August 3, 2010
Back to School
Welcome back to that time of year again filled with the bustling of shopping malls, long lines and the excited faces of students eager to return to the school year. Yes it is time again for some back to school shopping and what better way to beat the long lines of department stores than some internet shopping? Seriously let’s be honest who actually visits department stores anymore? With such a large variety of online options and tons of internet deals department stores have almost become ancient history. Perhaps all these choices are overwhelming? Do not fret my fellow my-kids-think-I-have-nothing-better-to do-but-shop-for-them moms we’ve come up with some tips to consider while out trying to keep the wallet tight.
Avoid the lines
Avoid the stores if you can. Like we said before why even deal with them if you don’t have to? Online options are near endless and deals are easier to find than ever before. Sites like: www.UltimateCoupons.com and www.Tjoos.com eliminate the hassle of searching for markdowns and sales in the first place. Ultimatecoupons.com even has a link at the top right for back to school deals to look out for. Just click the links to coupons for stores like; Macys, Borders, Charlotte Russe and Ecampus.com materialize. Like magic save up to 75% on back to school supplies! All verified working coupons! I know I sound like a horrible infomercial but great deals make me excited. They should do the same with you. I mean what’s better than walking away with a few hundred dollars worth of clothes and realizing you’ve only spent half at best.
Plan
If there was ever a lesson learned in Back to school shopping it would be planning. Last thing you want to do is find yourself rushing last second for new shoes. Knowing most people won’t plan their back to school shopping benefits you. Make a priority list and follow it. Focusing, listing and sticking to the necessities causes eliminating those initial unnoticeable then expensive items easier. I find it when I walk into a store with a purpose and only one purpose I don’t leave with a cart full of random items. At the end of the day it’s those small items which overcharge my credit card. In fact I would suggest this to anyone anytime you go shopping. Make that grocery list and stick to it.
Budget
This works hand in hand with a plan. Budget and plan your shopping list. My standard limit for three kids is $150 each keeping my total back to school budget under $500 for everyone ages 10-13. Classroom supplies are on the top of priority list and at the very bottom is clothing. Trust me when I say $150 is more than enough to get your kids prepared for classes. Freshmen College students are a different breed and the first year of college is stressful. Consider rearranging your budget to ensure your college student is equipped to take on the first year.
Of course shopping and necessities are different for every person. Avoiding the lines, planning and creating a budget will go long ways to guarantee the shopping gets done pain free. Check out www.thebargainist.com, www.bensbargains.com and www.Deallocker.com for more great deals. Have fun and good luck out there!
July 22, 2010
Help a child deal with Grief
Grief is a heartbreaking experience, but likely to occur at some point in a child’s life. Unfortunately the reality is we can’t protect our kids from everything but we can help them learn to cope. Like most things the best way to approach a situation is to learn as much as we can from existing information on the issue. I’ve compiled several resources into one simple paper to help parents and children alike understand the feelings, thoughts and reasons behind grief along with activities to reduce and grow from these experiences.
These are suggestions offered by experts, parents and children.
Discuss Death
Many experts say talking about death early on helps shape kid’s understanding over the matter. It’s even more important to discuss this issue when they show interest. This is not dependent however on a certain age. For example, I wouldn't say don't talk to children under age three or five. Watch the child's experience -- if they come across a pet that dies, or when they wonder what it's like when you say you're going to a funeral. Or it might be that some child needs to know something about death, such as if a grandparent is ill and dying and you need to prepare the child.
Share Values
What is it you do to make meaning out of life and death? This would be an important topic to discuss with your children. Doctor Charles A. Corr, PhD, person who has taught courses on death and dying since 1975, suggested parents “… to tell children that other people might have other values or beliefs that they use to understand death, but I wouldn't just tell a child a story about a belief that I didn't accept or have confidence in just to comfort the child.” Creating a purpose for a little one early on makes understanding life in general far easier. In fact many parents say sharing their values for living has not only helped their children understand death better but also created an ambition to find a purpose for their own lives.
