Home Blog Page 354

The Human Body on Display at Imagination Station

Photo courtesy of imaginationstationtoledo.org
Photo courtesy of imaginationstationtoledo.org

Toledo’s Imagination Station, a local gem of scientific exploration, has recently installed a new exhibit, Body Worlds RX, set to open Friday, May 11. We sneaked inside for a peak. Not sure the sense of sight and the eye will ever be the same… can’t peak without them.

Imagination Station has teamed with ProMedica and the University of Toledo to bring the body to life. Visitors are encouraged, per a catch-phrase, to “take a look inside”. Interactivity with a virtual “body mirror” is also encouraged.

One might find a sea of human body parts – skeletal, nervous, muscular, endocrine systems, etc. – to be disconcerting, specifically as they are real tissue. Preserved by a special practice which is, in layman’s terms, dehydration, the tissue is still there. For the sake of understanding how “there” the tissue actually is, tests could technically be performed on it. It is not plastic. It is real.

(Left) The Javelin Man, (Right) Circulatory System.
(Left) The Javelin Man, (Right) Circulatory System.

Unsettling as it may seem, though, the poetic curiosity of what is naturally hidden emerges, and with the tasteful approach to preservation, the “grotesque” becomes… not. Unless, of course, you’re taking in the smoker’s lung or a diabetic liver (no judgment, just inspiration).

(Left) Effects of smoking on insides, (Right) Smoker's lung.
(Left) Effects of smoking on insides, (Right) Smoker’s lung.

It is clear the show is intended to motivate and embolden toward self-care, and it is quite effective. One of the doctors responsible for preparing the specimens spoke for a short time before we previewed. “My wish is to inspire not only on a physiological level, but philosophical and emotional, as well. Your body is the only true place you have to live.” Body Worlds RX is a visual and cerebral success.

Members | $7
Groups (15 or more participants) | $7
Non-members | $9

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm | Sunday, Noon–5pm Monday | CLOSED

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

Beyond Brunch

Looking for a way to celebrate your mom that is a little less traditional than brunch? Check out our six picks for fun ways to spend the day.

1. Mother’s Day Tea

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church | 428 N Erie St, Toledo
419-243-4214 | stpaulstoledo.org

Your mom deserves more than just one day of adoration, so take her to an afternoon spring tea full of sweets, scones, tarts and more. To make reservations, email [email protected]. $20/person | 11:30am-2pm | Saturday, May 12

2. Mother’s Day Workshop

Board and Brush Creative Studio | 6725 Central Ave, Toledo
419-245-8516 | boardandbrush.com

Enjoy a day-date with your mom during Board and Brush’s Mother’s Day Workshop. This special workshop will feature $1 mimosas and complimentary cookies. $65/person | 11am-2pm | Saturday, May 12

3. Mother’s Day Celebration at the Farm

Country Lane Tree Farm | 3525 N Bolander Rd, Genoa
countrylanetreefarm.com

Usually Country Lane Tree Farm is closed until the fall, but the farm is making an exception for mothers at this one-day-only event. Spend the afternoon with mom while visiting baby animals and enjoying pony rides. $10/child, $5/adults | 11am-4pm | Saturday, May 12

4. Mother’s Day Mini Workshop

Board and Brush Creative Studio | 6725 Central Ave, Toledo
419-245-8516 | boardandbrush.com

Board and Brush is offering a 45 minute mini-session where participants can make a special gift for mom this year. Register for the event by visiting their website. $20/person | 6:30-7:15pm | Thursday, May 10

5. Momaste: Mother’s Day Yoga

Yogaja Yoga | Cricket West, 3145 W Central Ave, Toledo
567-343-5569 | yogajayoga.com

Help your mom unwind by spending the afternoon getting zen during yoga. Everyone is welcome at this class suitable for all levels. $20 | 1-2:30pm | Saturday, May 12

6. Imagination Station

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

Spend the day exploring the hands-on and interactive exhibits with mom at the Imagination Station, where moms get in free with one paid child admission for Mother’s Day. $10-$12 | Noon-5pm

6 Mother’s Day Brunch Spots

Forget the cliched breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day. Instead, treat Mom to a delicious brunch at one of these six restaurants offering a special Mother’s Day Brunch.

