Jolly Shows Midway Carnival at the JCC of Greater Washington

Sure, the ideal family beach vacation involves toes in the sand, bottom alternately in the water and a canvas chair, hands occupied with sand castles, shells and dog eared sci-fi novels. And you can find all of that in the gorgeous beaches of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. But there is so much more to do in MB, too! Here are some fantastic family attractions and ideas for visiting Myrtle Beach this summer.

1. Skip traffic and fly down for budget prices! Spirit Air just opened up service between BWI and Myrtle Beach airports.

2. No beach rental house? No problem. The Island Vista beachfront resort is beautiful, family friendly and has summer openings.

3. Walk along the newest boardwalk in the United States, catch a ride on the Myrtle Beach Skywheel, a 200-ft.-high observation wheel that provides breathtaking views of the coastline, and watch fireworks at Broadway at the Beach every Tuesday and most Fridays at 10pm over Lake Broadway.

4. Collect sea shells at Myrtle Beach State Park and observe wildlife at Huntington Beach State Park. For a $5 per person park entrance fee, or less, you can enjoy a wide beach, nature trails, a fishing pier, watch animals in their native habitats and more.

5. Visit the Enchanted Storybook Forest at Brookgreen Gardens.

6. After riding the waves, ride the rides at Family Kingdom, Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusement park.

7. Free and fabulous, the Horry County Museum is full of historic exhibits that help visitors explore the Civil War and various periods of the Myrtle Beach area’s history.

8. If parasailing and jet skiing are old hat to you, why not try a jetpack adventure?

9. Ohh and ahh over the odd at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium or search for extra terrestrials at the Encounters: U.F.O. Experience at Broadway at the Beach 

10. Catch a family show filled with music, dancing and comedy at The Carolina Opry.

To learn more about a family summer vacation to Myrtle Beach, check out Myrtle Beach tourism on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and their website, VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

Does your family love Myrtle Beach vacas? Leave a comment below with your MB travel tip!

No compensation of any kind was received for this post.

Through fellow parents in Silver Spring and the DC area (you!), I learn of the most incredible individuals. My friend Mica Bevington works with Handicap International-US, an organization which works alongside people with disabilities to improve their living conditions and fundamental rights worldwide. One night at a cocktail party Mica told me of the amazing Jessica Cox.

Jessica was born without arms, but that has not stopped her from writing, dressing herself, driving a car, graduating college with a degree in Psychology, earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, scuba diving, surfing, and most notably, flying an airplane using only her feet. In fact, Jessica is in the Guinness World Records for being the first person to fly an airplane using only her feet.

Jessica serves as an international keynote speaker, and most recently she visited Handicap International’s inclusive education programs in Ethiopia in order to inspire children with disabilities and encourage the Ethiopian public and government to include people with disabilities in education. There are an estimated 2.4 to 4.8 million children with disabilities in Ethiopia but only 3 percent go to school.

I found Jessica’s story and international advocacy mission for Handicap International exciting, and I was honored to interview her.

***

A Parent in Silver Spring: How did the differently-abled people in Ethiopia respond to you during your trip?

Jessica Cox: As I don’t have arms, it was easy for them to see my difference and connect with my struggle. I believe this made the Ethiopian people I met more comfortable with me than the average American visitor, and made it easier for me to touch people. I found the people who I met inspiring. I was moved by their resilience and how much they want to go to school.

I met a hearing-challenged woman named Belayneh and her mother Senait Assefa. Belayneh told me that after her mother met me, she saw the potential, she could see the use of the basic foundation of schooling if her daughter was given the opportunity.

Why did you choose to work with Handicap International-US?

The work Handicap International is doing is critically important. Differently-abled people in other countries are not only faced with their stereotype of their abilities, they have less and less opportunities than others in the US, for example.

I understand that a documentary has been filmed about you, Rightfooted, and that your trip to Ethiopia for Handicap International will be featured in the film.  What are the goals of your film?

A movie is more practical and can reach more people than simply one person, so I believe it is critical that we do this. The film is now all done and is in the post-production stage. We are trying to raise the rest of the funds to make this a reality. I think mass media is necessary for the impact we want to make.

You have done, and do!, so many things that make me fearful and I have four limbs. Where do you get your courage?

My most important qualities are desire, persistence, fearlessness and creativity. I get it from my mother – she is a go-getter. She and other people challenged me. I heard somewhere — this is not something I came up with, but I really think it’s true — that the letters in “fear” stand for False Evidence Appearing Real. I try not to let fear stand in the way of what I want to achieve.

