Summer Camps - Family Times Magazine

april - may 2012 

MINNESOTA'S AWARD WINNING FAMILY NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE 

MINNESOTA'S AWARD WINNING FAMILY NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE 

FRIENDS 

They're Not Just for 

Your Kids! 

PLUS: Local Spots to 

Meet Moms Like You 

APRIL - MAY 2012 n FAMILY TIMES 1

2 

YOUR CHILD can Thrive 

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24 

Young Yogis 

Playtime is Non-Negotiable 

Friends, They're Not Just for Your Kids 

Family Summer Fun 

Unique Summer Camps 

2012 Camp Guide 

EDITOR'S NOTE 

SUMMER UPDATE 

THE DADDY FILES 

Studying in the Motherhood Lab 

AROUND TOWN 

Calendar of Minnesota's 

Must-Do Events 

DON'T MISS IT! 

JOOVY STROLLER 

GIVEAWAY 

Flip to Page 6 

3

: 

4 

THE ART ACADEMYINC 

EXCELLENCE IN CHILDRENS ART EDUCATION 

State Fair Winner 

Catherine Yanish, Age 11 

Voted City Pages 

BEST 

of the 

Twin Cities 

For ages 5- Adult 

Call 651-699-1573 for a brochure 

www.theartacademy.net 

111 

hour of exercise 

State Fair Blue Ribbon Winner! 

Maggie Mountain, Age 15 

VOLUME XVIII NUMBER 4 

April - May 2012 

PUBLISHER 

Thomas Winninger 

EDITOR 

editor@familytimesmag.com 

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR 

Kate Winninger 

kate@familytimesmag.com 

952-926-1451 

ART DIRECTOR 

Alyssa MacDowell 

ACCOUNTING & ADMINISTRATIVE 

SUPPORT 

Alaina Rasmussen 

952-922-6186 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Rick Epstein 

Natalie Marroll 

Lisa Fances 

Dennis Warders 

Cindy Meyers 

ABOUT 

Family Times Magazine meets the diverse needs of modern 

Minnesota families by connecting them with the tools, 

targeted content and a supportive community to help 

them navigate every stage of the often humorous, sometimes 

chaotic and almost always joyful life with children. 

Family Times provides page-after-page of trusted advice, 

tested tips and must-have products to cultivate your 

perfect family and solve everyday dilemmas. With kids 

growing up faster than ever, Family Times helps parents 

keep their finger on the pulse of the latest parenting news 

& trends. 

CONTACT 

Family Times is published on the 15th of the month, 6 

times a year by Family Times, Inc., 5775 Wayzata Blvd. Suit 

350, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416 

Ad deadline is the 1st of the month of publication. For 

information on advertising, call (952)922-6186 ext.1 

For editorial information, call (952)922-6186 ext.4 or e-mail: 

editor@familytimesmag.com. 

ST. LOUIS PARK, MN 55416 

__________________________ 

__________________________ 

This is your ad as it appeared in 

This the last is your issue ad of as it appeared in 

the last issue of 

_____________________________ 

_____________________________ 

Your ad is scheduled to run in: 


Family Times March/April 

Family Street Dates: Times March March/April 5 - May 5 

Street Dates: March 5 - May 5 

NOTE! This is the only 

NOTE! reminder you This will receive! is the only 

reminder Ad changes you must will be receive! received by 

Ad changes must be received by 

Summer Vacation. It sure isn’t what Feb. it once 19was, 

back when it 

________________________________ 

was the last day of school, 

Feb. 19 

________________________________ 

or packing ad will my run tiny as it suitcase appears on a week this before 

actually leaving in anticipation or proof. ad will Changes run of whatever as after it appears this family date on this will trip we 

proof. Changes after this date will 

had planned. Time seemed to appear move in so the leisurely next issue. those days. It seems 

appear in the next issue. 

now, between juggling work, family Ad production outings, after kids _____________ summer sports willsched 

ules while still trying to find time Ad incur to production a sit $25.00 down RUSH after with CHARGE. _____________ friends – summer will vaca- 

incur a $25.00 RUSH CHARGE. 

tion can bring more stress into the family than joy. 

We put together this issue with you in mind – the busy mom that, 

while she loves her kids to the depths of her heart, she needs to take care 

of herself as well. It’s important for us to stay connected with friends and 

always be making new ones. We had a lot of funny looking through new 

beauty products for our new bi-monthly Please fax or feature, e-mail corrections In Mom’s to: Beauty Bag, 

Please fax or e-mail corrections to: 

where we test and review your Laurie must Ramirez have beauty products – check out 

our kick off feature on page 7. Laurie Looking lramirez@familytimesinc.com 

Ramirez for new activities to partake with 

lramirez@familytimesinc.com 

your family this summer? Be sure 952-926-1451 to head to page Phone 12 for all sorts of summer 

fun, as well as our event calendar 

952-926-1451 952-926-1452 on page 24. 

Phone FaxLastly, 

for those still on 

952-926-1452 Fax 

the search for the perfect camp e-mail to send ad your materials tots off to: to this summer, we 

have you covered with our special 

e-mail ads@familytimesinc.com 

Camp 

ad materials 

Guide on 

to: 

page 14, where you’ll 

ads@familytimesinc.com 

be sure to find the right camp for your kiddies no matter what activities 

excite them. 

 

Ok to run as is 

So my fellow Minnesotans, I wish Ok to you run the as best is of weather this sum- 

 

Run w/changes marked 

mer as you around up your family Run and head w/changes out for marked your most enjoyable 

summer vacation yet, with the help 

 

Send of Family another Times proof of course! We’d love 

Send another proof 

to hear from you about your activities 

 

Will this send summer new art – by visit us at Familytimesmag.com 

& Facebook.com/FamilyTimesMagazine. 

Will send new art by 

From our Family to Yours, 

Kate 

Kate Winninger 

Associate Publisher 

at Macalester College in St. Paul 

 

e-mail 

e-mail 

disk 

disk 

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______________________ 

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6 

Big brother is watching. So is the babysitter on her iPad, dad 

on his iPhone, and mom on her office computer. As many as four people at 

once can keep an eye on your prize with the iBaby Monitor — the only mobile 

video monitor with two-way audio that we have spied on the market. Hightech 

doesn’t mean complicated. Just download the app to your iPhone, iPad, 

or computer; plug the monitor into your network to register; and install the 

camera in the room. Our favorite perk is that you can control the camera lens 

with just a swipe of your finger. So if your little Houdini disappears from view, 

drag your finger across the screen to find him. Alerts are issued when baby 

lets out a cry or makes a move. Twoway 

audio capabilities let you give a 

comforting “shhhh” from anywhere 

you have a connection. Plus, infrared 

night vision allows you to spy on 

baby in the middle of the night. You 

can even take pictures of tushy-up 

sleeping using your device’s camera. 

Available online at store.apple.com, 

$200. For more information, go to 

ibabylabs.com. 

Ella’s Kitchen Smoothies & Snacks are the perfect 

answer to hungry tummies at the park, summer 

camp, or an easy mid-day at home snack when 

hunger hits your little ones. These snack packs 

are perfect for any age and are a no-mess option 

when you and yours are on the go! Ranging from 

Strawberry Apple Snack Bars to Banana Mango 

Smoothies – Ella’s go-to snacks will keep a kid of 

any appetite satisfied. 

Find at your local grocery store & Target. $1.99 

singles to $24.00 per packs. To see all flavors, go to 

Ellaskitchen.com 

The Knot Genie is the answer to our woes of summer-tangled 

hair the result of day camps, swim 

lessons, and night-games galore. The cloud-shaped 

tool fits right in the palm of your hand, so there’s no paddle 

to yank through the tangle of locks. It has a series of bendable 

teeth of all lengths — that is what the Knot Genie team 

says makes the difference between an easy-breezy combing 

and something that might violate the Geneva Conventions. 

As the brush makes its way through hair, the teeth bend and 

give, rather than fight and rip, detangling without tears. 

Available online knotgenie.com, $20. 

Summer usually means our kids will 

be enjoying play dates aplenty, which 

could put their glasses at risk if playing 

gets too rough. Replacing frames 

gets increasingly expensive, so if the 

doc says glasses, get in the game with 

new flexible safety frames from Miraflex. 

Made from soft plastic material 

(not a single metal component), the 

frames reduce the risk of facial trauma 

while kids are at play, and an elastic 

adjustable band keeps them snug and centered on small faces. Available in 

six shapes, fourteen sizes, and 31 colors, they can handle any prescription 

strength and are practically indestructible. They had us at hello. 

Ask your family optician to order you a frame. $80-$100. To see styles, go to 

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The new Ultralight Caboose is the lightest, most 

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kiddies around the lake or through Minnesota’s 

vast trails & parks, while at the same time light 

enough for you to load & unload it by yourself. 

FamilyTimes is giving away a brand new 

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be announced May 31st. 

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FAMILY TIMES n APRIL - MAY 2012 APRIL - MAY 2012 n FAMILY TIMES 

photo courtesy of Essie 

photo courtesy of L'Oreal Paris 

photo courtesy of Bliss 

photo courtesy of Benefit 

7

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FamilyTimesMagazine 

“Was first you were a kid, then you were a mom- performance. But she failed to prevent a classic blunder 

www.theworks.org my?” That was Sally at age 3 asking my wife Betsy for – the boy tipped his head back and bit off the cone’s 

her resume. It was Mother’s Day and Sally was loung- point. “Now you’ve done it! It’ll drip all over everying 

in our bed after presenting her mom with a tiny thing!” she said. And the little boy dropped the cone on 

handprint in terra cotta. 

the table and started to cry. 

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“That’s right,” said Betsy. “First a kid, then a 

As the mom dragged him out of the shop, Betsy 

mommy.” 

whispered to me, “Do people lose their minds when 

Up until then Sally had been entertaining the they have kids?” 

possibility that children and parents are two differ- 

The explosion of the airship “Hindenburg” was a 

ent species, like ponies and horses. I don’t remember disaster all right, but for carnage of the emotional kind, 

Sally’s follow-up questions, but she might have won- check Wikipedia for The Birthday Candles Incident. 

dered: “What turned you from an ordinary sister-teas- Cousin Thomas was a serious and intense little 

ing, door-slamming child into a temperature-taking, boy. The year he turned 8, his dad put trick candles on 

homework-finding Mom?” 

his cake. With the extended 

Time and pressure are The fact is, many people DO lose family gathered around, 

all it takes to turn coal into their minds when they have kids. I know Thomas blew out the candles 

diamonds – a cheap trick by 

with manly expertise, only to 

I did. For most loving parents, a child is 

comparison. 

have them P.O. spark BOX 16422 back into 

When I first met Betsy, our hope for the future, our monument to life. Rattled, Attention: ST. LOUIS he blew PARK, them MN 55416 

she was still a kid at 24. And the past, and the clay from which we are out again, but they kept 

you couldn’t blame her; sculpting our masterpiece. 

re-lighting. __________________________ 

It was funny for 

except for a few summers of 

about This 15 seconds; is your ad but as it the appeared mo- in 

making French fries at a root-beer stand, she’d never ment got longer and longer while the last Thomas issue huffed of and 

done anything but go to school. Her conversation was puffed with a desperate intensity _____________________________ 

you rarely see outside 

heavy with anecdotes of her semester in Spain and of Little League games or torture chambers. Fun had 


tales of boozy college antics. 

died. I kept waiting for his parents to break in. When 

The night we met, it was hard to imagine Betsy as Thomas ran from the room in tears, 

Family 

his 

Times 

dad called 

Sept/Oct 

after 

Street Dates: Sept 10 - Oct. 27 

a tough, wise and loving mother of three, but she had him, “C’mon, Thomas, can’t you take a joke?” 

GIRLFRIEND written all over her! (Did I mention we I looked at Betsy and she made Grandparent a little gun Times out of 

were at a toga party and that Betsy was wearing a mint- her thumb and forefinger and pretended to shoot her 

green bedsheet that left one lovely shoulder bare?) brother-in-law. 

About four years later, when we were married and The fact is, many people DO lose their minds when 

getting serious about raising a family, Betsy was study- they have kids. I know I did. For most loving parents, 

As soon as their babies start babbling, most moms spend their days repeating 

one sound: “ma.” But not you, earth mother. You’ve got your little Zen 

dumpling practicing “om.” 

