As you’ve probably noticed, it has been over two months since I posted on Life+Kids.

All is well here. It’s just that my family and other projects have left no time to devote to the website.

So, I am on hiatus until the first of the year.  We’ll talk then.

Happy Holidays!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2010 LIFE+KIDS SUMMER CAMP GUIDE!

The Fayetteville Public Library will offer six-week creative writing workshops for students this fall.

The Youth Creative Writing Workshop, for students in 3rd through 5th grade, will meet every Monday, September 20 through October 25, from 4 to 5 p.m., in the Wal-Mart Storytime Room.

Registration is required. Sign up at the Children’s Desk or by calling 856.7170.

The Teen Creative Writing Workshop, for students in 6th through 12th grade, will meet every Tuesday, September 21 to October 26, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Wal-Mart Storytime Room.

Registration is required. Sign up at the Reference Desk or by calling 856.7250.

Students will explore creative fiction writing through activities designed to stretch their imaginations in a fun and relaxed setting.

The workshops are FREE!

For more information go to www.faylib.org.

The Washington County Historical Society will host the 40^th annual Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 21, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm, at Headquarters House, 118 E. Dickson St., in Fayetteville (across Dickson Street from the Washington County Courthouse parking lot).  This event will raise awareness of and support the Historical Society’s educational programs for children and adults.  The cost for admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 6-12, and $15 for a “family ticket,” and children under 6 attend free.

Homemade cakes and Hiland Dairy ice cream will be served.  Guests will be treated to the music of local musicians, including folk music and barbershop singers; tours of the historic gardens and Headquarters House; antique cars display; and entertainment by the pride of WCHS, youth participants of the WCHS Heritage School, who will perform period dancing and related activities.  Also, the winners of the Society’s annual Lemke Award prize will be announced. The WCHS Book Store and Gift Shop will offer a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased during the event. And, there will be activities for children, introducing them to the WCHS grounds.

For more information click here or call 479-521-2970.

The Washington County Historical Society, founded in 1951, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with over 700 active members.  Among its many activities and projects, the Washington County Historical Society publishes quarterly the award-winning Flashback, and owns and manages three historic properties in Washington County: Headquarters House, the Archibald Yell Law Office, and the Ridge House.

Annual events organized and sponsored by the Washington County Historical Society include the Annual Meeting in October, the Battle of Fayetteville Commemorative in April, the Heritage School in July, and the Ice Cream Social in August.  The Washington County Historical Society also sponsors an Annual Lecture Series and celebrates Arkansas’ Statehood Day in June, as well as frequently conducting Living History programs in area schools and throughout the county.  The mission of the Washington County Historical Society is to promote a continuing pride and interest in and knowledge of the history of Washington County, Arkansas and its inhabitants.

Have you heard of Shannon Wurst, the Fayetteville singer/songwriter?

If not, stop reading and click here to listen to her music, you will thank me (unless you don’t like Folk and Bluegrass, and in that case I can’t help you!)

Anyway, I just learned that Shannon is hosting a Songwriting class for youth this Thursday and Friday (with another one scheduled for October).

I thought that sounded like the coolest thing ever, so I immediately confirmed that spaces are still available. And they are!

Here are the details:

Cost: $40.00

Youth Songwriting Class August 4th and 5th from 10 am to 12 noon at Wilson Park (meet at the castle) in Fayetteville, AR.  Each child will write a song, record and release it on their very own CD!

Click here for more information.  Please contact Shannon if you have any questions: shawurst@hotmail.com

From the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks:

FireFly Fling: THE Festival for Families
July 24th at 7pm

Come join us as daylight turns into night as we celebrate nature with art, music, food and play.
We will have hands on activities for children of all ages including lots of water play!
Dress up as your favorite woodland creature and critters and build a fairy house in the woods.
This event will provide down-to-earth experiences that will reawaken our sense of belonging to the larger community of life, and ignite deep caring and concern for the Earth.

