Help Make Your Child’s Halloween Experience Positive

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By Kelly Martin, M.Ed, LPC
Guest Contributor

We are excited to introduce our readers to Kelly Martin… our newest contributor!  Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor, parent, and owner of The Playroom Lubbock offering therapy counseling services specifically for children and adolescents.  From individual and group Play Therapy to yoga and parent-included classes, Kelly and her team offer a wealth of support for local kiddos and parents.  Specialties include divorce care, self esteem, social skills, anxiety, grief, anger management, ADHD support… topics that hit home with many area kids and families.  We love Kelly’s first article… full of timely advice for all parents and especially helpful for children with sensory challenges.  Have questions or ideas for future blog topics?  Just comment below or you can contact Kelly directly at kelly@playroomlubbock.com and through her website at Playroomlubbock.com.
Welcome Kelly!

Help Make Your Child’s Halloween Experience Positive

Halloween Kids Jump

As Halloween approaches with all of the costumes, sights, sounds, smells, fall festivals, trunk or treats, and the traditional trick or treats, it’s important to keep in mind how the extra stimulation and treats affect our kids or the kids that come visit our homes or booths. (Not to mention the effects of sugar!). This article is intended to raise awareness about kids with special needs and to provide some tips for parents.

Children with sensory sensitivities like those associated with ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, or Sensory Processing Disorder can feel stressed at Halloween.

Parents want their children to have a positive, festive experience. With careful planning, preparation, and sensitivity in how you react, children with learning, behavioral, or sensory issues can enjoy this exciting time of year as well.

For those of you hosting Trick or Treat, a festival booth, or a Trunk or Treat, be accepting of all types of personalities and abilities that are behind the Halloween costume.

  • Children who struggle with poor fine motor skills may grab more than one piece of candy.
  • Children who take forever to pick out a piece of candy may have motor planning issues.
  • The child who does not say “trick or treat” or “thank you” may struggle with anxiety or may be non verbal.
  • The child who looks disappointed at the treats may have a food allergy.
  • And lastly the child who isn’t wearing a costume may have a sensory issue.

I am not suggesting that if your child has done one or some of the above examples that he or she may have a disorder. What I am suggesting is to show some grace and acceptance to everyone who rings your bell or visits your booth.

The Brain Balance Achievement Center gives fantastic Tips for Kids with Sensory Sensitivities. For example:
1) Giving your child a schedule of events can help children feel less anxiety.
2) Have a code word for your child to use if he or she feels overwhelmed and needs a break.
3) Before you leave, discuss how long you plan to stay and expectations for behavior.
4) Have your child practice wearing his costume BEFORE an event.
5) If you child has food sensitivities or allergies, plan ahead to offer alternatives like toys.

Playroom Lubbock Halloween tips

The Teal Pumpkin Project by The Food Allergy Research and Education raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters. You can provide non-food treats for trick or treaters and paint a pumpkin teal to place in front of your home to indicate you have non-food treats available. Free signs are available to download at www.foodallergy.org.

Teal Pumpkin Project

Lubbock has wonderful opportunities to celebrate Fall and Halloween. I hope this article helps keep Halloween a fun, positive experience for all.

Kelly Martin, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of The Playroom Lubbock. She specializes in counseling and play therapy for children and adolescents.

 

The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

Parent Review: Carousel from Moonlight Musicals

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Carousel offers touching,
teachable moments for parents.
Catch Friday & Saturday performances through August 20th.

Carousel programThe final summer production from Moonlight Musicals is one of our personal all-time favorite shows: Carousel, the musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein.  The fact that it’s being performed during the most beautiful time of the year in Lubbock, Texas for enjoying evenings outside is like the stars aligning!  The night we attended was absolutely perfect:  The view of the water at Mackenzie Park peeking around from behind the stage was so tranquil and the glorious West Texas sunset to the left of the stage was right on cue!  The very light breeze was refreshing and had a hint of rain, but the storms on the horizon never threatened the show.  Perfect!

Many parents and grandparents may recall the musical (debuted in 1945) or the film version featuring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae (1956).  The great melodies are still there including “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “The Carousel Waltz” (you’ll recognize it!) and of course “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The beginning scene (our family favorite!) takes place at the carnival and is full of colors, characters, magicians, and the star of the show… the Carousel!  The beautiful set draws you into the story from the first beat.

In case you haven’t seen the film, Carousel takes place in a small fishing village on the coast of Maine in the early 1900′s.  It’s the story of young Billy, a handsome, rough-around-the-edges carnival worker (“barker”) and Julie, an innocent local girl, who fall in love and marry.  They quickly face hardships that result in a tragic loss, but Billy receives one last chance from heaven.  The power of love is the continuing theme.Carousel Billy and Julie

This is a great show if you have a teenager, especially a son, who has balked at attending performing arts… it’s an outdoor, casual environment and there are many scenes with lots of male characters who wrote the book on swagger.  But more importantly, it also offers a good opportunity to get your teen’s take on the importance of choosing friends wisely, making good decisions, and especially the messages of hope, redemption, and forgiveness… regardless of the mistakes made.

One of our favorite quotes comes at the very end of the show at the graduation ceremony.  The speaker, who appears to also be Billy’s heavenly helper, offers to the graduates:  “I can’t tell you any sure way to happiness. I only know that you’ve gotta go out and find it for yourselves. You can’t lean on the success of your parents. That’s their success.  And don’t be held back by their failures… Makes no difference what they did or didn’t do. You just stand on your own two feet.” Very timely message to any of our kids preparing for high school or college.

This treat from Moonlight Musicals offers us not only the opportunity to experience a beautiful evening with our families, but also a chance to share this classic with our kids.  It’s top-level entertainment (the rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Candice Aipperspach as Cousin Nettie is stunning!) and packed with teachable moments addressing similar issues that young people have faced throughout time.

