was great and we already had sandwiches packed…
The boys were excited to get out of the car and run around. The zoo was a perfect place for expending child energy.
There is an area where you can buy either worms or birdseed sticks to feed the birds for $1. All our boys chose the birdseed sticks. The birds were still on their “winter schedule” so eating wasn’t a high priority, but we had some fun encounters. Several of the birds kept trying to climb into my purse or up my mom’s coat sleeves. They were not shy and the kids loved it.
Next time I will encourage buying the worms. Some of the birds only eat worms and they seem to be a less popular purchase among the zoo visitors. You don’t actually touch the worms, the birds will eat them out of a small cup that is provided.
The zoo has a huge play area. It has equipment for kids of all ages. This spider web was my 5 y/o’s favorite:
There is also slides and tunnels and large eggs to climb into…just a bunch of fun stuff. Surrounding the play area are several smaller learning centers and the Nature Exchange Center.
All the boys thought this was great. You can bring in up to 5 items (you collected at home) and trade them for other nature treasures. There is a point system assigned so it is like a nature store. There are many things to see and touch even if you (like us) don’t have anything to trade.
This Nature Exchange Center is one of the main reasons we will be returning to the zoo this year–and next time we will be prepared with treasures to trade.
The underground learning area is really unique. It is dark (and quiet) and has all sorts of animals that live underground.
There is also a tunnel to crawl through to fully experience underground living.
There are also lots of animals at the zoo…
Overall it was a great experience. We were glad we had missed the craziness at Fair Park and gone to the Dallas Zoo. It took us about 45 minutes (without traffic) to get there from Flower Mound. We spent 4 hours, but could have easily spent another hour or two if everyone had the energy!
If you have written about your experience at the Dallas Zoo, please mention the link in the comments.
When Holly isn’t planning trips in the middle of major events, she can be found at June Cleaver Nirvana where being a mommy and blogging is not in the middle of traffic.
Summer Activities for Kids in Denton County
June 15, 2009 by Texasholly
Filed under Best Of
Burbmom.net has been scouring the Dallas-Fort-Worth Metroplex to find summer activities for children. Luckily there are TONS of options for summer family fun in DFW. Here is what we have found for the areas in and around Denton County. The list is long, but I am sure I missed some of the great things that Denton County has to offer. If you know of anything I missed, please add it to the comments below or email me the information at holly@burbmom.net and I will continue to update!
*drum roll*
Let’s bring on the summer fun:
Abrakadoodle - Remarkable Art Education – classes and camps – Multiple locations in/close to Denton County including Coppell, Flower Mound, and Lewisville
Argyle Young Writers - Various camps from June 27 to August 14 covering topics: Villainous Viewpoints, Fairy Tale Plots, and Mythologies – grades 3 through 7 – instructor is author Misa Ramirez
Adventure Kids Playcare – Weekly themed summer camps at all locations – June 8 to August 17 – ages 2 1/2 and up – Monday through Friday 10-2 – drop-in care also available
Actors Conservatory Theatre – productions and ACT Summer Camps – grades 1 through 6 – weekly camps include “Who’s behind the Mask?”, “Party with a Puppet”, “Theatre of Trash” and “Whose Line is it? It’s Mine!” – Summer production of THE KING AND I July 10-19 with auditions on May 23, 2009
Applewood Learning Center – themed summer camps and programs that include story time, games, learning activities, crafts and snacks – ages: infants up to age 10 – morning, afternoon, all day and extended day sessions available
Art House – classes and camps – ages 6 and up – camps include: The Land Before Time, Walk like an Egyptian, Back to the Future, Summer of Love, Oil Painting-Impressionist Landscape, Fly Me to Florence 1455, Passport to Paris 1888, Cartooning-American vs. Japan, Fashion Design-Design and Sew American Girl Clothes, Fashion Design-American Designers, and more – weekly half day camps
