Colorado Parent April 2022

April 2022

Growing Great Families Since 1986

Everyone All Together

DOLLARS & GOOD SENSE Teach Kids Money Skills

Make Your Yard Eco-friendly PLUS! 4 GREEN KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

Denver’s Best Inclusive Activities for Families

Craft Simple & Sweet SPRING LAMBS

60 April Events & Ideas for Family Fun

APRIL 2022

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Celebrate our big, beautiful planet with activities all about our amazing home, Earth!

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Spruce up Your Porch This Spring

Want to add some seasonal cheer to your house? Enter Spruce, a Denver-based luxury service that will bring elevated beauty to your home exterior entry. The porch stylists add decorative accents like fresh botanicals, layered outdoor rugs, lanterns and lighting sources, and seasonal wreaths. “As busy mamas ourselves, we fully understand what a treat it is to have something taken off your plate,” says Britt Herrera, co-founder of Spruce. “Curated porch designs are one of those little luxuries that make a big impact and add extra beauty to your everyday life.” The process is seamless: Send a photo of your entry and choose an installation date. On the

selected day, the team will bring all necessary tools and materials to dress up your porch, tidy up, and leave you to enjoy the design throughout the season. The team will come back to remove the decor or transition your entry for the next season. “Our designs, and especially our holiday installations, are created with the whole family in mind. We love adding a little extra magic and delighting kiddos and parents alike,” says Herrera. Spruce offers service to Denver and surrounding areas, within a 20-mile radius. Prices start at $285. Check out more of their installations on Instagram at @sprucedesigndenver. spruce-design.com —Kara Thompson

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 3

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7 SPORTS BOOKS FOR BUDDING ATHLETES Encourage your kids’ fervor for sports with these books.

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KEEP THE THRILL OF THE HUNT ALIVE AFTER EASTER These fun activities will inspire your family to seek and search all year long.

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PREVENT YOUTH SPORTS INJURIES If you’re raising an athlete, you know that inju- ries are always a possibility. Use these expert tips to protect your kiddo.

CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKE MEALS MAGICAL A therapist who specializes in treating children with feeding deficits shares her go-to, cheerful meal ideas.

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Colorado Parent is published monthly by 5280 Publishing, Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Additional copies can be purchased for $5.00 per issue. Call (303) 320-1000 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products, or services are endorsed by the Publisher. Editorial submissions are welcome. Colorado Parent (ISSN 1937-1020) ©2022 5280 Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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EXPLORE MORDECAI CHILDREN’S GARDEN Dig into nature in this special place just for kids. No two visits are the same!

Get tickets today at botanicgardens.org

10th & York Street

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 5

good to know

contents

Imagination Videobooks creates digital picture books accompanied by sign language interpreters and audio descriptions to engage children with vision and hearing impairments.

2021

3 Spruce up your porch this spring. 11 Good Neighbors Feel The Beat makes music and dance accessible. 12 Solutions Teaching kids the value of money. 14 Roundup A parent's recycling guide. 16 What We Love Kids running gear essentials. good to know 19 Veggie-Stamped Signs of Spring Decorate your spring brunch table with these sweet lambs. play

Making Picture Books Accessible for Visually and Hearing-Impaired Kids

As a person with many blind friends, Richard Rieman learned that parents of blind children couldn’t always clearly convey the rich illustrations in picture books. As an audiobook narrator himself, he also was keenly aware of audiobooks’ inaccessibility to blind children. Rieman founded the nonprofit, Imagination Videobooks, to bridge these gaps and support blind and deaf children. His team of narrators and interpreters—many of whom are visually or hearing-impaired themselves—combine digital picture books with audio descriptions of the illustrations, as well as captions, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. “Today, everything can be read in a robotic voice on a device, but we are trying to give children

a performance, and teach them to love literature even at three, four, and five years old,” Rieman explains. The Lakewood-based nonprofit has adapted more than 100 picture books, including Winnie the Pooh , and other self- and independently-published books that grant permission to distribute accessible versions. “We like to select stories that normalize the fact that every child is different, and that’s OK,” Rieman says. Families can access the books for free through the Described and Captioned Media Program, Spotify and other podcast platforms, or by subscription on Vimeo. “The idea is that (the books) are for all children,” Rieman says. “And we are opening up a whole new genre.” imaginationvideobooks.org —Lydia Rueger

explore

23 Everyone All Together Our favorite inclusive spots in Denver and beyond.

wellness

31 Raise a Runner Make running a family affair with these helpful tips.

6 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

What will happen if … ?

How much money will it take to provide a quality life … ? Who will ever “fill my shoes” if I can’t take care of my child? As a special parent, I feel your concerns. As a financial professional and Chartered Special Needs Consultant with over 30 years of experience, I help you find answers to these questions and help build a sustainable strategy for your child’s future.

