Get Summer Prepped: Name Bubbles Camp Labels

1773L_2 I have to admit I've had quite a time planning our summer already. Baby #5 is coming in June, Jack has tennis camp at Skidmore, Levy is doing art camp at Saratoga Paint and Sip and horse camp at North Country and Finn is going back to his favorite Ndakinna. Add in some vacation time, visiting family, golf clinics at McGregor and all of the other summer goodness and my head is starting to spin.

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One thing I have already squared away is a bunch of brand new Name Bubbles, our go-to family product for pretty much every season. I'd say I buy them for each child about twice a year now, once in the beginning of the school year for that back to school craziness and once in the spring after we have run out and need to stock up before summer sets in with the pool toys and totes and flip flops and goggles and all the camp gear.

I don't know how they do it, but these labels somehow stay on EVERYTHING (I have put these on bathing suits, on the insides of a nine year old's SNEAKERS, and they do not come off) yet they are somehow easy to take off when you need to? HOW? Kids tennis racket handles, the inside of  sweaty sports helmet, and they stay on! They're crazy. Crazy good.

Plus, the overall practicality of them is probably the best part. I literally could not recall now the number of items that have been returned to us solely because it had a Name Bubble on it. Especially when it seems like all the kids have the same exact water bottle or lacrosse stick, these stickers really are essential. For the higher priced items (like the aforementioned sports equipment) I always put one on that has a phone number too just in case it's left on a field in a town where there was an away game (that has happened AND it got returned to us and the mom literally said "It's a good thing you had a label on it because there were two others there too that were identical with no names").

The designs are bright and eye catching, and the kids love them (I especially love the new Camp Labels I just ordered for the big kids, pictured above), and the funny thing is now I have them all trained to "put a Name Bubble on it" whenever something new comes into the house. It has become a little insurance policy for them, they know that putting one on makes it that much more likely that their precious item will be returned if it is misplaced.

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Now, I have to share a little story about the people behind this company now too. Name Bubbles is a mom run business, started by a local Saratoga mom, Michelle Brandriss, as an in-home business. So she knows the importance of these adorable little labels and how sticking one on their gear can actually save you money. The company also has some 5 star customer service. Case in point? The photo above. When it came time to order new Name Bubbles for my four year old, he wanted one thing and one thing only: rainbows. He is OBSESSED with rainbows, this kid. So I went online to peruse the Name Bubbles selection but didn't find any rainbow designs. I reached out to the company and asked if they had any plans for a rainbow designs, or if there was any way to get some rainbow labels because he really truly had his heart set on them, if something was going to be all over his stuff, it had to be rainbow. I didn't want to chance it and try another company knowing how well these labels worked, so I was hoping they might have something up their sleeve.

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Turns out they had thought about doing a rainbow design and decided it was high time to put it together, and Jack couldn't have been more thrilled when his arrived in the mail. To say he loves them (rainbows AND his name on a sticker?!) would be an understatement. I actually have to hide them from him to keep him from putting them on EVERYTHING (and to keep him from "sharing" them with his brother and sisters). It was so special that they went out of their way to help a customer out, and I was really touched. Find their new rainbow design here.

A big thank you to the folks at Name Bubble for making a four year old's day, truly. To check out all of their products, click right here.

 

Camp Spotlight: Skidmore Tennis Camp

kidsToday's camp spotlight is another one that I will be sending my own kids to this summer. The Skidmore Tennis Program is one that my older two kids also started at when they were little and Jack can't wait to get started there this summer. I spoke with Stephen Thirolle from the Skidmore Tennis Camp about the program, read on to see if this active and engaging camp is a good fit for your kiddo!

Stephen Thirolle: The camp is an all ages, all levels player development summer tennis camp running for six weeks at Skidmore College (815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs), starting Monday July the 6th and finishing August the 13th. It has four distinct programs, one for pee-wees, one for juniors, one for adults and one for competitive players. The slogan is "fun and focus". We will focus on game play and social bonding as well as stroke and skill development. Our powerhouse coaching staff comes from Skidmore College's coaching staff and team, as well as RPI's coaching staff. It's important to note that you don't have to commit to all six weeks, you can choose weeks that work best for you, we strive to make the camp as flexible for families and working folks as possible.

As I'd mentioned above, the social training that tennis gives you is such a big part of the game. A non-contact sport that features responsibility, communication, cooperation and etiquette has all the hallmarks of a great educational tool. Tennis is a game that can be played and developed quite literally for a life time. On top of all that, tennis develops every aspect of the the total athlete. It's the other "beautiful game".

I am a USPTA certified tennis professional, a 10 year NYC teaching professional at Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, Town Tennis and Sutton East. I played Middlebury College varsity tennis, Shaker High School varsity tennis as captain and MVP. I was in the ETA's top 50 and District 10's #1 during my junior years. I am assistant coach of Skidmore College women's tennis, whom I've just taken to the NCAAs final 16 as our very own Liberty League's 2015 champions. I absolutely love tennis and wish to promote and develop the sport in our community as well as our colleges.

