Who’s Watching Your Kids?

By

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April 30, 2019

What to know before you post

Since social media has exploded within the past decade, many parents enjoy posting about their children online. From Facebook to Instagram to YouTube, parents share adorable photos and videos which highlight the joyous and not so enjoyable moments in their child’s life. Countless blogs share stories about everything from potty training to dealing with bullies. On average, parents will post 1,500 photos of their child before they enter kindergarten, but it’s not only other parents who are paying attention.

Big media is watching

Last November, Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, published a report which examined how big tech companies collect data on children and the potential risks involved in “sharenting,” a term used to describe the overuse of social media by parents who share content that’s based on their children. Ms. Longfield’s report calculates that by the time a child turns eighteen, there will be 70,000 posts about them on the Internet.

Sharing a child’s full name and birth date may seem harmless, but big media is watching. It’s estimated that by 2030, parents sharing personal information about their children online will account for two-thirds of identity fraud for young people over eighteen. “We need to stop and think about what this means for children’s lives now, “Ms. Longfield writes. “This is only going to get bigger.”

The rise of data-surveying gadgets means that a host of private information is being collected and distributed in unprecedented ways. Families are the targets of specific ads because they are skillfully being watched every time they go online. Some children are even being “datafied” before birth as tech companies learn about pregnant women through their online purchases and posts, then bombard them with ads for maternity and baby products.

Impact on children

Most parents discuss parenting and share images online, partly because it gives them a sense of commonality. As anything posted can instantly become a screenshot, privacy concerns are becoming more obvious.

“By the time children are old enough to use social media themselves, many already have a digital identity created for them by their parents,” says Sarah Clark, Associate Research Scientist with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan. “Parents may share information that their child finds embarrassing or too personal when they’re older, but once it’s out there, it’s hard to undo. The child won’t have much control over where it ends up or who sees it.”

The first babies whose pictures were posted on Facebook when it began in 2004 are now teenagers who are more invested in having control of their digital identities. In 2016, The New York Times reported a survey of 249 parent-child pairs from forty states and found that children were twice as likely to ask their parents to not “over share” or post information about them without permission.

“Collecting so much data about children raises important questions about their freedom and independence,” writes Ms. Longfield. “It does not convey how valuable and sensitive personal information is and how important it is to guard it.”

Mindful posting

Despite the fact that social media companies strive to put parents into categories and restrict their identities to online posts, technology does not truthfully define people. Exploring a relationship with technology and mindfully changing the way that parents use it can allow them to teach by example how to respect their children when they choose to post about them online.
“Parents need to be thoughtful about how much they share on social media,” says Ms. Clark. “They can enjoy the benefits of camaraderie but also protect their children’s privacy today and in the future.”

Pause Before You Post

Mindfully consider the effect sharing can have on your child’s future emotional, social, and psychological well being.
Know and abide by your social media sites’ privacy policies.
Parents who choose to share about their child’s behavioral struggles should consider doing so anonymously. Give your older children “veto power” over what you want to post online.

Foster Care Agency Opens New Office

By

Kimberly Feldkamp

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April 30, 2019

Ohio MENTOR Therapeutic Foster Care of Toledo has a new office at 5444 Airport Highway, Suite 3. Ohio MENTOR is part of the MENTOR Network, a national network of local health and human services providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses. Additionally, this service caters to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges. Ohio MENTOR is currently looking for foster parents to fill a state-wide, increased need for qualified foster parents. Mentor Foster Parents have access to 24/7 on-call support, ongoing development opportunities, trainings and more.

Visit ohiomentorfostercare.com for more information.

Let’s Talk

By

Kate Ingersoll

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April 30, 2019

Teaching Kids Conversational Skills

For many children it’s easy to strike up conversation or join a dialogue already in progress. Yet in today’s media-centered world, many kids, tweens, and teens are lacking in social skills. They can post pictures and communicate online, but real-time conversations often baffle them.

Deb Marinik, an Education Specialist with ProMedica, explains there are many reasons for this common challenge in today’s society. “The teenage years are angst-ridden and egocentric times, so it’s hard to effectively communicate because they’re primarily thinking about their own issues. This might adversely affect listening skills, which would definitely make them ineffective communicators.”

Start the conversation early

“Encouraging positive communication skills should start very young,” advises Ms. Marinik. “Talk to your child, ask questions, and be interested in what they have to say.” She encourages parents to let go of judgment or unsolicited suggestions. “Together, they are a recipe for getting kids to clam up.”