Everyday it is my goal to do something different or meet someone and teach them a little something. Sometimes I can tell when people see something different they are a little uncomfortable. I hope that when people see me they become more accepting of all people.

***

The trip to Ethiopia was Jessica’s first experience acting as an advocate for people with disabilities. Jessica received huge media attention on this trip and the TV and radio interviews she gave reached a potential audience of up to 45 million people. So much publicity was generated, by the time Jessica began visiting schools, crowds of thousands gathered to meet her. Numerous children and adults—including students, teachers, local leaders, journalists, and elders with and without disabilities—personally said that Jessica’s message had changed their attitudes about disability.

In July 2012, Handicap International launched an inclusive education pilot program at six primary schools in eastern Ethiopia in the cities of Dire Dawa, Harar, and Jijiga. The program impacts about 450 students with disabilities and 17,500 students without disabilities and their parents, teachers, and administrators.

Jessica says she has never before seen an organization that has Handicap International’s commitment and passion.

To learn more than this humble interview, please visit Handicap International-US and Jessica Cox’s website.

My sincere thanks to Jessica, Mica Bevington and Molly Feltner of Handicap International-US. Photos courtesy of Handicap International-US.

My apologies for just providing links for the 4-1-1 on weekend fun, but the husband has been out of town for work all week, the kids’ swim team practices started up and of course, we still have homework and end-of-the-school-year craziness.

I hope to be back to more extensive bloggy commentary next week! But in the meantime, here are my top recs for you to celebrate with the kids this weekend.

Imagination Bethesda on Saturday 11am-4pm The best local children’s street festival celebrating the arts!

Children’s performer The Singing Lizard at Bloombars in Columbia Heights Saturday 3pm. Fun and unique electronic-soul songs. 3222 11th Street NW. Suggested donation $7.

National Air & Space Museum DC Explore the Universe Family Day Saturday 10am-3pm. Activities all day for children to experience how different people study the sky.

Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park Saturday and Sunday 12pm-7pm both days, rain or shine. Performances, crafts, family fun. Note that there is very limited parking – check the link for full details.

Herndon Festival Friday -Sunday. Live entertainment, carnival rides and games, fireworks display on Saturday night, children’s entertainment, children’s hands-on art activities, model railway exhibit and more.

Thinking of doing something different for your summer vacation this year? Rather than the usual beach vacation, consider taking your family to a summer camp for a fun and active trip. From a camp that teaches families about science to one that specializes in the French language, family camps across the United States can provide your family with a unique and fun experience. Here are a few different family camps that will cater to everyone’s interests.

If your family wants to…

Learn a new language

• Canoe Island French Camp in Canoe Island, Washington will teach your family all things French. Language classes, French activities (like baking baguettes) and cuisine are all part of this camp.

• Concordia Language Villages in Moorhead, Minnesota has nine cultural villages for guests to experience. You could learn Chinese, Spanish, French or even Finnish at this ethnically rich family camp.

Learn about science.

• Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama will give your family an unforgettable vacation. Learn how to build and launch a single engine rocket, experience what it’s like to walk with no gravity and undergo a shuttle mission simulation.

• Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp in Two Harbors, California will teach your family all about marine biology. Snorkel trips and sailing are only two of the many activities for campers.

 Be creative.

• Idyllwild Arts Family Camp in Idyllwild, California is a great way for family members to tap into their artistic sides. Art classes on hot clay, Navajo weaving and making mosaics have been offered in the past.

Go back in time.

• Emandal Family Camp in Willits, California will let your family experience farm life from the olden days. Visitors can partake in farm activities like milking cows or gathering eggs, but these chores are optional. Swimming holes, hiking trails and sand volleyball are also available to keep campers busy.

• Rockywold-Deephaven Camps in Holderness, New Hampshire is a traditional camp; there are no televisions, phones or air conditioners in the lodging – but Wi-Fi is available for those who can’t go without it. Canoeing, fishing, swimming and tennis are only a few of the many activities offered.

Enjoy unique activities and games.

• Summer Family Adventure Program at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia has a wide variety of activities to enjoy. The summer program includes everything from sandcastle competitions to trapeze lessons.

• The Tyler Place Family Resort in Highgate Springs, Vermont will keep family members of all ages entertained. Parents can enjoy the resort’s spa services while the kids learn waterskiing or attend a movie night.

Planning a vacation to a summer family camp is a great way to enjoy great weather and bond with your family. Whether your family decides to spend the trip learning French or simply enjoying nature, make sure your car is up for the drive. Have a maintenance check-up, and make sure you are protected with auto insurance. Check out car insurance quotes online to get the best rate before you pack up the car.

