NW Kids Magazine April 2015

NERD & EXCURSION CAMPSHIKING WITH KIDS DAY TRIP: VANCOUVERBABY BOOT CAMP

L I V E • PLAY • DO magazine

nwkidsmagazine.com

April2015

2 | NW Kids Magazine

NW Kids Magazine | 3NW Kids Magazine | 3

Contents8

Head North: Explore Vancouver

12Hiking with Kids:

A Guide to Fun on the Trail

18 Into the Wild:

Oregon Excursion Camps

22Nerd Camps:

Engaging the Left Brain

24Resource Guide:

More Nerd & Excursion Camps

28Best of Portland and Beyond:

Our Top Picks forGetting Out This Month

34Finding Fitness After Baby

38Found Around Town:

Stem Toys

APRIL 2015


EDITORS’CornerSpring in Portland is quite possibly our favorite time of year. Yes, we’ve had an extremely mild winter (a little weird frankly), but we’re still ready for longer days, spending time in our city’s parks, digging in the dirt, eating outdoors and adventuring in our neighborhoods and beyond.

This month we head north to explore Vancouver. There’s plenty to do on the Washington side of the Columbia River. When we need a change of scenery, but aren’t up for a long drive, we drive across the bridges for some fun. If you haven’t discovered Vancouver, head to page 8 and find out how to spend a day there with your family. In this issue we’re also rounding up some of the area’s amazing camp offerings. The Pacific Northwest abounds with excursion camps for families and older kids. Be sure to check out those on p. 18. And if you have self-proclaimed nerds in your family, you may want to read up on which camps they might like on p. 22.

April means one thing for NW Kids. It's our 4th annual Summer Camp Expo at OMSI! If you still haven’t decided where your kids will go to camp this summer, come on down to OMSI on April 11th. We’ll be there from 10 am-5pm with 35 local camps. You can find out what each camp is about by talking to camp staff and you could win a free week of camp and other amazing prizes in our raffle. It's a win-win!

Happy Spring,

Kelley & Beth

NW Kids Magazine | 5

Cover and Contents photography courtesy ofNIKKI MCLEOD


Aadland Dental ....................................................................... 9Adventure WILD .................................................................... 25Archers Afield ........................................................................ 21Art a la Carte ......................................................................... 37Atlas Immersion Academy ................................................... 21Baby Boot Camp ................................................................... 37Baby Sleep Trainer ................................................................. 37Barre3 ...................................................................................... 2Bennett Suzuki ...................................................................... 13Big Lake Youth Camp ............................................................ 21Body Basics and Beyond ....................................................... 39Candace Gregory ................................................................... 13Cascade Mountain School .................................................... 23Catlin Gabel School ............................................................... 19Children's Art Institute .......................................................... 35Chinook Book ........................................................................ 39City of Hillsboro ..................................................................... 21Congregation Kol Ami Bagel-On ............................................ 9Congregation Kol Ami Gala .................................................... 9Cotton Babies .......................................................................... 9Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children ................................................. 2Echo Theater Company ......................................................... 25Eco Maids .............................................................................. 11Engineering for Kids.............................................................. 35Experience Theatre Project .................................................... 25German International School ............................................... 16Glendoveer Tennis ................................................................. 25Goodtime Chinese School .................................................... 25Hidden Valley Camp .............................................................. 25International School.............................................................. 23Jennifer Brommer Photography ........................................... 11Just Between Friends ............................................................ 37Kevaland................................................................................ 23KUIK ....................................................................................... 39Lake Oswego Community Rowing ....................................... 35Little Fruit Farm ..................................................................... 13Mad Science .......................................................................... 23Math Gamers ........................................................................ 35Meadowood Springs ............................................................ 35Metro Arts ............................................................................. 29Modern Orthodontist .............................................................. 9Nelson Pediatric Dentistry ...................................................... 7Northeast Community Center............................................... 19NW Film Center ..................................................................... 35NWK Summer Camp Contest ............................................... 26OCAC...................................................................................... 29Omega Gymnastics ............................................................... 29OMSI ...................................................................................... 26Oregon Children's Theatre....................................................... 7Oregon Children's Theatre Acting Academy......................... 19Oregon Zoo ............................................................................ 31Pizazz Baking Camp .............................................................. 35Portland Aquarium ............................................................... 11Portland Children's Dentistry ............................................... 13Portland Early Learning ........................................................ 35Portland Jewish Academy .................................................... 19Portland Montessori ............................................................. 33Portland Parks and Rec Aquatics .......................................... 27Portland Rock Gym ............................................................... 16Portland Trampoline ............................................................. 15Propagize............................................................................... 13Rewild ................................................................................... 27Royal Ridges .......................................................................... 33Saturday Academy ................................................................ 35School of Rock ....................................................................... 27Schoolita Alegria ................................................................... 29Spanish with Sarah ............................................................... 39Spielwerk Toys ......................................................................... 9SW Community Center ......................................................... 31Sweet Peas Kidzone .............................................................. 31The Kids' Backyard Store ....................................................... 15Trackers Earth ........................................................................ 40Urban Farm Store .................................................................. 13VillaSport............................................................................... 17Westside Academy ............................................................... 35Westside Montessori International....................................... 39Willowbrook Arts Camps ...................................................... 27World of Smiles ..................................................................... 11Young People's Theater Project ............................................ 33Zenger Farm .......................................................................... 33

NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.Printed locally; Please recycle.

Listings

magazinePublisher / Advertising DirectorMichelle [email protected]

EditorialBeth [email protected]

Kelley [email protected]

Account ManagerLaurel [email protected]

Client Services Coordinator/ Client Ad DesignKarel [email protected]

DesignRobyn [email protected]

Advertising Inquiries:503-282-2711, ext. [email protected]

Accounting & Business ServicesHeather [email protected]

Connect With Us:• Phone: 503.282.2711• email: [email protected]• Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids• Twitter: @nwkids• Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids

WHAT WE’RE READING


Head North:Explore Vancouver

byANNAGRACE KAYE

ARNADA NATURALSThere’s always something delicious or unusual to sample at this small but well-stocked market. This is where Vancouver families go for local honey, kombucha, and healthy snacks. The owner is a former buyer from Whole Food Markets who knows the latest in health and wellness.2407 Main Street • arnadanaturals.com

COTTON BABIESCotton Babies is a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need for the first few years of baby’s life. From cloth diapering systems to quality toys and accessories, their sales people know everything you need to know. Try out a baby carrier, push a stroller around, and explore the newest and coolest in natural parenting. There’s even a Saturday dad’s group!106 Grand Boulevard • cottonbabies.com

FORT VANCOUVER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITEYou could easily spend a whole day here. Begin at the reconstructed British fur trading fort ($3 admission, 15 and younger are free) and then enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the beautiful grassy fields. Find the path to the Confluence Project’s Vancouver Land Bridge and explore the art honoring the area’s First Nations. Face east from the top of the bridge and you can watch planes take off and land at the Pearson Field Airport. Stay on the path and you’ll go from the riverfront into downtown.1501 E Evergreen Boulevard nps.gov/fova/index.htm

ICE CREAM RENAISSANCEThis locally owned and sourced ice cream shop is a favorite after school haunt of Vancouver families. Whimsically decorated and filled with the heavenly aroma of made from scratch waffle cones, there are flavors and options for virtually every taste and sensibility. Featured flavors like eggnog and blueberry pancake rotate each month, while standards like honey vanilla and old fashioned milk chocolate are always a win with kids. 1925 Main Street • icecreamrenaissance.com

KIGGINS THEATRENamed for a former Vancouver mayor, this theatre is a popular family destination. A single screen shows classics, independent

Just across the Columbia River from Portland is a sprawling, historic town that many Portland-ers have never even been to. Vancouver residents love to laugh about the assumptions many people have about our home. The truth is that Vancouver is rich in beautifully maintained parks, well-regarded schools, and a growing number of locally owned coffee shops and eater-ies. Here are some of my favorite places around the location Meriwether Lewis once described as “the only desired situation for settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.”

