Ann Arbor Summer Camp & Day Camp Expo

Find details on Ann Arbor Summer Camps
and Summer Day Camps during the Summer
Camp Expo at Briarwood Mall.

It may be cold and the sun may not be shining much, but I know many Ann Arbor parents are beginning to plan what to do this summer when the sun DOES come out; Ann Arbor parents are already considering summer camp and day camp experiences when the kids are out of school for summer vacation! I know, I have already started looking too...

I am in the process of updating my annual list of Ann Arbor summer camp and summer day camp options for parents, but if you are anxious (and I know many of you are based on the e-mails I have received) then I have a solution for you!

On March 3, 2016, noon-4:00 p.m., Briarwood Mall will once again host its annual “Spring into Summer” Camp Expo. This year’s event will hist more than two dozen camps and will address a wide range of interests for children and young adults up to age 18. Some of the camps already slated to attend include Oz’s Music, Go Like the Wind Montesorri, Summer’s Knoll, and several YMCA day camps.

Attendees at the free event will also enjoy entertainment from Colors the Clown and various kids activities. Do you have a fun kids activity to include in the event? Be sure to register for this free camp expo event.

Ann Arbor summer camps that wish to send me updates on their summer camp programs can contact me at tmayrend at gmail dot com - This year I will also have openings for sponsorship and special advertising deals for Ann Arbor summer camps and those in the surrounding communities!

Goldfish Swim School Ann Arbor

A couple of weekends ago I took my daughter and her Daisy Troop to a Goldfish Swim School party. We actually bought it with a Groupon last spring using part of their cookie money, however we were challenged to schedule it. I think it was worth the wait though, and the girls completely enjoyed the experience.  My co-leader and I spent time in the pool with them too, which I'm sure thrilled the other parents who were all to happy to snap MANY photos!

The pool is very warm, nearing 90-degrees. Safety is a big deal too, so all of the girls were expected to wear appropriately sized life vests unless they passed a swim test. The facility also had the correct number of lifeguards for the number of girls we were expecting to swim. I appreciated the goggles they allowed the girls to borrow and certainly everyone enjoyed the many pool floaties, especially the large, dense foam mat that they went "surfing" on!

The entire facility was all about comfort, and convenience and was very clean. My biggest complaint is that they are not easy to spot the first time you drive there - I swear I drove past them four times before spotting them.

We went during a privately booked party, however the open family swim sessions would be a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

The Goldfish Swim School Ann Arbor also offers a variety of swim lessons for all skill levels. I would think learning to swim in the warmer water would be the way to go!

Free Events: May Mother's Day Crafts

I really do love many of the free craft programs available to my children at Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) and during May there are several available. The kids will have a great time making mom a special Mother's Day craft for grandma, mom or any other special woman in their life. The events are typically for kids over the age of three and while they are free, many of them require a small purchase. The rest of the materials for the project, and the guidelines are free however. So keep the mess out of the home and make sure to head to your local Michael's for a craftastic day!

Take the "mess" and the kids elsewhere as they get crafty for Mother's Day.
Free events at Michael's is the way to go!

• May 4 Mother's Day Frame 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Free Make-It-Take-It with the purchase of a frame. 
• May 5 Mother's Day Card 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Make your own Butterfly Card for Mom for free. 
• May 9 Mother's Day Mug 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Make Mom her own special mug when purchasing your own mug. 
• May 11 Mother Day Card 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Purchase a flower clip and turn it into a unique Mother's Day Card.
• May 12 Mother's Day Apron 10:00 a.m. - noon - Purchase a t-shirt or apron and decorate it special for that someone special. Then from noon-2:00 p.m. stay to create a free Mother's Day button. 

Free Building Clinics in May

The free kids building clinics are a great way for your child
to get a sense of accomplishment!

Ahhhh, spring is springing and the April showers bring May flowers...  Theoretically that is. With teh unpredictable weather though, May is still a great time to take the kids to one of the free kid's building clinics available at Home Depot or Lowes.

This May there are three opportunities to get the kids in on the action too. The events are mostly geared for kids 5-12.