Melissa J. Lang, CLU, ChSNC 720-259-6070 melissalang@financialguide.com

Melissa Lang is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory, and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. OSJ: 4600 S. Ulster St. Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80237 (720) 259-6070. Special Needs Planning Partners is not an affiliate or subsidiary of MML Investors Services, LLC CRN202303-279789

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 7

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home

happenings 39 Our Top Picks for Family Fun From a party for the planet to an evening with Mickey Mouse and friends. 42 To Do Today 44 Ongoing Events 35 Green Your Yard the Eco-friendly Way How families can set up outdoor areas for climate success. fresh mindset 46 Denver parents Mark and Danae Davison share the wild joy of building neurodiverse friendships.

to approach someone with a sensory overload, and effective communication,” says Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity. Each stadium has sensory bags available for check out, which include noise- canceling headphones and fidget tools. In addition, venues offer social stories for families to review before a visit with information that explains to guests what they can expect. Social stories are specific to each venue, but often include how to identify event staff, how people might behave at the event, and where to locate bathrooms. Some venues offer designated quiet areas as well; just ask at guest services. For locations that don’t have dedicated space for quiet areas, KultureCity offers a mobile sensory station. Coors Field staff is currently being trained for the certification, and hopes to have sensory bags ready for the 2022 baseball season. “We make the ‘nevers’ possible,” Srivastava says. kulturecity.org —Lydia Rueger

Loud sounds, bright lights, and unfamiliar surroundings at large, crowded event venues can cause extreme emotional reactions for children with sensory processing disorder, autism, and other sensitivities. KultureCity makes it possible for families to enjoy a game at the stadium together. Founded in 2013, KultureCity is a nonprofit organization creating more sensory-accessible spaces. In Colorado, 11 venues have received its Sensory Inclusive certification, including Empower Field at Mile High, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Ball Arena, and Infinity Park. “We provide training for guest-facing staff on what sensory needs are, how

26 Colorado Parent Camp Showcase advertisement

on the cover Photo: Getty Images.

12 Teach Kids Money Skills 19 Craft Simple & Sweet Spring Lambs 23 Everyone All Together 35 Make Your Yard Eco-friendly 39 60 April Events & Ideas for Family Fun

8 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

Denver Preschool Program helps every Denver family access the power of preschool. Resources to help you find a preschool that best meets your family’s needs Tuition credits to lower your monthly costs at more than 250 quality programs

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Imagine the Amazing.

Summer Is Coming! At Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club, there’s so much to discover. Every week, children explore new themes- like sports, arts, robotics and more- through fun hands-on activities that encourage learning and new ways of thinking. Join us all summer long and together we’ll create Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts. Summer Adventure Club Offered Each Week • May 31st- August 24th Fun for children in kindergarten through fifth grade!

• Fully accredited middle and high school for grades 6–12. • Small class sizes and school community. • Serving students with learning differences. • Individualized and self-paced programs. • Enrolling year round. www. humanex academy.com 2700 S. Zuni Street, Englewood, CO 80110 | 303.783.0137

Primrose School of Denver Central Park 303.322.7200 2501 Syracuse St, Denver CO 80238

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Primrose School of Denver North 720.405.5150 9954 E 59th Ave, Denver CO 80238

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 9

good to know

Pickleball Food Pub Brings Year-Round Indoor Play Bubble gum-like pops fill the air as pickleballers of all ages and skills test out the new eight-court Pickleball Food Pub in Westminster, which opened in February. “This is what they come for,” says owner Sam Brown, stooping to touch the force-reduction (easy on the joints) tennis court-like floor. Recreation centers often set up pickleball on multipurpose wood courts, on which the whiffle ball can skip awkwardly, according to long-time player, Brown. The gym and pub, off Wadsworth Parkway and 90th Avenue, welcomes guests into a lobby complete with table tennis, corn hole, 24 beer taps, and a pro shop. There’s no kitchen on site, but players can get eats delivered from nearby partners Marco’s Pizza, CD’s Wings, and Baskin-Robbins ice cream; a handy option for families who book the party room. Find a full schedule of drop-in hours, doubles leagues, and specials online—kids ages five to 10 play free with parents on Sunday afternoons. pickleballfoodpub.com —Anna Sutterer

Egg Hunt for All Abilities Colorful eggs, 25,000 of them to be exact, will fill the two fields surrounding the Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater in Castle Rock on April 9. To make the Special Egg Hunt—put on each year by Front Range Church—welcoming to all families, specific times are set aside to accommodate kids with varying needs. There’s a quiet hunt for kids with heightened sensitivity, a beeper-egg hunt for kids with visual impairments, and a time for kids with mobility impairments to pick up eggs with magnetized dowel rods. Three traditional hunts are also broken down by age groups for toddlers to 12-year-olds. Games, food trucks, and face painting round out the activities, but if things get overwhelming, families with special needs can take a break from the crowd in a designated quiet area. The hunt is free, but advance online registration, which comes with a free kids meal, is recommended. specialegghunt.com

SPRING CLEANING

Erase Tiny Fingerprints From These 3 Surfaces Got fingerprints all over your fridge, mirror, or doors? Clean them up quickly with these smart and earth-friendly strategies. STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES Pour a little white vinegar on a clean, soft microfiber cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain. Stainless steel has a definite “grain” that typically runs vertically. You want to rub in that direction to keep from scratching the surface. Start at the top and rub top to bottom, moving from the left to right side of the appliance. WOOD DOORS Dip a microfiber cleaning cloth in a mixture of 4 cups of warm water and a drop or two of Castile soap or dish soap. Wring out the cloth and wipe from top to bottom, then left to right. GLASS Combine 1½ cups of water, 1½ tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and three drops of your favorite essential oil to make your own glass cleaner. Spray a cleaning cloth with the mixture and wipe from top to bottom and left to right. —Becky Rapinchuk, blogger behind Clean Mama and mom of three

10 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

good neighbors

Get started on a brighter future TODAY!