1. Rasa Restaurant and Bar

2633 W Bancroft St, Toledo
419-725-0525 | rasatoledo.com

Rasa offers seasonal and farm fresh eggs, meats, and pastries. Enjoy mimosas, tonics and cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices. Make reservations by calling 419-725-0525. 10am-2pm

2. The Adams Street Cafe

608 Adams St, Toledo
419-214-1819 | facebook.com/theadamsstcafe

The Adams Street Cafe isn’t typically open during the weekend, but Mother’s Day is a deserving exception. The cafe will feature a special brunch menu with items not available during the week. Make a reservation by calling 419-214-1819. 10am-2pm

3. Toledo Zoo Mother’s Day Brunch & Celebration

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

Treat Mom like the queen of the jungle by brunching at the zoo featuring live entertainment, mimosas and bloody marys, animal demonstrations, and kid crafts. Visit toledozoo.org to purchase your tickets today. $25-$35 | 9-10am | 11:30am-12:30pm

4. Mother’s Day Buffet at Sauder Village

22611 State Route 2, Archbold
800-590-9755 | saudervillage.org

Take Mom to Sauder Village this year for a delicious brunch buffet. Then spend the rest of the day exploring the historical village. Moms and children under 16 get free admission. $17/adult | 11am-3pm

5. Mother’s Day Dinner | Aria Banquet Hall

Pavilion Plaza | 5969 Telegraph Rd, Toledo
567-225-7135 | facebook.com/OriginalKingdomsKitchen

Kingdom’s Kitchen and Feed the Community Toledo join together to host a Mother’s day dinner for community members, family and friends. Reserve your tickets by calling 567-225-7135. $7-$12 | 1-5pm

6. Ice Restaurant and Bar

405 Madison Ave, Toledo
419-246-3339 | icetoledo.com

Bring the whole family to celebrate mom at Ice featuring lunch and dinner options suitable for all ages, including a full bar for adults. Make reservations by calling 419-246-3339. $14.95-$24.95 | 11am-3pm

May 2018 Giveaway

What’s included? SockSync organizer, Hanes Cool Comfort socks, Note To Self positive affirmation socks, AeroPress coffee and espresso maker, Teaspressa all-natural, organic tea, Mill Creeks Biotene H-24 shampoo and conditioner, Energy Dots to combat harmful energy emitted by cell phones, laptops, tablets and WiFi, and a book from the the Nicola Berry series from bestselling author Liane Moriarty.

2018 Summer Camp Guide

The days are getting longer and the weather is slowly getting warmer, which means summer break will be here soon. Looking for a fun way to keep your children engaged, entertained, and educated during those months off from school?  We’ve compiled our Summer Camp Guide, a list of local camps that are sure to make this summer a memorable one.

West Side Montessori

Be Your Own Superhero at West Side Montessori

Toledo Campus: Programs for campers 13 months through 4th grade. 7115 W. Bancroft St., 419-866-1931.

Perrysburg Campus: Programs for campers 13 months through kindergarten. 13587 Roachton Rd., 419-874-9385.

All camps begin on June 13 and end August 3. Online registration begins April 10. Register before May 19 and you’ll be entered to win a free week of summer camp.

For more information, visit MontessoriToledo.org or contact the Summer Camp Director, Brandi Parcell, at [email protected].

Throughout the summer your child will experience a variety of dynamic community partners that will keep them wanting to come back every single day. Magic shows, hula hooping experts, exotic reptiles, toddler music lessons, dog trainers, gymnastics, outdoor exploration, swimming, and more.

Level Up Village is a brand new community partner with WSM offering an amazing platform creating global classrooms through technology and innovative programming. WSM elementary campers will collaborate with campers in a third world country as they exchange ideas and solve challenges together. Montessori philosophy and curriculum promote an understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all that exists and a consequent social policy that teaches we are stewards of the Earth. Level Up Village will offer two different weeks of programming throughout the summer. One week of programming includes introductory coding with a global twist! Students learn how to make animations and digital art using Scratch Programming Language from MIT. They learn how to snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance and speak. Then, by collaborating with their global partner student through a series of video exchanges, they share their creations and showcase what they’ve learned about each other in their final creations.

Wood County Park District

18729 Mercer Rd., 419-353-1897. wcparks.org

Park Camps Connect Students to Nature

Summer camps with the Wood County Park District are just around the corner! Make the most of summer with half-day camps for children ages 5 – 15 from June 18th to July 27th. These fun and interactive camps are hosted at three different Wood County Park District Nature Preserves: W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, Bradner Nature Presrerve, and Carter Historic Farm.