Parent Pointers:

Parents need to be aware that the show does cover a variety of grown-up content.  In literary terms it’s a tragedy.  A main character dies.  Younger children may be frustrated that Billy has to go back to heaven rather than stay on earth… looking for the type of happy ending that they are accustomed to receiving in many films they see.  But it is a wonderful chance to show children that happy endings come in many forms.  Billy is able to redeem himself and also help those he loves on earth… so it is a happy ending after all.  Although based in a setting of over 100 years ago, it offers timeless lessons that convert to current-world issues.

And bad boy Jigger Craigin does have some great one-liners (“My mother had a baby once… just once.”) but he also provides some spicy language and name calling that proves to the audience that he is definitely unsuitable company.

Preparing for the show:

There are many topics in the show that our kids might find foreign.   For example:  What exactly is a “Clam Bake?”  Many West Texas kids may not really understand that it’s a festival, rather than a dish!  One way to get into the spirit is to plan your own picnic or “Clam Bake” – before or after (or even during!) the show.  They also may need an explanation of what a “Carnival Barker” actually does.  Be prepared for other questions regarding the themes of after-life, bullying, and even domestic violence.

Just the Facts!

When: Friday and Saturday August 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20.  Gates open at 7pm and performance starts at 8pm.

Where: Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre at 413 East Broadway Lubbock, TX 79403.

How: Tickets are available at Select-a-Seat, online, or by calling 806-770-2000. Prices Range from $20-$28 for adults and $7-$15 for children.  Students for $12. *For General admission child age is 5-9 years and Premium admission child age is 0-9 years.

Length: Lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission included.

Age: Recommended for ages 10 and up.  Younger kids will still enjoy the open venue and the dancing and singing.

Planning to go?  Let us know how you like the show!  Write your reviews below.

Credits:  Music by Richard Rodgers. Book by Oscar Hammerstein II.  Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.  Based on the Play LILIOM by Ferenc Molnar.  As adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer.

Images from Lubbock Moonlight Musicals 2016 production of Carousel.

The Bus Stops Here! Back to School {Cool} 2016

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Back to School Bus We just spotted the first flock of geese arriving in the Hub City area… must be official: summertime is winding down.  It’s that time of year.  We panic because we haven’t quite finished that summer bucket list with our kids and we need to think about preparing for the bus back to school…..now!

To help you enjoy every inch of summer (and there’s lots more to enjoy!) and at the same time jump-start school prep, we’ve gathered all the great Back-to-School deals, dates and events in one convenient spot on LubbockForKids.com.  You can now find all the summertime fun to round out that bucket list & also plug into all the B2S excitement… there’s plenty of time!  And for up-to-the-minute events, check our Back to School section and jam-packed calendar!

A time to shop!

  • Take advantage of the Texas State Tax Free Weekend Friday August 5 – Sunday August 7.   Don’t forget, lots of deals online too if you like to avoid the crowds that weekend!
  • Sat. 8/13 from 9am-12pm:  Back to School Fiesta for area kids from Texas Tech’s Office of Community Engagement.  All K-12 students and family welcomed! Free Lunch & Free School Supplies while quantities last…learn about numerous educational, local and federal programs and initiatives, and receive free school supplies for the upcoming school year.
  • Take advantage of several shopping events to get more bang for your buck for B2S shopping including the Just Between Friends consignment sale taking place Wed. 8/3 – 8/6… during tax free weekend!  As well as the Cradles 2 Crayons fall sale coming up 9/22-24.  Find more consignment sources and events in our Consignment Sales section.
  • Sat. 8/20 from 9am-noon:  The Annual Back 2 School Kickoff @ Mae Simmons offers free backpacks and school supplies!
  • Sat. 8/13 from 10am-1pm:  The Annual Bridge Bash @ The Bridge of Lubbock features a Back-to-School mega clothing give-away… including school supplies!

A time for medical appointments!

There are several events where kids can receive their immunizations, physicals, dental and more.  Reminder:  Children must have their shot records and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to receive immunizations at most events.

A time to give!

West Texans are wonderful, giving, and compassionate… there are several school supply and backpack drives to help strapped parents prepare for the upcoming school year.  These events also give our kids a chance to help by gathering and donating supplies too.

Lots of places are having End of Summer Blasts to help wrap up Summer 2016 with a bang!  Some of our favorites include:

A time to learn!Back to School Backpacks

First Days of School include (check each district’s website link for orientation and open house dates):

College and Career Night @ the United Supermarkets Arena:
Mon. 10/24 from 5:30-7:30pm.  Hosted by Lubbock ISD.  This is a great, not-to-miss event for parents and kids in Lubbock and surrounding areas who are in 6th grade and above … especially high schoolers!

Tutoring Resources:
Now is also a great time to check into any additional learning services that can take your child to the next level or help kick start the new year.  See our Tutoring Section for a full list of local sources including:  The Institute for Creative Learning, Mathnasium, Literacy Lubbock, and CLC College Prep Services.

Checkout our calendar often for up-to-the-minute dates and events.
Roll-on Lubbock parents!

Do you know of a cool B2S event, activity or resource?  Share it with us here or add it to our calendar!

Updated 8/5/2016

 

Moonlight Children's Theatre - Into The Woods Jr is Enchanting!

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A Rare Treat for Lubbock-area Kids & Families:
Morning Matinees Fridays & Saturdays in July at 9am.

Into the Woods book

Once Upon a Time, in a Land not too far away at all, the children of Lubbock had the opportunity to share an enchanted walk through the woods.  The journey invited them into a magical story that reached out and grabbed them all…  the kids in the audience as well as the very talented young performers on stage!