Yoga Stretches are great for young muscles, they promote flexibility, 

lower stress and refocus over-stimulated young-ones. Below are some useful 

poses to get your little started at home. Namaste. 

FOR BABIES: Criss-Cross 

This pose incorporates balance and cross-lateral movements, which encourage 

whole-brain learning. Begin with your baby lying on her back or seated 

facing you. Gently bring her right arm over to the left knee. Hold this position 

for three to five seconds; repeat three to five times. Then switch sides. 

FOR TODDLERS: Mouse 

A restorative and calming pose that’s perfect for bedtime, it can be incorporated 

into your routine to promote healthy sleep habits. Have your little come 

to his knees and sit back on his heels. Next ask him to bend forward, bring 

his forehead to the floor, and allow his belly to rest on his thighs. Gently 

place your hands on his back and ask him to take a few deep breaths. 

FOR PRESCHOOLERS: Cat and Cow 

These poses help wake up your noodle’s body after a peaceful night’s rest. 

Have your child begin on all fours, with her hands under her shoulders and 

her knees under her hips. For Cat pose, instruct her to round her back like a 

scared cat on Halloween, look at her belly button, and let out a meow. For 

Cow pose, allow the belly to drop to the floor, look up to the sky, and let out a 

moo. 

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8 FAMILY TIMES n APRIL - MAY 2012 

ing up – reading books and watching other parents in 

action. For her, shopping malls and family gatherings 

became galleries of the grotesque and laboratories for 

clinical study. 

“Are you catching this scene?” she asked one day 

when we were sitting in the food court of a big mall. 

At the next table, a mother and her 5-year-old son were 

eating chocolate ice-cream cones. “It’s dripping down 

this side,” the mother advised, pointing. Then: “Don’t 

tip it like that, the ice cream will fall off. Now it’s dripping 

down THIS side.” The kid applied his tongue to 

each emergency, brow furrowed. The mom licked her 

ice cream absently; her concentration was on the kid’s 

a child is our hope for the future, our monument to 

the past, and the clay from which we are sculpting our 

masterpiece. A child is our bid for immortality and our 

second chance at Getting It Right. And when we discover 

that we’ve invested all that in someone who can’t 

even operate an ice-cream cone, NOTE! we can’t handle This it. is the only 

The trick is to use the same reminder kind of common you will sense receive! 

in dealing with our kids that we’d Ad changes apply to must buying be a received by 

DVD player or baking a cookie. It’s not easy. But if you 

need a quick lesson, just look around ________________________________ 

– like August it or not, 25we 

are living in the lab. 

or ad will run as it appears on this 

* * * proof. Changes after this date 

Rick Epstein can be reached at will rickepstein@yahoo.com. 

appear in the next issue. 

Ad production after _____________ 

will incur a $25.00 RUSH CHARGE. 

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Playtime is Non-Negotiable 

BY LISA FANCES 

"Fun is an elixir of spontaneous ideas. Solutions that 

seemed so elusive earlier appear effortlessly in the midst 

of play. To engage in the kind of play that stimulates ideas, 

mortals need to take themselves less seriously and make 

room for making things up, kidding and goofing off.” 

Dance. Sing. Act. 

Summer 2012 

Theatre Workshops and Camps 

for Grades K-12 

youthperformanceco.org | 612.623.9180 x102 

So says Jill Badonsky, author of 

The Nine Modern Day Muses and a 

Bodyguard. 

We live in a time when “play deficit” 

is an actual phrase. Consider this 

from a 2007 report by the American 

Academy of Pediatrics on the importance 

of play: “Play is so important to 

optimal child development that it has 

been recognized by the United Nations 

High Commission for Human 

Rights as a right of every child.” 

The Alliance for Childhood is 

a Maryland-based nonprofit organization 

that, among other issues 

involving children’s well-being, works 

toward the goal of restoring play – the 

non-electronic, non-structured kind. 

According to the Alliance, childinitiated 

play helps with physical 

development, academics, social and 

emotional learning and happiness. 

So, why don’t we play more? 

Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek has a theory: 

fear. “We as a society run scared,” 

says Hirsh-Pasek, director of the 

Infant Language Laboratory at 

Philadelphia’s Temple University and 

the author of Einstein Never Used 

Flashcards: How children really learn 

and why they need to play more and 

memorize less. “The parent is worried 

about how they are going to 

make their child smart enough, good 

enough.” 

And the need for play isn’t just 

for those five feet and under in your 

household. Everyone can benefit from 

a game of capture the flag or dressing 

up the family dog. 

Jessilynn M. Shepord, a licensed 

professional counselor, sees many 

families struggle with the idea of 

fitting play into their family life. The 

mother of an 8-year-old came to Shepord 

for help. The mother had taken 

away the child’s Disney Channel time 

because she simply wouldn’t listen. 

Shepord suggested the mom ask what 

the girl would like to do in place of 

that time. To the mother’s surprise, 

Bloomington Theatre and Art Center presents: 

CAMP SHAKESPEARE 

A 2-week summer theater camp and performance 

opportunity for youth entering Grades 2 – 12 

June 18 – 22 and June 25 – 29, 9 a.m. – Noon 

Free public performances at 2 p.m. June 30 and July 1 

• Learn from professional theater artists 

• Partial scholarships available 

• Other camps also available 

the girl said family game night. The 

family reinstituted a forgotten tradition, 

and the girl’s behavior improved. 

“People are forgetting the importance 

of having that interaction with 

their child that is stress-free, time 

when you don’t have to assume your 

role as a parent and children just look 

at you as a regular person for a little 

while,” Shepord says. 

Hirsh-Pasek offers these play tips: 

Give up control: Yes, put your 

iPhone and child development 

books down. 

Remember, children are explorers: 

“Let the organic happen. 

If your child wants to stop to look at 

a slug and you hate slugs, it’s OK to 

have a conversation about it.” 

Embrace boredom: “Our children 

learn to be managers when they 

think they’re bored. They have to 

learn to fill and organize their time 

and not always look to the parent to 

fill it.” 

Shop at Big Lots instead of 

the educational toy store: 

OK, she didn’t actually recommend 

a retailer, but usually inexpensive 

items are more playful than their 

learning-specific peers. Think maracas, 

construction paper, scissors, 

fabric, wooden blocks. 

Shepord recommends carving out 

30 minutes twice a week with your 

children, once a week for older kids. 

Cell phones, computers off; doorbells 

unanswered. 

“And that doesn’t mean 30 

minutes chatting it up about why 

your child isn’t getting his homework 

done,” she says. “Eliminate all of that 

stress and focus on something fun 

with your children. How interested 

are you in having a really deep bond 

with your child? That’s what you’re 

creating in that time. How much is 

that worth to you?” 

952-563-8575 www.bloomingtonartcenter.com 

The morning after we moved into our new house, 

I woke up to shoulder-high stacks of boxes and 

promptly fled to the nearest coffee shop with my 

4-year-old son. As I sat there moping over a lousy 

cup of tea, I spotted a mirror image: a woman, with 

a young son, who looked as stressed out as I felt. 

As our kids lined up chairs to make a train, she 

laughed and said, "We'll survive this day better if 

we sit together." Marissa and I have been friends 

ever since, and my move -- which seemed so difficult 

at first -- ended up being a breeze. 

My husband teased me that evening when I 

told him how relieved I was to have made a friend 

in our new town. He didn't really get it, I thought 

-- moms make friends not just because it's convenient, 

but also because it's utterly essential to our 

health and happiness. Here are five reasons why. 

1. They Help You De-Stress 

Research supports what we already knew: When 

the going gets tough, guys grit their teeth, but we 

call our girlfriends. While men's bodies typically 

react to stress with a "fight or flight" response, 

women are hardwired to seek social contact with 

other women. "Our physical and mental health 

depend on having close relationships with people 

we can turn to, especially in times of crisis or 

stress," says Tara Flack, EdD, an expert on women's 

health at Penn State. What's more, the quality of 

a mother's intimate relationships is one of the 

strongest predictors of her child's healthy development 

in the early years, she says. "Mothers of 

young children need to know they have someone 

to turn to when things seem overwhelming." Kate 

Miller of Minneapolis, considers herself a very 

private person, but knows she can tell her friend 

Jane anything. "She frequently reminds me to let 

my husband do things his own way when he's taking 

care of our 4-month-old daughter so that they 

can develop their own relationship," Lauer says. 

"When I talk things over with Jane, I always feel 

reassured." 

2. They're Not Your Mother 

Joan Erickson, of Wayzata, adopted her first 

child when he was 5 weeks old. Everything went 

smoothly until, late one night; she mixed up formula 

in a bottle with a plastic insert and warmed it 

in the microwave. "As I was feeding him, I noticed 

this tiny writing on the plastic that said 'Do Not 

Microwave,' and I absolutely panicked," she confesses. 

She immediately picked up the phone and 

called her mother, who said, "Honey, you'd better 

call somebody else. I haven't done this in a while." 

Basics like bottles and diapers aren't what 

they used to be, and your friends can give advice 

on matters your mother never had to worry about. 

You may want to sleep with your infant or carry 

your toddler in a sling, while your mom argues 

that babies should stay in their cribs and make 

good use of that playpen. Or your mother may advocate 

staying home full-time, while you're already 

scouting out the best 

daycare. "No matter how 

hip she is, your mother 

probably has a selective 

memory about her own 

parenting track record," 

Dr. Flack says. Being a 

mom is more complicated 

than it once was, and we 

need our friends to remind 

us that we're not the only 

ones failing to meet some 

Basics like bottles and 

diapers aren't what 

they used to be, and 

your friends can give 

advice on matters your 

mother never had to 

worry about. 

impossible ideal of motherhood. Finally, many of 

us, no matter how much we love our mothers, don't 

see them as paradigms of parenting. We want 

people who share our values, and sometimes that's 

just not Mom. 

3. They're Always Brutally Honest 

Should you invite 100 people to your 1-year-old's 

birthday party? Were you wrong to tell your moth- 

er-in-law that she can't feed your toddler hot dogs? 

How much should you spend on a present for your 

kid's preschool teacher? Can you wear that strapless 

black dress even though you haven't shed 

those last 15 pregnancy pounds? Your friends will 

give you the most truthful -- and tactful -- answers. 

As a project manager with a busy work 

schedule and three children, Abby Fenlon, of St. 

Louis Park, depends on her friend Virginia to give 

her the straight scoop. "Virginia is home full-time 

and is totally on the pulse of what's going on in 

our community," says Fenlon. "She's fabulous at 

etiquette, and she helps me realize what's appropriate. 

For example, yes, I do need to let my twins' 

classmates bring their older siblings to our birthday 

party -- that's just what people do in our town." 

4. They Get It Like Your Husband Can't 

Emma Walker, of St. Paul, describes her husband 

as "a totally sensitive guy." Still, after having her 

first child, she realized it was impossible for him 

to understand some of the things she was feeling. 

"That's why it's such a relief to talk to a mom 

friend who gets it," she says. Your husband faces 

an insurmountable gender gap when it comes to 

fully understanding why you worry about leaking 

breasts, blow-dry your hair before going to the 

grocery store, or lie awake at night because your 

daughter's preschool teacher called her "timid." 

But other mothers can validate the fact that mothering 

is hard work, says Pam Jordon, PhD, author 

of Becoming a Parent. "What's more, women who 

lack close friendships are sometimes so needy 

that it can create conflicts in their marriage," she 

adds. With a friend, there is no limit on how long 

you can analyze an awkward conversation you 

had with an intimidating mom, but drilling down 

on such details with your husband is not going to 

make for a fulfilling exchange. 

5. They've Been There, Done That 

It's great to be able to commiserate on a daily 

basis with mom friends who have kids at the same 

age and stage. But it's an added bonus to have 

friends with kids of different ages: "With friends 

whose children are younger than yours, you can 

be proud of what you've learned and appreciate 

what's gone by," says Dr. Jordon. Friends with 

older children can clue you in on what to expect. 

Lindsay Shea, of Edina, is grateful to have met 

Diane, a woman in her mothers' group whose son 

is older than Shea's daughter, Olivia. "It's incredibly 

helpful to see what Olivia's next step is going 

to be and also to realize that there's 

a big range in what's normal for babies," 

says O'Shea. She also joined 

a breastfeeding support group. 

