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Focus on Education:
Summer School Blues
By Sherry Wells

Many college students opt to take classes in the summer so they can graduate early or at least “on time.” But taking summer school classes can be a bummer, especially if your friends are enjoying their time off from school. So, before you get too mad at your friends for actually having a summer vacation, follow these tips to help you survive the summer school blues:

Take a summer class that interests you. If you take a summer class that is interesting to you, then you may forget that you are in summer school. Okay, maybe not, but at least you won’t be bored studying a subject that you have no interest in whatsoever. Being interested in what you are studying will make the time go by faster and the work much easier. So instead of taking a biology class that you can take next semester, consider adding electives to your summer class schedule.

Persuade your professor to have some summer classes outside. Many professors understand that you would rather be outside enjoying the weather than in a classroom during the summer months. At most colleges, summer school is more laid back than a regular semester, which is why it is relatively easy for a student to persuade a professor to have some summer classes outdoors. This is an ideal situation for both professor and student. The professor is content because the student is learning about psychology, and the student is happy because she can work on her tan at the same time.

Organize a field trip with your study group. Before you start studying for that big test, go on a field trip with your study group to help you get in a studying mood. Are you taking a biology class? Go on a field trip to the zoo and study the various organisms found there. Are you taking a theatre class? Go critique an actual play. Taking an art class? Visit a museum and discuss the different creations on display. Anything that gets you out of the library but still relates to your class will make your summer school experience seem more interesting and less like school.

Give yourself a break. The whole point of summer vacation is to give students a break from classes. Even though you are in summer school, don’t deprive yourself of that well deserved break. Get away from your regular surroundings for a few days. Go to the beach for the weekend or spend a Saturday at a local amusement park. Just try to get away from campus for a little while to help keep your stress level down. If you spend the whole summer vacation studying and not taking any time for yourself, then you will not be refreshed and ready to start the fall semester.

Okay, so maybe you won’t be taking a weeklong cruise during summer vacation or spending two months in Mexico, but if you follow these tips, summer school may not be as bad as you think. Just remind yourself when you have to turn down a day of fun with your friends that taking these summer classes means that you will be getting out of school sooner.

Gearing Up For Camp!

Millions of children will get their first taste of independence at a resident or day camp this summer. More than 12,000 camps across the country are preparing to give children the experience of a lifetime—and parents should be doing the same. Preparation is the key to a successful summer at camp. Not only does a child need to be prepared, parents also need to prepare themselves.

"Sending your child away to camp is a major milestone for most parents—one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even some anxiety," states Bob Ditter, licensed clinical social worker, specializing in child, adolescent, and family therapy. Parents think that if their child is far away from home, he or she will be more anxious. In reality, it is usually the parents who suffer concern for having their child away from home. Most children come into the camp setting and immediately begin to develop a support network—and the distance from home simply doesn’t matter. "One of the most important things parents can do to help prepare children for camp is to talk with them before they go," says Ditter.

Ditter makes the following suggestions to help families prepare for camp:

Prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp — like where to go and what to pack — should be a joint venture, keeping in mind the child’s maturity. If a child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience are improved.
Talk about concerns. As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Encourage children to talk about these feelings. Communicate confidence in the child’s ability to handle being away from home.
Have realistic expectations. Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage children to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs they may experience.
Ask the hard questions. Ask the camp director as many questions as you need to before camp begins in order to feel comfortable.

When families make the decision to offer their children the benefits of a camp experience, they are giving them the opportunity to grow and develop in a caring, positive environment that is safe and fun. With careful planning and preparation, a camp experience can be an experience of a lifetime.

Visit www.CampParents.org for a complete listing of questions to ask, what to pack, and more information on preparing you and your child for camp. Parents can also speak to representatives for advice on finding the right camp by calling 800-428-CAMP.

