Indy's Child May 2023

22

How You Can Help Kids in

Peaceful Mode

What are your child’s favorite activities during the summer? For some kids, it’s swimming, or riding bikes, or visiting parks, or playing outside. My children love all of those activities, too, and they do plenty of those things all summer long. But if you asked my two sons what summer activity they’re looking forward to most, they would both say, without hesitation: “Playing video games.”

When my kids were younger, I was resistant to video games. Then, the pandemic happened. Like many children, my kids had to finish the last few months of the 2020 school year online, and they didn’t see their peers inperson for many months. One of the ways they kept in touch with their friends was online. Online socialization, for my kids, meant getting together with their friends virtually and playing online video games.

It was important to me that they kept their friendships alive during that trying time, so I allowed video games to seep into our home. Soon, I realized that playing video games was an important outlet for my kids to blow off steam

and de-stress during a time when there were a lot of stressors coming in from all directions.

Now, I'll sometimes walk into my family room and hear multiple boy voices chatting. “Bro, that was sick!” “Go that way!” “Follow me!” It’s just my kids at home, talking and laughing with their friends at their homes, playing a game together virtually. It makes me smile — and it makes me thankful for technology and the ways it brings us all together.

One of my kids’ favorite video games to play with their friends is Minecraft. Fortunately for us, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has an exhibit dedicated to this amazing game — Minecraft: The Exhibition. Check it out this summer, through August 6!

Virtually yours,

FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com

PUBLISHER + SALES

Mary Wynne Cox mary@indyschild.com

EDITOR Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@indyschild.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER + SALES Becca Reynolds becca@indyschild.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark katie@indyschild.com

DIGITAL PUBLISHER + EVENTS

Wendy Hasser wendy@indyschild.com

ADMINISTRATION

Emily Kirchmann emily@indyschild.com

BILLING billing@indyschild.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laurel Price, Jennifer Thompson

CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@ indyschild.com

Indy's Child is published monthly. Copyright 2023 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

INDY'S children

WE LOVE SEEING YOUR PHOTOS OF INDY KIDS LIVING THEIR BEST LIVES! HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SUBMISSIONS WE RECEIVED THIS MONTH.

Want to see your cute kids on this page?

We're looking for photos of cute kids for the June issue of Indy's Child! Email your photos (with the first name and age of the child) to editor@indyschild.com, and your photos might appear here!

Jordan (2)

Alsa (9) and Anya (6)

Gwendolyn (6), Kellen (1 mo), Clayton (1 mo) and Kahlan (9)

Fernando (3)

Ellie (6)

Maddie (3)

Dieara (7)

Allison (8)

Miles (5)

NEWS & Notes

Did You Know?

Celebrate Mom

Show mom or your favorite mother-figure what she means to you at one of these fun events happening around Indy on Mother’s Day weekend.

Mother’s Day Express

Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville | Sat., May 13, 10 & 11:30 am

All aboard the historic Nickel Plate Express for a 65-minute train ride with breakfast, coffee and mimosas. Enjoy the scenic countryside of Northern Hamilton County while celebrating Mother's Day.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Tasting

Tea’s Me Cafe Indy | Sat., May 13, 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of fun celebrating Mother’s Day! Try a few new teas and learn about the benefits while sampling a few housemade sandwiches.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Conner Prairie | Sun., May 14, 10 am & 12:30 p.m.

Celebrate that special person in your life! Relax, let Conner Prairie do the cooking, and make the day special with a delicious variety of items to choose from.

Bottleworks Mother's Day Brunch

Bottleworks Hotel | Sun., May 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Spend quality time together al fresco, while enjoying live mu sic and chef-attended buffet with carving and seafood stations, omelet station, desserts, and a mimosa and bloody Mary bar with all the fixings (21+). Every mother will receive a long-stem rose, and there will be a backdrop for family photos, perfect for mom’s scrapbook.

Free Comic Book Day is May 6

Free Comic Book Day is the one day each year when participating comic book stores give away a selection of comic books for FREE to anyone who visits. It began in 2002, and always happens the first Saturday in May!

Visit

OUR COVER KIDS

DANIEL & OLIVER

DANIEL

age 11 OLIVER

age 8

favorites favorites

COLOR FOOD SPORT MOVIE

TOY SUPERHERO CANDY BOOK

Dark Neon Purple Waffles

Football

The Sandlot Xbox

Doctor Strange

100 Grand Sideways Stories from Wayside School

an interesting fact about me I am left-handed.

when I grow up I want to play in the FNCS Grand Finals (Fortnite Champion Series).

COLOR FOOD SPORT MOVIE

TOY SUPERHERO CANDY BOOK

Red Nutella

Basketball

Spider-Man: Far From Home

iPad

Doctor Strange

Reece's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

an interesting fact about me I can shake my eyes.

when I grow up I want to be a YouTuber.

COVER PHOTO BY Gabrielle Cheikh Photography / gcphotography.com

TAKEN AT Minecraft: The Exhibition at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Indy 500 Family Fun

This year marks the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500, a racing spectacle that is near and dear to many Hoosiers. But it’s not just the race that gets people’s motors going: The whole month of May also signals a host of exciting events surrounding the Indianapolis 500, many of which the whole family can enjoy. Here are some fun, familyfriendly things to do in Indy to get pumped for the race.

500 Festival Kickoff to May

May 3 | Monument Circle 500festival.com

The countdown to the Indianapolis 500 is on! This event is packed full of festivities, and you can also pick up prizes from exhibitors, take photos with the 2023 500 Festival Cars, and much more.

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo

May 4-5 | Indiana Convention Center indymini.com

An exciting start to Mini-Marathon weekend in Indianapolis! The Mini-Marathon Expo features interactive activities and exhibitors for all ages. The Expo is free and open to the public and a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy the excitement of the MiniMarathon.

500 Festival Mini-Marathon

May 6 | Downtown Indianapolis indymini.com

More than 20,000 participants will take over the streets of downtown Indianapolis for The Greatest Spectacle in Running - the OneAmerica 500 Festival MiniMarathon.

500 Festival Kids Day

May 14 | Downtown Indy 500festival.com

It’s an Indy 500 celebration that’s sized for kids! Participate in drumming workshops, learn Bollywood-style dancing, paint and take home your very own masterpiece, race mini cars, make sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses, and much more.

500 Festival Rookie Run

May 14 | Downtown Indy 500festival.com

Taking place on Kids Day, this non-competitive fun run allows children ages 3-10 the fun opportunity to get active and experience the excitement of a running event, complete with a start and finish line production, cheering section, participant bib, and finisher medal.

Indy 500 Practice

May 16-19 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway indianapolismotorspeedway.com

The roar of engines returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as athletes of the NTT IndyCar Series prepare for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Enjoy the sights and

sounds of May at the Brickyard while seeing your favorite drivers push their cars to the limit at speeds over 230 mph.

Zoopolis 500

May 24, 10 a.m. | Indianapolis Zoo indianapoliszoo.com

Tortoises, start your engines! This unique annual event and race-fan favorite includes a morning of family-friendly festivities leading up to the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing.”

AES 500 Festival Parade

May 27, 11:45 a.m. | Downtown Indianapolis 500festival.com/parade

More than 200,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to experience the larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities and dignitaries, award-winning bands, and all 33 drivers competing in the Indy 500.

Start your engines and celebrate this racing tradition with your family all month long.

Drivers, Start Your Engines — or Pedal Those Cars!

Zoom into The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis with brand new pedal cars at the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience this year!

Little ones will be thrilled to learn there is no longer a height requirement for our miniature Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Experience. There are new little speedsters that are fully accessible to anyone who wants to race — regardless of size or ability. (Please remember that closed-toed shoes are required for safety.)

Thanks to racing legend Tony Stewart and his foundation, the museum will now have “bumper” lanes to keep the cars on track and allow visitors to race using their wheelchairs. There is also a handcycle option that can attach to most wheelchairs.

“We have been working hard to accelerate change for kids, injured motor sport drivers and animals for 20 years now,” said Tony Stewart. “We are so excited to provide all children with the opportunity to feel the exhilaration of racing and enjoy the sport I love.”

Stewart has won multiple races and titles in IndyCar, midget, sprint and USAC (United States Auto Club). He is the only driver in history to win a championship in both IndyCar and NASCAR. The Tony Stewart Foundation’s mission is to

serve all children who are critically ill or physically disabled, animals at-risk or endangered, and injured motor sport drivers.

Racing Activity to Try at Home

You and your child can get into the spirit of May — and secretly learn some science along the way — without leaving your home. All you need are some balloons, empty aluminum cans, a head of hair (you can use a piece of wool instead), tape and a flat surface.

1. Use tape to mark the starting line and finish line on a flat surface.

2. Give each contestant an inflated balloon, an empty aluminum can and a head of hair (or a piece of wool).

3. Place empty cans at the starting line. Make sure the can is on its side so it will roll down the race track.

4. After someone says “go,” have all contestants rub the balloon back and forth on their head (or the piece of wool) as fast as they can.

5. Racers then place the balloon in front of their cans (without touching the can). The can will start to roll toward the balloon! Using just your balloon, lead your “race car” down the racetrack.

6. The first one to cross the finish line wins!

You’ve heard the phrase “opposites attract.” That’s what’s happening here. Negative electrons and positive protons are opposites. Rubbing the balloon on your head (or the piece of wool) adds electrons to the balloon, giving it a negative charge. When you put the balloon in front of the aluminum can, the can’s protons are attracted to the balloon’s electrons, and the can follows along.

SpeedFest at The Children’s Museum

Conclude May’s racing festivities with SpeedFest on May 31 at the museum. It’s an action-packed day full of high-energy racing-themed activities and even includes a kiddie crawl! SpeedFest is included with museum admission and is weather-dependent.

Let’s get racing! Whether it’s at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the museum or at home, may your May be full of speed, energy and excitement!

PHOTO CREDIT THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

Indy Parks is Renovating Playgrounds Around the City

Spring has sprung and we know as the temperatures heat up, playgrounds are the spot to be! With more than 130 playgrounds around the city, kids can play, get exercise, meet new friends, and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. This year, you may notice some construction on our playgrounds. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, $16.7 million is going towards 27 playground renovations in 26 different parks. After public meetings, the design teams came up with exciting new concepts for each park to fit the community’s needs. The parks included are Bluff, Brookside Memorial Grove, Brookside, Centennial & Groff, Christiana Oaks, Clayton & LaSalle, Denver, Forest Manor, Frank Young, Gateway West, Graham Edward Martin, Gustafson, John Ed, Lentz, McCarty Triangle, Municipal Gardens,

Orange, Oscar Charleston, Porter, Pride, Ringgold, Ross Claypool, Sexson, Stacy, Washington, Watkins, and Willard Parks.

