Tag: Moms

One less thing to worry about.

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See this photo? This is not in my morning routine. I applaud parents who take the time and energy to craft these Pinterest worthy bento boxes, but my reality is very different. I am again taking off my Parks & Recreation hat for a second and putting on my parent hat. I know that some of you are quite skilled in the lunch-making arena, but my family mornings reflect more of a Ground Hog Day scenario.

Let me explain. If the concept of Ground Hog Day has you puzzled, let’s take a trip back to 1993. Bill Murray starred in a film – titled Ground Hog Day – about a weatherman who gets caught in a blizzard and finds himself suspended in a time warp where he relives the same day over and over. Do you see where I might be going with this? Fast forward to 2017. I wake my boys up for school and then the reminders begin. Really, it’s only 5 things. Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, shoes, LET’S GO! We keep it simple. However, in my home, there is some sort of “kidnesia.” A Ground Hog Day effect. It’s like yesterday and the day before never happened. I get it. I’d rather build LEGO and read too. But, we have to go.

In addition to the reminders, and my husband and I getting ready for work ourselves,  the kids need lunch. Packing lunch may not be a daunting task for all parents, but anything with food involved, whether cooking it or assembling it, is my Achilles heel. The types of lunches my kids will eat cannot be made the night before, they prefer warm Thermos lunches, and my husband and I oblige. What we really need in the morning is a path of least resistance, which brings me to the exciting part, and the reason for my sharing these troubles with you. Thankfully, those in my population have an option. Take the summer off, lunch-makers! Let me introduce you to Camp Kaboom & Camp Whatchamacallit!

Kaboom & Whatchamacallit are Full Day Camps offered at the Community Activities Building and Sandpiper Community Centers, with early start times and the opportunity for Post Care, fun Field Trips, Swimming, Recreational Activities, Special Events, Arts, Crafts, Healthy Snacks, and… wait for it….LUNCH!!!! DAILY! Wake up, get dressed, and KABOOM! (Well, you are on your own for breakfast). Pretty great, right?

And if bento boxes are your thing, I have great respect for you. You are also welcome to send your kid along with a homemade lunch if you so desire.

Regards,

Jordana Freeman, Community Services Manager, Mom of 2

Registration Information

Camp Kaboom
Age 6-12
7:30am-5:30pm (post care available)
Community Activities Building
Register Now

Camp Whatchamacallit
Age 6-12
8:00am-5:00pm (post care available)
Sandpiper Community Center
Register Now

Check out our theme weeks, registration information and more online at RedwoodCityCamps.org.

 

Places to Chill – It’s HOT Outside!

Stafford Park water feature

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It. Is. HOT. It’s not even summer yet and we are scrambling for ways to beat the heat!  Herkner Pool won’t be open until June 17th- when our Summer staff is hired, trained, and of course, out of school, but in the meantime, we have plenty of other places to go and “chill.”

Stafford Park Snail

1. Stafford Park

King St./Hopkins Ave. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.

It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Tot lot, Picnic Area, Grass Play Area, BBQs and Restrooms

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2. Andrew Spinas Park

2nd Ave./Bay Road (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Picnic Area, Play Area, Basketball Court, Lit Tennis Court and Restrooms

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Fleishman Park Water Feature

3. Fleishman Park

Locust St. / McEvoy St. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Picnic Area, Play Area, BBQs and Restrooms

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Maddux Park Frogs

4. Maddux Park

Maddux Dr./Kensington Rd. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Tot Lot, Picnic Area, Restrooms & nice, Grass Play Area.

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Stulsaft Water Play

5. Stulsaft Park

3737 Farm Hill Blvd. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Hiking Trails & Creek, Playground, Tot Lot, Picnic Area, BBQ pits, Soccer Field & Restrooms

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Camp FairAlso, don’t miss our Parks Alive! Camp Fair! (click for info) tomorrow (5/4) at Red Morton Community Center from 1:00-4:00pm!

Meet our camp providers, ask as many questions as you desire, and let your kids play in our inflatable play area or get acquainted with the staff by experiencing some of the hands-on activities available for them to try.

Meet Camp Directors from: Camp Kaboom, Camp Whatchamacalit, Camp Polliwog, Junior & Mighty Mountaineers, Explorers, High-5. In addition, these camp vendors will also be available to answer your questions: Mad Science, Skyhawks Sports Camps, Celebrate Art!, Play-well Teknologies, Freshi Media, San Carlos Children’s Theater, Bayshore Elite Gymnastics.