Summer Camp Source
Benedictine University Surprise your child with a fun-filled summer adventure! Summer Fun Day Camp, for children ages 5-13, is packed with fishing, scavenger hunts, nature museum visits, swimming, games, sports, computer fun and much more! And it is all located on the safe and convenient campus of Benedictine University in Lisle. Nine weekly sessions run Monday through Friday from June 9 through August 8. You may drop off your child as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick them up as late as 5:30 p.m. at no extra charge. A cafeteria lunch is provided daily. Each child gets a free T-shirt. There is a discount for a second child. For more information, call Sue Ventura at (630) 829-6088 or visit our website at www.ben.edu/resources/camps/summerfun .

Camp Naper Summer Day Camp Attention fun-loving, adventure-seeking kids entering grades 1-6: have we got a great summer planned for you at Naper Settlement! Spend an exciting week in our "Treasure Hunters" camp using maps, compasses, puzzles, secret codes and high-tech GPS devices to seek and find adventures. Check out our "Adventures in Time" camp where every day is a journey through time in our village. Track the past and seek the future at Camp Naper - totally new for 2008! The weeklong camps are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16-Aug. 8. The fee is $180 per camp (discounts for Naperville Heritage Society member apply). Camps are filling up fast, so call (630) 420-6010 to register. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.museum .

College of DuPage Summer Day Camps in Glen Ellyn combine academic and recreational activities that challenge and engage. Four camps are available: Summer Explorers, for grades 1 to 6; Teen X-tremes, for grades 7 to 9; Sports Camps, for grades 6 to 9; and Friday Field Trips, for grades 6 to 9. Sign up for one week or for the entire summer. Most camps begin June 9, with early drop-off and late pick-up available for an extra fee. A new camp discount program is now available! To enroll or for more information, call (630) 942-2208.

Danada Equestrian Camp Danada Equestrian Center, Horse Sense, (ages 10- 14) & Riding Sense: (ages 12 - 14) week-long Day Camps introduce kids to the day-to-day workings of a stable. They'll experience hayrides, stable chores, crafts, horse handling games and lead-line rides. Riding Sense campers receive a daily riding lesson.
   Horse Sense Cost: $203 county res/$232 non res.
   Riding Sense Cost: $342 county res/$376 non res.
   Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Wheaton. 630-668-6012 ( http://www.danada.info/ )

Edwards YMCA Camp ACA accredited, has provided a positive, traditional camp experience for boys and girls ages 7-17 for 78 summers. In addition to sailing, kayaking, archery, swimming, land sports, snorkeling, water tubing and more, our campers learn life lessons in social interaction, friend making, self-confidence and personal growth under the watchful eye of our professional role models. Our "Honors" program is unique to Edwards, helping campers to achieve their goals and learn to better themselves through positive character traits. Enjoy a great summer at Camp Edwards, an experience that lasts a lifetime.

Future Pros Soccer Camps The Future Pros International Soccer Training program recognizes the importance of individual skills. Future Pros Staff has developed a unique training program which offers players of all ages and all levels and abilities the entire range of skills required to perform under pressure and advance to higher levels. At the same time we believe having FUN is also very important in the development. Our Staff will provide a safe environment during training sessions. (708) 488 -1620. www.futurepros.tv/

Glendale Heights Recreation Department’s Super Summer Camps! Need some excitement this summer? The Hub is where you’ll find what you’re looking for! Day Camp will keep your child involved and active all summer long. Our camp counselors plan all kinds of activities and trips that will be fun and challenging. Camps run from (June 9- August 15) Don’t miss your chance to sign up for this extra cool summer camp. For more information call 630-260-6060 or log on to www.glendaleheights.org/parksrecreation

Kane County Forest Preserve Nature Camps Kids have a blast exploring the outdoors during Week in the Woods and Twilight Camp, two amazing summer camps presented by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Through naturalist-guided hikes, games and activities, 1st - 5th graders learn about native plants and animals in their habitats. Each day (or twilight) brings a new adventure! Week in the Woods runs weekly during June and July, from 9 a.m. - noon. Registration is $50/child. Twilight Camp is June 23-26 from 7-9 p.m.; registration is $40/child. Call (847) 741-8350 to reserve a spot for your child!