The playgrounds listed above are due to be completed by the spring of 2024.

In addition to the American Rescue Plan Act funds, $8.38 million is being set aside from the $80 million Lilly Endowment grants to renovate a further 18 playgrounds. Those included are Arsenal, Babe Denny, Bellamy, Christian, DeQuincy, Doris Cowherd, Eagle Highland, Faculty, Highway Parcel #15, James Foster Gaines, Hanover North, Moreland, Patricia, Paul Ruster, Ridenour, Thatcher, Virginia Lee O’Brien, and WISH Parks. These playgrounds are targeted to be completed by 2025.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ABOVE /

The vibrant new playground at Ringgold Park is being installed!

The Garfield Trail

Fun fact: Jim Davis — cartoonist and creator of everyone’s favorite lasagnaloving fat cat Garfield — was born and raised in Indiana! In fact, he’s from a small town northeast of Indianapolis called Fairmount, which is situated in Grant County.

Jim Davis’s presence is felt all throughout Fairmount and Grant County, and that’s evident when you travel along the Garfield Trail. In honor of Garfield, communities throughout the area have erected statues of Garfield. Each statue is unique and depicts the heritage and character of the location where it was erected. The Garfield Trail is a self-guided, driveable tour, and a way for Garfield fans to explore Grant County and visit 14 unique statues of America’s favorite lasagna-loving fat cat.

The Garfield statues are located in Marion, Gas City, Upland and surrounding Grant County cities. The statues each measure 5 feet in height and depict Garfield in fun outfits or playful situations. Taking a trip along the Garfield trail is a great family activity, and a fun photo opportunity.

The Garfield Trail is completely self-led and self-guided. But if you’d like to learn more about Jim Davis, Garfield and Grant County while journeying on the Garfield Trail, you can also take the Garfield Trail cell phone tour. Call (765) 997-7034 from each statue for interesting commentary and information on nearby attractions. The Garfield Trail is available year round.

followthefatcat.com

Train Trips, Caves & Zip Line Adventures

Whitewater Valley Railroad

455 Market St., Connersville

Distance from Indy: 63 miles / 1 hour 15 minutes

whitewatervalleyrr.org

Whitewater Valley Railroad is an operating railroad museum located in the eastern part of Indiana in Connersville. Along with providing train rides, the non-profit organization uses funds to restore railroad equipment, operate the railroad museum and educate the public about a transportation system many have not experienced.

Between May and October, the WVRR offers excursions most weekends. Trips depart from the Connersville depot and arrive in Metamora, with a round trip through Whitewater Valley. Each train trip includes a two-hour layover for visitors to discover the historic canal town. Visitors can explore Metamora’s grist mill, restored canal and lock, aqueduct, shops and restaurants.

Pro tip: Throughout the summer, join one of several special excursions, like the Wild West Special. The five-hour themed trip includes a train ride and two-hour layover in Metamora, and also includes a host of bandits, marshalls, a robber and women from the Wild West providing entertainment along the way.

Indiana Caverns

1267 Green Acres Dr. SW, Corydon

Distance from Indy: 135 miles / 2 hours 15 minutes

indianacaverns.com

You’ll find Indiana’s longest cave at Indiana Caverns in Corydon, located in the southernmost part of the state. Families can enjoy a 75-minute tour on grated steel walkways with scattered stairs that allow you to descend 110 underground. Then, explore the river via pontoon-style boat, and learn about the rich history of Indiana caverns. Home to one of the largest deposits of Ice Age bones in the state, Indiana Caverns is one of the coolest places to take in breathtaking underground views.

Above ground, kids can take part in gemstone mining, play on the Pygmy Playground, try to outsmart others in the Escape Room, and explore The Cavern

of the Sabertooth, a crawling adventure where kids set out in search of the Sabertooth Lair.

Pro tip: Cave tours leave frequently throughout the day. Plan to arrive before or by 4:30 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

eXplore Brown County Zip Line Tours

2620 Valley Branch Road, Nashville, IN

Distance from Indy: 57 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes

explorebrowncounty.com/ zip-lines

Visit XBC in Nashville for an exhilarating zip line adventure! Offering 15 different zip lines (including the fastest, longest, and tallest zip line in Indiana) ranging in heights from 20 feet to 70 feet and lengths from 80 feet to 1220 feet, XBC lets you explore the forest’s canopy in a truly thrilling and awe-inspiring way. All ages, abilities, and athletic skill are welcome and training sessions are provided to make sure each adventurer is comfortable and familiar with the equipment and the course.

Pro tip: Safety alert! XBC does all it can to ensure a safe, low risk experience for all and has always met standards set forth by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. Safety inspections are done on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

Ready for some adventure this spring? Why not hop on a train, explore a cave or fly through the air on a zipline! Here’s where to do just that.

Carter’s Play Place is Fun for All

Every child deserves a place to play, and they’ll find that at Carter's Play Place in Westfield. The newly reopened inclusive children's play space is better than ever, and designed to cater to kids of all abilities. This unique indoor play haven offers a welcoming environment where children and their families can gather, engage and have a great time.

Indoor Fun at Carter's Play Place

Carter's Play Place offers a variety of exciting indoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience the thrill of jumping on a massive trampoline, swinging on the many swings, having a blast in the ball pit, and diving into the fun-filled foam pit. Those seeking a more challenging adventure can test their skills by scaling the rock wall, or take a ride on the zip line. For those who need a break from all the action, Carter's Play Place also provides a peaceful sensory room for guests seeking a quieter experience to explore and unwind.

The Calm Cave Sensory Room

The Calm Cave Sensory Room at Carter's Play Place is a quiet and relaxing space for children to take a break from the noise and bright

lights of the gym. It's a dark room with many sensory items available for different sensory-seeking activities. Kids can stay for as long as they like and head back to the gym when they feel ready. The Calm Cave is a perfect spot for children to unwind and recharge before returning to the fun activities of Carter's Play Place.

Tickets and Memberships

A variety of ticket options and memberships are available at Carter's Play Place. Tickets for children under 2 years old are $10, and kids ages 2 and older are $12. Don't forget to bring your socks, or purchase a pair for just $3. For families seeking more frequent visits, the Adventure Pack offers great value, providing 12 visits for one child at $109. An Annual Membership will allow up to three children per visit for an entire year at just $250. Carter's Play Place makes fun and entertainment accessible and affordable for everyone.

More Info

Carter's Play Place is located at 1021 Kendall Court in Westfield. The play place is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit cartersplayplace.com .

The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Animals can help many kids with their physical, mental and emotional health.

doctor or dentist much calmer. Animals can even be part of a kid’s therapy.

Therapists sometimes use service dogs to make necessary exercises fun. For example, if a child is working on fine motor skills, a therapist might have the child brush the dog’s teeth. Reaching over the dog or getting down on the floor with them can help kids with weak muscle strength.

For kids with learning disabilities, a therapist who’s working on memory might use the steps involved in taking care of a dog to teach kids. And reading out loud to a dog is much more fun than reading to their therapist.

It is said that a dog is man’s best friend, and we can see why. Dogs are loyal, faithful companions who love to be by their owner’s side. They bring us joy, help relieve stress, offer comfort, improve our mood, and add a great deal of value to our lives overall.

Not only are dogs incredible pets to have, but some dogs also are able to help people beyond the traditional ways that pets help their owners. These dogs provide animal assisted therapy, and in doing so, help people in countless ways with things such as reduced blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, reduced pain, improved fine motor skills and more. In addition to dogs, other animals

you may see used in animal assisted therapy are horses, cats, birds, rabbits and even dolphins.

How It Works

With animal assisted therapy, the client, therapist and animal work together with clear goals for change in mind. Often, the trained animal will come into the appointment, or the hospital, with the owner or handler who has trained the service animal. In some cases, like with hippotherapy (the use of horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment), the patient will go to where the animal is.

The time the animal spends with the patient varies based on the therapy goals that have been set, and this therapy is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. Animal assisted therapy has proven to be wonderful for children with disabilities.

How It Helps

According to the Child Mind Institute website, animals can help children who have issues like autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory processing challenges and anxiety. Connecting with an animal can help kids feel grounded and keep them from getting upset in tough situations. Service dogs can go anywhere and can make kids who are terrified of places like the

In addition, the United Disabilities Service Organization says animal assisted therapy can help kids with disabilities enhance self-esteem and self-confidence, increase empathy, compassion, and nurturing, reduce stress and lots more. Kids with ADHD, PTSD and autism have sometimes seen reduced symptoms, plus improved levels of interest, focus and motivation.

Animal assisted therapy, in conjunction with other forms of therapy, can have countless benefits for patients and has proven to be very effective. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to ask your healthcare provider how this form of therapy may be of benefit to your child.

Local Spotlight: Indy Yoga Movement

When a parent looks at the child struggling in school, the first solution that comes to mind probably isn’t yoga. The approach is more likely increased studying, loss of privileges and hiring tutors. However, Indy Yoga Movement has found that time spent on a yoga mat can have a profound impact on a child’s mind.

More than a decade ago, Warren Central High School was facing decreasing graduation rates. With the help of public funding, they were able to bring yoga programming through Indy Yoga Movement into the school for all the students, and immediately saw positive results.

Purvi Lippincott, chief operating officer and board member of Indy Yoga Movement, explains that while yoga might be a physical activity, it is a mental one, as well. “Yoga is tangible — it’s moving our body, our instrument,” she says. “Initially, [the students] focus on moving their body and paying attention. But overtime, they begin to soften and learn to settle.” Ultimately, the practice teaches the students to manage stress and anxiety, to work through discomfort and self-regulate.

After that first program, Indy Yoga Movement’s involvement in local schools has grown to serving more than 17,000 children, and this year are working with 12 schools and organizations. By going to the children in the schools, as opposed to opening yoga studios to the

children, barriers that may prevent participation have been removed. Lippincott explained often the children who benefit the greatest from yoga are the ones who never would have had access previously. Students participate in the program through their weekly physical educational class for a minimum of eight weeks.

Elementary through high schools are seeing positive results, not just academically, but behaviorally as well. They are reporting greater community benefits, with 96% of students reporting they are kinder toward others. “Self-awareness builds communal awareness,” Lippincott says. “We get [the students] to pay attention to themselves, and to view themselves as a worthy part of the equation; that bleeds into other areas.”

In general, the results for elementary children and high school are similar; however, older students might apply their yoga principles with intentionality, while a younger student might use breathing techniques unknowingly to work through a difficult situation.

Classes are led by certified yoga instructors, following a prescribed curriculum designed specifically

for the needs of the children. Lippincott enjoys her time with the students, but says it can be challenging as an instructor.