Fundamental communication skills don’t come easily to some children, so parents can utilize TV shows and real-time events to demonstrate proper language usage and how to stay on topic. Parents can also model examples of how to start or end a conversation with basic phrases that are easy to remember.

Consistent, positive interaction is key. “Kids who are raised in a sharing and respectful environment will naturally be better at expressing their thoughts,” says Ms. Marinik. “Practicing good communication is something that needs to happen every day.”

Hang up the phone

Now more than ever, cell phone addiction has become pandemic. Parents and their kids both struggle with putting down their phones, so it’s no wonder conversation skills get lost in the shuffle. So how can adults find the balance between creating family togetherness and utilizing technology in a healthy way?

As a single mom of a 17-year-old, she says the best way to deal with cell phone issues is to not provide one for her child in the first place. “I’m the mom and I’m the boss,” she smiles. Because her son is not distracted by texting, tweeting, or posting, he has developed conversational skills that rival any adult. In turn, she models conscious listening and encourages her son to do the same.

For kids who already have a cell phone, it’s important for parents to teach them how to set clear boundaries. Having regularly scheduled times when the entire family goes “tech free” can be a great way to minimize distractions and encourage conversation.

Don’t give up

The easiest way to practice communication skills is to do something fun together as a family. Everyone needs time away from their screens, especially tweens and teens, and even though it can be challenging to encourage conversation, parents should not give up.

“It’s important to remember that the tween and teen years are a confusing time,” says Ms. Marinik. “Never stop trying, no matter how frustrating it is to get monosyllabic responses. No one stays a teen forever, and kids need to feel unconditionally loved, even when they’re being difficult.”

Growing the Conversation

Take baby steps by encouraging eye contact and selling “hello.”
Role-play introductions and answers to basic questions such as “How are you?”
Teach your child to ask simple, open-ended questions starting with “how” or “what.”
Remind your child that conversations are a two-way street, so in addition to speaking, it’s important to listen to the other person.
Model cell phone etiquette when talking with your child and encourage conversation that does not center on social media or the Internet.
Visit www.smilethebook.com/smile-succeed-for-teens for more information about how to help your teen put down their phone and have successful conversations.

BOOK NOOK: The World is Waking Up

By

Lindsey Melden

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April 30, 2019

Spring has finally sprung! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it’s the perfect time to get some spring-themed books to share with the whole family. We talk a lot at our house during the winter months about the earth being asleep. It is fun to watch the world waking up, especially through the eyes of young kids. Each day brings new things to see – trees budding, birds singing, bulbs sprouting! As the days get longer and the temps get warmer there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the season and reading books together can help us to learn more about our world as it awakens to new life.

Planting a Rainbow

by Lois Ehlert

Lois Ehlert has written some of our favorite seasonal books, but we especially love her spring books. Planting a Rainbow shows all the different kinds of seeds and bulbs you can plant to grow your very own rainbow. This is a fun one to read with littles who are learning their colors or with bigger kids who can visit a greenhouse and pick out their own plants to grow after being inspired by the book. This is also a great book to pair with an easy rainbow activity or craft such as a paper collage or dot painting.

Little Home Bird

by Jo Empson

Little Home Bird is both sweet and heartwarming, with bright and joyful illustrations. Little Bird loves his home and is not happy when he learns he must move to his family’s “winter home” during the cold months. He decides to pack up all his favorite things to take with him, but it is too much to carry on such a long journey. This is a heartwarming story about the comfort of home, as well as brief introduction to migration and bird habits. After reading you could take a family walk at the park to see which song birds you can find who have flown back home after the long winter.

The Golden Glow

by Benjamin Flouw

Older kids will love this story about an adventure-loving fox. Mr. Fox loves botany, collecting things, and especially adding new drawings to his nature notebook. When he learns about a fascinating and rare flower, he goes exploring to find it. Mr. Fox and his forest friends will make little readers smile and older children will be inspired to explore their own surroundings and see which trees and flowers they can identify. He even gives a handy list of important adventure items so you can make sure you’re prepared when you go out exploring.

I hope these books inspire you to learn more about springtime and to get outdoors and explore the awakening world.

Campaigning with Kids

By

Sam Melden

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April 30, 2019

Moving Toledo forward… don’t forget strollers and snacks

Sometime last year when I brought up the idea of running for local office again to my children I wasn’t quite sure what they might say. Would they respond like I was asking them to go feed the cat, or like I was taking them to the movies? The truth is, we had a lot of fun on the campaign trail in 2017. The parades were fun (they liked the t-shirts and stickers), and we even made going door-to-door a fun activity.

