Archive for February, 2012
Now Updated: Spring Into Fairfield Fun!
Nature, animals, history, dancing, theater, and art. Whatever your family’s interest, there are a host of events in our area to put a spring in little steps. Let’s not forget that it’s also the season of Easter egg hunts and carnivals, events kids remember for a lifetime!
Ongoing
Fairfield Public Library Children’s Programs
Ongoing, Winter & Spring 2012
Our library system in Fairfield is a true treasure. With more programs for children and parents than we can possibly list here, many of which are free, and several of which you can simply drop-in, their Calendar of Events page should be bookmarked on all Fairfield parents’ computers. Programs are held in both the Main Branch downtown and the Fairfield Woods Branch on Fairfield Woods Rd. Seriously not to be missed!
For More Information: http://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org; Main Branch: 203.256.3120; Fairfield Woods Branch: 203.255.7308
Pequot Library Children’s Programs
Ongoing, Winter & Spring 2012
As if having one stellar library system isn’t enough, we must not forget that the Pequot Library in Southport has their own full schedule of enriching kids’ offerings. Again, with a bookmark-worthy calendar, and several free and drop-in programs, there’s almost always a rewarding experience to be had at our towns’ libraries.
For More Information: http://www.pequotlibrary.org; 720 Pequot Avenue Southport, CT 06890
2011/2012 Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ Season
Now Until Apr 15, 2012
The 2011/2012 Sound Tiger’s season runs Oct 8th, through mid-April, 2012, bringing hockey and family entertainment to Bridgeport. You’ll enjoy the many upcoming features multiplying the fun at the Sound Tiger’s games: season tickets, group outings, special family events, birthday parties and more!
For More Information: Bridgeport Sound Tigers; 600 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT; info@soundtigers.com; 203.334.GOAL; http://www.soundtigers.com
March 2012
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Zoo Tots
Tuesday, March 13 & Wednesday, March 14 at 10:30 AM
This monthly 45-minute program for children 22 months to four years, who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, activities, crafts, and live animals. This session, entitled “Animal Tales,” will feature animal tails and their functions. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
Connecticut Audubon Society’s Live Birds of Prey
Saturday, March 17
10:30am – 11:30am
Sleek, strong, silent. Falcons, hawks and owls. Meet the Center at Fairfield’s live birds of prey up close! These birds cannot be released back into the wild, but now serve as bird ambassadors who help us tell the story of their status in Connecticut and what each of us can do to help them. Fee: $3 for CAS Members, $6 for Non-members. To register or for more information, call 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
For More Information:Connecticut Audubon Society; 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield; 203.259.6305; www.ctaudubon.org
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Storytime: Paint the Town Red
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$5 per child; Recommended for ages 4 – 6, accompanied by an adult.
Come to the Fairfield Museum and History Center and hear engaging stories, followed by a fun craft.This week’s theme is Paint the Town Red. Listen to storybook adventures with vibrant illustrations and then create your own painting.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road,Fairfield CT, 06824; 203.259.1598; www.fairfieldhistory.org. This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Girls Club: Wartime with Molly
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
$15; $10 for members. For Grades 3-5. Please pre-register.
Growing up during World War II was tough, but people throughout the world galvanized together to save resources and to make sacrifices. Learn about Molly’s life during the war and she discovered the fascinating stories of Britain’s royalty.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road,Fairfield CT, 06824; 203.259.1598; www.fairfieldhistory.org. This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
Fairfield Parks and Recreation
Family Fun Dance
A Winter Welcome at the “New” Penfield Pavilion on Beautiful Long Island Sound! Sponsored by the Town Youth Council and Fairfield Parks & Recreation
Friday, March 23rd; 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Reservations are a must and space is limited. Call the Recreation Department at 203-256-3191 beginning Wednesday, January 18th at 9:00 am to reserve your family’s spot. Residents are invited to dance the night away at the family fun dance at the Penfield Pavilion, 323 Fairfield Beach Road. Here’s your chance to see this beautiful new facility. DJ, Marvin Parsons and the Town Youth Council will get your family up and dancing! This event is presented by the Town Youth Council and a $1.00 per person donation will be collected at the door to benefit a TYC fundraiser, “The Jacky Durrell Memorial Service Award.” Each year, we award three, $1000.00 scholarships to Fairfield Graduates for their community service accomplishments. Please bring your own dinner and drinks!
