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Fall Fun with Art programs at BREC: Eek A Boo & Holiday Camp

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BREC Art provides a wide range of programs for the youngest artists to grow their skills and make the most of their interests. Artistic exploration is among the best ways for kids to build confidence in expressing themselves, learn to solve problems and think critically. BREC provides a comfortable place where the next great artist can begin to unleash their creative energy. Let your little ones enjoy some fall Fun with the following Art programs at BREC: 

Fall Fun with Art programs at BREC

BREC Fall Art

Little Picassos

An introduction to the fun aspects of art. Young artists will experience their first encounters with art – using paint, oil pastels, watercolor and mixed media.

WHEN: Sept. 4 + 11 + 18 + 25
WHERE: Highland Road Community Park
AGES: 5-7
Cost – $30

Eek A Boo

In this holiday workshop we will create a BOOTIFUL 3-dimensional house! Participants will learn the basics of collage and simple construction and will leave with a piece of art that will celebrate family Halloweens for years to come!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 26, 2019 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Milton J. Womack Park
AGES: 8-12
COST: $15 / $10 each for two+ registered at the same time

Clay Creations

A basic hand-building class for beginners. Artist Terry Kennedy will introduce basic clay hand-building techniques and students will create several finished fired pieces over the four class periods.

WHEN: Oct. 1 + 8 + 15 + 22
WHERE: Webb Park
AGES: 15+
COST:  $100

Beginning Watercolor

In this two-hour class participants will learn the basics of watercolor painting. Topics of investigation include color hues and intensities, graded washes and types of brush strokes. The end result will be a graceful and smooth composition.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 12, 2019 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Milton J. Womack
AGES: 15+
COST: $60

WINTER HOLIDAY ART CAMP

Enjoy a flurry of cool art projects as we investigate the elements and principles of art.
Dec. 26 + 27 / Jan. 2 + 3
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: 7-11
$96 EBR Parish resident / $115 out-of-parish residents.

 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Baton Rouge Summer Tennis lessons with BREC

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in tennis will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. Baton Rouge Summer Tennis lessons with BREC are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! 

BREC Tennis

Baton Rouge Summer Tennis 

BREC’s Tennis Department manages five major tennis centers, each housing its own pro shop that offers tennis resale merchandise, equipment rentals, refreshments and a full staff that manages court reservations and fees. The five major tennis centers provide a number of programs to the community, including tennis instruction, school athletic programs, youth and adult league play and tournaments. Facilities are available for rental to organizations for tournaments, workshops, and high school league practice. There are also 85 neighborhood tennis courts located at recreation centers throughout East Baton Rouge Parish where patrons can play tennis at no charge.

There are numerous options to get your kids involved in Tennis at BREC this summer including Summer Camp! 

Summer Tennis/Splash Camps (Ages 6-17) – Drills, games, and competitive play. Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Campers must bring their own lunch. Campers will swim at Liberty Lagoon Monday-Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. $195 per person. Registration Deadline: Friday before camp begins. Camp Director: Jeremiah Casson.

Baton Rouge Summer Tennis

Yahoo Tennis/Splash Camp June 10-14

Jumpin’ July Tennis/Splash Camp July 8-12

Back to School Tennis/Splash Camp July 29-Aug.

Junior Programming at all levels is provided by tennis pro, Chase LeBlanc, during June. Learn more about each program and register: http://bit.ly/BRECTennisLessons

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

BREC Tennis – Developmental Benefits of Tennis For Kids

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in tennis will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. BREC Tennis lessons are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! Following are ten benefits of choosing tennis as one of your child’s sports.

BREC Tennis

Top 10 Developmental Benefits of BREC Tennis For Kids

  • Bone Strength. Playing tennis regularly strengthens the bones of young players and has been proven to help prevent osteoporosis later on in life. Thus the reason why Tennis is often called the sport of a lifetime.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination. 
  • Aerobic and Cardiovascular Exercise. 
  • Speed.
  • Flexibility. 
  • Gross Motor Coordination. 
  • Fine Motor Coordination. 
  • Agility.

There are numerous options to get your kids involved in Tennis at BREC, including Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp! 