But running for office is a lot of work. So, one day I asked “do you think we should try again to run for City Council?” My oldest chimed in first “Of course! You were so close last time!” Then, not surprisingly, the younger two followed their big sister’s lead. It made me happy to hear their joyful, encouraging and excited responses.

Running for office

Now, as we get closer to getting the 2019 campaign off the ground my wife and I are reminded of the challenges of running for office with small children. Often people talk about the undertaking of campaign life as an all-encompassing endeavor that is mentally and emotionally taxing. That is true concerning campaigns and, as all of us in households with kids also know, it is also a great description of parenting life. Parenting takes all of our energy. Every day brings new challenges and obstacles and most must be dealt with immediately. The truth is, raising kids, and running for office can be very similar at times. While it may seem that these two commitments don’t quite fit together, I want to share a few good moments we discovered while raising small children and running for local office.

Parenting and campaigning together

First, whether it is running for office, starting a business, or going back to school to pursue another degree while raising a family, I believe it is important to bring the kids with us along the way. The activities we engage in as a family have a formational effect, not only with each of us individually, but also for the entire family unit. Including our children in what we do as parents matters. Including them allows us to spend more time with them and they learn, first hand, things that are important to their parents.

When we bring the kids along, we introduce them to the issues we are trying to solve, allowing them to meet the very communities we are seeking to serve. This continues to involve them in the work of repairing the world, and serving our community, where we work and live.

More specific to campaign life, when I bring my children along on the campaign trail, and include them in the problems we are trying to solve, we also provide a picture of what political activity looks like. When I meet someone on their front porch who isn’t interested in voting for me, but we can still have a meaningful exchange about what our community needs and how to move Toledo forward, we help dilute all too common current perceptions of political interactions that our kids are surrounded by. Community isn’t predicated upon agreement. Our neighborhoods aren’t beautiful places to live because everyone agrees. And, when I knock on doors with my kids in tow, I’m often showing them that very thing.

So, this year, as I head out on the political path again, I’m bringing my kids along, including them in this service to the community, and hoping to show them what our democracy has to offer. Someday, and through whatever challenges my daughters decide to take on, I hope they’ll bring me along too.

Editor’s Note: The author ran unsuccessfully for Toledo City Council in 2017, finishing eighth with the top six vote getters elected to Council. He is currently campaigning for the Toledo City Council District 5 seat in the forthcoming 2019 election.

2019 Summer Camp Guide Part 2

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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April 30, 2019

Special Advertising Section

Now is the time to plan for an active, engaging summer. We’ve rounded up a variety of camps— from sleep-away options to sports camps to fun on the stage— to provide something your child is sure to enjoy.

St Francis

2323 W Bancroft St, Toledo
419-531-1618 | sfstoledo.org

St. Francis de Sales is gearing up for another great summer of camps. Each year, coaches and faculty members build upon previous years’ instruction to enhance campers’ experience. This year’s camps include Graphic Design Camp, Baseball Camp, Cyber Camp, Music Camp, Football Camp, Robo Camp, and much more! SFS camps allow students to explore their interests while encouraging them to “be who you are and be that well.” You can find more details online.

The details:
Camp dates: June 10-July 20
Camp times: Varies depending on the camp
Ages: For students entering grades 4 through 9
Cost: $25-$75
Register: sfsknights.org/camps

Children’s Discovery Center

Several Locations
childrensdiscoverycenters.com

Hosted by the Children’s Discovery Center, Camp Discovery is a program designed to help children learn and grow during the summer months. This year, campers will have the opportunity to explore games from a unique perspective using the STEM educational approach. They’ll explore the design of video games and create their own coding, test the structural integrity of Jenga and learn comprehensive drawing and painting techniques used in game creation. At the end of the summer, children will have the opportunity to create and showcase their own game concept during the Arts and Games Festival.

The details:
Camp dates: June 3-August 16
Camp times: Full day camps, with care provided from 6:30am-6pm
Ages: Kindergarten graduates through 4th grade
Register: childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Other: Campers attend weekly field trips. Children’s Discovery Centers also have their own private recreation campus with a pool. Sibling discounts are available.