For More Information: Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department ; 75 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824; (203) 256-3191;cal.fairfieldct.org; recsupport@town.fairfield.ct.us
Stepping Stones Museum
Family Fun Night: The Cat in The Hat
Friday, March 23. 6-8:30PM
Everyone’s favorite cat from the mind of Sr. Seuss is on hand for storytelling, crafts, and a musical parade. Appripriate for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary kids. Register online or call.
For More Information: Stepping Stones Museum; 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT; 203.899.0606 x264; steppingstonesmuseum.org
Yale Peabody Museum
A Night at the Peabody: A Family Night Full of Fun and Surprises
Saturday, March 24, 6-9 PM
Tickets:$12 and $18, under age 3 free
Advance purchase required at www.peabodystore.com
Everything is more fun at night, including A Night at The Peabody Museum. Families can visit the museum after hours and enjoy games, crafts, scavenger hunts, live animals, and some other surprises.
For More Information: Yale Peabody Museum; 170 Whitney Ave., New haven, CT; www.peabody.yale.edu/events; 203.432.5050
Connecticut Audubon Society’s Egg-stravaganza
Saturday, March 31; 9:30am -11am & 1:30pm – 3pm
“Eggs-plore” what’s hatching at the Center at Fairfield’s 16th annual “egg-stravaganza!” Fun-filled family activities include an egg hunt (ideal for children 8 and under), spring-themed craft making, live animal meet-and-greet, and a visit from a very special rabbit. Our morning egg hunt includes a continental breakfast while our afternoon egg hunt includes juice, cookies and healthy snacks. Bring cameras and a basket! Program held rain or shine.
For registration call 203-259-6305 Ext.109. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program fee: $10/child, $5/adult for CAS members; $15/child, $10/adult for non-members. Free for children under 2 years old. All proceeds support Connecticut Audubon Society environmental education programs.
For More Information: Connecticut Audubon Society; 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield; 203.259.6305; www.ctaudubon.org
Fairfield Parks and Recreation
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 31, 2012 1:00 PM SHARP!
South Pine Creek Soccer Field on Old Dam Road
A sure sign that spring is right around the corner is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt presented by the Town Youth Council and Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department. Pre-school children to 3rd graders should bring their Easter Baskets to the South Pine Creek Soccer Field on Old Dam Road on Saturday, April 16. The Egg Hunt starts at 1:00 PM sharp, but all are encouraged to come down early and meet the Easter Bunny. A $1.00 per person donation is requested to benefit a Town Youth Council fundraiser, “The Jacky Durrell Memorial Service Award Scholarship” which awards 3 scholarships to local High School Seniors each year. Don’t be late! The eggs go fast !
In case of inclement weather call the Recreation hotline (203) 256-3144 the morning of the event.
For More Information: Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department ; 75 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824; (203) 256-3191; cal.fairfieldct.org; recsupport@town.fairfield.ct.us
The Westport Country Playhouse
The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare
Sunday, March 18, 2012
1pm and 4pm
Pre-school & younger, Young elementary
$18
Children ages six and up can enjoy two classic fairy tales produced by Corbian/Lightwire Theater. Lined with electroluminescent wire, these well-known characters continue the Corbian tradition as they illuminate the darkened stage and put a modern spin on classic tales.
For More Information: www.westportplayhouse.org; 203-227-4177; 25 Powers Court (off Route 1), Westport, CT 06880
April 2012
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Zoo Tots
Mon, 04/09/2012, 10:30am – 11:15am
Tue, 04/10/2012, 10:30am – 11:15am
This monthly 45-minute program for children 22 months to four years, who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, activities, crafts, and live animals. This session, entitled “Animal Tales,” will feature animal tails and their functions. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Jump into Spring!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$5 per child. Recommended for ages 4 – 6, accompanied by an adult.
