The Great American Backyard Campout on June 22

Calling all campers and the maybe I want to try campings, The Great American Backyard Campout is right around the corner. This yearly is a great chance to get out there and enjoy your own backyard, and let your littles get there feet wet on camping. You mighteven realize how fun and easy it is to go camping with your family. 

On June 22, 2013, join thousands of people across the nation gathering in their back yards to take part in a one-night FREE campout event. Take the chance to connect with nature and spend the night under the stars.

The positive effects of daily, unstructured time outdoors on kids’ health are wide-ranging. National Wildlife Federation encourages families and friends to Be Out There™in order to give back to American children what they don’t even know they’ve lost—their connection to the natural world.

When you register for this FREE event you will get  instant access to a Camping Guide, full of fun activities, great recipes, camping tips and more!

If June 22nd isn’t convenient for you, no problem! You can still be a part of this year’s Campout, support this movement and get all the camping tips and activities we have in store. Just register now and camp at a later date of your choosing.

Books for Young Readers

The Adventures of Maddie: Meet Maddie  

by Monyetta Shaw

Ages 3 to 7

 Inspired by her own daughter, Shaw has produced one of the best books supporting and celebrating young girls' self-esteem.

 “The Adventures of Maddie” (Meet Maddie)" Is the first book of the series, shows little girls that they can like a variety of things and be proud of their accomplishments. The book also integrates the morals of playing hard, being fair and sharing. If you have any Pre-K girls in your life, you need to get them this book.

 “The Adventures of Maddie” The six year old Maddie (in the book) shares and talks about her everyday adventures. Dancing, learning, playing, and even getting advice are all a part of Maddie’s experiences. The series of Maddie’s books has just begun and will follow the life of an adventurous, special, hardworking little girl tackling the values of life. There are plans for 8 books.

Shaw, Alpharetta resident and  CEO and founder of The Evan Grace Group, wrote the book out of the love for her children. Shaw gained who a new perspective on life since the birth of her children, and learned a new respect for stay-at-home moms. Feels it is important to  instill values, morals, and life lessons in her children and to leave the same messages in her books.

Can't-Wait Willow:     

by: Christy Ziglar

Ages: 4 to 8

Can't-Wait Willow!, Willow is very excited that the Circus has come to town! The problem comes when Willow is left to make her own choices.. On the way to the show, she is distracted and spends her money. When she does make it to the circus she is sad to find  has she run out of time, as well as money. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance, and learns that sometimes you have to say no to some of the little things you would like to have to end up with some of the things you really want.

Can't-Wait Willow! is part of The Shine Bright Kids series which provides children and their families with a framework to explore the importance of making good choices. The series includes topics such as: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

Christy Ziglar, Atlanta resident and niece to motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, has been inspired to continue her uncles legacy and help younger children learn leadership quailities  by getting them excited about the princeples of patiences and decision making that will help them through out life.

The Center for Puppetry Arts Preforms The Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat will be at The Center for Puppetry Arts thru July 28, 2013.

I am so happy to have come across this. The Cat in the Hat has always been one of my houses favoritebooks, maybe because it is one of mine. I am looking forward to getting to see this with my littles.

Tickets are normally $16.50 each for nonmembers and $9.25 each for members but I have found a few discounts.

• Use code “WSB” to save 25% on tickets to Sunday performances of The Cat in the Hat; the code doesn't work online, but you can call 404-873-3391 to use the code
•  Atlanta Entertainment book, has a BOGO coupon for all-inclusive tickets on page E53 of the 2013 edition.

Or if you want to skip the show and just spend time checking out the Jim Henson exhibit & other puppets in the museum you have a few free admission options:

• 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Thursdays, it’s free to tour the museum.
• Saturday, July 6, 2013, is the next Fulton County Free Museum Day; making it free for Fulton County residents, government employees & students. You also get 25% off on a ticket to the show if you decide to watch it while you are there.
• The Center has also started a Georgia Libraries Passport to Puppetry. If you have a library card, you can check out a Passport to Puppetry at any participating public library. The Passport gives a family of four free admission to the Center for Puppetry Art’s museum. If you want to see a show while you’re there, you can buy same-day tickets for 25% off.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is located at 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th St., Atlanta.

Lego's, F-O-S-S-I-L-S, Story Time and More at Sequoyah Regional Libraries

The Sequoyah Regional Library System is about more then just reading this summer.

 Serving Cherokee, Pickens & Gilmer Counties, the Sequoyah System is offering a large variety of FREE programs for your kids this summer as well as a summer reading club. The events tend fill quickly so remember registation starts two weeks before the event and try to register then for the ones the require registration, if registration is not required would suggest getting there early. These events fill up so quickly because they are fun and well run and there for worth making the effort for.

LEGO

LEGO Clubs: Children can work alone or in a team to build a special creation matching the month’s theme, which is then displayed at the library until the next month's meeting. 