This summer features: Trail Tikes, a program where kids ages 5 – 6 years enjoy a nature hike, learn about our outdoor world, and create art. Explore Nature Camps for ages 7 – 8 years and Discover Nature Camps ages 9 – 10, encourage kids to have fun and get dirty with educational activities featuring the outdoors and interactive nature experiences. Explore/Discover the Farm Camps let kids experience summer life and play for kids growing up on a 1930s farm. Adventure Camp for 11-12 year-olds and Extreme Adventures for ages 13 – 15, motivate youth to explore and learn about nature through adventure activities such as canoeing, archery, geocaching, and repelling. Each day, a different natural science theme is highlighted with a fun activity.

Please register in advance. There are a limited number of needs-based scholarships available for assistance with fees. For more information, contact Jim Witter, Program Coordinator, at (419) 661-1697×1 or at [email protected]. To register, and for more information, please visit www.wcparks.org or call (419) 353-1897.

St. Ursula Academy

4025 Indian Rd., 419-531-1693. toledosua.org

St. Ursula Academy is excited to announce its variety of athletic and enrichment 2018 Summer Camps! Our athletic camps include a variety of sessions in volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, and softball—all taught by certified coaches and featuring SUA athletes! These camps run throughout the summer. SUA’s enrichment camps run for four days and will be limited to two weeks this summer (June 4 and June 11) as our building undergoes an exciting renovation. (Our full slate of camp offerings will resume in Summer 2019!)  Our selection of enrichment camps this year include: A Day in the Studio (art camp), A Day in the Lab (science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) camp), A Day in the Kitchen (culinary camp), and American Girl Camp. We look forward to seeing Happy Campers in grades Kindergarten–8 this summer at SUA! Contact Rita Hayes, Director of Admissions, for more information: (419) 329-2209 or [email protected].

flipflops

Rosenbloom’s Farm

2738 Shetland Rd., 419-841-3320. rosenbloomsfarm.weebly.com

For their 17th year, Rosenbloom’s Farm will offer a fun and safe learning environment that allows campers to discover life on the farm. 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, snakes and more) are friendly and love interacting with children. Camp groups are kept relatively small, so be sure to register early!

Toledo School for the Arts

Summer Arts Camp & Toledo Opera Camp
7713, 333 14th St. # 4, 419-246-8732. ts4arts.org

Was your child born to perform? Then enrich your child’s life through the arts this summer, and where better to be creative than at the award-winning Toledo School for the Arts. In TSA’s Summer Arts Camp, students ages 10 – 14 will enjoy two weeks of four art experiences that will have them discovering their inner artist. Class choices include visual arts, animation, exploring instruments, creative writing, dance, improv, and makeup effects. Or choose Toledo Opera Boot Camp and do opera all day for two weeks! 9am-3:30pm: Monday, June 4 through Friday, June 15. For a full list and descriptions of classes, go to ts4arts.org. Families are invited to attend a TSA style concert and exhibit the last day of camp. Early registration is $340 by April 23 (a 20% savings!). The average staff/camper ratio is 1:12.

Maumee Valley Country Day School

SummerTime
1715 S. Reynolds Rd., 419-381-1313. mvcds.org/summertime

SummerTime at Maumee Valley offers weekly morning and afternoon classes for students entering grades 1 through 12, as well as “Hobbit” Preschool camp for half or full-day weeks. Camps and classes run from June 18 through July 27 (closed July 2-6) and are open to all students. Come explore the arts (performing and visual), academics, and athletics at SummerTime at Maumee Valley! Online registration is open.

Stonehaven Farms

Summer Horseback Riding Day Camps
351 Samaria Rd., Temperance, MI. 734-854-5825. stonehavenfarms.net

Located on 55 acres in Temperance, MI, Stonehaven Farms hosts 10 weeks of summer horseback riding day camps designed to teach first time riders through intermediates how to safely and knowledgeably work around and ride horses. Riding Day Camps are appropriate for 5 – 15 year old riders, beginner through intermediate in riding ability. Our experienced school horses and ponies are perfect for teaching any type of rider English style riding and jumping. Our camp curriculum teaches valuable horsemanship information through hands on fun horse activities and games. 4 and 5 day camps run from 9am to 2pm and begin on Monday, June 18, 2018. Please check out our Summer Day Camp Programs, Lesson Program for all ages and Boarding information on our website at www.stonehavenfarms.net. Reach us by phone at 734-854- 5825. Follow us on our Stonehaven Farms Facebook page for “up to the moment” information and program announcements.