“Trying to get the students to participate can be complicated,” she says. “There can be a resistance to the materials and a selfconsciousness to participate due to school culture.”

Through the consistency of the program and the broad application across the school, the instructors guide the students through that resistance. “You have to be so patient in a classroom. The students are still figuring so much out all at once, and I have learned to be gracious with them,” Lippincott says.

Most importantly, participation is absolutely free of charge to the students. Schools may receive funding through grants, pay from their own budgets, or apply for scholarships through Indy Yoga Movement. Community members can support this programing by volunteering with Indy Yoga Movement or participating in the annual Gratitude Gala or Monumental Yoga, which are open to adults or donate at indyyoga.org

“Our end goal is to make Indiana a kinder place, an inclusive place, a place where people can be comfortable with who they are,” says Suzy Bindley, president and co-founder of Indy Yoga Movement.

This nonprofit is teaching yoga and mindfulness in Indianapolis schools and organizations.

The Trauma Trifecta Employment, Housing, Life-Support

More than just a cleaning service, Renewal Cleaning Services is helping to provide sustainable employment opportunities to survivors of significant childhood abuse by providing a safe space to rebuild lives through work, service and relationships. They achieve this by offering training, consistent check-ins, flexible schedules and a healing space for people leaving foster care, domestic violence situations and adults who have overcome earlier traumas.

In partnership with Indianapolis nonprofit Dathouse Inc., team members have access to a survivorled support group and resources in the community. As they continue to heal and recover, team members discover that cleaning is an act of meditation that invites opportunities for reflection and growth. Employees encourage each other to lean into the moment – and make some money while they’re at it.

Vision for the Future

This year, Renewal Cleaning Services seeks to double their current work force from 25 to 50. Beyond employment, they have begun developing a short-term housing model that includes an element to improve financial outcomes through strategic partnerships, while also utilizing existing payroll tools.

If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a village to heal the child within. Renewal is striving to build an army of warriors, equipped with the best tools – and to be good and do good and to thrive in place of surviving.

For more information about Renewal Cleaning Services, visit their Facebook page at facebook. com/renewalcleaningservices or email melbarnett@renewal cleaningservices.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

There’s a saying that it “takes a village” to raise children, and anyone who has had the privilege of raising a child in any capacity knows that is indeed true. Just like we all need our villages and our communities to rally around us, the same is true for families and children in the foster care system.

Maybe you’ve considered fostering, but aren’t sure what steps to take. Did you know there are a plethora of ways to support children in the foster system that go beyond becoming a foster parent?

HOW YOU CAN HELP KIDS IN FOSTER CARE

Guenevere Kalal, licensing and compliance manager for Damar Foster Care and Community Based Service in Indianapolis, provided some tangible tips to help those who might be considering fostering, or are looking for ways to support children and families who are currently in the system.

What are some ways families can help children in foster care and their foster families?

Families and community members can help children and youth in foster care in a variety of ways.

∙ Volunteer your time, and donate tangible items and money to the local, state and national non-profit organizations and faith-based communities near you.

∙ Provide opportunities for youth in foster care to have experiences that normalize them. We want to recognize each individual child’s unique feelings and views of their past, current and future life situations. But it is imperative we provide children and youth in foster care with normative social, recreational, educational and developmental experiences.

∙ Become an approved alternative care provider for children and youth placed in care. An alternative care provider is vetted by the foster family’s licensing agency and approved

upon completion of annual background checks and receipt of identification. Alternative care providers are an integral support to foster families by providing several hours of care for children while foster parents take time for themselves. Alternative care providers are not licensed respite providers and are not approved to supervise children and youth overnight. But by being an individual or family who is approved to provide alternative care — a person whom a foster family can contact when they need a short break, to run errands or to drive a child to/ from school or an activity — foster parents receive a significant support system.

What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and how do you become one?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer role. A CASA is a trained advocate on behalf of children and youth who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and have

involvement with Indiana’s child welfare system. A CASA serves as a member of the Child and Family Team. A CASA serves as an objective party to the child’s case, appointed by the court.

To learn more about the role and requirements of a CASA, visit in.gov/courts/ iocs/galcasa/about

What are some tips for those who are considering fostering?

1. Do your research. This includes talking with others you know who are serving as foster parents in your local community.

2. Discuss your eagerness to foster with your children. Let your children be a part of the family’s decision.

3. Interview several licensing agencies to determine which will best fit and provide the level of support and guidance you are seeking.

4. Find a support system as you embark on your fostering journey. Also, seek out foster resources and support in your community. Do an internet search for local foster home licensing agencies and community resources focused on foster care to gain initial guidance and information.

Whether you are interested in fostering, or just have a heart to help, the reality is: These families and children need their villages. And the good news is that there are many ways to get involved with the foster care system and to support the children and families in need. In addition to those things mentioned here, you can also donate or volunteer with organizations who help children in a variety of ways, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, School on Wheels, Foster Care to Success, Foster Care Co-op, Foster Grandparent Program, ProKids and others.

Everyone can be a foster care volunteer in some capacity, and do something to help children in foster care.

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

STUDENTS WHO SHINE

WE ASKED SEVERAL AREA SCHOOLS TO SHARE A STUDENT WHO EXEMPLIFIES THEIR SCHOOL'S VALUES, AND THEY ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE.

Brook Powless – Senior, Lawrence Central High School

What school achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my academic achievements, namely distinguished honor roll every term & recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction. I am also proud of achievements that demonstrate my character, including being team captain for 2 varsity sports.

What are your plans after high school?

After high school I plan to attend The Ohio State University where I will be studying Communications.

How has Lawrence Central prepared you for your future?

LC has prepared me by providing high level classes, making me a stronger and more confident student. Most importantly, I have been surrounded by supportive faculty and peers, who have helped me throughout my academic career.

Edgar Ocelotl Tecuanhuey – Senior, Lawrence North High School

What school achievement are you most proud of?

I would say my biggest achievement has been making my parents proud of what I have accomplished throughout my high school career! Nothing compares to the happiness I see when they slowly realize their American Dream coming into fruition!

What are your plans after high school?

I plan to attend Harvard University and go on the Pre-Medical track and concentrate on Neuroscience or Integrative Biology. I hope to also be part of their Hispanic and Latino community to better represent my marginalized community.

How has Lawrence North prepared you for your future?

Lawrence North High School has helped prepare me for my future by allowing me to chase academic vitality while also becoming part of a diverse community inclusive to all! Being part of LNHS has given me the opportunity to chase my academic dreams!

Ivan Frederick Baird III – Grade 1, Victory Learning Center

What school achievement are you most proud of?

I am proud of how I try and never give up. Even when my school work gets tough, I do the best I can. I am also proud to be a leader in my school! I love God, my family, and school friends and I am proud to be a good example of a scholar and a friend.

What are your plans after high school?

I want to attend college. Maybe at Butler University. I want to be an astronaut. I enjoy learning about the stars and outer space. I am also a really great artist and may become an illustrator as well.

How has Victory Learning Center prepared you for your future?

Victory Learning Center has prepared me for the future by teaching me math, science, Spanish, chess, physical education and I learned how to read. I like going on the field trips the most. My favorite field trip was Butler University's Planetarium.

Elyse Edwards – Grade 8, The Orchard School

What school achievement are you most proud of?

At Orchard, students shine in many ways. Orchard teaches us creativity and my creativity sprouts in everything I do. Academically, I thrive in an English classroom. My best work was my Personal Narrative, The Hug. I also feel that I thrive on stage and on the tennis court.

What are your plans after middle school?

After middle school, I will be attending Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. I plan on doing the musical, competing on the tennis team, and joining lots of clubs. After high school, I dream of opening an eco-friendly castle-themed bakery and advocating for wildlife conservation.

How has Orchard prepared you for your future?

Orchard has prepared me in many ways, and I can’t thank them enough. I’d love to point out every teacher who has helped along the way, but I’d be over my word limit. Orchard gave me knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm. I am the most thankful person in the world.

Cooper Cougill – Senior, Fortune Academy

What school achievement are you most proud of?

I  have a 3.67 GPA and been able to take classes that are challenging, like math, and be successful. Fortune has also given me the opportunity to try sports and clubs. Being a part of the Take Two Performing Arts program has been awesome!

What are your plans after high school?

I have been accepted to the University of Iowa’s Reach program. I hope to explore a variety of courses and career paths to find what I would like to pursue.

How has Fortune prepared you for your future?

Fortune Academy gave me the support and structure to go at my own pace. This really helped me to be more confident. My teachers taught me self advocacy skills that I will be able to use in my future endeavors.

Faith Nkosi – 8th Grade, St. Richard’s Episcopal School

What school achievement are you most proud of so far?

I have received many awards at St. Richard’s. The most meaningful was the State Finalist certificate from the We the People constitutional competition. My group put in work studying due process and the First Amendment, and I was glad with the outcome.

What are your plans after middle school?

I will be attending Brebeuf Jesuit High School. I plan on taking many different classes at Brebeuf, so I can get the gist of things in preparation for college.

How has St. Richard's prepared you for your future?

St. Richard’s has prepared me academically for public speaking and essay writing and given me a strong understanding of math. I have learned that we can communicate without fighting, and that hearing each other out is the best thing to do.

Ian Plaskoff – Senior, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

What school achievement are you most proud of so far?

I am most proud of my three years as "The Voice of Brebeuf Jesuit Athletics." In this position, I have been able to grow a unique community around Brebeuf athletics that spans across the country. My growth as a commentator over the past three years has allowed me to create a better product for my viewers, allowing more people to enjoy watching their peers and family members play the sport they love.

What are your plans after high school?

I will be attending Indiana University and majoring in Sports Media. I will participate in student TV and radio programs to gain as much broadcasting experience as I can. Hopefully, I will work for a major TV network as a commentator in the future.

How has Brebeuf prepared you for the future?

Brebeuf has prepared me for the future by emphasizing the importance of openness to new experiences and self-reflection. I have become comfortable trying new things, meeting new people, and not stressing over what will happen in the future.

Kentaro Goldfinger – Senior, North Central High School

What school achievement are you most proud of so far?

The school achievement that I am most proud of is my ability to challenge myself and find success in every area of my academics.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan to attend the University of Chicago to continue my education.

How has North Central prepared you for the future?

North Central High School has prepared me in many ways. Most notably the school has allowed me to work with a group of diverse individuals, which will prepare me to work and live in the real world. I love being in a school that has so many demographics represented.

Liam Eifert – Senior, Cathedral High School

What school achievement are you most proud of so far?

The achievement I am most proud of from my high school career is finding my voice as a writer. When I first started writing for the newspaper, I had to force myself to put words on the page. This year, however, writing has been a source of joy.

