Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21

CHALK TALK: how summer camp boosts self-esteem and builds social skills



The end of the school year is fast approaching. How will you keep your child engaged during the three months of summer vacation? Summer camp is the perfect answer. More than just a daycare provider, summer camps are extremely beneficial for all types of children to foster what the American Camp Association calls “resiliency skills.”  As noted in their post Benefits of Camp: Psychological Aspects, the ACA states that summer camps provide a great environment for children to learn to apply life skills, pro-social behaviors, and boost self-esteem and self-reliance.

Just how do summer camps grow your child’s social skills and self-esteem? By removing the structure of the classroom, children are more apt to explore new situations and develop new methods of creativity. Camp allows children to reach beyond their immediate peer group and make new friends. Summer camps also create “risk-taking” situations, such as learning a new game, going to a new place, or introducing themselves to new people. By engaging students in these potentially unfamiliar activities, summer camps gently stretch children to explore areas outside of their comfort zone and help them to grow emotionally.

Summer camp also works to make your child feel special and involved in a specific community. Children who attend summer camp are immersed in a camp culture that is unique, which creates a collective identity and comradery among campers. This teaches children the importance of teamwork and taking pride in the group to which they belong.

Since the creation of Fairmont Private Schools, Fairmont Summer Programs has fostered a special feeling of community steeped in the Fairmont culture of academic success and character building. Visit www.fairmontsummerprograms.com to view summer school and camp offerings, and register before April 30th to receive an automatic 10% discount!



Contributed by Rebecca Merrell, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by Poconomoms

Wednesday, April 15

SNACKTIME: why children should stay away from energy drinks



Seeking to gain a competitive edge in sports, 6th through 12th grade students are attracted to heavily marketed sports and energy drinks.  Unfortunately, there is confusion about the difference between the two products, which can lead to potential health risks, especially to children. Before diving into this dilemma, understand that water is the most effective means to replace a body’s lost fluids.

Sports drinks that are high in carbohydrates help replenish the body's depleted stores after prolonged exercise (60 minutes or more). Sports drinks help maintain the body's electrolyte balance and provide carbohydrates for additional energy. On the other hand, energy drinks contain stimulants in various combinations, such as caffeine and guarana (an herb containing caffeine). Labels can be confusing to read, and a single bottle may contain two to three servings of the drink with total caffeine content exceeding 400 to 500 milligrams per can or bottle.  This substantial amount of caffeine is too much for anybody, particularly a child.

By comparison, the average cup of coffee contains about 150 milligrams of caffeine while a cup of cocoa contains about 15 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. Adverse effects associated with caffeine consumption in amounts of 400 milligrams or more include nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, increased urination, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), decreased bone levels, and upset stomach. The caffeine contributed by energy drinks can cause a number of harmful health effects in children, including effects on the developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, poison centers received 2,810 reports of exposures to energy drinks in 2014. More than 1,600 were children age 18 and younger. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents do not consume energy drinks. Also, the American Medical Association supports banning the marketing of energy drinks to children under 18.

Want a competitive edge? Eat healthy, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. The bottom line is to avoid energy drinks as they pose potential health risks for children and teenagers.
See Sports drinks: Better than water?  A tip from the Mayo Clinic

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Submitted by Leslie Kay-Getzinger, MS RD
Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services Company
Image by Mother Nature Network

Thursday, March 12

A to Z: Plan a Summer of Fun, Discovery, and Life-Long Friendships for Your Children




“Surf’s Up!” This Summer with Fairmont!
The days are becoming warmer and, before you know it, summer will be upon us! Fairmont Summer Programs offer a one-stop destination for children to have fun in the sun, foster confidence in academics, and gain personal enrichment. The theme this year is “Surfin Through Summer With Fairmont.” Yes, SURF's UP!, and we are looking forward to an "EPIC" summer! The buzz is now out about the many exciting opportunities that await your children. Register today by visiting www.fairmontsummerprograms.com.

Since 1953, Fairmont Private Schools has provided children with countless summertime memories of fun and adventure while sharpening their academic skills in preparation for the upcoming school year. At the end of summer, children leave with a greater determination to succeed in life, a deeper appreciation of teamwork, and a broader understanding of the importance of character.

 
Our Summer Program is Accredited!
At Fairmont, we take our summer programs very seriously. We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), the leading 100-year-old authority on youth development working to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience. ACA accreditation guarantees that the Fairmont Summer Program meets or exceeds more than 250 standards for student health, safety, and program quality.

The ACA highlights the four "C's" of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character. These important values practiced during summer camp help students grow personally and develop essential leadership qualities. Camp counselors provide children with a network of caring adults to look up to, and an organized camp program creates a safe environment for discovery and exploration. 

The ACA lists the following benefits and anticipated outcomes of the camp experience:

Social Skills Development 
Leadership 
Communication 
Participation

Self-Respect and Character Building

Responsibility 
Resourcefulness 
Resilience

Community Living/Service Skills
 
Caring
Fairness
Citizenship

Trustworthiness
 

Developing these key life skills and character traits at a young age gives children an advantage as they grow and mature.  We are looking forward to giving your child a wonderful, fun-filled summer of discovery and adventure.  

Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools

Friday, June 27

FRIDAY FOLDER june 27

Highlights of the week:

Floating Island Electric Slime
Western Day
Queen of Castle at Medieval Times
Western Day

This week's theme was "King of the Road". Our campers had a lot of fun with activities such as Ninja Garden Slime, Swim Day, and learning several fun line dance moves. The theme Thursday was Western Wear and all of the campers rocked the look.

For the upcoming field trip campers will visit Sky High Sports in Costa Mesa, a trampoline park which offers children the opportunity to engage in exciting activities! Please check your campus weekly newsletters below for more summer camp news and information on what your child needs to bring and wear for the field trip.

Anaheim Hills Campus
Historic Anaheim Campus
North Tustin Campus

Contributed by Neha, Fairmont Private Schools

Wednesday, June 25

SNACK TIME summer ready safe foods

Keep Summertime Foods Safe



With the warmer temperatures of summer, it's important to be careful about food handling, cooking, and storage because bacteria thrive in warmer weather.  When certain disease-causing bacteria or pathogens contaminate food, they can cause food-borne illness, often called "food poisoning." Each year in the USA there are an estimated 76 million food-borne illnesses.  Children are at a greater risk for food-borne illness due to their immature immune systems.

Salmonella, a common food-borne bacteria, can be transmitted by eating under-cooked chicken or raw eggs found in ice cream and cookie dough (so, no more eating raw cookie dough, wait for the cookies to be cooked!).

There are precautions you can take to help prevent food-borne illness, because after all, what would summertime be like without a picnic or backyard barbecue?

Food Handling
  • Thaw or marinate meat in the refrigerator (not on the kitchen counter-top or sink) to prevent bacteria from growing at room temperature.
  • Avoid cross contamination.  Do not use the same utensils for raw meat and cooked meat without thoroughly washing them first.
  • Keep side dishes and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise in the refrigerator or ice chest until ready to serve.
  • Use a food thermometer to check temperatures. Bacteria can grow rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees.

 Cooking
  • Cook meat thoroughly. 
  • Use a meat thermometer.
  • Again, avoid cross contamination. Don't place cooked meat on the same platter used for the raw meat  without thoroughly washing it first.

 Food Storage
  • Serve grilled food right away or keep it hot (above 140 degrees). Don't let it sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • Pack ice coolers with plenty of ice to ensure a temperature below 40 degrees. Bacteria multiply rapidly on food kept at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees.
  • Place leftover foods in the cooler or refrigerator immediately after everyone is served. Throw away any food left out for more than two hours.

For more tips on serving safe food click here click here.

Keep summertime picnics and barbecues safe and fun by following food safety practices.

Image credit: Home Food Safety

Submitted by Leslie Kay-Getzinger, MS, RD
Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services Company



Friday, June 20

FRIDAY FOLDER june 20

Highlights of the week:
Castle Park field trip - Anaheim Hills Campus
Our little SUPERHEROES - Historic Anaheim Preschool Campus
Thursday Theme Day  "Superhero" at Historic Anaheim Preschool Campus
Peace, Love & Tie Dye - North Tustin Campus
Future Champs - Anaheim Hills Campus



Summer Camp Fun!

Week 2 of Summer Camp was another great experience, and our little campers surely had a lot of fun. From Theme Thursday "Superhero" to Tie Dye, Tiny Bubbles, some even mixed smoothies. And the week ended with a field trip to Castle Park!


Next Friday, campers will head to Medieval Times in Buena Park.  Students will travel back in time as they take in the pageantry of a live jousting tournament, held inside a replica 11th century castle. For more summer camp news and information on what your child needs to bring and wear for the field trip check your campus weekly newsletters below.


Friday, June 13

FRIDAY FOLDER june 13

Highlights of the week:



Congratulations 8th Grade Class of 2014!

What a fantastic year it's been! Congratulations especially to our 8th Grade Class of 2014 who we said goodbye to in our promotion ceremonies last week. We wish you all the best in your future adventures and look forward to sharing more memories with you!  


Swim Day
Theme Thursday: Neon Day
Field Trip: Anaheim Hills Campus 
Summer Camp Kick off!

This week marked the beginning of Fairmont's 2014 Summer Camp season! This year's summer theme is Road Trip USA and our little campers enthusiastically got into the spirit of  Summer Road Trip.  We welcomed our new campers with fun activities such as Swim Day, our first Themed Thursday, "Neon Day",  and a Road Trip to the Anaheim Hills Campus. 

During next week's Friday field trip, campers will travel to Castle Park in Riverside. Check out your campus weekly newsletters below for tips about what your child needs to bring and wear for the day.


Weekly Newsletters:



Contributed by Neha,Fairmont Private Schools

Wednesday, May 28

SNACK TIME healthy summer camp snacks

Healthy snacks are important for growing children and teens, but being away from home often poses nutritional challenges. Planning ahead and packing your own snacks can be a plus.