New World Repertory Theater of Downers Grove offers two sessions of Summer Theater Camp. This year's theme is "Knights and Ladies of the Round Table" (June 16 - June 20 and June 23 - 27). Choose between half day and full day sessions Monday - Friday 9am-12pm or 9am - 2pm. Tuition is $250 half day and $350 full day per session. Experience professional instruction in a real working theater!
Students will receive instruction and participate in: acting techniques, character development, set building, script development, improvisation, movement and vocal training. Final Performance includes set, lights and costumes. All instructors are trained professionals with years of teaching experience. Visit www.newworldrep.org or call 630-663-1489 for more information or to register.

Northern Illinois University has a rich history in offering excellent Academic Summer Camps at very competitive prices. the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to offer one-week residential learning experiences for pre-collegiate students on our DeKalb campus every summer. Whether your middle schooler or high schooler is a budding Einstein or future poet laureate, you’ll find a program to highlight the summer, keep bright minds active, and foster friendships at NIU. For individuals who have never had the opportunity to attend one of these great camps to see what NIU offers, check out our website at www.niu.edu/clasep/ The camp fees include room and board. For more info call 1-815-753-1456 or email pietrowski@niu.edu

Northern Illinois University Sports Camp is holding day and residential sports camps May-July 2008. NIU sport camps accommodate all levels of athletes from beginner to the elite club player. NIU sports camps feature instruction by top collegiate coaching staff, athletic training services, camp t-shirt and the use of NIU athletic facilities. Residential sport camps also offer on-campus housing and unlimited food. Please visit: www.niuhuskies.com click on the Camps section and you can download all camp brochures and register online. NIU Sports Camps Office ~ 815-753-5300 / sportscamps@niu.edu .

Oakbrook Terrace Summer Camps Summer is a great time for kids to try a new activity! Combine both fun and fitness when you sign your child up for poms, hip hop, volleyball, or karate class at Oakbrook Terrace Park District. Our classes will get them moving and having fun! Classes are divided by age group, and meet at the Oakbrook Terrace Fitness Center, conveniently located on 22nd Street, one half block west of Route 83. For more information, visit www.obtpd.org or call 630-574-0420.

Score Tennis At Score Tennis, we believe winning goes way beyond victory in any single game, set or match. In order to become successful in tennis or in life, children need balance. When you learn to balance strength, agility, intelligence and emotion, winning becomes a way of life. At the Score Tennis Academy, we teach balance.We care about our children. We respect each child as an individual. Your child will feel respect in his or her work at Score. There is an overwhelming family atmosphere at the Academy.Winning comes in many shapes and sizes: winning matches, Western rankings, high school tennis, and college scholarships. Whatever winning may be for your child, Score will put it within reach. Spend the summer with Score and improve your game. You'll improve technical skills through repeating strokes every day to gain the confidence needed to execute under pressure. Your physical skills will improve through daily tennis-specific fitness routines to prepare you for tournament play. Mental skills will be sharpened by learning and using tactics and strategies needed to win matches. We are simply the best! 708-482-4800.

SuperCamp Kids 9-18 love SuperCamp because they discover their own greatness, gain valuable learning and life skills and enjoy every action-packed minute. Parents love that their SuperCamp graduates return home with added confidence and motivation that can help them raise their grades, improve their relationships and succeed at every level. Ten-day residential programs at eight U.S. colleges, including Cornell, Stanford and Drake University in Des Moines, for kids entering grades 6-8 and 9-12 in the fall. Over 48,000 graduates in 26 years. Programs fill up fast so act soon. Visit www.SuperCamp.com . Contact us at 800-285-3276 or info@supercamp.com .