Come to the Fairfield Museum and History Center and hear engaging stories, followed by a fun craft. Spring is finally here! Hear stories that celebrate animals that love to run, romp and jump. Decorate animal pictures with fun shapes inspired by nature.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road,Fairfield CT, 06824; 203.259.1598; www.fairfieldhistory.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
International Bat Awareness Celebration
Tue, 04/17/2012 – 11:00am – 3:00pm
Wed, 04/18/2012 – 11:00am – 3:00pm
Thu, 04/19/2012 – 11:00am – 3:00pm
Come learn all about the amazing world of bats! Activities will include scavenger hunts, crafts, story times, and bat box raffles. Program will begin in the Research Station. FREE with paid admission to the Zoo. This program is also presented on April 18 and 19.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Party for the Planet
Sat, 04/21/2012 – 9:00am – 3:00pm
Sun, 04/22/2012, 9:00am-3:00pm
Join Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day on April 21 and 22! Our Earth Day event is about encouraging local, organic, earth-friendly choices as a way of promoting better health for our planet and ourselves. Environmentally-friendly vendors will be on hand with everything from green cleaning products and recycled fashion accessories to better lawn care for you and wildlife! We’ll have live music performed by The Mudpuppies and by The Environmental Hootenanny with Tom Calliman and Ann Shapiro. Both performances are at the Peacock Pavilion. Come learn what you can do to make the planet a healthier place for you and your family.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
McKinley School Carnival
Thursday, April 26, 2012 6-9 PM
Friday, April 27, 2012 6-10 PM
Saturday, April 28, 2012 1-10 PM
Sunday, April 29, 2012 12-5 PM
Jennings Beach, 880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
For More Information: Contact McKinley School at (203) 255-8318.
May 2012
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Zoo Tots
Tue, 05/08/2012, 10:30am – 11:15am
Wed, 05/09/2012, 10:30am – 11:15am
This monthly 45-minute program for children 22 months to four years, who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and a live animal presentation. This session, “Garden Critters,” will explore our historic greenhouse and its collection as well as animals found in gardens. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Dinosaur Day
Sat, 05/12/2012
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Enjoy a day of dinosaurs and related activities at the Zoo. Dinosaur experts from around the state will bring information and artifacts on these fascinating prehistoric creatures.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Mother’s Day
Sun, 05/13/2012
9:00am – 4:00pm
Bring your mom to the Zoo on Mother’s Day and her ticket is on us! Connecticut’s only zoo wants to thank all those moms who work so hard throughout the year. Enjoy the special day visiting our animals and bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy in our Peacock Pavilion.
For More Information: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06610; 203.394.6565; www.beardsleyzoo.org
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Storytime: Hooray for Memorial Day!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$5 per child. Recommended for ages 4 – 6, accompanied by an adult.
Come to the Fairfield Museum and History Center and hear engaging stories, followed by a fun craft. This week’s theme: Feeling patriotic yet? Learn about the red, white and blue and make your own flag.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road,Fairfield CT, 06824; 203.259.1598; www.fairfieldhistory.orgThis event is accessible to people with disabilities.
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Girls Club: Remember the Past with Addy
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
$15; $10 for members. For Grades 3-5. Please pre-register.
Learn about Addy’s challenges growing up during the Civil War. We’ll make a scrapbook to keep and exchange our own memories. We’ll also create a delicious snack inspired by history.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road,Fairfield CT, 06824; 203.259.1598; www.fairfieldhistory.orgThis event is accessible to people with disabilities.
Holy Family Church Carnival
Thursday, May 17, 2012 6-9 pm
Friday, May 18, 2012 6-10 pm
Saturday, May 19, 2012 1-10 pm
Sunday, May 20, 2012 12-5 pm
Jennings Beach, 880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
For More Information: Contact Suzie Whelan at suzieharko@aol.com
Fairfield County Ducky Derby
Saturday, May 19th, 2012
The Fairfield County Duckie Derby is an annual free family fun event scheduled for May 19, 2012. Over 1000 little rubber duckies will be released into the Mill River at 1:30 for a race to the finish line. Large sized rubber ducks will be decorated ahead of time and entered into the “Decorate Me Duck” contest. Trophies and prize ribbons will be awarded. Games, food, and two fuzzy, friendly duck mascots will be on hand to entertain the “young at heart”. A $10 donation gets you and your family a race duck number- you might have a real winner. A $15 donation gets you a large rubber duck to decorate ahead of time and enter into the Decorate Me Duck Beauty Contest. All proceeds benefit St. Catherine’s Academy, a school for children with special needs located in Fairfield.