Easter Junior BREC Tennis Camp (Ages 4-17) Monday-Friday, April 22-26. Full day from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Half day from 9-11:30 a.m. Full-day campers must bring their own lunch. Registration Deadline: Saturday, April 20. $10 late fee after registration deadline.

Junior Beginner Instruction (Ages 8 and older) This four-week program introduces and reinforces fundamental tennis techniques. Tuesdays, April 2-23, from 5-6 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 
 
Junior Advanced Beginner Instruction (Ages 8 and older) This four-week program reinforces fundamental tennis techniques, stroke development, and conditioning for advanced beginners. Wednesdays, April 3-24, from 5-6 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 
 
Junior Beginner Instruction (Ages 8 and older) This four-week program introduces and reinforces fundamental tennis techniques. Tuesdays, May 7-28, from 5-6 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 
 
Junior Advanced Beginner Instruction (Ages 8 and older) This four-week program reinforces fundamental tennis techniques, stroke development, and conditioning for advanced beginners. Wednesdays, May 8-29, from 5-6 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 
 
Spring Junior BREC Tennis Academy (Ages 5-17) A continuous year-round program. Spring semester is Jan. 7-May 23. Skill levels include 10 and under, beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate. Academy operates Monday-Thursday from 4:30-6 p.m. Semester and monthly rates available. Must register 24 hours prior to attending class. Same day walk-ins will not be accepted. 
 
Summer Junior BREC Tennis Camp (Ages 4-17) Learn the game of tennis or improve your current game. Full day is Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. Half day is Monday-Friday 9-11:30 a.m. Weekly early drop-off available from 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday. Late pick-up (full-day campers only) Monday-Thursday from 2-5 p.m. Registration Deadline: Friday before the session begins, $10 late fee after registration deadline. 
 
Summer BREC Tennis Academy (Ages 5-17) Two three-week sessions that operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m.  June session: June 3-12 and June 24-26 (no session the week of June 18). July session: July 8-24.  Skill levels include QuickStart, beginner, advanced, and intermediate. Options for one day per week, two days per week, or drop-ins.
 

National Junior BREC Tennis League (NJTL) Program (Ages 8-17) Six-week program to introduce the game of tennis to children. June 10-July 19. Morning session is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8-9:30 a.m. Evening sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. (intermediate players only for 7:30-9 p.m. session).

Learn more about each program and register: http://bit.ly/BRECTennisLessons

 

BREC Canoe Camping

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Join BREC’s Outdoor Adventure crew for some BREC Canoe Camping and pack up your canoe and set out on your next adventure at Chicot State Park. Participants will ride out to Chicot State Park, where they will unload BREC canoes, and paddle out on the water. Adventurers will camp out on the lake and, that evening, enjoy a traditional backcountry meal. In the morning, you’ll pack up and paddle back to base. Come with a partner or BREC will happily pair you with a new friend.

Canoe Camping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are are so many reasons to get outside and enjoy all that Louisiana provides us in the form of fresh air and outdoor adventure! According to Harvard’s recent Health Letter, spending time outdoors is good for your health! 

Your vitamin D levels rise. Sunlight hitting the skin begins a process that leads to the creation and activation of vitamin D. Studies suggest that this vitamin helps fight certain conditions, from osteoporosis and cancer to depression and heart attacks. Limited sun exposure (don’t overdo it), supplemented with vitamin D pills if necessary, is a good regimen.

You’ll get more exercise. If you make getting outside a goal, that should mean less time in front of the television and computer and more time walking and doing other things that put the body in motion.

You’ll be happier. Light tends to elevate people’s mood, and there’s usually more light available outside than in. Physical activity has been shown to help people relax and cheer up, so if being outside replaces inactive pursuits with active ones, it might also mean more smiles.

Your concentration will improve. Children with ADHD seem to focus better after being outdoors. It might be a stretch to say that applies to adults, but if you have trouble concentrating, outdoor activity may help.

You may heal faster. In one study, people recovering from spinal surgery experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications when they were exposed to natural light. An older study showed that the view out the window (trees vs. a brick wall) helped recovery in the hospital.