Don’t Push it Off
In today’s society we often push off questions about death, more so in the company of children. Like a foul word we spell out rather than pronounce as some asinine way to hide from children most likely already familiar with the term. Death isn’t something to hide. Understanding that having conversations regarding the end are uncomfortable a method to reduce this is to simply address it. Death is too much a part of life to go through existence without accepting such a certainty. In fact you may find your child less troubled by the subject since they have no negative preconceived notion associated to death yet. If you find yourself necessitating support approaching this situation you’re in luck, resources are abundant. There are books for adults to help children with death. There are books for children that focus on death-related topics. In many places there are support groups for grieving children. The question is the effort in the part of the parent to realize this may be an issue that needs to be address.
How Someone Dies Does Affects a Child
The way a person dies affects a child’s grieving process. When someone near in the family passes away children can be affected in a variety of ways these depending of course on the child’s maturity and relationship with the deceased individual. Issues like abandonment, anxiety of dying and depression are likely to follow. This is when children need to know that there will always be someone to take care of them. Tell them your plan for their care if something should happen to you and the other parent. This may also not be the easiest conversation to have with your little ones for its negative tone but children receive comfort in knowing there will be cared for. This would also be a good time to turn off the news and avoiding discussing world tribulations. Their world has just been introduced to a sad reality they’ll need to take one thing at a time as it comes. Above all avoid making promises that you cannot keep, such as declaring that you promise that the loved one will return safely. Setting this false expectation can be very harmful and plain dishonest. Part of the grieving process is overcoming the permanency in death.
Along the same lines deaths by suicide or homicide can be exceptionally challenging for young hearts. Getting support from family and friends will remind both you and your child of the strength in your family unit.
Dad/Mom is Leaving for Military Deployment
Military deployment may bring up similar symptoms as losing a parent. There is no assurance for the safe return of the loved one. Since deployment is unpredictable avoid telling children an exact date of return. If you’ve lost a spouse you’ll also need to care for yourself which is where the importance of having a safety net is critical. Before you can speak definitely you’ll need to process this death yourself. Friends, family and support groups will pave the way to a recovery. Be honest about how you feel and encourage your children to talk with you. Mary M. Lyles, MSW, LCSW from the Children's Grief Education Association emphasizes the importance of honest with this story:
Honestly is important. We cannot escape the reality of war. We are confronted with statistics on TV, online, in the newspaper. It may be best to limit media exposure. Sensational reporting can increase anxiety and fears. Communication makes a difference.
Here are some great resources for you to use.
Children’s grief responses and how to help
How to help chart for children following a death
Support group locator
If any other suggestions please post them in our comment box.
Best wishes,
-Katherine @kidscamps.com
These are suggestions offered by experts, parents and children.
Discuss Death
Many experts say talking about death early on helps shape kid’s understanding over the matter. It’s even more important to discuss this issue when they show interest. This is not dependent however on a certain age. For example, I wouldn't say don't talk to children under age three or five. Watch the child's experience -- if they come across a pet that dies, or when they wonder what it's like when you say you're going to a funeral. Or it might be that some child needs to know something about death, such as if a grandparent is ill and dying and you need to prepare the child.
Share Values
What is it you do to make meaning out of life and death? This would be an important topic to discuss with your children. Doctor Charles A. Corr, PhD, person who has taught courses on death and dying since 1975, suggested parents “… to tell children that other people might have other values or beliefs that they use to understand death, but I wouldn't just tell a child a story about a belief that I didn't accept or have confidence in just to comfort the child.” Creating a purpose for a little one early on makes understanding life in general far easier. In fact many parents say sharing their values for living has not only helped their children understand death better but also created an ambition to find a purpose for their own lives.
Don’t Push it Off
In today’s society we often push off questions about death, more so in the company of children. Like a foul word we spell out rather than pronounce as some asinine way to hide from children most likely already familiar with the term. Death isn’t something to hide. Understanding that having conversations regarding the end are uncomfortable a method to reduce this is to simply address it. Death is too much a part of life to go through existence without accepting such a certainty. In fact you may find your child less troubled by the subject since they have no negative preconceived notion associated to death yet. If you find yourself necessitating support approaching this situation you’re in luck, resources are abundant. There are books for adults to help children with death. There are books for children that focus on death-related topics. In many places there are support groups for grieving children. The question is the effort in the part of the parent to realize this may be an issue that needs to be address.