• On Saturday May 5, 9:00 a.m. - noon, your child can make their own planter box for mom during the Home Depot Kids Building Workshop (3300 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti). Your child will get their own apron, and a certificate for attending.
• On Saturday May 12, at 10:00 a.m. sign your kids up to attend the Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic (5900 Jackson Rd. and 3900 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor) to make a Picture Frame Planter Box. Then later in the month, on May 26, sing them up to make their own ice cream truck! In addition to the item your child builds, they can also get their own mini-Lowe's apron and a patch for attending.

Report Card Blues From Your Child's Math Grades?

Has your child’s most recent report card sent shivers down your spine? Need to improve several grades before the end of the school year? Does “new math” send you running for the door? Fear not, help is on the way from Mathnasium of Ann Arbor (2111 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor).

Mathnasium, teaches kids math the way that makes sense to them - Which is not always intuitive for parents! Theirs curriculum has helped thousands of students nationwide including my two children.  My kids have actually gained knowledge beyond their classroom expectations by attending some classes at Mathnasium. This tutoring means that I can sit back and relax and not worry as much, because frankly some of the new math they bring home, makes me feel inadequate.

On a recent stop to Mathnasium, Vera the co-owner, showed me some pretty impressive information. Charts where student after student had significantly improved their math grades after attending classes. Some students saw this improvement in as little as three months!

This sample is of a third grade student that had a 27% overall improvement after
three months of math tutoring at Mathnasium of Ann Arbor.

What really works for my children is the positive reinforcement within the program. My children actually look forward to attending. And of course, the ultimate proof of success is in the ability and confidence your child exudes and the increased math score that you will see. Be sure to stop by Mathnasium of Ann Arbor and ask to see some of the student scores and testimonials, you'll be glad you did. Your commitment to your children, to help them catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math will be well worth the visit!

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Free Cone Day at DQ

DQ Free Cone Day is
March 20, 2012

When the weather hit 70 yesterday, I had to take the kids to swing by Dairy Queen. OK I suppose I didn't HAVE to, however as we drove by I thought "oooh, they're open!" So we stopped for our first ice cream cone of the season. And that's when my son noticed it - the sign that read "Free Cone Day!"

"Look mom, our ice cream is FREE!"

I explained that actually Free Cone Day wasn't for a few days yet, but he's already determined to get his free ice cream cone!

The details:

In celebration of spring, participating Dairy Queen locations are offering Free Cone Day on March 20, 2012. Of course there is a catch – A donation for the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital is much appreciated in exchange for your freebie!

So take the kids to do the DQ for their own free ice cream cone.

Ann Arbor area DQ locations:

Dairy Queen - 1805 Packard Street, Ann Arbor
Dairy Queen - 2430 West Stadium Boulevard, Ann Arbor
Dairy Queen - 400 East Michigan Ave., Saline
Dairy Queen - 101 East Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Dairy Queen - 1801 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti
Dairy Queen - 8041 Main St., Dexter
Dairy Queen - 266 North Canton Center Rd., Canton

Lamaze Family Center of Ann Arbor Grand Opening

We had just moved to the area when I was pregnant with my second child and one of the best things I did was to find the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor (2855 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor -  next to One on One Athletic Club). I was able to take prenatal yoga which was a huge Godsend!

Are you expecting a child to be part of your family? If so, you might want to visit the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor this Saturday during their Grand Opening Celebration. From 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. families can check out all the center has to offer for families including infant classes and playgroups for toddlers.

The new spacious and sunny new location to sample some of its newest program offerings, meet the educators and staff, and enjoy a choice of active family time in the morning or pampering time just for mom in the afternoon. The Grand Opening Celebration features a schedule jam-packed with fun activities for the whole family.

