Camping with Kids

Camping with Kids

Source: http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/5-myths-about-camping-with-kids Photo: Illustrious/iStockphoto

As we get into the last days of summer before school starts, what better opportunity to take your kids camping. Camping can be as simple as setting up a tent in your backyard to taking an extended vacation to a destination away from your home.  Either way camping can be a way to reduce stress, experience nature and develop a new family routine. I think it important to keep an open mind, not be over scheduled and have fun, remember you are there to let the kids experience nature and relax, don't worry if everything doesn't happen as planned. 

Some camping options in North Carolina, there are countless private campgrounds throughout the state as well.

Did you know that you can camp anywhere in North Carolina's 4 national forests as long as you adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of other Visitors

National Forests also have designated campsites and cabins to rent:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/nfsnc/recreation/camping-cabins

29 of the 34 State parks offer camping options, for more information and reservationinformation: http://northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com/homeLeft.do?mode=submit&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

A great website with tips and ideas for camping with Love the Outdoors.com and one that covers 5 myths of camping with kids

Cooling down from the heat

http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/community_services/recreation/pools/splash_pad

As we get into the heat of summer, parents often scramble to find ideas of where to take the kids to beat the heat.  Many city pools,parks and museums have splash zones, or cooling areas.  This is a great way to get the kids outside, play in water, burn some energy and have fun. I have highlighted several below, for more information about pools and splash pad features in your area, contact your city/town/county's parks and recreation department.

City of Wilmington Splash Pad  

Regular Splash Pad hours:

Monday - Sunday:  8 am - 8 pm 

• Free of charge
• Fully automated, zero depth
• Includes geysers, water cannons, dumping buckets and much more!  

Village Park Splash Pad-City of Kannapolis

Monday-Sunday 10 am-7pm

www.cityofkannapolis.com/

• $1 per person (Parents accompanying children, but not playing will be admitted free of charge)
• The Village Park Splash Pad is an aquatic recreation feature that offers endless combinations of interactive play through water that is sprayed, gushed, dumped and poured from the play products that create the play equipment.

www.visitkinston.com

Kinston: Pepsi Splash Pad

Fairfield Park

Mondays-Saturdays 9am-5:30pm, Sundays 1-5:30pm

• $1 per person 
• As the dog days of summer approach, your little ones can have a “cool” day in the park splashing in Kinston’s latest water feature addition. Six exciting water sprays, dump buckets, and splashers will entertain and delight children 12 and under. A shade cover, lounge chairs and umbrellas will keep Mom or Dad “cool” while the little ones play. Parents will be happy to know that there is an attendant on duty. The Splash Pad is available for private party rental

Millbrook Exchange/Community Center-Splash Pad and Pool

City of Raleigh

Mon-Fri: 9am - 8pm
Sat: 10am - 8pm
Sun: 1pm - 6pm

Resident:    Ages 1-12 ($2)

                 Ages 13+  ($4)

Nonresident Ages 1-12 ($3)

                 Ages 13+ ($7)

lifeandscience.org

Museum of Life and Science 

Catch the Wind: Into the Mist

Monday-Saturday 10 am-5pm, Sundays 12-5pm

Free with Admission to Museum

Get wet and stay cool in the mist that fills the 

Larry and Sharon Crane PlayScape. There is something 

mysterious about mist. Explore Into the Mist to 

experience the lure of this phenomenon and watch as 

droplets of water suspended in air form clouds which 

hover over small valleys. Listen to the rhythmic sounds 

of rain as it falls upon rock. Stroll through the lush green 

landscape and watch as rainbows appear then disappear. 

Climb through tunnels, make sand sculptures, or just sit, 

cool-off, and observe the beauty and awe of mist, landforms and rock. 

I hope everyone gets out and stays safe and cool..

Why Outdoor Learning Schools (Pre-K) are becoming popular

http://www.natureexplore.org/research/documents/NatureExplore_KeySkills.pdf

Every day more research comes out talking about the importance of getting our kids outside. See previous blog posts for links and resources (http://eco-smartparent.blogspot.com/2013/07/getting-our-kids-outside.html). Many countries including Canada, Germany and England are beginning to integrate new policies that combine outdoor play and learning with pre-kindergarten schools. 