"When Olivia was born, I thought 

I'd just give nursing a try, but now 

that I've been hanging around with 

moms who are still breastfeeding 

their 1-year-olds, they've inspired 

me to continue nursing too," she 

says. 

Most important, though, many 

of the connections you make with other women 

through motherhood -- even if they started out at 

the playground -- may last a lifetime. "It's a wonderful 

camaraderie unlike anything else," says Emma 

Walker. "My mom friends and I started out going 

to each other for parenting advice, but now we talk 

about every aspect of our lives. I don't know what 

I'd do without them." 

10 FAMILY TIMES n APRIL - MAY 2012 APRIL - MAY 2012 n FAMILY TIMES 11

BACK TO NATURE 

Trail blazing. Head to a local, state or national 

park and make a day of nature hiking. Before you 

go, make a list of things for your family to find 

and identify, such as a black oak tree, woodpecker 

holes, a Gardner snake or a raccoon paw print. 

Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors 

or sunglasses and plenty of water and snacks. 

Don’t forget your hiking shoes. 

Z is for zoo. Visit the wild at one of the many zoos 

that have created natural, spacious settings for 

their animals, and teach your children the importance 

of these habitats. Check the schedule for 

animal presentations, and don’t miss the petting 

zoo where youngsters can walk and talk with the 

animals and feed them from their palms. 

Fresh-fruit picking. Perk up those taste buds 

when berries are in season. Round up the family 

and head to the country for a day of fruit-filled fun. 

When you get them home, work together rinsing, 

removing stems and preparing the fruit for shortcakes, 

smoothies and fresh-fruit pies. Call ahead to 

be sure fruit is ready for the pickin’! 

YOUR OWN BACKYARD 

Under the stars. Take full advantage of the peaceful 

Minnesota nights and camp out in your backyard. 

Kick off the evening by watching the sunset, 

then build a bonfire (if it’s permitted in your area), 

roast marshmallows and gaze at the stars. Bring 

out your guide to the stars and see what you can 

spot: the Little Dipper, Hercules or Sagittarius. 

Croquet champs. Set up this outdoor game for the 

entire family to play. Then, hold a family croquet 

match. Give handicaps to each family member 

based on most recent scores for a game that’s fair 

to all. 

Up, up and away. Is the wind hampering your fun? 

It won’t be for long. Make the most of that breeze 

and get your kite up in the air. 

Step right up. Organize a backyard carnival to 

raise funds for your favorite charity. The entire 

family will have a ball putting on this event. Hang 

posters in local businesses, and submit a press 

release to your local radio station and newspaper. 

Ask friends and neighbors to help man the booths, 

and set up games such as a beanbag toss or number 

wheel, a baked goods stand, fortune telling, 

face painting and refreshments. 

Green thumbs. Make gardening a family affair. 

Ask each member to choose a favorite vegetable to 

plant. If you’re getting a late start, look for starter 

plants that have already sprouted. Work together 

to get the garden ready and plant it, then give 

each person his own responsibility for keeping it 

up: watering, pulling weeds, picking ripe produce, 

cleaning vegetables and preparing produce to eat 

or store. 

Swiss family who? What’s a backyard without a 

hideout or special place to kick back? Little ones 

will thrill at building a tree house or fort. Older 

kids will look forward to a covered hangout — such 

as a gazebo — for visiting with friends. Whatever 

you build, have the whole family pitch in. Small 

children can feel a part of the project by carrying 

small materials, dispensing nails and occasionally 

swinging the hammer. 

OUT AND ABOUT 

Dancin’ in the street. Enjoy live music, new foods, 

boating and ski shows, magic acts, and arts and 

crafts. Look for upcoming festivals in our calendar 

section. 

Grab a putter. Family-fun centers offer a variety of 

recreation for the whole family. Get ready to practice 

your batting swing, holler, “Fore,” speed around 

the race track, bump another boat, or have some 

wacky golfin’ fun. 

Recycled treasures. Join the craze and spend the 

day rummaging for treasures. This is a great way 

for kids to get the most out of their limited earnings 

and to teach them the importance of recycling 

and how to get the best value for their money. 

Super sights. Places and things to see are abundant 

— from checking out the big city with its tall 

skyscrapers, old architecture, and murals and art 

displays, to viewing the wonders of nature. 

Performing arts in the park. Unwind by listening 

to a concert in the park or taking in a movie under 

the stars. These events are often under publicized, 

so contact area parks for a summer schedule. 

Big wheels and small. Paved trails are popping up 

everywhere: in parks, along riverbanks, and even 

through town. Pull out your bikes and roller blades 

and take advantage of these smooth paths. For a 

better work out and to keep everyone moving at 

an equal pace, have small children ride bikes while 

older ones and parents push off on their blades. 

Coasters, cars and Ferris wheels. A trip to a 

theme park can be the highlight of the season. If 

your children are at different ride levels, invite 

another family or two with children similar in age 

to your own. Then, split up so everyone can get the 

most out of the day. Meet up for lunch and dinner 

and to swap kids (so all adults get time with each 

age group). 

Park play. Take your little ones for a picnic and 

an afternoon at the park. Scout your area for an 

updated park with a large, enclosed fort-style 

playground. Bring along a playmate for your child, 

and they’ll be content for some time. Don’t forget 

to bring your reading to catch up on. 

WATER, WATER 

EVERYWHERE 

Beach bumming. Load up the beach 

ball, buckets and blankets, and get 

ready for a day at the lake. For added 

fun, take along goggles, snorkels 

and fins for underwater exploration. 

Wet your whistle — and more. Spend a smoldering 

summer day chilling at one of the many water 

wonderlands where your family can swoosh down 

waterslides, catch the man-made waves and tube 

around narrow canals. Before you go, ask about age 

and height requirements and what activities are 

available for the younger set. Don’t forget to protect 

your family’s skin; apply sunscreen throughout 

the day. 

Take a trip downstream. Canoeing is a fun-filled 

family adventure for all ages. Look for canoe rentals 

on a clear river and take a cool dip when the day 

heats up. Carry belongings such as wallet, keys and 

snacks in a waterproof bag that floats since tips are 

not only common (although easily avoided if caution 

is exercised), but can be half of the fun. Give 

kids plenty of opportunities to paddle and steer. 

Backyard water blast. Plenty of cool fun can be 

had right in your own backyard. Make it a family 

tradition to have an annual water spree: fill water 

balloons and play a game of catch; hook up the 

sprinklers for a cool game of tag; load up the squirt 

guns and super soakers and make sure everyone 

stays drenched. Then, take a refreshing break in 

the wading pool. 

Putt around the lake. You don’t have live on a lake 

or own a boat to enjoy this luxury. Contact nearby 

marinas, lakeside stores and resorts to find out 

where you can rent a pontoon or motorboat for a 

cruise around the lake. 


Photos courtesy of Circus Juventas 

These days, summer programs featuring traditional warm-weather fun aren't the only options available to 

families. A number of quirky camps now offer experiences kids won't find in school. Would your kids like 

to sound out their rock-and-roll dreams alongside the pros? Or magically transform into wizards for a liveaction 

role-playing game? Or go undercover as budding CIA operatives or increase adrenaline as movie 

stuntmen? Kids can live out all of their aspirations, fantasies, and more at six unique programs that will 

promise campers a memorable summer. 

Hollywood Stunt Camp at Pali 

Overnight Adventures 

Location: Running Springs, CA 

Age Range: 9 to 16 

Price: $1,615 per week 

Dates: June 19 to August 20 

Pali Overnight Adventures includes Girl Power 

Extreme, Secret Agent Camp, and Watersports Extravaganza, 

but Hollywood Stunt Camp is the one 

that should really catch little daredevils' attention. 

Athletic (and brave) kids learn how to tumble, duel, 

stage fight, and jump off the top of a three-story 

building -- all under the direction and guidance of 

movie industry professionals. Safety is the numberone 

priority: Mats are omnipresent and the equipment 

is state-of-the-art. After they've learned the 

basics, stunt campers collaborate with campers in 

the Pali's Film Institute department to conceive 

stunts for scenes in the students' short movies. The 

camp ends with a stunt show spectacular, where 

the kids show off what they've learned by directing 

and choreographing stunts. 

UNIQUE SUMMER CAMPS 

Circus Juventas 

Location: Saint Paul, MN 

Age Range: 6 to 15 & 13-21 

Price: Up to $395 for a week 

Dates: Each week from June 4 to July 20 

Circus Juventas’ exciting full-day, week-long 

camps explore the traditional circus arts as you’ve 

never seen them before. Their summer camp 

programs introduce students to the vast array 

of global circus arts techniques taughs by their 

internationally renowned coaching staff. There are 

many programs to choose from depending on your 

age – from Soar into Summer Circus Sampler, Full- 

Day Circus Performance Camp to Teen Adventure 

camp. Every Friday it’s showtime! Campers have 

the opportunity to invite family & friends to watch 

as campers spotlight their best circus stunts and 

smiles! 

Mad Science Summer Camps 

Location: Throughout MN, check Madscience.org for locations 


Price: Varies, depending on location 

Dates: Varies, depending on location 

Mad Science summer camps offer wide range of 

unique programs that are hands-on and aim to 

educate and entertain young science lovers. Every 

week, campers study a different theme, which may 

include Rocking Rockets, where they build individual 

flying devices; Crazy Chem, where they get 

creative in the lab; Secret Agent Lab, where they 

become scientific sleuths; and NASA Academy of 

Future Space Explorer, where aspiring astronauts 

learn about space. 

Spy Camp at Camp Lohikan 

Location: The Poconos, PA 


Price: $1,900 for a two-week session; $7,100 for all eight 

weeks 

Dates: June 26 to August 18 

Sleepaway camp Lohikan lets kids create their own 

schedules, which is quite a challenge, as there are 

close to 65 different disciplines offered each day. 

Spy Camp is the most intriguing. Over the course 

of three days, campers hone their secret-agent 

skills (code breaking and stealth surveillance) and 

participate in exciting activities (paintball, jetskiing, 

and martial arts). On the final day of camp, 

wannabe spies are grouped into teams and given a 

nation-saving mission. "They may be uncovering a 

mole or defusing a bomb," says camp director Mark 

Buynak. "Each week we run a new session and 

change the scenario." 

This piece was accurate at publication time, but all 

prices, offerings, and availabilities are subject to change. 

Please contact each summer camp for up-to-date rates 

and information before registering your child 

Residential Camp 

Camp Chippewa for Boys 

22767 Cap Endres Road 

Cass Lake, MN 

800-262-1544 

mike@campchippewa.com 

www.campchippewa.com 

Limited enrollment, unlimited possibilities. 

A wide variety of activities to challenge 

and delight boys of all ages. Adventure 

in the Chippewa National Forest 

– develop skills and create memories and 

friendships that last a lifetime. Traditional 

in-camp program and Canadian canoe expeditions. 

Fun and adventure since 1935. 2, 

4, and 8 week programs. 

Camp Omega 

22750 Lind Ave 

Waterville, MN 

507-685-4266 

info@campomega.org 

www.campomega.org 

Summer fun that changes lives! Camp 

Omega is a Christ centered community exploring 

God’s Word together. The program 

is staffed by trained and caring Christian 

Counselors who live out the faith as role 

models and mentors while helping campers 

understand Jesus’ love for them and 

experience fun in creation through swimming, 

archery, campfires, canoeing, sailing, 

rocket building, shot gun safety, river trips, 

outpost village living, and all camp games. 

Two, three, and five night stays for children, 

adults, and families. June 10-August 

17. Cost: free to $315 per person depending 

on camp program. Financial Aid available 

for qualifying families. Accredited by the 

American Camp Association. 

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning 

Center 

28097 Goodview Drive 

Lanesboro, MN 

507-467-2437 or Toll Free 888-800-9558 

(MN, IA, & WI) 

camps@eagle-bluff.org 

www.eagle-bluff.org 

Eagle Bluff offers summer camps for youth 

entering grades 4-9 and family weekends! 

Activities vary by theme but include the 

favorites: ropes course and rock climbing! 

Contact the Public Pro-gram Coordinator 

for more information. 