For More Information: www.stcatherineacademy.org
For Moms Who Read: Books We Love
As moms who made their careers within the book publishing industry, we at Fairfield Families read. We read a lot. To that end, we’d like to offer reviews of books we’ve loved and appreciated since becoming moms, books that taught something about motherhood, made us laugh, or simply entertained us during those very few solitary, quiet moments of our day.
Also, if there is a book you’d recommend to your fellow Fairfield moms, please let us know by submitting a comment! We’d love to have your input !
NEW!
The Happiest Mom
10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhood
Megan Francis and the Editors of Parenting Magazine
Reading The Happiest Mom is like actually having the time to chat with your best girlfriend and getting all the positive parenting support and advice you need, while laughing the whole way through. While most parenting books add to your overwhelming “to do” list, the ten simple secrets outlined in this one help you manage and shrink your burdens, while enjoying yourself and your kids as you go. Relief swept through me as I read the title of the first secret, “Take The Easy Way Out”, where I learned to stop making motherhood harder than it has to be by putting my effort into things that really matter to me, not to other moms. “Find Your Tribe” helped me identify the friends that really nurtured and supported me, relationships that have since flourished beyond my expectations. “Make Your Bed” gave me some brilliant ideas to conquer the clutter that was growing in my house as fast my kids, and “Love Your Love Life” reminded me that my relationship with my husband is key to being a good mom and must be nurtured as well. Best of all, this book is full of practical, easy tips to accomplish these goals and more. Because, what they say is true, if mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy…
When Did I Get Like This?
The Screamer, the Worrier, the Dinosaur-Chicken-Nugget Buyer & Other Mothers I Swore I’d Never Be
by Amy Wilson
If there is one event that can cause an intelligent, confident, capable woman to feel as if she is falling apart at the seams, it is simply this: becoming a mother. Happily though, When Did I Get Like This? is here to remind us of the following: We have unrealistic expectations for ourselves, we are attempting to live up to what are oftentimes ridiculous standards, and most entertainingly, and the real reason to read Amy Wilson’s memoir, a mother’s efforts to do-it-all and do-it-perfectly, can be HILARIOUS.
They are especially hilarious in Amy Wilson’s words. The vignettes of her escapades in motherhood are seam-splitting, too, but in good way! You’ll feel her pain and certainly, her frustration, but laugh, really laugh, in glaring recognition of her obsessions and her futile efforts to be a no-less-than-perfect mom. Her baring honesty and openness will make you feel as if you’re having a much needed and very fun night out with your best girlfriend.
Amy hits perfectly on many of the most absurd standards and challenges of modern motherhood. The birth clinic, pregnancy pains, birth plan, first nursing attempts, mommy and me classes, sibling rivalries, and sleeping (or rather NOT) stories. My personal favorite chapters involve her efforts to place her firstborn into one of the ludicrously competitive Manhattan preschools. Another must read is entitled “Penny the Pig”; the classic story of putting way too much effort into a mom project for little or no reward. Haven’t we all been there?
If you’re a mom who can do with a little sanity check, you won’t find a better read than When Did I Get Like This?
Connected Parenting
by Jennifer Kolari, MSW, RSW
I chose to read Connected Parenting because of its irresistible promise of developing deep, enduring bonds with my children. Drawing on twenty years as a child therapist, Jennifer Kolari teaches how to parent with empathy, rather than discipline with anger. So powerful are her techniques, she has helped thousands of parents transform their relationships with the most challenging of children. For those with easier kids with whom a close attachment already exists, I can personally attest that her strategies work like a dream, helping to maintain that close relationship while instilling noticeable confidence and positive self-esteem.