Many healthy foods are perishable and need to be refrigerated to ensure freshness and flavor, but by bringing perishable-free snacks to camp--problem solved! Try the following:


Fruit (canned or dried). An all-time favorite, applesauce, fruit cups and canned fruit are still popular as snacks. Check canned fruit for an easy to open, pop-up top. Dried fruit and canned fruit in juice have a long shelf life, are low-cost, convenient, and healthy.

Dried fruit. Raisins, figs, dates, pears, apricots, apples, cherries, cranberries, pineapple, and papaya are delicious alternatives to fresh fruit. Some dried fruits contain sulfur dioxide (such as golden raisins) which keeps the product from discoloring, but can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Read labels and choose brands that don't use preservatives including sulfur dioxide.

Nuts. High in protein, with healthy monounsaturated fats, and rich in antioxidants, just a small handful of nuts can prevent hunger. Pick your favorite (raw or roasted), such as:  peanuts, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or cashews. Caution with peanut and/or tree nut allergies.

Trail mix or "gorp". Trail mix is a filling snack that can satisfy your salty and sweet cravings all in one bite. They are easy to make and can be tailored to suit your own taste. Items to include in your trail mix: low-fat granola, whole grain cereals, nuts, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), and dried fruits. For an extra sweet treat, include dark chocolate bits.

Soy "nuts". Soy nuts are made from soybeans soaked in water, drained, and then baked or roasted. They can be used in place of nuts and are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Granola bars. Store-bought or homemade granola bars offer a wide variety of flavors and textures, from chewy to crunchy and everything in between.

Nut or seed butters on whole grain crackers or rice cakes. Nut butters include peanut, almond, hazelnut, cashew, sunflower and soy butter (from soybeans). It is recommended that you select rice cakes made from brown (whole grain) rice, which come in many flavors including plain, apple cinnamon and caramel.

Non-perishable snacks are also a smart choice for emergency preparedness. Or just keep non-perishable snacks on hand  to ensure you won’t be caught hungry.

Image Credit: rockettes.com
Submitted by Leslie Kay-Getzinger, MS, RD
Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services Company

Monday, May 19

FAIRMONT FIVE sun protection

The summer season is almost here!  Children will be spending more and more time outdoors having fun, if they aren't already doing so.  That’s why it’s more important than ever to protect them against the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. Although the sun is a great source of Vitamin D, which helps us to absorb calcium for stronger and healthier bones, educating our children about good sun protection habits is essential.   



Here are a few simple tips on sun protection for the entire family:
  1. Always use sunscreen. The first thing anyone thinks of when it comes to sun protection is sunscreen.  Choosing the right sunscreen for your child is important.  Experts recommend selecting a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and preferably one which is water or sweat-resistant. For maximum sun protection benefits, sunscreen should be applied approximately 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and re-applied every two to three hours. 
  2. Seek shade. The sun is usually at its strongest between hours of 10:00AM and 4:00PM. It is best to avoid being in the sun between those hours.  However, if children must be outdoors during those hours, it is important to take all the possible sun protection measures to keep them safe and hydrated. It is advisable to make sure there is adequate shade to avoid exposure to sun. A wide umbrella or a pop up tent to play is an alternative way to have children play in the shade.
  3. Wear sun protective clothing. One way to ward off damage from the sun is by wearing sun protective clothing or cover-ups. The best way to ensure that the clothes screen out harmful UV rays is by placing your hand inside the garment and make sure you can’t see through garment. Have your children wear dark colors, full sleeves, long pants, cover-ups, or sun protective swimwear. Wide brim hats are a wonderful way to protect the scalp and face.
  4. Don’t forget the sunglasses. Just like the skin, eyes are also susceptible to sun damage. Not all sunglasses offer UV protection, with some sunglasses giving a false sense of safety. Buy sunglasses with labels ensuring 100% UV protection. To encourage children to wear sunglasses allow them to select a style, such as designs with multicolored frames or cartoon characters.
  5. Be a good role model. Last but not the least, setting a good example for your children is a powerful way for them to pick up on sun protection habits.  These preventative measures not only reduce the risk from sun damage, but also teach your children good sun-safety sense.

Have fun and remember to be safe in the sun!

Image Credit: socialmoms.com
Contributed by Neha, Fairmont Private Schools


Friday, May 16

FRIDAY FOLDER may 16

Highlights of the week:

Bookmark Contest Winners!

During the month of April, our campuses hosted an annual Bookmark Contest. Students created their designs for the bookmarks inspired by their favorite books. The entries this year were so spectacular, the judges had a very difficult time choosing winners. Grand prize winners bookmarks are printed and distributed throughout the community.  Congratulations to our fabulous reading-artists!!
 

Anaheim Hills Campus Winners
North Tustin Campus Winners


 
Historic Anaheim Campus



Fairmont Summer  Programs:



It's not too late to reserve your spot in Fairmont Summer Programs' summer school, summer camp, or enrichment workshops! Programs begin in just a few weeks!!

Log on to www.fairmontsummerprograms.com to register. 
Connect with us on Facebook  www.facebook.com/FairmontSummer to witness all the camp fun!!

Weekly Newsletters


May Lunch Menus 


Contributed by Neha, Fairmont Private Schools