Dover DoodleHeads

John Smith Soccer Camp @ CRS last two weeks of Aug

John Smith Soccer will have their soccer camp again this year at Charles River School! 
Dates: Aug 17-21 & Aug 24-28
Coed Ages 4-12
Munchkin ($99), Half ($145) & Full Day ($235) Options

Find more info and forms here:
John Smith Sports - Soccer Schools, Indoor Sports Leagues, and Tournaments.

iCamp @ LSJCC in August

Looking for a camp for the end of August?  Take a look at iCamp at the LSJCC in Newton.  Kids can learn about Graphic Design; Animation and Digital Video Production; Video Game Creation; Robotics.  And have free swim from 4-5...  For about $600/week.  If you need a fun activity for those usually dead zone weeks of August, take a look at iCamp.

Children's Technology Workshop - icamp.

Nobles Day Camp Info Sessions & Tours

If you're thinking about signing up for Nobles Day Camp, mark your calendar for their January info sessions and tours:

Jan 11th: 11-1 (day after the Camp Expo @ Southfield)
Jan 31st: 11-1

More info here:
Nobles - School / Contact Us.

Camp & Summer Expo 2009! Jan 10th

Need some camp ideas?  Mark your calendar for the Boston Parents’ Paper Camp & Summer Expo 2009!

Saturday, January 10, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@ the Clay Center at Dexter Southfield Schools

Fun for kids of all ages! ~ Browse the fair while the kids play! • Meet Camp Directors of more than 80 Day & Overnight Camps, including Daily Summer Programs for tweens and teens. • Interactive Game & Exhibit Areas • Magicians ~ Face Painting ~ Singing ~ Dancing ~ Arts, Crafts • Planetarium Shows ~ Great Prizes and Giveaways.

Dexter Southfield School ~ Summer Opportunities Fair.

Books: Cure for Grief by Nellie Hermann

The NYT covers a few not so light summer releases to add to your beach tote.  The Cure for Grief by Nellie Hermann looks especially haunting.  ("The debut novel from Nellie Hermann tells the story of a suburban New England Jewish family faced with a series of tragedies.")

Newly Released - Review - NYTimes.com.

For Parents of Campers, E-Mail That Prevents Homesickness - NYTimes.com

CampMinder.com, Bunk1.com and CampRegister.com offer e-mail service through thousands of sleep-away camps nationwide, but what are the rules of parent-to-child e-mail etiquette?
Cyberfamilias - For Parents of Campers, E-Mail That Prevents Homesickness - NYTimes.com.

Dear Parents - Please Relax, It’s Just Camp - NYTimes.com

Sleep-away camps are having to spend time catering to increasingly high-maintenance parents, experts say.

Dear Parents - Please Relax, It’s Just Camp - NYTimes.com.

The hazy, crazy, anything-but-lazy days of summer - The Boston Globe

The hazy, crazy, anything-but-lazy days of summer - The Boston Globe.

For parents and teens, the first few weeks are the most challenging

Miss Rosemarie's Summer Dance Workshop: July 8-10

Need something to do?

Miss Rosemarie's ballet has a summer dance workshop for ages 5 to 18 July 8, 9  & 10th.  See the schedule of activities on RDS' new website!

RDS Performing Arts - Schedule & Tuition.

Summer Is a Nutrition Challenge for Parents and Children - NYTimes.com

The joys of camp food....
Well - Summer Is a Nutrition Challenge for Parents and Children - NYTimes.com.

New Seedlings Program @ Powisset

Seedlings program

The Trustees of Reservations is launching a new educational program for young children based at its picturesque Powisset Farm in Dover. “Seedlings,” a hands-on, educational program for children age 5-7, is designed to open up the world of agriculture to young children. Participants will learn aboutlocally grown food from the field; harvest vegetables from our new Seedlings garden for their daily snack; and enjoy story time and other fun, educational activities.

According to Wil Bullock, the Trustees’ Urban Agriculture Community coordinator, “There is a growing disconnect between food and land in America. We hope that Seedlings participants will learn about the importance of farmland in their daily lives by connecting directly with roots, leaves and other edibles at the farm. It’s a lot of fun and an important foundation of knowledge for young people.”