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Photograph courtesy ofCOTTON BABIES

Photograph courtesy ofFORT VANCOUVER

LIBRARIES


films, and popular kids’ movies in a restored Art Deco building with an updated digital projection system (funded through Kick-starter in 2013). Come for the after school matinee programs and stay for the best theatre popcorn you’ve ever had.1011 Main Street • kigginstheatre.net

MARSHALL PARK PLAYGROUNDKnown to local children as “the red play-ground”, Marshall sits next to Clark College. Its 19 acres include soccer fields, trees, a community garden, nature play area, picnic shelter, and yes, the huge, red, super fun playground. 1015 E. McLoughlin • cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/marshall-park

THE MIGHTY BOWLVancouver’s very first food cart serves up bean and rice bowls, salads, and smoothies with good humor and excellent service. There are plenty of kid-friendly options, too. Their location changes regularly, but you can keep up to date by following their Facebook page. themightybowl.com

MON AMIIt’s always a good day when you begin with a delicious crepe and hot Stumptown coffee at this favorite haunt of Vancouver families. The storefront may be small but there are board games, cozy tables and chairs, and a fantastic location that’s one part small town Main Street and one part tree-lined neighborhood. Browse the rotating selection of work for sale by local artisans while you’re there.1906 Main Street • yelp.com/biz/mon-ami-vancouver-2

THE SOURCE CLIMBING CENTEROwners Michael Lary and Guruhans Kroesen have created a vibrant climbing gym with a knowledgeable crew and ever-changing walls perfect for burning off excess energy. There is a special, kids-only mezzanine with its own bouldering wall and slide. After school kids’ clubs are grouped by age and skill. Climb on! (Ages 5 and up.)1118 Main Street • sourceclimbing.com

FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARIESThe downtown Vancouver Community Library is a modern, light-filled building boasts thoughtful design elements throughout. Grab some coffee and a piece of heavenly banana bread from Thatcher’s Coffee in the lobby and then head up to the children’s floor, where the unique Early Learning Center entices little ones to play and explore. Older children love the cozy reading chairs, the extensive selection of books, and the tables perfect for stacks of graphic novels. Be sure to check out the fifth floor terrace for incredible views of Portland and the Columbia River. If you want to explore further, both the Mall Connection and Cascade Park library locations have been recently remodeled. One offers a convenient and quiet retreat during family shopping trips and the other is right next to a community center with an amazing indoor pool.901 C Street • fvrl.org

For more resources, visit nwkidsmagazine.com

Annagrace Kaye CD(DONA) is a birth and postpartum doula in Vancouver, WA. She also leads Sacred Pregnancy classes for women and couples. coradoula.com

Photograph courtesy ofTHE MIGHTY BOWL

Photograph courtesy ofTHE SOURCE


Article and photographs byBEN MCLEOD

We Portlanders are a lucky bunch. We live in a city literally surrounded by natural wonders. Our western edge is made up of steep, wooded hills. To the north, we have the beautiful Columbia River. The iconic Mt. Hood and its foothills are to the east, and the verdant and abundant Willamette Valley lies south. Everywhere we look, we can see adventure calling us.

When you’re a young adult, without any worries in the world (i.e. children and their sundries), it’s easy to get out and explore. The task seems a bit more daunting when you have kids. It doesn’t have to be. With a little prep work and patience, you can get back out into the wilderness, and teach a new genera-tion to appreciate it!

EASE ON INThe secret to great family hikes is to train your children early, without letting them know you’re training them. Ease into things. When they’re real little, have them hop out of the stroller and walk as far as they can. Some-times that might be half a block and will take half an hour. That’s OK. They’re getting used to moving under their own power.

NURTURE THE ADVENTURETurn every outing into an adventure. It shouldn’t matter if it’s a walk to the library,

or a ramble down to your local park. The goal is to get your child to love exploring the outdoors. Look for fairy houses and gnome holes. Get to know the birds that live in your neighborhood.

BRING LOTS OF SNACKSThis should be obvious, but it needs to be stated. Throw an absurd amount of snacks into your bag, and then double it. Snack breaks will be requested often, and that’s OK. Little bodies need a lot of fuel. When they’re a bit older (like, say, 6ish), get them a small backpack so they can carry their own food and water.

