MetroFamily Magazine March April 2024

MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.

MARCH/APRIL 2024

Creative OKC Discover local spots where imaginations can run wild From Storm Clouds to Rainbows How to talk to kids about climate change

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Contents

Features 14 NURTURING TEENS & BUILDING FUTURES One local family's foster care journey

16 INSPIRATIONAL

FIRST AMERICANS Meet internationally renowned Indigenous food Chef Loretta Oden FROM STORM CLOUDS TO RAINBOWS Talking to kids about climate change 45 2024 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Find dozens of options to inspire learning, creativity, friendships & fun in our popular guide 46 SUMMER CAMP INSPIRES LIFELONG LEARNING Rose State Kids College offers diverse courses and hands-on experiences Departments 6 CONNECT WITH METROFAMILY Take advantage of our top seasonal resources 10 NEW & NOW 5 noteworthy happenings for families this spring LOCAL FAMILY FUN Creative OKC: Discover local spots where imaginations can run wild Education Advocacy 101: How parents can make a positive difference EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN Seek sunshine, art & culture in Shawnee 32 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Spring Break activities, outdoor festivals & frugal family fun 62 LAST LOOK 5 tips to choose the best summer camp for your child 26 MOM TALK

ON THE COVER Scarlett is the winner of our 2024 Cover Kids

contest in the 4-5 age category. She loves to dance, swim, camp, fish and read, plus she helps care for her family's chickens, donkeys

and garden. With her mom, dad and little brother, Scarlett enjoys hiking at Martin Park Nature Center and visiting the Choctaw Library for story time. PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Letter from the Editor

S pring in Oklahoma brings warmer temperatures … and often flaring temperaments in the Oklahoma Legislature. While I love the sense of renewal and anticipation of this time of year (More sunlight! Sign the kids up for summer camps! Fun festivals across the state!), I also hold tension between hope and dread as I digest our lawmakers’ decisions at the State Capitol, particularly as they relate to our public education system. As I often do when feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, I turned to a mom I admire greatly for her guidance on how I can use my voice and look for

2023

the good during this legislative session. I interviewed Sen. Julia Kirt, mom of two and longtime advocate for public schools and mental health initiatives, ahead of the session to get her advice on key issues parents should be aware of. Sen. Kirt’s key areas of concern related to education are: 1) book banning legislation, further restricting educators’ ability to provide a diverse, age-appropriate range of books to our students, 2) a renewed emphasis on standardized testing, overlooking broader indicators of student success and 3) plateaued funding for education, with a need to consider rising inflation and assess spending on a per- student basis. If you’re a parent who shares these concerns, what’s the best course of action?

Parents: your voice matters. Teachers can't be the only ones speaking up for schools anymore. Sen. Julia Kirt

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Director of Events Casey Shupe

Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Strategy Manager Morgan Harris Content & Account Specialist Renee Filippo Contributing Writers Erika Cerda Rebecca Fast Debbie Murnan Christina Mushi-Brunt Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com metrofamilymagazine.com

We’re all guilty of turning to social media to complain. But Kirt advises parents to utilize tried-and-true methods of effective advocacy, namely face-to-face interactions with our legislators to discuss issues, as well as regular phone calls and emails, plus joining a Parent Legislative Action Committee to stay in community with other parent advocates. Beyond sharing our distress or opposition, Kirt also encourages parents to update our legislators on all the good things happening in our schools, including praising the work of our incredible teachers. I hope you’ll join me in staying up to date on what’s happing at our Capitol this legislative session — and in frequently reminding our legislators why our teachers (and schools) deserve a raise.

With hope,

Erin Page Managing Editor

MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2024 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Get more details on putting these tips from Sen. Kirt into action here.



Proud member of

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024 5

Connect with MetroFamily

Your Parenting Playbook for OKC in March & April

1 Nominate your Family Favorites for a chance to WIN BIG We need your help to crown the best of family-friendly businesses and organizations in OKC. From dance studios and splash pads to restaurants and attractions, our reader-voted Family Favorites awards make it easy for OKC parents to find the top local resources. Nominate your favorites between March 20 and April 10 at metrofamilymagazine.com/vote. Then, vote to determine the winners May 1 through 15. The winners and finalists will be highlighted in our July/August issue. The best part? Find 4 opportunities to learn, have fun, take advantage of local resources and win fantastic prizes from MetroFamily in March and April.