Christina Miller loves to write, especially about business. She holds a B.A. in Marketing. Christina’s favorite things include traveling, reading and exploring new restaurants in Cleveland.

Note: Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.

Photos courtesy Canoe Island French Camp.

Rockville Hometown Holidays Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26 2-10pm: Kids’ activities, Taste of Rockville Yummies and over 30 bands just doing their thing, dog. (So sorry, my husband made me watch American Idol with him again this season. Who still watches that?) Look for the Purple Zone for the family activities. Saturday has the Bach 2 Rock kids on stage from 2-3:30pm, Milkshake from 4:30-5:30pm, and Adventure Theatre-MTC is performing from 6-6:45pm. 20 restaurants sell their goodies for just $1.25 a serving in the Taste of Rockville section — a fun way to buy the family dinner.

Rockville Memorial Day Parade Monday May 27 10:30am: My family and I love this annual parade, with marching bands, military units, fire trucks, athletes, dance groups, cultural organizations, clubs and electeds throwing candy from convertibles. The 69th Memorial Day parade kicks off from Martins Lane and North Washington Street, turning left onto Beall Avenue, turning right onto Maryland Avenue through Rockville Town Center and then making a left on East Montgomery Avenue. Free and fab fun!

Sunset Celebrations at Mount Vernon Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26 6-8:30pm: A rare chance to visit Historic Mount Vernon in the evening, watching the sunset with a glass of wine and your kid on your hip. “Visitors may take evening tours of the Mansion, relax and enjoy wine and desserts available for purchase on the lawn overlooking the Potomac River.  Delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation with costumed residents like the charming Lady Washington. This family-friendly event celebrates the beginning of summer on the plantation.” – MountVernon.org

National Harbor Carousel and National Children’s Museum: The carousel is located on National Plaza at the north end of National Harbor along the waterfront. Admission is $5 for an all day pass or $3 for a single carousel ride — but this weekend only – receive an all day pass for just $3 with military identification. Parents are always free with purchase of admission for children. While you are down there (and especially if it is a rainy weekend that keeps you from using that pool membership), visit the National Children’s Museum, open all weekend 10am-5pm.

Medieval Times at Arundel Mills Memorial Day Weekend Reduced Price Tickets: Prices are slashed by $22 for adults this holiday weekend, making it one of the most saving-savvy times to visit this Renaissance performance theatre. Use promo code MDWWEB when booking your online reservation. We went last year over Memorial Day Weekend and had a blast!

Big Nate at the Adventure Theatre MTC is Awesome Theatre for Kids

It is becoming trickier and trickier to entice my previously theatre-enthused nine-year-old son in attending a weekend play or musical with Mom. But all I had to say were two words, BIG NATE, and Charlie was totally into it. He loves this series of New York Times best-selling comic book compilations about a troublesome but loveable, cartoon-drawing-drums-playing tween. Christopher Youstra and Jason Loewith have excellently adapted Big Nate for the stage.

So Charlie’s new, cool guy persona is what brought him through the doors of the Adventure Theatre Musical Theatre Center this past weekend…

But Big Nate’s production quality, actors and storytelling fully reactivated Charlie’s love of the theatre.

Yes! 2 points to Director Michael Baron. Thank you.

Nine-year-old Charlie, seven-year-old Eve and I attended this children’s musical Saturday and all three of us were enraptured. The cast is top notch. Led by the unbelievably charismatic Sam Ludwig as the title character, it is impossible not to fall a little in love with his zany, joyous portrayal of the detention-prone Renaissance Man. Well, unless you are Jenny, the sweet blonde dope of a junior high character who can’t see the awesome that is in front of her eye lashes and instead bats them at blandly nice Artur, an exchange student from Belarus. (Note to fictional Jenny: Don’t wait until you are 32 to realize it is the Nates of the world who rule the hot.)

But I digress.

Parents and children alike will love the humor, the catchy songs, and the Adventure Theatre’s patented style of cast members playing multiple parts and creative use of the compact set. The actors’ voices and choreography are of the highest quality. I heard one mother on the walk behind us to the parking lot liken Big Nate to “Rent for kids.” Hmmm. I think it was more You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, but I agree that it was totally enjoyable.

Just as I enjoyed bringing my toddler Alice to the perfect-for-her-age Winnie the Pooh earlier this season, and introducing my first grade daughter to the world of Laura Ingalls with A Little House Christmas, it was fabulous to be able to bring my third grade son to a play that evokes his daily life as a student. Charlie completely connected with it and had a spring in his step for the rest of the day, even goofing along with me as we danced Singin’ in the Rain-style with our umbrellas after the show.