St. Francis de Sales School

2018 Summer Camps
2323 W. Bancroft St., 419-531-1618. sfstoledo.org

St. Francis de Sales School is gearing up for another great summer! Each year our coaches and faculty members try to add something to make our camps even better than the year before. Held June 3 through July 18, our camps offer a variety of interests including Art Camp, Baseball Camp, Lacrosse, Cyber Camp, Music Camp, Football Camp, Robo Camp, Musical Theatre Camp, and much more! Our camps allow students to go deeper into their interests as we encourage them to “be who you are and be that well.” This year, St. Francis has a few camps for girls as well as boys.

Children’s Theatre Workshop

2417 Collingwood Blvd., 419-244-5061. ctwtoledo.org/summer_2018
Scholarships are also available at ctwtoledo.org/scholarships, and applications are due April 16, 2018.

Children’s Theatre Workshop is offering summer programs for ages 3-18 this year on a variety of topics—something for every theatre kid! Kicking off June 4, CTW will have nine straight weeks of theatre camps ranging from drop-in classes for preschoolers, to a summer-long musical theatre camp. For preschoolers ages 3-4, CTW offers a weekly drop-in class from 9:30-10:15 am on Thursdays. Campers ages 5-6 can enjoy a half-day, week-long theatre camp that combines introductory theatre concepts with a child’s natural inclinations to play. Theatre kids ages 7-9 and 10-14 will spend their day learning theatre terms, audition techniques, improvisation and theatre games. Design, rehearse and share a different short play each week!

CTW’s Costuming Camp includes instruction on hand sewing, fabric care, making patterns, and using a sewing machine. The Stage Makeup Camp curriculum includes a basic stage face, age makeup, nose and scar wax, fantasy and horror makeup, drag makeup, and others. The Improv Camps, split into ages 10-12 and 13-16, are a perfect introduction to the art of improv, or to polish skills! Musical theatre kids ages 10-18 can join CTW’s summer musical production of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, which performs July 27-28, 2018. Older musical theatre students can join CTW’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, an intensive musical program for ages 13-18 and a special collaboration with Bird’s Eye View Circus! Performances are July 6-8, 2018.

sunglasses

Sunshine Inc.

Sunshine Studios Art Camp
305 Conant St., Maumee. 419-865-0251. sunshine.org

We all have unique talents, so all young artists are welcome at this camp, whatever their level of experience or ability. Children in the session beginning June 25 will be making wind bells, toad houses, bird feeders and a flower post. Young artists in the second session will boost their abilities by working on a pottery wheel to create unique art. $75 per week-long session, held either June 25-29 or July 23-27. The average staff to camper ratio is 1:6. Camps will be held from 10-11am for kindergarten through 3rd grade and from 1-2pm for 4th through 6th grade

Sunshine Summer Barn Camp

7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee. 419-779-0756.
sunshine.org

The Sunshine Barn camp is more than riding. New this year: Mix and match sessions to best meet your busy summer schedule! Campers can progress riding skills, learning basic animal care and grooming, enjoy crafts and games. Snacks provided. And while our five horses— Bailey, Katie, Harley, Daisy and Taz— are often the centers of attention, our miniature ponies, goats, bunnies and even a llama love the time with children too. Each of the animals has a welcoming, gentle demeanor.

– 4 to 6-year olds: 2-5pm. Fridays, June 22 and 29, Sundays, Aug 5, Aug 12. Each session is $35.

– 6 years and older: Noon-4pm. Sundays, July 8, 15, 22, and 29 and Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, and Aug 2. OR 2-6pm. Fridays, July 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, and 17. Each session is $50.

Saint Rose Catholic School

217 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 419-874- 5631. saintroseonline.org/school/admissions/enrollment

Saint Rose has a camp for every child’s interest! From princess camp; Jedi camps, LEGO camp; sports, dance, futsal, baking, geocaching and more, the camps are opportunities for children in preschool through eighth grade to participate in weekly themed programming which will further enhance their fun and education during the summer. Saint Rose hosts three weeks of summer camps available in the month of June. Each camp runs Monday-Friday, 9am to noon. To register, view camp descriptions and more information, please visit the school enrollment page (listed above).  Please contact Summer Camp Director, Annie Arthur, at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

YMCA of Greater Toledo

Day Camp: Best Summer Ever
ymcatoledo.org/daycamp
Three Locations: Wolf Creek YMCA (2100 S. Holland Sylvania Rd., 419-866-9622); Francis Family YMCA (2000 W. Dean Rd., Temperance, MI. 734-850-9622); and YMCA Storer Camps (6941 Stony Lake Rd., Jackson, MI. 517-536-8607).