Our primary goal at MetroFamily is to make life easier for local parents. Through our bi-monthly magazines, robust website, weekly podcasts with parenting experts, blogs by local parents and exciting events and contests, we seek to tame parent overwhelm and infuse joy into your families. The best way to get all the family fun and parenting resources from MetroFamily is to sign up for our FREE e-newsletter. You’ll receive bite-sized timely

news, top weekend events, info on our contests to win fabulous prizes, seasonal guides and real-life parenting tips straight to your email inbox. Sign up at metrofamilymagazine.com/subscribe. 

When you nominate and vote in our Family Favorites contest, you’ll be entered for a chance to WIN a family staycation , which includes a 2-night stay at The Ellison Hotel, breakfast at Milo and general admission and Wild Encounter tickets to the OKC Zoo!

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3 Get our magazines delivered For just $25 annually, become a MetroFamily

Insider and receive a mailed subscription to MetroFamily Magazine, discounted and early bird tickets to MetroFamily events, including Kids Fest on April 20, and other special offers. Join today at metrofamilymagazine. com/insider. 

2 Explore seasonal family fun Take advantage of warmer weather and longer days with our list of family-friendly festivals around the state, 50 things to do for $5 or less, farmers markets, Spring Break camps and family fun, ways to celebrate Earth Day, Easter egg-stravaganzas and much more at metrofamilymagazine.com/spring .

Deadline for May/June print issue: April 10. Digital options are available anytime! Summer Fun Guide Advertise in MetroFamily's Promote your travel destinations, summer fun programs, events and activities in our next issue!

Reach more than 100K local parents through PRINT • DIGITAL • EMAIL • SOCIAL MEDIA

Let MetroFamily connect you with our parent readers and help you swim to success this summer! Contact our marketing specialists today at tips@metrofamilymagazine.com or 405-601-2081.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024 7

Connect with MetroFamily

4 Join us for Kids Fest on April 20 Don’t miss the best family party of the year! Kids Fest 2024 will be held Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rose State College’s Student Union. Enjoy petting zoos, bounce houses, character meet and greets, touch a truck, stage performances, face painting, food trucks, giveaways and more than

30 vendor booths each providing a kid-friendly activity. Thank you to presenting sponsor SoccerCity OKC. Adults and kids under 2 are free! Kids 2 and older are $5 in advance or $8 at the door. Parking is free!

PRESENTED BY

Kids Programs Whether your child loves the arts, STEM, sports or all of the above, find the perfect fit for their interests. See all the programs at metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-programs.

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New & Now

Spring Things 5 newsworthy happenings for families BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Bug out at the Tulsa Zoo For kids intrigued with butterflies, beetles and all things captivating and crawly, Tulsa Zoo’s new BUGS exhibit will delight and educate visitors beginning in mid-March. Kids will be wowed by gigantic robotic insects and arachnids hissing, buzzing, clicking and waving antennae and legs as they learn about species from around the world. Young visitors can climb on a giant monarch caterpillar sculpture and then watch larger-than-life robotic butterflies flutter as they learn about their life cycle and threats faced from habitat destruction. Sure to incite giggles: the stinkbug that releases a scented air blast! Don’t miss the giant nests of leaf-cutter ants, termite mounds and beehives, plus learn why honeybees are essential to agriculture and how local families can help them thrive. BUGS will be on display at the Tulsa Zoo through Labor Day. Tickets to BUGS are $6 for non-members and $5 for members. Admission to BUGS is not included in general zoo admission.

ROBOTIC INSECTS AND ARACHNIDS CAPTIVATE GUESTS IN TULSA ZOO'S NEW BUGS EXHIBIT.

First Americans Museum launches teen workshops A new initiative at First Americans Museum, the Teen Workshop series introduces students of all backgrounds, ages 13 to 17, to Indigenous cultures through extended active learning opportunities. Students gain knowledge from mentors, culture bearers and professional educators through goal-oriented activities that promote team building, sustainable lifeways and friendship.

During Spring Break, March 18 to 22, participants will explore a Native Garden Workshop about First American foods and organic farming practices. Participants will prepare a garden for the spring growing season and enjoy tasty recipes. Summer teen workshops will be announced soon. Older students also have the opportunity to become Summer Teen Guides, assisting with FAMcamps. Teen Guides receive $10 an hour for up to 20 hours a week over the 11 weeks of summer

camps. Students must be between 15 and 18 years old. Applications open March 11. For more information, visit famok. org/teens.

TEENS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN IN CHEF LORETTA'S GARDEN AS PART OF FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM'S NEW TEEN WORKSHOP SERIES.