General Day Camp 

Camp Genesis 

23290 Hwy 7 

Excelsior, MN 

952-474-5181 x19 

fred.limmel@oslcs.org 

www.oslcs.org 

Camp Genesis; a variety of day camps conducted 

during the summer months by Our 

Savior School in Excelsior. Each camp has 

a specific skill focus and a lot of fun! 

International Kids Camp 

7000 Eden Prairie Rd 

Eden Prairie, MN 

952-918-1828 

kidscamp@ism-sabis.net 

www.internationalschoolmn.com 

ISM offers full and half day camp for ages 

3 ½ -those entering grade 6. From June 

18-August 10, this is your passport to summer 

fun! An afternoon sport option is also 

available. www.internationalschoolmn. 

com or call 952-918-1828. 

Orono Community Education 

705 Old Crystal Bay Road 

Long Lake, MN 

952-449-8338 x6350 

kking@orono.k12.mn.us 

www.orono.k12.mn.us/ops/ce 

Birth – Age 18 

Camps for everyone include: Sports, Academics, 

Art, Theater, Dance, Cooking, 

Swimming Lessons, Theme Camps, Recreation 

Programs, Technology, Environmental, 

Field Trips, and more! 

Orono Community Education 

952-449-8350 www.orono.k12.mn.us/ops/ce 

PLAYWORKS: Your Kids Will Flip 

for Summer Camp 2012 

2200 Trail of Dreams 

Prior Lake, MN 

952-496-6811 

Susan.perez@playworksfun.com 

www.playworksfun.com 

June 11th – August 31st. For kids entering 

1st – 6th grade. Arts & Crafts, Science & Nature, 

Field Trips, Games, Atrium. FT or PT. 

M-F 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Providence Academy 

15100 Schmidt Lake Road 

Plymouth, MN 

763-258-2500 

www.ProvidenceAcademy.org 

Building on the cornerstone of academic 

excellence and strong Christian values, 

Providence Academy’s summer programs 

offers a variety of academic, enriching and 

fun experiences! We are proud to offer 

activities from drama and driver’s education 

to computer building and basketball. 

There is also a program, The P.A.L.S. Camp, 

for students who want an all day camp experience. 

Our high quality programs are 

open to all students entering grades K-12. 

Participants do not need to be enrolled at 

Providence Academy to participate. 

Special Needs 

Camp Connections 

West Metro Learning Connections, Inc. 

355 2nd St. 

Excelsior, MN 

952-474-0227 

mwyatt@wmlc.biz 

www.wmlc.biz 

For children with Asperger Syndrome, 

High Functioning Autism, and others, 

that benefit from opportunities to develop 

social skills and friendships. June 11 – August 

24. No Camp week of July 2. Morning, 

afternoon, and full day options are available. 

Unique afternoon options for tweens 

and teens too! 

St. David’s Center Adventure 

Program 

3395 Plymouth Road 

Minnetonka, MN 

952-548-8700 

coreinfo@stdavidscenter.org 

www.stdavidscenter.org/adventure 

A community-based therapeutic recreation 

program for individuals with special 

needs, ages 11+. A structured group environment 

to build friendships while engaging 

in activities and outings. Multiple locations 

available. 

Summer Programs 

All Seasons Preschool Summer 

Camp 

7260 South Robert Trail 

Inver Grove Heights, MN 

651-450-0606 

amy@allseasonspreschool.net 

www.allseasonspreschool.net 

Fill your summer with art, nature, and activities 

with seniors! Water play, hiking, 

gardening, and time in our art studio. Set 

your own schedule. 

Calvin Christian School 

4015 Inglewood Ave S 

Edina, MN 

952-927-5304 

admissions@calvinchristian.org 

www.calvinchristian.org/camps.cfm 

Calvin Christian offers a variety of fun, active 

learning opportunities for students in 

grades 1-6. Included are Spanish, art, music, 

soccer, and Lego (building, engineering, 

programming). Space is limited! 

Creative Kids Academy 

Anoka, Lexington, Mounds View, & Centerville 

763-360-6730 

ckdirector@me.com 

www.ckakids.com 

We offer an exciting summer program 

for children ages 5-12. Activities include 

onsite visits and field trips off site. Some 

include Bunker Beach, Transportation Museum 

and The Works. 

St. David’s Center Early Childhood 

Education Summer Program 

3395 Plymouth Road 

Minnetonka, MN 

952-939-0396 

www.stdavidscenter.org 

Enriching partial or full-day program for 

children ages 16 months to 7 years keeps 

minds and bodies active all summer long. 

Flexible scheduling provides the freedom 

busy families need. 

The Blake School Summer Programs 

Summer Program Office 

110 Blake Road South 

Hopkins, MN 

952-988-3463 

www.blakeschool.org 

For lots of fun and tons of variety – explore 

Blake Summer Programs! From day camp 

to football camp to college prep – there are 

options for everyone. Programs run June- 

August. For information or to register, visit 

our website at www.blakeschool.org. 

Social Skills Groups 


355 2nd St. 

Excelsior, MN 

952-474-0227 x204 

info@wmlc.biz 

www.wmlc.biz 

WMLC is a comprehensive social skills 

therapy provider. Skills are practiced with 

peers in real social situations. Ages 3-30. 

June 11- August 10. 

Academic 

District 196 Community Education 

– Rosemount – Apple Valley – Eagan 

Public Schools 

Registration: 15180 Canada Ave 

Rosemount, MN 

651-423-7920 

communityed@district196.org 

www.district196.org/ce 

Explore, discover, and learn! Academics, 

animal ed-ventures, arts & crafts, computers, 

digital media & robotics, dance, drama, 

languages, music, science & nature, fitness 

& sports. Early Childhood to Grade 

12. Weekly: June 11-August 17, morning & 

afternoon. 

Groves Academy Summer Programs 

3200 Hwy 100 South 

St. Louis Park, MN 

952-915-4297 

beanc@grovesacademy.org 

www.grovesacademy.org 

Groves provides a personalized approach 

to teaching children with learning disabilities. 

Program dates are June 18 – July 13. 

Open to students from any school entering 

grades 2-8. High school options are 

available in two-week blocks from July 30 

– August 10. 

Minnesota Institute for Talented 

Youth 

1600 Grand Ave. 

St. Paul, MN 

651-696-6590 

mity@macalester.edu 

www.mity.org 

MITY offers academic enrichment for 

bright and motivated students. Students, 

in grades 4 through 12, are given the opportunity 

to expand their knowledge, challenge 

their perspective, and inspire their 

future. 

The Summer Algebra Institute for 

Kids 

PO Box 131826 

Roseville, MN 

651-645-4432 

info@algebraforkids.com 

www.algebraforkids.com 

www.algebraforbreakfast.com 

Top reasons that 3rd-6th graders should 

do algebra: 1. They can! 2. We make it fun! 

3. Algebra is the gateway to every higher 

math course they’ll ever take. Since 1995, 

SAI has used algebra to turn some 2,800 

kids on to math. Register your child while 

spaces remain; check our websites for 

more information and our online membership 

courses. 


Camps Ages 4 to 13 

www.madscience.org/mn 

for camp list with 

dates, times, locations 

or call 651-793-5721 

Robots, Rockets, Nature, Chess, 

Secret Agent, Chemistry, Space, 

and more. 

1:1 Tutoring 


355 2nd St. 

Excelsior, MN 55331 

sswanson@wmlc.biz 

www.wmlc.biz 

WMLC provides 1:1 tutoring to children 

with Asperger’s Disorder and High Func- 

Family Times 4.75 x 2 Press Summer Ad_MN Women's Press Ad for Groves 12/22/2011 3:04 PM Pa tioning Autism in Grades K-12. Program 

dates are June 11-August 10. 

952.920.6377 

www.grovesacademy.org 

August 13 - 17, 2012 

Concordia University, Saint Paul 

for girls and boys ages 8 - 12, completed grades 2 - 6 

A day camp focusing on choral singing, 

campers also participate in drama and movement, 

visual arts, plus outdoor fun and games! 

Sponsored by the Minnesota Boychoir 

75 West Fifth Street, Suite 411, Saint Paul, MN 55102 

www.boychoir.org (651) 292-3219 tep@boychoir.org 

A A Celebration Celebration of of Korean 

Korean 

Culture for Children 

Children 

Korean Korean Culture Camp 

Camp 

Perform the beautiful fan dance. Learn tae 

Perform kwon the do. Eat beautiful kimchi. Expand fan dance. your Korean Learn tae 

kwon do. vocabulary. Eat kimchi. All children Expand interested your in Korean 

Korean culture welcome. 

vocabulary. All children interested in 

Open Korean to children culture pre-kindergarten welcome. 

through 6th grade. 

Open July to children 30-August pre-kindergarten 4 

through 6th grade. 

9:30 am to 2:50 pm 

August At August Minnehaha Academy 1-6 2-7 

Minneapolis 

9:30 am to 2:50 pm 

At Minnehaha $175.00 per Camper Academy 

$165 Minneapolis 

before March 1 

For questions, please call Lisa Bentley 

For questions, please call Lisa Bentley 

952-891-4524 

952-891-4524 

For registration information, contact Laura Bentley 

For registration information, contact: 

Laura Joan Bentley Scipior 

612-789-5228 

612-789-5228 

joan@donfred.com 

www.kccmn.org 

www.kccmn.org 

Summer programs for 

students who have learning 

or attention challenges 

l Open to students from any school entering grades 2 - 8 

l Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction 

l Morning academic classes and afternoon enrichment 

Program dates: June 18 - July 13 

High school options available 

throughout the summer 

Jump right in ... 

Try a variety of 

summer learning 

opportunities in 

Rosemount- 

Apple Valley-Eagan 

Public Schools! 

www.district196.org/ce • 651-423-7920 

& & & Teen Teen Teen Academies 

Academies 

Academies 

CREATE VIDEO GAMES! 

DEVELOP iPHONE® APPS! 

PROGRAM ROBOTS! 

MAKE MOVIES! 

60+ UNIVERSITIES. AGES 7-18. 

Macalester 

Northwestern 

Princeton 

Stanford 

Yale 

www.internalDrive.com 

1-888-709-TECH (8324) 

Art 

Abrakadoodle 

Various Twin Cities Locations 

612-605-8379 

slawrence@abrakadoodle.com 

www.abrakadoodle.com/mn01 

Fun art classes, camps, and parties for 

ages 2-12. Themes range from Princess 

and Fairies to Star Wars, Fashionista 

Camp, I Love Duct Tape, Superhero 

Camp, Learn to Draw, Dinosaurs and 

Dragons Camp and more! Weekly classes 

plus full and half day camps. Awarded 

Best Art Program in the Twin Cities. 

College of Visual Arts Summer Art 

and Design Immersion 

344 Summit Avenue 

Saint Paul, MN 

651-757-4054 

learning@cva.edu 

CVA is offering weeklong classes for 

high school students interested in art 

and design. Take a workshop in drawing, 

painting, fashion design, illustration, 

or photography. Learn more at www.cva. 

edu/community/. 

Culture Camp 

Children’s Theatre Company, Highpoint Center 

for Printmaking, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet 

and Mask Theatre, Minnesota Center for 

Book Arts, and Zenon Dance School 

Minneapolis, MN 

www.mnbookarts.org 

Become a modern day Renaissance kid! 

Explore the world of theatre, printmaking, 

dance, bookmaking and puppets at 

five local arts organizations. Ages 6-11, 

August 13-17, 9am-3pm. 

Kidcreate Studio 

7918 Mitchell Road 

Eden Prairie, MN 55344 

952-974-3438 

info@kidcreatestudio.com 

www.kidcreatestudio.com 

Kidcreate Studio offers summer art 

camps for children ages 3 to 12. Our curriculum 

is designed to inspire and educate 

your young artist in an environment 

where giggles and grins are encouraged. 

Camps focus on art principles and introduce 

students to many types of art media. 

Campers get to explore, make a mess 

and have fun! This year’s camps include: 

Dinomania, Princess Dress-Up, My Doll’s 

Big Adventure, Pinkalicious, Unicorns 

and their Fairy Friends, Glitter Galore, 

Horsing Around, Angry Birds and more 

App Art, Exxxtreme Art, Lego Star Wars, 

Peace-Love-Art and many more! At Kidcreate, 

making a mess is the best! 