Into the Woods Jr, Lubbock Moonlight Musical‘s 2016 Moonlight Children’s Theatre production, contains all the same characters from the full-length award-winning Broadway show – including the Baker & his wife, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and the Witch – but has been adapted for youth performers as well as a younger audience and covers the first half, more lighthearted segment, of the Broadway show.Into the Woods young fans

Watching the show is like looking at the face of the future of live theatre on the South Plains.  The kids in the audience loved identifying with and even recognizing some of the young actors in the show.  Several could be overheard saying “I want to try out for this next year!”  Parent Win: A great morning together and igniting a spark in our kids for the Arts!

The characters really do come to life thanks to the incredibly talented cast of youth performers led by the Moonlight Directions Youth Ensemble.

And as a parent, it was also easy to see how much excitement this production generated for the cast and crew.  You could tell that they were loving every second they were onstage and, maybe just as importantly, when they were off stage.  They were encouraging and gracious and excited about meeting their minions of fans after the show.  Taking pictures together, answering questions and lots of hugs!  The calibre of talent that these kids possess is truly inspiring… and a tribute to their hard work over the summer and training that they are receiving through the program.

Into the Woods Stepsisters

Even the smallest fan will enjoy the story and effects, even if they are not quite familiar with some of the story lines or even some of the characters.  In case you haven’t seen the show, the story centers around the Baker & his wife.  After discovering that they are unable to have a child due to a Witch’s curse, the journey begins in search of the Witch with many adventures and friends to meet along the way.

Parent Pointers

The venue at Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre on the edge of Mackenzie Park is always kid-friendly, but being at the beautiful outdoor venue overlooking the park early is the perfect Friday or Saturday morning outing… and super affordable!  The length of the show, only 60 minutes, makes it the ideal introduction for any child to live theatre.  In addition to our parent tips of packing the bug spray and chairs, we especially enjoyed our morning coffee and OJ together during the show.  Do plan to arrive when the doors open at 8:30am to get great seats as close to the stage as possible.

Into the Woods with witch

Into the Woods Stepsister with fansThe moral of the story is, never underestimate the power of local, live theatre for children… entertaining to everyone in the audience, inspiring for children interested in exploring The Arts, and transforming for youngsters who have caught the theatre bug and who continue to bloom with every impressive performance!

And they lived
Happily
Ever
After!

Just the Facts!

When:  Friday & Saturday mornings in July at 9:00am.  Gates open at 8:30am.
July 8 & 9, July 15 & 16, July 22 & 23, July 29 & 30.

Where:  Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre at 413 East Broadway, Lubbock.

How:  Tickets available through the Moonlight Musicals website, through Select-A-Seat and at the door.
Prices are $5 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.  Multi-ticket discounts available.

Length:  Lasts 1 hour.

Age:  Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Planning to go?  Let us know how you like the show!  Write your reviews below.

Photos provided by cast and Moonlight Musicals. Images from Moonlight Children’s Theatre 2016 production of Into The Woods Jr.

Parent Review: G2K Cinderella at Lubbock Community Theatre

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Fol-De-Rol & Fiddle-Dee-Dee…Cinderella is a must-see!  Catch this charming, family-friendly musical through July 17th.

Cinderella & Godmother

It’s Possible! Hannah Flournoy as Cinderella exclaims to her Fairy Godmother played by Kayla Rushing.

The summer 2016 Lubbock Community Theatre  production of G2K Cinderella is a joyful journey for area children and families!  It’s the perfect opportunity to expose children, both performers and observers, to the theatre by inviting them into the magical and inspiring world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  The G2K show is especially designed for youth performers as part of their Getting to Know (G2K) series of R&H musicals.

LCTCInderellaCover

It features the beautiful, fun songs and characters from the full production, but is more condensed.  Many parents and grandparents will enjoy humming along with the songs that we remember from the televised Hallmark Hall of Fame series.  You’ll find that this version of Cinderella, in addition to being the classic dreams-come-true message, is based on the power of positivity and kindness… yes, according to our favorite Fairy Godmother, regardless of what roadblocks arise, “It’s Possible!”

As we watched the show, it was hard to remember that all the performers were local kids, some in the LCT’s Theatre for Youth classes, but many who have never been on stage before!

Cinderella mice

Cinderella’s mice waiting patiently to turn magically into horses. Played by Emma Johnston, Kaori Gonzales, Neveah Arnold, Savannah Roberson and Faith Zint.

Cinderella and her Prince are truly charming and sweet, and we may have snort-laughed more than once with the wicked Stepsisters and Stepmother!

Cinderella sisters

Stepsisters’ Lament by Lorena Lopez and Allaina Capili

The Fairy Godmother is magical, and funny, and sassy.  Thanks to the hijinks from the King and Queen and all the other characters, the kids in the audience laughed and enjoyed every move and every joke, and were especially spellbound when Cinderella magically transforms on stage.

Also watch for the adorable little mice and fairies, townspeople and ballroom guests.

Prepare to be impressed by the calibre of musical talent in this group… and the expressions and comedic timing are also amazing from all the cast, who range in age from pre-school to high school.

Parent Pointers

Cinderella announcement

The Prince is Giving a Ball! Josh Frendenberg as the Herald proclaims to the Townspeople

In case you haven’t seen it before, the musical is quite different from the Disney movie, so parents may want to prepare children who could be expecting the songs and characters from the animated version.  There is no “Bippity Boppity Boo” but the new-to-them songs including “Fol-De-Rol and Fiddle-Dee-Dee” will leave them spellbound and humming!

The show only lasts about an hour and a half (which includes an intermission) so it’s a very manageable amount of time to hold the attention of most kids.  Another feature that is helpful for parents is the size of the theatre:  It only holds about 50-60 seats so it is more sensory-friendly for most kids.  However the small size of the theatre means if you are interested in going, you need to grab tickets quickly.  Sell-outs are frequent!