How Someone Dies Does Affects a Child
The way a person dies affects a child’s grieving process. When someone near in the family passes away children can be affected in a variety of ways these depending of course on the child’s maturity and relationship with the deceased individual. Issues like abandonment, anxiety of dying and depression are likely to follow. This is when children need to know that there will always be someone to take care of them. Tell them your plan for their care if something should happen to you and the other parent. This may also not be the easiest conversation to have with your little ones for its negative tone but children receive comfort in knowing there will be cared for. This would also be a good time to turn off the news and avoiding discussing world tribulations. Their world has just been introduced to a sad reality they’ll need to take one thing at a time as it comes. Above all avoid making promises that you cannot keep, such as declaring that you promise that the loved one will return safely. Setting this false expectation can be very harmful and plain dishonest. Part of the grieving process is overcoming the permanency in death.
Along the same lines deaths by suicide or homicide can be exceptionally challenging for young hearts. Getting support from family and friends will remind both you and your child of the strength in your family unit.
Dad/Mom is Leaving for Military Deployment
Military deployment may bring up similar symptoms as losing a parent. There is no assurance for the safe return of the loved one. Since deployment is unpredictable avoid telling children an exact date of return. If you’ve lost a spouse you’ll also need to care for yourself which is where the importance of having a safety net is critical. Before you can speak definitely you’ll need to process this death yourself. Friends, family and support groups will pave the way to a recovery. Be honest about how you feel and encourage your children to talk with you. Mary M. Lyles, MSW, LCSW from the Children's Grief Education Association emphasizes the importance of honest with this story:
“Justin was eight when his dad was sent into combat. Even though his dad
explained that his job kept him out of the front lines and his helmet was bullet
proof, Justin stated that his helmet could be knocked off and a rocket could come
over the front lines and get his dad. Justin refused to be consoled and required
several months after his father’s safe return to experience reduced anxiety.”
Honestly is important. We cannot escape the reality of war. We are confronted with statistics on TV, online, in the newspaper. It may be best to limit media exposure. Sensational reporting can increase anxiety and fears. Communication makes a difference.
Here are some great resources for you to use.
Children’s grief responses and how to help
How to help chart for children following a death
Support group locator
If any other suggestions please post them in our comment box.
Best wishes,
-Katherine @kidscamps.com
July 8, 2010
Don't be Fooled Dear Craigslist Shopper - How to Stay a Step Ahead From Scammers
Scams :(
If you are a parent these days, we all know the internet is your babysitter, cook, maid, house finder, gardener child tutor, and basically everything else you need to run the household. And if you use the internet as much as many mothers I know do, you probably also use Craigslist to find what you need around the city. How about those Craigslist’s scams? Yes you know what I’m talking about. They are dirty, rude and just plain annoying. Some tips to protect yourself from the predators of Craigslist.
It’s every day I find myself discovering another con (apparently Nigeria has a lot of missing money) and these scammers are becoming ever more clever. You have to stay one step ahead of the game not to get caught in a not-so-good situation. Here are some scams that have caught my eyes over the years. Beware some of them seem friendly enough.
Oh yes you’ve responded to a nice ad advertising a beautiful oak dinner room table for only $150. Convinced this seller is a sincere person in your area simply selling a discounted table, you reply to the ad using your personal email. Almost instantaneously you received a reply similar to this one:
Hello,
Tank you for interest. I live bery far away in Nigeria and cannot take tis table with me. It is in storage in New York. I will shop it to you on demand once I have this information to shop.
1. Address
2. Birth dat
3. Etc
So on and on until they have enough information to basically steal your identity.These silly criminals can usually be exposed from a mile away. The many misspellings and grammar errors to the ever changing story that evolves once you contact them. Spotting these scammers out isn’t usually the problem. The problem was when you first contacted them.
Lesson one in protecting yourself to scammers on Craigslist:
1. Never use a personal email.
If you don’t already have a separate email for online shopping, forums or just in general, get one. Keep your personal information to yourself and only those who you want to have your email. This seems basic enough right? There are two huge reasons why you want to do this:
1. Scammers are sometimes spammers-avoid a future of spam
2. Scammers are also hackers- ever received an email from a friend who swore up and down he didn’t send that email? Hackers will log into your address book and spam your friends. Avoid this.