Minneapolis College of Art and 

Design 

2501 Steven Ave 


612-874-3765 

continuing_studies@mcad.edu 

www.mcad.edu/youth 

MCAD offers high quality art and design 

summer camps for kids and teens. Classes 

are taught by professional art educators 

and are designed to foster creativity 

and learning. 

Shell Lake Arts Center 

802 First Street 

Shell Lake, WI 

715-468-2414 

info@shelllakeartscenter.org 

www.shelllakeartscenter.org 

Feed your creative side at the Shell Lake 

Arts Center this summer! With three different 

art camps, there is something for 

everyone! Film making, Painting and 

Drawing, and Extreme Pottery – you just 

can’t go wrong. Visit us at www.shelllakeartscenter.org 

for session dates or 

call 715-468-2414. 

Studio 7 

708 N 1st Street 


612-376-0381 

Nancy@Studio7mn.com • www.Studio7mn.com 

The students at Studio Seven work directly 

with the artist in a studio environment. 

Class sizes are kept small in order 

to ensure direct individual assistance. 

The curriculum is designed to artistically 

challenge children and young adults, 

ages seven through seventeen. One week 

painting and drawing sessions will be 

offered at the studio this summer. The 

sessions will run Monday through Friday, 

students may arrive anytime after 

8:00 am and pick up time is at 5:00 pm. 

Sessions are available through June 25th 

to August 10th. For more information 

please visit Studio7mn.com. 

The Art Academy 

515 South Albert Street 

St. Paul, MN 

651-699-1573 

www.theartacademy.net 

Winner of the City Pages Best of the 

Twin Cities 2012 Award, The Art Academy 

offers year-round classes and camps 

for students ages 5 - Adult. Programs 

improve students’ drawing and painting 

abilities in a safe, fun, noncompetitive 

environment. Students progress at their 

own pace on individual projects. Excellent 

teacher/student ratios. A Create 

Your Own Schedule option allows families 

to build our program around other 

planned activities. Classes and camps 

take place at our school’s location. The 

Art Academy’s summer camps begin 

June 11th and run through August 10th. 

Visit our website to see examples of student 

artwork. Call for a brochure. 

The Loft’s Young Writers Program 

1011 Washington Ave S. 


612-215-2575 

loft@loft.org • www.loft.org 

More than 50 creative writing classes for 

ages 6-17 all summer long. Classes are 

led by award-winning authors and professional 

writers who love working with 

youth and teens. 

The Phipps Summer Art Camp 

109 Locust Street 

Hudson, WI 

715-386-2305 

info@thephipps.org • www.thephipps.org 

Partial-day and full-day classes in drawing, 

painting, sculpture, pottery, mosaic, 

animation, fiber arts, jewelry-making, and 

printmaking, as well as creative dramatics 

and musical theater for preschool through 

teens, taught by experienced artists. June 

11 – August 24. 

Science & Technology 

Camp Invention 

40+ camps at local schools in MN 

800-968-4332 

Contact person: Susan Z. Clarke 

16301 Hilltop Road 

Eden Prairie, MN 55347 

952-974-7960 

Fax: 952-949-8939 

CampInventionMN@aol.com 

www.campinvention.org 

Unleash the creative genius in your child! 

Take apart appliances, make new inventions, 

build a magnet-powered city to 

scale, design a maglev train. Presented by 

local teachers for grades 1-6. 

Computer Explorers Techstar 

Summer Camps 

Held throughout Minnesota 

651-730-9910 

computerexplorers@comcast.net 

www.computerexplorersmn.com 

Technology camps for ages 4-14. Where 

learning is fun, innovative, challenging, 

and hands-on. With over 200 camps offering 

exciting classes in Robotics, Video 

Game Design, Movie Production, Animation, 

Solar, Aerospace, Engineering and 

more! 

iD Tech Camps – Summer Tech Fun! 

Held at Macalester, the University of Wisconsin, 

Princeton, 

and 60+ universities in 27 states 

1-888-709-TECH (8324) 

info@internalDrive.com 

www.internalDrive.com 

Gain a competitive edge! Create iPhone 

apps, video games, movies, and more at 

weeklong, day and overnight programs 

held at Macalester, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 

Northwestern, Stanford, 

and others. Small classes for ages 7-17 in a 

fun and challenging setting. Also 2-week, 

Teen-only programs held at Lake Forest 

College (in the Chicago area), Princeton, 

Harvard, Yale, and others: iD Gaming 

Academy, iD Programming Academy, 

and iD Visual Arts Academy (filmmaking 

& photography). 

Mad Science and Schoolhouse 

Chess 

519 Payne Ave 

St. Paul, MN 

651-793-5721 

mail@madsciencemn.org 

www.madscience.org/mn 

Camp themes include rockets, robots, 

inventors, chemistry, space, nature, forensics, 

and more. Camps for preschoolers to 

13-year-olds. Camps offered in 25 school 

districts throughout the Metro Area. 

Check local publications or our website 

after April 1 for camp dates, times and locations. 

Science Explorers, Inc. 

620 Mendelssohn Ave North 

Golden Valley, MN 

763-544-5441 

info@science-explorers.net 

www.science-explorers.net 

Celebrating 20 years of amazing, handson 

science fun! Offering day camps in all 

areas of science including amusementpark 

physics, chemistry, dinosaurs, engineering 

forensics, rockets, and more. 

Throughout Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. 

Students ages 3-14. Check local 

school and park publications to register 

or visit our website for more information. 

The Works 

9740 Grand Ave S 

Bloomington, MN 

952-888-4262 

www.theworks.org 

The Works has summer camps for girls 

and boys entering kindergarten through 

7th grade who love to explore, design and 

build! Kids learn how things work through 

fun, hands-on science and engineering 

projects. Discover messy chemistry, Lego 

Robotics, electricity, architecture and 

more! Camps run June 11 through August 

31 at The Works, 9740 Grand Ave S, 

Bloomington, MN 55420. Register online 

at www.theworks.org or call 952-888-4262. 

Dance 

Deuxmensions Dance Theatre & 

School 

4402 France P.O. Avenue BOX South 16422 

Minneapolis, Attention: 

ST. MN LOUIS PARK, MN 55416 

952-926-7542 

deuxmensionsdance@prodigy.net 

__________________________ 

www.deuxmensions.com 

Preschoolers 

This is 

experience 

your ad as 

dance 

it appeared 

through 

in 

movement 

the last 

surrounding 

issue of 

one of four 

themes. _____________________________ 

School-age workshops in jazz, 

tap, and ballet. Teen and adult ballet, tap 

and modern 

Your 

classes. 

ad is scheduled 

Contact us 

to 

for 

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com- 

in: 

plete schedule. Family Times March/April 

Street Dates: March 5 - May 5 

Zenon Dance Company and School 


528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 400 


612-338-1101 

info@zenondance.org 

www.zenondance.org/school 

Half-day dance camps for ages 6-14: Hip 

Hop camp (July 23-27), Interdisciplinary 

camp (July 30-Aug 3), plus Hip Hop 

camps in Burnsville (Aug 6-10). All students 

train, choreograph and perform. 

NOTE! This is the only 

reminder you will receive! 

Summer Fun that 

Changes Lives! 

Camp Omega 

a Christ centered community 

helping participants have fun, grow 

in meaningful relationships, and 

understand Jesus’ love for them. 

June, July & August 

• Programs consist of two, three and five night 

stays for children, youth, adults and families. 

• Many outdoor on-site recreational activities 

and off-site adventure trip opportunities. 

• Trained, caring, Christian counselors. 

• Accredited by the American Camp 

Association. 

(507) 685-4266 • info@campomega.org 

Visit us online at www.CampOmega.org 

Art and Nature Summer Camp 

Flexible schedule 

Daily time with seniors 

Create a Summer of Memories! 

◗ Horseback Riding 

◗ English & Western Equitation 

◗ Horse Care & Safety 

◗ Boys & Girls 8-18 

◗ All Riding Levels 

◗ Professional Instructors 

Call 715-426-1321 or Visit www.kinnivalleyacademy.com 

Art and design 

classes for 

kids and teens, 

ages 5 – 18 

MCAD Continuing Studies 

Summer Youth Programs 

June 11 – August 10 

16 FAMILY TIMES n APRIL - MAY 2012 APRIL - MAY 2012 n FAMILY TIMES 17 

OVER 200 CAMPS 

IN MINNESOTA 

Register online today! 

mcad.edu/youth 

612.874.3765 

Robotics 

Video Game Design 

Animation & More 

Discover! Create! Imagine! Innovate! 

Research-proven technology camps 

for ages 5-14. Where learning is fun, 

innovative, challenging and hands-on. 

651-730-9910 

www.computerexplorersmn.com

Drama 

Acting Summer Camp with 

Harmony Theatre Company & 

School 

6121 Excelsior Blvd 

St. Louis Park, MN 

763-442-1069 

info@harmonytheatre.org 

www.harmonytheatre.org 

June – August 2012. Acting training; 

games/outside activities, field trips. Each 

session will culminate in a live performance. 

Themes: improv theatre; maskmaking 

and storytelling; Shakespeare, creating 

an original radio show. 

Bloomington Theatre and Art 

Center presents “Camp 

Shakespeare” 

1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd 


952-563-8575 

info@bloomingtonartcenter.com 

www.bloomingtonartcenter.com 

June 18 – July 1. Two week theater camp 

followed by public outdoor performances. 

Member discounts and partial scholarships 

available. Regular tuition cost $285. 

Other camps also available through the 

summer. Grades 2-12. 

Chanhassen DT Musical Theatre 

Camp! 

501 W 78th St 

PO Box 100 

Chanhassen, MN 

952-934-1525 

www.chanhassendt.com/musical_theatre_camp. 

aspx 

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres offers summer 

camps through the summer for kids 

ages 8-18. This fantastic week of half or 

full-day sessions focus on musical theatre 

taught by CDT stages professionals! 

Prices starting at $225 per child per week. 

Register by calling 952-934-1525 or at www. 

chanhassendt.com. 

Shell Lake Arts Center 



715-468-2414 



Get star struck this summer! Join the 

Shell Lake Arts Center for its 45th year of 

working with the nation’s top performers! 

Our internationally renowned faculty provides 

a week of music, dance, art, and theatre 

you’ll never forget in the heart of the 

Northwoods. Visit www.shelllakeartscenter.org 

or call 715-468-2414. 

Stages Theatre Company Summer 

Theatre Workshops 

1111 Mainstreet 

Hopkins, MN 

952-979-1138 

cproball@stagestheatre.org 

www.stagestheatre.org 

Our theatre workshops are designed to inspire 

creativity in youth ages 4-17. Taught 

by some of the finest professional theatre 

artists in the Twin Cities, our summer and 

winter workshops focus on the techniques 

of drama, music, and dance. Students are 

taught to explore and express their own 

individuality and build self-confidence 

through the performing arts. 

StarPlayers Musical Theatre Camp 

3518 Tara Lane 

Woodbury, MN 

651-730-0024 

js@starplayerstheatre.com 

www.starplayerstheatre.com 

Musical Theatre Day Camp for girls and 

boys in grades K-7 (2011-12 school year). 

Children participate in any of four weeklong 

sessions (June 18-22; June 25-29; July 

9-13; and July 16-20) exploring, rehearsing, 

and performing scenes and songs from 

musical theatre. Each session has identical 

content and concludes with an original 

show performed by the campers on Friday 

for families. Camp Directors are Jon and 

Karen Seashore, 33 year Woodbury High 

School Theatre Directors. Staff includes 

professional acting, vocal, dance, and art 

instructors, as well as small group counselors. 

Children learn while having fun 

with students in similar grades. Additional 

take-home benefits include camper 

t-shirts, art projects, and photo CDs showing 

the week’s activities. 

Youth Performance Company 

Summer Classes and Camps 

3338 University Avenue SE 


612-623-9180 x126 

learn@youthperformanceco.org 

www.youthperformanceco.org 

YPC offers a wide range of theatre classes, 

workshops, and overnight camps. Join us 

at Bay Lake Camp on Sisabagama Island, 

or act, sing, and dance in our summer 

workshops! 