Cinderella Tea

Cinderella Tea with LCT Cast Members. Offered Sundays after matinee performances. (Tickets Sold Separately).

Another fun event offered is a special Cinderella Tea after each Sunday matinee.  Princes and Princesses can dress as their favorite character and have tea with stars from the show.  It’s a separate event from the show (tickets are sold separately for $10) with space only for 40 royal guests, so, again, better go online for tickets asap if your child is interested.  The Tea event may be a nice option if you think your child might not be quite ready for a full theatre production experience.

Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show

If you have access to one of the televised productions featuring Julie Andrews (1957) or Lesley Ann Warren (1965) or Brandy (1997), then consider a family preview to see the show and become familiar with the catchy songs.  Also consider reading the non-Disney story of Cinderella at the library or bookstore.

Cinderella program

Just the Facts!

When:  Thurs., Friday & Saturday July 7-9 at 7:30pm, Sunday July 10 at 2pm and again
Thurs., Friday & Saturday July 14-16 at 7:30pm, Sunday July 17 at 2pm.
Special Tea with Cinderella event after Sunday performances from 4:30-5:30pm.  (Limited to 40 seats.  Tickets Sold Separately).

Where:  Lubbock Community Theatre at 4232 Boston Ave, Lubbock.

How:  Tickets available through their website online, or by calling 806-749-2416 for info.
Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
Sunday Tea with Cinderella tickets are $10 each.

Length:  Lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes with a 15 minute intermission included.

Age:  Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Credits:  Music by Richard Rodgers – Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Directed by Heather May.
Music Direction by Tom Laney.

Crew:
Stage Manager – Alex Saulnier McKinin
Set Design – Heather May, Madeline St Claire
Set Crew – Madeline St Claire, Kayla Rushing, Emily Nixon
Light Design – RT Todd
Sound Design – Tom Laney
Board Operator – Robin Armstrong
Costumes – Patti Campbell, Mitzi Flournoy
Props – April Langehennig
Choreography – Alex Saulnier McKinin
Hair and Make-up – Alex Saulnier McKinin, Cast

Cast:
Cinderella – Hannah Flournoy
Godmother – Kayla Rushing
Stepmother – Sierra Roberson
Stepsister Portia – Lorena Lopez
Stepsister Joy – Allaina Capili
Prince – Reis Smith
Herald – Josh Fredenberg
Chef – Ben Mitchell
King – Cordell Little
Queen – Erin Ewings

Supporting Roles:
Neveah Arnold – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Shirah Arnold – Townsperson
Ayrthon Capili – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Cara Copeland – Royal Staff
Kaori Gonzales – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Kysiah Gonzalez – Townsperson
Sophie Haney - Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Alex Haynes – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Jonna Hollis - Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Olivia Ireland – Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Emma Johnston – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse, Ballroom Scene
Elizabeth Logan – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Ben Mitchell – Ballroom Scene
Walter Parsons – Townsperson
Aubree Pointer – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Jaryn Reed – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Savannah Roberson – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse, Royal Staff
Brenna Ryan – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Melanie Westmoreland – Townsperson, Royal Staff
Jencie Wright – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Faith Zint – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse

Planning to go?  Let us know how you like the show!  Write your reviews below.

Photos provided by Lubbock Community Theatre. Images from LCT’s 2016 production of G2K Cinderella.

Lubbock's Hot List for a Family 4th 2016

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The Lubbock area offers an explosion of activities and events that families can enjoy together … making fun memories over the 4th of July holiday!

Fireworks sky kid

And because we’ve received some glorious rain, we can really introduce our kids to the type of Independence Day celebration that we remember as kids… including FIREWORKS!

To save you time as you plan your weekend, we’ve gathered a Hot List of 4th-of-July-inspired local events and activities for families.  Just click the event for more info and links.  See our complete listing of up-to-the-moment fun in our 4th of July Section.

Did we miss a favorite 4th of July family activity or event open to the public?  Add it here, on our calendar, or on our Facebook page.  See our complete Calendar for a Liberty Bell full of fun activities to choose from. Thanks for helping spread the word on all the great things that make Lubbock the very best spot on earth to raise our kids!

Happy Independence Day 2016!

FIREWORKS Shows! 

Saturday, July 2nd:
* Plainview Fireworks show at Regional Park, 9:45pm.

Sunday, July 3rd:
* Buffalo Springs Lake / Ransom Canyon Fireworks show, dusk.
* Fireworks at the Corn Maize.  Free show & dessert presented by Indiana Ave.Baptist Church, 7:30pm.

Monday, July 4th:
* Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway Fireworks show at Mackenzie Park, dusk.
* Snyder’s 4th of July Celebration Fireworks show, dusk
* Lamesa’s Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks show, dusk.

Tuesday, July 5th:
* Wolfforth’s 4th on the 5th Fireworks show, dusk.

Parades!

Saturday, July 2nd:
* Plainview’s Parade, starts at 10am downtown.

Monday, July 4th:
* Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway Parade, starts at 9am.  Remember this year there is a new route:  Starts DOWNTOWN on Avenue M. and Broadway Ave. The parade will travel east to Canyon Lake Drive, through Mackenzie Park, and end at Joyland.
* Snyder’s Parade, starts at 10am.
* Lamesa’s Parade, starts at 10am.

Festivals, Concerts & Carnivals!

Friday July 1st:
* An American Festival concert at First United Methodist Church Lubbock.  6:30-7:30pm.  Featuring the Westwinds Brass Band & church choirs.

Saturday July 2nd:
* Plainview’s 4th of July Celebration, 10am-7pm.  Red, White, & Moo Freedom Festival. Downtown.

Sunday July 3rd:
* Westwinds Brass Band Sunday Concert in the Park – Patriotic Salute, 8pm-9pm.  Wagner Park Gazebo at 26th and Flint Ave.