$6 for Individuals
$20 for a Family of 4

Children under 3 are Free

Please visit the Botanical Garden events page to make a reservation. You will not receive a paper ticket, your name will be on a list at the door.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2010 LIFE+KIDS SUMMER CAMP GUIDE!

Channel 5 news has a listing of Northwest Arkansas fireworks displays.  Here’s the link.

Have a Happy 4th of July!

Get “new” toys and books for the whole family for summer!

• What: Toy and Book Swap
• When: Saturday July 10th, 2010 from  9am-12pm
• Where: First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville
• More Info: email angela.watson@cox.net

Toy Swap  $5.00 plus 2 or more toys- any type of toys, games, or kid equipment/supplies that other families can put to good use.
Book Swap $5.00 plus 2 or more books- fiction and non-fiction for ALL AGES , CD’s, DVD’s, VHS, multiple magazines, or other media

Please bring as many books and toys as you can!  All leftovers will be sold or donated so clean out your closets for a great cause!
Swap Rules- You can participate in the toy swap, the book swap or both. You can take as many items from the swap as you have use for, however please try to bring more that you take home so there will be plenty for everyone!
Donations- If you can not attend but have toys or books that you would like to donate please email angela.watson@cox.net to make drop-off or pick-up arrangements. We will also be accepting financial contributions.

A Fayetteville family will be traveling to Democratic Republic of the Congo to bring home their adopted daughter. Friends are trying to fill duffel bags with baby formula for them to take to the orphanage when they go.
Also accepting donation of BABY FORMULA SAMPLES, or BABY FORMULA COUPONS – Email angela.watson@cox.net or bring these to the swap.

You may have noticed a life-sized elephant sculpture made of recycled tires standing in the Fayetteville square for the last six weeks. Her name is Nomkhubulwane, and she is visiting from South Africa. She is touring North America to raise awareness of environmental issues and the impact that they have on all species, large and small.  She will leave on Wednesday, March 26, headed to Chicago where she will be exhibited at the Field Museum of Natural History. There she will represent modern elephants in an exhibit of wooly mammoths and mastadons, extinct ancestors.

On May 25, say goodbye to the elephant by attending an impromptu party from 5:30-7:30 pm to send Nomkhubulwane on her way.  She slipped into town quietly, with little fanfare, but she should be sent off triumphantly!  There will be music, food, and an elephant-sized going away card for everyone to sign.  It’s your chance to write your message of hope and inspiration to the people of Chicago, Bozeman, Detroit, and other cities on the tour. What did Nomkhubulwane mean to you?

They are also still raising funds for the tour.  Northwest Arkansas’ commitment was $7,000. They’ve raised $5,250, but still need $1,750. Donations of any size are appreciated. (Make checks payable to WILD Foundation.) 15 t-shirts are available as well.

Help send Nomkhubulwane off in style!

Donations can also be made using Visa or Mastercard by contacting WILD Foundation directly -see below:

Please Make Checks Payable To: The WILD Foundation

Mailing and Courier Address: 717 Poplar Ave, Boulder, Colorado USA 80304

Donations can be made via:

Telephone: (303) 442-8811

Fax: (303) 442-8877

Website: www.wild.org (Click on Join Wild)

Check out this post on Patriot Moms (blog by moms of Providence Christian Academy students) listing businesses like Chick-fil-a, Chuck E. Cheese and Pizza Hut that offer freebies to kids who bring in their report cards.

Rewards for Good Grades

The Man Who Planted Trees
Part of ARTOSPHERE, Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival
Friday, May 21, 7pm & Saturday, May 22, 11am & 4pm
Starr Theater at Walton Arts Center

All Tickets just $6.00!

Based on the beloved fable and book by Jean Giono, this play is a unique blend of comedy and puppetry that tells an inspiring ecologically oriented tale. The uplifting and unforgettable story shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. Best for ages 7 and up.

For tickets or more information visit www.waltonartscenter.org, or call 479.443.5600

All events are FREE & open to the public!