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For more than 30 years, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has been a hub of learning through open-ended play for children and families. Over the past year, the museum has undergone extensive outdoor renovations to add even more interactive experiences for children of all ages. “Outdoor play is not only fun for kids but also good for their physical and mental health and development,” said Eileen Castle, executive director of the museum. “Our outdoor environment is a wonderful way to explore nature and provides for unique play opportunities that can’t be easily replicated inside." The new spaces encourage movement, exploration and curiosity for kids and adults alike. In the summer of 2023, the museum added a children’s garden with themed spaces, a pretend play greenhouse and fairy garden build space; a sensory garden with musical instruments, rain fountain and pollinator gardens; and a shipyard with a two-level pirate ship, boat swing and net lounge area. Recently, a farmyard was completed that includes chickens, goats and ducks; an animal meet-and-greet space; a pretend play mini farm; and a kid and goat dual playground. The newest addition is a ZipKrooz, a 70-foot playground-height zipline that also includes an accessible zipline for guests with special needs. A sand and water play area with cranes, a mud kitchen and waterfall stream is expected to be completed by the start of the summer season. "We focus on natural elements, like sticks, dirt, leaves and flowers, which are amazing open- ended materials that are easily adaptable to kids’ imaginations and needs and offer countless possibilities for play,” said Castle. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and will offer special STEM programming for guests during Spring Break. Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum completes new outdoor space

JASMINE MORAN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM'S NEW OUTDOOR SPACE INCLUDES A CHILDREN'S GARDEN, FARMYARD, ACCESSIBLE ZIPLINE AND SHIPYARD.

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New & Now

Science Museum Oklahoma unveils new sensory room

SMO’s Sensory Space provides a quiet and soothing environment for guests and was designed particularly for those with autism and other forms of neurodiversities who are seeking relaxation and respite from overstimulation. “We know that the museum is often filled with activity and noise and can be overwhelming for some people,” said Allen Voyles, SMO’s vice president of operations. “So the Sensory Space provides a retreat for anyone feeling sensory overload.” This specialized room offers a range of experiences promoting sensory integration in a calm environment. Guests enjoy low lighting, a bubble waterfall, special seating, fidget toys and more. The room is located on the first floor of the museum between the Tinkering Garage and Explorazone. SMO also continues to offer sensory kits available for guests to check out inside the museum. Kits include a sensory story, map, ear covers, eye shades, gloves, a timer and fidget toys.

LOW LIGHTING AND SPECIALIZED SEATING CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENT IN SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA'S NEW SENSORY SPACE.

OKCMOA opens exhibit featuring Georgia O’Keeffe Magnificent Beauty: Georgia O’Keeffe and the Art of the Flower , organized by OKCMOA, examines explorations of flowers in painting and photography by O’Keeffe and photographer Imogen Cunningham. The exhibition opens March 9 and will be on display through July 7. O’Keeffe redefined the tradition of floral still-life painting by incorporating techniques of photography (a relatively new medium in the early 20th century) into her works, choosing to depict the subject cropped and at close range to focus on color and form. Guests will have the opportunity to compare and contrast O’Keeffe’s style with Cunningham’s, who also portrayed flowers in close-up but whose photographs call attention to the play of light and shadow as well as the subject’s intricate details. Magnificent Beauty demonstrates how each artist transformed the traditional subject with a modernist, and at times abstracted, take on the natural world. The exhibition is included with admission. New in 2024, OKCMOA is offering free admission to all guests on the second Sunday of each month. Kids 17 and under always get in free.

GEORGIA O'KEEFFE. WHITE BIRD OF PARADISE , 1939. OIL ON CANVAS, 19 X 16 INCHES. GEORGIA O'KEEFFE MUSEUM. GIFT OF JEAN HOLMES MCDONALD. © GEORGIA O'KEEFFE MUSEUM. [2009.2.1] PHOTO: TIM NIGHSWANDER/IMAGING4ART