BE PREPARED TO "FAIL"One of the most important lessons that I, a goal-oriented, “I’m hiking to the summit” hiker, learned pretty early with my kids; prepare to not make your distance goal. Keep this in mind when scouting out hikes; an out-and-back is better than a loop. I learned this the hard way and ended up carrying a 4-year-old further than I’d care to recall.

FIGURE OUT THEIR LIMITSThis is a tricky one. The secret is to, over time, build up your children’s ability to hike further. This involves encouraging them to go a little further than they want to go without incurring the wrath of THE MELTDOWN.

HIKING WITH KIDS:A GUIDE TO FUN ON THE TRAIL

continued on p. 14


You know your child best. Pay close attention and try to time it so you can turn around while they still have some energy left, but have gone a bit further than the last time. Snacks always help!

WHAT TO WEARDon’t worry about buying sturdy (and expen-sive) hiking boots for your kids (or you, for that matter). Running sneakers are going to be your best bet. Even Pacific Crest through-hikers have thrown out bulky hiking boots in favor of light trail-running shoes.

The important thing is your children’s feet stay dry and their shoes don’t slip around. I shouldn’t have to say this, but I see a lot of them still in existence: NO CROCS! They are the worst thing you can put on your kid.

WHERE TO GO• Your local park. We have a lot of them.

Chances are, there’s one within walking distance of your house!

• The 4T trail is one of the best ways to explore our city. Start on the Streetcar in the South Waterfront and take it to the Blue or Red Line MAX and ride the MAX to the Zoo. From the Zoo, you hike up to Council Crest (there are two options; all trails or the stroller-friendly trails and

paved paths), and then down to OHSU where you ride the Tram down to the South Waterfront.

• Forest Park has tons of trails. And there are plenty of off-trail adventures to be had.

• Oaks Bottom has a nice trail around the pond that you can hit up before or after that roller skating session at Oaks Park.

• Tryon State Park is Oregon’s only state park within a major metropolitan area, although you’d have a hard time believing you’re in a “major metropolitan area” when you’re hiking the trails!

• The Columbia River Gorge is so full of ad-venture it’s almost a disservice to mention it in passing (and kids LOVE waterfalls; so do you). Do yourself a favor and just go explore it. While most of the trails are family-friendly, they can tend to have some steep drop-offs. Keep the kids close.

Ben McLeod lives in Portland with his wife Nikki and two sons, Liam and Campbell. They can generally be found exploring the many natural wonders found in the Port-land area; from hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, skiing on Mt. Hood, or kayaking on the Willamette. They are a family that thrives on adventure.


continued on p. 20

INTO THE WILD:

Summer camp is a great time to get your kids thinking about the world outside their usual day-to-day life. Why not help by getting them out of town? These extraordinary excursion camps take kids out of the Portland area for a day or a week at a time, and open them up to new experiences. Within a few hours, we’re lucky enough to have deserts, waterfalls, forests, mountains, rainforest, caves, rivers and lakes. Time to go explore them.

WILDERNESS HIKEOpal Creek ExpeditionsOpal Creek’s mission is “promoting conservation through educational experiences in wilderness. ” What does that mean for your camper? They’ll backpack through the wilderness, learning about the forest and watershed around them, all while experiencing nature firsthand, getting away from their screens for a little while, and making new friends. Some of the expeditions end up with a rafting trip on the final day to rest those tired feet. Campers and their parents arrange their own transportation to Opal Creek, about 55 miles east of Salem. opalcreek.org

WAGON TRAIN COAST RANGE TREK4-H via OSU Extension For an incredible adventure that your family will never forget, hop on the wagon train and trek through the coast range just like the pioneers did, with a little less trail-clearing

and a few more modern conveniences. This camp is a commitment, with several meetings and a tune-up tide required, but your young trekkers (ages ten and up) will get out of it what they put into it. Adult riders with a longing for the open trail are also invited. The staging area for this trek will be Reechers Camp, west of Portland via Highway 26 or 6. extension.oregonstate.edu