Try something new, meet new friends, be active, and have fun all day long. The YMCA of Greater Toledo encourages parents to give their kids the gift of camp.

Our experienced, well-trained YMCA of Greater Toledo staff provide opportunities for campers to develop skills and explore new interests in a safe, supportive environment. All activities are designed to be fun and stimulating to help prevent Summer Learning Loss. Campers will develop teamwork and leadership skills while building lifelong friendships. For information regarding YMCA of Greater Toledo Day Camp dates, please visit ymcatoledo.org/daycamp

Whiteford Valley Golf Club

7980 Beck Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI. 734-856-4545. whitefordvalley.com

Great rates, Great service, Great Golf

Junior Camp: 10-11:15am. June 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd. $50 per child.
Junior League: 2-4pm. Begins June 23 and runs for eight weeks. Call the Pro Shop to sign up or to get more info. Juniors play free with a paid adult
(ages 14 and under).
Footgolf: The passion of soccer meets the prestige of golf in this unique game, now in its fifth season at Whiteford Valley. Great for all ages and abilities. Great for families, birthday parties, groups or individuals.

Call for more info or group pricing. Show this ad and juniors get a large bucket of range balls free during the months of April and May.

National Inventors Hall of Fame: Camp Invention®!

Camp Invention locations are nationwide, including many throughout the Toledo area. Visit campinvention.org or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code Ideas15 to save $15 (expires 5/4). Early registration discounts are available.

Invent the future today at Camp Invention®! Wild and crazy ideas become reality in this year’s all-new Camp Invention program, Fast Forward! A nonprofit program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention allows children in kindergarten through 6th grade to experience real-world problem solving, creative thinking, invention, and teamwork— all while having FUN! Activities include challenges and achievements from the brightest thinkers around— National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees—  to inspire children. At Camp Invention, children are empowered to question, brainstorm, collaborate and invent with local educators who lead the week of fun, hands-on, STEM activities that allow children to think big, explore their curiosity, and never give up.

From talking mirrors to toasters that know how to cook their favorite foods, children invent and build models of smart gadgets and explore smart energy in Mod My Mini Mansion™. In Robotic Pet Vet™ children will become robotic pet veterinarians to diagnose puppy problems and design and build dog park attractions using real tools! Explore sensors by experimenting with light and dark surfaces with a self-driving robot in Optibot™, where children will be inspired by land, sea and air vehicles as they design their own futuristic vehicle. In Stick To It™ children learn that inventing is fun but not always easy. Each day will present a new challenge meant to inspire them to think big while they explore what it is like to be a physicist, engineer and entrepreneur.

Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so secure your child’s spot today!

Summer Arts Camp: Plunge into Creativity!

1700 N. Reynolds Rd., 419-531-2046. facebook.com/SummerCreativityCamp

For a detailed description of classes, contact Martin Nagy, founder and director of the Creativity Camps, at
419-531-2046 or at [email protected].
To register please visit aclew.org.

8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. Extended care
options available. Beginning June 11. Ages 5-14. $150 per child and per week.

Is your child the next artist on the block? Then nourish their passion and creativity by enrolling your child in our summer arts camp. They cannot miss the opportunity to attend one of the oldest camps in town. Seven exciting, fun-filled and education weeks of Creativity Camp are offered for this 33rd annual season: June 11-15: Creativity Kick-off. June 18-22: Urban Toledo Downtown Toledo. June 25-29: Painting & Theater Focus.July 9-13: Seven Eagles Historical Education Center. July 16-20: Theater & Clay/Sculpture. July 30-Aug. 3: Beauty in the Park Metroparks Toledo. Aug. 6-10: Creatively Back to School.

Campers should be registered one week in advance to ensure enrollment. The camp staff works one-on-one with groups of 12 campers maximum. Teaching artists are professionals and have a weekly curriculum to Teach for Change! Social activism is at the heart of all activities, whether campers attend art, dance, theater or field trips. Campers take their artwork home on Friday of each camp week. Camper Certificates will be awarded weekly. Families attend an art show and theater performance on the last day of camp at 4pm.

Country Lane Tree Farm: Pony/Horse and Farmer Summer Camps

3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa, OH. 419-461-1298.
countrylanetreefarm.com

Pony/Horse Camps are for the child that can’t get enough of ponies & horses!

Country Lane Tree Farm offers 2, 3 & 5 day camps by reservation only. Campers will ride each day, as well as learn pony/horse care. A craft each day, a tshirt and pizza party round out each camps fun. $100 for two day camp. $150 for three day camp. $250 for five day camp.

