Camp Barrett Park Opens Today

What a day! This morning marks the beginning of my true summer, minus my parents, little sis, and nephew visiting this week from Ohio.

I had to run Valley Steam Son to camp in one direction and then drop Valley Stream Daughter at camp in another direction. Never mind that Barrett Park doesn't show up on anyone's GPS.  My friend had the same problem. I think the park is in a Bermuda Triangle type space because my GPS didn't work the entire route as I maneuvered my way there.  I was told by another mom to input a house address next to the park for directions.  That's a good tip for you new parents next year. Who knew?  Again, that's what this blog is all about!

I loved that Valley Stream Daughter knew half of her group and I'm sure she'll be friends with those she didn't know in a few days.

Gotta run! Both kids worked up an appetite AND I have to prepare for a birthday celebration for both Valley Stream Son, who turns 4 today, and Ohio Dad who turns 70. 

Enjoy this beautiful day!!

High School Volunteers Needed for Camp REACH

If you are at least 15 years old and in high school or college, Hofstra University is looking for volunteers to work with the REACH Program.

The REACH Program is for for campers with Autism spectrum disorders and other special needs. Transportation is available for volunteers if necessary. You can't beat that!

Camp dates are from July 2 - August 10 from 8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Volunteers must be available for training June 27th and 28th.

For more information, send an email to Julie Duenges, Director of Pupil Services at hofstrareach@yahoo.com and tell her Valley Stream Mom sent you.

Summer Camp

This list of local camps will be updated as information becomes available.  If you have any camps to add, please send and email to valleystreammom.com with the necessary information.

Recreation Camps

Barrett Park Summer Camp 
June 27 - August 10
Daily - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ages: Entering Kindergarten - 6th Grade
$200 - Inc. Village of Valley Stream Residents, $100 for siblings
$250 - Central High School District Residents, $175 for siblings
Info: Registration begins May 1st (See link for additional registration dates)
Registration Form Available
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Holy Trinity Nursery School Camp
June 26 - July 26 (Tuesday-Thursday)
Time: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Deadline: May 1st
Tuition: $250
Info: (516) 872-4702

Camps ‘R’ Us - Valley Stream
June 27 - August 17
Daily - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Early/Late hours available)
Ages: 3yrs - 15 yrs
Fees - Starting at $425+weekly (see link for details)
Holy Name of Mary School
90 South Grove St.
Valley Stream, NY 11580
Registration Form Available

Rolling River Day Camp
June 28 - August 21
Ages: 3 yrs - Grade 10
Fees: See schedule here
477 Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway/Oceanside
Online Registration Form

Lawrence Woodmere Academy Camp
June 28 - August 21
Ages: 2 yrs and up
336 Woodmere Boulevard, Woodmere, NY 11598

Create and Bounce @ Bounce U - Oceanside

July 10 - August 20

Ages 4 - 11

3 hours Daily - Tues/Wed/Thurs

Fees: $35/Session (Siblings $30) or $95/Week (Siblings $90)

College Summer Camps for Kids

Hofstra University
July 7 - August 17
Registration Dates: First three Saturdays in May and June or online.

Queens College
Ages: 5 yrs - 14 yrs
July 2 - August 24
65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flussing, NY 1167

Arts Camp

Creative Art Space for Kids - Lynbrook
Ages 5yrs - 14 yrs
June 25 - August 13
48-D Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563


Information coming soon!

Bethlehem Assembly of God Vacation Bible School
Grace United Methodist Vacation Bible School
Grace United Methodist Camp
Dance Camps

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My Waaaaay Too Busy Weekend & To Do's For You

What a weekend I have ahead of me!  Kicking off my weekend, I'll be attending the circus at Nassau Coliseum with my son's nursery school class where I'm sure the elephants will stink.  Not to mention I'll go broke buying cotton candy, beverages, and of course that annoying thing that spins and lights up.  They last for about a week and then it's toast. 


Later this evening, I'm hosting a pizza party for the girls in the Sparkle Empowerment Program for Girls (enrollment opens next month).  Saturday after that way-too-early ballet class, I may stop by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning Open House in Rockville Centre from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to see what types of camps are available for my little explorers. 

I have to get my makeup done at 11 a.m. ALL before attending a 4 year old's birthday party at Sportime and then rushing over to Westbury for the long awaited Fresh Beat Band concert.  Details on that at 12 p.m. today.  If you see a woman way too made up for a kids party or concert, please don't comment. There's a reason for everything. After the FBB concert, I have to rush back to freshen up and do a quick change into a cocktail dress and head on over to the Black Marriage gala with my fellow Mocha Moms.  Man, I'm tired just thinking about it, but without the support of both my husband and mother-in-law this weekend would not be possible.