First Thursday Fayetteville on The Square
Featuring music by Harmonious Wail and the
Opening Night of the film A Man Named Pearl
May 6, 5pm

First Friday on the Bentonville Square “Swing into Spring”
Featuring music by Harmonious Wail
May 7, 5pm

Bentonville Farmer’s Market
Featuring music by Trout Fishing in America and The Sauce Boss
May 8, 7am-1pm on the Bentonville Square

National Public Garden Days & Compton Gardens Native Plant Sale
Featuring music by Harmonious Wail
May 7 & 8 at the Compton Gardens

Joe Martin Stage Race
Featuring music by Sauce Boss
May 9, 12:30pm-3pm in the Walton Arts Center Bradberry Amphitheater
& Rose Garden

Visit www.artospherefestival.org for more information

BICYCLING FOR PEACE

WHAT: Family Bicycle Ride for Peace!
WHEN: May 1st, Saturday. Family Friendly Ride begins at 10am
WHERE: Ride begins at the Town Center on the Fayetteville Square.
ROUTE: Ride takes one of two routes, depending on your comfort level, to the Veterans Memorial Park on Zion Road in N Fayetteville. One route follows the Scull Creek and Mudd Creek Trails, and another route will follow College Avenue north to Zion Road
PEACE RALLY: At Veterans Memorial from 11am to 2pm features food, music, art. Take some time to hear the featured first hand accounts of war from local veterans who want you to know the truth.
Click HERE for More Info

Give your son the thrill of playing football on the Razorback practice field and working out in the Razorback’s state-of-the-art workout facility by sending him to the 2010 Bobby Petrino Razorback Football Camp.

Youth Camp

The new Youth Camp is a half day no-contact camp for athletes entering the 1^st through 4^th grades. The campers will be exposed to basic football fundamentals and will be able to learn several different positions. All positions will be coached by the Razorback football staff.

• Dates: June 9^th , 2010
• Ages:  entering 1^st-4^th graders
• Cost: $50

Junior High Camp

The Junior High Camp (for boys entering 5^th through 8^th grades) is no-contact, no-pads and focuses on the fundamental skills that will make your son a better football player.

• Dates: June 10^th-12^th , 2010
• Ages:  entering 5^th-8^th graders
• Cost: $290 (overnight)  $240 (day camper)

Senior High Camp

The Senior High Camp (for boys entering the 9^th through 12^th grades) features full contact drills focusing both on individual positions and team play.

• Dates: June 6^th-8^th , 2010
• Ages:  entering 9^th-12^th graders
• Cost: $290 (overnight) $240 (day camper)

Both the Junior and Senior High camps offer overnight and day camp options – so your son could either experience a sleep away sports camp without the hassle of travel, or enjoy the benefits of a world class camp while sleeping in his own bed at night.  What could be better than that?

Camp Details:

• Website: razorbackfootballcamp.com
• Contact: Dean Campbell
• Email: dccamp@uark.edu
• Phone: 479-575-3704

The Jones Center’s Summer Youth Academy promotes social, educational and recreational activities in a structured summer learning lab for ages 8 to 12 in June and July.

Summer Youth Academy kicks off every morning in the auditorium with a guest speaker and warm up to get everyone ready for the day. Academy campers will be grouped into small teams with their own team adviser. During a typical Academy week, kids will cycle through at least eight different programs run by experienced professionals devoted to the development of self empowerment, self esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

• Tuesday- Friday, June 8th to July 30th, 730a-12p
• Flexibility to pick the theme weeks and dates that best suit your family
• $45 per week (family discounts, and scholarships available)

Week One (June 8th-June 11th) – Drama and Stage Week: Bring on the actors! Even if you’ve never acted before our talented and professional teachers help anyone stand out in a crowd or on stage!

Week Two (June 15th – June 18th) – The Art of Art Week: Do you have an undiscovered artistic talent? This isn’t an old fashioned arts and crafts class. Not only will Art Week be fun and entertaining, but also promises to make the most uncreative, creative!