Canoe Camping

 

 

BREC Canoe Camping

Registration Deadline: 3/21/2019 
Ages: 12+
Cost: $35 per person
For More Information click here! 

 

 

Mother’s Day Out – Little Sprouts Open House – where fun and learning meet! 

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There are times during the week when moms can use a little help and time to get things done. Mother’s Day Out programs can be the perfect option when you need a little “me time” or when you want to quickly and efficiently tackle the tasks on your busy schedule. Mother’s Day Out also gives your child the chance to interact, have fun and learn in a safe and friendly environment. It’s easy for us to feel guilty about dropping off our children at a Mother’s Day Out, we worry about leaving them in caring hands. 

There’s a new Mother’s Day Out option in Baton Rouge, Little Sprouts, where fun and learning meet! You can rest assured that Little Sprouts will provide an environment that is beneficial and nurturing, where your little ones love, learn and grow! On August 15th, Little Sprouts will host an open house tour of their facility for interested parents. Little Sprouts will start September 4th, Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 12:30.
 

Mother's Day Out

Little Sprouts provides first-rate preschool experiences to children ages 2-5 and prepares them for Kindergarten. Whole Child Education includes academics, social skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, music and lots of hands-on activities to learn about them all! Parents have the option of choosing 2, 3 and 5 day Mother’s Day Out.

Little Sprouts Mother’s Day Out Baton Rouge 

LOVING, LEARNING, GROWING

Mother's Day Out

What: Little Sprouts Open House
Where: Acacia Church – 10051 Siegen Ln
When: August 15th, 9:30am – 10:30am 
Register & learn more: https://littlesproutsbr.com/

Drew Brees kicking off Football ‘N’ America youth flag football league in Baton Rouge

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Something special is coming to Baton Rouge! Drew Brees is launching a co-ed youth flag football league, Football ‘N’ America, that he hopes will grow into a safer alternative to tackle football across the country and possibly save the game of football. Registration for the leagues in New Orleans, Covington and Baton Rouge opens Friday, June 30th.

According to ESPN, Brees and Stuart said they researched flag football and saw that void because they found there wasn’t a lot of uniformity in youth leagues across the country. They also said they would also like to help create the type of family and community environment where games are a big event on Thursday or Friday night, followed by families going out for pizza together — or heading to the big high school game later that night.

“I think that this has the opportunity to really save the game of football, honestly,” said Brees, who didn’t hide his passion or ambition for the Football ‘N’ America league, which will kick off this fall in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Covington, Louisiana, before expanding into other states next year and possibly nationwide someday.

“I think we’re filling a void that is much-needed,” said Brees, who developed the idea with longtime friend and marketing agent Chris Stuart while coaching their sons’ flag football team in San Diego over the past two offseasons. “We felt like, you know what, we have the opportunity here to really create what will be the premier youth co-ed flag football league in America.”

Football is America’s game. FNA is a non-contact youth co-ed flag football league for children in grades K-8 with 5 different divisions. Leagues will provide a safe, positive, competitive, and family-friendly environment to learn the game the right way and have fun doing it!

Drew Brees Football ‘N’ America 6-on-6 Flag Football League 

Football 'N' America Drew Brees

Season: Summer 2017
Starts: Aug 25 ’17
Ends: Nov 5 ’17
Location: Burbank Dr. (Traction Sports)
COMMISSIONER INFORMATION: Brad Cresse – bcresse@tractionsports.com
 

During registration, parents may request their child to play with as many friends as they’d like. You may also request a specific team if your child is already on their roster and you have been notified by their head coach. The goal is to create a balanced and competitive league while accommodating as many requests as possible. All teams will have a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 10 players on their roster.

Brees will also help to coach the coaches in the Football ‘N’ America league by providing personal video tutorials and starter playbooks for coaches and commissioners. Registration opens Friday for the six-on-six leagues, which will range from kindergarten through eighth grade and be run in partnership with ProCamps.

Visit playfna.com for registration information.

Source: ESPN

Featured Baton Rouge Camp – Adventures in Discovery with Magnolia Mound Plantation History Camp

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We have a one of a kind, educational camp to share with you thanks to BREC, Adventures in Discovery with Magnolia Mound Plantation History Camp!