The Trustees are leaders in farmland preservation in Massachusetts, having preserved more than 50 farms in just the past 10 years. The Trustees also offer agricultural programs for children at Appleton Farms in Ipswich and at Weir River Farm in Hingham.

Powisset Farm is the Trustees’ base of operation in the Charles River Valley. It is located on Powisset Street in Dover, adjacent to the Hale Reservation. With more than 100 acres of fields and forests, the farm supports a 200-share Community Supported Agriculture Program while also growing food for donation to area food pantries. Last year, the Trustees donated 16,000 pounds of food from Powisset Farm for hunger relief, with plans to donate more this year.

Enrollment in Seedlings is limited. The three-day program runs from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Seedlings will be offered each week between June 24 and Aug. 14. For more information about the program, please contact Bullock at 781-784-0567, ext. 7012. For more information about Powisset Farm or how to become a CSA shareholder, please call 508-785-0339.

New Spanish Camp in July for K-3 in Dover

Global Child is offering a new Spanish Camp for grade K-3 in Dover during the week of July 7-11 from 9-11am @ Lindquist Commons!  Register by June 15th...

More information on the Community Ed site here: http://www.doversherborn.org/commed/doveryouth/DoverSummer.pdf

from the website: "Join us for an exciting week, preparing for and going on a "Spanish Vacation" We’ll get all our things ready, including our passport, and take off to Spanish speaking countries around the world! Come play games, sing songs and make crafts, while learning Spanish and all about different countries that speak the language."

Dover Sherborn MILLENNIUM SUMMER PROGRAM 2008

Registration information for Millennium 2008 is now posted on this web site. Registration forms will be sent to all Dover and Sherborn children entering grades 4, 5, and 6. Come and see the new and returning activities that are being offered.  Call (508) 785-0722 with any questions.

Link: Lessons.

The Road to the Right Camp - The Boston Globe

Link: The Road to the Right Camp - The Boston Globe.

A guide for the anxious parent, from a father who survived the process.

Summer Soccer Camp @ Dana Hall

John Smith Soccer Camps @ Dana Hall for ages 8-18.  July 27-Aug 15 (Aug 10-15 High School Girls only)

Link: Soccer School - John Smith Soccer.

Cities, towns expand day camp programs to meet jump in demand - The Boston Globe

Link: Cities, towns expand day camp programs to meet jump in demand - The Boston Globe.

With snow still on the ground, many parents are scrambling for slots in lower-cost, community-based camps for the kids

How to spend your child's summer vacation - The Boston Globe

Link: How to spend your child's summer vacation - The Boston Globe.

Weekly cost for an elementary-school-age child attending seven or eight weeks of summer day camp:

MILLENNIUM SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 2008

MILLENNIUM SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 2008

Session 1 – July 7, 2008 – July 18, 2008 Session 2 – July 21, 2008 – August 1, 2008

For your planning purposes these are this summer’s enrichment program dates. Please check back with us mid March for exciting new and familiar program offerings. Registration information will be posted on this web site and sent to all Dover and Sherborn children entering grades 4, 5, and 6. As always feel free to call our office at (508) 785-0722 with any questions.

Registration 2008 (coming soon)

Nobles Day Camp/Owl's Nest Open House

Nobles Day Camp/Owl's Nest Open House
Date: 1/13/2008    Time:  11:00AM - 1:00PM
Join us for tours, question and answer periods, short video and craft activities. This is a drop in format to learn more about camp.

Link: Nobles - School / Summer Programs.

Creative Movement & Arts Needham - Fall 2007 Schedule

The Creative Movement & Arts Center in Needham [right behind the library] is a wonderful facility with great teachers.  (website is being revamped 4/28/08 - call (781) 449-2707 for info)) They have many different kinds of programs and membership includes additional perks like:
Free Drop-In Gym & Art, Marshmallow Campfire & Sing-a-longs, Growing Reader Saturday morning story hour, Priority enrollment, Parenting and Childhood information, Free session of Side-by-Side Baby Dance (3-7 months). Discounts on Pediatric First Aid & CPR, Pizza Pajama Pizzazz Party, Big Bash Birthday Parties ($80 discount) and Family combo class packages.