Here is another one of my favorites. You made a simple mistake and typed in a similar domain name and not the real craigslist. Most of these domain names you’ll find nothing more than advertising but a couple of these imposters are phishing scams with layouts that duplicate the real Craigslist to fool you. Always note Craigslist real address is www.craigslist.org. The URL may change to represent the city you are exploring through (example http://losangeles.craigslist.org) but for the most part craigslist.org is where you want to be.
Lesson two in protecting yourself to scammers on Craigslist:
2. It's too good to be true :(
No way $5,500 for a 2009 Dodge Camaro!?!
These are just annoying! Don’t play with my heart like that, darn you scammers! I just hate these and I’ll admit, at first I was drawn into the classified. In my head I thought
Am I dreaming is this possible the car of my dreams for a little over five grand?
Apparently I was having a nightmare and it’s still the car of my dreams (for the time being). Yup another dirty trick brought to you by Craigslist scammers. Don’t fall for it. If it’s too good to be true then, its just that.
Lesson three in protecting yourself to scammers on Craigslist:
3. Don't let your guard down
Want a job? Mail my junk!
These scams are just poor and inconsiderate. They ask for personal information and for a certain amount per week you are suppose to mail their “personal items” from your home. Please don’t fall for this one. Here is a email example to avoid:
Hello
I am glad to hear from you as regards the Business Assistant position. I would love to meet up with you to talk about this job but I am currently away on a business trip but there is a test which i will like you to go through because i need a capable Personal Assistant.I am in Germany so there will be no interview except for the form you will fill below.
1.Have you ever worked as a Personal Assistant ?
2.Can you communicate effective and efficiently?
3.Will you be able to run errands 2 hours per day for and will be needed 3 days per week?
I will prepay you in advance to do my shopping. I will also have my mails and packages forwarded to your address.
If you will be unable to stay at your house to get my mails, I can have it shipped to a post office near you and then you can pick it up at your convenience.When you get my mails/packages; you are required to mail them to where I want them mailed to. You don't have to put money out of you pocket, all you have to do is have packages shipped to your house and do my shopping.
You are allowed to open the packages to know content. The content of the packages are computer and electronics, clothing's business and personal letters.
I will pay $400 per week.I need your service because I am constantly out of town on business as I own a electronics and clothing store in germany,Ireland but want to open another store in USA. I will return to Usa in January next year so this process will be on going till then.
I will email you the list and pictures of what to shop for when I am ready. No heavy packages are involved! You can do the shopping at any nearest stores. You will be shopping for Electronics and clothings.
If I were to mail you money to do my shopping plus upfront payment for your service, where would you want it mailed to? Your full info for Bank Draft,money orders,cashier cheque or cash payment:
Full Name:
Full Address:
(NO P.O.BOX)
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:(Cell): Home:
Age:
Email:
Present Job:
Attach a Photo of you:
The address of the nearest Post Office to you for receiving packages:
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Post Code:
Will be expecting to hear from you soon to let me know if you will be willing to handle my business on my behalf before I return.Note that this job is 100% legitimate.You can open all packages to confirm how legit they are.
Thanks so much and have a nice day.
Phill Mark
There are way too many problems with this one to list. For one, don't give out personal information to a stranger. With only your full name, address, and birthday, a good identity thief can steal your identity from right under your nose. Also, note this does not sound like a legit business looking to hire. Personally if you are looking for a job use a verified and secure site specific to this line of business. Classifieds might turn out to be more hassle than necessary.
With so many scams out there, protecting yourself is very important. Here are some resources to continually stay one step ahead. Remember when buying things online always use caution. Unfortunately in our species, bad seeds are planted everywhere. Good luck!
Resources :
http://craigslistscammer.blogspot.com/
http://www.fraudguides.com/internet-craigslist-scams.asp
http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1994355&nid=25
http://craigslistofscammers.com/
http://clscambuster.blogspot.com/
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/a-craigslist-scam-you-might-fall-for-0/
- Katherine @ Kidscamps.com
If you are a parent these days, we all know the internet is your babysitter, cook, maid, house finder, gardener child tutor, and basically everything else you need to run the household. And if you use the internet as much as many mothers I know do, you probably also use Craigslist to find what you need around the city. How about those Craigslist’s scams? Yes you know what I’m talking about. They are dirty, rude and just plain annoying. Some tips to protect yourself from the predators of Craigslist.