Feel The Beat Connects Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People to Music and Dance

LEARN MORE!

Enroll now in Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange , where children with autism have lots of fun, meet new friends, and make real progress through expert, caring ABA therapy.

By Anna Sutterer

*We accept most health insurance, including Medicaid and Aetna.

hen deaf and hard-of-hearing students first get onto Feel The Beat’s floor and the music turns on, it’s apparent they are experiencing something special. Some are in pure

720.647.8541 enroll@behaviorexchange.com

shock, others light up and jump around, and the rest? “They sit on the floor, lie down, and are like, ‘I never want to leave,’” Jari Majewski Price, co-founder of the accessible dance organization, says. The difference is in the technology below the dancers. Majewski Price and co-founder Julia Faliano, who previously worked in special needs classrooms together, developed a patented bone conduction floor that transforms sound into vibrations. This is not like sitting in a car with the bass cranked up, Majewski Price adds. A device in their floor transforms sound waves from the music into vibrations, which travel through the body and activate the hearing system. This way, a distinction of instruments and rhythm comes through. Depending on the kind of hearing loss, Majewski Price says, individuals may even be able to hear the lyrics. Feel The Beat classes are particularly accessible to deaf and hard- of-hearing communities, considering the floor technology and use of American Sign Language, but are also beneficial for folks with and without various intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide sensory integration, balance and strength training, social interaction, and emotional expression. Since its opening in 2017, Feel The Beat has served more than 4,500 students of all ages and abilities through hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and creative movement classes. Having run successful classes at its former studio in Wheat Ridge, the organization plans to take its influence further. Through partnerships with other accessible movement programs, Feel The Beat will install its floor and curriculum in community spaces, including the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center in Lakewood and Brewability Lab inclusive restaurant and event space in Englewood, by the end of spring. feelthebeat.dance HOW YOU CAN HELP: Invest your skills and time; Feel The Beat appreciates volunteer contributions including graphic design, web design, event planning, social media management, fundraising, and teaching assistance. Scholarship fund donations help sponsor dancers with financial need.

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 11

solutions

Sometimes, it feels like the kids just want, want, want. How can we guide them toward wise spending and saving? A parent, a financial educator, and a VP at a kids’ bank offer their two cents. Teaching Kids the Value of Money

Edited by Courtney Drake-McDonough

THE FINANCIAL EDUCATOR SAYS… “From very early ages, kids see parents on their devices and, with a few clicks, items show up at their doorstep. To help kids gain financial intelligence, give them very small amounts of money, starting around age two, to contribute to causes the family is involved in. This sets the habit of giving. Around kindergarten age, give allowance in the form of money, points, or stickers. The objective is to receive something tangible that can be allocated to spend, share, invest, and save (in jars, for example). Print a picture of items they want to buy, along with the price, to put in the ‘save’ jar. Allowance should not be tied to grades, discipline, or chores since we all need to take on responsibilities at home, school, work, and in the community without payment expectations.” —Alex Mazloom, co-founder, Mind Treasures, mindtreasures.com

THE MOM OF THREE SAYS… “We do a weekly allowance based on their age ($1/year of age) for being a contributing family member. It is split into spend, save, and give jars. We let them use the ‘give’ money to support school fundraisers or other causes that are important to them. They have bank accounts and deposit some of their ‘save’ money. We buy the basic things, but if they want a soda at a restaurant instead of water, for instance, they have to use their ‘spend’ money. You have to stay steadfast in the plan. We aren’t always great at enforcing it, but it has made it easier for us to say ‘no.’ It’s hard for me to watch them use their ‘spend’ money on junk, but that’s part of the learning process of not having money to spend later.” —Anne Hawley, Denver, mom of an eight-year-old and six-year-old twins

THE VP OF A KIDS BANK SAYS… “Kids develop spending habits based on examples set by parents or guardians. When talking to them about spending, use relevant, tangible examples, and short- and long-term goals, geared toward their interests and age. Financial literacy books, games, and online resources can be helpful, as can letting young children handle and count cash and coins to learn their value. Allow kids to pay at the checkout line so they begin to understand that every item has a cost. Teach kids about ‘need vs. want.’ Needs are things they must have to survive like food and shelter. Wants are things they like having, but can survive without, such as toys, video games, cell phones, and brand-name clothing. Create a budget with them which includes spend, save, and share that they revisit and update regularly to help them decide how to use their money.” —Kelly R. Oster, vice president, Young Americans Bank, yacenter.org

12 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

STAR Institute is the leading international clinic for the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with differences in sensory processing and other conditions in which sensory challenges are common, e.g., attention deficit disorders, autism and social emotional differences. Our dedicated, multi-disciplinary team addresses regulation and relationships, community engagement, mental health, feeding and eating, academic/vocational success, communication and language development, through the lifespan. Sensory Heah Transforms Lives Making sense of sensation is what makes us successful!

Summer Camps Have fun while building self-esteem, social confidence, and communication skills! At STAR we offer a variety of summer camps and programs that support your child and family with daily activities that focus on the skills they need to succeed. We offer programs focused on motor mastery, language development, sensory and social skills for ages 3-18.