Austin Ranch – trail rides – Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm – starting at $30 – located near Grapevine Mills Mall – call 817-410-6860 for information
Boomer’s Summer Camp by Boomerangs Party and Play - 3 days a week 9 to 2 pm – ages 5 to 10 – featuring Mad Science – activities include: Unlimited Jump, Mad Science Projects, Arts & Crafts, Magicians, Puppeteers, Police Officers, Fire Department and many more – Multiple in/near Denton County locations including Flower Mound, Plano and Hurst locations
CAC – Flower Mound – aquatic program – ages 6 months through adult – multi-level swimming classes, WSI, Lifeguard, Jr. Lifeguard, Aquatic Boot Camp, Kid’s Night Out, Scuba, Dive-in Movies
CAC – Flower Mound – childcare classes - ages 11 through adult – American Red Cross Kid Care Babysitting Class, VBAC, Baby Care Basics, Lamaze Childbirth Education
CAC – Flower Mound – Martial Arts Programs - ages 3 to adult – Lil’ Red Tiger Pre-School, Red Tiger Karate for Juniors, Red Tiger Karate for Adults
CAC – Flower Mound – Music and Art Classes – ages newborn through adult – Kindermusik, Young Rembrandts, Basic Guitar, Ballet/Tap
Castle Montessori Schools - ages 18 months to 9 years – “Magical School Bus” summer adventures – field trips to: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, The Children’s Theater, Elm Fork Nature Preserve and many more
CAC – Flower Mound – Summer Camps - ages 4 to 13 (check sessions) – Summer Adventure Camp, Garden Art Camp, Summer Day Camp with field trips, Rocket Science Camp including Early Learning, Simple Machines, Science & Technology and Beginning Robotics
Children’s Courtyard – summer care and camps – ages 0 through school age – themed activities, events and field trips: Storybook Summer for preschoolers, Rock ‘n Roll Summer for School age children – multiple locations throughout the metroplex including Lewisville and Flower Mound
Color Me Mine – Summer camps and classes – ages 6 and up – each camp is 9 to 4 with provided snack – camps from June through August – themes include: Fun in the Sun, Birthday Plate, Name Plaque, BFF Plate, Texas, Nature, Christmas in July, Movie Day, Princess for a Week, Bible, Alien and Space and Back to School – Flower Mound location
Coppell Montessori Academy – Summer activities – Daily Dose of Montessori, Calisthenics, Water Mania, Art Studio, Greenhouse, Music, Train Ride, Spanish Classes, Tea Time, Wild About Books, Board Game Mania, Puzzle Mania, Magic Shows and Story Telling
Cornerstone Learning Centers – Ultimate Summer Adventure Camp and Vacation Bible Week – care and curriculum for ages 6 weeks to third grade
Dance Reflections – classes and camps – ages 3 to adult – Ballet, Creative Movement, Tap and Ballet w/ Intro to Jazz, Mini Hip Hop, Beginner/Intermediate/Just for Teens Hip Hop, and other teen-only classes
Discover & Share – camps for grades K-5th – Discover: Green thumb gardening, music melodies and art application; Learn: Spanish, Chinese; Share: Interactive Story Time, Dance/Movement and Cooking – Choose your own adventure day camp – call 972-304-1818
Excite Gym – classes and summer day camps – ages 2 and up – Flower Mound and Highland Village locations – flexible times – themed camps include: splash days, Wall-E Week, Olympics Days, Trampoline Camp, Sweet Treats Days, Sweet and Sassy Days or Sports Week, Kung Fu Days, Small Fry Camp, gymnastics and dance camps
Explorations Preparatory School – Summer Science Camps – grades 1 through 5 – Weekly themed camps that include: Solar Science, Diggin’ Dirt, Oozing and Glowing Worlds, Go Green, Getting Physical, World of Ponds – morning, afternoon or both – June 15 to July 30
Faith Lutheran Day School – Let’s Get Buggy summer camp – ages 3 through 2nd grade – June 22 to 26
Flower Mound Library Book Bingo! – ages teen through adults – Choose from a wide variety of listed books and cross off squares as you read them – prizes!
Flower Mound Library Story Time - continues through the summer with programs for ages 0 through family – check out schedule for details
Flower Mound Library Summer Reading Program – pick up a reading log beginning June 4 and keep track of your reading time. Receive rewards for every 7 days that you read at least 20 minutes a day!
