It’s that time again – school is almost out and the summer schedules are in the midst of being planned. If you are still looking for the perfect fit, not to worry; we’ve highlighted a few excellent opportunities that are perfect for kids to get involved in this summer!
When it comes to summer activities available in the Omaha area, there’s no shortage of unique opportunities that encourage creativity while teaching important life skills. Doodle Cakes focuses in teaching kids how to decorate pastries such as cupcakes, cookies and even cakes! “We specialize in teaching edible art, with decorating classes and parties that kids really enjoy. From bringing our innovative children’s programming into local childcare and learning centers throughout the Omaha Metro, to offering our popular week-long summer camps, we provide many different fun activities for kids that center around decorating their own treats,” explains Kim Gagne, owner of Doodle Cakes. “Our programming at Doodle Cakes really brings out creativity and individuality, while reinforcing autonomy and introducing kids to new, practical skills that they can use in the future. We provide all of the decorating tools and ingredients or other items that are needed for all of our activities, and we handle all of the clean up afterwards too!
For those who are looking to incorporate this type of activity into their summer programming, our most popular offering is cookie decorating, where the facility chooses from a selection of popular themes (even despite the fact that we are approaching summer, it comes as no surprise to most parents that Frozen is still at the top of the list!). Decorating cakes and cupcakes are also an option, or even rice crispy houses and two-tiered cakes, but cookies are great for working with a smaller budget.
During our summer camps, we work on a different project each day. We start out simple and build up to more complicated projects so there’s never a dull moment! In conjunction with decorating fun, we also incorporate a variety of arts and crafts as well as activities that are focused on establishing good habits. This includes etiquette exercises that teach kids skills such as appropriate table manners, how to set a table properly, and how to conduct themselves in different settings (for example, at a restaurant, at a buffet, dining at a friend’s house, etc.).
On the final day of each class we have a huge party, which is a ton of fun and allows the kids to enjoy time with the new friends they have made. We utilize the services of our sister company, Rock Paradise, for karaoke and the kids have a blast getting dressed up like rock stars, belting out their favorite songs on a huge stage, and dancing the day away.
Above all, our goal at Doodle Cakes is that we provide educational opportunities for kids that are fun, productive and safe.”
She adds, “I highly encourage those who are interested to sign up as soon as possible—we added a fifth class because all of our sessions sold out last year! Early Bird Registration is available until June 1st for $99, with the price increasing to $125 after that date. You can find out more about our offerings by visiting our website, DoodleCakes.com.”
Being exposed to learning opportunities in the arts is an essential part of a child’s development, whether it’s exposure to the culinary arts or the host of other artistic mediums and outlets out there. An established local art studio dedicated to cultivating artists of all ages, young or old, Adventure in Art has been offering summer classes for kids since 2004. “We like to consider Adventure in Art a ‘Makers Space’ where everyone is encouraged to reach their goals and full potential,” explains Beth O’Hanlon, owner of Adventure in Art. “This summer in our Kids Art Camp, we will continue to offer many of the same classes that hundreds of kids have attended throughout our ten years in Omaha, but we’re also excited about introducing a few new experiences into our line-up in 2015. Our Art Camp will offer the opportunity for children to work with a wide variety of mediums, which exposes students to new techniques and ideas while still allowing them to enjoy their favorite aspects of art and improve in those areas too.
During our Art Camp, kids from ages 8 to 17 are divided into three groups according to age and move between three different artist/teachers, giving them experience with a wide variety of media and a chance to see how working artists create. Our faculty is composed of energetic, talented art teachers who are certified in the state of Nebraska and employ hands-on teaching methods. Students make at least six take-home art projects in a wide range, from pottery, painting, sculpture, textiles and fused glass. At the end of the week, students proudly showcase their finished works at our gallery exhibition and open house event. New this year, Adventure in Art offers a Mini Kids Art Camp to children from 5-7 years old, either morning or afternoon classes from June 29-July 1.