Partner programs are playfully planned instructional settings that rely on parents/caregivers to provide a significant amount of active involvement for the program to be successful. Teachers provide specific instructions and assistance to adults and interact closely with the children.
- BABY DANCE (Physical, social, multi-sensory and creative development)
- LITTLE PARTNERS (Physical, social, multi-sensory and creative development)
- BIG PARTNERS (Physical, social and creative development)
- DYNAMIC DUOS (Social skills, emotional intelligence, communication, creative thinking)
- MESSY MASTERPIECES (Art education, creative expression & thinking, social development)
- MOVING MELODIES (Music education, creative expression and thinking, social development)
- LITTLE BALLET PARTNERS (Ballet education creative expression, social development)
- STEPPING STONES (Pre-school preparation, creative expression thinking, social development)

Go-It-Alone programs are designed for children to participate and progress without a parent or caregiver present in the classroom. Speak with our staff about our “Better Together” policy on achieving success in transitioning!
- CREATIVE GYMNASTICS (Gymnastics instruction, physical, social and creative development)
- ALLSTAR GYMNASTICS (Gymnastics instruction, physical, social and creative development)
- SPORTSCLUB WORKOUT™ (Team sports instruction, physical, social & creative development)
- SUPER SPORTS WORKOUT™ (Team sports instruction, physical, social & creative development)
- CREATIVE BALLET (Ballet instruction, creative expression & thinking, social development)
- MODERN DANCE (Modern and jazz dance instruction, creative expression & thinking, social development)
- MESSY MASTERPIECES (Art education, creative expression and thinking, social development)
- ART ADVENTURES™ (Art education, creative expression and thinking, social development)
- SHOWSTOPPERS™ (Performing arts education, creative expression and thinking, social development)

BIG BASH BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Summer Mini Clinics @ Bay State Blades

June 25th - August 22nd
Bay State Blades Vacation Mini-Clinic Programs!

Each day includes: 25 minute on-ice lesson and 25 minute on-ice practice time, and 1 hour of off-ice activities including crafts, games and more!!

Mini Clinics are offered to children ages 6 and up who are interested in learning the basic skills necessary to enjoy recreational skating or to improve their skills for hockey or figure skating. The program features an on-ice session which consists of a 25 minute lesson and a 25 minute practice time. Also included is an hour of off-ice activities including crafts, games and fun!

Skates are available free of charge on a first come first serve basis. HECC certified helmets are strongly recommended. Skaters should wear warm comfortable clothing and mittens or gloves to class.

More information and online registration at :
http://www.baystateblades.com/mini_camp_sum.htm

Zig Zag Zone in Milford, MA

This Zig Zag Zone at John Smith Sports in Milford looks like great fun.

This soft indoor playground is for kids 1-12 years old.

Hours:
November - April: Monday - Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 7am-12 midnight:
May-June / Sept-Oct: Sunday - Saturday 10am-6pm.
July-Aug - Monday - Saturday - 9am-5pm.

Price: $7/child for non-members, $5/child for members - both for unlimited amount of time!
(No charge for Adults) Yearly membership fee of $15 is available to everyone!!
More info at:
http://johnsmithsoccer.com/indoor/zigzagzone.asp
They have camps and birthday parties too!

Club Invention Camp coming again this summer

Children will have the opportunity to investigate a make-believe crime scene; create exciting new games; design boats, hovercrafts and gliders; and transform ordinary household items into extraordinary inventions when the Club Invention program arrives at Dover this summer.

The program, hosted by Dover-Sherborn Community Education, is scheduled for Aug. 6-10 at Dover-Sherborn High School. [from Dover Sherborn Press article below...] Club Invention will also be offered in the following towns:
Holliston, Hopkington, Littleton, Marlborough, Medway, Norfolk, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Westford

Register online at: campinvention.org

See article in the Dover-Sherborn Press at: http://www.townonline.com/dover/homepage/8998904651596169215

Vacation Camps at Hale Reservation!