Flower Mound Library Theater on Thursdays - afternoon events for readers – ages 4 (FIRM) and up – shows are at 2 pm and 3:15 pm – tickets are required for admission – FREE – tickets are first come/first serve starting at 9 am the day of the show – there will be activities in the library for kids under 4 to do with their parents during the show
Flower Mound Library Wild About Wednesdays – Wednesday night at 7 pm family story time – check the schedule for age recommendations and program announcements
FM Boys and Girls Soccer Camp – grades 1 to 8 – located at Flower Mound High School – three weekly morning camps – for information email doyled@lisd.net or jacobsonl@lisd.net
FMHS Drill Team Rosettes Mini Dance Camp – K through 8th grade – June 15 through June 19th – Contact Michelle Adams for more information: (972) 724-7808
FM Jaguars Baseball Camp – ages 6 to 14 – weekly camps for different age groups – June 15 to 19
Footlights Dance Studio – summer classes and camps – Flower Mound location
Lewisville YMCA – Camp Yipiyuk & Camp Tikihama – weekly themed day camps – ages 4 to 16 – games, swimming, crafts, indoor and outdoor activities, archery, bb guns, field trips and competitions – June 8 through August 17 – contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622
Flower Mound Taekwondo - classes – ages 4 to adult – Flower Mound location
Hilton DFW Lakes Summer Camps - ages 5-18 – Tennis and weekly themed camps: extreme sports, splash, western, creature feature – swimming, horseback riding, karate, arts and crafts, team building, sports and general recreation games – for registration and information call 817-410-6828 or email Jonathan Shaw at jonathan.shaw@hilton.com
Kidz Art - summer art classes – ages 6 through 12- located in Highland Village – Certified Art Instructor/Small Classes – Contact Cindy Hodge: 972-317-2080 or 214-636-5833
Kindermusik - summer classes – ages newborn to 7 – Flower Mound and Bartonville locations – classes include: busy days, Marvelous Me, Let’s Play, Jazz Kitchen and Giggles
Lewisville Parks and Recreation Summer Tennis – day camps – Jr. Beginner Tennis & Swim Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis & Swim Camp, Pee Wee Tennis Camp, Adult Beginner & Advanced Beginner Tennis Clinics
Lewisville YMCA - Summer Aquatics & Sports – swimming lessons, teams and Lifeguard Classes – ages 6 months through adult – baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, mini-multi sports, lacrosse, FIT girls, volleyball, small fry and buddy sports – ages 3 through 8th grade – Contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622
Liberty Christian School – Summertime at Liberty – ages 4 to 13 – June 8 through July 31st – full-scale summer program: preschool and lower school camps available – sports, physical fitness, computer, arts and crafts, and other activities to fit the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental needs of your child – Argyle location
LISD – Science Camps – ages 5 to 12 (depending on session) – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Themes include: Rocket Ride to Space, Earth, bubbles, Super Sleuth, Oceans Away 1 and 2, Metamorphosis, Going Buggy, Fun Fossils, Science in the Forest, Robot Mania and Welcome to the Garden
LISD – Music Camps – ages 4 to 12 – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Dough-Re-Mi and Boomwackers
LISD – Drama Camps - ages 6 to 14 – Weekly themed camps – Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Blame it on the Wolf, Kids Komedy Show and Merely Monologues
LISD – Art Camps – ages 5 to 13 – Weekly themed camps – Adventures in Art, Masters Pastel Art Workshop, Drawing and Reading with Eric Carle, Discover Polymer Clay, Austrailian Summer Art Workshop, Mastering Multimedia Workshop, Junior Monster Cartoon Workshop, Cub Scouts Art Badge, Junior Girl Scouts Art Badge
LISD – Lego Camps - ages 5 to 14 – Weekly sessions – Lego Mania, Lego Logo, Lego Science Explorers, Lego Robotics
LISD – Game Camps – ages 5-16 – Game Builder video Game Creation Camp, USA Chess Camp, TGA Golf Camp
LISD – Cooking Camp – ages 4-7 – Camp Kids Cook – morning or afternoon sessions
LISD – Photography Camp – ages 6 to 8 – Fred’s Photo Camp
LISD – School help – Kindergarten Prep, Reading and Writing Skills, Me, My Friends, Munchie Math Time and Read NOW!
LISD – Charm School – ages 4 to 11 – Twi-lite Retreats, Charming Children, Model Bootcamp, Manners Bootcamp
LISD – Fashion Camps – ages 5 and up – Model Makeover, Summer Camp with Barbie, Fashion Designer
Mad Science – hands-on Science Summer Camps – ages 3 to 12 – weekly themed camps: Earth, Bubbles, Super Sleuth, Rocket Ride to Space, Robot Mania – 12 locations in Denton, Collin and Dallas Counties
Marcus Marauder Tennis Camp - ages 6 to 17 – 1/2 day camps with coaches from Marcus – for more information call Coach Langdon at 817-481-2726
Marcus Marquettes Summer Dance Camp – hosted by Alice Dack – grades 1 through 8 – check out website for details and dates
Reading Friends – Summer Enrichment Day Camps – ages 2 through 8 – Lewisville location – camps include: developmental camp, primary and preK camp, Elementary Camp, with weekly themes such as Bugs, Fun with Bubbles, Let’s Cook, Summer is here, Under the Sea, Flowers and Feathers, Bats, Recycling, On the Farm and many more
Soccer Camps by Bobby Moffat – Denton County locations in Lewisville and The Colony for boys and girls 4-16 years old.
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -exotic animal care, outdoor survival, games, art projects, restraint and handling, first aid, conservation and more. Summer Safari (June 8-12 with optional overnight on the 11th) for ages 8-10 and Wild Encounters (June 15-19 with optional overnight on the 18th) for ages 11-13.