The arts are essential building blocks when it comes to child development, and the summer is a great time to infuse creativity and fun ‘brain work’ which better prepares students for learning in the coming school year. Educational opportunities within the arts are beneficial for kids in the areas of motor skills, language development, decision making, visual ability in learning and visual spatial skills, inventiveness and innovation and cultural awareness, just to name a few of the key areas. At Adventure in Art, we encourage creativity and our summer programming is designed to be fun, engaging and full of new experiences. You can enroll or learn more about our summer classes on our website, adventureinart.net.”
When it comes to great summer activities for kids, The Rose Theater is another local staple. “Summer classes and camps at The Rose offer children ages 4 to 18 the best, most exciting theater education in town!” emphasizes Deprecia Wright, Education Coordinator at The Rose Theater. “Classes include a wide variety of topics, including acting, directing, playwriting, improv, stagecraft, puppetry, filmmaking and more. Students can choose to learn about musical theater, acting, dance or voice training. There are opportunities that last just one week, or students can spend the summer on the stage with a multi-week camp that ends with a fully staged production, complete with costumes, lighting, props and more.
Our camps feature the stories kids love, allowing them to bring their favorite characters to life on stage. They can ‘Let it Go’ in Frozen camp, pop down the rabbit hole in a production of Alice in Wonderland, cause some mayhem with Captain Underpants, fight the Dark Side in Star Wars camp, take a magical journey to Hogwarts or a jolly holiday with Mary Poppins, discover the wacky world of Dr. Seuss or be cool with Pete the Cat, or battle the Greek Gods alongside Percy Jackson. All camps promote creativity and provide students with a supportive environment for exploring their talent and imagination, while giving them a strong foundation in theater arts.
At The Rose, we have classes and camps that fit everyone’s schedule though out the summer. Whether you are just looking for a half-day camp to introduce your child to the theater or want a place where your child can go every day, all day for several weeks, The Rose has options to fit your needs. We also provide morning and afternoon Drama Clubs starting at 7:30 a.m. and running until 5:30 p.m. for families who need care before classes start and after they end.”
She adds, “We have many favorite camps returning this year, but we have also added some new ones that should inspire young performers. Kids can choose to perform in a summer production of ‘Annie Jr.,’ ‘Zombie Prom,’ or even ‘Frozen: The Musical.’ Students who want a one-week experience may be interested in camps that will explore the magic of Neverland, the Ivy + Bean books or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Furthermore, The Rose understands that a standard class can be rambunctious and noisy – an environment not suited for all students. We have classes for students with sensory processing or autism spectrum disorders. This summer, students will have the opportunity to create their own play as they work on their acting and improvisation skills in a supportive environment better suited for their special needs.
It couldn’t be simpler to register for a class at The Rose Theater. Our full summer class offerings are available on our website, www.rosetheater.org. You can also call (402) 502-4617 or email depreciaw@rosetheater.org for information.”
It’s just as imperative for kids to stay physically active during the summer as it is for them to remain mentally stimulated and engaged—finding a good balance is generally optimal. Especially with respect to athletes who train and compete during each school year, the summer months are a great time to get involved in camps that teach important lessons that apply both on and off of the field.
“Aside from teaching and building upon the skills and techniques that are necessary to be good at a particular sport, it’s also important to focus on the other aspects of sports that support the well-rounded growth and development of our youth,” emphasizes Joe Siwa, owner of The Strike Zone Omaha. “At Strike Zone, we not only teach baseball skills but we also teach leadership and team building skills that set kids up for success in athletics but just as importantly, in all aspects of life. We incorporate the MVP4Life HOMERUNS Life Skills Curriculum, which was developed by MVP4Life (www.mvp4life.org) to teach youth life skills through the game of baseball. The non-profit organization seeks to empower youth by instilling this central principle: ‘Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from swinging the bat.’ We also feel that mentorship is very important, so we invite local college baseball players to volunteer, which provides the kids the opportunity to interact with positive role models who share common interests and goals. Above all, we want kids to walk away from our programs with confidence and prepared for whatever life throws their way. The summer we will be offering three different camps: Mack’s Mites (ages 4-7), All Star (ages 7-14), and Advanced (ages 10-16, grouped by age and skill level). You can find more information about our summer camps at our website, www.strikezoneomaha.com. We are also offering a great deal for Strictly Business readers—if you sign up for a class and enter the special promo code (Promo Code: SB) during the month of May, we’ll throw in a $50 batting cage card as a free gift!”