School Readiness Superhero In Training Bike Camp Rebounders Imagine Adventure Club Teen Club Critical Core

Funding available through Developmental Pathways and Rocky Mountain Human Services. Call STAR for additional information. ENROLL NOW AT www.sensoryhealth.org

Schedule your no-cost, phone consultation with a STAR Institute therapist TODAY! www.sensoryhealth.org or call us at 303-221-7827

MAKE A

WITH ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPLASH ARTISTIC SWIMMING TEAM

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Is your child interested in swimming, gymnastics, and dance? Artistic swimming might be your ticket! Try an Olympic sport with us! See our website for summer camp and clinic dates. rmsplash.org FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US AT OR EMAIL INFORMATION@RMSPLASH.ORG

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APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 13

roundup

Plus 6 other items they may not pick up curbside. Where To Recycle Toys

Crayons According to the National Crayon Recycle Program , more than 12 million crayons are manufactured each day; and because they are petroleum-based, they take many years to biodegrade. Instead of tossing old crayons, send them to the Program (you will cover the shipping cost) and they will turn them into new crayons. The National Crayon Recycling Program also has suggestions for school crayon drives. crazycrayons.com/recycle-program Mattresses Did you know mattresses can be broken down and the parts recycled? For a small fee, Spring Back Colorado in Commerce City and Fort Collins will disassemble and recycle mattresses, box springs, steel bed frames, and mattress toppers. Starting at $30 per mattress or box spring. Pick-up is also available for an additional fee. springbackco.org Sneakers Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program recycles athletic shoes at the end of their lives, turning them into new shoes, apparel, and Nike Grind sports surfaces including running tracks, turf fields, gym floors, and playgrounds. Any brand of used athletic shoes can be donated for free at participating Nike retail stores. nike.com/sustainability Socks Smartwool’s Second Cut Project keeps socks out of landfills, and works with Material Return—an

ecycling can be easy—toss paper, soda cans, glass, and newspapers into the recycle bin—but what about the

6 MORE PLACES THAT KEEP CASTOFFS OUT OF LANDFILLS Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Boulder takes a variety of household items. ecocycle.org/charm GoodBuy Gear , started by two Denver moms, accepts baby and kids gear and toys. They will help you resell or donate it. goodbuygear.com H&M Garment Collecting program allows shoppers to drop off clothing at store locations. hm.com Happy Beetle is a local subscription-based pickup service for hard-to-recycle items. thehappybeetle.com Libraries often collect gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays for their collection or annual book sales. Denver Public Library allows up to two boxes. denverlibrary.org/donate SustainAbility accepts a variety of hard- to-recycle items, and items for reuse. sustainability-recycling.com organization that has reclaimed nearly 1.5 million pounds of textiles—to repurpose them in new products like filling for dog beds. Add a free Take Back mail-in bag to your online cart at checkout, fill it up with any brand or style of clean used socks, and return it using a prepaid shipping label. smartwool.com

endless boxes of toys, broken crayons, and outgrown baby gear sitting in the basement? If creating a healthy planet for your children (and grandchildren) is on your mind, explore the many options for diverting kid paraphernalia from the landfill. These ideas are just the beginning: Toys Have a box of ready-for-retirement toys? Here’s some good news: the international mail-in recycling organization, TerraCycle , works with manufacturers VTech, Leapfrog, Hasbro, and L.O.L. Surprise! to keep toys out of the landfills. Visit the TerraCycle website to review the program details and a list of accepted toys, then pack everything up and send it in with the downloadable free shipping label. terracycle.com Baby Gear WeeCycle , based in Aurora, accepts donations of new and gently used baby clothing and gear such as baby monitors, bassinets, breast pumps, car seats, and strollers. All gear is checked against the Consumer Product Safety Commission safety recall list to ensure items are safe, then is disinfected and matched to local organizations that share with families in need. Items can be dropped at one of 14 donation locations around metro Denver. weecycle.org

14 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS ESTATE PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS BY DIEDRE BRAVERMAN FOR OVER 20 YEARS

A special needs trust will allow your child to receive essential government benefits while also benefiting from their inheritance.

CALL FOR OUR FREE FAMILY ASSET PROTECTION GUIDE TO LEARN MORE!

BRAVERMAN LAW GROUP, LLC BRAVERMAN-LAW.COM (303) 800-1588 | INFO@BRAVERMAN-LAW.COM

Feel the Beat A DANCE PROGRAM FOR ALL.

Win a $2,500 grant for your favorite Colorado nonprofit, school or child care provider! Find out how at COPinwheelsForPrevention.org #GrowingBetterTogether

JOIN US ON THE DANCE FLOOR! Feel the Beat brings the expressive world of music and dance to those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, with Special Needs, or for any child that would enjoy a non-competitive dancing environment. REGISTER TODAY AT: info@feelthebeat.dance | 303-816-8683 WWW.FEELTHEBEAT.DANCE NEW STUDIO LOCATION COMING SOON 1555 Dover St, Lakewood, CO 80215 | Whitlock Recreation Center

