“News Know-How @ SA library” via SAPL Teen Services

Alright teens, here’s something to keep you busy this summer. The San Antonio Public Library is looking for students in grades 10 – 12 to participate in a “News Know-how” program at the Central Library.

With so many sources for news and information, who do you go to for your daily news? Are you browsing Yahoo’s homepage, refreshing Twitter, or maybe searching for a source through your favorite blog? It’s hard to keep up with the influx of news out there. That’s what makes knowing how to evaluate credibility more important than ever.

With the help of the American Library Association and the Open Society Foundations, the San Antonio Public Library is now offering the News Know How media literacy program. Fifteen lucky teens will be selected to participate in a two-week crash course in media literacy. By engaging in an intensive evaluation of the news we see every day, teens will learn valuable analysis skills and how to spot misinformation. The program will take the teens through how to distinguish between a reporter’s fact and opinions, and at the end of the program, participants will work in teams to produce a report that shares tips of the trade, they learned about media literacy.

To help in analyzing news coverage and deciphering fact from fiction, librarians, journalists and news ethicists will be there to weigh in on the matter in a fun and interactive way. Plus, NOWCastSA will be on hand, providing the local new media/journalism component for the program. 

“News Know-how is a great program that we hope will empower teens with knowledge that will last a lifetime,” said Jennifer Velasquez, Teen Services Coordinator for San Antonio Public Library.  “We are excited to offer the program and plan to have a lot of fun learning about the news. All are encouraged to apply. We would like participation from a diverse group.”

Applications are now being accepted through May 25, 2013. If selected, participants must commit to the full two week program, July 22- August 2, and to completing the final team project (due in November). On top of all the excellent educational benefits of the program, “News Know-how” is also a learn & earn program. That means participating teens will receive a small stipend for the work they’ve committed to.

Help spread the word! If you know any teens that might be interested in the program, they can follow this link to apply. Applicants will be contacted by Teen Services after May 25 with instructions concerning the next step.

“Celebrate Kids to Parks Day May 18″ photo courtesy of National Park Trust

With summer just around the corner, the National Park Trust (NPT) wants you and your kids to get outside and play! National Kids to Parks Day is coming up Saturday, May 18, and families across the country are joining in the movement.

So, what is National Kids to Parks Day? It’s a national celebration of the great outdoors, showing support for the First Lady’s Let’s Move Outside! initiative. This is the third consecutive year that the NPT and other organizations including: the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children & Nature Network, the NFL Players Association, America’s State Parks, the National Wildlife Federation, and the U.S. Department of the Interior have come together to celebrate.

Over 300 cities, towns and parks are already set to host free, outdoor events for kids and families, plus, this year, six governors (from Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas and Vermont) have issued state proclamations to commemorate National Kids to Parks Day. There aren’t currently any events scheduled for San Antonio, but the San Marcos Nature Center will be hosting a Park Day starting at 10am on Saturday, May 18.

National Park Trust is encouraging children across the country to explore their neighborhood parks and discover the history, nature and adventure right around the corner or just across town… we know San Antonio has many wonderful outdoor treasures to explore and Kids to Parks Day is the perfect day to claim them! Need help finding an awesome park in your neighborhood? Check out the City of San Antonio’s Park Directory.

NPT has been working hard to connect kids to parks this spring through its Buddy Bison education initiative and National Kids to Parks Day School Contest that awarded 42 classroom scholarships. “We want to inspire children to love the outdoors, to choose an active lifestyle, and to be future park stewards,” said Grace Lee, National Park Trust Executive Director.  “We hope parents will take this opportunity to have some fun and enjoy one of our many amazing parks around the country.”

Ready…Set…Play! Be a part of keeping the movement going by taking a pledge to go to a park with your child on May 18. Get out there and have some fun!

Hope all you moms had fun today! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Need some inspiration for Mother’s Day? There’s still time to get crafty and creative this weekend in preparation for an outstanding Mother’s Day (which is Sunday, May 12, in case you needed one more reminder). Check out what’s happening around San Antonio to help your family make this Mother’s Day unlike any other:

A Sweet Present for Mommy

Young Chefs Academy, 20330 Huebner Road #110

Friday, May 10:  6pm-8pm

Make something sweet for mom at this Mother’s Day Workshop for young chefs. Kids ages 5 and up are invited to decorate different shaped cookies with royal icing, and arrange them in a beautiful tin to surprise mother with on Sunday. Plus, there will be pizza and punch to snack on (and help distract from the temptation of eating the present before it gets to mom). Space is limited, so call 210-402-0023 to reserve a space. It’s $25 for members, and $35 for non-members.

