Posts Tagged Kids’ Activities
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
Our World–Underwater Show: February 19, 20, and 21
Our World–Underwater is in its 40th year. For those with an interest in scuba diving, underwater shipwrecks, and the underwater environment, the show includes resources for all ages and abilities.
Hundreds of booths on the exhibit floor feature dive travel, equipment manufacturers, environmental and training agencies and retailers. Seminars throughout the weekend will cover underwater shipwrecks, archeology, dive travel, our changing underwater environment and more. Seminars will show exotic dive destinations, shipwrecks of the past, how to be a safer diver, and things that can be done to improve and save our aquatic environment.
Workshops throughout the weekend include underwater photography, understanding rebreathers and their differences, public safety diving, aspects of deep wreck and cave diving, among others.
A Film Festival both Friday and Saturday night features breathtaking underwater sights by top names in underwater photography and videography.
Held February 19, 20, and 21 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Rosemont. For complete information, schedule and directions to Our World–Underwater, visit www.ourworldunder water.com or call (708) 226-1614.
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Happy Times Preschool and Summer Camps
Happy Times’ goal is to provide a positive, creative learning environment in which each child may fully develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically. Programs are designed to ease parent and child separation, and set the stage for future learning through a positive first experience at school. The cozy neighborhood location aids this transition. Preschool programs are in session both mornings (8:45-11:15am) and afternoons (12:15-2:45pm). Children 2 1/2 to five years old may enroll in two, three or four half days.
Happy Times also features summer camps for children ages 2-1/2 to 6 who enjoy a fun, educational experience. Students may attend 2 or 3 days per week from 9:00-11:30am. Two summer sessions are offered– June and July.
For more information, contact Happy Times Preschool at (630) 355-8282 or visit www.happytimespreschool.org. The school is located at 420 W. Gartner Rd., Naperville.
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Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wisconsin Accepting Summer Registrations
Founded in 1926, Camp Anokijig is an overnight camp with a wide variety of traditional camp activities, including horseback riding, water sports, as well as specialty camps. Sessions range from 3 days to 1 or more weeks of summer fun, during which kids make new friends, experience personal growth, and positive values. Traditional activities include archery, crafts, swimming, boating, riflery, music, drama & dance, nature, and photography. Specialty camps include horseback riding, fishing, teen adventure challenge, babysitters’ training, and competitive swim. Adventure trips for older campers include canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, and wilderness camping.
Camp Anokijig is ACA Accredited and has a history of 84 years of camping excellence. To learn more about why kids and parents love Anokijig, call (800) 741-6931 or visit www.anokijig.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
Wheaton Park District Pools Offer an Affordable Option for Family Fun
Wheaton Park District is still the community’s choice for “close to home” recreation and entertainment. With a struggling economy, Wheaton Park District boasts an expanded list of facilities and recreational programs. Family time at the pool is a great option to share summer fun.
Wheaton Park District pool passes are valid at both Rice Pool and Water Park and Northside Family Aquatic Center, giving families two pools for the price of one. Those who purchase pool passes prior to April 30th will receive significant savings. For instance, a family of four can save up to $50.
While each of the pools has its own characteristics, both pools offer concessions, open daily. Popular water park fun foods such as hot dogs, pizza, soda, popcorn, nachos and slurpees are offered at reasonable prices. Comfortable eating accommodations, deck space, sun hill, volleyball and sand play areas are available at both Rice and Northside. During the summer, The Wheaton Park District will offer unique and fun special events and programs at both pools.
Northside amenities include a zero depth baby pool, drop slide, 1M diving board, lounge chair and picnic areas. Rice Pool features two body slides, one tube slide, a 3M diving board, two 1m diving boards, three 25M lap lanes and a children’s spray area. It is also home to birthday parties, a low cost, low maintenance option.
To book your “family vacation” at the Wheaton Park District pools, stop by the Community Center at 1777 South Blanchard Road in Wheaton. Online purchases for pool passes are only available households already in the park district system. Call (630) 690-4880 or visit www.wheatonparkdistrict.com.
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Kids First Leader in Youth Sports Preparation
Kids First (incorporated in 2002) developed lesson plans to include safety and skills preparation through fundamentals for 28 sports. The organization hires, trains, and certifies its coaches to run programs and camps all year round. Additional offerings include the After School Sports Development Camp Series, sport-specific Player Evaluation Clinics, Player Safety Certification Clinics, Pre-Season Sport-Specific Programs and Camps, Sport-Specific Kids First Leagues (combining instruction with games and championships), private sports lessons through a Kids First personal trainer, coaches’ clinics, day and Camp Care Services, and Kids First Safety Referee Services for sports leagues. Camps and classes take place in elementary schools, park districts, colleges, sports leagues and other organizations.
Kids First believes youth sports training is a process of consistent teaching practices based on FUN, safety, skills, and confidence that works on the field and in the class room.
Kids First programs and camps are designed for sports development. Each program devotes time to: body positioning, safety practices, skills, drills, games, and a championship game on the last session. Further, body balance and coordination through first step directional movements are also taught through a variety of martial arts techniques geared specifically for youth sports.