ART EXPEDITION AND COSMIC ADVENTURE Catlin Gabel SchoolHike, take in the fresh air, and funnel that inspiration into creative visions. Or, learn all about stars and constellations, and then spend summer evenings stargazing in the fresh air of the high desert. Both of these are options for kids through Catlin Gabel’s summer camps. The Art Expedition camp will take day hikes outside Portland, then work on their art before heading home each day. Cosmic Adventure campers learn about astronomy at their homebase in Portland,

byKELLEY GARDINER

Photograph byOMSI

takes a trip out to McMinnville’s Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, and then heads on an overnight trip to Pine Mountain Observatory outside Bend. catlin.edu/page.cfm?p=1013

ROD, REEL, AND MOREThe Audubon SocietyThe Audubon Society offers a plentitude of trips and excursions this summer for your young explorers who want to learn more about the natural world. At the Rod, Reel, and Sea camp, kids take to the sea for deep-sea fishing and crabbing. Not in the mood for seafood? The High Seas & Low Tides camp will have you spotting and logging species instead of catching them. You might be jealous if you send your kids to the San Juan Island Adventure, complete with sea kayaking and whale watching. Get wild in the Wallowas, or learn archery skills at an overnight wilderness camp. Pick up and drop off for all camps is at Upper MacLeay Park in NW Portland.audubonportland.org

OVERNIGHT CAMPSTrackers Earth Trackers’ overnight camps near Sandy offer a camp experience that’s a bit more rugged than a classic summer camp, and offers a few more challenges, but with the kind of support that helps kids grow and become more confident. Campers choose from a range of themed camps with activities that

might include wilderness survival, wildlife tracking, edible plants, homesteading, fishing, water ecology, theater, archery, blacksmithing, and a whole lot more. Drop the kids off at the TrackersPDX headquarters in SE Portland. trackerspdx.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMPOregon Episcopal School If your little explorers, like a little variety, try out OES’ Outdoor Adventure Camp. Younger kids (second-fifth grade) can get all the action of an outdoor camp without missing any family time at home. Campers will “learn how to shoot a longbow, cook outdoors, construct shelters, set up tents, catch trout on a fly, and observe wildlife” in a different location each day, from the Gorge to the Coast, and then go home to rest up for a whole new adventure. oes.edu

ANCIENT FOSSILS, FARAWAY STARSOMSI Science is the name of the game at OMSI’s residential camp near Fossil, Oregon. At Camp Hancock, programming for kids from second grade through high school is based around astronomy, fossils and paleontology, or desert survival skills. In addition to Camp Hancock, OMSI offers overnight camps and quality programing up and down the coasts of Oregon and Washington, backpacking, and exploring the trail of Lewis and Clark. Can’t decide? How about the “Hit the Road” camp that offers daily field trips, ending with an overnight at Newport South Beach? programs.omsi.edu

Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger, and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com

Photograph byOPAL CREEK


NERD CAMPS:ENGAGING THE LEFT BRAIN

Young Nerds, we love you! Does your kid thrive in math or science? Do they use the words infinitesimal and theorem in their every day vocabulary? If so, it may be an undertaking to keep them engaged during the summer months. Gaming at home may seem like the only option, but why not send them to a camp where they can meet like minds and have fun? There are plenty of camps where campers can think strategically, apply Lego physics or learn platform gaming.

BITS, BYTES & BOTSA great choice for kids who love anime, robotics or platform gaming. Campers have a blast while learning skills that will help them in school and beyond. Options span robotics and programming to Game Maker, Anime and Brick film making. For beginners and advanced campers aged 6-16. bitsbytesbots.com

CHESS ODYSSEY Strategic thinkers and game lovers can refine skills or learn the basics of chess at Chess Odyssey. Each camp features substantial instruction in a fun and exciting environment. Campers are divided into study-play groups where they explore the techniques, shortcuts, and methods used to win game after game in practical play. For players aged 6-16. chessodyssey.com