 Mother’s Day Breakfast at the Zoo

San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s

Saturday, May 11: 8:30am

Get wild with moms of all species, including your own at this special event at the San Antonio Zoo. Enjoy a private tour, meet a keeper, and hear about the adventures of all the new moms at the Zoo. Sit down to a delicious breakfast and spend the rest of the day exploring the grounds with your family. Register online in advance: Members pay $35/ adult, $16/ child under 12; Nonmembers pay $45/ adult; $20/child under 12; age 2 and under are free.

Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration

Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce

Saturday, May 11 & Sunday, May 12: 11am -8pm

Take mom out for a treat at Market Square. They’ll have live music, arts and crafts (featuring a culinary challenge), delicious food and even more fun for the whole family. It’s a festive way to spice up the weekend, and it’s free and open to the public.

Mother’s Day Kids Craft

Barnes and Noble- San Pedro, 321 Northwest Loop 410, #104

Saturday, May 11: 2pm

It’s not too late to get hands-on and create something special for mom. Barnes and Noble has the tools you need to craft an outstanding gift that mom is sure to treasure. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend Saturday afternoon. Free and open to the public.

Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk

Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd

Sunday, May 12: 1pm – 4pm

Instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers, opt to take mom out walking among them with Mother Nature. Join in a hike in search of Texas wildflowers and other beautiful native plants at Government Canyon. Ideal for hikers ages 8 and up, be prepared for some rocky, uneven ground, and be sure to bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, and at least 1 liter of water per person. Reservations are required and will be accepted until 12noon on Friday, May 10. E-mail fogcsna@gmail.com, and include name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. The walk is included in the regular park entrance fee.

Sunday Jazz at the Witte

Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway

Sunday, May 12: 3pm – 6pm

This is one special Sunday to spend enjoying jazz at the Witte. If the weather is nice, bring chairs and blankets to stretch out on the new riverfront amphitheater, and relax to the smooth sounds of Bett Butler and Joel Dilley. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, but the museum galleries close at 5pm. Included in museum admission.

P.S. Have a beautiful Mother’s Day, from SABusyKids!

“Girls of Grace Concert” via Warner Music Group / Word Entertainment

There is a special opportunity for mothers and daughters coming up on Saturday, May 11, that could be the perfect addition to your Mother’s Day Weekend plans. If you’re a mother with a teenage daughter, this one is for you…

Teen girls and their mothers are invited to the annual Girls of Grace conference at Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry. It’s a day full of live music, speakers, and interactive sessions that explore the principles of the bible. But, this is not your average bible study.

Founded by Point of Grace in 2002, the Girls of Grace conference began out of a desire to bring teenage girls together and talk about issues that affect them.  “At times girls feel like they are the only ones who struggle with certain issues,” said Point of Grace’s Denise Jones.  “A Girls of Grace conference gives them the opportunity to come together in a large group and realize that we all have our own struggles, and yet, we are in this together.”

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., mothers and daughters can come together to enjoy a day that includes performances by musical artists and guest speakers. They’ve lined up for KING & COUNTRY, Meredith Andrews, Everfound and Point of Grace, just to name a few. Plus, hear from renowned guest speakers including: celebrity stylist Amber Lehman, inspirational author Annie Downs, FINDINGbalance (a Christian non-profit company with an emphasis on eating and body image) Founder and CEO Constance Rhodes, and youth speaker and Director of Student Initiatives at Show Hope Chris Wheeler. You can find out more about their full line up here.

The conference covers timely topics for teenage girls like body image, good health, being content with oneself, relationships, good choices, social media, fashion and other teen-related topics. Being a teen in this day and age isn’t easy, we can all attest to that. So, in hopes of giving teenage girls a renewed sense of confidence, a refreshed spirit, and to open their eyes to who they are in spirit and faith, the Girls of Grace conference has emerged.

Fostering an open dialogue with your daughter and opening her up to conversation with other young women is a powerful thing. Creating that sense of community and acceptance can be hard to accomplish, but it is an experience that can make all the difference, especially during the teen years. Girls of Grace presents this amazing opportunity to explore faith and identity with your daughter while having fun, rocking out to music (embarrassing her a little won’t hurt), and just generally being inspired.

This is the 10^th anniversary season Girls of Grace conferences have been in practice, and San Antonio is lucky enough to be the final stop on their tour for 2013. Ideal for girls in 6^th through 12^th grade, Girls of Grace focuses on teaching young women about looking past the trends of pop culture to discover who they are and how extraordinary they are (as I’m sure parents would agree).