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 15

what we love

Wispy, stray hairs and dripping sweat are a pesky distraction on longer runs. That’s where the Athleta Double Trouble Headband comes into play. The double strap design helps it stay put while buttery soft material ensures a snug yet comfortable fit. $12, athleta.gap.com Aspiring runners (or any athlete for that matter) can pack their practice essentials in the Nike Tanjun Kids’ Tote . The durable design has spacious storage for a water bottle, sweatshirt, and snacks. A separate side pocket provides a safe space for smaller items, like lip balm or hair ties. $35, nike.com Kids can track everything from the length of their run to the quality of their sleep with the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 . The watch is available in vibrant colors and select Disney and Marvel designs, making it appealing for kids. The easy-to-replace battery lasts up to one year (so you can go charger-free) and playtime unlocks educational adventures, games, and icons. $90, garmin.com Roll out sore muscles post-run with Bullseye’s Playground Foam Rollers . At an affordable price point, the duo can help calm inflammation while gently massaging tired legs. Young runners can also use the rollers to build their core strength and improve balance. $10, target.com Every runner needs a pair of quality, supportive kicks. Asics Gel-NOOSA Tri 13 Running Sneakers were designed for neutral runners who have normal arches and have even distribution from the front of the foot during push off. A mesh material improves the fit while increasing airflow to keep feet cool. $60, nordstrom.com 5 2 4 3

Support your athlete with these essentials. Kids’ RUNNING GEAR

By Kara Thompson

16 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

Summer Camps Week-long day camps for students entering 3rd through 8th grade Build a business, rule the world, be MONEY SMART!

Young AmeriTowne, International Towne YouthBiz and Camps include:

Cherry Creek: 3550 East First Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206 Belmar: 401 South Pierce Street Lakewood, Colorado 80226

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 17

PRESENTS

Summer Camp ROUNDUP WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER PLANS, COLORADO PARENT HAS YOU COVERED.

Discover the best summer camps and experiences all in one place— ONLINE NOW!

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Our free, weekly newsletters are your guide to MILE HIGH FAMILY FUN!

Ricks Center

Located on the University of Denver campus, Ricks Center is a school dedicated to gifted children.

Preschool to eighth grade

» Curriculum designed around the whole child » Flexible, differentiated curriculum » Active, engaged, hands on learning » Designated time to pursue questions and interests » Low student to teacher ratio » Teachers who know, understand, and care deeply about gifted education and each individual student

Email ricksctr@du.edu or Call 303.871.3715 to learn more!

18 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

play

VEGGIE-STAMPED Signs of Spring

Decorate your Easter or spring brunch table with these colorful, handcrafted lambs and flowers.

Crafts by Handmade Charlotte Photos by Kathleen Ballos

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 19

Instructions for Lambs: 1. Cut off the top (stem end) of the acorn squash and scrape out the seeds. Using a paper towel, blot dry the cut end of the acorn squash.

2. Apply a layer of white paint to the squash and press onto the paper, stamping a cloud-like shape for the lamb’s head. Let dry. Tip: Experiment with this stamping technique on scrap paper first. Depending on how evenly you’ve cut your squash, you may need to go back to smooth it out. We also found that pressing the paper onto the squash and rubbing the paper from the back made the clearest imprint.

3. Cut the potato in half. (Be sure the cut end fits within the center of the lamb’s head you’ve already stamped on your paper.) Dry the cut edge of the potato with a paper towel; apply a coat of pink paint to the cut end and press it into the center of the white lamb face.

4. Cut an edge of the leftover acorn squash with three little bumps and use it to stamp white paint around, and slightly overlapping, the pink face—this will create a wool effect around the face. Let dry. 5. To add ears, cut two small triangle-like shapes from the unused portion of the potato, embracing the curved edge of the

You Will Need: Acorn squash

Paper towels White, pink, and black acrylic paint Paintbrushes Construction paper Scissors

Potato Carrot

Cutting board Kitchen knife

20 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

spud to make the ear curvy. Apply pink paint and stamp each one above the lamb’s face. 6. For the lamb’s eyes, cut the tip off of a carrot, apply a coat of black paint, and stamp two dots. For the nose, cut a triangle shape out of a carrot to use as a stamp. For the mouth, use a fine paintbrush to draw the curved marks by hand.

Ultimate Learning, Ultimate Fun

Our “VOYAGERS” program is for ages 5-12; enroll today for the

ultimate summer camp adventure!

7. Let dry completely and cut out the shape. Use as a place setting decoration, a gift tag, or to write a little note on the back for friends and family.

COLORADO’S GO-TO PARENTING GUIDE Find the latest issue of at your neighborhood SAFEWAY !

DID YOU SEE A FLOWER? While stamping your lamb, you may have noticed that, at first, it looked a lot like a flower. Embrace this, and play around with different colors of paint to make bright spring florals. Use the acorn squash to stamp the petals and the potato round to stamp the center; or, cut the acorn squash in half for a more cup-like flower, and use the carrot stamps to add detail to the center. When the paint is dry, cut out the shapes and hot glue them onto green paper drinking straws. (You may also recycle plastic straws you already have on hand, just give them a quick coat of green paint.) Add hand cut green paper leaves. Arrange as a bouquet on your table or give out to friends as a fun Easter surprise.

PLUS, SCAN FOR THE DIGITAL EDITION HERE

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 21

explore

Everyone All

Together

Best inclusive spots for families in Denver and beyond.