For athletic and fitness-related activities, Play It Again Sports is an excellent resource for finding the necessary gear at a very reasonable price. “We see ourselves as a ‘one stop shop,’” says Richard Messina, owner of the Play It Again Sports store at 8453 W. Center Road in Omaha. “With our wide variety of sporting equipment, Play It Again Sports can outfit your children from head to toe for the summer sports that are just around the corner. By offering a selection of both new and used equipment for your sporting needs, not only can you save by purchasing a slightly used item, you can also build a discount on your purchase by bringing in other quality used items for trade value. So your saving can be huge, which often makes it easier for parents to get their children involved in more activities. It’s a win-win situation!”
If you’re looking for summer activities that you can participate in with your kids, consider a visit to the Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch!
“From the beginning of spring during our popular Renaissance Festival, until the end of fall with our Pirates, Pumpkins and Cowboys festival in September kicking off pumpkin season followed by plenty Halloween fun afterwards, we have a lot of activities and things to do out here that are perfect for the whole family,” explains Tyson Schaefer of Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch. “Birthday parties and family gatherings are always very popular; each of the areas has its own picnic tables and campfire area which makes it the perfect destination for some fresh air and family time. For those who book areas for special events, we also throw in a 30 minute hay rack ride for everyone in the party!
We have several great play areas with different themes, including the Pirate Ship and the How The West Was Fun, in addition to several treehouses on the property and even a zip line. Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch is also home to many animals that are friendly and enjoy interaction with guests—goats, chickens, cows, horses, ducks, pigs, bunnies, you name it! New this year, we will also offer Shetland pony rides several times throughout the summer months.
We also take pride in growing many varieties of seasonal fruits and vegetables on our property. This starts in May with asparagus season, and moves on to berries and sweet peas in May-June, raspberry season with purple kicking off around July 4th and reds going until October, and we end the season with pumpkins. This is a unique hands-on opportunity to pick fresh produce and for kids to learn about growing and harvesting crops.
We are open seven days a week during the summer, and we welcome guests to come out anytime for a visit. This summer, make sure to get outdoors and have some ‘old school’ fun!”
With all of the different options for summer programming available, there truly is something for everyone. Mary Herrmann, Summer Camp Program Director at Children’s Respite Care Center in Omaha, offers the following advice for parents who are seeking activities that will best fit their child’s needs and interests:
“If you think that your child’s special needs will prevent him or her from participating in a summer camp, it’s time to think again. Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC) offers a Summer Sensations 10-week Day Camp program for children with special needs ages 6-21. The fun starts June 1st and lasts through August 7th with full- and part-time care available.
‘Special needs’ is a phrase that is often used to describe any child who is physically, mentally, emotionally or behaviorally different from his or her peers. It can refer to a wide variety of conditions or difficulties, and is often simply used to imply that a child requires some sort of special accommodations. Children with special needs often feel that they are outcasts, or that they somehow miss out on the things that their peers get to do because of their special situations.
However, with the proper resources, it doesn’t have to be this way; parents can find summer activities for children with special needs, and help their kids to thrive in an environment where they can be themselves. CRCC’s Summer Sensations is just the place! This year we have chosen a different book to inspire our weekly themes and will also be offering weekly field trips and in-house guest speakers and activities to provide an environment rich in experiences and fun! This is a wonderful opportunity for parents as well because they can rest assured that their child is receiving top notch care including skilled nursing services, and options for occupational, physical, speech and feeding therapies, if desired, while attending CRCC over the summer.