Let’s celebrate Baton Rouge! Magnolia Mound’s hands-on history camp is for those young historians looking for a fun-filled week of learning about the past! This summer history camp focuses not only on plantation life in Louisiana during the early 1800s, but also the history of our city over the past 200 years. Campers will explore Louisiana’s unique history through historical crafts and activities as well as the cultures that have been combined to build our great city. From open hearth cooking to quill writing, campers will experience firsthand the folklore, customs and crafts of the past. Two half-day field trips are included to expand the campers’ knowledge of museums in our area.

Adventures in Discovery with Magnolia Mound Plantation History Camp!

Adventures in Discovery with Magnolia Mound Plantation History Camp!

Sessions

SESSION 1 June 5-9 / Ages: 7-11

SESSION 2 June 12-16 / Ages: 7-11

SESSION 3 June 19-23 / Ages: 7-11

SESSION 4: SENIOR CAMPER’S WEEK I June 26-30 / Ages: 11-14

SESSION 5 July 3-7 (no camp July 4) / Ages: 7-11)

SESSION 6 July 10-14 / Ages: 7-11

SESSION 7 July 17-21 / Ages: 7-11

SESSION 8: SENIOR CAMPER’S WEEK II July 24-28 / Ages: 11-14

Adventures in Discovery with Magnolia Mound Plantation History Camp Details

8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Early drop off 7:30 a.m. / Late pick-up 5:30 p.m.

$120 for East Baton Rouge Parish residents

$144 for out-of-parish residents

MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION
2161 Nicholson Dr.
225-343-4955

Register online at webtrac.brec.org.

Website: http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/page/MagnoliaMoundCamp

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/117025855512062/

Free LDWF Summer Conservation Camp

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The end of the school year is quickly approaching and summer will be here before we know it. If you have yet to solidify a summer camp for your child this might be the perfect camp! It seems too good to be true… free outdoor fun! This camp is limited to 50 kids so be sure to apply soon!

LDWF will be hosting two Summer Day Camps in Baton Rouge at the Waddill Outdoor Education Center located at 4142 N. Flannery Rd. in Baton Rouge from June 6-10 and July 18-22 free of charge. 

  

Free LDWF Summer Conservation Camp

The camps will be held from June 6-10 and again from July 18-22 and are completely free of charge.

The June 6-10 “Conservationist Camp” will be for 25 kids 11 to 13 years old and will take place from 8 a.m. to noon every day.  The Conservationist Camp will teach kids the basics of the outdoor with hands on activities and safety instructions.  The kids that make it thru this 1/2 day camp will then be guaranteed to be selected for the “Sportsmen Camp” next year.

The July 18-22 “Sportsmen Camp” is for the 25 kids that completed last year’s “Conservation Camp” and will also take place from 8 a.m. to noon every day.  The Sportsmen Camp is a more advanced camp and will build upon the outdoor skills learned at the Conservation Camp the year before.

Snacks and drinks will be provided at each camp.  Parents must be able to drop their child off between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. and pick up their child between noon and 12:30 p.m. every day.

At the Conservation Camp the children will receive their own rod and reel combo donated by Cabela’s of Gonzales.  The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation will provide support for the camps.  Two children could also win a lifetime hunting and fishing license at the June camp provided by the CCA of Louisiana.

To register for the Conservation Camp, parents must fill out the online application by May 6.  Parents must fill out a separate application for each child they wish to register.  The online registration form is located at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/summerdaycamp.

LDWF will inform the parents whether or not their child was selected by May 13 for the Conservation Camp.  Attendance every day of the week is mandatory for both camps.

Visit the Deer Hunting Homepage to learn more about hunting, hunting accessories and more.

Five Benefits of Piano Lessons – National Piano Month

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts will share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below  to be featured in an upcoming article.

Ask the Experts Baton Rouge

This is a guest post by Rebecca Bellelofrom, owner of Piano Pathways for our “Ask the Experts” series.