Why did I include this in our cooling off post? Well, we have air-conditioning!

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Visit our website for more information about Summer Swim at  Herkner Pool, located at 1315 Madison Avenue in Red Morton Park,  Click here for information about our 2013 Aquatics program!


I’m Calling It! It’s Spring!

 

spring_summerREG

Spring may *officially* be only days away – March 20 to be exact – but since December of last year, we have had Spring & Summer on the brain. So I’m calling it! Spring is here! Countless emails, phone calls, meetings, etc. have been constant, as we have been coordinating the thousands of classes and camps that are coming your way. Then what? Then we take all of this data and enter it one-at-a-time into our registration system, create marketing pieces, update websites, bombard your Facebook and Twitter feeds and write blogs telling you that it’s HERE!

Here are some important things you should know:

  • Resident Online registration begins on Monday, March 18th at 11am. Non-Residents can register on April 1 (no joke!)
  • Our Full Interactive Spring Guide can be viewed here.
  • Need an online account? Get one here.
  • The Summer Camp Guide has been online since March 5th here. How did people know about it? It was on our website, we emailed it to our customers from our electronic mailing list (sign up here), and we posted it on Facebook & Twitter. We really wanted you to see it as soon as we had access to it. We know how important and stressful Summer Planning can be!
  • Both the Spring and Summer Guides have hit the Post Office today! It is now in their hands. Some of you may get lucky and receive your guides today, but our bets are on tomorrow.

What’s New?

  • We have quite a few new programs – too many to actually list.
  • We have added an After Care Pilot program this Summer to hopefully help parents have more flexibility in their planning. We recognized that many kids wanted to take Science Camp, but couldn’t be picked up at 3pm. Now parents will have more options!

Have Suggestions? We are all ears!

Email us at recreation@redwoodcity.org and tell us!

 

HAPPY SUMMER PLANNING!

 

 

ChatterBlock Shines a Spotlight on Redwood City!


Several months ago or so, I had a meeting with an excited group of Canadians who were looking to launch their new social media website on the Peninsula, geared towards parents. They started in Victoria, British Columbia and then decided that this would be the next great place to spawn their next locale. If you haven’t heard of ChatterBlock yet, check it out! It is looking to become a great resource for Parents in our region to access Activities and Events for Children on the Peninsula. I could spend a ton of time telling you about it, but it’s probably easier for you to just visit and check it out yourself!

They recently asked if they could shine a spotlight on our Department, and in 2.2 seconds I responded with an enthusiastic YES! Thank you ChatterBlock for becoming a new partner of ours. We LOVE the extra promotion and resources you are providing us and our neighboring Communities!

Read their Blog Post HERE!

Got Lunch?

Photo from http://easylunchboxes.smugmug.com

Let me start by saying, I can’t do this. I am taking off my Parks & Recreation, Leslie Knope, hat for a second and putting on my parent hat.

Lately, I have noticed a surge on the web.  Images of carefully crafted Bento Box Lunches are haunting me. They look amazing, BUT I am a working parent, and boy, if this becomes the classroom norm, I am in big trouble. Packing lunch is already one extra step in the morning that can sometimes make or break me our punctuality to school.  Yes, I know this is not a daunting task for all parents, but anything with food involved, whether cooking it or assembling it, is my Achilles heel.  Thankfully, those in my population have an option. Did you know about Camp Kaboom?

Camp Kaboom is an All Day Camp at Red Morton Community Center, from 8:00am to 5:00pm (post care from 5-6pm), with Field Trips, Swimming, Recreational Activities, Special Events, Arts, Crafts, Healthy Snacks, and… wait for it….LUNCH!!!! DAILY! Wake up, get dressed, and KABOOM! (Well, you ARE on your own for breakfast). Pretty great, right?

Check out our theme weeks and more online at RedwoodCityCamps.org. Kaboom is listed under Youth/Recreation Camps.

Regards,

Jordana Freeman, Community Services Manager, Mom of 2

Baby, It’s HOT Outside.

Stafford Park water feature

It. Is. HOT. It’s not even summer yet and we are already trying to beat the heat. Herkner Pool won’t be open until our Summer staff is hired, trained, and of course, out of school… but we have plenty of other places to go to cool off (okay, and some unfortunate maintenance issues to report).