Sports Broadcasting Camps Boys and Girls 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the sports broadcasting industry. In addition to meeting sports celebrities, campers will make play-by-play, reporting, sports anchor, and PTI tapes. Campers will participate in mock sports talk radio shows, trivia and PTI contests, and much more. 800.319.0884 phone
215.735.3530 fax www.playbyplaycamps.com

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School in Western Suburbs. This is the week of the summer they'll talk about all year! Where students build confidence and improve stage skills. At a StageCoach Workshop your child will be part of a fun-packed, creative and educational summer activity based on the performing arts. The week-long summer workshop consists of classes in dance, drama and singing and ends in a wonderful musical theatre production for family and friends. Our Hinsdale summer workshop runs July 14-18. Ask about our Spring session beginning March 29. For information contact Stacie Heintze at 630 271-9819.

Back To Nature: Family Camping Tips

· If you plan to tent camp with your family for the first time, consider hosting a backyard campout first. That way everyone can learn to set up the tent, try out some campfire recipes, get used to nighttime sounds and get the little ones excited for the real thing.

·When choosing a campsite, look for a level, shaded site; good drainage in case of rain; a nearby place to throw out your trash; and perhaps most important, close proximity to restrooms and the recreational facilities!

· If tent camping is too rustic for your family, consider renting a cabin.

· Keep an ongoing list of items to take each time you go on the family camping trip. Don't forget extra shoes and socks, extra blankets, and necessary accessories, such as a 30 or 50 amp extension cord and adaptors.

· So you can spend more time with your family enjoying the great outdoors, prepare meals such as soups and chili in advance and freeze them. You'll just need to heat them up beforehand. And don't forget the quick, convenient foods everyone can grab on the go - dried fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers and other snacks.

· There are plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy while camping - everything from storytelling to stargazing. Spend time at the swimming pool playing water games or perfecting a tan. Canoes and paddleboats also provide entertainment. Many campgrounds offer arcades, karaoke and live music.

· Keep your family safe. Avoid unwanted visits from critters by storing food away. And make sure the whole gang understands NOT to feed any animals that may come around.

· What better way to enjoy nature together than to take a family hike. First, acquaint yourself with specific nature trails and general terrain of the area, then plan your trek according to the ability level of all members of your family. And be sure to carry enough food and water for all.

Would you like to experience camping the Jellystone way? To make arrangements with the Camp-Resort of your choice, contact: Laura Phillips 513-721-5353. Visit us on the Web at www.campjellystone.com to check out our facilities.

Who ever said that only kids can go to camp in the summer? Why don’t you join your kids this year? Family Camps are the ultimate summer camp experience. Family camps have always been popular and are becoming more so. Family camp is also a great place for single parents. Like a resort minus some of the amenities, family camps offer a wide range of activities and usually a dining hall where meals are eaten. The camps are usually found in areas rich in beauty and are well-equipped for family fun. As most family camps provide meals and activities, planning and packing may be kept to a minimum, maximizing your vacation time. Family camps can be one of the most economical vacations and one of the most relaxing for everybody as there are many activities typically offered. Some families coordinate their vacation times to go to family camps with other family friends or relatives doubling the fun. Many traditional children's summer camps are offering camping on designated weeks or weekends. Be sure to check. This type of vacation offers a great opportunity to spend time together as a family with very few hassles to deal with all in a beautiful setting.

Pet Focus:
Hydrate Your Pet
Tips and tricks offered to make it easy to get active pets the water they need

When it comes to the health of your pet, one thing that is easily and often overlooked is getting them the ample amount of water intake. Just like humans, a pet needs ample water even more than it needs food to remain at optimum health, so it is vitally important to ensure proper hydration.

Most veterinarians agree that a standard rule of thumb to make sure your pet is properly hydrated is to have them drink ½ - 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight – DAILY. If the dog is very active and exercises vigorously especially on hot summer days that amount should be increased even more. On walks, in parks or on running or biking trails a pet should have
access to FRESH drinking water.

Lakes, ponds rivers, streams and even standing water can harbor numerous bacteria that can
make a pet sick – especially if there is chemical runoff from local farm fields, or weed killers or insecticides present. Be wary also about pouring fresh water onto the ground for a pet to lap up. Residual chemicals and bacteria can be there as well.

Clues to determining pet dehydration:
• If a pet is dehydrated, his/her skin loses its elasticity. If the skin on the neck doesn’t release back to original spot as soon as you let go, that is a sign that the pet is under-hydrated.