Skyhawks Camps - Sports day camps – ages 3 to 15 – basketball, flag football, baseball, mini hawk, beginning golf, volleyball – Flower Mound location: Community Activity Center (CAC)
SoccerTots – summer classes – ages 18 months to 10 years – Child Physical Development Program – Over 80 fun games and activities – 19 indoor facilities
Spanish Schoolhouse – multiple locations in/near Denton County including the NEW Flower Mound location – summer Spanish immersion summer camps – ages 3 to 10 – art, music, games, science, cooking all in Spanish
Studio B Performing Arts Center - classes, workshops, performance opportunities and camps – ages 4 and up – located in Highland Village – Upcoming shows: Alice in Wonderland, Pirates!, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical 2 – Summer camps: E-I-E-I-Opps!, Sweeney Todd, 101 Dalmations, Pirates!
The Peanut Gallery – summer camps – infants through school age – Programs include: Baby Signs, Zoo-phonics, Math their Way, Fun with Fitness, Gymnastics, Kindergarten Club, Computers, Spanish, and music
Turning Pointe Dance Studio – classes and camps – located across from Lantana in Bartonville Town Center – ages 3 to 12 – themed camps: Disney, Pop Star, Music Video, Create your own, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern
WinKids – summer classes and camps – themed camps, martial arts, swimming, dance, gymnastics, sports and music
Young Rembrandts - summer classes and workshops – ages 3 1/2 to 13 – classes: preschool drawing, elementary drawing, cartooning – workshops: Art and Reading with Eric Carle, Australian Summer Art, Junior Under the Sea, Masters Pastel – Lewisville and Flower Mound locations
Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts ASAP!
April 13, 2009 by Texasholly
Filed under feature, mom, shop
Here are a few suggestions that can cross “Gifts for teacher” right off your to-do list. I tried to find things that were a little unique, reasonably priced and convenient so it can be picked up in conjunction with other errands…
Here is what I found:
Teacher gifts are sometimes hard to find…
You don’t want to spend too much, but you want something nice.
You don’t want to get something that he/she will have 28 of by the end of the week, but you want something that he/she will like.
I added the items priced at $20 because I often find myself buying something for the teacher from the class.
Happy Teacher Gift Shopping!
Flower Mound Library – Summer Fun Showcase Information
April 1, 2009 by Texasholly
Filed under DFW North, activities, feature
Last Saturday between 11 and 2 the Flower Mound Library was overflowing with summer excitement. It was the library’s annual Summer Fun Showcase where local businesses present to eager parents and kids what they have to offer to keep children entertained this summer.
I had never attended this event before so I was very surprised to pull into the library parking lot at 11:15 and find it FULL. Unfortunately mother nature was pretending it was winter this day because there were bounce houses and other outdoor activities available…but very lonely in the windy 32 degree air.
Inside was much more pleasant with booths lining the library hall and conference room. I tried to pick up information from everyone, but if I missed some, please leave a comment below and I will add it.
Here are the summer activities/classes/camps I found for kids:
Abrakadoodle - Remarkable Art Education – classes and camps – Multiple locations in/around Collin & Denton Counties including Coppell, Carrollton, Farmer’s Branch, Flower Mound, Lewisville, North Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Frisco, and Allen
Actors Conservatory Theatre – productions and ACT Summer Camps – grades 1 through 6 – weekly camps include “Who’s behind the Mask?”, “Party with a Puppet”, “Theatre of Trash” and “Whose Line is it? It’s Mine!” – Summer production of THE KING AND I July 10-19 with auditions on May 23, 2009
Applewood Learning Center – themed summer camps and programs that include story time, games, learning activities, crafts and snacks – ages: infants up to age 10 – morning, afternoon, all day and extended day sessions available
Art House – classes and camps – ages 6 and up – camps include: The Land Before Time, Walk like an Egyptian, Back to the Future, Summer of Love, Oil Painting-Impressionist Landscape, Fly Me to Florence 1455, Passport to Paris 1888, Cartooning-American vs. Japan, Fashion Design-Design and Sew American Girl Clothes, Fashion Design-American Designers, and more – weekly half day camps
Austin Ranch – trail rides – Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm – starting at $30 – located near Grapevine Mills Mall – call 817-410-6860 for information