By Rebecca Treon

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 23

When Chris Ritchie takes his family out for dinner, he’s never quite sure how it will go. His 11-year-old son is autistic, and tends to fixate on ceiling fans to the point where he needs to sit near them. Sometimes he feels overwhelmed in public, which can compel the boy to need to leave. “Some places are still struggling to understand disability—my son’s needs are very particular,” says Ritchie, a father of two and teacher at Denver South High School. “Sometimes places still can’t be accommodating or are confused by his behavior and don’t know how to handle it,” he says. Ritchie often calls places in advance to alert staff of his son’s needs. “One of the hardest things is having to essentially ‘out’ your child ahead of time in preparation to go anywhere in public, and then it is really a matter of how long he can basically last in any given situation.” However, Ritchie says, many places have gotten it right, making both his kids feel right at home. “There’s such a different vibe when you go somewhere and people aren’t only prepared to host kids with disabilities but are welcoming and excited to have you there—it’s a relief when the family can go out together and have a good time.” Jason Gruhl, founder of The Joshua School, which serves children on the autism spectrum, believes that welcoming spaces benefit all people. “We need to ask ourselves, ‘How do we create spaces that accommodate and support the diverse and beautiful people we have in our community so that all of us can share and learn from what inclusive environments bring out in us?’” says Gruhl, who is also an author of several children’s books. “At first, places weren’t sure about what accommodations would look like, and some created programs as a favor to certain communities, but the interesting thing is that thinking newly about access has ended up being beneficial and powerful for the whole community.” More spots on the Front Range are starting to build inclusivity into their culture. Here, are some of our favorite local places where families and kids of all abilities can have fun together.

Unified Teams and Classes Finding sports teams and recreational classes suitable for kids of all abilities can be challenging, but the City of Lakewood’s Therapeutic Recreation Program offers a variety of options for families of all abilities, including a sensory-friendly family swim, social dances, and a variety of Special Olympic sports teams including, bowling, flag football, swim team, track and field, and basketball. They also offer a summer day camp called Camp Paha for children and adults. MORE UNIFIED TEAMS AND CLASSES TO CHEER FOR: Unified Champion Schools through Special Olympic Colorado, Dance Expressions at Colorado Conservatory of Dance, and Colorado Soccer Association TOPSoccer . Inclusive Dining The brainchild of a former special education teacher, Brewability is more than another brewery in the crowded Denver beer scene. Its secret ingredient for success: hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its counterpart, Pizzability , continues the mission, offering job training and skills for adults with disabilities while creating a welcoming space for all. Oh, they also serve delicious beer and pizza, so it’s a win-win. OTHER INCLUSIVE DINING EXPERIENCES: Jack’s in Arvada, a coffee shop turned full- service restaurant employs more than 30 people with developmental disabilities. They also have a line of jams and jellies and are currently building a deli. Dirt Coffee Bar in downtown

Kids of varying abilities, ages six to 25, play sports, do crafts, take field trips, and challenge themselves at Camp Paha, in Lakewood.

Littleton employs neurodiverse individuals through a workforce development program.

Comfortable Movie Showings Going to a movie theater can be challenging, considering the dark, high volume, loud noises, and behavioral expectations. At Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations, all movies that start before 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, as well as select weekend shows, have lights turned up and sound reduced. Talking and noise are permitted, guests can move around, and adaptive technology is welcome, as part of its Alamo for All program. MORE BIG SCREEN OPTIONS: AMC Theatres Sensory Friendly Films and Regal My Way Matinee .

Brewability/Pizzability, in Englewood, makes family pizza night a welcoming, inclusive experience.

24 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022

OTHER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO CHECK OUT: Track-Chair accessible trails at Staunton State Park . Sand wheelchairs for loan at Great Sand Dunes National Park . Adaptive and accessible outdoor adventures through Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center . Destinations Breckenridge and Colorado Springs , two of Colorado’s most popular destinations, offer an inviting travel planning tool for families with various needs. Designated spaces on their websites show visiting families the many adaptive and accessible opportunities around each of the towns. OTHER DESTINATIONS WITH DETAILED VISITOR INFORMATION: Rocky Mountain National Park’s Accessibility page outlines everything visiting families need to know about adaptive options, from wheelchair- accessible trails and restrooms to requesting a sign-language interpreter for ranger-led programs. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, which was designed to be universally inclusive, highlights its many accessibility features on their website. Rebecca Treon is a Denver-based freelance food and travel writer, author of the forthcoming Colorado Food Trails, and can be found at @RebeccaTreon on Instagram LEFT Families have an option to visit History Colorado Center together during accommodating sensory mornings. ABOVE With a variety of acces- sible features, kids of all abilities play side-by-side at Lubird Light playground.

Live Theater Experiences Can’t wait to catch Hamilton with the whole family? For guests with visual impairments, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts offers audio descriptions plus braille or large print programs. For those who are deaf or hearing impaired, the center provides listening devices, ASL interpreters, and open or personal captioning services. Services are free but some need to be requested in advance or are only available for select shows. MORE PERFORMANCE GROUPS SET UP FOR INCLUSION: Colorado Symphony, Lone Tree Arts Center, and the Arvada Center . Low-Sensory Mornings at Museums Several Denver area museums have opportunities for children of all abilities to visit and interact with exhibits in an accommodating environment. History Colorado hosts free, quarterly low sensory mornings. During these hours, the museum is closed to the public, sound is turned down, and attendance is limited. Reservations are required and guests and their families are welcomed by specially trained staff who can offer exhibit recommendations based on the child’s interests. MORE LOW SENSORY MORNINGS: The Children’s Museum of Denver, Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Art Museum, and WOW! Children’s Museum .