Sunday July 3rd & Monday July 4th:
* Snyder 4th of July Celebration.  Booths open Sunday 4-9pm & Monday 9am-9pm.

Monday, July 4th:
* Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway at Mackenzie Park.  The state’s largest FREE 4th of July Festival and this year continues a new era at Mackenzie Park with grass and trees and water and the park’s beautiful venue!  You can even pitch a tent for the kids to take a nap during the day!

  • $5 parking at the Fairgrounds and Canyon Lakes: Free parking at 19th & Canyon Lakes. Shuttles to all parking start at 7:30am till after the fireworks.
  • 7:30am – 5K & 1-mile Yankee Doodle Dash starts at Cesar Chavez Dr. & Canyon Lake Road.  
  • 8:30am – Sparkler Sprint for kids 6-12 (free and no pre-registration needed) at Cesar Chavez Dr. & Canyon Lake Road.  
  • 9am – Parade!  NOTE: Parade Route Change – Parade will now begin at Avenue M. and Broadway Ave. The parade will travel east to Canyon Lake Drive, through Mackenzie Park, and end at Joyland.
  • 8am-5pm – Picnic in the Park!  7 music stages (starting at 10:30am) and over 50 vendors selling yummy festive foods.
  • 11am-8pm – Kids Area!  Located right next to the Kids Performance Stage and will include activities for the whole family!  Arts & Crafts, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Rock Wall, Spider Wall, Water Slides, Dunk Tank, Face Painting, Music, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Bouncers and Much More! No more playing on hot asphalt for the kids area like in years past!
  • 7:30pm – Evening Concert with the Youth Orchestra of Lubbock.
  • Dusk – Fireworks!

* Lamesa’s Independence Day Celebration, 9am-10pm.
* Slaton’s 4th of July Festival, 10am-3pm.  Slaton Park.

Tuesday, July 5th:
* Wolfforth’s 4th on the 5th Celebration, 6pm-10:30pm.

Fun Runs!shutterstock_78496849_flag

Saturday, July 2nd:
* Firecracker Run in Brownfield.  1 mile, 3 mile and 10 mile races.  7:40-10:30am.  Includes an Elementary Fun Run for Ages 4-12.

Monday, July 4th:
* Yankee Doodle Dash (5K and 1 Mile) and Sparkler Sprint (100 Yard Dash – free for kids 6-12). Lubbock.  Mackenzie Park.  7:30 & 8:30am.

* 5K Splash Dash in Lamesa.  South 9th.  9am signup.  10:30-11:30am race.

 

Above all, enjoy this wonderful time of year with the kids and STAY SAFE!

 


Updated June 29, 2016.

Parent Review: Seussical from Moonlight Musicals

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Catch a Family Funtastical Show Under the Stars!  Friday & Saturday performances through June 25th.  Performances added Thurs June 30th & Friday July 1st!

Cat in the Hat -Daniel Hogan -sm

Cat in the Hat – Daniel Hogan. Photo credit: Gypsy Artist Design and Photography.

Continuing our series featuring parent reviews & tips on local events and activities, our contributor Rebekah (a.k.a. Hub City Mom) shares her experience at the kickoff performance of Moonlight Musicals’ Summer Series:  Seussical!  Great review and super tips!  (Perhaps the perfect Fathers Day gift?)  Got an idea for a scoop?  Share it with us and we’ll check it out! Interested in writing a review?  Contact us and let’s blog!

by Rebekah Gillespie

Mom and SonThe 2016 summer series at Lubbock Moonlight Musicals kicked off recently with a fantastic performance of “Seussical.” This whimsical production of Dr. Seuss’s inspiring stories is fun, amusing and very entertaining. The entire family will love “Seussical”! We took our three-year old son to the performance, and he was captivated by it. This was his first theatrical experience, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. We all enjoyed the vibrant colors of the costumes and set as well as the remarkable singing and dancing.

“Seussical” follows the story of Horton the Elephant, citizens of the jungle and his friends from Whoville. Other key characters include Jojo, Gertrutde, Mayzie and Sour Kangaroo. My son’s favorite character is the Cat in the Hat who narrates the production. Thing 1 and Thing 2 make frequent apperances that leave the audience chuckling, and even the Grinch makes a special appearance. The incredibly hard work put into this production is evident throughout the entire performance making “Seussical” remarkably spectactular and memorable. The expressive song lyrics and upbeat music will leave you singing for days.

Cat on stage

This was our first Moonlight Musical experience in the amphitheatre, and the outdoor atmosphere is peaceful and serene. The summer evenings in Lubbock are very enjoyable making Lubbock Moonlight Musicals a great venue for outdoor entertainment. We also enjoyed bringing our son because it was a more casual environment than traditional productions at the civic center’s auditorium. Our son was able to sit, stand and lay down during the performance without being bothersome. The casual atmosphere at the amphitheatre makes it a great environment for small children who, like my child, have trouble staying still.

Thing sittingIn addition, I love that patrons are allowed to bring coolers and lawn chairs to the performance. We were able to have a picnic as a family and eat snacks throughout the performance without spending a small fortune on refreshments. Be sure to bring some cash for the concession stand because Bahama Buck’s is selling their pre-packaged Sno Blasts, which are delicious!  Also, freshly popped popcorn is always enjoyable at any performance.

Parent Pointers:  Here are a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable.

First, arrive early to the amphitheatre because seats are first come first serve unless previously reserved for a group. The gates open at 7 p.m. with the performance starting promptly at eight o’clock. Fortunately, every seat has a clear view of the stage making it impossible to have a bad seat. General admission is labeled in green tape; orange tape is premium admission. 