Key activities being featured free during the day include programs for families and moms-to-be:

· Signing Smart Baby Sign Language with Kathy Brady 10:00 a.m.
· The Art of Roughhousing with Anthony DeBenedet 11:00 a.m.
· Robinsongs Music Together with Robin Robinson 12:00 p.m.
· Car Seat Safety/Baby Wearing Mini-workshop by The Little Seedling 1:15p.m.
· Infant CPR Basics with Jody Hughes 2:00 p.m.
· Prenatal Yoga with Marlene McGrath 3:00 p.m.
· Parent-Toddler Playtime 10:00 a.m. - noon
· Creating Tiles for the Children’s Wall 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
· Prenatal and Family Portraiture with Cheryl Hall Photography 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
· Pampering Bliss with Ulta 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
· Mini-Massage and Relaxation Treatments with Barb Lindberg 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Win Fabric Gift Bags from The Eventual Farmer

Recently I was given items from The Eventual Farmer to review and blog about - I have to say, the products are wonderful, easy to clean and very useful. I had actually seen them being used by several of the children in my son's class during lunch noticing how popular they are.


Would you like to win something to gift or keep?

Keri Middaugh, a work-from-home mom and owner of The Eventual Farmer makes snack packs, sandwich wraps, fabric gift bags, and homemade laundry soap among other creative items. Wherever possible, she uses reclaimed, re-purposed, or recyclable materials to create these simple, yet unique items.

I had a chance to chat with Keri recently and found that her philosophy is very similar to mine. As a small-business, she considers what she does as an extension of her hobby by 'using what she has' instead of relying on running out to the store. She's trying to teach her family to turn away from consuming and back to a state of producing what they need.

"When my daughter started bringing a lunch to school last year, I noticed how much trash was being produced just by one child's one meal." Said Keri, "Trying to find a way to make lunches trash-free, I needed a reusable Ziploc bag option. This also coincided with trying to reduce my family's trash and recycling."

She came across an idea of a reusable baggie and decided to try lining it with cereal bag liners that she was throwing away, and that was the birth of the Sandwich Wrap. The Snack Pack came along a few months later, when she had trouble making the cut fruit and veggies stay nicely in the Sandwich Wrap.

You can find The Eventual Farmer items available locally year-round at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op (312 North River St., Ypsilanti) or seasonally at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market. Additionally, items will be offered for sale at the Lunasa Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 6, as well as the Mix Marketplace on Wednesday, December 14, and by ordering through The Eventual Farmer Facebook Page. Items generally cost less than $10 and make excellent holiday gift ideas when considering buying local and sustainably!

In honor of the holidays, The Eventual Farmer is offering one Ann Arbor Mom reader to win a set of 3 Fabric Gift Bags. Wrap your gifts in style in re-purposed cloth, to give a little 'green' flair to gift-giving. In fact, the Fabric Gift Bags are so charming, they could be the gift!

To win, be sure to comment below or on the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page on "Why you are on the nice list and deserve to win!" A random winner will be drawn from all entries received before midnight on December 6.

*Photos courtesy of The Eventual Farmer

Family Math Night at Clonlara School in Ann Arbor

On Tuesday, September 27 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mathnasium Ann Arbor, is partnering with the Clonlara School (1289 Jewett, Ann Arbor, MI 48104) to host a free event that includes math games and prizes for students in K-8th grade. The Family Math Night guarantees that everyone will have fun with math as the students get power math workouts in the areas of probability, logic, addition/subtraction, as well as with multiplication/division. After powering through, students get to then test their smarts in fun competitions to win prizes.

There will be plenty of puzzles, riddles, and fun games to help keep kids engaged, and entertained while getting them excited to learn math. The best part is that Mathnasium Ann Arbor has indicated that everyone will win a prize!

Our school has run a Family Math Night for the past few years and has seen much success as a result. My kids have been engaged and actually beg to attend the program, they really don't get that they are learning something and I'm not going to tell them! So mark your calendars for the math night event at the Clonlara School on September 27.

Talliday Farms Corn Maze Discount

There is a great deal out there today for families wanting to experience the Talladay Farms (6270 Judd Rd. Milan),Corn Maze and/or the Haunted Maze! Choose between:

• For $6, you get two tickets to the regular mazes (up to a $12 value).
• For $10, you get two tickets to both the regular mazes and the haunted maze (up to a $20 value).
• For $11 you get four tickets to the regular mazes (up to a $24 value).
• For $19, you get four tickets to both the regular mazes and the haunted maze (up to a $40 value).