It’s every day I find myself discovering another con (apparently Nigeria has a lot of missing money) and these scammers are becoming ever more clever. You have to stay one step ahead of the game not to get caught in a not-so-good situation. Here are some scams that have caught my eyes over the years. Beware some of them seem friendly enough.
The Nigerian Scams.
Oh yes you’ve responded to a nice ad advertising a beautiful oak dinner room table for only $150. Convinced this seller is a sincere person in your area simply selling a discounted table, you reply to the ad using your personal email. Almost instantaneously you received a reply similar to this one:
Hello,
Tank you for interest. I live bery far away in Nigeria and cannot take tis table with me. It is in storage in New York. I will shop it to you on demand once I have this information to shop.
1. Address
2. Birth dat
3. Etc
So on and on until they have enough information to basically steal your identity.These silly criminals can usually be exposed from a mile away. The many misspellings and grammar errors to the ever changing story that evolves once you contact them. Spotting these scammers out isn’t usually the problem. The problem was when you first contacted them.
Lesson one in protecting yourself to scammers on Craigslist:
1. Never use a personal email.
If you don’t already have a separate email for online shopping, forums or just in general, get one. Keep your personal information to yourself and only those who you want to have your email. This seems basic enough right? There are two huge reasons why you want to do this:
1. Scammers are sometimes spammers-avoid a future of spam
2. Scammers are also hackers- ever received an email from a friend who swore up and down he didn’t send that email? Hackers will log into your address book and spam your friends. Avoid this.
Wait, what this isn’t Craigslist?
Here is another one of my favorites. You made a simple mistake and typed in a similar domain name and not the real craigslist. Most of these domain names you’ll find nothing more than advertising but a couple of these imposters are phishing scams with layouts that duplicate the real Craigslist to fool you. Always note Craigslist real address is www.craigslist.org. The URL may change to represent the city you are exploring through (example http://losangeles.craigslist.org) but for the most part craigslist.org is where you want to be.
Lesson two in protecting yourself to scammers on Craigslist:
2. It's too good to be true :(
No way $5,500 for a 2009 Dodge Camaro!?!
These are just annoying! Don’t play with my heart like that, darn you scammers! I just hate these and I’ll admit, at first I was drawn into the classified. In my head I thought
Am I dreaming is this possible the car of my dreams for a little over five grand?
Apparently I was having a nightmare and it’s still the car of my dreams (for the time being). Yup another dirty trick brought to you by Craigslist scammers. Don’t fall for it. If it’s too good to be true then, its just that.
Lesson three in protecting yourself to scammers on Craigslist:
3. Don't let your guard down
Want a job? Mail my junk!
These scams are just poor and inconsiderate. They ask for personal information and for a certain amount per week you are suppose to mail their “personal items” from your home. Please don’t fall for this one. Here is a email example to avoid:
Hello
I am glad to hear from you as regards the Business Assistant position. I would love to meet up with you to talk about this job but I am currently away on a business trip but there is a test which i will like you to go through because i need a capable Personal Assistant.I am in Germany so there will be no interview except for the form you will fill below.
1.Have you ever worked as a Personal Assistant ?
2.Can you communicate effective and efficiently?
3.Will you be able to run errands 2 hours per day for and will be needed 3 days per week?
I will prepay you in advance to do my shopping. I will also have my mails and packages forwarded to your address.
If you will be unable to stay at your house to get my mails, I can have it shipped to a post office near you and then you can pick it up at your convenience.When you get my mails/packages; you are required to mail them to where I want them mailed to. You don't have to put money out of you pocket, all you have to do is have packages shipped to your house and do my shopping.
You are allowed to open the packages to know content. The content of the packages are computer and electronics, clothing's business and personal letters.
I will pay $400 per week.I need your service because I am constantly out of town on business as I own a electronics and clothing store in germany,Ireland but want to open another store in USA. I will return to Usa in January next year so this process will be on going till then.
I will email you the list and pictures of what to shop for when I am ready. No heavy packages are involved! You can do the shopping at any nearest stores. You will be shopping for Electronics and clothings.