Kolari explains how all children crave the unconditional attention and understanding they received as infants. Unknowingly, I was giving my own son too much responsibility, causing him to feel insecure and anxious. Connected Parenting taught me to rebuild his sense of security through “baby play”, a heartwarming, affectionate practice that we now enjoy every day.
Also pivotal is her CALM strategy, a simple practice to empathic relating through “mirroring” your child’s feelings, instantly inspiring understanding and soon eliminating problem behaviors. I credit CALM with deflating tantrums and unbelievably, successful potty training, after a year of failed attempts. However, please note that these techniques promise to work right into the teen years for teen troubles as well.
I consider this one of the most helpful of parenting books and a “must-read” for any parent who dreams of bringing out the best in her children and developing loving bonds that last a lifetime…and really, are there any parents who don’t?
Bullying and Suicide Prevention Presentation in Fairfield, CT on February 15, 2012
Dear Friends of Fairfield Families,
Please help us spread the word about an upcoming presentation on this most important of topics:
Bullying, Cyberbullying and Suicide Prevention Presentation by Mr. John Halligan
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Roger Ludlowe Middle School Auditorium
7:00pm
Open to the Adult Community
John Halligan is a renowned speaker on the topic of Bullying, Cyberbullying and Suicide Prevention. John had been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show , PBS Frontline , Good Morning America, Anderson 360 and many more wonderful programs. This presentation is open to the adult community of Fairfield. To learn more about the presentation and John Halligan please visit: www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org.
This presentation is a compliment to the presentation all middle school students will be hearing by John Halligan on Feb 15,16 and 17th at each of the three Fairfield Middle Schools. There will also be a parent night presentation on February 16, 2012 at Tomlinson Middle School, 7pm for all parents of Fairfield Middle School children only.
All events and presentations are generously sponsored by The Fairfield Special Education PTA, Inc.
Supporting an Active Lifestyle for our Kids
As a parent of young children, I found the following article informative and helpful. Actually, I was thrilled to have come upon it, as it answered several questions that have been swirling in my head regarding sports and my kids. I’m equally as excited to be able to share it with all of you…
GETTING STARTED WITH ORGANIZED SPORTS
(Stamford, Conn.)—Twenty million kids will register for youth sports this year, many of them for the first time. Numerous studies show the benefits of participating in regular physical activity as a child, and organized sports can be a fun way to fit in the recommended 60 minutes a day. In addition, sports participation can teach children about teamwork and allow them to form bonds that will last for years to come. With spring just around the corner, it may be time to consider signing your child up for a league.
Keith Camhi, owner of Stamford’s Great Play, a franchised kids’ gym that helps build confidence and competence in sports and motor skills, has some thoughts for parents to keep in mind as they navigate the world of youth sports for the first time:
Make sure they’re ready.
There is no single “right” age to start organized sports. Some children are physically and mentally ready to enjoy sports as young as age 4 while others won’t be ready for several more years. You know your child best! Don’t push them into something too young and risk a negative experience. They will not be “behind” if they wait several more years and start when they will actually enjoy it. By simply learning a few skills of the sport before starting, kids can jump into a sport at a later age and be as or even more successful.
Know what you’re getting into if you do start young.
Soccer or basketball at younger ages is generally just a mass of kids chasing the ball and pushing! It favors size and aggressiveness and bears relatively little resemblance to the game that the kids will play when they’re older and understand the concept of “spreading out.” No need to have the smaller or less aggressive 4 or 5 year old have a bad experience and decide he or she doesn’t enjoy the sport, when it might be a great fit later on.
T-Ball, with all its “standing around” time, can be downright painful for your 5 year old (and for you)! It is best for children who have demonstrated an interest in the sport – either watching MLB games or being dragged to games of their older siblings – and want to finally get their turn. Otherwise, starting at age 7 is just as good and will not limit your child’s likelihood of being on the all-star team at age 10. It may just limit the number of sandcastles they build in the infield in the meantime!
Practice the basic skills in advance.