What are your plans after high school?

After high school, I will attend the University of Chicago where I will run cross country and track. I plan to study primarily mathematics, economics, and literature. One day, I would like to be a university professor in mathematics.

How has Cathedral prepared you for the future?

I've been able to take AP and dual credit classes. I've found leadership positions as school newspaper editor and captain of the cross country and distance track teams. The time management and leadership skills I’ve developed will serve me well.

Melanie Kreutz – Senior, International School of Indiana

What school achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of receiving the Endeavor Award. It is given based on eagerness to learn, dedication to studies, and putting exceptional effort into your schoolwork. The award is proof of my dedication to learning and represents the work I have put into my education that makes me the student I am today.

What are your plans after high school?

After high school, I will attend Purdue University (West Lafayette Campus) as a Stamps Scholar. Currently, I plan to major in Anthropology with an archeological sciences concentration.  The Stamps Scholarship covers the full educational costs of a bachelor’s degree and provides up to $10,000 in enrichment funds to cover expenses for summer research internships, professional academic conferences, study abroad programs, and unpaid internships or co-ops.

How has ISI prepared you for your future?

The rigor of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at ISI has helped me become more analytical and better at self-management, especially when it comes to studying and completing assignments, a useful skill for my future. The diversity of ISI has also pushed me to be more open-minded and search for new perspectives.

EDUCATION GUIDE

CARMEL Carmel Montessori Schools

Carmel Montessori School is located Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 18 years head-teaching experience and we a a full member of the American Montessori Society. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. • 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@carmelmontessori. com, carmelmontessori.com

Starting Line Preschool

The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academic-based curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discovering learning is fun! All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes.Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kinder- garten. • 110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@ msn.com, startinglinepreschool.com

DOWNTOWN

Hagia Sophia Classical Academy

Hagia Sophia Classical Academy is a K-12 private classical school focused on academic excellence and character development. The curriculum combines academics with the Christian values of Truth, Beauty & Goodness. Hagia Sophia provides affordable academic excellence. • 3237 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222, Phone: (317) 500-4722, HagiaSophiaClassical.com , Email: admin@hagiasophiaclassical.com

IUPUI Center for Young Children

The IUPUI Center for Young Children offers childcare and early childhood education for children ages six weeks to five years old and believes children learn through play, experiences, and interaction with their environment and peers. • 321 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Phone: 317-274- 3508, childcare. iupui.edu/index.html

St. Richards Episcopal School

St. Richard’s Episcopal School education provides students aged 3 through grade 8, a transformational experience through our engaging and challenging curriculum while developing global citizens who love learning, embrace diversity and live Episcopal values. Students thrive with small class sizes and personal attention from outstanding faculty as they learn knowledge and values for a lifetime. • 33 East 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Phone: 317.926.0425, Contact: Kim Napier, Director of Admissions, Email: knapier@ sresdragons.org, sresdragons.org

INDIANAPOLIS – NORTH

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition: Please call or email for full brochure. Hours/Dates: Flexible Hours. Full Time/Part-Time available. Ages/ Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2s+, 3s+, 4s+, Pre-Kindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Class) (3 day or 5 day option) Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care always available as needed. Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00pm/5:30 pm on Fridays • 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: ECC Office, Phone: 317-2 59-6854, Fax: 317-259- 6849 or Email: spayne@bez613.org. * Depending on the COVID-19 situation, some options might have to be changed.

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Colleen Cannon, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-524-7090, Email: admissions@brebeuf.org, brebeuf.org

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

Children's Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values and learning through play. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate first school experience in the care of experienced and loving caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. For the older kids, our program Includes weekly Christian Life Skills, Music class taught by Indianapolis Children’s Choir instructors and Book Club. Please call, e-mail or visit for further information and registration Forms. Tours are individually set up at your convenience! • 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@ meridianstreet.org, meridianstreet.org/cdi

Early Childhood Center

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Parents Day Out (22-35 mos) and Part Day Preschool (3 yrs-PreK5) provide relaxed, secure, playful environments that nurture creativity and the exploration of God’s world. A variety of learning materials & readiness skills are woven into each unit. Older classrooms utilize “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. Various days, 9am-2pm. Need longer hours? Try our All Day Classes designed for 3 mos – Pre K5 with operating hours, 6:30am-6pm • 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake, Phone: 317-575-6508, Email: ecc@golove.org

Michigan Rd.; Phone: 317-923-1951, ext. 334; email: admissions@isind.org; isind.org

The Orchard School

The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYC accredited. • 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Jessica Aiyasami, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5717, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: jaiyasami@orchard.org, orchard.org

Sapling

Sapling offers a year round Reggioinspired preschool for children ages 2 to 5 in conjunction with extended after care hours for working families. We empower children to discover themselves and the world around them as they become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative community members. We value our students and their passions, curiosities, and joys. Their interests guide the holistic, emergent curriculum and our learning environment. • For more information or to explore our virtual tour, please visit our website or facebook.com/ saplingindy. To schedule a private tour, please call (317) 319-8228, Contact: Kelsey Livingston, Email: Kelsey@saplingindy.com, Saplingindy.com

Sycamore School

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School seeks to prepare the next generation of leaders with the intellectual and technological competence, loving and open hearts, faith inspiration and social responsibility to bring about a more just, humane and loving world. Students from all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities are welcome at Brebeuf Jesuit, where all are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents. Each student is therefore challenged and inspired to strive for academic excellence, to engage whole-heartedly in co-curricular activities, to develop confidence in leadership abilities, and to discover God’s presence in everyday life through serving others.

International School of Indiana

• 2801 W 86th St,

ISI is a non-profit, independent school that offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum to all preschool through grade 12 students on our newly unified campus. With lessons taught in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, our curriculum helps students excel academically while learning to become responsible citizens and effective leaders. ISI also offers a wide range of sports, clubs, and arts programs for students of all ages. High school students participate in a comprehensive four-year college counseling program, leading to a 100% college acceptance rate. • 4330 N.

At Sycamore School, Indiana's only accredited, independent, private school for Preschool - 8th grade gifted students, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, physical education, technology, extensive field trips, athletics, financial aid, and after school activities are offered. • 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Duane Emery, Director of Enrollment Management, Phone: 317-202-2500, Email: emery.duane@ sycamoreschool.org, sycamoreschool.org

INDIANAPOLIS –NORTHEAST

MSD of Lawrence Township

Located in the northeast corner of Indianapolis, Lawrence is a residential suburban community of 95,000+ and home to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and Geist Reservoir. With families from widely diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds, the Lawrence community values and embraces diversity as one of its greatest strengths. Lawrence Township strives to be the district of destination, a reputation built over the years based on the district's award-winning staff, accomplished administrators, high-achieving students, supportive community, and innovative educational programs. • 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236; Phone: (317) 423-8200; email: danaaltemeyer@msdlt.k12. in.us; LTschools.org

INDIANAPOLIS –NORTHWEST Victory Learning Center

Victory Learning Center is a faith-based, fun, loving, safe, and a structured environment, where young children learn through education, extracurricular activities, games, field trips and play. Our program is designed to nurture and meet the individual needs of preschoolers 3 and 4 year old's through 2nd grade. We're now enrolling for the 2023-2024 Academic School Year! • (317) 941-6603, 5150 Moller Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254, VLCINDY.com

INDIANAPOLIS – SOUTH

Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy

Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy, a program of Beech Tree House Center for Child Development, Inc., promotes the emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development of each child. Our exceptional teaching staff is dedicated to presenting a challenging and enthusiastic learning environment that recognizes each unique learner. With a dedication to personal excellence, all members of our school family are challenged to practice and exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in daily life. Stateaccredited with exemplary ratings. Preschool - 6th Grade . • 7850 South Emerson Ave., Indianapolis , 46237, Phone: 317-882-8636, jhaywood-rollins@ beechtreehouse.com, cwpsa.com

WESTFIELD Kids 360° Early Learning Academy

Kids 360° Early Learning Academy is a first-of-its-kind preschool for kids ages 3-5, offering an expansive, state-of-the-art learning environment designed to facilitate optimal learning for the whole child. Backed by science, our progressive movement-based curriculum primes the brain for learning, improves sensory/motor integration, and helps kids build healthy life skills. Tours available beginning Summer of 2022!

• 360 E 186th St. Westfield, IN 46074, Phone: 317-888-4805; Email: support@ kids360preschool.com; kids360preschool. com , Ages 3-5

SPECIAL NEEDS

Easterseals Crossroads

Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/ Swallowing issues, Augmentative Comm-unication, Assistive Technology, Multi-sensory Therapy Rooms, Summer Camps, Life/ Social Skills Groups, Deaf Community Services, Autism Family Resource Center. • 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Phone: 317-466-1000, Email: info@ easterseals crossroads.org, eastersealscrossroads.org

VIRTUAL Virtual Preparatory Academy of Indiana at Madison-Grant

Virtual Preparatory Academy of Indiana at Madison-Grant, an online program of the Madison-Grant School District, is a full-time tuition-free online public school that serves students living in the state of Indiana. Students benefit from live, online instruction of an engaging curriculum from the safe environment of their own home.

• Phone: 765-680-0072, Email: enrollment@vprepinmg.org, Contact: Melissa DeWitt - Head of School, indianamg. virtualpreparatoryacademy.com , Ages: K-11 For the current school year. K-12 for 2023-2024 school year

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE CONTACT

MARY@INDYSCHILD.COM

Porter Books & Bread

Is it a used bookstore? Is it a bakery? Is it a restaurant? The answer to all of those questions is: Yes. Located on an old Army barracks just outside of Ft. Harrison State Park, Porter Books & Bread is a cozy place in Lawrence where guests can peruse and purchase used books while enjoying coffee, baked goods, and brunch and lunch items.

Many of the items on the menu are named after literary figures or book titles. Visit for brunch, and you’ll find menu items that include The Sun Also Rises (a bagel sandwich with egg, bacon and pickles) and the Karamazov (a breakfast quesadilla with hot dogs and Russian dressing). For lunch, choose from several different sandwich varieties, including the Vonnegut (a ham and turkey sandwich with slaw) and the Tolstoy (chicken salad).

Sandwiches are served on bread that is made in-house, like focaccia and farmhouse loaf. And if

you can’t get enough of Porter’s freshly baked bread, you can take some home with you.

There are comfy couches and sticker-decorated tables all around the two-story restaurant, with a winding staircase that takes you from one level to the other. Stay a while with a cup of coffee and enjoy one of the hundreds of books you’ll find on the shelves, or play a board game while snacking on one of Porter’s famous cinnamon rolls. This family friendly place can’t be beat.