Farmer Camp are for the child that loves all animals. Campers will interact with all of our farm animals and help with chores! A craft each day, tshirt & pizza party round out this camp. $70 for two day camp.

Birds Eye View Circus

2413 Collingwood Blvd. First Floor
567-298-6841. birdseyeviewcircus.com

Birds Eye View Circus is Toledo’s Premier circus training and performance space offering classes in aerial and ground acrobatics for youth and adults. Our classes offer a unique fitness program that improves strength, flexibility and confidence for anyone. You can also see our instructors and students performing at many local events, theaters and festivals around Toledo.

Total Sports Rossford

10020 S. Compass Dr.
419-874-9800.
totalsportscomplex.com/locations/rossford

Serving as both Total Sports’ first venture outside of Michigan and as one of their newest facilities, Total Sports Rossford first opened in 2015, offering two boarded indoor fields, one large non-boarded field, and seven baseball/softball tunnels, as well as a full, 11v11 turfed field built in 2016. With over 150,000 square feet, Total Sports offers plenty of place to run, jump, play, and learn.

Children 18 months through 12 years of age love the Lil’ Kickers programs, which are 50-minute, focused soccer sessions held once a week and offered through an open enrollment plan, letting participants join at any point in the season. Classes are divided by age: Bunnies (18-24 Months Parent/Child), Thumpers (2-3 Years Parent/Child), Cottontails (2.5-3.5 Years Parent/Child), Hoppers (3-4 Years Beginner), Jackrabbits (3-4 Years Intermediate), and Micro Classes (4-12 Years), which are non-competitive, developmental soccer classes with an emphasis on fun and safety.  $14.50 per class, with sibling discounts available. Register at the facility, online, or by calling

419-874-9800. For more information, contact Amanda Benjamin, Lil’ Kickers Coordinator, at [email protected].

The Center for Autism and Dyslexia

7430 Timberstone Dr., Findlay.
567-525-4487
centerforautismanddyslexia.com

9am-3pm, Monday-Thursday. Session 1: June 11-29.
Session 2: July 9-26. Please RSVP by May 18 to 567-525-4487. Parents are responsible for transportation. The total cost to cover both sessions per child will be $2,500 and will require commitment to attend both sessions.

The Center for Autism and Dyslexia doesn’t believe in “one size fits all.” They offer comprehensive individualized programs to help children with autism and other learning disabilities achieve a higher quality of life. The Center offers small classroom sizes, high staff-to-student ratio, as well as on-site therapy programs such as music therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Staff include Intervention Specialists, experienced Teacher Assistant’s, RBT (Registered Behavioral Technicians), and BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst).

This summer, the Findlay Ohio campus will make available a summer camp. Exciting programming will be offered to continue enhancing social skills through academic and recreational therapy programs for children PreK-12th grade who are looking to learn how to make friends and interact within a community setting.

Highly educated staff will be offering a variety of structured activities and educational programs for children of all abilities. Offering those in need of some extra skills help, social skills, transitioning, along with fun leisure community outings. Their comprehensive and intensive behaviorally based approach incorporates opportunities for learning across all settings and environments-at home, in the classroom and in the community.

summer

Toledo Zoo Summer Safari Camp

2 Hippo Way, 419-385-5721.
Toledozoo.org

Sessions begin in June and run through August. Prices, ages, and camp themes vary.

Most kids only dream of spending a full week at the Zoo, but fortunately for Toledo-area children, the Toledo Zoo offers a huge variety of camps featuring fun games and activities, live animal visitors, and cool crafts. Camps are divided by age: 4-5 year olds (9am-noon, $135 for members and $160 non-members), 6-10 year olds (9am-3pm, $180 for members and $230 for non-members), experience camps for 6-10 year olds (9am-3pm, $195 for members and $245 for non-members), experience camps for 11-15 year olds ($300 for members and $350 for non-members), and fishing camps for 9-10 year olds ($300 for members and $350 for non-members). In addition, Encore! week offers individual, themed classes each day to give kids 6-10 years old a unique experience.

Sylvania Area Family Services: Elementary Einstein’s Summer Camp

5440 Marshall Rd., 419-882-8415. Sa-fs.org
8:30am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday. June 4-August 10. Grades 1-6. $75 registration fee. $100 weekly fee.

Sylvania Area Family Services (SAFS) summer camp will be starting soon, and we have the price that’s right for you! SAFS Summer Camp offers a 10-week themed day camp, with a variety of field trips to places such as Plummer Pool, Camp Miakonda etc.