Horse Camp 

Camp Featherbrook 

Featherbrook Farm 

20603 County Road 50 

Corcoran, MN 

612-868-8506 

featherbrookfarm@aol.com 

www.featherbrookfarm.com 

Camp Featherbrook is packed full of exciting 

and structured activities for the new 

rider and returning camper. Camp Featherbrook 

offers riding twice a day, immersion 

in the fundamentals and foundation 

of classical horsemanship. Your child will 

participate in games, crafts, horse grooming, 

horse anatomy, basic horsemanship 

skills, horse and stable safety, first aid, 

farm life and making new friends. For 

campers of any skill level, ages 5+. Camp 

runs June 2012 – August 2012, Monday- 

Wednesday. For more information & cost, 

visit www.featherbrookfarm.com 

Kinni Valley Riding Academy 

1171 30th Ave 

River Falls, WI 

715-426-1321 

carolyn@kinnivalleyacademy.com 

www.kinnivalleyacademy.com 

Treat your kids to a summer experience 

they’ll never forget: Horse camp at Kinni 

Valley Academy. Our camp is literally a 

breath of fresh air. Beyond learning about 

and riding our well-trained horses, your 

kids will gain confidence and pride in a 

safe and fun environment. Share in the 

fun with horse loving friends in English 

and Western equitation, horse care, safety 

and acres of trail rides along the scenic 

Kinnickinnic River. Hours in the saddle 

each day for boys and girls ages 6-18, all 

levels. Professional, caring instructors, and 

indoor arena. Kinni Valley Academy, creating 

confident children one stride at a time. 

5-day riding day camps offered Monday – 

Friday each week of June, July, and August 

2012. “Grab hold of the reins and create a 

summer of memories!” 

Language/Culture 

Alliance Française French from 

A à Z 

113 N 1st Street 


612 332 0436 

education@afmsp.org 

www.afmsp.org 

The Alliance Française offers half-day 

summer camps with fun and age-appropriate 

activities for children from 4-14, all 

in French! Camps are geared toward both 

beginner and experienced students and 

offer artistic expression in an immersion 

setting. 

Catalina’s Preschool Spanish 

Linden Hills Neighborhood, MN 

612-922-2222 

www.preschoolspanish.com 

Learn Spanish with your child! Fun, music 

based Spanish classes for kids ages 1 

½ - 6 years and their parents. Small class 

size. Teacher with 30 years experience and 

M.Ed. Off site available. 

Korean Culture Camp 

Minnehaha Academy 

3100 West River Parkway 


952-891-4524 

www.kccmn.org 

A great week of Korean culture, art, language, 

dance, martial arts and food. Open 

to adoptees, siblings, children of adoptees, 

first generation Korean-Americans and 

anyone interested in Korean culture; 4 yrs 

to 6th grade. $175 per week / $165 before 

March 1, July 30-August 4, 2012, 9:30am- 

2:50pm. Contact Lisa Bentley at 952-891- 

4524 or www.kccmn.org. 

Music 

Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs 

Summer Day Camp 

Bloomington Center for the Arts 

1800 W. Old Shakopee Road 


contacts@angelicacantanti.org 

www.angelicacantanti.org 

Calling all kids grates 2 – 5 that love to sing! 

Join us for a week filled with singing, music 

games, and arts activities. This camp 

will serve as a springboard from which 

singers will explore their vocal potential 

and increase their confidence in singing. 

Taught by the professional artistic staff of 

the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs program. 

July 23-27. 10:00am – 12:15pm. $95. 

Visit www.angelicacantanti.org or call 952- 

563-8572. 

Children’s Yamaha Music School 

Edina Community Center 

5701 Normandale Rd., Edina 

Hamline Center 

2819 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville 

612-339-2255 


www.cyms.ws 

Our musicianship and keyboard courses 

are designed for 3-8 year olds by The Yamaha 

Music Education System. Classes 

feature fun, musical activities that encourage 

creative independence, creativity and 

self-expression. Each class includes sining, 

keyboard playing, ear training, ensembles 

and more! The focus is on total musicianship, 

stressing the imagination as well as 

theory, composing and performance. We 

also offer private lessons in piano, voice, 

percussion, strings and more for ages 9 

and up. 

Sing Minnesota 

Concordia University 

St. Paul, MN 

651-292-3219 

tep@boychoir.org 

www.boychoir.org 

August 13-17, 2012, 8:30am-4:30pm. Sing 

from Minnesota is a week-long day camp 

for girls and boys, ages 8-12 (completed 

grades 2-6) sponsored by the Minnesota 

Boychoir at St. Paul’s Concordia University. 

While focusing on choral singing, 

campers also participate in other creative 

arts – drama and movement, visual arts, 

and outdoor fun and games! $300, scholarships 

are available. Registration deadline 

is July 27, 2012. 

The Shell Lake Arts Center 



715-468-2414 



Join the tradition of excellence at the nation’s 

longest running jazz camp! The 

Shell Lake Arts Center offers three weeks 

of jazz in beautiful Shell Lake, Wisconsin 

in the heart of the Northwoods. Visit www. 

shelllakeartscenter.org or call 715-468-2414 

for session dates. 

Youth Program 

The Loft’s Young 

Writers’ Program 

(ages 6–17) features more than 

60 creative writing classes this 

summer. 

Registration opens in 

late February. 


www.loft.org 

at University of Minnesota 

Directed by Head Women’s Tennis Coach, Tyler Thomson & 

Head Men’s Tennis Coach, Geoff Young 

• Junior Overnight and Day Camps 

• Boys & Girls, Ages 9-18 

Open to any and all entrants, limited only by age and availability 

USSportsCamps.com 

1-800-NIKE CAMP (1-800-645-3226) 

Where Can You Save a City, Explore 

the World or Discover a Planet? 

Let your children’s imaginations soar while 

discovering their inner genius at Camp Invention, 

a weeklong adventure hosted at a school 

near you (Summer 2012). 

Coming to over 40 local schools in Minnesota! 

Register your child @ 

www.campinvention.org or 800.968.4332 

In partnership with: United States Patent and Trademark Office 

© 2011 Invent Now, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Family Times Ad 

Camp 

“CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF QUALITY GYMNASTICS IN A SAFE, FUN, POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE.” 

CALL TO 

REGISTER 

TODAY! 

SUMMER 

CAMPS 

ages 3 to 17 

May, June, July & August 

SUMMER 

SESSION 

ages 15 months to 17 years 

June 11 th - August 17 th 

(closed July 2 nd - 6 th ) 

UNLIMITED MAKEUPS! 

FamTimesCampMar-Apr2012_Layout 1 2/9/12 8:27 PM Page 1 

The Twin Cities’ 

finest theatre camp 

experience! 

Camp registration 

includes one FREE 

show-only ticket to 

GYMNASTICS 

Boys & Girls ages 15 months to 17 years 

EDEN PRAIRIE 

Near Hwy 212 & Shady Oak Rd. 

(952) 920-5342 

APPLE VALLEY 

Off Cty Rd. 42 & Johnny Cake 

(952) 431-6445 

www.tagsgym.com 

Ages 8–18 

All 

experience 

levels 

welcome! 

Week-long sessions 

all summer starting 

June 18! 

★ ACTING ★ DANCE ★ VOICE ★ MOVEMENT 

952-934-1525 800-362-3515 

W W W . C H A N H A S S E N D T . C O M

Nature 

Adventures in Nature 

Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Ave. West 

West St. Paul, MN 

Nature Center: 651-455-4531 

srichter@dodgenaturecenter.org 

Preschool: 651-455-4555 

ayang@dodgenaturecenter.org 

www.dodgenaturecenter.org 

Send your children on an exciting adven- 

Inspiring and Challenging Students 

On campus and online 

A radical new 

way to experience 

a world class 

education 

A Powerful Blend of 

On campus and Online 

Education since1997 

in a public charter school 

Serving grades 3-12 

info@CyberVillageAcademy.org 

768 Hamline Ave S 

St. Paul, MN, 55116 

651-523-7170 

www.CyberVillageAcademy.org 

tures at one of Dodge Nature Center’s 2012 

summer day camps. Campers will gain an 

appreciation for nature through exploration 

of the prairie, woods, and wetlands. 

Recreational, nature, and agriculture based 

programs run from June 11 to August 16, 

2012 and are offered for children in preschool 

through grade eight. An evening 

family camp is also offered. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

scf2012 

 

 

2012Camps 

PrincessDressUp 

 

DinomaniaPinkalicious 

MyDoll’sBigAdventure 

 

HorsingAround 

 

AngryBirdsAppArt 

 

LegoStarWars 

 

andmanymore. 

 

 

kidcreatestudio.com 

9529743438 

 

TM 

Harriet Alexander Nature Center 

2520 North Dale St 

Roseville, MN 

651-792-7163 

hanc@ci.roseville.mn.us 

www.cityofroseville.com/parks 

Nature education and outdoor recreation 

for many ages and interests, including: 

2-day Little Folks camps for ages 4 and 5; 

week-long MinnAqua Fishing Clinic for 

grades 1-4; and 5-day Nature’s Kitchen and 

Scales and Tails camps for grades 1-5. 

For kids entering 1st – 6th grade in the fall of 2012! 

Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Exciting arts and crafts, science and 

nature, outdoor games 

and more! 

Call 952-496-6811 or email 

susan.perez@playworksfun.com Register Today! 

www.playworksfun.com 

Specialty 

Circus Juventas 

1270 Montreal Ave 

St. Paul, MN 

www.circusjuventas.org 

This year’s full-day, week-long camps explore 

international circus arts. Introducing 

students to a vast array of global circus 

arts, our unique program is taught by a 

renowned international staff in a supportive, 

non-competitive environment. Reserve 

your sport now! For the most talked about 

and unique summer camps in the Twin 

Cities. 

Cooks of Crocus Hill Cooking Camps 

877 Grand Avenue 

St. Paul, MN 

3925 West 50th Street 

Edina, MN 

651-228-1333, ext. 22 

astern@cochmail.com 

www.cooksofcrocushill.com 

Attention chefs in training! 

Cooks of Crocus Hill has just the summer 

cooking classes you’re looking for. 

Each class is a three-day hands-on series 

teaching a cariety of culinary musts: terms, 

techniques, baking, and international cuisines, 

just to name a few. Your young chef 

will have fun learning cooking techniques 

and information and descriptions of the 

classes offered. 

Aspiring Young Chefs: World Tour, ages 

13+, June 5-7, 10am-1pm, Edina 

Aspiring Young Chefs: ages 8-12, July 10- 

12, 10am-1pm, Edina 

Aspiring Young Chefs: Global Cuisine, 

$65 

enrollment fee. 

June 11 – August 31 

Full-time 

or 

Part-time 

Fun Field trips to beaches, 

parks, pools, amusement 

parks, and more! 

ages 10-13, August 7-9, 10am-1pm, St. Paul 

Cost: $195 and up 

Contact: Amy Stern at astern@cochmail. 

com 

Or 651-228-1333, ext. 22 

Sports/Fitness 

Camp Lincoln / Camp Hubert 

P.O. Box 1308 

Lake Hubert, MN 

800-242-1909 

info@lincoln-lakehubert.com 

www.lincoln-lakehubert.com 

Tennis and golf camps since 1973. All skill 

levels, ages 8-15, five hours daily instruction 

and play, plus traditional camp activities. 

Brainerd Lakes Area. We also offer traditional 

two, three, and four week boys or 

girls sessions, a co-ed session and family 

camp. 

Glenn Caruso Youth Football Camp 

2115 Summit Ave. 

St. Paul, MN 

651-962-5917 

kuchinski@stthomas.edu 

www.tommiesports.com/ftbl 

The Caruso youth camp is a no contact, 

non-padded camp for grades 3-8. Focus is 

on fundamentals of football skills, motivation 

and teamwork. Contact Wallie Kuchinski 

for details. 

Lynch Basketball Camps 

Various Metro Locations 

952-583-7943 

mlynch@advisornet.com 

www.lynchcamps.com 

International Kids Camp 

June 18—August 10 

Language and Cultures of Study 

Sign Language 

Danish 

Hebrew 

Vietnamese 

Age 3 ½ - Grade 6 

Full & Half-Day Options 

Afternoon Sports Options 

Extended Day 7 AM - 6 PM 

Lynch Basketball Camps have been running 

full and half-day camps since 1992 for 

boys and girls between the ages of 8 – 14. 