Rack up those super-mom points right before Mother’s day, and take your daughter to experience Girls of Grace. Tickets are available online for $54 (sales end May 10) or you can purchase tickets at the door for $65.

You can also connect with Girls of Grace on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Sitting in the theatre waiting for the lights to dim, it was hard for me to imagine how Iron Man 3 could possibly bring anything new to the table. We’ve seen the fancy suit upgrades, the special effects, the close encounters. We’ve seen Tony Stark issue hundreds of witty one-liners and take countless hits to the face. And while these elements are essential to any Iron Man iteration, I couldn’t help but wonder what else the franchise could possibly offer.

Within about four minutes of the movie starting, I had forgotten all about my skepticism. Actually, I had forgotten about pretty much everything else except for what was happening on the screen. It goes without saying that comic book movies provide mindless escapism, but Iron Man 3 presents us with mindless escapism at its best.

The film begins with a different kind of Tony Stark than we’re used to, one whose past adventures (as you may remember from last year’s smash hit The Avengers) have left him with anxiety attacks and insomnia, which have damaged his relationship with love interest Pepper Potts. Instead of sleeping, Stark spends his nights making countless new Iron Man suits, which he keeps hidden from Pepper. Oddly, Pepper seems to have no idea what he’s going through, only that he’s becoming distant and inconsiderate.

Despite his mental and emotional issues, he leaps into Iron Man-mode when a new villain, the Mandarin, organizes large-scale acts of terror carried out by his genetically modified cronies. Needless to say, the conflict between super hero and super villain gets personal, and it’s not long before the Mandarin has deprived Stark of all his gadgets, weapons, and technology. It is when Stark is left to his own devices that Iron Man 3 really gets good.

Relying on the help of Col. James Rhodes and an unlikely friend, Stark continues on his mission to bring down the Mandarin, and foil his evil plan to overthrow the United States. On top of all this, Pepper is kidnapped. That’s a lot of crime that needs fighting and people who need saving. Luckily for us, the sharp dialogue and exciting action sequences keep it all going at a nice clip.

“Iron Man 3 in theatres Friday, May 3, 2013″ via marvel.com

There are a lot of things you expect to see in the new Iron Man, but the movie never lets you grow comfortable in your assumptions. Multiple plot twists keep the otherwise unremarkable story engaging (although one particular twist has the potential to enrage fans of the original comic). Humor finds its way into the most unlikely scenes, maintaining the fun blockbuster atmosphere, even if it is at the expense of any kind of emotional depth.  All in all it makes for incredibly entertaining, if shallow, viewing.

There are a few scary parts, which generally come in the form of the Mandarin’s genetically modified troops. With glowing orange skin and eyes, these bad guys could prove to be a little much for the easily frightened.

The violence in the film is standard fare for a comic book adaptation; be prepared for a lot of hand-to-hand combat and the occasional gunshot. Additionally, there are a couple of explosions fueled by the GMO humans, which could be frightening.

Suggestive dialogue is lightly sprinkled throughout the film, but the references are quick and unlikely to be caught by young ears.

If you’re on the fence about seeing it in 3-D, I’d actually suggest springing for it. Quite a few scenes are stunning with the additional dimension, and others just look downright cool.

So what am I doing this weekend? My answer just might include kicking off the summer movie season with Iron Man 3. Again.

Production of Disney’s High School Musical: Stephen Moorer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

April showers bring May flowers… and Spring shows! There’s a slew of new shows for the whole family to enjoy in San Antonio this season. If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your calendar, check out the line-up below. Taking in a show is a great option for rainy day or really any day entertainment.

The Velveteen Rabbit

Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo Rd.

Showing: April 10- May 11; Tuesdays- Fridays 9:45am/11:30am, Fridays 7pm, Saturdays 2pm

Admission: $10

This beloved children’s book comes to life on stage at the Magik Theatre. With a story that is sure to tug at your heart strings, The Velveteen Rabbit follows the tale of a boy and his stuffed rabbit as they experience the power of love growing up together. Really, who can resist The Velveteen Rabbit?

Celtic Stars

Antonian High School Auditorium, 6425 West Ave

Showing: Sunday, May 5 at 3pm

Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children

Celebrate Spring at the annual recital for the Inishfree School of Irish Dance. The show will feature their World and National Qualifying dancers, amazing choreography, and toe-tapping, spirit lifting music for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with a silent auction and concessions to add to it, proceeds from the event will go to support sending dancers to a national competition in Anaheim, CA. If you’d like to contribute but can’t make it yourself, think about donating a ticket for a child from The Children’s Shelter to attend. It’s sure to be quite a show!