A mother'sIf your child understands how to run, jump, catch and throw, and if your child is able to stay standing and active for up to 45 minutes, then I'd say he or she is ready to play ball! This doesn't mean your child has to be a natural athlete; every one of us has room for development.

The fun, the exercise and the camaraderie. These highly structured hours are so key to mental, ethical and social development. Tennis has a high degree of discipline that draws the student into the world of sportsmanship and self-improvement.

Stephen_7Stephen Thirolle from the Skidmore Tennis Camp

Many thanks to Stephen for giving us a peek inside this great program. Our little tennis player can't wait to start! For more info find them on facebook here (this program fills up so contact them early!) and click the photo below for contact info.

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Mamatoga Camp Spotlight: Riding Camp at North Country Horses

1080709_454046368028064_279271040_nWe are a horse family, and I have been riding since I was a child, so I was super excited to send my kids to horse camp at North Country Horses. I have known North Country Horses owner Amanda since I moved to the area, and she is one of my favorite people. Located not far from Saratoga Springs in Gansevoort, the North Country Horses Summer Camp is a full day camp (camp hours are from 9am-4pm) for both experienced and new riders, where days are filled with horse activities geared towards developing riders into accomplished horse people. The rider must be 5 or older by their camp week, and kids are grouped according to skill level during lessons.

Part of what I love about camp, and about horseback riding for kids in general, is that along with the fun they also learn a lot about responsibility. They learn how to care for the animals and all pitch in to complete the work it takes around the barn from feeding them and getting them water to helping get them ready to ride. From the first feeding in the morning until it's time to go home in the afternoon, the focus is on horses. Their unique program provides each camper the opportunity to care for a horse for the week. Levy would come home talking endlessly about Isabella, the horse she was taking care of for the week, and all the things that went into making sure Isabella was well taken care of. Campers are introduced to the many aspects of horse care and handling and learn how to handle and care for horses and tack in a safe and proper manner.

10008337_10202084224480037_1805366747_n 1974486_10202084220119928_1048027965_nGames and crafts round out the week and give the kids some downtime in between riding and caring for the horses. Levy's favorite part was the "painting the pony" day where everyone gets to paint one of the white horses and the photo album she made at the end of the week full of photos from her experience.

I felt like the horsemanship camp gave Levy (who was 5 when she started camp last year) a great dose of self confidence which she needed as she started kindergarten. She felt capable and proud of herself for being able to haul the water buckets and find the tack and being able to do these things on her own, and she loved showing off her new riding skills. She also made a lot of friends, and was sad to see the week end, making me promise to send her back the next summer (we are already all signed up).

Here are some details on camp for 2014:

There are 8 sessions of Summer Camp on the following dates:

Session 1 July 7th - July 11th

Session 2 July 14th - July 18th

Session 3 July 21st - July 25th

Session 4 July 28th - August 1st

Session 5 August 4th - August 8th FULL

Session 6 August 11th - August 15th FULL

Session 7 August 18th - August 22nd

Session 8 August 25th - August 29th

A $50 non-refundable deposit and completed registration forms are required to hold your spot and the remaining amount is due 30 days before camp begins. The cost of camp is $300.00 per session and discounts are available for children participating in more than one session, children who have siblings attending, as well as children who are current boarders or leasers.

If you sign up before March 30th, receive $25.00 off! They also have a before and after camp program which will run from 8-9 am and 4-6 pm. Before or after camp will be an additional $50 per session or $90 for both am and pm after care.

For more information visit North Country Horses here, and here on facebook.

For more Camp Info click here to visit my Camp Guide!

Summer Camp Spotlight: Odyssey School of Fine Arts

Screenshot 2014-02-17 09.58.48There might still be snow on the ground but it's time to think Summer Camp! Our area has so many choices for summer campers, and you are sure to find the perfect fit for what your child is into. Here on Mamatoga's Summer Camp Guide I will highlighting some of the best camps around with all the info you need to find the best summer experience for your child.

First up in the series we have the summer camp at Odyssey School of Fine Arts. Odyssey School of Fine Arts (OSFA) is a non-profit art school committed to exposing people of all ages to the spirit of the creative process through art classes and public art projects. In a hands on learning environment, programs are designed to create an exceptional experience for all participants. Public art projects provide opportunities for students and community to collaborate with artists and professionals on technique and design.

Their summer camp classes are taught at The Studio, previously host to The Festival of Baroque Music, it is an open-plan venue nestled in the rolling hills of Greenfield Center, just 5 miles north of Saratoga Springs. Now approaching its fourth decade of service in Greenfield, The Studio is collaborating with Odyssey to offer educational art programs, after school classes, concerts and art exhibits.