Tell me, will you get that kind of reaction from a nine-year-old after Iron Man 3? I think not.

The play is great for kids age kindergarten through middle school, and high school theatre kids will dig it too.

The only downside to Big Nate is that there are only a few performances left! Get your tickets before the show closes on Sunday June 2. Note that there are special Monday performances on Memorial Day.

Thank you to the Adventure Theatre MCT for providing media passes for my family and me. No additional compensation was received. I take responsibility for all opinions and dorking out. Photo credit Bruce Douglas for Adventure Theatre.

Bring your kids to this free event to taste healthy school lunch recipes…developed by kid chefs!

Real Food for Kids Montgomery, a “grass-roots, parent advocacy group promoting whole, delicious, fresh and nutrient-rich foods in the Montgomery County Public Schools” is hosting what sounds like a fun and tasty event. On Saturday May 18 at Piney Branch School in Takoma Park (7510 Maple Avenue) from 12-2 p.m. families are invited to taste five finalists’ menu creations. Everyone can taste but only kids vote on their favorite selections. The winning recipe will be submitted to MCPS for their consideration as a new menu item!

Other activities for all ages of attendees will include Guess What Food?, Knife Skills Demo, Food Trivia and My Plate Coloring. Tickets are $5/person or $15/family. Free or reduced price entry is available at the door for families who qualify for free or reduced priced lunches.

Here are the top 5 finalists’ recipes for a healthy school lunch…the kids’ tasting menu, if you will:

Turkey Wrap with Mixed Vegetables, Apple and Popcorn
Chef: Marina Bowsher

Kale, Bean and Fruit Pita Pockets
Chef: Aura Triana

MC Old Bay Fish Soft Whole Grain Corn Tacos with Tropical Fruit Salsa, Crunchy Spinach Salad with Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dressing and Garden Patch Quinoa
Chef: Diane Ganci

Whole Wheat Pita Bread, Hummus, Apple and Classy Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad
Chefs: Rebecca Letsinger (6^th grade) and Nancy Letsinger

Happy Bean Pancake with Mango     
Chefs: Josie James-Le (5th grade) and Cait James

Entrants will be competing for cash and gift cards to further their passions for cooking.

If you buy your tickets in advance online at www.realfoodforkidsmontgomery.org you will be entered into a drawing for an RFKM water bottle or a 6 month membership to the Six O’Clock Scramble.

A Parent in Silver Spring served as an official blog ambassador for Partners in Preservation, a community-based initiative by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I was compensated to assist in raising awareness of the importance of preserving Washington, DC’s historic sites

Partners in Preservation (PiP), American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s announced the recipients of the $1M in preservation grants. Thank you so much to all of you who voted, Tweeted, Instagramed and attended the local events to raise public awareness and support local historic places!

Washington National Cathedral won the popular vote with 1,386,990 points. The Cathedral will receive the entire $100K requested, which will go towards inspecting and repairing nave vaulting damaged by the 2011 earthquake in DC.

Other restoration projects that will be funded:

•  All Souls Church Unitarian, Adams Morgan, D.C. : $50,000 to repair historic bell tower, including clock, stonework and windows.
• Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, Shaw, D.C.: $75,000 to rebuild front and rear façade in order to stabilize home for public access.
• Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls, Va.: $75,000 to bring the 18^th century grain elevator into working order.
• Congressional Cemetery, Barney Circle, D.C.: $50,000 to replace and reconstruct a row of 26 mausoleum vault roofs.
• Dumbarton Oaks Park, Georgetown, D.C.: $50,000 repair garden’s original built structures including viewing platform, stone houses, and retaining wall.
• The GALA Hispanic Theatre at The Tivoli, Columbia Heights, D.C.: $35,000 to restore three ornate interior domes.
• Greenbelt Theatre, Greenbelt, Md.: $75,000 to renovate art deco lobby.
• LAMB at Military Road School, Brightwood, D.C.: $60,000 to repair exterior of school building including columns and cupola.
• Meridian Hill Park, Columbia Heights, D.C.: $50,000 to stabilize and repair exposed aggregate concrete grotto.
• Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Scott Circle, D.C.: $90,000 to restore stained glass windows on church’s primary facade.
• Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, Va.: $100,000 to paint, plaster and restore Washington’s Large Dining Room.
• Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Mount Vernon Square, D.C.: $75,000 to repair and preserve a dozen of the Synagogue’s stained glass windows.

And all the participating historic places received $5,000 grants!