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Jan and Mark Hilderbrand have always had a house full of kids. Their own children, their kids’ friends, neighbor kids and children from their youth ministry filled their home with love and laughter for many years. When their children reached adulthood and moved out, their nest stayed empty for two years until they felt the call to become foster parents. In March 2021, after several months of training, Jan and Mark opened their home to children in foster care. Since then, they’ve welcomed 32 kids into their home, ranging from 18 months old to teenagers. While their journey hasn’t always been easy, their unconditional love for the children in their care, as well as for the kids’ biological families, and their joy in helping kids heal have been constant. “We want to provide a safe place where they feel secure and loved,” said Mark. The truth about teens Mark notes that many families are only interested in fostering babies, but because the Hilderbrands have already raised their own children, they felt equipped to work with any age child and to take multiple children at once. They are especially adept at working with teens, an age group that can be hard to place. Mark says just like raising any teen can be difficult at times, fostering teens is not without challenges, often because of what they have been through. “They [think they] are grown, they think they know how the world works and they’ve been hurt so much they don’t always want to build relationships,” said Mark. “It can be hard to get them to open up.” The Hilderbrands have developed a tried-and-true process to first reassure the children in their care that they are safe and then patiently build trust. First, they communicate often how much they want the children in their home to be there. Mark recalls one teen he took for a drive to talk about how they could better communicate with each other. Mark told him repeatedly, “We really want you here,” and once the teen understood he was truly wanted, the relationship improved. Second, the Hilderbrands allow the kids limited phone time and make mealtimes and evenings phones-free so they can focus on building those relationships. “We have conversations as a family, laugh and talk about what happened that day so they get that sense of community,” said Jan. “We treat the kids like they are part of our family. Watching them open up is one of my favorite parts. Every kid should have that chance to just be a kid.” Nurturing Teens & Building Futures From an empty nest to a house full of hope: The Hilderbrands’ foster care story BY ERIN PAGE

Third, they provide consistency. The family rules and expectations around behavior don’t change and the family schedule remains as consistent as possible from day to day. “Our oldest son has ADHD and he thrived on a schedule, so that really trained us,” said Jan. “We’re on the go as a family but we still try to do pretty much the same things around bedtimes and mealtimes so the kids know what to expect.” Fourth, they embrace the philosophy that trust is built over time. Every child in their care is a unique individual who has been through varied situations, and they deal with those experiences differently. “Especially with teens, you don’t know what they’ve been through until they are willing to talk, and you have to be patient,” said Mark. “Showing love will open the door so you can work through [their past trauma].” Finally, they always keep their promises. “If we use the words ‘I promise,’ that means we’ll run through a flood to be there,” said Jan. While the idea of fostering teens may seem overwhelming to some, Jan and Mark have found much joy in giving older kids the chance to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like laughter over a game of Uno, while also helping them overcome the trauma they’ve been through and look toward their futures. “They realize that everything isn’t negative, and they get a glimpse of what their life could be like,” said Jan. “They have hope.”

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Building a community of support A common fear among potential foster parents is that they will have to navigate the unknown waters of their journey alone. Mark has found that to be unfounded. The case workers the Hilderbrands have worked with have been extremely helpful, and Mark appreciates that, with their case workers’ help, they’ve been able to determine which kids will flourish best in their home. Jan and Mark have been intentional in building their own support system, too, relying on their church family to help provide resources and finding babysitters who can provide them a night off every so often. They have also served as a support system for the biological families of the kids in their care. The Hildebrands provide frequent encouragement to the biological families and they remind them that they aren’t there to take their children or take their place but rather to love their kids while they get the help they need. “We choose to love them as much as we possibly can,” said Jan of biological parents. “As long as they are trying, we will try with them.” Jan and Mark remain in contact with a sibling pair who left their home for their forever home with an aunt. They receive regular updates and photos and even get to see the girls often at their church. Another child in their care is on the path to reunification with her mom, and the Hilderbrands look forward to continuing to support their family. “We hope to fall into ‘grandparent mode,’” said Mark. “She [mom] knows we are there for her and she wants to be part of our lives. That’s so pleasing for us.”

Taking the next step More foster families like the Hildebrands are needed in Oklahoma, particularly for teens and sibling groups. Jan says foster parents don’t have to be superheroes and they don’t have to be perfect — they simply must be resolved to be committed and provide a lot of love, just like parents do every day with their own kids. For those families for whom fostering isn’t possible, there are plenty of ways to offer much-needed support, like providing a meal, clothing or other resources to a foster family or offering to babysit. “That support makes all the difference in the world,” said Mark. Learn more about becoming a foster family or supporting foster families at okfosters.org. Editor’s note: This article part of a series in partnership with Oklahoma Human Services about foster care in our state. Find the full series at metrofamilymagazine.com/foster-care.

SPONSORED BY

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Experience Indigenous cuisine at Thirty Nine restaurant at First Americans Museum, open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plus, meet more inspirational First Americans and learn about the 39 Tribal Nations in Oklahoma by visiting the exhibits at First Americans Museum. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday. The third Sunday of each month is free for kids 12 and under. Learn more about the museum, restaurant and kids programming like FAMcamps at famok.org.

Get Growing! Create your own garden at home with Chef Loretta’s tips: 1. Start very small with a container garden. Get a metal trough at a feed store, layer rocks in the bottom, then add a layer of sand and then good soil. (Or you can start even smaller with a single tomato plant or pepper plant in a pot.) 2. Plant corns, beans and squash — the Three Sisters! 3. Add herbs like basil, oregano and chives. 4. Plant edible flowers, like marigolds. You can pull the petals off and sprinkle them on a salad. They have a great peppery taste.