The teachers at the Odyssey School of Fine Arts create an environment where students gain confidence to trust their own instincts. High standards of quality work and process is the framework used to communicate with each student at their level of development and our multi-use space is comfortable and inviting.

Here is a list of the sessions they have to offer for this summer. Subjects include Drawing and Painting, Clay Pottery, Mosaics, Music, Yoga, Dance, Sculpture, Workshops, and more.

SMART DRAWING Session I July 7 - 11 9 – 1pm Ages 9 + $145 The goal of this course is to encourage “seeing” like an artist to develop further skills. Drawing from life accurately using the fundamental skills of proportion, alignment, contour, and light and shade will be included in instruction. Various media together with large format for more expressive drawing will be encouraged. Through demonstrations, original exercises, group and one-on-one guidance, students are encouraged to realize their own strengths in drawing.

CLAY STUDIO Session II     July 14 - 18 Session IV    August 11 - 15 Ages 8 +       9- 1 pm $130each session; $45 materials* Students will work both on the potter’s wheel and hand building in clay. In hand-building, we teach construction techniques including coil, slab and sculpting.  At the wheel you learn basic skills like centering, coning, pulling and shaping. Attention to detail and good work is emphasized.

A 5-day camp costs $175 (a sibling attending may discount the materials fee) for use of studio facilities/tools, material, instruction and firings of the pieces made. Pieces can be picked up 7-10 business days after the end of a camp. Students wanting extended supervised hours to work with clay may stay till 4 pm beginning Tuesday of that week.  It will cost $50 additional for the week or $15 / day.

471962_253073731473783_939686106_o SMART DRAWING Session I July 7 - 11 9 – 1pm Ages 9 + $145 The goal of this course is to encourage “seeing” like an artist to develop further skills. Drawing from life accurately using the fundamental skills of proportion, alignment, contour, and light and shade will be included in instruction. Various media together with large format for more expressive drawing will be encouraged. Through demonstrations, original exercises, group and one-on-one guidance, students are encouraged to realize their own strengths in drawing.

CLAY STUDIO Session II     July 14 - 18 Session IV    August 11 - 15 Ages 8 +       9- 1 pm $130each session; $45 materials* Students will work both on the potter’s wheel and hand building in clay. In hand-building, we teach construction techniques including coil, slab and sculpting.  At the wheel you learn basic skills like centering, coning, pulling and shaping. Attention to detail and good work is emphasized.

HOOP-Ga DANCE FUSION Session III July 21 - 25 Ages 8-80 $135 This workshop will focus on hula hooping with a combination of yoga & dance. Students will be able to make their very own colorful hula hoop and they will learn some basic yoga flows & stretches as well as dance and tricks all while using the hula hoop. This workshop is great for first time hoopers as well as those with experience. Bellyaches from too much laughing can be serious side effects of this class.  * see Things You Should Know for more information. Instructed by Robyn Filkins.

MOSAIC WORKSHOP Session IV July 28 – Aug 1 Ages 8-80 9 – 1 pm $220 This workshop will be a great starting point to the learning of mosaics and to create a lasting gift at the same time. During the week, we will utilize the direct method of applying tesserae, the small bits of glass used to form a mosaic. Students will learn how to cut and shape vitreous glass tiles, Italian smalti and stained glass along with which adhesive to use to create and finish a wood box to display in the home or give as a gift. The cost includes use of all tools and materials except the boxes which may be purchased ahead of time from A.C. Moore or the cigar shop downtown. Students are encouraged to bring in any favorite objects (shells, marbles, old jewelry, etc.) that they may want to incorporate into the design.

Ceres is a self-taught mosaic artist and has been creating mosaics for public and private spaces for 16 years. You may view some of her personal artwork in the biography page of this website. www.odysseyartschool.org/ceres

JUST FOR KIDS YOGA Session V August 4 - 8 Ages 5-7+ 10 – 1pm $125

Come join the fun! Build strength, endurance, coordination and balance. Gain confidence and focus.  This class will combine the body movements learned from yoga with large and small scale drawing guidance to further awareness at this early developmental age. Instructed by Lisa Bzdell, MSPT, RYT

PAINTING Session VII August 18 - 22 Ages 8-80 9:30 - 1:30 $185

Creating paintings from start to finsh. Acrylics and mixed media. Be ready to amaze yourself..

Instructor: Sharon Lombardi, Odyssey's gifted painting teacher. With Sharon, students are here to be and act as artists. She creates a learning arena of activity, inspiration and fun. If you love art, this class is not to be missed. Ages 14 +. High School and College age students are encouraged to stop in when they can to take lessons to further their portfolio or personal creative goals.

HOOPS! Hoops are provided and/or are for sale but feel free to bring your own hoop if you have one. Beginner hoops range in price from $30 - 40.

Click here for the Mamatoga 2014 Summer Camp Guide for Saratoga. New Camp Spotlights and Directories will be added regularly. If you would like to have your camp featured, please email me at jenny@mamatoga.com.

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