Adaptive Playgrounds Denver metro’s adaptive playgrounds are designed for kids of all abilities to swing, slide, and spin together. In Aurora, LuBird’s Light Playground offers 9,000 square feet of space for children of all ages and abilities to have fun and burn off some energy. The playground features spinners, slides, and accessible swings, wheelchair-friendly trampolines, ramps, a woodchip and sand-free surface, and a smooth play area. There are special colors and sounds incorporated for sensory feedback. Bonus: it’s adjacent to the Stanley Marketplace, which features a kid-centric outpost of the Tattered Cover, multiple restaurants, retail shops, and activities. MORE ADAPTIVE PLAYGROUNDS TO EXPLORE: City Park Playground, Carpenter Park, and Red-tailed Hawk Park . Outdoor Adventures In the White River National Forest not far from Aspen on Independence Pass, the short Braille Trail is an accessible 0.2-mile loop that offers wilderness access for the visually and physically impaired. Started in 1967 by science teacher Bob Lewis, the trail features a guideline and signs in braille and print, and lead along the Roaring Fork River, including bridge crossings. At the same trailhead, the Discovery Trail is a 0.2-mile trail that offers wheelchair access on a heavily wooded trail along the river, with numerous picnic areas.

APRIL 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM 25

Camp Guide SHOWCASE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AF Sports Camp 2169 Field House Dr. USAFA | 719-333-2116 goairforcefalcons.com/camps Welcome to Air Force Sports Camps! We will offer sports camps in the following sports: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track/cross country, volleyball and wrestling.

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities 6901 Wadsworth Blvd 720-898-7200 | arvadacenter.org There’s something for everyone at the Arvada Center! Students ages two to 18 engage in the arts through a variety of camps across a broad assortment of disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, dance, ceramics, digital arts, and more.

Camp Invention Various locations 800-968-4332 | invent.org/local

Unlock your child’s potential at Camp Invention®️ ! This nationally acclaimed K-6 program comes to your area with all-new, hands-on STEM adventures. Register and save today at invent.org/local.

Colorado Conservatory of Dance 3001 Industrial Lane #12, Broomfield 303-466-5685 | ccdance.org June 20 - July 30 Summer programs are offered for dancers of all ages, abilities, and aspirations, from toddler through adult. Cost: varies. Week long camps now available. Age range: 1-99.

Camp Greenwood 5801 S. Quebec Street Greenwood Village 720-838-2496 | GreenwoodCamps.com Camp Greenwood in Greenwood Village is the place for summer fun! Offering youth ages 5-12 a way to be active and have fun. Our full-day camps include weekly themes, swimming, games, sports, arts and crafts, special events and field trip Fridays.

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space Various Locations in Aurora

303-739-6888 | auroragov.org/daycamps The city of Aurora has a camp for every kiddo! Enjoy sports camps, cooking, nature, adventures, aquatics, art, theatre and so much more! Every age group (from 18 months to 17 years old) is invited to join the fun. Register today!

26 | April 2022 | Camp Guide Showcase

Denver Academy 4400 E Iliff Avenue 303-777-5870

Every Child Reading Great Denver Area 720-288-7396 | EveryChildReading.org Super Stars Summer Camp is an engaging, fun, 5-week O-G reading intervention camp. Students receive high-quality 1-1 or max-4 group, individualized reading instruction along with math and writing to grow skills and self-confidence.

Denver Equestrians Horse Camp Littleton 303-973-0077 | denverequestrians.com Daily horseback riding lessons, unmounted equine education (safety, horsemanship, horse care, etc.) and a Fun Show on Fridays! Campers are divided by (age 5-15yrs) and experience level. Our progressive Youth Riding Clubs are available year-round!

Denver Academy’s 2022 Summer Program is for DA and Non-DA students in grades 1-12 and runs June 13 to July 8. Academics, one-week camps, tutoring, and academic coaching are offered for diverse learners, including those with dyslexia and ADHD.

Four Mile Historic Park 715 S Forest St. 720-865-0800 | fourmilepark.org Join the homespun fun at Four Mile Historic Park! Give your kids an opportunity to learn about Colorado history in an immersive and engaging outdoor environment. Designed for students 1st - 5th grade, this program will be a summertime favorite!

Gold Crown Foundation Sports Camps Lakewood, CO 303-233-6776 | goldcrownfoundation.com For 30+ years, the Denver Nuggets Hanzlik Hoop Camp and Summer Volleyball Camp focus on sports skills development for 2nd-10th graders. They will help your child stay active, build confidence, gain social skills and have fun, on and off the court.

Frequent Flyers ® Aerial Dance 3022 E. Sterling Cir., Ste. 150, Boulder 303-245-8272 | frequentflyers.org/camps Has your child ever dreamed of flying? At Aerial Summer Camp, students learn aerial arts, dance, and performance skills, ending each week with an informal performance. Full & half day beginner to advanced camps for ages 5-17. 7 weeks: Jun 6-Jul 22.