Our summer camp children will be under the supervision of a staff employee, summer intern, and camp counselors.  SAFS encourages the children to learn about sustainable living, by working in our on-site community garden, and working closely with OSU Extension via the S.T.E.M. program.

Please register in advance. SAFS has limited spots available. For more information contact Tina at 419-882-8415 ext. 104 or email [email protected]

ProMedica Hospice: Camp Fearless

Sylvania First Methodist Church: 7000 Erie St., Sylvania.
Free. 9am-3pm, July 24-27. Registration is required and is open through July 17. For more information or to register, contact ProMedica Hospice at 419-824-7400, or visit promedica.org/campfearless.

ProMedica Hospice will host Camp Fearless for children and adolescents who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The free bereavement day camp is ideal for children ages 6 to 16 and features therapeutic activities, arts and crafts and team building exercises led by a team of professional counselors, hospice team members and trained volunteers. Children will explore issues related to the impact that loss can have on their lives in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

The program also provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet individually with camp leaders to discuss the individual needs of the children and family following loss. Hospice staff provide information and connect families with additional resources to help children continue to grow and move forward on their grief journey.

In addition to the Sylvania location, Camp Fearless will be held in Cyde, Fremont, and Monroe, Michigan. See promedica.org/campfearless for more information.

Forte Music School

3208 W. Sylvania Ave., 419-471-2100. fortemusicandarts.com

The summer is a great time for kids to try their hand at a new interest. Forté Music School offers students one-on-one music lessons year round for all instruments, voice, stage presence, and musical theatre. As the largest music school in the Toledo area, they provide the most professional faculty in one location. You can enroll anytime, and classes are open to children and adults.

Educare Academy Summer Adventure Camp

11 Award-winning locations in the Toledo, Oregon, Rossford and
Maumee area. 419-540-4445.
educareacade my.com/summer-camp
Ages 5-12. June through August.

Educate Academy Child Development Centers offer children ages 5-12 a summer full of themed curriculum to keep young minds engaged all season long. Indoor and outdoor group activities, weekly field trips, and more, encourage critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Children will enjoy a healthy meal daily. Now accepting children from 5-12 years old to participate in our summer camp this June through August.

Simply Stated & Painted

2534 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. 419-214-0224.
Simplystatedandpainted.com

Not every kid has the chance to spend a week, or longer, crafting at a summer camp— but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy some creative summer fun. Plan a fun day at Simply Slated & Painted, a ceramics painting studio that lets kids of all ages paint their own mug, plate, figurine, ornament, or other novelty item. The studio offers hundreds of ceramic pieces to color, plus a friendly and helpful staff to help guide your experience. Stop in for an afternoon, attend a class, or plan a party to make a special event even more unique.

Toledo GROWs
Toledo GROWs’ Urban Farm

900 Oneida St.
To register, please call 419-720-8714 or email Hannah Halfhill
at [email protected]

Toledo GROWs, a community outreach program that educates people of all ages and backgrounds about gardening, invites children of all ages to experience their Urban Farm with two one-day summer camps.

The Family Farm Camper, from 9-11am on Thursday, June 7, invites ages 1-99 to experience a day as a farmer. Take care of chickens, learn about bees, and plant something to take home. $8 per child, $5 per adult. 

The Growing Gourmet Camp, from 9am-noon on Thursday, June 14, invites kids ages 6-12 to discover where their food comes from. Kids will experience planting, harvesting, and cooking snacks, desserts, and more. $18 per child.

BGSU Recreation & Wellness Kids Camp

Bowling Green State University Student Recreation Center, 1411 Ridge Rd., Bowling Green. 419-372-8454.
bgsu.edu/recwell/youth-family/kids-camp.html

9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. $100/part-time camper. For BGSU employees and students: $130 first camper, $120 additional campers. Community members: $140 first camper, $130 additional campers.

Beginning June 4 and running through July 27, Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade (ages 5-12) can enjoy one, or all, of the BGSU Recreation and Wellness Center’s eight individual, weeklong themed camps.  Week 1 (June 4-8): Adventure is Out There! Week 2 (June 11-15): Sports. Week 3 (June 18-22): Outdoors and Animals. Week 4 (June 25-29): Space. Week 5 (July 2, 3, 5, 6): Stars and Stripes. Week 6 (July 9-13): Falcon Pride. Week 7 (July 16-20): Water Week. Week 8 (July 23-27): Color Wars.