5719 Lawton Loop E. Dr., Lawrence porterbread.com

The Natural Gifts of Camp

Every summer, when I was in junior high and high school, my buddy Pete would disappear for a few weeks to camp. I resented it. For me, those humid July weeks dragged, and then Pete would come home telling tales of adventure — as if he had been to Oz.

As it turns out, that camp shaped Pete in ways neither of us realized at the time. He credits his summers at camp with giving him a foundation for success and longevity — more than three decades — as a teacher.

Still, during those years, I had my own adventures — a free-range childhood spent fishing and chasing snakes and building forts in the woods. Those experiences shaped my life every bit as much as Pete's time at camp shaped his.

Today, too few children and young people have either experience — free-range or camp. In my book, Last Child in the Woods, I describe how young people can likely tell you about the Amazon rainforest, but they'll likely be hard pressed to describe the last time they explored the woods in solitude or lay in a field listening to the wind and watching the clouds move. Nature is becoming an abstraction, something to watch on the flip-down TV screen from the back seat of a minivan.

In a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, “Generation M: Media in the Lives of Eight- to Eighteen-YearOlds,” it was revealed that children are plugged into some kind of electronic medium an average of five-and-a-half hours a day, "the equivalent of a full-time job, and more time than they spend doing anything else besides sleeping."

One reason kids aren't going outside as much is parental fear. News and entertainment media have conditioned us to believe that life outside the front door is far more dangerous than it actually is, at least from stranger-danger. Nonetheless, this fear is unlikely to go away, which is one of the reasons parents are likely to value camps even more in the future than they do today. Risk is always a part of

life, but camps can offer parents the reassurance that their children will be safe as they receive the gifts of nature.

The physical benefits are obvious; others are more subtle but no less important. For example, research shows that nature experiences significantly reduce children's stress. Free play in natural areas enhances children's cognitive flexibility, problem-solving ability, creativity, self-esteem and self-discipline. Effects of Attention Deficit Disorder are reduced when children have regular access to the outdoors. Studies of outdoor-education programs geared toward troubled youth — especially those diagnosed with mental-health problems — show a clear therapeutic value.

Children are simply happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for experiences in the outdoors.

Nature-oriented camps also help care for the health of the earth. Many studies show that nature play in childhood is the chief determining factor in the environmental consciousness of adults.

Clearly there's more to camp than s'mores. Pete could have told us that. In fact, he did.

Originally published in the March 2014 Camp e-News. Adapted and reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2014 American Camping Association, Inc.

2023 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

OVERNIGHT CAMPS BU: BeReal

4602 Sunset Ave, Indy, 46208, Contact: BUEVENTS@butler.edu, Phone: 317-940-4176

BU: BeReal is a customized immersive leadership and college experience. Discover how to develop and enhance your leadership skills, appreciate others’ gifts, and forge your own path as a leader in a rapidly changing world. Meet and connect with other high school students from around the state! During this experience, you’ll live in a residence hall, eat in the dining hall, explore campus locations like the recreation center and eSports, visit off-campus locations such as Newfields in Indianapolis, plus meet Blue (the Butler mascot). You’ll also participate in a variety of activities, classes, and information sessions led by the various colleges and departments at Butler University.

Flat Rock River YMCA Camp

6981 W County Rd 650 N, St Paul, IN 47272; (765) 525-6730; email: flatrock@indymca. org; FlatRockYMCA.org

Dates: June 4 - July 28 • Hours: Residential (Overnight) Camp • Ages: 7-16 • Type: Adventure/Tripping, Family Camp, Traditional

Only 45 minutes southeast of Indianapolis, Flat Rock River YMCA Camp is an overnight experience where kids are Included and Engaged, becoming Confident and Inspired. We offer climbing challenge courses, zip line, river activities, creative arts, horseback riding, woodworking, kayaking, canoeing, target sports, fishing, water slide, swimming and more, plus camper personal choices on morning activities. Lifelong relationships and life skills are formed with cabin mates and mentors. Come spend one week or several!

DAY CAMPS

Adventure Learning Summer Camp

2404 W. 62nd st., Indpls, IN 46208, 317-253-3033, childrenshouse08@gmail.com, tchindy.org

Dates: June 5 - August 11 • Hours: Camp Day 9am-4pm, extended hours 7am5:30pm • Ages: 3-14

The Children’s House Adventure Learning Summer Camp offers art, music, hiking, swimming, bird watching, games, and lots of field trips.

Younger children generally follow and explore the same weekly activities as older campers. The summer camp offers a relaxed environment free of competition, focusing on different kinds of adventures each week. Campers may also participate in the library’s summer reading program. Registration forms and the camp brochure are available on our website, tcchindy.org. Camp is limited to 30 campers each week. Campers must be fully potty-trained.

AYS Summer Days

Decatur Township and Washington Township, (317) 283-3817, info@ayskids.org, ayskids. org/summer

Dates: June 5 - July 14 • Hours: 7:00am - 6:00pm • Ages: 4-12 • Type: Summer Fun

Summer Days are on their way, and after a few years of hosting camps with a different look and feel, we’re happy to get back to a camp experience with more field trips and more fun! Come capture the sunshine and positive vibes to help you shine through the summer!

Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy

1329 W. 96th Street, Suite A, (317) 798-2133, ballettheatreofcarmel@gmail.com, BalletTheatreofCarmel.org

Dates: July 11-13; July 18-20 • Hours: 9:30am - 2:30pm • Ages: 7-12

The Junior Summer Intensive is an exciting opportunity for 7-12 year-old dancers who want to improve their technique and explore new styles during the summer. With 12 hours of weekly instruction in ballet technique, variations, character, contemporary and ballet pantomime, dancers will receive plenty of individual attention and experience the pure joy of dance!

Camp Belzer

6102 Boy Scout Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226; (317) 813-7125; email: support@campbelzer. org; campbelzer.org

Dates: Mon - Fri, June 5 to July 28 • Ages: 5-10 • Type: Summer Fun, STEM, Traditional, Wilderness

Based out of the Camp Belzer, Lange Innovation Center, Discovery Day Camp is open to the public and hosts six different Discovery Tracks: Aquatics, Nature, Shooting Sports, STEM, Wild West Discovery, & Wilderness Survival. Regardless of which Discovery Track you choose your camper will also

participate in Camp Belzer favorites like the obstacle courses, The Maze, BB guns, archery, swimming & move.

Camp Invention (800) 968-4332; Various Locations throughout the Indianapolis Area!; invent. org/local; campinvention@invent.org

Type: Summer Fun, Academic, STEM •

Dates: Dates/times vary based on camp location. • Hours: Dates/times vary based on camp location. • Ages: 5-12 • Activities: STEM

Spark your child’s creativity and confidence with our new Camp Invention® program! Children in grades K-6 will team up and take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. They’ll build their own mini skate park, turn a robot into a stuffie and more! Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot! LOCAL15 by 5/17 to save $15 off registration fee.

Camp Cathedral

(317) 968-7352; email: aernst@gocathedral. com; campcathedral.com

Dates: June 5 through July 28, with no camps July 3-7 • Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with before and after camp care available • Ages: Kindergarten-Grade 9 • Type: Academic, Arts, Computer & Technology, Faith-Based, Sports, STEM Camp Cathedral is dedicated to providing every camper with a safe environment to learn, discover, and have lots of fun! We offer more than 50 enrichment camps, including theatre, music, art, and community service. In addition, our ever-popular sports camps provide an opportunity to be coached by state championshipwinning coaches!

Camp JCC

6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN; (317) 251-9467; info@jccindy.org; jccindy.org/ camp-jcc

Dates: June 5-July 28 • Hours: 8 am - 5 pm • Ages: Grades K-7

CampJCC days are full of the fun and social activities kids love and the safety and personal growth parents look for. We offer outdoor recreation on our 40-acre campus and the Eskenazi Water Park. Our tennis camps build skills and emphasize sportsmanship. Non-members welcome. Discount rates for JCC Members, including those with summer memberships.

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation/Summer Camp Series

1235 Central Park Drive East Carmel, IN 46032; carmelclayparks.com/summercamps; JLazdins@carmelclayparks.com; (317) 843-3865

Type: Adventure/Tripping, Arts, Sports, STEM, Traditional, Wilderness • Dates: May 30 - July 28 • Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (hours vary by camp) • Ages: 5-15 • Activities: Art, Field Trips, Sports, Science, STEAM, Nature Exploration, Theater, Swimming

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation's Summer Camp Series offers something for every interest and ability, with 12 camp options for ages 5-15 years ranging from arts to science to nature. A fun, safe summer is our top priority.

Central Indiana Academy of Dance

14950 Greyhound Court #4, Carmel, IN 46032; (317) 581-2423; email: studio@ ciaodance.com; ciaodance.com

Dates: June 19th-July 28th • Ages: 2 1/2 - 11 • Type: Arts, Sports, Summer Classes

There’s something for everyone this summer at CIAoD! The summer starts off June 19th with our popular young dancer day camps, featuring themes such as Frozen and Rapunzel, ages 3-6! Themes change each week, as do the crafts and performance dances! Don’t forget to have your older dancer join us for our Youth Dance Camp for ages 6-11, July 10th-14th!

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

7201 Girl Scout Lane, Indianapolis, IN, (317) 924-6800, customercare@girlscoutsindiana. org, girlscoutsindiana.org/en/camp/ explore-summer-camp.html

Dates: June 7-July 21, 2023 • Hours: varies by camp program/event/location •

Ages: K-12 • Type: Day, Residential, Summer Fun

We are excited to introduce several new camp sessions and continue the tradition of camp favorites. Campers will enjoy the great outdoors, go swimming, hike, ride horses, and throw a hatchet, and they'll make new friends and learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible! Families can go to camp too! We are looking forward to sharing in all your new adventures at camp!

A New Kind of Camp in Indy

You are thinking about sending your child to Summer Camp and don’t know where to go...

Introducing… RecFest Adventure Camp!

RecFest is a camp of fun and exciting adventures where every camper makes new friends, tries new things, and best of all has an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. Too often our kids are busy with sports or extracurricular activities. How often do we give our kids the chance to make new friends by going back to the basics of hiking at local state parks, swimming, swinging through a high-ropes course, and much much more?

Why send my child to RecFest Adventure Camp?

Maybe you are worried that your child will not make friends. Maybe you're wondering if they are going to have fun. But the truth is your child wants to have fun! They want to try things that they have never tried before!

What activities will a typical week include?

All of our adventure activities take place off-site of the camphouse. Majority of our activities are within 20-30 minutes of the camphouse. Below is a list of the adventure activities we may provide.

HIGH ROPES COURSE ZIP-LINING CANOEING/KAYAKING SWIMMING / WATERPARK ZOO / HORSEBACK RIDING FLOATING DOWN RIVER CYCLING / AXE THROWING ARCHERY / FISHING BEACH PARTY

What more information about RecFest Adventure Camp?