What's on your to-do list this weekend?

Friday To Do's

Wheeler PTA Parent’s Night Out

Willow PTA Parent Supermarket Sweep, 7:30 p.m.

Shaw Avenue Elementary International Night, 7 p.m.

South High/Jr. High Talent Show, 7 p.m. @ South Hall

North High School Spring Production, 7:30 p.m.

Follow Valley Stream Mom on Facebook or on Twitter @valleystreammom.

My Summer Camp Experience

At the end of spring, we knew we wanted to enroll our eldest into summer camp in the village and narrowed it down to Valley Stream School District 13's camp housed at Dever Elementary School and Camp Barrett Park run by the village. We decided on District 13 because I felt better about participating in a camp that had an actual building to house all the students in case of inclement weather. It didn't dawn on me that I could just keep her home if the weather was bad. That was the only basis. Nothing else. I hadn't really heard much about the playground otherwise so why one would be better than the other? So off to District 13 summer camp we go.


When it all boils down to it, my child had a good time and other than coming home with dirty feet everyday she returned to me the same way I dropped her off each morning. I’m still unclear as to why her feet were so dirty everyday but if she didn’t mind (and her feet were dry before getting in my car), I have no complaints. I even made a friend in the process that happens to live right around the corner from me. Shout out to TMC!

What really stood out about the camp was Dr. Adrienne Robb-Fund, newly appointed District Superintendent, personally greeted every child/parent to inform them of the boil water advisory the day ecoli/bacteria was found in N. Valley Stream's water supply. Personal touches go a long way with me. It was also good to meet some of the kids who would attend school with my eldest. Aside from blatantly feeling the Franklin Square/Valley Stream kid divide, many of the other moms were very nice and friendly. I mean, I’m not a fan either of my children having to attend one school for Kindergarten and another for first grade through sixth but since you never know what friendships may develop, let’s just treat everyone the same regardless of their address.

So in summary, I would recommend this summer camp as an option as long as you are not a stickler for organization, clean restrooms, don’t need confirmation that your kid can attend prior to the start of camp, and need information on the camp experience (other than word of mouth) before leaving your child with strangers. If you are okay with this, then this camp is a good option for you.

I encourage you to share your summer camp recommendations here and/or give feedback.

Follow me on Twitter @valleystreammom or on Facebook.

Danse Xpressions Summer Camp Performs This Friday

Danse Expressions will celebrate the end of its summer dance camp with a special performance at the Valley Stream band shell this Friday, August 5th beginning at 4 p.m.  Although the performance is for the parents of the dancers who participated in the camp, I'm sure the family owned business won't mind a few potential students and their families bringing their lawn chairs and a cooler filled with beverages to watch the performance. 

During the camp, dancers arrived at 8:30 a.m. ready to participate in daily dance classes, outdoor physical activities, arts and crafts, daily academic time, daily snack, a weekly trip (for an additional fee), and received a dance camp t-shirt.  The day concluded at 4 p.m. for the minimal cost of $900 which breaks down to, if you think like me, $4.80/hour.  That's cheaper than a full time babysitter which averages about $10 around here. Not bad!

Danse Expressions Summer Camp Performance
Valley Stream Band Shell
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost:  Free!
For info: (516) 825-1920
http://www.dansexpressions.com/

Summer Schedule Finally Finalized

I'm back up and running after nearly a week without a computer. Ours finally gave out. We knew it was coming so it wasn't much of a surprise. But I'm back!

The last few weeks have been hectic for me trying to finalize the summer schedule for the kids. Once your child turns 5 years old, the opportunities increase. Not only can children 5 year old and up sign up for summer camps affiliated with your district public school at an affordable price, they can also apply for their very own library card. This is huge! My eldest checked out her very first library book and was extremely proud of this accomplishment. She actually mistook the library card for a credit card and told everyone that she bought her first library book. How cute was that? I guess I should start using more care around her and stop using my credit/debit cards so much.

Last week, I sat down with all of the flyers and program information I collected from various places and events in the community. I then created a spreadsheet on the computer before it died on me. After much thought, I decided to sign my eldest up for tennis, swim, our school district's school summer camp, and tap. We are also taking advantage of Hofstra University's Saturday classes for young people. Later this week, I will share with you what options are available to fill in the weeks between the last day of school and the first day of summer camp. I love my children, but my kids go nuts if they're not out doing something. They're very active children so it's my job as a parent to make sure they stay active.

What are you doing to fill the gap of time between the last day of school and first day of camp?