Research has shown that regular time in nature:

• Facilitates better social and physical development
• Improves fitness, motor-skills, and well-being
• Supports creativity and imaginative play
• Inspires collaboration and reduces violence and bullying
• Reduces stress
• Creates feelings of empathy for nature-the first step toward developing the next generation of environmental stewards
• Supports whole-child development and learning across the curriculum including: critical thinking, science, language and literacy, math,visual-spatial learning and construction and engineering skills

Dimensions Foundation research and field-testing provides the foundation for all Nature Explore programs and resources. On-going research and field-testing is conducted at Dimensions Early Education Programs in Lincoln, NE; Child Educational Center/Caltech JPL Community in La Canada, CA; Forest Lake Family Center in Forest Lake, MN, and Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City, NE. Other research is collected at selected sites that vary from year-to-year. Teachers, as co-researchers, and a cadre of national research consultants, have been collecting and analyzing data based on direct observations of children since 1998.

http://www.dimensionsfoundation.org/

Photo Courtesy of natureexplore.org

Through Nature Explore, Certified Nature Explore Classrooms have demonstrated a deep commitment to connecting children with nature. Each one is unique in size, setting and structure, but they have one thing in common: they bring a sense of wonder to children's lives. Click on the links below for stories and photos of each Certified Nature Explore Classroom. More information on the certification process. While N.C. only has one certified program  (Estes Children Cottage in Chapel Hill). Many states have multiple certified programs.  According to some researchers, this could become a popular alternative to traditional daycare centers in the United States. 

To see the full list of Certified schools throughout the U.S and Canada see the link below:

 http://www.natureexplore.org/certified/

Check out this website for the growing list of  global initiatives to fight "nature deficit disorder"

http://www.childrenandnature.org/newsletter/Nov_NEWS.html

Play England campaigns for all children and young people to have freedom and space to play throughout childhood. We work with national partners, corporates and other organisations with shared aims to raise awareness about the importance of play. We lobby government to make fundamental policy changes to protect and promote play, and encourage everyone who has an impact on the lives of children and young people to recognize and plan for children's play. http://www.playengland.org.uk/

Some Weekend Events

As the rain continues to fall, and will continue sporadically through the weekend, here are some ideas that might brighten our spirits.  A list of events both inside and out, that might be a good break from the rain.






Duke Homestead: Pork, Pickle and Peanuts:
Saturday July 13th, 10am-4pm: Free

Each year we celebrate North Carolina food culture and history with our Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of NC Festival. This extremely tasty event includes a BBQ and Pie contest. New this year, guests can taste the BBQ and pick a People's Choice winner of their own.

Down at the Historic Home of the Duke family food continues to be the theme with historic cooking demonstrations. Beyond the kitchen, you can visit the rest of the Duke family's 1852 home and outside enjoy 19th century games and toys.Food definitely is the focus of the day,but make sure you don't leave without visiting our many talented local arts and crafts vendors. Pork, Pickles and Peanuts allows you to fill your stomach and support North Carolina artists at the same time.

Snow Camp Outdoor Theater:  The Ugly Duckling, Sat. July 13th at 10 am  ($5 all tickets) This enchanting musical, based on the classic  tale by Hans Christian Andersen,  will entertain children of all ages.  Audience participation, resolution of  family conflict & an ecological touch are added  bonuses to this fast-moving musical version of  the classic story. Roanoke Island Festival Park 2nd Saturdays with Children’s Author Suzanne Tate, 1-2 p.m At the Museum Store Suzanne Tate will be reading from her latest book  ”Davy Sand Dollar” which is the 35th in her Nature Series.  The reading will be followed by a book signing.  The event is free. Over two million Suzanne Tate books have been sold and are  used by teachers,marine educators, and parents to foster  reading and teach nature and history.  Tate has received  many awards in the 20 years since she began writing children’s books. She is especially pleased that two titles were awarded  “Children’s Choice” in a joint project byRoanoke Island Festival  Park logo the International Reading Association and Children’s  Book Council. Children across the country each year choose the  books they like best For more information on the author visit  www.suzannetate.com or forthe event,  or visit Roanokeisland.com. Shindig on the Green July 13: Saturday: Pack Square Asheville  Shindig on the Green returns for the third season back at the heart of downtown  Asheville at the new Pack Square Park's Roger McGuire Greenfor the 2013 season.  The stage shows will take place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the  founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the nation's longest running folk festival.

Getting our kids outside..

According to recent studies from the National Institute for Health and the U.S National Library for Medicine, some children are spending upwards of 5-7 hours a day on screen time. Here are some great resources for parents to get your kids up and active outside.

• Be Out There (NWF Campaign)
• Active.com (Ideas to get children outdoors)
• Kids Alfresco
• Get Children Outdoors
• Kids Outdoors
• Children and Nature Network
• Appalachian Mountain Club (Ideas to get kids outside) 

Photo Courtesy of http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Screen time and childrenBookmark & Shar

"Screen time" is any time that is spent in front of a screen, such as a TV, computer, or video game player. 