Horton

The center section of the amphitheatre as well as the first two rows of the side sections are premium seating. I would recommend premium seating if you want a center stage view and the opportunity to interact with some of the cast during the performance. There is a difference in ticket pricing for adults and children in the premium section and is important to be aware of those differences when purchasing tickets. I found that general admission worked great for our three year old because he didn’t sit still long enough to have paid for a premium seat. When he is older, I will invest in premium seating.

Secondly, be sure to bring a blanket and lawn chairs otherwise you will be sitting on the grass for two and a half hours. You can also bring a cooler and snacks to enjoy during the performance.

Family picnic

Since it is outdoors, mosquito repellent is must and beware of a few bees flying around the trash cans. You may also want to bring a light jacket if you get cold easily. Occasionally, the wind is blowing and will give you a chill. Binoculars are another item you may want to bring especially if you are arriving closer to the performance time. Remember that everything you bring in the amphitheater you have to haul back to your car. The amphitheatre is wheel chair accessible making it possible to bring strollers and wagons for smaller children.

Lastly, the cast will be available for pictures after the performance so bring a camera with a great flash. There is not enough lighting to get a good picture without a flash since the performance ends after dark.

My son was excited to meet the Cat in the Hat, but he was very uncertain about having his picture taken with him. Younger children might be intimidated by the characters in their costumes up close so be prepared to have someone take the picture of you and your child with the cast member. This will save time and avoid tears. As you can see, I ended up in the picture with my son still unsure about the Cat.

Meeting Cat

Preparing for the show:

It’s always fun to read Dr. Seuss, and I would highly recommend reading Horton Hears a Who to your child prior to seeing “Seussical.” In addition, there is also an animated movie about Horton that your child will love that can be watched pre or post show. These activities are enjoyable and will also help younger children better follow the performance.

Also, talking with your child about theater etiquette is another important way to prepare for “Seussical” or any performance. Lubbock Moonlight Musicals has a great page on theatre etiquette and gives patrons an idea of what is expected and permissible.

Lastly, a great talking point for your family is to discuss the function of a live orchestra. I loved seeing the orchestra at the amphitheater and the opportunity to explain to my son their purpose. Often times the orchestra is stationed in the orchestra pit which is hidden from the audience’s view. Some other questions my son asked that are worth discussing are: “What is the theater?”, “Why are they wearing costumes?”, “What are the [stage] lights for?”, and “Who is that person?”.

Seuss orchestra

Just the Facts!

When: Friday and Saturday 6/10 & 6/11, 6/17 & 6/18, 6/24 & 6/25, and just added: Thursday 6/30 & Friday 7/1. Gates open at 7 P.M. with performance starting at 8 P.M.

Where: Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre at 413 East Broadway Lubbock, TX 79403.

How: Tickets are available at Select-a-Seat, online, or by calling 806-770-2000. Prices Range from $20-$28 for adults and $7-$15 for children. *For General admission child age is 5-9 years and Premium admission child age is 0-9 years.

Length: Lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Planning to go?  Let us know how you like the show!  Write your reviews below.

Rebekah is a blogger and mom of 2 who has recently embraced Lubbock and the Hub City area as her home. You can reach her by leaving a response on this blog article.  Find her at HubCityMom.com

For more photos and full article, hop on over to Rebekah’s blog.

Photos by Rebekah Gillespie (unless noted). Images from Lubbock Moonlight Musicals 2016 production of Seussical.

 

The Ultimate Summer Camp Guide 2016

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shutterstock_80850376_Girl in FloatyThe school year is a distant memory for most of our kids and now summer is staring us in the face… asking “what are we going to do today?”  We’re here to help inspire your search for summer camps of all shapes and sizes for kids of all ages and interests!  And our friends a Lubbock in the Loop have even put together a fun list for a quick getaway while the kids are occupied!  So browse through our camps, schedule some summertime fun for the kids, and then sneak away for a little grown-up R&R… hey, everyone deserves to be a happy camper over the summer!

Day trips & Stay-cations

Click here for Lubbock in the Loop top day trip picks for big kids!

For an even greater collection of camps, be sure to checkout our jam-packed, up-to-the-moment camp guide.  Over 300 summer camps are currently listed in our guide … and growing everyday!  It’s the only place you’ll find a complete list of area camps and all things kidful, in a searchable, sortable format by age, interest, timeframe and more!  Click here to Search…

Whether you’ve already completed your plans for the summer or don’t even plan to think about it till after school is out, we’ve got you covered!  Here are a few suggestions and tips to help save you time.  Our first tip:  Many places are still offering discounts for registrations made before the end of the month… so it’s not too late!

Best-kept Camp Secrets on The Cheap.  And because they are…. better call now to ensure a spot!

Lubbock Parks & Recreation Day Camps.
Our local Community Centers offer some of the best camps in town… creative and fun for extremely reasonable prices!  And that includes a Tennis Camp at Burgess-Rushing and even a great camp at Safety City!  Many camps are almost full, so better call them quickly!  Here’s a handy link to the full Parks & Rec Activity Guide… it’s gi-normous!

Gardening Camps at The Arboretum.
The Summer Gardening Camp for Kids @ The Arboretum is a great opportunity for the kids to learn from Master Gardeners!  Also ask about their new Gardening Club for kids… lots of ways to get kiddos blooming!

The City Museums:  Silent Wings & Buddy Holly Center.
It’s easy to forget that these rich local landmarks also offer some of the most unique and memorable camps for kids…. for a song!

Texas Tech Museum Camps.
The Museum of Texas Tech offers camps with creative themes including Wizard Camp with a Harry Potter theme, and the Lubbock Lake Landmark has several camps … free!

Boys & Girls Clubs and the YWCA.
Don’t overlook these wonderful local resources. There are several Boys & Girls Club locations around town that keep the kids super-busy, and the YWCA offers fun daily camps too.  Reminder: Sun ‘n Fun is under renovation so if you typically use the Y for your summer childcare, better check with them fast to ensure a spot at one of the other locations!

