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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Guest Post: What’s Hot In the World of Summer Camps

This guest post is from Signupforcamp.com. They're running a contest right now where you can win a free week of summer camp. Details at the bottom.

As a parent, you have likely been bombarded by options when it comes to choosing a summer camp. From the general camp fare to those programs that are specialized, there is a lot to think about when deciding where your child should spend those long days once school’s out. This year there are special camp features that are trending in communities all across the nation. These include special rate arrangements or activity focuses not normally seen in day camps.

In the past, most camps required an upfront payment for the entire summer. However, in today’s busy world camp directors are learning that not only is it difficult for parents to pay a large lump sum up front, but they are reticent to commit to a camp if this is the requirement. If you live in the Bay Area, fortunately there are several flexible camps that allow you to choose a payment option that best suits your family.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Coming Up: Earth Day Activities in SF Bay Area

It's almost Earth Day. Here are some activities to keep the family busy:


What: Earth Day San Francisco Festival - kids zone, live music, workshops, art, speakers
When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 10-6
Where: Civic Center Plaza, SF
Cost: free

What: Berkeley Vegan Earth Day - scavenger hunt, speakers, films, exhibitors
When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 1-6
Where: 112 Wurster Hall, Berkeley campus
Cost: $15/adults, kids free

What: NatureBridge Earth Day Celebration - family-friendly hikes, tide pool touch tank, arts/crafts
When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 11-4
Where: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito
Cost: free, drop-in

What: Earth Day at Yosemite - family bike rides, hikes, photo walks, arts/crafts, volunteer projects
When: Friday, April 20 - Sunday, April 22
Where: Yosemite
Cost: some activities are free, some cost

What: Berekley Earth Day - performances, ecocrafts, farmer's market, climbing wall
When: Saturday, April 19, noon to 5
Where: Civic Center Park, Berkeley
Cost: free

What: Oakland Earth Day - volunteer for 100 different projects
When: Saturday, April 19, 9 to noon
Where: Oakland - various sites
Cost: free

What: Earth Day Storytime
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Foster City Library - Children's Room
Cost: free

Other Earth Day celebrations

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Passover Matzah Chocolate Toffee

This year we're having some difficulty cooking during Passover, since we're going through a kitchen renovation. But we made this while at my parents' house.

This is what happens when you read Bon Appetit on the airplane. You get inspired to cook! Overall this toffee tastes delicious. However, next time I would use LESS of the caramel mixture because it went on so thick (and seeped under the matzah making it caramel on both sides) that it's a little hard to chew. And we're all worried we're going to lose a filling on it!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Coming Up: Museums on Us - free entrance

Bank of America's Museums on Us program runs this weekend, giving B of A cardholders (credit or debit) one free admission per card at participating museums. We've used this program and love it! It's this weekend, April 7-8 (some museums are only one day). The website won't let me give you an individual list of cities to click, so just check the main website and look for California in the pull-down menu. 


Participating museums in San Francisco:
·         Children's Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum)
·         Chabot Space & Science Center
·         Contemporary Jewish Museum
·         de Young Museum
·         Legion of Honor

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Coming Up: Curling lessons



Though the winter Olympics are far away, you can get live some memories by learning an Olympic sport: curling.

The Oakland Ice Center is hosting a Learn-to-Curl event for families on Saturday, April 7th, from 2:30-5. They have other Learn-to-Curl events as well, including one for teachers and one for youths.

If you haven't seen curling, you're in for a treat. You push a 42 pound stone along the ice, sweeping the ice in front of it as you move it toward the target.

Learn-to-Curl clinics are regularly hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club.

For other curling clinics, check out this link for the Learn-to-Curl classes.