         Gilmer County Public Library – June 8 and July 13 @ 2:00 pm 

         Woodstock Public Library – June 16 and July 21 @ 3:00 pm

All ages are invited; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

LEGO Bingo: Come play LEGO Bingo. Winners will receive a prize.

        Registration is required.

        Gilmer County Public Library-Monday, June 17 @ 3:00 pm

Ages 6 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

FOSSILS  

FOSSIL Features: Have you ever seen a real fossil? View and learn about fossils courtesy of the Tellus Science Museum. Following the viewing, participants will be able to design their own 

fossil.

         Registration is required.

         Pickens County Public Library-Monday, June 24 @ 3:00 pm

         Rose Creek Public Library-Wednesday, June 26

 @ 10:30 am

         Hickory Flat Public Library-Wednesday, June 26

 @ 3:00 pm

Youth ages 7-12 

CRAFTS 

Fairy/Elf houses: Join us as we decorate awesome fairy/elf houses. This 

is a free program and all materials will be provided. 

          Registration is required.

          Gilmer County Public Library Tuesday-June 11 @ 10:00 am 

For ages 8 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Sandcastle Lighthouses: Join us as we decorate beautiful sandcastle lighthouses; this is a free program and all materials will be provided. 

           Registration is required.           

            Gilmer County Public Library-Tuesday, June 18 @ 10:00 am

 For ages 8 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Finger-painting Fun!: Back by popular demand!  Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to get creative with finger paints. Washable tempera paint will be used so children can make wonderful works of art. All materials will be provided. Come wearing play clothes as the fun could get messy!

            Pickens County Public Library-Tuesday, June 18 @ 10:30 am

This program is for children ages 5 and under. 

Butterfly Gardens: Children can make their own flitter flutter butterfly garden with the help of the Laurel Garden Club. All materials will be provided.

            Registration is required.

            R. T. Jones memorial Library-Wednesday, June 19 @ 10:30 am

Ages 6-12; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Dig Into Art:  Dig into Art with local artist Shanda McCloskey as we get creative and crafty with a fun art project! All materials will be provided.

Registration is required.

Ball Ground Public Library-Wednesday, July 10 @ 10:30 am

Children ages 6-12; Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Flower Power: We’re making flower boxes with the help of skilled craftsmen from the Woodworkers Guild of Georgia.

Registration is required.

Woodstock Public Library-Wednesday, July 10 @ 3:00 pm

Ages 5-12; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Other Events: 

The libraries are offer many other events. I just listed a few of the options. Please go to the link at the top of the page for a full schedule. I hope you will got a chance to enjoy a few of them is Summer.

Cherokee Aquatic Center

The new Cherokee Aquatic Center has opened. We are really lucky to have this center in our area, and to be honest I think this one is arranged much better then the Gwinnett Center. There are plenty of places you can sit and relax and still be able to see your littles even if they are in different areas. They also have an amazing amount of life guards through out the pool area. You can come in the morning and spend the day. The consession stand has breakfast food as well as foods for the rest of the day. I was really surprised to notice the food prices are really fair and they do adult and children meal specials every day. I will warn you the water slides do have a minimum hieght requirement of 48" no matter how well your smaller child may swim. The life guards are very good at make sure everyone can have fun and stay safe at the same time. They also prove life jackets free off charge to any of the littles who want one. Although the place always seems busy it has never had that over crowded feeling. I hope you will get a chance to check it out.

•  Zero entry water area
•  Small child splash and play area with small slides
•  Swimming/play area that inclines to approx 4 foot depth 
•  2 large water slides for the bigger kids and adults 
•  Lazy river
•  Outdoor leisure pool with multiple features, large deck and pavilions 
•  Concession stand serving both indoor and outdoor components 
•  Generous locker rooms and family restrooms
•  2 indoor pools:
•      Indoor 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating for 700 
•      Indoor 25-yard recreational pool (therapy, exercise & instruction with warmer water) 

Hours of Operation

Summer- May 25th to August 2nd

	Lap Pool	Rec Pool
Monday to Friday	6am to 8pm	12pm to 4pm Open Swim 4pm-8pm Programs only (M-TH)
Saturday	8am to 6pm	8am to 1pm Programs only 1pm to 6pm Open Swim
Sunday	12pm to 6pm	12pm to 6pm

Outdoor Pool

Days of the week	Pool	Concessions
Monday/Wednesday Friday/Saturday	10am to 8pm	11am to 7pm
Tuesday/Thursday	10am to 6pm	11am to 5pm
Sunday	12pm to 6pm	12pm to 5pm

Weekends only August 3rd to September 15th. Open for all of Fall Break from Sept 16th to Sept 22nd.