Sports-based Camps

Fitness-based Childcare at local gyms.
These businesses are great options for an active choice for full-time childcare or part-time too!  Most of these also offer swimming lessons/camps.

Texas Tech Rec Center Youth Sports Camp.
Two full weeks full of fun, athletic activities designed for all skill levels, ages 7-14.  Three sessions to choose from.  Texas Tech Rec Center.

LCU Rec Center Youth Day Camp.
Weekly morning day camps from 8am – noon Monday-Friday.  For kids entering Kinder through 6th grades.  LCU Rec Center signups.

High School Youth Sports Camps.
From Football and Soccer clinics to Basketball and Golf, some of the best camps are provided by local High Schools and at a bargain price!  Check your neighborhood High School and register asap… most of these are early in June.

Texas Tech Sport Camps.
Texas Tech also offers top-tier sports camps that offer our kids a rare glimpse into the next level of performance and also the collegiant experience.  Tech provides a convenient Multi-Sport Youth Camp Website ( texastechsportscamps.com )  where you can find info and register for athletic camps that are open to area youth including Baseball, Football, Soccer, and Girls Golf.

The camps for Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country and Speed & Agility (Strength & Conditioning Camps for ages 7-18) can all be accessed through the Texas Tech Athletics page where you can register online.

LCU Sport Camps.
Our kids are so fortunate to have several Universities who share their resources and skills to train our kids!  Lubbock Christina University also offers high-caliber sport youth camps and a convenient multi-sport youth camp website for easy signups ( lcusportscamps.com ).

Music & Performing Arts Camps

Moonlight Arts Academy.   A new program that offers a series of summer camps for kids of all ages.  Each camp offers a combination of fine arts classes (that the kids can choose!) of singing, dancing, acting and visual arts.
Hub Performing Arts School.  Camps focus on performing arts with an emphasis on musical production… and fun!
Ballet Lubbock.  Offers a Dance Discoveries Summer Workshop for ages 3 – 9. It’s a great way for young ones to explore dance just for fun, or to help determine whether to enroll in the year-round Ballet Lubbock School.
School of Rock – Lubbock.  Several Boot Camp classes are offered for all musical interests.
Texas Tech Band & Orchestra Camp.  For orchestra, band, jazz, drum major, and twirling, First week of July.

Arts & Crafts Camps

Art & Company Kids.
The Mud Room.
Clay Cafe.
Painting with a Twist.  They’ve added weekly kid-friendly (no vino!) classes especially for summer.
Art Factory Summer Camp at the Garden & Arts Center.

STEM Camps

Texas Tech IDEAL.  The Texas Tech Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement (IDEAL) offers some of the most exciting camps, many overnight where the kids stay in the Tech dorms!  Some may be filled so check with them asap.  Camps include: Generation TECH, Science is a Girl Thing, Run on the Wind Engineering Camp, Shake Hands With Your Future, and Sports Media!

The Science Spectrum.  Great hands-on camps for kids of all ages!  (plus checkout their snazzy new website!)

Texas Tech Chess Camp.  Our kids have a chance to learn from some of the rockstars of the chess world!

Movie Camps

Well, that might be stretching it a bit… but it wouldn’t be summer without our favorite movie matinees and specials!

Alamo Kids Camps:  Family movies at 10am EVERY day (including weekends!) throughout the summer.  This year they are also introducing a “choose-your-own-ticket price” program ranging from $1 to $3 per person – you choose the amount. It allows parents to not only purchase seats online, in advance with reserved seating – yay! – but also 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the South Plains Food Bank!

Premiere Cinema at the Mall Summer Kids Fest.  $1 movies at 10am and at 11am every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5/31 through 8/3.

Cinemark Tinseltown on 82nd Summer Movie Clubhouse.  $1 movies (or only 50 cents if you purchase the series!) at 9:300am every Wednesday and Thursday from 6/1 – 8/4.

Overnight Camps

If you are looking for some overnight camp experiences for the kids, but not too far from home, most of the Texas Tech camps offer “resident” camps in the dorms (major points on the cool meter for these!).  But the best deals around town for overnight options can be found with the Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts.  Typically for summer camps your child does not need to be a current scout to attend camp and they are very reasonable!  Other places include faith-based camps such as Ceta Canyon in Happy, Texas.  Check with your church for some additional ideas.  Many offer summer camps for individuals rather than just groups.

Did we miss your favorite?  Share it with us here or add it to our listings!  Looking for more?  Check our up-to-the-minute Camp Guide.  Happy Summer!

Summer Camp Slide

 Originally published 5/19/2015.  Updated for 2016.

 

Mom. You are not alone. Local insight and help for Postpartum Anxiety or Depression

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by Kelly Martin, M.Ed, LPC
Owner, The Playroom Lubbock
Guest Contributor

Mom at sunriseIn the wake of Mother’s Day, we need to talk about something.  Let’s get raw and real.  You, mama, may be feeling the intense and overwhelming feelings of motherhood coupled with exhaustion and fears.  Life after the birth of your baby, and even life several months or even years after birth, is not quite like you expected or hoped it would be.  For most moms, sad or anxious feelings come and go.  Even the most upbeat mom can experience low days.  So how can we know if our sadness or anxiety or fears are something more serious?  What should you do if you’re depressed or anxious?

You are not alone.

Hope and healing awaits.

Please consider these 3 things if you have the feeling that something just isn’t right.

1. Read this article. It includes a quiz to differentiate between a case of the blues or depression. It will also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and what you can do to pull you out of a funk.