The Toledo Zoo

2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-5721 | toledozoo.org

If your kids love animals, they’ll love the camps the Toledo Zoo offers this summer. There are 20 different topics covered over nine weeks of camp. Summer Safari Camp is a great way for children to explore the Zoo while learning about nature, animals and conservation. Once the Promedica Museum of Natural History opens, the Zoo will also conduct special camps that explore venom, prehistoric animals, and the animals of Ohio.

The details:
Camp dates: June 3-June 28; July 8-August 9
Camp times: M-F 9am-noon or 9am-3pm
Ages: Half-day camps for ages 4-5; full day camps for ages 6 to 15
Cost: Half Day: $135 members; $160 non-members and Full Day: $185-$300 members; $235-$350 non-members
Register: toledozoo.org/camps
Other: Bring a lunch and good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. The Zoo provides two camp shirts, a daily snack, and a water bottle.

Wood County Park District

18729 Mercer Road, Bowling Green
419-353-1897 | wcparks.org

Make the most of summer with nature, heritage and adventure at Wood County Park District. The park district is offering a variety of nature and farm camps to keep your children engaged in the great outdoors. Nature camps are filled with nature, active adventure, outdoor skills and more. Farm camp gives campers the experience of life on a 1930s farm.

The details:
Camp dates: June 10-July 26
Camp times: 9am-noon and 1-4pm
Ages: 5-15
Nature Camps: Trail Tikes, ages 5-6; Explorers, ages 7-8; Discoverers, ages 9-10; Adventurers, ages 11-12; and Voyagers, ages 13-15
Farm Camps: ages 7-8, ages 9-10, and ages 11-12
Cost: $60
Register: wcparks.org
Other: Wear clothes for adventuring!

Toledo Lucas County Police Athletic League Community Services Station

2145 N. Cove Blvd, Toledo
419-936-3444 | toledopal.com

The Toledo Lucas County Police Athletic League (Toledo PAL) offers a variety of sports skills camps all summer long. Participants can choose from golf, soccer, basketball or baseball camps. There is also a one-week Crime Scene Investigation camp which will focus on hands-on activities with actual Toledo Police Department crime scene investigators. These camps are free for children entering third grade through age 18. Hurry— registration is already open!

The details:
Camp dates: Camps run one week in length, from June 10-August 16
Camp times: Camps are half-day: 9am-noon or 12:30pm-3:30pm
Ages: Entering 3rd grade to age 18
Cost: Free! There are no residency or income restrictions.
Register: toledopal.com
Other: Choose only one camp per child, either morning or afternoon session.

Maumee Valley Country Day School

1715 S. Reynolds Rd, Toledo
419-381-1313 | mvcds.org

School may be out for summer, but the learning doesn’t stop at Maumee Valley Country Day School. With a full, fun schedule of camps and classes offered for students in grades 1-12, you may have trouble deciding which ones to attend! From sports camps to STEM options, to musical classes and cooking camps, and everything in between, summer activities are varied, engaging and seemingly endless! Plus, care is available before camp from 7:30-9am and after camp from 3:30-5:30pm.

The details:
Camp dates: Weeks of June 17 & 24; July 8, 15 & 22
Camp times: Half day: 9am-noon or 12:30-3:30pm; Full day: 9am-3:30pm
Ages: Grades 1-12, depending on the camp
Cost: Fees range from $139-$299
Register: mvcds.org or 419-381-1313 ext. 175
Other: Be sure to review the complete list online.

SafeSplash + SwimLabs Swim School

1510 Spring Meadows Dr. #D-100, Holland
419-370-2801 | safesplash.com/locations/holland

Specializing in providing swim lessons for children (and adults!) of all ages and abilities, SafeSplash + SwimLabs Swim School Holland helps all students attain their swimming goals. The curriculum is structured around safety, fun, progressive skills, the four basic swimming strokes and competitive techniques.

The details:
Camp times: Mon: 4-7pm; T, W, Th: 9:30-11am, 4-7pm; Sat: 9am-noon
Ages: 6-months+
Cost: Varies
Register: safesplash.com/locations/holland
Other: See online for special Grand Opening discounts.

Imagination Station

1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674 | imaginationstationtoledo.org

No need to worry about the summer slump thanks to camps at Imagination Station, which offers STEM camps for kids ages 6-13 with four themes per age category. Whether you participate in Pirate-ology, Young MacGyver or Cardboard Creators (just to name a few— find the whole list online), your child will have fun while learning loads of cool stuff!