Players will learn the basic skills, fundamentals 

and techniques of the game. We 

will work on ball handling, shooting, rebounding, 

defensive footwork, etc. We will 

also fun 5-on-5 scrimmages in the morning 

and afternoon. Please check out our website 

for a complete listing of camps for 2012 

and our registration form. 

Nike Tennis Camp at University of 

Minnesota 

University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center 

1815 4th Street SE 

Minneapolis, MN 55455 

tennis@ussportscamps.com 

www.ussportscamps.com/tennis 

www.ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/universityof-minnesota-nike-tennis-camp/ 

Come join the fun this summer and get 

better! Offering three weeks of overnight 

and day camp for boys and girls ages 9-18. 

TAGS Gymnastics – Eden Prairie 

10300 W 70th St 

Eden Prairie, MN 

952-920-5342 

tags@tagsgym.com 

www.tagsgym.com 

Fun, Fitness, Friends! Gymnastics camps 

for boys and girls ages 3-17 in May, June, 

July, and August. Kids will learn fun, new 

skills while developing strength, flexibility, 

and coordination in a safe, positive atmosphere! 

internationalschoolmn.com 952.918.1828 

Don't Forget to Check Out 

www.familytimesmagazine.com 

for more camp info! 

Summer Camps Camps 

• •Water Forkhorn Adventure ~ July 8~ -July 13 6-9 

• •Outdoor Night Owls Adventures ~ July 15-18 ~ July 10-13 

• •Forkhorn Outdoor ~ Explorers July 17-22~ 

July 18-21 

• Night Owls Family ~ July 24-27 Fun 

• SummerFamily High Ropes Fun ~ 

• Summer Saturdays High throughtout Ropes ~ Summer 

•Saturdays Becoming throughout an Outdoor Summer Family 

• Becoming Weekend an ~ June Outdoor 9 - 10 

Family Environmental Weekend Education ~ June for Everyone! 18-19 

1-888-800-9558 

Environmental Education for Everyone! 


1-888-800-9558 

Located 5 miles NW of Lanesboro, MN 


Located 5 miles NW of Lanesboro, MN 

Plans are afoot for an assortment 

of recreational, academic and enrichment 

programs to help keep your kids active all summer 

long—from Camp Acoma (ages 4-11) to study skills 

workshops to lacrosse camp and more. 

For more information or to request a catalog, 

please contact us at 952-988-3463 or at 

summerprograms@blakeschool.org. 

Online registration 

opens January 2012. 


FUN summer programs 

for grades 1 - 6 

Lego: June 11 - 14 

Spanish: June 11 - 14 

Art: June 25 - 28 

Music: July 23 - 27 

Soccer: August 2 - 5 

Edina and Blaine 

Locations 

Register Today! 

WE TAKE SUMMER SERIOUSLY 

As you plan for the summer, we invite you 

to consider all that Blake has to offer! 


952.927.5304 

www.calvinchristian.org/camps.cfm

12-SP22 

SaVe $50 on registration 

now through March 4 

Summer PoWer 

Grades K - 6 

Summer Power is your answer to quality care 

and exciting adventures. We offer flexible 3-, 

4-, and 5-day options. Kids enjoy their day 

in small age appropriate groups and 

participate in activities such as crafts, group 

games, sports and weekly field trips. 

Summer at the y – hastings 

651-480-8887 

For more information: 

612-230-9622 


Financial assistance available. 

Membership not required 

for enrollment 

Summer 

Preschool 

Summer Power Kindergarten 


Power 


Sports 


Uproar 


Extreme 

Junior 

Achievement 

Specialty 

Programs 


at the Y 

ymca Summer ProGramS 

Summer rally DayS 

march 2 – 4 

Get Special Deals at 


andover ymca 

Blaisdell ymca 

ymca in eagan 

SaVe $12 per session 

March 2 –4 

Summer SPorTS 

Grades 1 - 6 

Youth will have the opportunity to learn 

new skills, practice and play new sports. 

Y Summer Sports is a safe, fun, 

non-competitive sports program designed 

to build teamwork, leadership skills 

and self-esteem. 

elk river ymca 

emma B howe ymca 

ymca in hastings 

ymca in hudson, Wi 

ymca in lino lakes 

mpls Downtown ymca 

mN Valley ymca in Burnsville 

ridgedale ymca 

Northwest ymca in New hope 

Need more information? attend the 

ymca Summer ProGramS Fair 

Saturday, march 3 

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

ymca in river Falls, Wi 

SaVe $50 on registration 

now through March 4 

Summer uProar 

Preteens and Teens Grades 6 - 8 

Uproar provides an exciting combination 

of spirited adventure and growth. 

Participants get their first taste of 

leadership as they help to plan their summer 

activities. Participate in weekly field trips. 

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ymca in Shoreview 

river Valley in Prior lake 

Southdale ymca 

St. Paul eastside ymca 

St. Paul midway ymca 

ymca in West St. Paul 

White Bear area ymca 

ymca in Woodbury 

ymca camPS aND Day camPS 

ymca Day camP 

SaVe $12 per session 

March 2 –4 

ymca TeeN WilDerNeSS 

aDVeNTureS 

camp menogyn 

ages 12-18. Camp Menogyn is located on the 

Gunflint Trail 30 miles north of Grand Marais, MN. 

There are no roads leading to Menogyn, so all campers 

cross West Bearskin Lake by boat to arrive at this 

beautiful, intimate wilderness setting. Our focus is on 

the small group, compassionate guided wilderness 

canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing trips that are 

safe, fun and enriching. 

camp Widjiwagan 

ages 12-18. Located on Burntside Lake near 

Ely, MN, Widji offers high-quality canoe and 

backpacking adventures in the BWCA and throughout 

North America. Widji wilderness trips are focused on 

respect and values that build skills for life, and a 

relationship with the environment that is unparalleled. 

ymca Day camP 

ages 4 - 14 

YMCA Day Camp provides a week full of exciting camp 

activities like canoeing, archery, fishing, camp crafts, 

cookouts, swimming and more! Day camps facilitate a 

great introduction to camping in a safe environment. 

Kids are home each night. Bus 

transportation is available at most locations. 

ymca Day camPS: 

SPecialTy camPS 

Develop a greater passion for the things you love, or try 

out something new at one of our YMCA specialty 

camps! Campers spend approximately 

2 hours each day in their specialized activity. The 

remainder of the day is spent enjoying traditional camp 

activities. 

Day camPS 

camp christmas Tree 6365 Game Farm Rd., 

Minnetrista, MN 55364, 952-544-7708. Traditional 

day camp is located on 45 acres 

at Dutch Lake near Mound, MN. 

ymca camp St. croix – Daycroix 

532 County Rd. F, Hudson, WI, 612-465-0560. 

Traditional day camp is located on 400 acre site 

overlooking Lake St. Croix. 

camp Guy robinson 3100 217th Ave NW, Oak 

Grove, MN, 763-785-7882. Traditional day camp is 

located at Lake George Regional Park. 

camp heritage 7732 Main Street, Lino Lakes, 

MN; Traditional day camp held across from Wargo 

Nature Center in Lino Lakes. 

ymca Day camp ihduhapi 3425 Ihduhapi Rd., 

Loretto, MN 55357, 763-479-1146. Located on Lake 

Independence. Day Camp Ihduhapi offers the beautiful, 

north woods feel of camp. 

camp Kici yapi 13220 Pike Lake Trail NE, Prior 

Lake, MN 55372, 952-835-2567. Traditional day camp 

is located on 80 acre site in Prior Lake. 

camp Kumalya 1515 Keats Ave.N., Lake Elmo, 

MN, 651-731-9507. Traditional day camp held at Lake 

Elmo Park Reserve in Lake Elmo. 

camp manitou 9910 Briarwood Ave NE, 

Monticello, MN 55362, 763-535-4800. Traditional day 

camp is located on 1200 acre site on Lake Bertram 

and Long Lake in Monticello, MN. 

camp Spring lake 13690 Pine Bend Trail 

Rosemount, MN 55068, 651-456-9622. 

Traditional day camp held at Dakota County 

Spring Lake Park Reserve in Rosemount. 

camp Streefland 11490 Klamath Trail, Lakeville, 

MN 55044, 952-898-9622. Traditional day camp is 

located on Lake Kingsley in Lakeville. 


12-SP22 

ymca oVerNiGhT camPS 

camp St. croix 

ages 7-17. Located on Lake St. Croix, two miles 

south of Hudson, WI. Campers participate 

in a wide variety of traditional camp activities or select a 

specialty camp such as horseback riding, rock climbing, 

sailing and canoeing. Three-day, one-week or two-week 

sessions. 

camp icaghowan 

ages 7-16. Located on Lake Wapogasset near Amery, 

WI. Icaghowan offers traditional camp and a variety of 

unique specialty camps focused on activities such as 

horseback riding, rock climbing, river canoeing, fishing, 

technical tree climbing 

and skateboard camp. Three-day, one-week or twoweek 

sessions. 

camp ihduhapi 

ages 7-16. Located on Lake Independence just 22 

miles west of Minneapolis, MN, Ihduhapi offers youth a 

traditional experience or sailing and horseback riding 

specialty camps. Three-day, one-week or two-week 

sessions. Leadership development programs for grades 

8-11. 

camp Warren 

ages 7-16. Camp Warren, located in the north woods 

on Half Moon Lake near Eveleth, MN, offers girls-only 

sessions the first part of the summer and boys-only 

sessions later in the summer. 

Camp Warren has a strong tradition of progressive 

activities including sailing, archery, tennis, photography 

and horseback riding. 

ymca Family camP 

camp du Nord 

all ages. Located on the edge of the BWCA on 

Burntside Lake, Camp du Nord offers a totally unique 

week-long camping experience for families. Cozy 

woodland cabins with kitchens range from rustic to 

upscale. Tent camping sites, full/partial food service also 

available. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, 

nature and arts programs are offered as family activities 

and for children’s age groups. Relax at days end with an 

authentic Finnish sauna. 

Day camPS iN ST. Paul 

DayCroix at Camp St. Croix 

Day Camp Heritage 

Day Camp Kumalya 

Day Camp Spring Lake 

Day camPS iN mPlS 

Day Camp Christmas Tree 

Day Camp Guy Robinson 

YMCA Day Camp Ihduhapi 

Day Camp Kici Yapi 

Day Camp Manitou 

Day Camp Streefland 

Archery 

Archeology 

Animals in Action 

Arts & Crafts 

Canoeing/Kayaking 

Challenge Camp 

Cheer/Dance 

Farm 

Digital Photography 

Fishing 

Dragons, Princesses, Fairies 

Golf 

Horse Camp 

Magic 

Mini Bikes 

Leaders-In-Training 

Nature/Science 

Outdoor Cooking 

Pioneering 

Outdoor Living Skills 

Planes Trains 

Sailing 

Sports 

Rock Climbing/Climbing 

Teen Quest 

Theater 

Traditional Day Camp 

Wee Backpackers 

Water Sports Adventure 

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Peak Adventures 

Yoga/Wellness

APRIL & MAY 

MINNEAPOLIS RECYCLE RUN 

April 22. Free kids half mile run (ages 11 

and under) and discounted MN Twins 

tickets available during pre-registration. 

Come take part in this run for a good 

cause. 

43rd St. W and E Lake Harriet Pkwy, 

Minneapolis 

651-688-9143 

www.andersonraces.com/events/ 

CHILDREN’S ECOARTS FESTIVAL 

April 28. This free family event features 

music, dance, storytelling, adult 

performing groups, children’s cultural 

activities, demonstrations, and ethnic 

food vendors. 

Harriet Island 

200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd, St. Paul 

651-698-2787 

www.artstart.org 

KIDS FISHING CLINIC 

May 5, 9am-12pm. This FREE event will 

be fun for the whole family! Bring the 

kids out for a day of fishing fun. 

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 

Cenaiko Lake 

9750 Egret Blvd, Coon Rapids 

651-429-8007 

www.anokacountyparks.com 

FAMILY ZOO ADVENTURES 

All classes take place at the zoo from 

1-3pm. 

May 6: Dr. Zoolittle – Learn what it is 

like to be a veterinarian. 

May 19: Shark Alert – Learn about this 

misunderstood predator of the ocean. 