Scan the QR Code below!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Indiana Montessori Academy

2925 W 146th St., Carmel, IN 46074; (317) 569-1290; email: info@ indianamontessoriacademy.org; imamontessori.org

Dates: May-July • Ages: 3-9 • Type: Academic, Arts, Summer Fun

Join us for a summer filled with fun, joy, and curiosity! We’ll spend our days baking, creating beautiful art work, running through the sprinkler, sharing popsicles with our friends, and so much more!

Indianapolis Art Center

820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220; (317) 255-2464; email: camps@ IndplsArtCenter.org; IndyArtCenter.org/ Camps

Type: Summer Classes, Summer Fun, Basic Category, Arts, Computers & Technology, Family Camp • Dates: June 12-July 28, 2023 • Hours: Morning and Afternoon Camps • Ages: 4-18 •

Activities: Art Camps and Teen

Intensives

Let’s Get Creative Together: Summer Art Camps for the Whole Family! The Indianapolis Art Center offers a ton of hands-on art camps for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a camp for a young artist, a creative teen, or a camp that the whole family can enjoy together, the Indianapolis Art Center has something for you.

Indianapolis Children’s Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208; (317) 940-9640; info@icchoir.org, icchoir.org

Swimming, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Taekwondo, Nutrition, Crafts and much more. Children will learn fundamentals of sports, while also learning the importance of making healthy choices. Members $150/week; Non-members $175/week.

Indiana Repertory Theatre Camp

140 West Washington Street; irtlive.com/ students-and-educators/IRT-theatrecamp; education@irtlive.com; (317)

916-4841

Type: Arts • Dates: June 5-30 Mondays

–Fridays • Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; 9:00 AM to 12:00PM for mini camps • Ages: 5-7, 8--11, 12-15 • Activities: Acting, improvisation, stage combat, singing, dancing, introduction to technical theatre

Bring theatre to life at the Indiana Repertory Theatre! Children new to theatre can learn the basics, while more advanced actors can sharpen their skills. Small class sizes, highly trained theatre professionals with teaching experience, and an inclusive environment make IRT Theatre Camp a great way to grow as an actor and person.

International School of Indiana Language Summer Camp

4330 N Michigan Rd; isind.org/events/ summercamp; info@isind.org; (317)

923-1951

Type: Summer Classes • Basic

Our mission is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where children develop healthy habits while engaging in individualized activities designed to support success at any age, skill, or level of ability. Your camper will enjoy a wide variety of activities, games, sports, crafts and more. Additionally, each camper receives swim lessons MondayThursday at the world-famous IU Natatorium.

Junior Achievement BizTown Summer Camp

(317) 252-5900, 7435 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240, indy.ja.org/ events/ja-biztown-summer-camp, raena@jaindy.org

Type: Academic • Dates: June 12-16, June 26-30, July 10-14, 2023 • Times: 9:00am-3:00pm (early drop off available)

• Ages: 8-13

Our hands-on, interactive program is designed to teach students about business, economics and personal finance. Students have the opportunity to run their own businesses, make real-life financial decisions, and learn valuable skills in a simulated town environment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain knowledge and have fun!

Mathnasium

6 Indianapolis locations; mathnasium.com/ indy

NAYR Foundation Inc is a year-around aviation program. The academy offers an interactive introduction to the aviation industry and careers to elementary, middle, and high school students. The purpose of the academy is to introduce youth to the world of aviation by exposing them to the many challenging careers and opportunities the industry has to offer.

Park Tudor School

7200 North College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240; (317) 415-2898; email: rdabertin@ parktudor.org; parktudor.org/summer

Dates: June 5 - July 28 (no camps on June 19 or the week of July 3-7) • Hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (student drop off begins at 8:30 am); 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (student drop off begins at 12:30pm); or full day 9:00am- 4:00pm. • Ages: 3-18 •

Type: Academic, Arts, Computer & Technology, Sports, STEM

Park Tudor School invites all central Indiana students ages 3-18 to attend its Summer Experience. We have camps for preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school! In keeping with the mission of Park Tudor School, you will find our summer programs offer small class sizes and varied experiences that will foster creativity and a joy for learning. Whether it's academics, enrichment, STEM, performing arts, athletics, Spanish, or more, you'll find the perfect summer camps for your child at Park Tudor. Experience summer at Park Tudor and discover the magic that happens when summer fun meets great teaching!

Dates: June 5-9 and July 10-14

• Hours: 9 am-4 pm • Ages: Entering 1st grade - 8th grade • Type: Arts • Activities: Music & Singing

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s Summer Music Camp is a week-long musical experience where campers will get to Imagine the possibilities music can have on their lives. Camp offers the highest quality choral music experience as well as fun musical activities and new friendships! Join the ICC this summer by choosing the first camp session, June 5-9, 2023, or the second session, July 10-14, 2023.

Indianapolis Healthplex Camp

3660 Guion Rd, Indianapolis, IN; (317) 920-7400; twatkins@indianapolishealthplex. com; indianapolishealthplex.com

Category: Academic, Arts, Computers & Technology, Sports, STEM • Dates: Runs weekly from 6/20 until 7/14, available activities vary weekly • Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM, before and after care available from 7 AM to 6 PM • Ages: Students

Kindergarten-Grade 6

In partnership with the Indiana University Hamilton Lugar School, the ISI Summer Camp allows children to experience cultures through learning and practicing French, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. No prior experience is required, beginner and intermediate levels offered. New offerings this year include before and after care for all camps and new Enrichment camps! Visit our website for more!

Jaguar Summer Day Camp

901 W. New York St., Indianapolis, IN 46202; camps.iupui.edu; jagcamps@iupui.edu; (317) 278-2187

Type: Summer Classes • Basic Category: Academic • Special Needs Offered: targeted assessments, individualized instruction, customized learning plans • Dates: All locations offer programs all summer. • Hours: Varies by location • Ages: Grades 2-12. May vary by location. • Activities: engaging instructors and activities, rewards & incentives

The proven Mathnasium Method™ builds foundations for math mastery through deep understanding, with outcomes far superior to other summer math programs that rely on drilling or rote memorization. Students in the summer math program improve their comprehension. Excitement and confidence also grows, and they strengthen their natural love of learning.

National Aviation Youth Resources Foundation Inc.

Smart Golf Academy and Learning Center

(765) 810-5588, brandonsmart25@gmail. com, Smartgolfaca.com , 3110 Westfield Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062

Dates: June and July • Hours: 9am-12pm OR 9am-3pm • Type: Summer fun

Our summer camps offer juniors a chance to learn the game of golf in a laid back, fun environment through fundamental development, skill development, on course play, and the opportunity to make new friends while learning the game of a lifetime.

SullivanMunce Cultural Center, Inc.

(317) 873-4900, 225 West Hawthorne Street, Zionsville, IN 46077, sullivanmunce.org/, info@sullivanmunce.org

• Hours: 8am-5pm

Dates: June 5 - July 28

Type: Arts, Sports, STEM, Traditional •

• Ages: 7-12

• Type: Arts, Sports, Summer Classes

• Activities: Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Arts & Crafts, Taekwondo and much more.

Dates: June 5 - July 28 • Hours: 9:00am - 3:30pm; before and after care available

• Ages: 5-12 • Activities: Swimming, arts & crafts, games, sports, and more!

2175 S Hoffman Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241 (located inside the Vincennes University & Purdue University Aviation Technology Center on IND Airport), (317) 348-0630, info@nayrfoundation.org, indyace.com

Dates: June 10th, 2023 – July 23rd, 2023 • Hours: 8:00AM-5:00PM • Ages: K-12

Type: Day, Summer fun, Arts

• Dates: July 5-28 • Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Ages: 7-17

Summer art camps for children ages 7-17! All-day and half-day youth art camps include clay; art/clay combo. (2D art projects half of the day and the other half of the day will be spent

learning clay hand building and wheel throwing techniques); art/drama combo (art projects early part of day and drama in the afternoon) and art all-day. Teen camps include clay and painting & sewing on canvas.

Sycamore School

1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, (317) 202-2500, sycamoreschool.org, summerprograms@sycamoreschool.org

Dates: May 30 - July 28) • Hours: 8:30-11:30 & 1:00-4:00)

• Ages: Incoming Preschool - Incoming 8th grade •

Activities: Sycamore Summer Programs offer camps on cooking, coding, art making, math, science, dance, drama, fencing, karate & so much more. Our summer program offerings are designed to help students discover and explore new topics and interests, build confidence and creativity, and keep their academic skills sharp. With the instruction of many Sycamore faculty and staff members, as well as a few of our trusted community partners, students will grow, learn, and have an awesome time during camps.

Summer U at University High School

2825 W. 116th St, Carmel, IN; Phone: (317) 733-4475; email: summer@ universityhighschool.org; university highschool.org/summer

Dates: June 5-30 & July 10-August 4 •

Wright's Gymnastics & NinjaZone

Various locations: Westfield, Noblesville, Center Grove, and Greenwood; (317) 888-4805; email: info@wrightsgyms.com; wrightsgymnastics.com/camps

Dates: May 30th - August 4th, 2023

•

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

Hours: Full Day - 9a-3:30p

• Ages: 3 (fully potty trained) - 13 • Activities: Gymnastics instruction, Ninja Instruction, Crafts, Games, Obstacle Courses, Art, Outside Play, Water Games, Theme Specific Activities (Nerf Battles, Gymnastics & Ninja, Pirates, Cooking, Building, etc.)

Turn your Summer... Upside down! We love camps around here so much that we offer them all Summer long! With our many Wright’s Gymnastics & NinjaZone facilities located throughout the greater Indianapolis area, one is sure to be convenient for you!

YMCA of Greater Indianapolis (317) 266-9622; INDYMCA.org/ youthdevelopment

Dates: June - Aug; Varies by location

Hours: 6:30am-6:00pm

• Ages: 3-15

•

Teaching Teens to Use Credit Wisely

When I was a freshman in college, I walked out of my English class and noticed a booth that was giving away free t-shirts. In order to get a “free” t-shirt, all I had to do was apply for a credit card. I never had a credit card before and this free shirt was too cool to pass up.

Little did I know: That shirt was about to cost me $2,500, or whatever my credit limit was.

Consider adding them as an authorized user.

•

I knew nothing about credit, and the minute the card arrived in my mailbox at the dormitory, I was hooked. Not only had they given me a free shirt… they also gave me all this money. Suckers!

If you want your teen to start building their credit, but don’t really feel they are ready to be on their own with a credit card, consider making them an authorized user on a card you share. You will want to cap the credit on the card and be sure your teen understands his or her limits. When the bill comes each month, share information with your teen about the interest accrued and when the payment is due. It also is a good idea to have your teen pay the bill with their money so they begin to understand the importance of making payments and making them on time.