Screen time is sedentary activity, or being inactive while sitting down. Very little energy is used during screen time.
Most children spend about 3 hours a day watching TV. When you add in other screen time activities,
it is closer to 5 - 7 hours a day.Computers can be helpful when kids are using them to do schoolwork.
But surfing the internet, spending time on Facebook, or watching YouTube videos is considered
unhealthy screen time.

WECan a program developed by the NIH helps educate the importance of physical activitiy and
reducing screen time.
For more information please visit
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000355.htm

According to the MayoClinic
To much screen time can have detrimental effects on developing children:

The effects of too much screen time

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting a child's use of TV, movies, video and computer games to no more than one or two hours a day. Too much screen time has been linked to:

• Obesity. Children who watch more than two hours of TV a day are more likely to be overweight.
• Irregular sleep. The more TV children watch, the more likely they are to resist going to bed and to have trouble falling asleep.
• Behavioral problems. Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day watching TV or using a computer are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems. Exposure to video games also increases the risk of attention problems in children. Children who watch excessive amounts of TV are more likely to bully than children who don't.
• Impaired academic performance. Elementary students who have TVs in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than those who don't.
• Violence. Too much exposure to violence on TV and in movies, music videos, and video and computer games can desensitize children to violence. As a result, children may learn to accept violent behavior as a normal part of life and a way to solve problems.
• Less time for play. Excessive screen time leaves less time for active, creative play

North Carolina's 1st Inland Aquarium

The SciQuarium offers a complete immersion experience. Visitors can engage with animal keepers and educators to learn about the different species of animals and fish. In addition, behind-the-scenes tours and educational SciPods focus on the science of animal care, husbandry and water quality management.

The SciQuarium opened its doors last Saturday June 28th, and attracted record numbers.  According to GreaterGreensboroBusiness.com the museum was on track for 15,000 visitors last week alone.  To view the press release. If you are looking for something new and exciting to do this weekend, go check out the SciQuarium

For more information visit Greensboro Science Center


Just in case you missed the 4th of July celebrations in your local area or just want to experience more civic pride and fireworks, Holly Springs is having their 4th of July Celebration tonight from 5:00-9:15 at Sugg Farm Park

Join us the day after Independence Day for this traditional celebration of America's birthday. Admission is free and everyone's invited!

Festivities will include:

Photo Courtesy Town of Holly Springs

• Musical entertainment
• Food vendors
• Inflatables and games 
• Fireworks
• Potato Sack Races 
• Beaded Crafts 
• Coloring 
• Playdough 
• Bubbles 
• Paper Crafts 
• Face Painting and Other Games
• Cornhole Tournament 

The fireworks show is slated to begin at 9:15 p.m. unless the threat of rain forces cancellation or time change. People are not allowed to bring their own fireworks, even sparklers, to the celebration. 

Holly Springs 4th of July Celebrations

Some 4th of July Celebrations Worth Checking Out

Photo courtesy of City of Southport, NC(http://www.nc4thofjuly.com/)

To help celebrate our nations independence day.  Here is list of 4th of July events and activities that may not have been on your family's radar. Sometimes it is nice to sit back and enjoy old fashioned celebrations.  Whatever you do this 4th of July holiday, please take extra precautions to stay safe. For more information on North Carolina's Firework Laws visit http://bit.ly/1auPojp.  Where are you going this forth of July? Post in the comment section below events you may visit on Thursday.

Island Farm

10am - 4pm. Celebrate Independence Day 1850s style with Island Farm! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on our grassy lawn as we commemorate our nation’s birth with musket-fire, games and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

4th of July Festival- All Day'

Southport,NC

The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation's independence in a big way. The celebration has grown from colonial times when ships lay anchor in her harbor shot their cannons to today's festival where 40,000 to 50,000 people come each year to bathe in the richness of spirit commemorating Old Glory. Incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation's birthday with a little fun thrown in.  

Old Salem Independence Day Celebration

Thursday July 4th-9:30-4:30pm

Join Old Salem Museums and Gardens for an Independence Day celebration. Enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, music, games and more throughout the historic district. In addition, a moving naturalization ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. The historic buildings will be decorated with flags that correspond with their era.  There’s no better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than the site of the first Fourth of July celebration.

Free Fishing Day

On July 4 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., everyone in North Carolina — resident and non-residents alike — can fish in any public body of water, including coastal waters, without purchasing a fishing license or additional trout fishing privilege. 

Although no fishing license is required, all other fishing regulations, such as size and creel limits and lure restrictions, still apply.