ENGINEERING FOR KIDS Engineering camps inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning. For kids ages 4 to 14, junior, apprentice or master campers take to the skies in an aerospace camp, learn the ins and outs of electrical engineering and game creation or learn the basics of environmental or industrial engineering. engineeringforkids.com

ID TECHIntensive 2-week, pre-college academies for teens ages 13-18 and iD Tech Mini for ages 6-9. Experience personalized learning with

a maximum of eight students per instructor, and use the best brand name products from industry leaders like Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Google, and Microsoft. idtech.com

LITTLE ENGINEERSWith a tech and engineering focus, little (and not so little) engineers have fun while learning new things including Lego, electronic, Minecraft and animation basics. For ages 3-12. little-engineers.com

OESExplore Archimedes’ work with volume, con-struct a giant math bubble or learn the basics of algorithms. OES Chess, Math and Science camps are designed to engage beginners and advanced students. Campers can choose from math game and construction camps, learn about famous mathematicians or create science concoctions. For kids Kindergarten through 6th Grade. oes.edu

SATURDAY ACADEMY Young engineers and mathletes will love Saturday Academy’s STEM and TAG camps. Campers can learn and develop skills in computer programming; build Rube Goldberg machines, apply Lego physics, invent an app or spend some time in the chemistry lab. Programs and camps are open to kids grades 2 through 12 and camp instructors are community experts who inspire kids to develop their interests in the STEM fields. Locations vary. See website for details. saturdayacademy.org


byKELLEY SCHAEFER-LEVI

NERD CAMPSCAMP INVENTION

Combining STEM concepts and creativity to promote critical thinking and innovation skills.

campinvention.org

EINSTEIN WISEChess instruction, including game analysis

and live tournaments. einsteinwise.com

KID INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYRobotics engineering, stop-motion animation,

video game creation, & 3D game design. kidinstitute.com

MAD SCIENCEExperience science in a variety of ways, like rocket

building, chemistry, and crime scene investigation. portland.madscience.org

MATH GAMERSCultivate a love of math through

active games and art projects. mathgamers.net

MOZEK GAMESEnter the world of coding, programming,

gaming, and robotics. mozekgames.com

NW FILM CENTERExperiment and learn about media arts and

technology while making movies. nwfilm.org/school/info/camp

OMSI SUMMER CAMP CLASSESAnimation, astronomy, chemistry, dinosaur

discovery, LEGOS and more for preK-12th grade. omsi.edu/camps

SYLVAN EDGE CAMPS Build LEGO robots, design video games,

strengthen math and writing skills.sylvanlearning.com/edge/sylvan-edge-camps

EXCURSION CAMPSADVENTURE WILDTake learning into nature with exploration, inquiry, and discovery. adventurewild.org

CAMP WESTWINDSleepaway camp on the Oregon coast promoting adventure, independence, and self-confidence. westwind.org

CASCADE MOUNTAIN SCHOOLConnect with nature with outdoor farm, art, and MacGyver camps. cascademountainschool.org

FIRST ASCENTSMITH ROCK CLIMBING CAMPAll about outdoor rock climbing and bouldering, for experienced climbers ages 11+. goclimbing.com/KidsPrograms.html

HIDDEN VALLEY CAMPTraditional co-ed sleepaway camp, plus overnight hikes and special themed weekend events. hvc-wa.com

NEW MEXICO RETREAT FOR MOTHERS & DAUGHTERSAn emotionally nurturing experience in beautiful Santa Fe, filled with art projects and bonding rituals. [email protected]

NW OUTWARD BOUNDSailing, backpacking, mountaineering, rafting, and more, geared toward kids 12+. nwoutwardbound.org

OREGON DUNES TRACKING EXPEDITIONPractice wilderness survival and tracking skills, build natural shelters and explore Oregon beaches.wholeearthnatureschool.com


RESOURCE GUIDE:MORE NERD & EXCURSION CAMPS


Apr 4ANNUAL GREAT WESTSIDE EASTER EGG HUNT

The biggest egg hunt on the west side is back. Egg hunts sorted by age for toddlers to 10-year-olds (and a special hunt for Moms), plus pictures with the Easter Bunny, candy, prizes, a fire truck, pony rides, bounce houses, arts and crafts, and so much more springtime fun. $5 per family and free parking. kuik.com/easter-event-2015