That sparked a thought that I would open a Native food restaurant. My eldest son, Clay, and I opened the Corn Dance Café in Santa Fe in 1993 and it took off. It was the right place at the right time. And that just spurred my all-consuming passion to learn more about Native and Indigenous foods — pre-contact or pre-Columbian foods. I wanted to know: what did they hunt and grow throughout the Americas? I learn something new every day. What do you most enjoy about working with kids in Chef Loretta’s Garden at FAMcamp, and what lessons do you hope to impart to them? I love the curiosity and wonder in kids’ eyes when they see and learn new things. Now, you have to do this subliminally — you can’t let them know it’s good for them! A lot of it is about playing in the dirt — I always garden with bare hands because I like to feel the earth. I try to plant some things that are fast growing — like radishes — because kids can see them grow and then harvest and taste them. Last year, we shucked corn and the kids ate raw corn, made bundles of corn silk to make corn silk tea and they took home husks to make tamales or corn husk dolls. This year, we’ll be painting with ears of corn or corn cobs and making plant dyes with smushed up berries. We get messy, we have fun and we taste all along the way. I enjoy showing them that food nourishes our body, but it also nourishes our hearts and our soul. I think I have more fun than the kids!

What is your current favorite dish to prepare? My go-to is something involving the Three Sisters [corn, beans and squash]. When they are planted, grown, harvested and eaten together, they provide the perfect protein and amino acids — you could live off of it! I make a Three Sisters stew with blue corn dumplings and a Three Sisters salad with all kinds of greens. But my favorite dish hearkens back to my Okie roots and is named after my son Clay, who passed away and was a brilliant, creative chef. Clay’s Buffaloaf uses buffalo meat and quinoa instead of panko for the binder. It’s good fresh out of the oven, but my favorite is a cold meatloaf sandwich the next day. What has it meant to you to serve as an ambassador and re-vitalizor of First American cuisine? I’ve been doing this for 35 years, and when I began, there were no representations of Native foods anywhere. For so many years it was cyclical. I would come back in vogue every 10 years, always at Thanksgiving, and be on the Today Show . I’d tell about the real Thanksgiving — I do love to get out there and stir the pot. But now it’s happening! I have worked with and mentored and cooked alongside young chefs all over the country. We’re getting Beard awards and young chefs are opening new restaurants. This is one of my great joys.

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Local Family Fun

Cultivating Creativity in OKC Discover innovative outlets where imaginations can run wild BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Creativity is the simplest form of self-expression as creative activities build confidence and celebrate uniqueness. Maya Angelou said it best: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” The arts are for more than mere amusement. They invite kids to explore new skills and experiences while boosting sensory exploration, critical thinking and motor skills. Creative play also

facilitates imagination and social interaction, which helps build empathy and other interpersonal skills. OKC offers a wealth of creative opportunities for the whole family. Get creative this spring at these innovative local spots! Visual arts Oklahoma Contemporary is a multidisciplinary arts center offering a wide variety of educational art-centered opportunities. Museum admission is always free, plus Oklahoma Contemporary provides free family-focused programming throughout the year. Second Saturdays include art-making experiences, gallery tours, music and movement opportunities and much more. Upcoming events on March 9 and April 13 will focus on tiny treasures and a mystery art lab, respectively. “The mystery art lab is a concept I have wanted to do for a while,” shared Christine Gibson, senior manager of youth and family programs. “We have gathered quite a collection of art supplies, and we want to see what kids and families can make. We are excited to see them go wild!” Teaching artists will be on hand to provide support and guidance. The May 11 Second Saturday event is all about summer camp so attendees can get an inside look at the activities available during summer break. No registration is required. Simply show up and expect to have fun. “We will have a variety of teaching artists on hand sharing what kids can learn about over the summer — ceramics, performance and music, DJing … A little bit of everything,” said Gibson. Gibson loves seeing kids break down barriers and build confidence, especially during Camp Contemporary, which takes place during spring and summer breaks. “Art provides self-expression and collaboration, art helps kids become problem solvers,” shared Gibson. “We aren’t looking for perfection; there is no right or wrong. I am always blown away to see kids grow through art.” Oklahoma Contemporary also offers adult studio classes and workshops. Learn more about their family programming at oklahomacontemporary.org/learn.

KIDS CAN EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVE SIDE THROUGH A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS AT CAMP CONTEMPORARY, INCLUDING DJING WITH TONY TEE. PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA WATSON.