June 9: Mighty Moose – Explore the 

wonders of one of Minnesota’s largest 

animals. 

Minnesota Zoo 

13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley 

952-431-9500 

www.mnzoo.org 

MINNESOTA HORSE EXPO 2012 

April 27, 28, 8:30am-9:30pm, and April 29, 8:30am-5pm. Come to 

the MN Horse Expo and enjoy Minnesota’s largest equine breed 

display featuring more than 50 breeds, free horse and pony carriage 

rides, a rodeo, educational tips on care, training and handling 

horses, and official Horse Expo logo apparel. 

Minnesota State Fairgrounds 

1265 Snelling Ave North, St. Paul 

952-922-8666 

www.mnhorseexpo.org 

MACY’S MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND 

May 12-13. Come spend Mother’s Day 

weekend at the Minnesota Zoo. Moms 

in free both Saturday and Sunday. 

Minnesota Zoo 

13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley 

952-431-9500 

www.mnzoo.org 

SPRING WHIMSY AT GIBBS MUSEUM 

May 12, 10am-2pm. A spring celebration! 

Weave a basket, make a head 

wreath, sample sugar cookies and root 

beer floats, and much more. In honor 

of Mother’s Day, moms are free when 

accompanied by their child. 

2097 Larpenteur Ave W, 

Falcoln Heights 

651-646-8629 

www.rchs.com 

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH CRUISE 

May 13. Show Mom how much you care 

by taking her on this cruise along the 

beautiful Mississippi River all the while 

enjoying a delicious brunch buffet! 

Book early – this cruise sells out every 

year! 

Harriet Island, St. Paul 

651-227-1100 

www.riverrides.com 

RELAX INTO MOTHER’S DAY 

May 13, 4:30pm tour, 5:30pm class. 

Spend Mother’s Day with a special tour 

focusing on women’s roles at the Hill 

House. Following the tour is a relaxation 

class. 

James J. Hill House 

240 Summit Ave, St. Paul 

651-297-2555 

www.mnhs.org 

MN OUTDOOR YOUTH EXPO 

May 19-20. A “can’t miss” event for families! 

This event is designed to get kids 

and teens outside with the opportunity 

to meet over 60 outdoor organizations, 

experts, and educators. 

Wild Wings of Oneka 

9491 152nd St. N, Hugo 

651-439-4287 

www.mnoutdooryouthexpo.com 

MN IN MAY STATE BBQ COMPETITION 

May 18-19. A top notch BBQ competition 

that even includes a large playground 

for the kids. 

Rice County Fairgrounds, Fairbault 

507-334-4381 

www.mnbbqsociety.com 

NATURE AFTER DINNER: SNAKE! 

May 22, 6:30-7:30pm. Bring the entire 

family! This is a parent-child program 

designed for children ages 3-8. Come 

meet some live snakes and better 

understand these wonderful creatures. 

Preregistration is required. 

Dodge Nature Center 

365 Marie Avenue West, West St. Paul 

651-455-2575 

www.dodgenaturecenter.org 

ONGOING 

FARM BABIES 

March 31-April 30. Spend the day at the 

Minnesota Zoo with baby chicks, piglets, 

lambs, calves, goat kids, bunnies, 

and ducklings. 

Minnesota Zoo 


952-431-9500 

www.mnzoo.org 

HOW PEOPLE MAKE THINGS 

Runs through June 3. This exhibit is a 

behind-the-scenes look at how everyday 

items are created, inspired by the 

factory tour segments from Mister Rogers’ 

Neighborhood television series. 

Minnesota Children’s Museum 

10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul 

651-225-6000 

www.mcm.org 

TO THE ARCTIC 3D 

April 20-June 30. Follow the journey of 

a mother polar bear and her two sevenmonth 

old cubs as they navigate the 

Arctic wilderness. 

Minnesota Zoo IMAX Theater 


952-431-4629 

www.imax.com 

FLINT HILLS INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 

May 29-June 3. June 2-3 is Family Weekend! The parks around Ordway 

Center are filled with free arts activities, arts exhibitions, and 

performances! Plus, for only $5 a person, enjoy two full days of shows 

by performing artists from around the world! 

Ordway Center for Performing Arts 

345 Washington Street, St. Paul 

651-282-3000 • www.ordway.org/festival 

CHILDREN’S ARTS FESTIVAL 

April 26-June 2. The return of this exhibit 

shows off the artwork of talented 

youth in the community. 

Burnsville Performing Arts Center 

12600 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville 

952-895-4685 

www.burnsvillepac.com 

FESTIVAL OF NATIONS 

May 3-6. This is one of the largest multicultural 

events in the United States 

– offering food from around the globe, 

bazaars with unique gifts, ethnic artists, 

and continuous entertainment of adult 

and children’s dance groups. 

RiverCentre 

175 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul 

651-647-0191 

www.festivalofnations.com 

REAL PIRATES 

This fascinating exhibit is taking place 

at the Science Museum of Minnesota 

through the end of the summer. Journey 

into the exciting world of pirates! 

Science Museum of Minnesota 

120 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul 

800-221-9444 

www.smm.org 

WILD WEST DAYS 

May 24-May 27. Take part in the city 

celebration with your family and 

friends. There will be a talent contest, 

live music, softball tournament, soap 

box derby, and the Wild West Days 

Parade on Saturday afternoon. 

Zimmerman, MN 

763-234-5414 

www.zimmermancivicclub.org/Wild_ 

West_Days.html 

CANNON RIVER RENDEZVOUS 

May 25-28. Step back to the 18th and 

19th century fur trade for this re-enactment 

during this period. Characters, 

activities, music, food, contests, vendors, 

and games are just a bit of the fun 

taking place at this family event! 

9 miles west of Cannon Falls on Cty Rd 

19 

2183 Hwy 19 Blvd, Stanton 

763-213-7572 

www.tcmlc.com 

DINOSAURS! 

Opening May 26! This exciting exhibit 

includes 15 larger than life animatronic 

dinosaurs including the ever 

popular Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

Minnesota Zoo 

13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley 

952-431-9200 

www.mnzoo.org 

LIFELIKE 

Exhibit runs through May 27. Want to 

know what it feels like to be a giant? 

Visit this exhibit at the Walker Art 

Center. Lifelike showcases commonplace 

objects at maximum size. 

Walker Art Center 

1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 

612-375-7600 

www.walkerart.org 

A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD 

June 8-10, 10-14. This musical is based 

on the Frog and Toad children’s 

stories. It follows the adventures of a 

worrywart toad and perky frog, along 

with their companions. 

Paradise Center for the Arts 

321 Central Ave. N, Fairbault 

507-332-7372 

www.paradisecenterforthearts.org 

ON STAGE 

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING 

April 24-June 10 

Children’s Theatre Company 

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis 

612-874-0500 

www.childrenstheatre.org 

HAIRSPRAY 

Performance runs thru May 26 

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 

501 W 78th St, PO Box 100, 

Chanhassen 

952-934-1525 

www.chanhassendt.com 

GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK 

April 13-May 13 

Stages Theatre Company 

1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins 

952-979-1111 


HARMONY THEATRE COMPANY & SCHOOL 

6121 Excelsior Blvd. Minneapolis 

Conquering Infinity: Adventures of Alice in Mathland 

Sunday, June 10th 4pm 

Round up you little ones to enjoy Harmony Theatre's debut of Conquering 

Inifinity: Adverntures of Alice in Mathland. Follow the beloved characters 

from Lewis Carroll's beloved "Alice in Wonderland" in this whirlwind 

story of Mathematics - from Set Theory to Topology - one of the 

greatest inventions of the human mind. Open your imagination to see 

what mathematics is about and how exciting it can be! For more information 

& tickets please call: 736-442-1628 or www.HarmonyTheatre.org 

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE 

MOON 

April 27-May 20 

Stages Theatre Company 

1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins 

952-979-1111 


WIZARD OF OZ – THE BALLET 

May 11-13 

Burnsville Performing Arts Center 

12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville 

952-895-4685 

www.burnsvillepac.com 

A HILARIOUS DUCK TAKES CHARGE 

April 13 - May 13 

World Premiere! 

April 27 - May 20 

Young Minli lives with her parents 

near Fruitless Mountain, surviving 

on the meager fare they can 

produce. Inspired by the rich tales 

her father tells, Minli determines 

she will find the Old Man of the 

Moon who, it is said, knows the 

secret of good fortune. On her 

quest she encounters royalty, 

dragons, and several more stories, 

from which she learns what true 

good fortune really is. This “fantasy 

crossed with Chinese folklore”, is 

presented in the Hopkins Jaycees 

Studio with limited seating for 

ages 8 and up. 

Find more Must-Do Events 

Online at 

www.familytimesmagazine.com 

Or on Facebook 

facebook.com/ 

familytimesmagazine 

When Farmer Brown takes 

a vacation, his brother Bob 

comes in to watch the farm. “I 

wrote everything down for you. 

Just follow my instructions,” 

he is told. A certain literate 

(and mischievous) Duck nds 

a pencil and begins writing 

his own notes for brother Bob 

to nd and follow. (Notes like 

“Tuesday night is pizza night. 

The hens prefer anchovies”). 

The laughs ensue in this magical 

world premiere adaptation for 

all ages. 

WWW.STAGESTHEATRE.ORG 

BOX OFFICE: (952) 979-1111 


Scan the QR Code 

and join us on 

Facebook today!

Over 300 horses 

from 50 breeds 

and over 600 

vendor booths! 

30 th Minnesota Horse Expo 

Fun and exciting for all the horse lovers in your family! 

April 27, 28, 29 h Minnesota State Fairgrounds 

FREE HORSE, PONY & WAGON RIDES 

Kids area, PRCA Rodeos, Lectures, Demonstrations and much more! 

For admission and schedule information, call the Minnesota Horse Expo 

952-356-2029 or visit www.mnhorseexpo.org 

 

 

 

 

 

t 

 

 

 

 

Laying the foundation to 

educate minds and inspire faith 

Preschool • School K-8 • Child Care 

Summer Day Camp • Before/After Care 

33 months to 8 

Nationally Accredited School • SMART Boards • Spanish • Drama • Music 

Athletics • Art • Chapel • Half or Full Day Kindergarten 

th grade, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

952-373-8545 • oslcs.org 

23290 Hwy 7, Excelsior (Just east of Hwy 41) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Times Magazine meets the diverse needs of modern Minnesota 

families by connecting them with the tools, targeted content and a 

supportive community to help them navigate every stage of the often 

humorous, sometimes chaotic and almost always joyful life with children. 

Family Times provides page-after-page of trusted advice, tested tips 

and must-have products to cultivate your perfect family and solve everyday 

dilemmas. With kids growing up faster than ever, Family Times 

helps parents keep their finger on the pulse of the latest parenting 

news & trends. 

Over 350 distribution sites 

98,000 readers per issue 

Distribution locations include: 

• Brueggers Bagels 

• Local Libraries 

• Local Montessories 

• New Horizon Child Care 

• Kid’s Hair 

• Local Dentists, Pediatric 

& Prenatal offices 

• And Many More! 

brooklyn park 

maple grove 

brooklyn Center 

plymouth 

golden valley 

st. louis park minneapolis 

roseville maplewood 

white bear lake 

Shoreview 

minnetonka edina st. paul 

richfield woodbury 

eden prairie 

bloomington inver grove 

eagan heights 

prior lake burnsville apple valley 

savage lakeville 

April May June July Aug Sept 


Camp 

Guide 

Summer Fun 

Guide 

Back to 

School 

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 

Fall Fun 

Guide 

Education 

Guide 

Camp 

Guide

Photo: Peter Myers 

World of 

Rhythm 

Zorro 

The Wolf 

and the 

Goat 

BAM 

ALL 

INDOOR 

SHOWS$5 

sponsored 

by 

RIDE FREE 

to the festival 

Go Greener Passes at 

ordway.org/festival 

ordway.org/festival 651.224.2222 JUNE 2 & 3 

FLINT HILLS 2O12 

International 

Children’s 

Festival 

The Ordway is a nonprofit charitable organization. 

28 famtimes 9.375x10.75 fest.indd 1 4/12/12 9:32 AM 

FAMILY TIMES n APRIL - MAY 2012

Summer Camps - Family Times Magazine

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