Boomer’s Summer Camp by Boomerangs Party and Play - 3 days a week 9 to 2 pm – ages 5 to 10 – featuring Mad Science – activities include: Unlimited Jump, Mad Science Projects, Arts & Crafts, Magicians, Puppeteers, Police Officers, Fire Department and many more – Flower Mound, Plano and Hurst locations
CAC – Flower Mound – aquatic program – ages 6 months through adult – multi-level swimming classes, WSI, Lifeguard, Jr. Lifeguard, Aquatic Boot Camp, Kid’s Night Out, Scuba, Dive-in Movies
CAC – Flower Mound – childcare classes - ages 11 through adult – American Red Cross Kid Care Babysitting Class, VBAC, Baby Care Basics, Lamaze Childbirth Education
CAC – Flower Mound – Martial Arts Programs - ages 3 to adult – Lil’ Red Tiger Pre-School, Red Tiger Karate for Juniors, Red Tiger Karate for Adults
CAC – Flower Mound – Music and Art Classes – ages newborn through adult – Kindermusik, Young Rembrandts, Basic Guitar, Ballet/Tap
CAC – Flower Mound – Summer Camps - ages 4 to 13 (check sessions) – Summer Adventure Camp, Garden Art Camp, Summer Day Camp with field trips, Rocket Science Camp including Early Learning, Simple Machines, Science & Technology and Beginning Robotics
Children’s Courtyard – summer care and camps – ages 0 through school age – themed activities, events and field trips: Storybook Summer for preschoolers, Rock ‘n Roll Summer for School age children – multiple locations throughout the metroplex including Lewisville and Flower Mound
Color Me Mine – Summer camps and classes – ages 6 and up – each camp is 9 to 4 with provided snack – camps from June through August – themes include: Fun in the Sun, Birthday Plate, Name Plaque, BFF Plate, Texas, Nature, Christmas in July, Movie Day, Princess for a Week, Bible, Alien and Space and Back to School – Flower Mound location
Cross Training Martial Arts – summer classes – traditional martial arts program: Taekwondo, Hapkido and T’ai Chai – children and adults
Dance Reflections – classes and camps – ages 3 to adult – Ballet, Creative Movement, Tap and Ballet w/ Intro to Jazz, Mini Hip Hop, Beginner/Intermediate/Just for Teens Hip Hop, and other teen-only classes
Explorations Preparatory School – Summer Science Camps – grades 1 through 5 – Weekly themed camps that include: Solar Science, Diggin’ Dirt, Oozing and Glowing Worlds, Go Green, Getting Physical, World of Ponds – morning, afternoon or both – June 15 to July 30
Excite Gym – classes and summer day camps – ages 2 and up – Flower Mound and Highland Village locations – flexible times – themed camps include: splash days, Wall-E Week, Olympics Days, Trampoline Camp, Sweet Treats Days, Sweet and Sassy Days or Sports Week, Kung Fu Days, Small Fry Camp, gymnastics and dance camps
Faith Lutheran Day School – Let’s Get Buggy summer camp – ages 3 through 2nd grade – June 22 to 26
Flower Mound Library Book Bingo! – ages teen through adults – Choose from a wide variety of listed books and cross off squares as you read them – prizes!
Flower Mound Library Summer Reading Program – pick up a reading log beginning June 4 and keep track of your reading time. Receive rewards for every 7 days that you read at least 20 minutes a day!
Flower Mound Library Story Time - continues through the summer with programs for ages 0 through family – check out schedule for details
Flower Mound Library Theater on Thursdays - afternoon events for readers – ages 4 (FIRM) and up – shows are at 2 pm and 3:15 pm – tickets are required for admission – FREE – tickets are first come/first serve starting at 9 am the day of the show – there will be activities in the library for kids under 4 to do with their parents during the show
Flower Mound Library Wild About Wednesdays – Wednesday night at 7 pm family story time – check the schedule for age recommendations and program announcements
FM Boys and Girls Soccer Camp – grades 1 to 8 – located at Flower Mound High School – three weekly morning camps – for information email doyled@lisd.net or jacobsonl@lisd.net
FMHS Drill Team Rosettes Mini Dance Camp - K through 8th grade – June 15 through June 19th – Contact Michelle Adams for more information: (972) 724-7808
FM Jaguars Baseball Camp – ages 6 to 14 – weekly camps for different age groups – June 15 to 19
Flower Mound Taekwondo - classes – ages 4 to adult – Flower Mound location
Hilton DFW Lakes Summer Camps - ages 5-18 – Tennis and weekly themed camps: extreme sports, splash, western, creature feature – swimming, horseback riding, karate, arts and crafts, team building, sports and general recreation games – for registration and information call 817-410-6828 or email Jonathan Shaw at jonathan.shaw@hilton.com