For more information, call (630) 257-5438 or visit www.kidsfirstsports.net.
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Vet Camp at Cub Creek
Summer camps today include much more than swimming, hiking and playing sports. Cub Creek Science Camp is a specialized program that combines traditional camp activities with some unique camp choices. Kids can choose
Veterinary medicine (Jr. Vet), Adopt an Animal, Crime Science or Digital Photography.
The Junior Vet program is one of the most popular, and draws campers from across the United States. It’s designed to show campers what it would be like to be a veterinarian. Campers learn to give injections, tie sutures, identify internal parasites and read X-rays. Each week, Dr. Brian Janke of the Rolla Animal Hospital visits to perform surgeries while the campers watch, and to answer questions. (Cub Creek Science Camp works with local animal rescue programs to provide free spays and neuters for animals in need.)
While the Junior Vet program is unique, the animals in the program are even more so. Campers have the chance to work with and care for Monkeys, Lemurs, Patagonian Cavies, Bennett Wallabies, Degus and Kinkajous. (It’s an impressive list that looks good on future applications to vet school.)
To learn more, contact Lori Martin, Cub Creek Science Camp,Owner and Director, at (573) 458-2125 or visit www.MyAnimalCamp.com.
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Sports Broadcasting Camp
Do you love sports? Would you enjoy a career as a television sports journalist? Have you dreamed about being a sports reporter / anchor, or calling a last second, game winning shot on radio or television?
The award-winning Sports Broadcasting Camp is back for our 5th year in Chicago. The camps have been featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ESPN The Magazine, PBS Business Journal, National Public Radio, among many others.
For one week, boys and girls age 10-18 have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the sports broadcasting industry. Meet sports celebrities, develop play-by-play tapes of the NBA Finals and Super Bowl, make sports anchor and Pardon The Interruption (PTI) tapes in a TV studio, and report from a professional stadium.
Campgoers can also participate in mock sports talk radio shows, trivia and Stump the Schwab contests, sports taboo and pyramid games, and much more.
To learn more, visit www.playbyplaycamps.com or call (800) 319-0884.
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This Year, Discover the New You at the Lisle Park District
Whether you’ve resolved to getting active, staying active, or making healthier choices, the Lisle Park District is here to help you stick to all your New Year’s Resolutions!
Every gym offers personal training, but it can be expensive and intimidating. This is why the Lisle Park District came up with the Group Training Program. This unique program provides all the benefits of a personal trainer for as little as $7 per session and you don’t have to commit to a gym membership. Best of all, participants can enroll with friends for extra motivation and support. Group Training participants meet with a NASM, NSCA, certified personal trainer three days a week for six weeks and you can chose from two convenient morning times: 5:30-6:25am or 6:30-7:25am. For more information, or to register, call (630) 964-3410.
The Lisle Park District has two highly qualified trainers on staff. Personal training includes a comprehensive fitness assessment before the first session. Fees start at $70 per session for nonmembers. Deep discounts are available for Community Park Fitness members or those who commit to multiple sessions.
Individuals desiring to try something new should visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org and check out one or two of the many great fitness programs that are available. Sculpt your entire body through Total Body Conditioning, push your cardio endurance to the next level during 5K Training, or relax and unwind at the end of the day with Pilates, Yoga or Pilates Yoga Fusion.
If you have been looking for a friendly, affordable fitness center, but don’t want to compromise quality, check out Lisle Park District’s Community Park Fitness at 1825 Short Street. The intimate facility offers personalized fitness opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
If alternative wellness programs are part of your everyday lifestyle, perhaps this is the year to reserve a Community Garden Plot so you can grow your own fresh, organic produce. Returning gardeners can register now and registration for new gardeners will begin April 6.
The Lisle Park District is also excited to offer a brand new series of GREEN wellness programs this year. Discover the benefits of natural alternatives to traditional store-bought personal care items such as soap and lotion during “Personal Care and Cleaners” on Sat., Feb. 6. Later programs include: “Alternative Household Cleaners” and “Go Green, Baby.”
For more information or for a complete list of these and other great programs, visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org or call (630) 964-3410.
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Wheaton Yamaha: Music Classes for Children Ages 3 Through 8
The Wheaton Yamaha Music School is part of an international family of schools providing children ages 3 through 8 with comprehensive music education programs. Located in Wheaton for 37 years, Wheaton Yamaha offers adventures in singing, rhythm, movement, ear training, and keyboard activities. In classes together, parents and children discover the joys of making music.
The school’s programs provide the young child with an introduction to basic principles of music–relative pitch, notation, melody, harmony, and rhythm–all in an atmosphere that is nurturing, rewarding, and fun.
Wheaton Yamaha is located at 935 W. Liberty, Wheaton. (630) 682-1334. www.wheatonyamahamusicschool.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Glen Ellyn’s dazzling new Ackerman Sports Center is the fifth suburban location for the White Sox Training Academy. Academy founder Tim Rappe has partnered with the White Sox since 1994 to bring top tier instruction to baseball and softball players throughout Chicagoland.