Additional visual arts options: • From jewelry and soap making to quilting, glasswork and mosaic, explore a variety of arts and crafts at The Craft Room in Warr Acres. • Edmond Fine Arts Institute offers art classes for kids as young as age 3 up to adults. • Admission is always free at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art , plus families can print off the FJJMA Art Bingo card for a fun way to explore the art on display. • Norman Firehouse Art Center offers after-school classes in a variety of mediums that encourage kids to express themselves through art. • Make your next visit to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art a hands-on adventure. Pack a sketch pad and some pencils (pens are not permitted) and spend time drawing or writing about what you see in the galleries. The museum hosts drop-in art ac- tivities on the third Saturday of each month. Kids always get in free, and on the second Sunday of each month, adults do, too! • Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of arts classes and clubs, from toddler classes all the way up to ceramics for seniors. • Home to 18 galleries, merchants and artists, the Paseo Arts District offers a variety of workshops from pottery and needlepoint to dance. • Try your hand at hand-building, wheel-throwing and glazing at Preacher Pottery . Classes and workshops are available for kids, adult beginners and beyond.

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OKC PARKS OFFERS A DIVERSE LINEUP OF PERFORMING ARTS FOR CREATIVES OF ALL AGES. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OKC PARKS.

Performing arts OKC Parks and Recreation is on a mission to provide cultural, social and recreational experiences that also promote wellness. Participants in their programs are invited to explore, learn and grow, all in a playful way. Performing arts programming is offered at several recreation centers, including NW Optimist, Taylor, Southern Oaks and Willa D. Johnson. From jazz band and guitar lessons to dance and musical theatre, kids and adults can tap in to their creativity and learn something new. They even have toddler acting classes, called Creative Dramatics, in which teachers use familiar fairy tales to help little ones practice following directions while exploring their imaginations. On Saturdays at the Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center, kids can drop in to a dance class from 3 to 5 p.m. The energetic class explores creative movement, music and self-expression utilizing a variety of dance styles. The inclusive environment is tailored to get kids moving and having fun with their peers. Classes are $5 for members. (Memberships start at $10 a month for kids and $15 a month for adults. A $5 discount for youth is available through a scholarship endowment.) Audition-based productions are open to anyone in the community. OKC Parks’ most recent production, Peter and the Starcatcher , will hit the stage March 7 through 9 at the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Follow OKC Parks on Facebook to keep up with all their fun programming.

Culinary arts When kids delve into culinary arts, they are channeling all their senses into the creative process, learning how to combine ingredients into delicious results. Plus, they benefit from the math, science and reading involved in cooking! Aimee Bush, the pastry chef at Belle’s Kitchen in Oklahoma City, has expanded their cooking classes so “families can learn something new and have some fun, too.” “It is so great to see [participants’] personalities shine,” shared Bush. “Our classes are first and foremost about having fun, and if you walk away with a bit more knowledge, then that’s great, too.” Additional performing arts options: • The American Banjo Museum ’s FREE Pick-a-Tune with Lucas sessions provide an introduction to playing the banjo. Participants must preregister online and complimentary museum admission is included. • Artworks Academy of Performing Arts offers classes through three schools: School of Dance, School of Theatre and School of Music. • Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord Academy offers an integrated program that includes private lessons, classes and camps. • Oklahoma Children’s Theatre provides live theatre and interactive educational experiences for young audiences, including after-school classes and camps. Running through April 7, see Dr. Suess’s The Cat in the Hat , a theatrical adaptation of the children’s classic starring the mischievous cat. • Classes in dance, pom, theater, acrobatics and more are open to all ages and abilities at Studio J Performing Arts Center . • The Studio of The Sooner Theatre in Norman offers classes and camps for acting, singing, dance, improv, magic and more. • Velocity Dance Center offers ballet, pom, hip hop, jazz and tap classes for kids ages 2 and up. Their Dance with Me class is perfect for toddlers who love to move with their favorite grown-up!

EVEN THE YOUNGEST CHEFS GET HANDS ON IN THE COOKING CLASSES AT BELLE’S KITCHEN. PHOTO BY AIMEE BUSH.

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Local Family Fun

Belle’s Kitchen offers family, adult, kid and couples classes, as well as camps when school is out. One of their most popular classes is Toddler Donut Fun, which tends to sell out fast. “The little ones get to use their muscles to roll the dough,” explained Bush. “They get to cut the donuts … and their favorite part is typically adding the sprinkles.” Kids can also learn how to make macarons, pretzels, cake, candy and more. Classes range from $15 to $40. Week-long camps are $200. Learn more at belleskitchenokc.com.