Hours: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Ages: PK-Grade 12 • Type: Academic, Arts, Computer & Technology, Sports, STEM, Traditional University’s mission to expand the hearts and minds of students and to nurture excellence through academic, creative, and physical achievement doesn’t go on summer break. Summer U’s enrichment camps, including creative arts, sports, STEM, and more, are led by seasoned educators and designed to provide hands-on, enriching experiences for curious campers.

Activities: sports, arts & crafts, swimming, STEM; Varies by location Kids need camp as a place to be themselves, learn skills, and build friendships. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is a home for all. With over 15 day camp locations open from 6:30am to 6:00pm, we offer a wide range of programs and pricing options available for children ages 3-15. There is a camp for everyone at the YMCA. Visit INDYMCA.org/youthdevelopment-center/ to learn more.

You know how this story goes. The shirt wasn’t free. And neither was the money. It turns out that this money came with something I hadn’t thought of before: interest. Turns out the sucker may have been me.

Should your teen build a credit history?

MARY@INDYSCHILD.COM

The last thing we want is for our kids to end up with a mountain of debt. It’s important for teens to learn early about how to use credit wisely, to understand what responsible credit looks like and how and when they should begin building credit of their own.

Try starting with a debit card.

A good introduction to credit cards is a debit card. With a debit card, your teen begins to learn how to pay with a card, but the money is already in the bank. They have to learn to check their balance and that they are only able to pay with what they actually have, which is a good rule to live by, even when paying with credit.

As with anything, education is key. Teens need to understand money management and responsibility. The reason people should use credit cards, if at all, is to build credit for future big purchases, such as cars and mortgages. Lenders want to see a history of responsible credit usage, and teens need to understand that.

How much credit is enough?

For teens, $1,000 is plenty to start with. This will teach them responsibility, but not give them the opportunity to get in too much debt.

When it comes to money, start the conversations early and don’t be afraid to keep having them. Talk to your kids about what it means to be financially responsible. And if you have a cautionary tale like mine — don’t be embarrassed to share it! We learn from our mistakes, and sometimes others can learn from our mistakes, too.

THINGS TO DO

MAY 2023

MON 01 Drum It Out! Kids will discover their own rhythm through hand-drumming and recreational music-making activities. Self-esteem, teamwork, reading skills, and creative selfexpression are all addressed in this music program from trained health rhythms facilitator Jalynn Simmons with Arts for Learning Indiana. • Location: Garfield Park Branch Library, Time: 4:30 pm, indypl.org FREE

Messy Munchkins Listen to a story, then squish and smush your way into the benefits of messy play. Dress for mess! Ages 2-5. Registration required. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

TUES 02 Small Wonders: Little Paleontologists Discover the museum’s big paleo collection while learning all about what paleontologists do. Explore tools these scientists use, work with others in a dig pit and see real specimens found on digs. Ages 3-5. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10:30 am, indianamuseum.org

WED 03 500 Festival Kickoff to May The countdown to the Indy 500 is on! This event is packed full of festivities, and you can also pick up prizes from exhibitors, take photos with the 2023 500 Festival Cars, and much more. • Location: Monument Circle, 500festival.com FREE

Small Wonders: Down and Dirty

Learn easy ways to engage your preschooler in nature and scientific exploration. Each class introduces a new topic through hands-on activities, hikes and crafts, and provides ideas for exploring at

home. $7; ages 3-5. • Location: Holliday Park, Time: 10-11 am, indyparks.org

Tot Art Babies and toddlers up to age 3 and an adult are invited for an art program. Come dressed for a mess! • Location: Southport Branch Library, Time: 10:30 am, indypl.org FREE

THURS 04 First Thursday Night @ The Children’s Museum On the first Thursday of every month, it's just $6 admission per person! • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 4-8 pm, childrensmuseum.org

THURS 04–SUN 07 Bird Fest

Celebrate all the birding opportunities Eagle Creek Park has to offer during the height of migration season. There will be guided hikes, workshops, activities, adaptive/inclusive outings, and various paid birding adventures. No birding experience required! • Location: Eagle Creek, indyparks.org FREE

FRI 05 Bilingual Storytime: Spanish Join Señora Laura as she presents bilingual storytime in English and Spanish. Preschoolers will enjoy books, songs and games! • Location: Lawrence Branch Library, Time: 10:30 am, indypl.org FREE

Pajama-Rama Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear and pack up a blanket! Families looking for a fun program to enjoy with their toddlers and preschoolers will love the music educator from Moriah Music, who will lead us in songs and stories about some of our favorite

animals. • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Tme: 7 pm, hamiltoncounty.in.gov FREE

FRI 05 –SUN 07 Indiana Comic Convention Meet and see celebrities, get autographs and photos, shop fandom merch and more. Cosplay as your favorite characters, and meet up with other cosplayers and fans. • Location: Indiana Convention Center, indianacomicconvention.com

The Magic Flute Mozart’s enchanting classic! Follow the harrowing journey of Prince Tamino on his expedition to rescue his true love Pamina from the wrath of none other than dark sorcerer Sarastro. • Location: The Toby at Newfields, indyopera.org

Youth Inspirations Theatre: Beauty and the Beast Jr. A fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. • Location: Butler Arts & Events Center, butlerartscenter.org

SAT 06 500 Festival Mini-Marathon 30,000+ runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair participants will take over the streets of downtown Indianapolis for The Greatest Spectacle in Running — the Indy Mini. • Location: West St near JW Marriott, Time: 7 am-2 pm, indymini.com

Mother-Daughter Tea Party An opportunity for moms and their daughters to learn the proper way to hold a teacup, converse with guests, be a thoughtful host, and master the basics of good table manners. • Location: Forest Park Inn, Time: 10 am & 1 pm, noblesvilleparks.org

Slime Run Indianapolis A one-of-a-kind interactive 5K unlike any before it. Participants will start out in the Slime Start where they will be released every 2-3 minutes into the slimiest day of their lives. • Location: Marion County Fairgrounds, slimerun5k.com

SAT 06 –SUN 07 We Can Camp!

Love the idea of camping as a family, but don't know where to start? Join Conner Prairie to learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun, outdoor experiences like fishing and archery, and spend the night in a tent! • Location: Conner Prairie, connerprairie.org

SUN 07 Pop-Up Fishing: Free

Fishing Day Enjoy free catch-and-release fishing! Bring your own supplies, or use one of our fishing poles. Get hands-on instruction and advice, or just drop your line in. All skill levels and ages welcome. • Location: Flat Fork Creek Park, Time: 10 am-2 pm, playfishers.com FREE

MON 08 Act It Out

Storytime

Children ages 3-6 will join React Kids to act out classic fairytales and nursery rhymes! Can you be one of the Three Billy Goats Gruff or the Itsy Bitsy Spider? After reading the story, act it out! • Location: Glendale Branch Library, Time: 10:30 am, indypl.org FREE

Indy 500 Festival Princess Story

Time Enjoy stories, songs, finger-plays, rhymes and puppets as an Indy 500 Festival Princess reads during story time! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 10:30 am, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

LEGO Read, Build, Play Combines reading and building with LEGO DUPLO bricks for a parent-child interactive story and playtime. Preschool children ages 3-6. • Location: HusseyMayfield Memorial Public Library, Time: 6:30 pm, hmmpl.org FREE

TUES 09 Jungle Tales Enjoy a fun program where little ones learn about animals and nature. This program includes: stories, games, crafts and outdoor exploration. Registration required. $5. Ages 2-5. • Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, Time: 10-11 am, garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Museum My Way This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together! • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 4-7 pm, childrensmuseum.org

WED 10 Tot Tunes This program incorporates songs and dance that will help get you ready for your busy day. Encourages the development of gross motor skills and language skills. For toddlers and preschoolers and their caregiver. Registration is required. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 9:30-10 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

Wiggle & Bounce Family Time

Children birth through age 5 and their caregiver can join Kindermusik of Indianapolis in this music and movement class. Adults will bond with their child through singing, dancing, and instrument playing. There's room for everyone to grow in this family program! • Location: Irvington Branch Library, Time: 10:30 am, indypl.org FREE

THURS 11 Fairy Doll Ballet Program

Watch dolls from the famous ballet Fairy Doll come to life with Indiana Ballet Conservatory. Following the performance, meet your favorite character — and bring your favorite doll if you'd like! • Location: Carmel Clay Library, Time: 11 am, carmelclaylibrary.org FREE

Little’s Program: Little Race Cars

Bring your little one in for seasonal themed fun! Enjoy crafts, games and fun activities. Ages 2-5. $12. • Location: Forest Park Lodge, Time: 10-11 am, noblesvilleparks.org

SUN, MAY 14

SAT 13 Asian Fest Experience Asia's culture, arts, music, henna and food. Attend free health fairs and fun activities for the entire family. • Location: Indiana Historical Society, aaalliance.org FREE

Jurassic Express Board the Jurassic Express for a family-friendly, 90-minute, action-packed train ride with dino adventures. Learn dino facts, see artifacts and excavate dino eggs on this prehistoric journey. • Location: Nickel Plate Express, Time: 1:30 pm, nickelplateexpress.com

Mother’s Day Express All aboard the historic Nickel Plate Express for a 65-minute train ride with breakfast, coffee and mimosas. Enjoy the scenic countryside of Northern Hamilton County while celebrating Mother's Day. • Location: Nickel Plate Express, Time: 10 & 11:30 am, nickelplateexpress.com

Touch-A-Truck Garfield Park Learn about and enjoy getting a closer look at big trucks and community vehicles! • Location: Garfield Burrello Family Center, Time: 11 am-1 pm, indyparks.org FREE

Young Explorers: Storytime Fun Be inspired by classic fairytales and work with others to create a book with us while learning how authors and illustrators tell their stories. Ages 4-6. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 1-2:30 pm, indianamuseum.org

SUN 14 Madagascar The Musical Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. • Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, Time: 6 pm, butlerartscenter.org

WHAM Concerto Festival Join WHAM, an ensemble of local teen musicians, in celebrating the beginning of summer with five classical concertos. Registration required. • Location: Carmel Clay Library, Time: 3-4 pm, carmelclaylibrary.org FREE

500 Festival Kids Day It’s an Indy 500 celebration that’s sized for kids! Participate in drumming workshops, learn Bollywood-style dancing, paint and take home your very own masterpiece, race mini cars, make sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses, and much more! • Location: Monument Circle, 500festival.com FREE

Mother’s Day Brunch @ Conner

Prairie Celebrate that special person in your life! Relax, let Conner Prairie do the cooking, and make the day special with a delicious variety of items to choose from. • Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 10 am & 12:30 p.m., connerprairie.org

TUES 16 Storytime with a Dentist

Learn about the importance of dental health and enjoy stories read by a dentist! Afterward, check out some free goodies to help keep your smile nice and healthy. • Location: Fishers Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

WED 17 Play & Learn Storytime

All ages are welcome for an indoor storytime at the library. • Location: Fortville-Vernon Township Public Library, Time: 10:30 am, fvtpl.org FREE

THURS 18 Little Green Thumbs

Young ones will learn about gardening and have the chance to help plant, grow and harvest in a vegetable garden. There will also be a story, craft and time to explore. Registration required; $5. • Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, Time: 10-11 am, garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Young Scientists Children ages 6-10 are invited to learn about topics in science, technology, engineering, and math through fun and interactive activities.