The details:
Camp dates: Camps run weekly, beginning June 3, at BGSU and the University of Findlay. Beginning June 10, camp locations change to Imagination Station.
Camp times: Full day with extended day from 8:30am-5:30pm.
Ages: Micro Molecules Camp, ages 6-8; MacroMolecules Camp, ages 9-13
Cost: $175/week for members; $200/ week for non-members
Register: imaginationstationtoledo.org/workshops-camps/summer-camp
Other: Campers need to bring a packed lunch. Don’t forget your SPF!

Flying Change Farms

6635 Whiteford Road, Ottawa Lake, MI
734-854-6405 | flyingchangehorsefarm.com

Your child can learn the basics of horsemanship in a safe and fun environment

The details:
Camp dates: Weeks of June 10, 17; July 1, 29 and August 6
Camp times: 10am-2pm
Ages: 5 years and older
Cost: $105-$215
Register: flyingchangehorsefarm.com
Other: Discounts available for multiple kids or multiple sessions. Wear jeans and bring your boots!

Hunter’s Run

9241 Secor Road, Temperance, MI
734-856-2402 | huntersrunmhja.com

Spend time outside enjoying 61 acres at Hunter’s Run Summer Camp. Kids will enjoy the safe, fun environment while receiving top quality equine training. Camp includes a daily riding lesson, horse care, crafts and games. On the final day of each session, campers can showcase what they’ve learned through an exhibition intended for friends and family.

The details:
Camp dates: June 12-August 15
Camp times: 9:30am-2pm daily, with two, three and four-day camps available
Ages: 4-12
Cost: $105-$215
Register: huntersrunmhja.com
Other: Discounts offered for returning campers or families with multiple enrollments. Extended care is also available.

Heather Downs Country Club

3910 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo
419-385-0248 | heatherdowns.com

Heather Downs Country Club is offering a Junior Golf Academy and Junior Golf Camp to teach children and teens ages 18 and under everything they need to know about the game of golf. The Golf Academy teaches about clubs, short game, chipping and putting, as well as rules of golf and course etiquette. The Junior Golf Camp teaches kids the necessary skills to play the game.

The details:
Camp dates: April 27-May 5; June 8-29; July 13-Aug 3
Camp times: Ages 10 and under: 8-9:30am; Ages 11 and up: 10-11:30am
Ages: 18 and under
Cost: $80-$100
Register: 419-385-0248

West Side Montessori

7115 W. Bancroft St, Toledo
419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org

The fun and learning doesn’t stop during the summer at West Side Montessori. Here, the school partners with organizations and small businesses for a unique presentation, hands-on demonstration or a full-blown event that provides a one-of-a-kind experience. With half-day and full-day options available for ages 13-months to 10- years, there really is something for everyone. This summer’s camp theme is “Create Your Own Adventure.”

The details:
Camp dates: June 5-August 3
Camp times: Half-day and full day options
Ages: 13-months to 10 years
Cost: Varies depending on the week.
Register: montessoritoledo.org
Other: Bring a bagged lunch.

YMCA of Greater Toledo

Various locations
419-729-8135 | ymcatoledo.org

With numerous locations throughout the area, the YMCA is a perfect pick for summer camps. This year’s schedule boasts a wide variety of sports and specialty camps, as well as day and overnight camps.

The details:
Camp dates: Varies depending on camp and Y location.
Camp times: Half day, full day and overnight options available. Times vary depending on the camp.
Ages: Camps open to kids ages 3-18
Cost: Varies by branch and by camp.
Register: ymcatoledo.org or your local Y. For overnight summer camps, visit ymcastorercamps.org or call (517) 536-8607.
Other: Some camps require a swimsuit, others a bagged lunch.
Special instructions for each camp can be found online.

Forte Music School

3208 W Sylvania Ave
419-4540-0070 | fortemusic419.com

With more free-time available, summer is a great time to learn to play an instrument. At Forte Music School, lessons are available for all instruments and all ages. Your child can start playing during the summer and then continue lessons throughout the school year…and maybe for life!

The details:
Class dates: Lessons and open enrollment are available year-round.
Class times: 30-minute lessons are standard and can increase in time
Ages: 4-years and older
Cost: $90/month
Register: ForteMusic419.com or 419-540-0070

Sylvania STEM Center

3315 Centennial Rd, Sylvania
[email protected]
sylvaniastem.org

Sylvania STEM Center is offering a variety of camps to ignite wonder and spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. With camps like Exploratory STEM, LEGO WeDo Robotics, Building Your Own 3D Printer and Underwater ROV Exploration, it’s sure to be a summer of learning and adventure!