Disney’s High School Musical

Stone Oak Youth Theatre, 21518 Blanco Rd.

Showing: May 10 – 18; Fridays 7pm, Saturdays 3:30pm/7pm

Admission: $8

Based on the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical follows the captain of the East High basketball team and his unlikely, academically oriented, singing partner when they team up for the school’s upcoming musical. If you haven’t seen it yet, be prepared to learn some valuable lessons about being yourself and following your dreams, Disney-style.

Seussical Jr.

Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg

Showing: May 10 -13; Friday-Monday 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 3pm

Admission: $10-$15

See the story of Seussical legend, as performed by the Youth and Teen casts of the Woodlawn Academy for Performing Arts. The Cat in the Hat has a story to share about Horton, Mayzie LaBird, Gertrude McFuzz, and some of your favorite Seuss characters at this out-of-the-ordinary production for all ages. Let the whimsy unfold before your eyes, because in the world of the Whos you may not believe what you see! It might even inspire your child to join in the theatrical adventures happening at the Woodlawn’s camps this summer.

Willy Wonka

Barshop JCC, 12500 NW Military Hwy

Showing: May 11-12; Saturday 7pm, Sunday 4:30pm

Admission: $5

The NOVA Youth Performance Troupe presents Roald Dahl’s classic tale of Willy Wonka. Explore the astounding and unusual candy factory with the lucky few finders of Wonka’s golden tickets. There’s some magic and mischief along the way in this scrumdidilyumptious musical that is guaranteed to delight everyone (especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth).

Such a wide variety of shows to choose from this Spring… all filled with family-friendly fun and a heart-warming moral or two. What are you most excited to see?

Half Wheeler (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fiesta offers so many opportunities for food, games, parades, and just general merriment. Did you make it to all the events on your list so far? There’s a chance coming up this weekend to wrap up Fiesta with an active flair that you won’t want to miss.

If you’re eager to stretch your legs and have some fitness-oriented fun, check out the Fiesta Wildflower Ride on Sunday, April 28. The cycling route winds through the scenic Hill Country, kicking off from Morgan’s Wonderland at 8 a.m.

Experienced cyclists who are up for a challenge are welcome to register for the Wildflower Ride by Friday, April 26. Registration fees start at $45, and if your whole family isn’t joining in the ride, they can enjoy the park at Morgan’s Wonderland while they wait to celebrate with you at the finish line.

With the Wildflower Ride routes ranging from 15 miles to 100 miles, younger cyclists might opt to keep it closer to home at the Tyke Bike Rally & Ride starting at 11 a.m.

Whether you’re on a bicycle, tricycle, training wheels, or a wagon, take some time to spruce up your chosen mode of transportation Fiesta-style. You’ll be amazed by the razzle-dazzle you see on the Walk and Roll Pathway along the lake at Morgan’s Wonderland during the Tyke Bike Rally & Ride. When a bike acts as your own personal parade float, the creativity really starts to flow.

Children ages 10 and under are invited to join in the rally and ride, which is included in regular park admission on Sunday. On top of the fun of riding your own mini-Fiesta float around the grounds, each participant will receive a free small bag of popcorn. So, it’s a fun and active Fiesta activity with a little bit of sustenance included (that’s hard to beat)!

Round up the family and head out for a morning of fitness, fun, and Fiesta at Morgan’s Wonderland this Sunday. And if you’re on the fence about taking on the Wildflower Ride, remember that a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Morgan’s Wonderland! Keep that “party with a purpose”-spirit going all the way to the finish line!

What’s your favorite Fiesta décor to wear, display, or even ride? Share in the comments below.

splash (Photo credit: Scooter Lowrimore)

Don’t let a bad-weather-day keep your kids from the constructive outdoor play they crave. The National Wildlife Federation has a new guide for parents that everyone needs to see.

After 1,000 parents were surveyed, 61% cited that weather was the number one reason their kids do not go outside. Admit it…you’ve probably used that line yourself whether it was too hot, too cold, too wet outside. But that’s what we need to move past, according to NWF, it’s the kind of mentality that’s keeping children from the physical and mental benefits of playing outside. The truth is, children can have fun in the sun and the rain, and this guide gives you the reassuring facts and tools to make that happen.