Hale's Vacation Camp is offered during February vacation and/or April vacation to individuals or groups.  Groups are made up of 6-12 participants from agencies or organizations, and registered as a group February Vacation Program

Drop off at 8:30am.  Pick up at 3:00pm 

This program is open to 3rd-6th graders only. April Vacation Program

Drop off at 8:30am.  Pick up at 3:00pm 

This program is open to Pre-K -6th graders

Three days only - Tues - Thurs / $60 per day

Hale Reservation
80 Carby Street
Westwood, MA 02090.

more details at:
http://www.halereservation.org/VacProgHDC.htm

Hale Reservation's Membership Beach

Hale Reservation's Membership Beach: ...."More than 'just a beach,' the unique Family Membership program offers a relaxed family environment featuring a wide variety of structures activities and programs for all ages. From tots to seniors, from swimming to cookouts, Family Membership truly has something for everyone.

With access to 110 acres of unspoiled woodlands, winding hiking trails, a private beach on scenic Noanet pond, and the many daily activities and water sports lead by our trained staff, your family can be as busy or as laid back as they choose Membership Beach is a private beach environment open to members only, seven days a week from the Saturday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, for one low all inclusive fee. Numbers are limited to 500." ....

More info at http://www.halereservation.org/

Maple Magic Day at Natick Community Organic Farm

From now until about mid-March, the sap will be collected and brought to the farm’s sugar shack, where the sap will be boiled down and turned into something that makes pancakes, waffles and French toast all the more special. Seeing the process from bucket to bottle will be a part of the Maple Magic Day set for Saturday, March 3, at the farm from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
See article in Dover Sherborn Press at: http://www.townonline.com/dover/homepage/8998904556536463359
More info at:
http://natickfarm.org/

The Natick Community Organic Farm also has popular summer and vacation camp programs, hosts birthday parties as well as other classes during the school year.

Create a Cook in Newton

Create a Cook in Newton has a drop in program called "Do it yourself cake decorating" so you can decorate cakes ($8 or $14), cupcakes ($3) Mon-Fri from 11-6 or Sat 10-6. The facility is gorgeous and everyone in the two cooking classes we saw were having a blast making yummy smelling things! Great for rainy days to get them out of the house!

They also have classes, birthday parties and adult private classes too. Neat. http://www.createacook.com/

Elm Bank Children's Programs

Mass Horticulture Society's Elm Bank in Wellesley [Rte 16 - 900 Washington St] has some fun programs for kids for ages 3+.  Beautiful setting and close by!  Weezie’s Garden for Children features an array of smaller gardens, each with its own theme and different way of engaging the senses. Located off the main path, each smaller spiral gives visitors the opportunity to plant, water, or interact in some way with the garden’s elements. Join us in this wonderfully engaging space for summer activities!  Craft classes, storytelling, music, and “Caterpillar Club” nature walks through Elm Bank will help young children learn to love the natural world around them. Classes include:

• Caterpillar Club(ages 3-6)
• Story Hour(all ages)
• Grandparents Mornings (all ages)
• Junior Master Gardener Camp (ages 7-11)

More info at: http://masshort.org/showpage.asp?page=3_6&image=3.6

Nobles Day Camp

Nobles has the best day camp ever! Close by in Dedham off Rte 109.  Before and after care if you need it, family nights, 3 beautiful swimming pools, archery, rocks & ropes and more! Kids adore it! Consider extended afternoons just to make pickup easy - your children swim instead of waiting in the loading areas!  Amazing counselors, ribbons and choices!

http://nobles.edu/home/content.asp?id=134

Creative Movement & Arts Center - Needham

Creative Movement & Arts is a great place for classes up to age 8.  They have infant, gymnastics, ballet, spanish, music and art classes.  The birthday parties are super fun and let the parents relax. The facility is gorgeous with two HUGE playrooms with climbing structures and one smaller mirrored wall room. 

The teachers are great and my kids loved it there!  They are part of Bright Horizons and post most of the information on their website at (website is being revamped 4/28/08 - call (781) 449-2707 for info) http://centers.brighthorizons.com/CMAC/index.cfm  They are located in the office park behind the new Needham Public Library.