The details:
Camp dates: June 3-August 2
Camp times: Varies—camps range between 2-3 hours
Ages: Entering grades 1-12
Cost: $125-$325, depending on the camp
Register: sylvaniastem.org

Rosenbloom’s Farm

2738 Shetland, Toledo
419-841-3320 | rosenbloomsfarm.weebly.com

For their 18th year, Rosenbloom’s Farm will offer a fun and safe learning environment that allows campers to discover rural life. Participants will get the full “farm experience” by caring for animals, participating in crafts and games, and spending time in the garden. All of the farm’s animals (horses, llamas, goats, donkeys, bunnies, snake and more) are friendly and love interacting with children. Camp groups are relatively small, so be sure to register early. Camps run the week of June 24 and July 22 and 29.

Country Lane Tree Farm

2535 N Bolander Rd, Genoa
419-461-1298 | countrylanetreefarm.com

Looking for a hands-on camp experience where your child can experience life on the farm? Country Lane Tree Farm offers a Horse/Pony Camp or Farmer Camp. Kids will assist in day-to-day animal care (for goats, pigs, llamas, cows), learn about nature, butterflies and insects and even help plant the pumpkin crop. There’s also plenty of time for activities like hay climbs, water balloon play, crafts, scavenger hunts and more.

The details:
Camp dates: June 5-August 2
Camp times: two, three and five-day camps available. All camps are from 9:30am-1pm
Ages: Recommended for ages 5-12
Cost: $70-$250, depending on the camp
Register: countrylanetreefarm.com
Other: The Farmer Camp is new this year. Tuition includes a camp t-shirt and pizza party on the last day of camp. Find all the details online.

Mini Motions Dance Center

2437 Tremainsville Road, Toledo
419-473-0999 | minimotionsdance.com

If “movement” is your child’s middle name, consider signing them up for summer camp at Mini Motions Dance Center. Your young dancer will learn dance and tumbling, offered at a variety of levels. There is no registration fee for the summer programs and Mini Motions provides ballet and tap shoes when applicable.

The details:
Class dates: July 8-25
Class times: Morning and evening sessions are available.
Ages: 2-12
Cost: $65, ages 2-3; $75-$80 ages 4-12
Register: 419-473-0999
Other: Find the full class schedule online.

Camp Invention

Multiple locations throughout the Toledo Area
800-968-4332 | invent.org/camp

Camp Invention®, a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, is where children build 21st-century skills and transform their wild imaginations into epic creations. Campers in grades K-6 will question, brainstorm, collaborate and invent! Local educators will lead the innovative, hands-on STEM activities that build collaboration and creative problem-solving skills. Visit www.invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10).

The details:
Grove Patterson Academy, June 3-7, 9am-3pm
Toledo Christian School, June 10-14, 9am-3:30pm
St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy, June 24-28, 8am-3:30pm
Ages: K-6
Cost: Varies by location
Register: invent.org/camp

Summer Comic Book Camp

Art Supply Depo, 29 South Saint Clair Street
419-720-6462 | artsupplydepo.com

No matter their artistic ability, your child can create their own illustrative masterpiece this summer. This camp will explore the many methods used to create a comic book. Students will be guided in a 4-week exploratory process where they will learn the different aspects of writing, drawing, and producing a comic book.

The details:
Camp dates: June 11-14; July 23-26
Camp times: 11am-1pm
Ages: 10-18
Cost: $65
Register: artsupplydepo.com/toledo-workshops/comic-book-class-for-kids-teens
Other: Students will need to bring art supplies, including a sketch book, mechanical pencil and eraser and colored markers. You can find the complete list online.

Sylvania Area Family Services

5440 Marshall Road, Sylvania
419-882-8415 | sa-fs.org

Your kids can spend their summer days having fun outdoors, learning new things and meeting new friends at Sylvania Area Family Services Summer Day Camp. Each one of the nine weeks of camp includes themed weeks: Inventors Workshop, Lego Week, Fun and Fitness week, Backyard Science Week, Camp Miakonda Week, Water and Wheels Week, Heroes Week, Outdoor Adventure Week and Camp Rewind Week.

The details:
Camp dates: June 10 – August 9
Camp times: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages: Entering grades 1-6.
Cost: $75 registration fee, $50 weekly camp fee.
Register: Registration packet must be turned in by June 3. Call 419-882-8415 or visit sa-fs.org.
Other: Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided each day.