Mark Sheehan, left, Glen Ellyn Academy Director, with Shannon Roney, Head Fastpitch Softball Instructor and Tim Rappe, Academy founder
“We’re excited about bringing high level instruction to the new sports center in Glen Ellyn. Clearly, the White Sox organization is committed to youth baseball,” says Rappe. The Chicago White Sox is the only major league team to support an academy in the USA. The five academy outlets, combined with summer camp programs, serve about 10,000 athletes a year.
“Our goal is to help kids become the best baseball or softball player that they can be,” says Rappe. “Our emphasis on professional instruction and consistency is unmatched.” Camps, classes and lessons are designed for boys and girls age five and up. They sometimes work side-by-side with professional athletes who are also practicing or rehabbing at academy sites. Initially, baseball and fastpitch softball instruction will be the focus at the new site. Bulls basketball instruction may be added later.
“White Sox Academies give young athletes the same equipment, training and opportunities to improve that the professionals have in these facilities,” says Rappe. “The equipment and training expertise is all here.”
The Ackerman site is not as large as the Sox main facility in Lisle. Rappe feels that the intimacy of the smaller space, however, does have advantages. The space is fully turfed. It’s the quality instruction and consistency, says Rappe, that expands the interest in baseball and softball, building the sports. Rappe is a lifelong baseball afficionado–his credo is “We love this game and the kids who play it.”
Mark Sheehan, a Minnesota native, is the new Academy Director. Sheehan has an extensive background in in training young athletes and is a member of the prestigious National Pitching Association. Shannon Roney will serve as Head Fastpitch Softball Instructor. Roney, a Glenbard South and collegiate star pitcher, helped her 2004 high school team achieve a 33-3 record with a 0.23 ERA while batting .465.
Dan Kroger, Facilities Manager with the Glen Ellyn Park District, welcomes the White Sox affiliation. “We were planning to include batting cages in the new center, but we’re really excited about the professional atmosphere the White Sox are generating. As soon as the word got out, we started getting calls about it.”
Besides the baseball/softball instruction, the new facility showcases the latest in fitness center equipment. There are also two climbing towers and an indoor turf field. Memberships to the fitness center are available now–with the grand opening set for Saturday, January 23.
The Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center is at 800 St. Charles Rd. in Glen Ellyn. For additional information, check www.BullsSoxAcademy.com or call (630) 324-8242.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Can’t wait for summer gymnastics camp? Register today for the new winter gymnastics session that begins January 25th at Premier Gymnastics Academy in Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Oswego and Woodridge.
Your child will learn gymnastics skills in a fun, safe state-of-the-art gymnastics club. Boys and girls from 18 months to high school age will train on the latest equipment with the help from experienced coaches.
Convenient times are available for both gymnastics and tumbling sessions. Premier Gymnastics also offers competitive boys and girls teams that travel locally and compete in various gymnastics meets.
In late spring Premier Gymnastics will start taking registration for their flexible weekly Summer Fun Gymnastics Camps. Rain or shine, the camp is an excellent choice for summer activities.
All Premier Gymnastics Academy facilities are designed for maximum safety and experienced coaches run each class. Training apparatus includes – foam pits, 60’ trampoline, Olympic size spring floor, bars, beams, ropes, pommel horse, vault and other gymnastics apparatus.
For more information, call Premier Gymnastics at (630) 653-0800 or visit www.premiergymnastics academy.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Children can play by themselves, or with others, in 13 separate play spaces at the new Kids Town Play & Party in Wheaton. Designed especially for children six years and younger, colorful decor and accessories stimulates kids to pretend. Children can be a vet, fireman, princess, entertainer, construction engineer, or play quietly in the reading room.
There’s a climbing area that includes crawling and sliding equipment too. A party room is available for private events which can be held during, or after, open hours.
Kids Town Play & Party is open for public play Monday through Saturday at 1141 E. Butterfield Rd. (near Fox Bowl), Wheaton. (630) 260-8545. For details, visit www.kidstownplayandplarty.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Tim Rappe knew in 1993 that he was tired of selling radio advertising, power lunching and travel that kept him away from home. When he compiled a list of things that were important to him, kids and baseball were at the top. Rappe used his sales skills on Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Bulls, to promote the training academy concept.
Tim Rappe, President, White Sox Training Academy
1994 brought the debut of White Sox summer camps throughout Chicagoland, with Chicago Bulls programs added in 1999. The summer camps were a tremendous success, and Rappe recognized the need for winter programs for aspiring athletes. Reinsdorf loved the idea of a permanent training academy, and put money behind the three story, 57,000 square foot complex in Lisle that has become a baseball, softball, basketball mecca, which opened in 2001.
Satellite facilities in LaGrange, Schererville, IN, Tinley Park and the new Ackerman Sports Complex in Glen Ellyn have been added since. About 10,000 kids each year participate in White Sox-sponsored academy programs.
The White Sox Training Academy is at 6200 River Bend Drive, Lisle. (630) 324-8221or BullsSoxAcademy.com.
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