Kidz Art – summer art classes – ages 6 through 12- located in Highland Village – Certified Art Instructor/Small Classes – Contact Cindy Hodge: 972-317-2080 or 214-636-5833
Kindermusik - summer classes – ages newborn to 7 – Flower Mound and Bartonville locations – classes include: busy days, Marvelous Me, Let’s Play, Jazz Kitchen and Giggles
Lewisville Parks and Recreation Summer Tennis – day camps – Jr. Beginner Tennis & Swim Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis & Swim Camp, Pee Wee Tennis Camp, Adult Beginner & Advanced Beginner Tennis Clinics
Lewisville YMCA – Camp Yipiyuk & Camp Tikihama – weekly themed day camps – ages 4 to 16 – games, swimming, crafts, indoor and outdoor activities, archery, bb guns, field trips and competitions – June 8 through August 17 – contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622
Lewisville YMCA - Summer Aquatics & Sports – swimming lessons, teams and Lifeguard Classes – ages 6 months through adult – baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, mini-multi sports, lacrosse, FIT girls, volleyball, small fry and buddy sports – ages 3 through 8th grade – Contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622
LISD – Science Camps – ages 5 to 12 (depending on session) – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Themes include: Rocket Ride to Space, Earth, bubbles, Super Sleuth, Oceans Away 1 and 2, Metamorphosis, Going Buggy, Fun Fossils, Science in the Forest, Robot Mania and Welcome to the Garden
LISD – Music Camps – ages 4 to 12 – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Dough-Re-Mi and Boomwackers
LISD – Drama Camps - ages 6 to 14 – Weekly themed camps – Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Blame it on the Wolf, Kids Komedy Show and Merely Monologues
LISD – Art Camps – ages 5 to 13 – Weekly themed camps – Adventures in Art, Masters Pastel Art Workshop, Drawing and Reading with Eric Carle, Discover Polymer Clay, Austrailian Summer Art Workshop, Mastering Multimedia Workshop, Junior Monster Cartoon Workshop, Cub Scouts Art Badge, Junior Girl Scouts Art Badge
LISD – Lego Camps - ages 5 to 14 – Weekly sessions – Lego Mania, Lego Logo, Lego Science Explorers, Lego Robotics
LISD – Game Camps – ages 5-16 – Game Builder video Game Creation Camp, USA Chess Camp, TGA Golf Camp
LISD – Cooking Camp – ages 4-7 – Camp Kids Cook – morning or afternoon sessions
LISD – Photography Camp – ages 6 to 8 – Fred’s Photo Camp
LISD – School help – Kindergarten Prep, Reading and Writing Skills, Me, My Friends, Munchie Math Time and Read NOW!
LISD – Charm School – ages 4 to 11 – Twi-lite Retreats, Charming Children, Model Bootcamp, Manners Bootcamp
LISD – Fashion Camps – ages 5 and up – Model Makeover, Summer Camp with Barbie, Fashion Designer
Mad Science – hands-on Science Summer Camps – ages 3 to 12 – weekly themed camps: Earth, Bubbles, Super Sleuth, Rocket Ride to Space, Robot Mania – 12 locations in Denton, Collin and Dallas Counties
Marcus Marauder Tennis Camp - ages 6 to 17 – 1/2 day camps with coaches from Marcus – for more information call Coach Langdon at 817-481-2726
Marcus Marquettes Summer Dance Camp – hosted by Alice Dack – grades 1 through 8 – check out website for details and dates
MOMS Club – Connect with other at-home moms in Flower Mound North, Flower Mound South, Flower Mound Southwest and Lewisville- monthly meetings, weekend family activities, age specific playgroups, service projects, socialize, connect – CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS INCLUDED
Music Conservatory of Texas – summer music lessons – private or group lessons – try a new instrument – beginners to advanced – located in Parker Square, Flower Mound
Reading Friends – Summer Enrichment Day Camps – ages 2 through 8 – Lewisville location – camps include: developmental camp, primary and preK camp, Elementary Camp, with weekly themes such as Bugs, Fun with Bubbles, Let’s Cook, Summer is here, Under the Sea, Flowers and Feathers, Bats, Recycling, On the Farm and many more
Skyhawks Camps - Sports day camps – ages 3 to 15 – basketball, flag football, baseball, mini hawk, beginning golf, volleyball – Flower Mound location: Community Activity Center (CAC)
Spanish Schoolhouse – multiple locations in/near Denton County including the NEW Flower Mound location – summer Spanish immersion summer camps – ages 3 to 10 – art, music, games, science, cooking all in Spanish
Studio B Performing Arts Center - classes, workshops, performance opportunities and camps – ages 4 and up – located in Highland Village – Upcoming shows: Alice in Wonderland, Pirates!, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical 2 – Summer camps: E-I-E-I-Opps!, Sweeney Todd, 101 Dalmations, Pirates!