If I were to mail you money to do my shopping plus upfront payment for your service, where would you want it mailed to? Your full info for Bank Draft,money orders,cashier cheque or cash payment:
Full Name:
Full Address:
(NO P.O.BOX)
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:(Cell): Home:
Age:
Email:
Present Job:
Attach a Photo of you:
The address of the nearest Post Office to you for receiving packages:
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Post Code:
Will be expecting to hear from you soon to let me know if you will be willing to handle my business on my behalf before I return.Note that this job is 100% legitimate.You can open all packages to confirm how legit they are.
Thanks so much and have a nice day.
Phill Mark
There are way too many problems with this one to list. For one, don't give out personal information to a stranger. With only your full name, address, and birthday, a good identity thief can steal your identity from right under your nose. Also, note this does not sound like a legit business looking to hire. Personally if you are looking for a job use a verified and secure site specific to this line of business. Classifieds might turn out to be more hassle than necessary.
With so many scams out there, protecting yourself is very important. Here are some resources to continually stay one step ahead. Remember when buying things online always use caution. Unfortunately in our species, bad seeds are planted everywhere. Good luck!
Resources :
http://craigslistscammer.blogspot.com/
http://www.fraudguides.com/internet-craigslist-scams.asp
http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1994355&nid=25
http://craigslistofscammers.com/
http://clscambuster.blogspot.com/
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/a-craigslist-scam-you-might-fall-for-0/
- Katherine @ Kidscamps.com
July 7, 2010
An Atheist camps! What?
Atheist camps! What?
Yes, that’s right. Atheist camps just for your little Atheists (if you have any) and if you haven’t heard of these camps before, they are apparently all the rage. This new genre of summer camps is getting plenty of criticism and campers. This year alone enrollment has doubled with such existing camps and a selection of both day and overnight camps in this specialty are expected for next year. The opinions on whether these camps are considered necessary are adequately supplied but what really makes these camps different, besides their lack of religion?
Edwin Kagin founder of Camp Quest (one such camp not to preach any Christian endocrine) said the atheist camp was founded after the Boy Scouts barred atheists and gays from leadership roles during the 1990s… “We wanted a camp not to preach there is no God," said Kagin, "but as a place where children could learn it's OK not to believe in God." Camp Quest checks out at first, like any other camp offering good old-fashioned outdoor fun. Archery, canoeing, campfire, star-gazing, swimming, and other activities are offered as any traditional camp. Then there is what’s called Free thought activities. These activities are described on their website as “…science games to humanist "life skills" activities.” It appears the idea of these activities is to get campers questioning the world around them. I have a question: Who thought up these games?
Richard Dawkins author of The God Delusion is also taking part in launching similar camps in Britain. This soon-to-be camp will be the first of its kind in Britain where lessons in evolution are planned as activities. Dawkins said the camp is designed to “encourage children to think for themselves, skeptically and rationally”. Schedules will include afternoons packed with conventional camp activities but the mornings will be spent demystifying phenomena such as crop circles and telepathy. What?! There is no such thing as telepathy? But I had so much fun as a kid using telepathy to tell my grandmother I wanted more chocolate milk. What a jib.
The full extent of what these camps entail should be left to the campers and parents. But what I do know is these camps may be at a loss for good camp songs.
Thanks for reading!
Katherine @ kidscamps.com
Follow me on twitter! KidsCampscom
Yes, that’s right. Atheist camps just for your little Atheists (if you have any) and if you haven’t heard of these camps before, they are apparently all the rage. This new genre of summer camps is getting plenty of criticism and campers. This year alone enrollment has doubled with such existing camps and a selection of both day and overnight camps in this specialty are expected for next year. The opinions on whether these camps are considered necessary are adequately supplied but what really makes these camps different, besides their lack of religion?
Edwin Kagin founder of Camp Quest (one such camp not to preach any Christian endocrine) said the atheist camp was founded after the Boy Scouts barred atheists and gays from leadership roles during the 1990s… “We wanted a camp not to preach there is no God," said Kagin, "but as a place where children could learn it's OK not to believe in God." Camp Quest checks out at first, like any other camp offering good old-fashioned outdoor fun. Archery, canoeing, campfire, star-gazing, swimming, and other activities are offered as any traditional camp. Then there is what’s called Free thought activities. These activities are described on their website as “…science games to humanist "life skills" activities.” It appears the idea of these activities is to get campers questioning the world around them. I have a question: Who thought up these games?