Be Out There says The Forecast Calls for Play (which is also conveniently the title of their new guide), detailing the myths of weather we sometimes call upon for convenience. In reality, I think we all know a little rain won’t make you sick…but escapades in muddy puddles might make the carpets dirty. Instead of listing off rainy day activities for the indoors, Be Out There wants to help your family feel confident outdoors, no matter the forecast. Waterproof hats, boots, and raincoats are just the beginning. Your family can also pick up tips for staying safe and being mindful of the weather while you venture outside.

Lindsay Legendre, manager of NWF’s Be Out There program shares, “This guide shows that children are safe to play outside in most kinds of weather barring the extremes. Regular outdoor play is so important to kids’ healthy development and a little rain shouldn’t stop them from being out there. Parents might enjoy puddle jumping again themselves.”

Hitting on major weather concerns in sections playfully titled “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” the Forecast Calls for Play guide gives a few tips to take home with you:

•  In rainy weather: Keep an eye on the weather and if storm conditions develop get out of any body of water and seek shelter in a nearby building and make sure to go over how to respond to storms with your kids. Prepare for mud and splashes in advance and keep a heavy mat and some towels by the front door before going out.
• In hot weather: Make sure to have plenty of water available and take precautions like applying sunscreen, wearing light colored loose-fitting clothes and trying to schedule outdoor time during the cooler parts of the day (early morning and evening).

So what’s holding you back from letting your child play outside? There are countless benefits to outdoor play (and the guide cites some of those too). Children who spend more time outside are more likely to live an active lifestyle, maintain a healthier body weight, are less likely to be near-sighted. They have higher vitamin D levels, display more empathy and less stress, have better mental health and have increased attention spans and improved critical thinking skills. Plus, growing up with access to the outdoors helps children develop an appreciation for nature, the seasons, and the world around us. There’s a lot riding on outdoor playtime, including the future of our environment and how we care for it.

You can download the full guide at www.BeOutThere.org/Weather. For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors, visit: www.BeOutThere.org.

Disclosure: Debi is a Founding Mother of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There campaign. This is purely a volunteer effort and SABusyKids is not compensated for any posts. We just share the belief that we need to spend more time outside with our kids.

“Blue Demon” photo courtesy of Lucha Libre USA

Have you ever seen a wrestling match up close? I’m talking full-fledged wrestling with costumes, masks, and muscles. Those guys are fierce, high-flying, entertaining…but I bet you didn’t think they could be caring. Well, the masked warriors, Lucha Libre USA, are headed to San Antonio for their “United We Stand Tour” on April 28. But before they enter the ring, they have an important message to share with our children about bullying.

To raise awareness and combat bullying in schools, the legendary Luchadors will be making their way around local San Antonio schools and Boys and Girls’ clubs in early April, spreading the message that the acrobatics Luchadors perform in the ring should stay in the ring. Bullying is never an option.

Bullying is an ever-present issue in the US, with reports citing 40 percent of teachers and school faculty that consider bullying a moderate or major problem in their schools and 32 percent of students between ages 12-18 that have reported experiencing bullying in their schools. It’s a serious problem that makes the message these Luchadors not only relevant, but urgent. Imagine a big and powerful masked wrestler sharing the wisdom of anti-bullying. The Luchadors are a kind of hero to many kids in and around San Antonio, someone they can look up to and respect, which fills this anti-bullying campaign with the potential to create real change in the life of some of these children.

The line-up of Luchastars includes:

• Blue Demon Jr.
• Solar (former nemesis to Blue Demon)
• RJ Brewer and his group, TheRight (American, anti-illegal immigration counterparts)
• Marco Corleone (known as the International All-Star – also star of the telenovella Porque el Amor Manda).

These guys are rivals in the ring, but they have put aside political differences to bring the anti-bullying message to kids around the country. (You have to admit, the stories behind these masked warriors are pretty entertaining in and of themselves).

During the “United We Stand Tour,” Lucha Libre USA is bringing family-friendly entertainment to a whole new level. Fans are encouraged to participate in the experience to the fullest. The night starts off with a preshow party, and fans are invited to dress up as their favorite Luchador for a chance to win best-dressed fan. There will also be prizes for the loudest fan, and fan with the most creative sign. If you’re feeling the Lucha Libre spirit, you might want to take advantage of the VIP experience that allows meet the Luchadors and get autographs after the show.   

Sign up online to be notified when tickets go on sale, and check out the Kids Zone for fun activities and to find out more about the Luchadors’ battle against bullying.