Turning Pointe Dance Studio – classes and camps – located across from Lantana in Bartonville Town Center – ages 3 to 12 – themed camps: Disney, Pop Star, Music Video, Create your own, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern
Wild About Flower Mound – FREE family event – April 17 & 18: Friday 5 to 10 pm and Saturday 10 to 10 pm – Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane, Flower Mound – live entertainment, business expo, concessions, Kid’s Zone, stick horse rodeo, environmental fair, auto show, arts and crafts vendors, wild about animals – Featuring: Emerald City and Le Freak – presented by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound
Young Rembrandts - summer classes and workshops – ages 3 1/2 to 13 – classes: preschool drawing, elementary drawing, cartooning – workshops: Art and Reading with Eric Carle, Australian Summer Art, Junior Under the Sea, Masters Pastel – Lewisville and Flower Mound locations
YMCA Camp Classen – located in between Dallas and Oklahoma City – sleep over camp – ages 8 through family – growing. spirit. mind. body. for life.
YMCA Camp Grady Spruce – Dallas – sleep over camp – ages 7 through 16 – To deliver exceptional outdoor programs that inspire, build, and strengthen relationships with God, His creation and each other.
Burbmom.net is also working on a comprehensive summer activity list for children in both Denton and Collin Counties. All these will be listed in addition to others we have found. If you know of someone that needs to be included in that list, please email me at holly@burbmom.net.
Step Back In Time: Log Cabin Village
March 23, 2009 by Happy Campers
Filed under To Do in DFW, activities, feature, fun
Last Friday, Reese & I took some friends to storytime at Log Cabin Village followed by lunch at the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens.
I love Log Cabin Village beyond words. The village itself consists of 6 19th century Texas pioneer cabins rebuilt & furnished to look as they would have so many years ago. The docents are all dressed in period clothing & are very knowledgeable about life back then.
Once a month, there is a preschool storytime & Mrs. Rena does a wonderful job of telling a good story & engaging the children. Friday’s story was Legend Of The Bluebonnet followed by a cute art activity.
Reese usually isn’t too interested in crafts, so he chose to “read” the book while the others did a cute bluebonnet craft.
After leaving the schoolhouse & story time, we toured the grounds & visited each cabin. Pumping actual water was lots of fun!
Gathering chicken eggs was an important job…
This is the first time we’ve seen the blacksmith in action. Reese was fascinated by the glowing, red hot metal that the blacksmith could bend. He asked him to do it over & over!
At the candle making spot, we learned that this was a job for the children! Open fire, hot wax…sounds just like what a child is meant to do. NOT!
The grinding mill has a large water wheel outside, that would have turned a griding wheel inside.
After Log Cabin Village, we headed down the road to the Botanical Gardens. We met up with another friend there, & we all enjoyed the afternoon eating lunch & playing in the grass. Red Light, Green Light was a big hit!
Buddy, NO!
March 15, 2009 by Happy Campers
Filed under feature, mom, stories
Lock him behind this:
And your sheets will look like this:
And this:
Potty Training your child
While there is no hard and fast rule as to how to train your child to use the potty, there are many helpful tips and tricks that can make the process easier and more comfortable for both you and your child. Below we have compiled a list of do’s and don’t's for you to consider during this important stage in your child’s life!
DO’s:
DO have a couple of pairs of underwear and pants in each bathroom that the child will utilize. You may also want to keep a spare change of clothes, and a large Ziploc bag (for soiled clothes) in your car or bag.
DO begin by transitioning the child in pull-ups. They will familiarize the child with the concept of wearing underwear but will be be more comfortable than wet underwear during training.
DO keep a box of flushable baby wipes on top of the toilets used by the child. They will be familiar to the child from their diaper days and can be more comfortable than toilet paper when they are first learning.
DO have a step stool in the bathrooms the child utilizes so they can easily get on and off the toilet. The step stool also doubles as a seat for mom or dad to sit while the child is on the toilet.
DO allow the child to watch siblings use the potty so they are more comfortable with the idea of doing it.
DO plan for accidents! They will occur and it’s important to let the child know it’s ok and quickly clean them up. Positive reinforcement works to keep the child motivated to keep trying.
DO have multiple sets of sheets and mattress pads for the child’s bed so that if an accident happens, you can easily clean things up.
DO buy some Febreeze Antibacterial spray. It works magic on wet mattresses and keeps the bacteria from building up on the mattress.
DO have set times to place the child on the potty so they can develop a routine. When they wake up, before bathtime, etc. – these are all great times to implement into a routine.
