IdyllwildArts Summer Programs, Idyllwild, CA

The Idyllwild Arts summer program started in 1950, and its goal was to bring the best artists in their fields to teach under the pines.  There are intensive hands-on workshops in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, writing, filming and Native Arts.  Classes are offered for people from age 5 to 105.  Each year more than 1700 adults and children attend the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program.  There are four arts centers plus Family Camp that comprise the summer program.

*The Children's Center (ages 5-12)

*Junior Artist's Center (ages 11-13)

*The Youth Arts Center (ages 13-18)

*Adult Art Center

Idyllwild holds an annual Family Camp.  Everyone will enjoy a week of arts activities and fun.  My son and I participated in the family camp, and it was even better than we expected!

My 5 year old  son explains for our blog readers:

"I really love this camp.  I had to take a plane to get here.  They picked us up at the airport.  They call it Camp Idyllwild.  We don't have to drive anywhere, and they make our food.  There is even chocolate milk, regular milk, lemonade, and apple juice!  They have  a swimming pool.  My favorite class is acting class!  You should really come here some time."

Summer Registrar-Idyllwild Campus
phone: (951) 659-2171  ext. 2365
fax:  (951) 659-4552
email:  summer@idyllwildarts.org
website:  www.idyllwildarts.org

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program
P.

Summer Colds and Flu - I use Clearing Foam Bath by Aura Cacia

When my son has a cold, and other times when he's stuffy due to an allergy, I use Aura Cacia's Clearing Foam Bath.  The magic ingredient is eucalyptus essential oil.  When I looked at the ingredient list, the first three ingredients were the following:  sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium chloride (sea salt),  and citric acid.  This foam bath is so gentle to the skin, it could be used everyday!

Resources:

Aura Cacia
Clearing Foam Bath
www.auracacia.com

Some Computer Programs to Help Keep Skills Over the Summer

Since I'm a teacher, parents always ask me how to keep up reading and math skills over the summer.  One idea is to use some of the online programs that high performing schools use all year long.  Examples include I-excel, Lexia, Khan's Academy, and Read Naturally.   Some children respond better than others to these programs.

Salute to Dad, Treat Dad to a BBQ on an Aircraft Carrier!

USS Hornet in Alameda, CA had a Living Ship day today.  Also. there was a special BBQ and Magic Show!    We went today and witnessed simulated flight operations on the historic aircraft carrier.  My son had a chance to sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet and ride an aircraft elevator.

My father was stationed in the Navy in Alameda during World War II.  He joined wanting to be a gunner.  He was dissuaded and eventually became an airplane mechanic instead.  My father loved Alameda and always wanted to go back.  As we stood on the Aircraft Carrier looking out at the San Francisco Bay a tear came to my eyes as I thought of him.  He never got to meet my gorgeous son, but I know he'd be happy to know I was sharing this with my son.

I love you Dad!

U.S. Hornet
www.HornetEvents.com

Tail gun on a dive bomber on the hangar deck of the USS Hornet:

One of three elevators for aircraft in hangar bay on the Hornet; this elevator is put into service on USS Hornet's Living Ship Day once a month (including on Fathers Day):

The USS Hornet's anchor chains:

An officer's quarters:

Emergency generator:

Ward Room:

1/8 scale model of the first landing of an aircraft on a ship:

Officer's "pantry":

Ready room on the USS Hornet:

Marine's (replica) firearms:

One portion of Marine's living quarters:

USS Hornet post office:

View of San Francisco from the flight deck:

View of the USS Hornet's island from the flight deck:

Fathers Day magic show in Hangar Bay 1 on the Hornet:

Khan Academy recommended by veteran teacher for tutoring in math

I was talking to a veteran teacher the other day, and she told me about Khan Academy.  I had never heard of it, so did some research tonight.  They actually have a library of videos that covers k-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history.  Each video is approximately 10 minutes long.  The videos include an interesting TED talk about how Khan Academy started.

Resources:

Khan Academy
www.khanacademy.org/

The Functional Dialectic System Approach to Therapy

A book for those seeking couples and/or family therapy may want to look at The Functional Dialectic Systems Approach to Therapy for Individuals, Couples, and Families, from University of Minnesota Press.

Amy Brain - Educational Consultant, certified CA teacher, Reading specialist, and Educational Advocate

Last night I went to a talk given by Amy Brain, who is a certified educational consultant in the San Francisco Bay area.  I was impressed by the varied approaches she uses for tutoring, and her amazing credentials which truly helps her understanding the workings of a public or private school setting.

Resources:

Early Elements
Child-Centered, Strengths-Based Learning
Amy Brain
Educational Consultant
(925) 935-3236
Amymortonbrain@att.net
Amy@Early-Elements.com
www.Early-Elements.com

Robert Crown Memorial State Beach Park, Alameda, CA

I love this park - it is a great place to walk or ride your bike.  There is a great beach, where on low tide beaches you can go tide-pooling.  There are many picnic tables and BBQ areas for small or large gatherings.

My son and I went to the 47th Annual Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest today.  It was a gorgeous day for this annual event.   Many people were having picnics, others were tide pooling as it was low tide.

Resources:

Robert Crown Memorial Beach
Alameda, CA
www.alamedaca.gov/recreation
Phone:  (510) 747-PLAY
Picnic areas may be reserved for a fee

47th Annual Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest- Alameda, CA

My son visited Robert Crown Memorial State Beach Park today in Alameda, CA to go to the 47th annual Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest.  This event was so much fun and was thrilling for my 5 year old son.  This is an annual event and next year I want to calendar it in and plan a picnic with friends at the park.

As we walked by one of the winning sand castles/sculptings there was a really rude woman who walked by the castle and told a young African American man to move out of the way as she wanted to take a picture.  He looked at her, then asked if she wanted to take a picture, she said yes, rudely.  She didn't even say, "Please" or "Thank you."  Later, when I told him how well he handled the situation, he said, "My momma raised him right!"  I was so impressed, and when I looked down at my son at that moment, I hoped that he would say that someday.