Additional culinary arts options: • Drop-in classes at Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center teach culinary skills as well as personal development and etiquette. Each hour-long class is just $5 with membership and is divided by age from elementary to high school. • Short-term classes at Francis Tuttle Technology Center invite students and adults to explore courses like cake decorating for beginners, a heart-healthy cooking series, cultural cuisine and more.

INNOVATIVE TECH AT ICODE BLENDS THE POWER OF CODING, STORYTELLING AND MORE WITH ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESSES, CRAFTING A UNIQUE CREATIVE EXPERIENCE. PHOTOS BY TYSON WOODARD AND KARA BROOKS.

STEAM Animation, game design, digital photography, video production, animation – there are so many high-tech creative mediums that kids can explore! At iCode , their belt program builds foundational skills for kids as young as age 5 as they move through color-coded levels exploring programming, computational thinking, graphic design and more. The organization’s Paths programs let kids take a deep dive into their desired STEM topic of choice, including robotics. “We emphasize soft skills and innovation,” said Kara Brooks, director of iCode Edmond. “Kids work independently and as a team in different areas of the tech world.” Single-day and weeklong camps challenge kids to create using engineering design processes, mathematical concepts and project management, some of which are centered on popular platforms such as Minecraft, Roblox, virtual reality and YouTube. “You’d be surprised [by] just how much creativity goes into making a video game,” shared Brooks. “Kids have to create characters, the plot, a narrative and then code it.” iCode even offers a Digital Fashionista camp for ages 10 to 14 that explores high-tech projects such as LED earrings and light-up clothing.

Whether your child is into cooking, drawing, performing, exploring STEAM or all of the above, OKC’s creative spaces will inspire their imaginations, hobbies and perhaps even career choices. Happy creating! Additional STEAM options: • Library makerspaces are the ultimate creative workshops! Both Metropolitan Library and Pioneer Library systems offer makerspaces equipped with professional-grade tools such as 3D printers and laser engravers that families can access free of charge. You just need a library card. • While all of Science Museum Oklahoma inspires creativity, the Tinkering Garage and Tinker Works makerspaces are intentionally designed to pair STEAM experiences with hands-on learning.

Editor’s note: Find direct links to each of the creative spaces in this article at metrofamilymagazine.com/creative-spaces-in-okc.

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024

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From Storm Clouds to Rainbows Emily Sutton explains climate change and how families can help make a difference BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED. As a child, Oklahoma City meteorologist Emily Sutton won a contest to talk with her town’s mayor about the importance of recycling. Her focus on caring for our Earth has persisted into adulthood. A mom now herself, Sutton says adults could use more of the wonder kids instinctively embody about the natural world, as well as their resolve to make a positive difference. Sutton has been experiencing Oklahoma’s extreme weather firsthand for 14 years. She started her job with KFOR just a few weeks before the infamous 2009 Christmas Eve blizzard. This past summer, she reported the state’s all- time heat index of nearly 127 degrees in Jay, Okla. Weather extremes like these can be a scary subject for kids. As a frequent speaker to school children, Sutton has a knack for helping kids understand these topics and empowering them to devise impactful solutions. We interviewed Sutton to get her take on the impact climate change is already making on our state, the implications for the future and what families can do now to turn the tide.

METEOROLOGIST EMILY SUTTON HAS REPORTED ON OKLAHOMA'S EXTREME WEATHER FOR THE PAST 14 YEARS.

temperature changes take a toll on cattle. Warmer years can mean more disease; colder years can mean more cattle dying off or needing extra coal to keep the cattle warm. These effects on agriculture do impact everyone. We think grocery prices are high right now, but as we have more extreme weather, we all pay out of pocket for that. Small temperature changes also mean insects are sticking around longer, so the mosquito season is longer. We also now have insects that have never before migrated this far north. The pollen season is longer, which can translate to more or worse allergies. Everything is connected to our weather. Climate change can be triggering and political for some — but at the end of the day, you don’t have to believe in climate change to believe in droughts and floods. Science is science. This is our planet — we are all living here and we should take care of it. What are the implications for Oklahoma’s future? The extremes we’re noticing in our weather now will be normal for our grandchildren. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) climate models are in high agreement that Oklahoma can expect our temperatures to be hotter by about 2 to 5 degrees by mid- century, which isn’t that far away, depending on carbon emissions. With lower carbon emissions, OKC can expect an average of 10 additional 100 degree days each summer. With higher emissions, we’d have 20 to 30 additional 100 degree days.