• Checking your pets gum line can also be a clue to dehydration. If the gums look drier than normal and are a bit discolored, that is a strong indication of under-hydration.

• Excessive and sometimes uncontrollable panting can mean a pet is overheated and on the way to becoming dehydrated. Several ounces of cool water can help bring things back to normal.

The best way to provide a pet with fresh water without these risks is with products like the patented Handi-Drink from Petcrew, Inc. - www.handi-drink.com - The Handi-Drink is a portable water bottle that snaps into its uniquely designed water tray that can be filled with water with just a quick squeeze.

Simply snap in the water bottle with valve into its tray and squeeze water from the bottle into the pan allowing for effortless water intake for pets on the go. Great for walks, hikes, camping, exercising in parks or backyards, and even ideal in automobiles while traveling. The Handi-Drink product line is easily refillable and it even includes a handy belt clip and 60 inch carrying strap for easy transport.

Handi-Drinks are available in three sizes.
The Handi-Drink 2 holds 17 ounces and has a suggested retail price of $ 7.99.
The Handi-Drink 3, at a suggested retail price of $ 9.99 holds 25 ounces and is ideal for large dogs.
The Handi-Drink 4 holds 9 ounces and is perfect for small dogs and retails for $ 6.99.
Handi-Drinks can be found in all leading pet supply stores nationwide.
For more information go to: www.handi-drink.com or call: 877-241-5300

Senior Focus: Cyber Seniors
By Mickey Edwards

As personal computers and the Internet become increasingly important in our society, many seniors are being left out, not because of too little interest but because of too little access and too few opportunities to learn the necessary skills.

Boomers as a generation have moved all the way from party-line phones -- to Skype, to cell phones and palm pilots. While we are most aware of technology changes in the way we stay in contact with our loved ones, it impacts every aspect of our lives. We know technology is here to stay and we have little understanding of how much impact it will have on our ability to live independent lives as we age.

For the Baby Boomer, computers are a second language, and they will always be challenged when faced with learning some new software. However, increasing numbers of seniors are quickly adapting to online shopping and 1 in 3 seniors, most of whom have the computer skills to use the internet, plan to make at least one purchase online in the next year. At a very fundamental level this makes life easier. Shopping at home is more convenient for those lacking mobility, and will be an asset to most Boomers as they get older. Fortunately, computer technology is becoming increasingly user-friendly.

Cyberspace is a new dimension that you never learned about in school. Classes on the use of computers and the internet are now available at most local colleges. They're well worth looking into. You'll be surprised at what the adept usage of the internet can do for you.

The internet can be a seniors portal to the information of the world. You can transmit information and pictures almost instantly. You can keep in touch with far away friends and look up long forgotten relatives.

A seniors internet journey can produce treasures never before dreamed of by the individual. No matter how cleverly it's designed and constructed, it is still only a mechanical contrivance. It was designed and developed for the primary purpose of being a super highway of information. Today it has far exceeded its designers' intent.

Before you set sail off into cyberspace though, keep in mind that whatever you click on will open the doorway into your computer and life. The following are a few suggestions that will help you to thwart some of the pirates and scalawags lurking along the electronic super highway.

1.Don't even think about clicking on the internet before you firmly protect your computer with a good anti virus program. Norton and Mcafee are good choices.

2.Use caution when you decide to enter your name and email address in a site's box to receive information.

3.Be careful when you decide to make a purchase on the internet. Before you write your credit card number in a box, make certain the site is secure and your number isn't going to be transmitted to another location.

4.Email arriving at your inbox can be stopped in the future if you desire not to receive it anymore from the source sending it. At the bottom of the transmission should be a link to cancel delivery of it in the future.

A seniors internet travel can expand their life. The treasures that cyberspace offers makes the trip worth the while. But, just as in any other journey you take in your life, learn the highways and byways between you and your destination. Take the time to learn how to become a smart cyber tourist, and not a vulnerable hitchhiker.

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