Stafford Park Snail1. Stafford Park
King St./Hopkins Ave. (map)

(Update 5/17 – we have found a  temporary fix so we are now open!)

Here is the info for when we re-open:
Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Tot lot, Picnic Area, Grass Play Area, BBQs and Restrooms

2. Andrew Spinas Park
2nd Ave./Bay Road (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Picnic Area, Play Area, Basketball Court, Lit Tennis Court and Restrooms

Fleishman Park Water Feature

3. Fleishman Park
Locust St. / McEvoy St. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Picnic Area, Play Area, BBQs and Restrooms


Maddux Park Frogs

4. Maddux Park
Maddux Dr./Kensington Rd. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Tot Lot, Picnic Area, Restrooms & nice, Grass Play Area.

Stulsaft Water Play

5. Stulsaft Park
3737 Farm Hill Blvd. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Hiking Trails & Creek, Playground, Tot Lot, Picnic Area, BBQ pits, Soccer Field & Restrooms

And of course we have Herkner Pool, located at 1315 Madison Ave, in Red Morton Park. Click here for information about our 2012 Aquatics program!

Stay Cool!

One of the Best Jobs Ever!

One of my fondest memories from “teenagedom,” is that of one of my first jobs. There are not many options for preteens to make money, so babysitting seemed like the perfect job at the time. It was fairly easy to land a paying gig – someone ALWAYS needs a sitter- and you didn’t have to wait 2 weeks for a paycheck!  Did I mention that teens love instant gratification? I think it also inadvertently helped me to gain a little more respect for my own parents by highlighting the challenges of taking care of young children. Wow! It’s not that easy! Really!

 

I also gained valuable work experience and confidence moving forward into my teens. Babysitting IS work experience, for sure, and I am certain it helped me to land my first job in Parks & Recreation as a swim instructor for a neighboring City.  If your 12 to 18 year old is chomping at the bit to get out there and make some cash of their own to help pay for some new clothes, texting overages, or to start saving for college or dare I say A CAR *tremble*, check out the Babysitting Workshop Class that starts THIS SATURDAY!!! Also, with your consent, they will be added to our PRCS Babysitting List that is available for parents to pick up at their local Recreation Center… just to make their job search THAT MUCH EASIER!

 

Okay, now it’s time to register…

 

Babysitting Workshop
Saturdays 9am-12pm
April 28 to May 12, 2012
Location: Red Morton Community Center

REGISTRATION LINK

PS- can you please register today, so we don’t have to cancel this class? We only need 2 more to secure it!

PPS- Are you looking for other activities for your tween this summer? Visit our Summer Camp Website for more info!

Zoppé Italian Family Circus is Here!


The Circus is HERE! Redwood City is proud to welcome, Zoppé, An Italian Family Circus from October 14th through October 23rd for spectacular two-hour performances that will enthrall the entire family! The Circus tent will be set up next to the Downtown Library at 1044 Middlefield Road in Redwood City and will host matinee and evening performances.

Nino & Julian
Nino and Julian {Photo by RickPurdue}

The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into the intimate 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story (as opposed to individual acts) that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation. Giovanni Zoppé, the sixth-generation circus performer who plays Nino, says the show aims higher than what passes for circuses these days. “We try to touch every emotion during the show,” he says. “They’ll laugh, they’ll cry, and they’ll feel for the characters. It’s more of an event than a show.”

Giovanni revived the Zoppé Family Circus in America four years ago, and has since been building its reputation with audiences and critics as an enchanting exhibition of traditional European circus. The Zoppé Circus evokes something from a picture book: the clown, the trapeze, the dancing dogs, the ring and the tent, created to be reminiscent of the one-ring European family circuses of the last century and will thrill and amaze children and adults alike with its breathtaking stunts and astonishing acrobatics. Plus, Zoppé brings a new thrilling act this year, the Rosales Family from Mexico City, Mexico, a family of acrobats and jugglers including 8 year old twin boys who will melt your hearts. The Zoppé Family Circus is a once-a-year event not to be missed, so get your tickets early!

Official Webpage

Tickets can be purchased Online & at Red Morton Community Center. Call the ticket Hotline for up-to-date information 650.780.7586.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter for Circus Updates

  @rwcevents

Is Your Child Ready For Camp?

redwoodcitycamps.org
{ Kids enjoying their first camp experience at Stulsaft Park }

Parents! Does the word “Summer” ignite feelings of panic about how you are going to entertain your child all season long? Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services is again offering a variety of fun and enriching camps for preschoolers this summer. Our camps are built to be inviting, caring and chock full of age appropriate activities for your little one, to help to ensure a positive first camp experience.