What a GREAT deal eh? Just remember not to buy tickets for any children ages 4 and younger as they receive free admission!

Talladay Farms is open Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The haunted maze opens Friday, September 30, and all mazes remain open until Sunday, October 30. The Haunted Maze is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

So be sure to get your Corn or Haunted Maze discount tickets today before they are sold out. Maze completion generally takes 45–75 minutes.

Swiming Lessons at Ann Arbor's Goldfish Swim School

Find out about swim lessons at Ann Arbor's newest indoor pool - Goldfish Swim School.

Next Saturday, September 17 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. bring the kids to swim at the Goldfish Swim School ( 2107 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor  48103), Ann Arbor's newest indoor pool. With its 90-degree pool, tropical styled changing rooms and a Caribbean décor the tropics are never far away.

The grand opening celebration brings the entire family in to enjoy swimming in a state-of-the-art pool, with fun giveaways. Kids 12 and under can even enter in a goldfish drawing contest to be entered to win a birthday pool party at Goldfish.

Find out how you can teach your child how to swim in Ann Arbor's indoor swimming facility with programs for children, ages 4 months to 12 years. Swim classes have small class sizes with dedicated swim instructors. For more information on swim lessons in the indoor pool or to schedule a visit, contact Goldfish Swim School at 734.864.5555 or swimannarbor@goldfishss.com.

Pre-school Playtime at Gym America

Starting today at 9:45-10:45 a.m. on every Monday and Friday parents and tots can enjoy exercise and fun at Gym America's (4611 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor) pre-school playtime. For only $5 cash per child, per session, let your child play and explore the gym!

Kids Kruiser Taxi Service Answers A Busy Parents Prayers!

Kids Kruiser answers a busy parents prayers by providing taxi services for any reason.
The service is safe, clean, convenient and it's just for kids!

Last night when making a run to the Ypsilanti District Library I ran across this new business in town, so I stopped to get the scoop. Angela from Kids Kruiser LLC told me they have been in business for about 6 months now and provide a pre-arranged taxi service for kids and students ages 3-18.  

Think of it. On demand assistance in getting kids to or from an activity, after school events, doctor appointments, another relatives' house, daycare, summer camps, music lessons, or their parents' office - The possibilities are endless! Their cost is a flat rate too, which is better than using an other taxi service, it's just $2 per mile.

What a GREAT idea.

Mathnasium Ann Arbor Starts First Steps Program

Whether you are a parent trying to give your pre-schooler a leg-up in math or have a student who is showing advanced interest, Mathnasium Ann Arbor has begun a new program geared for your pre-K, kindergarten or first-grade child.


Mathnasium Ann Arbor First Steps program for
Pre-K - 1st grade students, builds the foundation
for excellence in math!

The new First Steps program helps to encourage the development of number sense, or the ability to think mathematically, by exploring concepts such as classification, ordering, numeration and measurement.

"The program is beneficial to your child, teaching basic fractions and number sense so that the skills become part of their everyday thinking process." says Vera Chiu, co-owner of Mathnasium Ann Arbor. "It makes mathematical thinking fresh and exciting and less like a foreign language."

My children and I had the opportunity to preview the class recently, liking what we experienced. The 45-50 minute class, featured games that incorporate math concepts such as patterning, ordering, fractions, shapes, and measurements, and work-book pages. The class, held in a private classroom in the back, allowed the children to be more active manipulating objects to visualize the math concepts plus they still received the same incentivized advancement. My children especially like earning stamps that they can accumulate to trade in for a prize!

The program was set up to allow a small group of children of similar ages to interact with one another and the teacher, working with hands-on math concepts to build on the learning foundations. On the day we attended, three of the children were entering Kindergarten with the fourth child entering 2nd grade. The program flowed nicely allowing the children to work together and also work with the teacher when a concept needed more explanation.

First Steps has two classes weekly on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. or Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.; Additional classes will be opened as needed. Parents can choose to attend one or both classes and can choose from many payment options for the program.