Learning to play the piano is a rewarding process. Playing music is a fun and enjoyable activity, but like anything worth doing well, it takes a commitment and hard work. When I think of all of the wonderful reasons to take piano lessons, what comes to mind first are the many musical benefits that piano lessons provide. Despite studies of music’s effects on the brain and improving test scores, the most powerful benefit of music lessons is, in my opinion, the gain of a musical talent!

CHILD-PIANO-

In addition to musical benefits, piano lessons also foster many wonderful non-musical characteristics. In fact, these non-musical skills are actually very important for musicians, and quite necessary to playing an instrument! Here are five benefits that can transpire from piano lessons:

Five Benefits of Piano Lessons

1. The ability to play a musical instrument. Learning how to create beautiful sounds on the piano is a lasting reward of lessons. Every person, despite age or skill level, can learn foundational piano skills and how to create tuneful music. Piano-playing is a form of personal expression that provides a healthy, creative outlet. Playing music is a special ability, but a very teachable and accessible ability that every person can learn!

2. The ability to read music. Music reading is typically taught alongside piano playing. Reading music is certainly not the only way to learn to play an instrument, but it is an accessible skill and common teaching approach in piano lessons. Standard music notation is how classical piano literature has been passed down for hundreds of years, and how composers traditionally notate their musical creations. By reading music, a musician has the opportunity to learn endless musical repertoire from any culture, time period, or artist.

3. An appreciation for different types of music. I want my piano students to be well-rounded musicians. No matter the genre of music we are studying, for example, popular, holiday, classical, I want students to play exciting music from different history periods, cultures, and composers. By learning why music was written the way it was written and about its purpose in the culture, a student can adopt an appreciation for different kinds of music. Appreciation for different things leads to tolerance and empathy~ great life-skills for every person to emulate!

4. Goal-setting. Having a structured practice routine is essential, even mandatory, to progress in piano. The best tool I can recommend for successful practicing is to set a goal. Ask the question, “What do I want to accomplish in this practice session?” Set a goal for each time you practice, and have a practice plan in mind! Of course, goal-setting is not something unique to piano practicing. Setting and meeting goals is ubiquitous to many areas of a healthy and fulfilling life.

5. Working through “struggle”. Piano is possibly one of the first real challenges that a child comes across. Piano skills take months, even years, to develop. Children who are used to doing things correct the first time initially have a hard time understanding that this won’t happen in piano! At times, playing piano can be difficult, even frustrating. During these struggles, employ approaches such as problem solving and creative thinking. By struggling during the learning process, a child learns persistence, emotional strength, and confidence.
There are so many more empirical and antidotal benefits to piano study. What are other benefits from piano lessons that you can add to this list?
• Time management skills
• Performing under pressure
• Self-evaluative skills
• Listening skills
• Memorization
• Delayed gratification
• Fine muscle coordination
• Ability to respond to criticism
• How to handle winning and losing
• Working with others
No matter why you enroll your child, or even yourself, in music lessons, I hope piano adds joy to your life! Happy playing!

2014FFLogo-e1425265889276Thanks to Rebecca for this wonderful post to help us learn more  about the benefits of Piano amd to celebrate National Piano Month! Rebecca operates and owns Piano Pathways, voted a Family Favorite in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine.

For more information or to register for Piano lessons, please call Rebecca at 225-767-0030.

Piano Pathways is conveniently located on Perkins Road between Bluebonnet and Siegen. You can follow them and learn more on their social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Summer of Fun at Gymboree Play & Music

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What are you doing this summer?  Spring 2015 has been soggy, humid, & wet, I even had to get the >best basement dehumidifierGymboree Baton RougeWhether you are looking for activities to do with your child or for your child to do independently, start your summer activity search at Gymboree!

Gymboree Play & Music has activities for everyone!  We have classes for children with adult participation, we have drop off preschool classes, open gym hours, and we have an awesome SUMMER CAMP!  Our large range of class options and times allow Gymboree to fit into your family’s schedule. 

We currently have a summer special for all Baton Rouge Moms! Offer expires July 31st!

Gymboree Baton RougeWhether you are looking for activities to do with your child or for your child to do independently, start your summer activity search at Gymboree!