Richard Dawkins author of The God Delusion is also taking part in launching similar camps in Britain. This soon-to-be camp will be the first of its kind in Britain where lessons in evolution are planned as activities. Dawkins said the camp is designed to “encourage children to think for themselves, skeptically and rationally”. Schedules will include afternoons packed with conventional camp activities but the mornings will be spent demystifying phenomena such as crop circles and telepathy. What?! There is no such thing as telepathy? But I had so much fun as a kid using telepathy to tell my grandmother I wanted more chocolate milk. What a jib.
The full extent of what these camps entail should be left to the campers and parents. But what I do know is these camps may be at a loss for good camp songs.
Thanks for reading!
Katherine @ kidscamps.com
Follow me on twitter! KidsCampscom
June 25, 2010
Its in the details that we pay it forward.
Driving home the other day, stopped at a red light I noticed a young boy walking on the sidewalk near my passenger side door. He came at me differently, his face was dark from the sun and his walk appeared drained from a long day. He sat down on the bus stop bench nearly melting into it's concrete. For a moment he closed his eyes disappearing from the sun. Something about this boy was endearing, like an old friend missing in my memory. Not a moment later another boy walking by him flung his half full water bottle on the ground near the first boy. Almost without a second thought the boy picked up this litter cracked the bottle open and drank. Realizing this poor boy was so thirsty he was drinking a stranger's leftover, I pulled over. I tossed a brand new bottle of water I had left from lunch while asking him to toss the water he had been drinking in the grass. He picked up my water smiled with a relaxed "thank you."
In the middle of Los Angeles, California a young boy was thristy enough to drink a stranger's water. This thought bothers me as I think it should for most urban dwellers. Los Angeles a city where resources are typically adequate for the growing amount of inhabitants within it's limits. Did this child not understand how to work his surrounding to help feed his needs? With a Del Taco and gas station not more than a block away to ask for a cup of water, he choose rather to drink a stranger's littered water? This can't be right, there is a piece of information I am obviously missing.I took a moment and stopped at both the gas station and Del Taco eatery to ask about their water policy. Actually I just asked for a cup of water."I'm sorry we only serve water to customers." They only give out water to paying customers!! WHAT? Did I miss the drought? I was blown away by this. I've never heard of Restaurants with such ridiculous policies. I understand the restroom policy but not handing what is basically free water? I proceeded to send an email to both corporate offices.
There wasn’t much more I could do. I acknowledge there are injustices every day, the majority on larger scales. This is a reminder; the smallest of acts can proceed to make the largest contributions to society. The concept of paying it forward and noticing even the slightest detail may mean the world to those one the receiving end. In this world we’ll all one day share the receiving end. I’m glad I caught this boy from the corner of my eye.
-Katherine with Kidscamps.com
In the middle of Los Angeles, California a young boy was thristy enough to drink a stranger's water. This thought bothers me as I think it should for most urban dwellers. Los Angeles a city where resources are typically adequate for the growing amount of inhabitants within it's limits. Did this child not understand how to work his surrounding to help feed his needs? With a Del Taco and gas station not more than a block away to ask for a cup of water, he choose rather to drink a stranger's littered water? This can't be right, there is a piece of information I am obviously missing.I took a moment and stopped at both the gas station and Del Taco eatery to ask about their water policy. Actually I just asked for a cup of water."I'm sorry we only serve water to customers." They only give out water to paying customers!! WHAT? Did I miss the drought? I was blown away by this. I've never heard of Restaurants with such ridiculous policies. I understand the restroom policy but not handing what is basically free water? I proceeded to send an email to both corporate offices.
There wasn’t much more I could do. I acknowledge there are injustices every day, the majority on larger scales. This is a reminder; the smallest of acts can proceed to make the largest contributions to society. The concept of paying it forward and noticing even the slightest detail may mean the world to those one the receiving end. In this world we’ll all one day share the receiving end. I’m glad I caught this boy from the corner of my eye.
-Katherine with Kidscamps.com
June 23, 2010
Summer Reading; Ten Great Choices for your Kids this Summer!
Over the past 20 years, children have lost 12 hours of free time a week. While the amount of time spent in front of a television has increased dramatically over the same period. During the summer, this number nearly triples as students turn the hours once utilized in class into a waste of time in front of the tube. Can we blame our kids? When shows offer free, suspenseful, effortless entertainment why would you pick up a book and force your eyes to concentrate?