DO get the child used to practicing good hygiene by washing their hands every time they leave the bathroom.
DO incorporate fiber-rich foods into their diet to help their natural digestion. Apple juice, dried apricots, grapes, and soybeans all can help a child who is constipated.
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DON’T's
DON’T be afraid to talk about “going potty” often. Frequently ask the child if they need to use the potty.
DON’T compare the child’s rate of progress to another sibling’s. Each child is different and comparison wil not only make the child feel inadequate, but the child may develop a fear of using the bathroom (for fear of not doing it right) which could lead to other, major problems.
DON’T be afraid to throw underwear away if they are too soiled. While it’s not economical to throw every pair that gets soiled away, it’s good to know when a pair has met it’s match.
DON’T start potty training the child when they are sick.
DON’T start potty training if you are under a lot of stress. The child can pick up on your stress and may confuse your annoyance with something else as annoyance at them.
DON’T force the child. If they aren’t cooperating, crying, or uncomfortable to the point of being inconsolable, then the child is probably not ready.
DON’T give up! This is a hard skill to teach, but well worth the effort. Just ask any mom who has survived it!
Homemade sweets for your sweet
A less expensive idea for you this Valentine’s Day! Make some homemade chocolate covered strawberries for your sweet heart this weekend! Not only does making them at home save you the cost of buying them from an expensive bakery, or from standing in a long line, but this is so much fun – you and your honey can make them TOGETHER. Heck, get the kiddos involved too!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well
Directions
Put the semisweet and white chocolates into 2 separate heatproof medium bowls. Fill 2 medium saucepans with a couple inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off the heat; set the bowls of chocolate over the water to melt. Stir until smooth. (Alternatively, melt the chocolates in a microwave at half power, for 1 minute, stir and then heat for another minute or until melted.)
Once the chocolates are melted and smooth, remove from the heat. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries. Dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries.
Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.
Copyright 2003 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
Burbmom suggestion: get creative and add chopped nuts, powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips, or any other small or crushed topping you’d like!
Maybe I Married Martha Stewart?
We are listing our home for sale . Our Realtor and a photographer came over to take pictures of all the rooms. The Realtor had some suggestions on ways to make our home a little more “generic”, and one of them was to change the pictures in the dining room.
On the wall in there, I have all of our family portraits and kid portraits through the years. It’s a beautiful wall collage of the changes we’ve all made through the years. However, our Realtor suggested either taking them down or putting other pictures up that didn’t include people in them…so the potential buyers can imagine their family pictures there instead of mine.
I had planned to just go out yesterday with my camera and snap a bunch of pictures of nature “stuff”, have them printed, & then put those pictures in the frame.
My dear husband (who has more common sense than I) suggested going to Half Price Books & purchasing a photography book and use those pictures. Duh…now why didn’t I think of that?
For one, it is WAY easier to do. And two, the pictures are WAY more artistic than I could ever attempt.
So Reese & I trekked out yesterday in search of “a book”. I wasn’t sure what I was even looking for. In my mind, it was a bunch of nature-ish pictures that were done by one photographer so they were all in the same “style” and looked like a coordinated grouping of pictures. How would I ever find something that would work?
Imagine my utter surprise when I plopped myself down on the floor in the photography book section & the FIRST book I pulled out was Flower Portraits: The life cycle of beauty by Joyce Tenneson. All the pictures were simple, shot in the same format, and printed in a sepia tone (which was actually what I had envisioned in my head…something that would coordinate with the golden/mustard yellow wall in the dining room). The cost was a reasonable $10.
There was also a book called Animal Portraits by Walter Schels. I picked that up for $20, because I LOVED the picture of the rabbit and some other animals. This is a fascinating book with black & white prints of animals against white backdrops. Close up pictures with tons of expression. Awesome.
On a side note…click on the Animal Portraits book link above. Look at the freakin’ price. What the heck did I just cut up? I emailed the seller to find out exactly why this book is selling for so much money. Mine has the same ISBN number as the one they’re selling. Mine is (was) in pristine condition. There are multiple stores selling this book for well over $300. WHAT DID I CUT UP????? AAAAHHHHH!
Anyway–so the Flowers book was beyond stunning. I pulled all the family portraits off the wall, & the flower pictures were all the right sizes. Except for the two 11×13 frames I had, which I used a bunny portrait & a chicken portrait for those.
Here’s my finished wall. I am SO excited at how well it turned out. Truly stunning & these pictures don’t even come close to doing it justice!!
Now I’m off to figure out why the heck this animal book is worth so much money.
Happy Campers writes about all sorts of fun stuff at Reese’s View of the World.