• Location: Garfield Park Branch Library, Time: 4:30pm, indypl.org FREE

FRI 19 Parents and Pancakes Settle in for a story, eat some pancakes, and make a craft to celebrate those special people in our lives. Parents, grandparents and special friends are welcome! For families with children 0-5. Registration required. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib. in.us FREE

Indy Pride Rainbow 5K/Walk

This event promotes wellness and raises money for the local LGBTQ+ community. Special youth registration fees are available for kiddos 13 and under who want to walk or run! • Location: Fowling Warehouse, Time: 7 am, indypride.org

SAT 20–SUN 21 Alice in Wonderland

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole to the fantastical world of Wonderland in Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s interpretation of the classic. • Location: The Tarkington, thecenterpresents.org

Brick Fest Live Filled with hands-on attractions and activities engineered to inspire, educate and entertain. View incredible LEGO sculptures, shop exclusive merch and find inspiration around every corner. • Location: Indianapolis Convention Center, brickfestlive.com

Broad Ripple Art Fair Presenting fine art and crafts by the nation’s best artists and artisans! Enjoy art, live music and performances on two stages, fantastic food, Sun King Brewing Company beer and Mallow Run Winery wine, artist demonstrations, and interactive art activities for people of all ages! • Location: Indianapolis Art Center, Time: 10 am-5 pm, indyartcenter.org/braf

Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival Enjoy a fairy tea party, make a fairy craft, receive a fairy dust shower, meet a live unicorn, walk the fairy path labyrinth, play in the drum circle and more. • Location: Beasley’s Orchard, centralinfairyfest.org

Unicorn World Life-sized unicorns, a magical forest, and a fun-filled day of unicorn activities and rides for the whole family! • Location: Indiana Convention Center, theunicornworld.com

SUN 21 Family Concert Series: Disney Sing-along Enjoy a sing-along to your favorite Disney songs. At this concert, you're the performer! We'll play song clips (complete with lyrics) from some of the most popular Disney movies and invite you to sing. • Location: Central Library, Time: 3 pm, indypl.org

Princesses & Pirates @ Indianapolis

WED, MAY 24

ZOOPOLIS 500 AT THE

World Turtle Day Meet turtles and tortoises up close, find out more about them, and learn how you can help save turtles every day. A craft will be provided by the nature center. • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 3:30-5 pm, hamiltoncounty. in.gov FREE

SAT 20 Indiana Peony Festival

Enjoy celebrating our state flower! There’ll be a bouquet-off, peony plants, peony growers sharing their expertise, artisans, kids’ activities, a blooming photo spot, food trucks and much more. • Location: Seminary Park, Time: 10 am-4 pm, indianapeony festival.com FREE

Indians Celebrate all things royalty when princesses from your favorite fairy tales take over Victory Field. • Location: Victory Field, Time: 6:35 pm, milb.com/indianapolis

MON 22 Beastly Brunch

Get an up-close look at a selection of animal ambassadors and experience a live feeding. Activity is designed for children ages 2+, but the whole family is welcome. • Location: Holliday Park, Time: 11 am, hollidaypark.or g FREE

TUES 23 Drop-In Discovery:

World Turtle Day Meet the turtles that call the Zionsville Nature Center home. Learn about their unique adaptations, watch us feed them brunch, and ask us turtle questions. • Location: Zionsville Nature Center, Time: 10 am & 3:30 pm, zionsvillein.myrec.com

Raiders of the Lost Ark: The IMAX Experience Part of IMAX Indy's year long celebration of classic films, catch Indiana Jones venturing into the jungles of South America searching for a golden statue. • Location: IMAX Theatre Indiana State Museum, Time: 8 pm, imax.com

WED 24 Zoopolis 500 Tortoises, start your engines! This unique annual event and race-fan favorite includes a morning of family-friendly festivities leading up to the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing.” • Indianapolis Zoo, Time: 10 am, indianapoliszoo.com

THURS 25 Party in the Park

Celebrate the last day of school with a party! Enjoy games and activities with your favorite park staff, a visit from the Zionsville Nature Center, live music, and the opening of the Mulberry Fields Splash Pad! Food trucks are on hand to grab a bite or dinner. • Location: Mulberry Fields, Time: 3-6 pm, zionsvillein. myrec.com FREE

FRI 26 Strawberries on the Square

Celebrate the arrival of strawberry season with strawberry shortcakes! This festival also features food and evening events like a car cruise-in and live music. • Location: Downtown Franklin, Time: 11 am-10 pm, discoverdowntown franklin.com FREE

FRI 26 –SAT 27 The Sleeping

Beauty Leaping from the page to the stage, this production features elaborate costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score brought to life by Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy’s preprofessional company, along with special guest artists, and young dancers from the one-of-a-kind "Be A Fairy" program. • Location: Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy, Time: 7:30 pm, ballettheatreofcarmel.org

SAT 27 500 Festival Parade

More than 200,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to experience the larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities and dignitaries, award-winning bands, and all 33 drivers competing in the Indy 500. • Location: Downtown Indy, Time: 11:45 am, 500festival.com

Family Creek Exploration Holliday Park has ponds and creeks teeming with wildlife. Have fun getting wet and muddy exploring the creatures that live in these wet places. A naturalist will help you identify what you find. Nets and collecting tubs provided. • Location: Holliday Park, Time: 1:30-2:30 pm, hollidaypark.org

SUN 28 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 From the 33 drivers racing for glory to the epic infield party and making memories that will last a lifetime, it’s time to celebrate the Indy 500!

• Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, indianapolismotorspeedway.com

MON 29 Grand Run Westfield

celebrates Memorial Day with its annual Grand Run 5K, 10K and half marathon races. The race starts and finishes at the 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus and includes portions on the Monon Trail. • Location: Grand Park Sports Campus, Time: 7 am, westfieldwelcome.com

TUES 30 Pajama Time Storytime

Families with children ages 3-8 are invited for a fun-filled storytime featuring stories, music and activities! Children can wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffie for bedtime stories! • Location: Eagle Branch Library, Time: 7 pm , indypl.org FREE

WED 31 Little Explorers:

Butterflies Enjoy a short walk around the park, exploring nature as you go. There will also be activities and crafts available during or after the walk. Ages 2-6. Registration required; $4. • Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, Time: 10-11 am, garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Summer Family Concert Series: The Flying Toasters Enjoy an outdoor family concert with the community! • Location: Carmel Gazebo, Time: 7-9 pm, carmelgazeboconcerts. org FREE

ONGOING

The Sound of Music Through May 13. The world's most beloved musical, featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and more. • Location: The Tarkington, thecenterpresents.org

An American in Paris Through May 14

Set in Paris in the wake of World War II, this George Gershwin musical tells the story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl, and a romantic French city - each yearning for a new beginning. • Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, beefandboards.com

Beauty and the Beast May 18-July 9. This enchanting story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a prince trapped under a magic spell. • Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, beefandboards.com

Clue April 19-May 20. Invited to dinner by a mysterious host, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, and the rest of the usual suspects roll the dice at a gloomy mansion where blackmail and murder are on the menu. With thrills and chills, twists and turns, and lots of laughs, it’s going to be a night they’ll never forget. • Location: Indiana Repertory Theatre, irtlive.com

The Lume featuring Monet & Friends Alive Through May 28. The exhibition showcases the world of Impressionism across three main movements: Metropolitan, A Day in the Life and En Plein Air. The masterpieces of the Impressionists come to life with a rich, dynamic display of light, color and sound. • Location: Newfields, discovernewfields.org

Dinosaur Train: The Traveling

Exhibit Through July 30. Based on the popular PBS KIDS TV series, Dinosaur Train, this exhibit explores the basics of science through fun, hands-on activities. • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

Changing Views: The Photography of Dorothea Lange

Through Aug. 6. Explore the work of Dorothea Lange and her fellow documentary photographers, featuring photography from the 1930s that was meant to awaken the nation’s conscience to the plight of people across America uprooted by the Great Depression. • Location: Eiteljorg Museum, eiteljorg.org

Minecraft: The Exhibition

Through August 6 Step inside the world of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time! Learn fundamental skills and moves to become the ultimate Minecraft expert, and embark on a quest to build a better world–both digitally and in real life! • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

Oh Look It's Magic! ADHD

Advocacy Magic Show Through Sept. 1. Having ADHD can be madness! With the help of magic, Jordan Allen will tell you how he has found to navigate the madness. This is one of the first and only ADHD advocacy magic shows that aims to entertain and educate, and written and performed by an ADHD performer. • Location: Athenaeum Theatre, athenaeumindy.org

Vintage Vision: Cars of the 1920s

Through Oct. 15. Indiana was once a mecca of automobile manufacturing and wow, we turned out some beauties. Check out 10 of the hottest rides of the 1920s on loan from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection. • Location: Indiana State Museum, indianamuseum.org

Influencing Lincoln: The Pursuit of Black Freedom Through Oct. 29. Discover how the 19th-century Black community — connected through church, business, family, military, education and politics — fought for full citizenship and helped shift President Lincoln’s attitudes (and actions) regarding freedom. • Location: Indiana State Museum, indianamuseum.org

Second Through June 4 This exhibit honors the 43 drivers who finished second in the Indianapolis 500 but never won the race, featuring six themes: accomplishment, controversy, determination, heartbreak, mechanical and redemption. • Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, imsmuseum.org

Chuck Taylor All Star Through Jan. 27, 2025. Charles Hollis Taylor, better known as “Chuck” Taylor — the man behind the name on the Converse All Star shoe — is a Hoosier who devoted his life to basketball, with his fame extending beyond the bounds of the game. This exhibit explores the story of the man and the shoe through a variety of immersive experiences and remarkable artifacts and images. • Location: Indiana Historical Society, indianahistory.org

PLEASE

WED, MAY 31

LITTLE EXPLORERS: BUTTERFLIES AT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

NOTE We work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate. Occasionally, event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.