Kids tend to have fun when they experience some success – catching the ball, making a good pass, taking a good shot, etc. When they have fun, they want to keep playing, and by playing they get better. This begins a self-reinforcing cycle that can lead to long-term participation.
Recreational leagues are generally good opportunities to play the sports. However, leagues tend to do a poor job of teaching skills. There are often many kids per coach, with relatively little practice time, and coaches are generally parent volunteers who may lack the specialized expertise to teach sport skills to kids. A child who shows up for the first time having never learned the basics could be set up for failure and disappointment.
Give your child a leg up by teaching them the fundamental skills of the sport – either on your own or by enrolling in a program geared to teaching the skills of the game, like the Sports Skill class we offer at Great Play. If they know how to throw a baseball or the proper way to square up their foot for a soccer pass, they will be well on their way to a successful experience on a team.
If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.
Not every sport is the right fit for every child. It is common for kids to test out many sports before finding one or two that they love. Don’t push your child into a sport that they are unhappy with or give up on organized sports just because the first one they try isn’t a perfect match.
In addition, experts recommend that children play multiple sports and not specialize too young. They will develop greater coordination, be less prone to injury, and be less likely to burn out if they play a few different sports.
Keep it positive and FUN!
Remember that the main goal is for your child to enjoy the sport and ultimately want to keep participating in the future. Your approval can go a long way. Point out the positives and progress made in every practice or game so that they feel a sense of accomplishment even after the games they don’t win. Help them avoid setting expectations so high that they can’t succeed. For instance, getting a first hit in baseball can be very hard. A better initial goal might be simply to swing the bat at the right time! And then to make contact. And ultimately to get a hit. With the right attitude, your child can enjoy sports participation, which can, in turn, lead to greater levels of fitness and health, self-confidence and long-term friendships.
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Denver-based Great Play is a unique, franchised gym concept for kids, offering fun-filled motor skill, sports skill and physical education classes for children ages six months through fifth grade as well as unique birthday parties. Classes are conducted in a patented Interactive Arena™ that uses computer technology, image projection and directional sound to bring the space to life and turn learning skills into play. Great Play currently has 12 locations open or in development across the country. About 20 locations are expected by the end of 2012. For more information, visitwww.greatplay.com.
February Break Camps for Fairfield Families
It’s almost here. THAT week of the year when the kids are home from school, the weather is dreary, and everyone begins bouncing off the proverbial walls. February Break for Fairfield Public Schools, as well as for all schools who follow the public school schedule, is 2/20-2/24. If your family is not travelling to somewhere to bask in the sun or ski in the mountains, you are probably now wondering what you are going to do with your kids so all involved can enjoy the week. Well, Fairfield being Fairfield, there are plenty of good options. Here are just a few that are definitely worth considering.
Connecticut Audubon Society Winter Break Nature Camp
For children in pre-K and grades K-3
February 21—24 from 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Winter Break Lunch Bunch
For children in pre-K and grades K-3
February 21-24 from 12:30 p.m.—2 p.m.
We put on jackets, hats and mittens, but have you ever wondered how plants and animals survive all winter long? Explore the natural world of winter here at Connecticut Audubon Society’s Wildlife sanctuary. Find out who is sleeping and who is wide awake. This exciting and unique program includes live animals, craft-making and outdoor investigations. Winter attire required.
Single day fee: $36 CAS members; $48 Non-members. Four day series: $120 CAS members; $168 Non-members. Lunch Bunch: $10 per day.
For More Information: http://www.ctaudubon.org; 203-259-6305; 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824
Fairfield Parks & Recreation Vacation Camps & Activities
Fairfield’s February Vacation Week is February 20th to 24th, 2012. Get out and enjoy our winter wonderland but when you’re ready to warm up with some indoor activities we have some fun programs your children will enjoy! Program details vary by age so please visit www. http://cal.fairfieldct.org for more information.