Admission Prices:

Group	Daily Admission	3 month pass	Annual Pass
Under 2yrs	Free	Free	Free
Ages 2-13	$5	$60	$195
Ages 14-54	$6	$90	$295
Ages 55+	$5	$60	$195
Family Pass (includes up to 4 immediate family members residing at the same address)		$195	$425
Family Add-on*		$40	$100

* Family add-on is only available with the purchase of a family pass

There is a processing fee to use all Debit/Credit cards. The fee for purchases $64 and less is $2.50 and 3.95% for anything over $65.

Contact Phone #: 678-880-4760

Directions: From 575 North take the Sixes Rd Exit (Exit 11) and make a left. We will be on the left.

1200 Gresham Mill Pkwy

Holly Springs, GA 30142

Kids Crafts and Classes at Michael's

Michael's offers some great free and inexpensive craft classes for kids. I have taken my littles many time to do different crafts they have offered in the past and have always been impressed with the staff. They are very patient with all the children there and are more then willing to help them in ways that still lets the children build confidence and work their way through to keep it self made. Parents are more then invited to help out but should remember to let their littles enjoy the feeling of doing it themself.  

June Classes 

This is the calender from Kennasaw. Class hours and prices many vary. Please call you local Michael's to check dates time and pricing.

860 Cobb Place Blvd, Ste 140

Kennesaw, GA 30144-4864

Wilton Fun Fondant Cupcakes for Kids 

The 2 hour class is fondant decorating fun for kids who love cupcakes! This class

will specialize in making Father's Day cupcakes!

• $15.00 
• Materials Not Included
• Fri Jun 14, 4:00pm - 6:00pm 
• Ages 8-12

Kids Club - Father's Day Duck Tape Frame

Kids create a meaningful frame for Dad while Mom shops.

• $2 per 30-minute session
•  Materials Included
• Saturday,June 15th, from 10-12:00pm, Last group taken at 11:30am
•  Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event.

Passport To Imagination®

This summer, journey around the globe through craft. 

• $2.00 per session 
•  Materials Included
• 10 am to 12 pm
•  Three days a week.

Mon Jun 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Grand Canyon and Hockey Sticks.

Wed Jun 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: God's Eye and Liberty BellPassport To Imagination®

Fri Jun 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Clothespin Moose and Tissue Paper Flower

Mon Jun 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Moai and Textile Weaving

Wed Jun 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Soccer Goal and Paper Lizard

Fri Jun 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Yarn Art Vase and Poison Dart Frog

Kids Club - Silly Shells

Kids make some fun beach-themed crafts while Mom shops

• $2.00 per 30-minute session
•  Materials Included
• Saturday, June 22nd, 
• 10-12:00pm Last group taken at 11:30am
•  Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event.

Wilton Super Cakes for Kids

This 2 hour class specializes in cookie decorating!

• $15.00
•  Materials Not Included
• Fri Jun 28, 
• 4:00pm - 6:00pm 
• Ages 8 to 12 

Kids Club - 4th of July Hat

Kids create a patriotic hat for Independence Day while Mom shops

•  $2.00 per 30-minute session
•  Materials Included
• Saturday, June 29th
• 10-12:00pm, Last group taken at 11:30am
•  Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event.

Free Weekends at Tellus

Tellus Museum has been a favorite stop for my littles and I since it opened. We always find something we didnt see before and have a great day exporing together. 

Bank of America cardholders get free admission to Tellus during the first full weekend of each month as part of Museums On Us
Museums On Us is a Bank of America cardholder benefit program, offering Bank of America cardholders free admission to more than 120 of the finest museums and cultural institutions in the United States.

Program Rules

• Each Bank of America cardholder is allowed one free general admission to Tellus during the first full weekend of the month.
• Photo ID is required along with the card.
• Only cardholders are granted free admission with their Bank of America credit or debit card, and photo ID. Spouses, children, and family members do not get free admission unless each has their own Bank of  America credit or debit card, and photo ID.
• Any valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card is acceptable.
• Admission is non-transferable and for the cardholder only.
• Offer does not include free admission to the Planetarium or to ticketed special events.
• The program applies only to the first full weekend (consecutive Saturday and Sunday) of every month.
• Expired cards and bank statements are NOT accepted. Cards must be valid and current.
• Bank of America associates are also eligible for free general admission on MOU weekends. They must present a current corporate ID along with an additional photo ID.

Questions? Call 770-606-5700.

Visitor Information

The museum is open seven days a week, Monday-Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM.
Please call 770-606-5700 for more information.

Directions are listed below.

Note: Some GPS and online map systems have Tellus located on Mineral Museum Drive. The road is now named Tellus Drive.

Admission (Includes Fossil Dig & Gem Panning)

Members – Free
Adults – $14
Children (3 – 17) – $10
Student with ID – $10
Active Military with ID – Free
Seniors (65+) – $12

PlanetariumMust include paid admission to museum

$3.50 – Must include paid admission, free member admission, or complimentary admission pass
$2 – second planetarium show for an individual during one visit
Basic Members – $2 planetarium show (free museum admission)
Leadership Members – no charge

All prices subject to change