Camp is a great opportunity to try something new.  Because our camps are usually half-day and one week long, it gives parents flexibility to pick and choose from a variety of themes and topics so kids can have varying experiences. It can also provide some “drop-off” practice for the first day of preschool.

Here are some tips to help get you over the hurdle of deciding if your young child is ready for camp, as well as tips for making the transition much easier:

Your child may be ready for camp if …

  1. Shows signs of independence, goes to school, is accustomed to being separated from you for extended periods and or has older brothers or sister they look up to.
  2. Enjoys making new friends and doing hands on activities.
  3. Enjoys playdates with other children.

Which camp to pick?

  1. Is your child crazy about the outdoors, dinosaurs, soccer, dance, art, bugs, fairytales, cooking etc? Pick a camp that will keep your child’s interest. Many camps will have a theme listed when you sign up. Consider your child’s interests when making a selection.
  2. Ask neighbors and friends about camp suggestions, they can be some of the greatest resources.
  3. Consider if your child would do better in a full day or half day camp setting. If a full day would be too long, consider sending them to a half day camp. Many times a half day is a perfect amount of time for a new camper.

Tips for a better transition

  1. A short and sweet goodbye works best for all. After you sign your child into camp, give them a hug and kiss, introduce them to their leader, and tell them to have a great day.
  2. Make sure your camper has what they need to go to camp. All their clothes and lunch box are labeled with their name since many times campers may have the same items.
  3. If you have specific parent questions about camp or the activities call before the camp starts that way you have your answers before dropping off your child on the first day.
  4. If your camp is held at a local park or community center it may be a good idea to visit the location with your child beforehand.
  5. Before the first day of camp you may want to talk to your child about going to camp and the exciting things they will be doing.
  6. On average, 8 year olds are ready for “sleepover” camp. To ease the transition, kids should experience sleeping over at a relative’s or friend’s house at least one night before going to an overnight camp.

Camps start June 20th. It’s not too late to sign up. Visit our Redwood City Camp Website for more information at RedwoodCityCamps.org.  This list can also be found on our Camp Website.

Top 5 Reasons Redwood City LOVES Andy Z!

 
How AWESOME is Andy Z &  The Andyland Band’s, Pumpkin Patch video? Show it to your kids and get them revved up for Saturday’s Concert (see below).
 

If you are saying to yourself…”WHO IS ANDY Z?” our guess is that you do not have a young child.  That aside, Andreas Zamenes, aka Andy Z, has been entertaining children up and down the Peninsula, around the Bay Area, at Birthday Parties galore and more recently over the airwaves of internet radio, Pandora!  Whether he’s gracing us with his repertoire of “Kindie” Rock, with hilarious original songs influenced by the likes of Smashmouth and Bob Marley or leading a group of exuberant little fans around our Courthouse Square akin to a modern day Pied Piper, Andy Z is sure to not only entertain your family, but bring out your inner-child.

Why do WE love Andy Z so much?

  1. He takes our children away from our their iPads and Televisions and into the imaginary world of Andyland.
  2. He gives us songs that can bridge the gap between classic childrens music and something we actually might CHOOSE to listen to!
  3. Getting into an Andy Z show is much easier than landing tickets to American Idol…oh and did I mention…usually FREE!
  4. Andy z and The Andyland Band don’t just sing songs, but put on a REAL INTERACTIVE SHOW, complete with kids in costume and dare I say Mob Dances? Well maybe that is a little extreme, but his Rendition of Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum sure gets those kids up and moving!
  5. And lastly…HE’S FROM REDWOOD CITY!

Not to worry! The word on the street is that he is expanding his reach to “Tweeners” (kids ages 8-12) with his newest Halloween Adventure themed album, due out on October 1, 2011. You can look forward to many many more years with Andy Z!

See Andy Z and the Andyland Band this Saturday, May 7,  from 11am-1pm on Courthouse Square in Redwood City! Families will enjoy a fun kid’s concert, an inflatable playland, and can also create a Mother’s Day Gift in the craft area. Bring sunglasses for you and the kids, it is sure to be a bright and beautiful day on the Square!

This concert is sponsored by the Redwood City Mother’s Club, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, and the Redwood City Redevelopment Agency.