Vacation Camp – Grades 1 – 5
Paint, Draw & More Vacation Camp - Ages 5 – 9
Tech Stars Animation Movie Maker Camp - Ages 8 – 12
Danny Magic – Free Family Fun Show
For More Information: http://cal.fairfieldct.org; 75 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824; 203.256.3191
Sportsplex at Fairfield February Vacation Camp
The Vacation Camp at the Sportsplex includes instructional camps at Fairfield Ice Academy, Carabiner’s Indoor Climbing, The Field House, Gymnastics and Cheerleading Academy, World Champion Taekwondo, First Person Sports, Fairfield Fencing Academy, and East Coast United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Monday, February 20- Friday, February 24
Full Day: 9:00-3:30; $325/week or $80/day
Half Day: 9:00-12:00 or 12:30-3:30; $200/week or $45/half-day
For More Information: www.sportsplexatfairfield.com; 203.254.8399; 85 Mill Plain Rd. Fairfield, CT
World Champion Taekwondo Winter Camp 2012
World Champion Taekwondo at Sportsplex at Fairfield is offering a winter camp of martial arts training and much, much more. Activities will include soccer, volleyball, hockey, kickball, baseball, tennis, dodge ball, obstacle courses, and snow-permitting, sledding, and snowball fights with Master. Art will be included in the form of Korean Calligraphy. Learn how Taekwondo teaches kids to challenge themselves, mentally and physically, to higher levels!
Monday, February 20-Friday, February 24; 9:30 am-1:00 pm; $200/week for members or $250/week for non-members
For More Information: (203)319-1333; www.bigkick.com; 85 Mill Plain Road, Unit #W, Fairfield, CT 06824
Fairfield Ice Academy February Break Skating Camp
February 20-24, 2:30 PM-4:30 PM
Come one down to the Fairfield Ice Academy this February Break to improve your ice skating skills and make some crafts! Our talented skating instructors will work with your children to help them develop their skating skills as well as build a sense of confidence on the ice. Learning tricks and engaging in games along the way is sure to make this a fun-filled week for all!
$175 per week; $45 per day
For More Information: Fairfield Ice Academy; 302.254.8399; info@fairfieldiceacademy.com; 85 Mill Plain Rd., Fairfield
Winter Vacation Adventures at The Maritime Aquarium
Feb. 20-24, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ages 6 to 12
Kids ages 6 to 12 can keep busy over their winter school break with this fun exploration of our natural world.
Ages 6 to 9: One-day programs are offered, with a different themed topic each day, including “Wacky Water Fun,” “Marine Mammal Mania” and “Coastal Critters.” Sign up for one, some or all days. See the Aquarium’s web site – www.maritimeaquarium.org – for all the daily topics and activities. Cost is $85 per day, or $395 for all five days.
Ages 9 to 12: Older kids can participate in a five-day “Junior Marine Biologist” program. Activities include setting up and stocking an aquarium display, testing water chemistry, dissections and using microscopes to peer into Long Island Sound’s unseen marine life. Cost is $395.
No matter the child’s age, all programs run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pre-care, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., is also available for $15 per day or $65 for the week. Bring a bag lunch, a snack and an appetite for adventure. Advance registration is required. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.
For More Information: Maritime Aquarium; 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700 http://www.maritimeaquarium.org
February Recess Clinic at United Indoor Soccer
February 20-24, 2012
Morning: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Afternoon: 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Full Day: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Ages 4-12
United Indoor Soccer is where kids sports come to life. Our February Recess Clinic is certain to put a smile in your kids face. All of our classes are designed to introduce your child to the world of sports. Since 1998, our focus has been our youth soccer program. With all our programs, we offer professional experienced coaches. Your child will learn through specialized games that allow the participants to develop their hand-eye coordination, balance and footwork. We work hard to build players physical, intellectual and emotional foundation. Our classes also focus on the importance of playing and interacting with peers so that young ones start to understand the importance of team work. One of our main curriculum points is to make certain that every class is kept fun and that the players fall in love with sports. We have made it our goal to provide a protected, safe and professional environment for all our participants.
For More Information: www.unitedindoorsoccer.com; 203.319.0087; 176 Linwood Avenue, Fairfield, CT
If you know of or are hosting an upcoming Winter Camp that we have neglected to list here, please let us know by emailing us at fairfieldfamilies@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to add you to our post!