Well, no matter if you're a parent, Camp Director or a young adult looking to challenge the common idea, its time to take control of the situation. Reading offers more than entertainment and although your kids may not realize it now, BOOKS CHANGE LIVES. Here are some summer reading options to suggest to your kids. How you "suggest" reading this summer is up to you, but in my household I've already disconnected the television.
1. Alivn Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and other Natural Disasters
By Lenore Look; illustrations By Carson Ellis
Grade 2-4 When Alvin's father takes him camping to instill a love of nature, like that of their hometown hero Henry David Thoreau, Alvin makes a new friend and learns he can be brave despite his fear of everything.
2. Double Identity
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Grade 5-8 Bethany Becomes Curious about her past when her parents unexpectedly disappear after leaving her with an aunt who she did not know existed. As the story unravels, the conclusion uncovers a shocking secret.
3. The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold
Retold By Cynthia Rylant; Illustrations by Carson Ellis
Grade 4-6 Rylant offers modern retelling of classic myths, such as "Pandora," "Orpheus" and "Psyche." The illustrations invite young readers into each of the stories.
4. Esperanza Rising
By Pan Munoz Ryan
Grade 4-6 Set during the time of American Great depression, it examines the plight of the Mexican farm Workers.
5.Crossing Stones
By Helen Frost Haddix
Grade 4-7 This historical novel, written in free verse and "cupped-hand" sonnets, is set on the home front of World War I.
6.The Wish Master;
By Betty Ren Wright
Grade 4-7 An Adventure story with a hint of the supernatural.
7.The Report Card;
By Betty Ren Wright
Grade 3-7-About a child who attempts to prove to adults that some accepted standards should be questioned. (Great read I highly suggest)
8.How Oliver Olson Changed the World ;
By Claudia Mills
A story about how Oliver embarks upon growing up.
9.Northward to the Moon ;
By Polly Horvath
Grade 4-7- Jane and the rest of the family set off on a car trip after her stepfather loses his job, ending up in Nevada after being given a bag full of possibly stolen money.
10.The Dream Keeper and Other Poems ;
By Langston Hughes; illustrations by Brian Pinkney
Grade 1-5 -Langston Hughes selected this collection of poems, first published in 1932, especially for young readers. From "The Dream Keeper" to "The Weary Blues" to "As I Grew Older," these poems reflect Hughes' pride in his race, yet provide universal themes and messages for all young people.
Keep your kids reading this summer and remember when choosing a book:
Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
Keep your kids reading this summer and remember when choosing a book:
Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
June 21, 2010
Spykids. Parents Verses Facebook
Facebook. Myspace. Twitter. Oh yes, it's those social networks parents adore so much. What are you left to do? They are growing in popularity while you are growing older. That doesn't mean you have lost what little influence you have left over your kids. Here are some suggestions that may be able to help while prying on your child's digital life.
Steps in destroying your child's digital secrets.
2. Find out what groups they are with
Checking in on group postings may update you on the latest mischief. Just don't add the group! They might figure you are up to something when your profile picture pops up on the left under "people who like this"
3. I Spy!
Install spy software. These programs combine keystrokes, network traffic and other data occurring on your PC. Then these compiled reports are sent back to you.
Personally, the best bet for the sake of your relationship with your youngster is just ask. Trust them to trust you. This may not come easy but with work anything is possible. The last thing you want to do is violate the trust you already have. Otherwise you may open a can of worms and watch your children get more creative in finding ways to sneak past you.
Good luck!
-Katherine | Kidscamps.com
Steps in destroying your child's digital secrets.
- Spy on him/her through his/her friends
2. Find out what groups they are with
Checking in on group postings may update you on the latest mischief. Just don't add the group! They might figure you are up to something when your profile picture pops up on the left under "people who like this"
3. I Spy!
Install spy software. These programs combine keystrokes, network traffic and other data occurring on your PC. Then these compiled reports are sent back to you.
Personally, the best bet for the sake of your relationship with your youngster is just ask. Trust them to trust you. This may not come easy but with work anything is possible. The last thing you want to do is violate the trust you already have. Otherwise you may open a can of worms and watch your children get more creative in finding ways to sneak past you.
Good luck!
-Katherine | Kidscamps.com
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