Week Three (June 22nd – June 25th) – Coleman Outdoors Presents: The Great Outdoors Week: From the high ropes course to cooking on a campfire, we promise you won’t be bored in The Great Outdoors! Plus, participants will have a chance to put their new skills to the test as we invite our families for a campout session under the stars at the end of the week.

Week Four (June 29th- July 2nd) – Move It! Sports and Fitness Week: Move over dull sports camps, the Summer Academy instructors have some awesome ways to keep you moving all week long. You don’t have to be an athlete to love sports. Let us show you something new.

Week Five (July 6th- July 9th) – What’s Cooking? Cooking Week: Even Rachel Ray and Emeril Lagasse can learn something from our talented chefs! The best part, besides the yummy food, at the end of the week we’ll put you through our TOP CHEF Challenge with our celebrity judges.

Week Six (July 13th – July 16th) – Music Jam Session Week: You’ll sound better than the music on your iPod after we’re done with you. Jam out with our talented musicians every day and you will learn something new. You could be the next American Idol.

Week Seven (July 20th – July 23rd)- Green is Good, Let’s Go Green Week: How do you save our planet and have fun at the same time? Come out for “Let’s Go Green Week” and find out how!

Week Eight (July 27th- July 30th) - Mad Scientist Week: There is a bit of mad scientist in all of us. Discover what imaginative learning is about with the Academy’s Official Scientist “Super Steve Cox”. This will be a science journey, like no other.

Contact: Tyler Clark

Email: tclark@jcf.jonesnet.org

Phone: 479-756-8090 ext. 2214

Website: www.thejonescenter.org

We are proud to have the Jones Center as a sponsor of Life+Kids!

Find information about over 30 more summer camps in the Life+Kids Summer Camp Guide. Enter your name and email below to download the 2010 Guide.

Looking for a full time summer program in Fayetteville, or flexible childcare for few weeks, days, or even afternoons? The New School Summer Day Camp offers the ultimate in flexible fun! You can sign your kids up for a specific day, specific weeks, or the whole summer! Everyone is welcome – not just those who attend the New School during the school year.

Every day includes a field trip such as roller skating, ice skating, trips to the movie theaters, swimming, and bowling. Your kids will stay active as well, with daily basketball camps and many other sports activities to choose from.

Is your daughter artsy? She’ll love our daily art classes. Is your son a techie? He’ll love our computer activities. In short, the New School Summer Camp has something for everyone!

The New School is one of the most well respected private schools in the area, for good reason — excellent facilities, excellent teachers & staff, involved parents, and great kids.

Registration for the New School Summer Day Camp is open now and will continue throughout the duration of the Summer. You can register at the New School or download a Registration Packet online at www.thenewschool.org/summer.

• Camp: New School Summer Day Camp
• Dates: June 3 – July 30, 2010
• Schedule: Full days: 7:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.;Half days: Noon – 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Ages: Kindergarten – 7th Grade (Preschool Program info online)
• Cost: $800/month (Sibling discounts available); Drop-in Days: $50/Full Day; $25/Half Day
• Website: www.thenewschool.org/summer
• Phone: 479-521-7037
• E-mail: summer@thenewschool.org

We are proud to have the New School as a sponsor of Life+Kids!

Find information about over 30 more summer camps in the Life+Kids Summer Camp Guide. Enter your name and email below to download the 2010 Guide.

I emailed the Life+Kids 2010 Camp Guide last night to everyone who received the 2009 Guide, and the response so far has been excellent!

If you did not get the Guide by email and are a subscriber (meaning you get my posts by email or RSS feed) then you should see a link to the Guide at the bottom of this post. Click on that link and you will be taken directly to the Guide.

Not a subscriber? No worries. Just enter your name and email below and you will receive access to the Guide immediately (and will automatically receive the weekly updates).

If you do not see a form above, email terri@lifepluskids.com and I will add you to the list automatically.

Questions? Email terri@lifepluskids.com

Don’t miss a chance to shop the next NWA Boutique Show,  THIS Saturday, April 17th, from 10-5.   Over 75 local artists and designers will display thousands of items you won’t see anywhere else!

The Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale is the spot for this spring’s show.  Find boutique children’s clothing, custom jewelry, stationery, children’s room decor, trendy women’s clothing, accessories, art, furniture, home decor, teacher’s gifts, mother’s day gifts, hand-painted pottery and so much more!  They even have free admission and door prizes!

For more information, directions and a sneak peak at the booths… visit  www.nwaboutiqueshow.com

Now, on to the giveaway!

Click here to register by noon on Friday, April 16 for one of five amazing items from NWA Boutique Show merchants.  “Preferred Shopper” Passes go to the first 100 to register! As always, you can increase your chance of winning by forwarding this post to a friend and copying terri@lifepluskids.com on the email. You will be entered in the drawing once for each friend you forward it to.

Here are the giveaway items!

8×10 bird on canvas by LK Art

“Arty Party” birthday package–$125 value by Doodlez Art Studio 1 1/2 Hour art party for 8 kids, custom-made invites included.

Custom Initial Tile by Southern Traditions

Willow Paper & Gifts – Monogrammed water bottle with 2 tops – one is a pop-up sports top and the other a screw top.

Peaces of Indigo Artisan Jewelry – Hand-crafted Sterling Pendant and Earrings

Click here to register for the giveaway!

Last week, I had an amazing and much needed massage in Fayetteville, AR at IM Spa. It was a combination of traditional Swedish massage and Thai stretching.

What is Thai stretching? I’m glad you asked. Wendy at IM Spa described it as having someone “do Yoga to you.” And she’s right. You are fully clothed on a mat on the floor (instead of a massage table) and she moves your body into various positions that provide an amazing stretch. In other words, she literally does Yoga to you. It’s awesome.

You should also know about IM Spa’s $50 Tuesdays. That’s right, an hour long massage for $50. And did I mention the Bring a Friend Fridays? You (and your friend) get a free add on or other goody with your treatment.

Here’s my final IM Spa tip: grab a friend and a bottle of wine, or a pair of Sonic Diet Cokes, or whatever is your beverage of choice, and schedule 30 minute foot massages in IM Spa’s Barefoot Massage Room. It really is the perfect girls’ night out.

IM Spa is located on Block Street, just off the Fayetteville Square, above Hugo’s restaurant.

Check out all their offerings at www.imspa.net.

The Fayetteville Public Library invites children to Read with the Razorbacks on Saturday, April 17, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Students in kindergarten through 6th grade will make bookmarks, which can be autographed by the University of Arkansas Razorback athletes who will be at the library.

Every student who attends will receive a free book.

The event will be in the Children’s Library.

The event is co-sponsored by Kappa Delta Pi at the University of Arkansas.

For more information, call the Children’s Desk at 856.7170.

Racers get ready! PETCO’s annual Hamster Ball Derby is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 at 2 p.m. hosted at all of the company’s more than 1,000 locations across the country.

Whether you’re just getting started or halfway through the training schedule, PETCO offers helpful training tips for a safe and fun race day.

In 2009 more than 10,000 hamsters participated drawing more than 30,000 spectators to stores nationwide.

Registration for the race is FREE; sign-ups and practice sessions begin at 1:30 p.m. on Derby day.

Participants just need to bring a size-appropriate hamster ball and their pet on race day. Spectators are encouraged to join in and cheer for their favorite little competitors.

Each race is kicked off with a brief education session from a PETCO small animal expert on how to keep your hamster or small animal healthy and happy. Topics include feeding the right food in the optimum amounts, the necessity of fresh water, the importance of exercise, chew toys and understanding a hamster’s nocturnal nature.

The three fastest hamsters at each store will win bragging rights and prizes including a Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Small Animal Starter Kit, a Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Healthy Bits Treats or a Super Pet Combo Chew.

For more information about the Derby, to view training tips and videos and for a 20 percent off coupon valid on Derby day only, or to find a participating location near you, visit www.petco.com/hamster.