Early Bird Pricing: Payments made before May 18 receive 10 percent off total. Bundled Pricing: Payments made after May 18 for two or more weeks receive 5 percent off total. Before and after care, held 7:30-9am and 4-5:30pm, is available for an additional $30.

Not a Greasy Spoon: Rick’s City Diner

Rick’s City Diner
5333 Monroe St. Toledo 43623
419-720-9555
7am-3pm, Monday-Saturday.
7am-2pm, Sunday.

The Short Course:

Kid-friendly: Yes.
To avoid wait: Anytime, but weekend mornings can get busy.
Noise Level: Moderate.
Bathroom amenities: Changing station.
High chairs? Yes.
Got milk? Yes as well as a variety
of juice.
Kids’ menu? Yes; breakfast and
lunch options.
Allergy info: It is difficult to prevent cross contamination as they only have one grill. However, they do not use any peanut oil and gluten free bread is available.

01rick

I know I have said this before, but I continue to be amazed at the delicious, locally owned restaurants in the Toledo area. Toledo has always had an abundance of eating establishments, and it boasts wonderful restaurants with a great selection of ethnic foods, as well.  With a rare free Saturday, the kids and I recently tried out a new place for lunch. Well, new ONLY to us.

Diner in name only

Right or wrong, I have usually equated “diner” with “greasy spoon” and, perhaps, not the best well-kept place.  I mean that in the most endearing way. Greasy spoon, a colloquial term, refers to an establishment that is usually inexpensive and generally offers fried food, burgers, chili and other “comfort” foods. I LOVE a great diner when that’s what I’m in the mood for.

Given that understanding, we were quite surprised when we stepped into Rick’s City Diner. It wasn’t what we had expected from a “diner.” After enjoying our dining experience and talking with owner Rick Salem, he explained it is a “diner” in name only.  Now everything made sense.

Warning: You could become a regular

Basically, just put the idea of anything close to a typical diner out of your mind. Yes, there is a long dining counter with high chairs that you would expect at most diners, but that is all the “diner” you will find in this restaurant. Especially on a sunny day, you will love all the windows. The dining area is very open and bright with a fireplace and partial wall in the middle that serves as a divider between two sides of the restaurant.

“It’s a hangout. It’s a place where you always see people you know,” said Salem. And true to that statement we did notice a couple guests who ran into friends as well, and the waitress knew the regulars sitting behind us. “I wanted something locally owned,” said Salem who had no interest in opening a franchise.  His first restaurant opened in 1986 and with each move to a new location he would “go back to school,” per say, as he traveled the country and spent time with mentors always honing his craft and his concept, always wondering how he can improve upon it.

Mr. Salem said he uses natural foods; everything is fresh and nothing is frozen. His menu includes a note to patrons promising only the highest quality, finest meats, never powdered or liquid eggs (eeks…didn’t realize some places do that!), homemade pancake, waffle and French toast batter, etc. His Albacore tuna doesn’t come cheap, nor does his coffee, but if you appreciate good food, you will notice the difference with everything you try.

02rick

Kids have a menu, but they’ll want yours

For kids 10 and under there is a breakfast and lunch menu with typical options such as grilled cheese, hot dogs, chocolate chip pancakes, etc. with prices ranging from $3.79 to $5.99 including a side and beverage. The adult menu is expansive with options including sandwiches, salads, specialty breakfast items, omelets, French toast which may make your children jealous. According to Salem, the majority of kids order off the regular menu.

My youngest went for the homemade chocolate chip pancakes with a couple eggs while the rest of us enjoyed lunch options. However, Salem said they are probably best known for their seven different Eggs Benedict options. I already know I am going back for the Crab Cake Benedict for $12.99. At Rick’s you know you are getting what you pay for, and more.

I enjoyed their homemade chicken salad served open face on a English Muffin topped with melted Gruyere cheese while my daughter opted for the California melt; a vegetarian option with a portabella mushroom, avocado, tomato and melted Swiss. My oldest son somehow devoured the fried egg BLT with avocado and fresh cut fries. It must have had a pound of bacon. He unsuccessfully tried to hoard his bacon, as I was sure we all got a taste, or two or three. Short story about Rick’s, we can’t wait to return.

Bottom Line: Rick’s City Diner is a “diner” only in name.  The attention to freshness and quality is evident in every bite. Portions are generous and the staff is pleasant. You’ll enjoy the casual, family friendly atmosphere and, though they have a kids’ menu, your younger ones may be tempted to order something off the regular menu instead.