Give your Pre-K to 1st grade child the right start for a lifetime of success in mathematics with the First Steps program at Mathnasium Ann Arbor. Stop by and visit the new math learning center, meet with our friendly and energetic instructors, learn about the unique and highly effective Mathnasium approach to teaching math, and find out why kids love to learn math at Mathnasium! For more information on tutoring, specific math learning programs or to discuss a child's specific needs, call 734.769.5666.

Mathnasium of Ann Arbor | 2111 Packard Rd, Suite C | Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | 734-355-8718





Sonsored  post  for Mathnasium of Ann Arbor.

Mathnasium Ann Arbor Opens Today - Fun, Tailor Made Math Tutoring

This school year I'll have to say that I am really proud of my son's advancement in math. He grasps the concept easily and quickly and has scored well in testing throughout the year. Reading has been a different story though. He's been slow to grasp concepts, which motivated me to get him additional one-on-one guidance in the way of a private tutor. The extra out-of-school help has improved his self-esteem, propelled him beyond expected levels for his grade and has helped him to cope when he is just not getting it.

These observed changes have made me a supporter of non-school learning. Our children don't always respond well to our guidance and sometimes do better with someone outside of the house-hold who is creating a customized learning program for the child.

Today, May 5, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Mathnasium is opening for business where kids in grades Pre–K through high school can focus on math skills with an enriched, comprehensive, and balanced mathematics curriculum helping them to catch up, keep up, or to find a greater challenge to get further ahead.

The Mathnasium learning center curriculum and teaching method were developed over 30 years ago from first-hand and highly successful math teaching experience by Larry Martinek, a math teacher, teacher-trainer and consultant in public as well as top private schools, and a famed “math guy”. Based on a deep understanding of how children learn naturally, the Mathnasium Method makes math make sense to kids.

Today, the biggest area of concern for many parents is that "Everyday Math" does not promote the systematic learning of basic math facts (addition, subtraction, times tables, division) and standard computational
procedures. Instead, it is a process of “algorithm invention” that is extremely confusing to many students and parents - Personally there are many days when I look at my son's first-grade homework and feel stumped - Which is why many students may have their learning process inhibited.

At Mathnasium, the highly-trained math tutors create a tailor-made learning plan based on comprehensive testing initially and throughout the course of your child's stay that teaches them the underlying meaning of each of the operations, and effective techniques for mastering number facts and procedures. This combination is ideal for students learning Everyday Math program - whether they are struggling, advanced, or anywhere in between - Which will strengthen a child's learning and development preparing them to succeed in math in their class and in the future.

For more information on giving your child math tutoring in a fun and engaging learning center environment, call Mathnasium of Ann Arbor at 734-355-8718 or visit the Ann Arbor Mathnasium website. Parents can also find information at the Mathnasium Ann Arbor blog.

Mathnasium of Ann Arbor will create a customize math learning plan to help your child to catch up, keep up, and find a greater challenge getting them further ahead in their math skills for life!

Mathnasium of Ann Arbor | 2111 Packard Rd, Suite C | Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | 734-355-8718



This is a paid post for Mathnasium of Ann Arbor.

Canton Craftopia...

I was excited to hear about the new Hobby Lobby opening in Canton. I know, simple things for simple people, but I had heard good things about the store and had never been to one!
As a creative person, and mom of two young children, there are plenty of places I can shop for supplies like JoAnne Fabrics, Michael's, and on some occassions Crafts 2000 in Monroe. Living near Ann Arbor, there are MANY other various art/crfaft supply stores too! But It's always exciting though to be able to peruse new ideas and projects - So I headed to Hobby Lobby in Canton to take a peek...
Mostly the store had creative home decor ideas and products - Furniture, nic nacs, outdoor living pieces, etc. Items that would be perfect in any new home, gardening project or in a redecoration - But the store also had craft ideas and projects highlighted throughout. Some craft products I found there I haven't seen in any of the other local craft stores either!
The new Plymouth/Canton Hobby Lobby is located on the corner of Ford and Lilley Roads in Canton:
Hobby Lobby
42643 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
(734) 983-9142