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

Mar 28 - Apr 26SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

Have a blast introducing the kids to familiar-to-you tunes from the ‘70s

educational show, re-imagined for the stage by the talented folks at Oregon Children’s Theatre. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets $15-28. octc.org/onstage/schoolhouse

Now - May 3WOODEN SHOE TULIP FESTIVAL

Nothing quite says spring like 40+ acres of brightly colored tulips. Now through May 3rd, enjoy the perfect backdrop for your spring photos, ride the cow train, hop on a pony (weekends only) and load up on flowers and bulbs at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn. Don't forget your rain gear! $5 per person (ages 13+) or $20 for a carload. woodenshoe.com

April 453RD ANNUAL ALPENROSE EASTER EGG HUNT

The hunt is on! Don't miss this annual Portland area tradition as kiddos of all ages hunt for chocolate eggs across the Alpenrose grounds. The world famous Easter Bunny will also be on site to meet all egg hunters! The excitement begins at 10:30 am for ages 3-5 and 12:30 pm for ages 6-8. Arrive early; parking is limited. Free! alpenrose.com

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Best of Portland and beyondOUR TOP PICKS FOR GETTING OUT THIS MONTH

April


Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month

Apr 11NW KIDS CAMP EXPO 2015

Now in its 4th year! A unique opportunity to learn about over 30 summer camps firsthand through meeting directors and staff, sampling camp games and activities, and of course entering to win prizes including discounts and free weeks of camp. Free admission! nwkidsmagazine.com/summer-camp-expo

April 18FROZEN FUN WITH THE SNOW QUEEN AND FRIENDS!

Elsa, Anna and Kristoff will be visiting Child’s Play Toys on Saturday, April 18th from 10am-12pm. Autographs, face painting, balloon animals and more! Come in costume and take a picture with Elsa, Anna or Kristoff! childsplayportland.com

April 4THUNDEREGG STRAVAGANZA

Hunt thundereggs at the Rice Museum! Enjoy over 20,000 rocks and minerals and learn all about

thundereggs with a special talk by Museum Curator, Leslie Moclock, at 11am and 1pm. Discover what lies inside your find! $5 admission (children 4 and under are free), 11am-5pm. ricenorthwestmuseum.org/category/news/

Apr 18ROSE CITY SING-OFF

It’s like Glee in real life! See the top high school a cappella

groups in the Northwest compete for the Champion title and a chance to perform on live television at the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade. Tickets are $10. rosefestival.org/event/rose-city-sing-off

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FREE CONE DAY

Peace, love and ice cream! It's free cone day at Ben & Jerry's! benjerry.com/scoop-shops


Apr 25 - May 25THE LITTLE MERMAID

NW Children’s Theater and A-WOL Dance Collective team up to present a world premiere adaptation of this classic underwater tale. If you’re wondering how they’ll portray a mermaid onstage, there’s only one way to find out. Tickets $17-23. nwcts.org/content/little-mermaid

Apr 25BEANSTALK’S 3RD BIRTHDAY

One of our favorite kids’ resale shops turns 3! Shop the sidewalk sale and munch on some yummy and healthy food while the kids get their faces painted. Enter to win a raffle prize. A portion of the sales from the day will benefit Portland Public Schools Clothing Closet and Insights Teen Parent Program. Free to attend. beanstalkchildrensresale.com

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Apr 24-26ANNUAL ROCK & GEM SHOW

Enter the exciting world of minerals and inspire your little geologist. Learn about the various types of rocks and gems and shop for fossils, beads, jewelry, and more. A free rock will be given to each child! Free admission. mthoodrockclub.wordpress.com/annual-rock-show

10 Apr 1913TH ANNUAL AUTISM WALK

Head down to Oaks Park to support the Autism Society of Oregon. Register to walk for fundraising; stay for the rides, entertainment (rumor has it there will be Stormtroopers!), face painting, and a raffle. Registration $11-14, ride bracelets $13. firstgiving.com/asoautismwalk

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What is Baby Boot Camp (BBC)? BBC is a community of women of all fitness levels with shared goals of being strong, healthy and good example setters for their children. Moms inspire each other and thrive on the importance of making time for themselves with their kids in tow! Each 60 minute class incorporates cardio, strength training, flexibility and core rehabilitation with additional nutrition and birth recovery support. The main reason people quit exercise programs is boredom. BBC provides diversity while catering the workouts to be effective and safely designed for the new mom stage of life. Through empowerment, confidence and strength building moms can reclaim their bodies.