Gold Crown Foundation STEAM Camps Lakewood & Edgewater, CO 303-233-6776 | goldcrownfoundation.com Youth will explore their creative side through our various “STEM + the Arts” Camps. They include LEGObotics, Podcasting, Animation, and Upcycling. We focus on the social and emotional development of youth, ages 10-18, through creative technologies.

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Iliff Preschool Summer Camps 4140 E. Iliff Ave. Denver 303-757-3551 | iliffpreschool.com Est. in 1963, camps centered on outdoor play for ages 1-12 emphasize fun, creativity, and positive peer relationships. Focus is placed on adventure and a lot of play- and field trips (for ages 4 and up) which enrich weekly themes. June 6 - Aug 18.

Highlands Ranch & the surrounding areas 303-791-2500 | HRCAonline.org/Camps Enjoy a summer of fun with HRCA! Keep the kids busy, entertained, and educated when they are out of school. From full day to outdoor adventure, sports to STEAM, HRCA’s camps have something for everyone!

KidzToPros STEM, Arts & Sports Summer Camps Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs 877-202-1554 | kidztopros.com KidzToPros is bringing the best in STEM, Arts and Sports Summer Camps to locations across Colorado! Kids ages 4-14 can build new skills, friendships and interests as they engage in hands-on learning led by expert instructors.

KidSpace, Inc. 6805 W. 88th Ave. Westminster 303-386-4287 | kidspacefec.com

Little People’s Landing Voyagers Summer Camp

303-972-0787 | littlepeopleslanding.com Designed for ages 5-12, Our “Voyagers” program is all about exploring the world around us and learning about places we’ve only seen on TV. Enroll today for the ultimate summer camp adventure!

KidSpace has full day Summer Space Camp for kids 5 – 10 years old! In-class STEM exploration, planetarium shows, virtual reality education and hands-on STEM projects they take home every day and of course an out of this world indoor playground!

Camp Guide Showcase | April 2022 | 27

MSU Denver Roadrunners Camps Metropolitan State Univ. of Denver 303-615-0888 roadrunnersathleticscamps.com Come play with the Roadrunners! Camps available for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, track & cross country, golf and volleyball! Ages: K-12 Prices and dates vary.

Parker Arts Enrichment Camps 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker 303-805-3374 | parkerarts.org/EDUCATION Register now! Parker Arts is excited to partner with some of the best enrichment providers in Colorado to offer a fun and educational summer for kids. Camps offered include half-day and full-day options from June 6 through August 5.

Montessori Children’s House of Denver - Summer Day Camps

Mayfair, Park Hill, Central Park 303-322-8324 | mchdenver.org

We live for moments when excited children discover new interests & talents. Our theme-based camps use hands-on, real-world experiences, guided by trained Montessori educators, to give children a chance to explore the world and their own unique gifts.

Renaissance Adventures East & West Boulder, Denver, and Littleton 303-786-9216 | renaissanceadventures.com In Adventure Quest, your child is the hero of a mythic quest in an incredibly fun, award-winning outdoor experience. Campers co-create adventures with unique characters, overcome dynamic challenges, and duel with safe foam swords. Ages 6-17.

Primrose Schools of Denver Central Park, Denver North & Thornton Denver Metro Area 303-271-1237 | rootstowings.world At Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club, there’s so much to discover. Join us all summer long and together we’ll create Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts.

Performing Arts Academy Highlands Ranch 303-900-7041 | paacolorado.org Campers embark on the exciting journey of putting on a fully staged musical! Performing Arts Summer Camps and Musical Theater Shows for preschool - high school. One-week and two-week, half-day or full-day camps throughout June and July.

STAR Institute 6911 S Yosemite St, Centennial 303-221-7827 | sensoryhealth.org STAR Institute is the leading therapy center for children with differences in sensory processing and neurodivergences where sensory challenges are common. We offer camps focused on motor mastery, language development, sensory and social skills.

School of Rock Denver 560 S. Holly St. #15 Denver 720-221-6991 | Denver.SchoolOfRock.com School of Rock Denver is the local leader in performance-based music education, and our summer camps are Colorado Parent’s Family Favorite for the past two years! Each session includes a performance at the end of the week... join the band!

Steve and Kate’s Camp 1800 N Pontiac St., Denver

720-439-7785 | steveandkatescamp.com Campers choose from activities including sewing, coding, film, baking, music, sports & more! Buy any number of days & use them at any time. Any unused days are refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included.

Storycamp Dangercamp 6500 W Dry Creek Pkwy

St. Mary’s Academy Wildcat Summer Camp 4545 S University Blvd. Englewood 303-762-8300 stmarys.academy/summer2022 Join St. Mary’s Academy as we dive into 8 weeks of summer fun! Live on the wild side as we adventure through our beautiful state, states of matter, and sports like soccer and dance. Register today!

Summer Programs at the International School of Denver 7701 E First Place, Unit C | 303-340-3647 isdenver.org/summerprograms Your child will explore the world while moving their body, expanding their mind, developing new skills, and forming new friendships. With new programs each week for your camper and flexibility to fit your summer schedule.

603-770-3358 | storycampdangercamp.com Explore the forest and bring stories to life through aerial dance and stilt-walking. With 38 acres and a cottonwood grove, we combine circus, bushcraft, art, and theater into a child-directed, nature-based program that kids love.

28 | Camp Guide Showcase | April 2022

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