CRCC also offers a Weekend Respite Program where families can bring their child for day and overnight hours in the trusted hands of our skilled nursing staff and trained professional care aides. In addition, our Weekend Program will now be hosting Friday Movie Night once a month. Pizza will be provided while kids can sit back, relax and watch a movie on the big screen with their peers. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families so they may accomplish shopping and errands, enjoy a date night or simply take much needed time for respite. For more information contact our Weekend Program Coordinator, Erika Mallory, at emallory@crccomaha.org.
Additionally, CRCC Therapy Center will be hosting two specialized workshops offered at both of our convenient locations over the summer months. The first, ‘Movin’ and Groovin’, will be a five session workshop for children 6 and older with each week focused on sensory and gross motor activities geared around music and movement. The children will be exposed to a variety of adaptive equipment and sensory exploration to encourage physical development. The second, AAC Summer Camp (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), will be a week long interactive workshop for 4-6 year olds currently using communication devices. This summertime themed workshop will focus on peer interaction with other children using AAC devices to encourage social development. For more information on CRCC’s summer workshops contact our Director of Rehabilitation Services, Meaghan Walls, at mwalls@crccomaha.org.
Finally, Family Focus is a program that brings families of individuals facing similar challenges together. These events provide families with a great opportunity to draw strength and knowledge from each other. Additionally, families are given a chance to relax, have fun and socialize. Our events typically include food and a family-friendly entertainment. Family Focus provides a variety of events for families each year. Most events are free of cost and are always a lot of fun.
Family Focus – ALLPLAY Family Picnic in June – is a free community event open to individuals with special needs and their family members. This event will provide an afternoon full of fun activities. From playing ball on a completely accessible field to snow cones and cotton candy this is a summer event you won’t want to miss! To sign up to attend this Family Focus event contact Sarah Tselentis at stselentis@crccomaha.org.
To learn more about CRCC’s summer programs and services visit our website www.crccomaha.org or call (402) 895-4000 today!
As most parents know, summer schedules have the potential to be as hectic as school year schedules. Finding summer activities that develop purpose in our children, while not overextending ourselves and our kids is the key to an enjoyable summer break. Ty Delley, owner of Back2Family, offers the following advice for choosing the summer activities that will benefit your child the most: “With respect to purpose, there are certain benefits to being selective. As parents, our first instinct is to fill up our children’s summer schedules with every activity that’s going on in order to see which resonates with them, but that effectively pulls everyone in a million different directions. I think it’s important for parents to pay attention and bring light to their child’s natural talents and interests, and then gravitate towards activities that touch on those. While helping parents protect their valuable family time, targeting specific activities will lead to more positive, successful experiences for kids. Also, especially with extra-curricular activities, when parents do all of the legwork it’s far more common for kids to be fickle or uninterested. If your child expresses interest in something, make it their responsibility to do the research before making the commitment. For example, if the child wants to take tennis lessons, have them read about tennis, watch tennis, figure out the items that they will need, and then present their ideas to you in order to come to a final decision. This would also work for ballet lessons, sports, getting a new pet, etc. Their investment and active participation in this process will also teach them critical thinking, good leadership skills, and responsibility for their decisions.
At Back2Family, while childcare is a core service we provide, we’re really in the business of family care. Aside from working, parents spend an average of three hours per day commuting, cooking, and doing household chores. Time is precious, and by taking over some of those tasks, we give that time back to the families we serve so they can spend it together in meaningful ways. We match each family with a thoroughly screened Family Partner who provides the following services: transportation, homework assistance (including summer tutoring), household chores, brief errands, meal preparation, and just about anything that is needed to keep things running smoothly in the household. Schedules over the summer months vary greatly from family to family, so we customize our options for summer care to fit each client. Our goal is for kids to really enjoy their summer break with a good balance of engaging activities, relaxation, and family time. To learn more about Back2Family child and family care services, visit our website at www.back2family.com or call (402) 519-2165!”
So as you can see, there’s absolutely no reason for kids to stay cooped up in the house this summer when there are so many fun, engaging opportunities take advantage of! With a little bit of planning and the assistance of local resources offering excellent summer activities for kids, there will be enough going on to keep your children active, healthy and social while continuing to learn and be exposed to new experiences in a fun environment–even while they are enjoying a much-needed summer break!