We think of Oklahoma as being a common place for weather extremes — but what are some of the extremes we’ve seen the past few years that you’d classify as abnormal? Within 14 years of being here — even by Oklahoma standards — we’ve had many abnormal weather events, starting, for me, with the Christmas Eve blizzard of 2009, which brought 14 inches of snow. We had the hottest summer on record in 2011, with 63 100 degree days (during which I decided to train for a triathlon!). In May 2013, we had two violent tornadoes hit major metropolitan areas, which is unheard of since less than 1 percent of tornadoes are classified as violent (EF4 or EF5). Only a week and half later, we also had the widest tornado on record, which was 2.6 miles wide with measured winds to nearly 300 miles per hour. This last summer, we set the all-time highest heat index in Jay of nearly 127 degrees. And those are just a few examples. It’s easy to see how climate change affects farmers and others whose livelihoods are tied to the weather. But how does climate change affect everyday families here in the metro? I recently interviewed ranchers and farmers in Loyal, Okla. as they’ve watched the climate change through the years. They’re experiencing longer periods of prolonged drought. The past few winters, we’ve experienced La Niña, or unseasonably warm and dry conditions. Now we’ve switched to El Niño, which can mean below average temperatures and above average precipitation but doesn’t guarantee it. The impact for [these] farmers is that these

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024

Weather vs. climate Weather is what we experience every day.

Climate is the weather scientifically calculated over decades, specifically, weather averages over a 30-year period.

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SUTTON TEACHES KIDS ABOUT OKLAHOMA’S WEATHER THROUGH KFOR’S WEATHERSCHOOL PROGRAM.

We’re going to have to have rapid adaptation for infrastructure, electricity, roads and waterways. While we’re forecasting the same amount of precipitation on average, it’s going to happen in bigger bursts followed by longer periods of drought, which means more flooding. Our waterways, dams and roads are not meant to deal with that. It means more sink holes and washed out bridges, not to mention a rise in wildfires. Weather can be a scary subject for kids — especially in Oklahoma. How can parents talk to our kids about climate change effectively and how can we make positive changes together?

We always say, ‘don’t be scared, be prepared.’ Knowledge can help take away kids’ fears. Learn together. The National Weather Service and drawdown.org offer great resources. Then start doing things that help take care of our planet. Take out the recycling together. Start composting. Minimize plastics. Take shopping bags to the store. Look into solar panels or wind energy. It may seem overwhelming, but kids especially think they can take on the world. We can be inspired by them and leave a better planet for our kids and grandkids. Collectively, we can all use these mitigation techniques and we can vote for opportunities to help our planet.

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SUTTON WARNS THAT THE EXTREMES WE’RE NOTICING IN OUR WEATHER NOW WILL BECOME NORMAL FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024 23

10 ways families can slow climate change

5. Plant native species in your yard, which contributes to biodiversity and also serves to conserve water. Consider symbiotic relationships, like plants that attract pollinators or planting garlic to keep aphids away from other plants, to improve sustainability. 6. Improve your soil quality. Use compost to enrich your soil and consider practices like permaculture and raising worms to enhance soil health. 7. Reduce paper and plastic usage. Instead of using paper towels or napkins, use washable, reusable alternatives. 8. Support local businesses and corporations that prioritize environmental sustainability. 9. Be politically aware. Stay informed about political initiatives related to environmental conservation. Choose candidates who prioritize green legislation and value environmental preservation. 10. Find a community of others committed to sustainable living. Research initiatives and best practices together and then encourage implementation.

Can one family really make a difference when it comes to combating climate change? We posed that question to Amy Young, founder of OKC sustainability-focused educational center SixTwelve, who says when families work together, we can move the needle toward positive change. “Making small, consistent changes over time can have a significant impact,” said Young. “It’s essential to involve children in these practices and create a supportive community that shares common goals for sustainable living.” Young shares 10 ways families can help slow climate change and love our planet: 1. Educate children. Teach children how living a more sustainable life helps the Earth, plant and animal life and our fellow humans. 2. Be mindful of waste disposal. Consider what you can recycle instead. 3. Compost food waste. Food waste takes much longer to break down in a landfill, which releases more gasses and speeds up climate change. 4. Conserve water with water catchment systems. A rain barrel is a great way to start.

EDUCATIONAL CENTER SIXTWELVE TEACHES KIDS AND FAMILIES TO EMBRACE MORE SUSTAINABILITY-FOCUSED LIFESTYLES. Sound overwhelming? Young advocates families choose just one step to focus on at a time. “Don’t put pressure on yourself to do it all,” advises Young. “Integrate one thing per season that you can lovingly do for yourself and your family.”

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