How can you reach your health and fitness goals as a new mom? Start with a list of 3 SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Next you need to choose how to get it done. BBC suggests using the buddy system! Grab a friend and set your goals together. With the

help of your BBC instructor team, you don’t have to work on this alone!

What makes BBC different from other exercise programs? A mighty team of moms. At Baby Boot Camp, all franchise owners and instructors are nationally certified fitness professionals and new moms! Every instructor holds certifications in prenatal and postpartum exercises and they focus on continuing education in nutrition, birth recovery (c section, pubic synthesis, pelvic floor recovery, diastasis recti and core rehabilitation) and injury prevention.

• Affordable. BBC is cost-effective by incorporating a gym membership fee, personal trainer and childcare into one.

• Personalized Workouts. BBC provides one-on-one attention to each mom and caters to moms of all fitness levels: from pregnant, newly postpartum, and conditioned…and everyone in between.

continued on p. 36

Article and photographs byKYLAN PIMLEY

Finding Fitness After Baby

After you have a baby, you’re often tired, scared, happy, confused, deeply in love, and your body is no longer your own. You’re a new mom and nine months of pregnancy couldn’t prepare you for the physical and emotional demands this new role entails. Your body changes significantly during pregnancy and birthing. Secondary aches and pains can result from changes in posture, hormone levels, weight gain or loss, and changes in weight distribution. Getting out the door for some exercise can be easier said than done. With a new baby at home, isolation and exhaustion can be palpable, hindering your ability and motivation to stay active. However, the benefits of prenatal and postpartum exercise are essential for new and expecting moms. It helps ease all of the physical discomforts of pregnancy and labor, combats the baby blues, increases your energy, boosts self-confidence, fosters good sleep habits and decreases stress among other things. And working out with other moms who are in the same boat can be a lifesaver. Baby Boot Camp may be for you.

MamaFitness2015


How do you prepare for your first BBC Class? Your first class is FREE and there are several locations around the Portland area.

• Timing is everything s Ensure your baby has a clean diaper, appropriate clothing, has been fed, and burped.

• Pack the night before s Don’t wait until your baby is happy to start the packing process. Getting out of the house can take longer than expected. Pack the essentials in your diaper bag the night before: diaper, clothing change, jacket or blanket, pacifier (if using), burp cloth, wipes, lovey, and bottle (if applicable.)

• Set your clothes out s Getting out the door can be a time con-suming event for a new mom. Set your clothes out so that you can be efficient with your time. Plus, seeing your clothes out helps make you accountable. You will be less likely to skip your workout.

• Grab a buddy s Connecting socially is very important for new moms. You have just undergone a life changing event. Working out with a friend is a great way to stay accountable while providing a great support system.

• Embrace the gear s There are times when your baby will want to be held even after all of his/her needs are met. Bring a secure baby carrier in your stroller. When your child needs to be held, secure him/her in the carrier and resume your workout. You can power walk, lunge, squat, and do most of the activities you would normally engage. Your instructor will help you modify the workout so it is low impact while your child is secure. Just think, you are burning 20% more calories by carrying your baby and pushing a stroller.

If you have any questions about Baby Boot Camp and to find a location or request a free class, visit babybootcamp.com, or email [email protected].

Kylan Pimley has been a Baby Boot Camp franchise owner for the last 5 years. She fell in love with the program after her daughter was born. Kylan is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and studies Nutrition, Birth Recovery, Prenatal and Postpartum Exercise.

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NW Kids Magazine April 2015

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Transcript of NW Kids Magazine April 2015