2. Consider connecting in a care group with other women with similar experiences here.

3. Email postpartumlubbock@gmail.com to inquire where to start. Another Lubbock area momma on the receiving end of that email will respond to you, will hear you, and can help guide you to resources if needed.

It’s a family affair.  

While many mothers suffer in silence with depression or anxiety after the birth of a baby, what is also not mentioned is that dads can also experience postpartum depression (PPD). In a significant number of households affected by PPD, both adults are suffering together.

Children of depressed parents have a heightened risk of emotional, intellectual, or behavioral problems. Developmentally their brains are very malleable as they learn motor skills and language. Their brains are growing neural connections, strengthening used connections, and shrinking neglected connections. The anxiety, frustration, and emotional strain caused by depression make a child’s brain more vulnerable. These conditions can impact a child even years down the road.

And yet, still hope.

Fortunately our brains are adaptable and moldable, meaning neural connections in the brain can be rewired through new experiences, new relationship connections, and healthy interactions with parents.

Holding Coffee

Taking a step…

If you recognize in yourself or in someone else the depression, anxiety, disturbing and intruding thoughts, or compulsive and irrational habits forming, please read the above article, connect with others who will understand, and email postpartumlubbock@gmail.com.

Kelly Martin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, parent, and owner of The Playroom Lubbock offering therapy counseling services specifically for children and adolescents. From individual and group Play Therapy to yoga and parent-included classes, Kelly and her team offer a wealth of support for local kiddos and parents.  Specialties include divorce care, self esteem, social skills, anxiety, grief, anger management, ADHD support… topics that hit home with many area kids and families.  Have questions or ideas for future blog topics?  Just comment below or you can contact Kelly directly at kelly@playroomlubbock.com and through her website at Playroomlubbock.com.

Standardized Test Prep and the Benefit of a Summer Prep Course

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by Calli Christenson
Founder and Lead Consultant
CLC College Prep Services

Spring BreakCollege Tours (1)

045_CollegePrepCalli Christenson with CLC College Prep Services offers great advice for our readers in her latest post.  “Why consider test prep help for my teen over the summer?”  It’s a question that many parents struggle with and Calli helps answer here.  Calli and her team at CLC assist high school students across the country, and internationally, with the ever-changing college prep process… and they are based right here in Lubbock!  We are excited to share helpful education and college prep tips from Calli throughout the year at LubbockForKids.com.

In the increasingly competitive higher education admissions climate, standardized test scores provide a straightforward means for schools to evaluate potential applicants. While class rank, GPA and extracurriculars are important, test scores play a significant role in the admission review process and provide an even “playing field” for colleges to evaluate applicants who come from various types of high schools with varying opportunities and grading systems.

A strong test score allows students to stand out and can significantly impact the admission review process.

Furthermore, many colleges offer merit based financial aid that can considerably subsidize the cost of tuition and fees. Standardized test scores are one of the most common metrics used to differentiate between tiers of financial aid.

A strong test score will help students to be competitive for scholarships, both from colleges and outside organizations.

Junior students who score among the top of their peers on the PSAT have a chance to be designated as National Merit Scholars, which can often result in deep financial aid awards, including full tuition scholarships at many schools.

So, the pressing question is:

How does my child achieve a great score?

Very few students walk into a PSAT, SAT or ACT and receive a top score without some preparation leading up to the exam. The level of difficulty these exams present result in even the brightest students needing to prepare. We’ve found that the keys to scoring well on standardized exams come down to Knowledge, Strategy and Practice.

Knowledge:

Your student’s hard work in school lays the foundation for success on the SAT/ACT, but even students who perform well in the classroom will benefit from subject-matter review and content remediation, if necessary. Filling in the knowledge gaps and reviewing the fundamental concepts is an integral part of maximizing one’s potential on a standardized test. Practicing the large variety of question types for each test is essential, and understanding the content that is present on each exam will give students an upper-hand.

Strategy:

Test-taking strategies help students apply their content knowledge to the unique format of the standardized exams. Timed, multiple choice tests pose challenges that students may be unfamiliar with, despite having a lot of success in their high school classes. Test-taking strategies can help students pace themselves appropriately, avoid getting trapped by distractors (wrong answer choices), and make decisions about when and how to guess or skip a question to maximize the probability of choosing a correct answer. Students must be familiar with testing strategies in order to achieve their best score.

Practice:

Sound content knowledge and a repertoire of strategies are excellent starting points, but practice is essential in order for students to become familiar with the test questions and format. Familiarity leads to confidence and a reduction in test anxiety, which ultimately leads to better testing performance. Independent practice can be beneficial, especially for highly motivated and disciplined students but, often, guided practice in which students receive review, feedback, and support from an expert tutor is the most beneficial. Practice with an expert tutor will help students overcome the unique challenges the tests pose for different learning styles.

Even with good intentions it can be hard to maintain the discipline to study consistently on your own.

There are many great resources for practice available online; however, consistent and focused practice is necessary to take full advantage of those offerings. Tutors who are personally invested in motivating and meeting the unique needs of each student will help produce strong results. A collaborative, interactive classroom is a great environment for filling in knowledge gaps, in comparison to trying to “figure it out” on your own. The summer provides a great opportunity for focused test preparation without the demands of school and homework, and gives students the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to prepare for tests in June or early fall.

University clc

Photo provided by CLC College Prep Services

Calli Christenson is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of CLC College Prep Services.  Prior to college consulting, she worked in undergraduate admissions, most recently serving as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruiting at Vanguard University of Southern California.  Calli is a Professional Member of the Independent Education Consultants Association (IECA) and holds a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine. She is a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC) and a 2011 graduate of the IECA Summer Training Institute at Swarthmore College.

Questions for Calli?  Just comment below or she can be reached at calli@clccollegeprep.com. Follow her on Twitter @clccollegeprep and on Facebook at clccollegeprep