A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | | |
Questions from Children.....
"Where do birds go when it rains?"
| |
"Where do birds go when it rains? How do they stay warm when it's cold? Can I get a bird to eat from my hand? Do baby birds play together? How do they learn to fly? Why does the hummingbird fly like a helicopter?" ask the children.
Our children ask questions, lots and lots! And they tune in to our reactions. Oh yes, they sense the slightest hint of exasperation. And they like it when we pay attention to them and answer their questions directly. It's beautiful to watch as they gather information into their amazing brains. The questions they ask and we answer are setting a pattern for learning that serves them well as they travel through the schooling years.
When we don't know the answer we say, "I don't know, but we can get a book about it at the library," or "Let's ask the internet for help." We are establishing the practice of how to get answers.
I've often worried about where the birds go and how they fare in bad weather. Today we offer answers to "Where do birds go when it rains?", written by Josiah Clark, an avid birder, ecologist, naturalist and founder of an ecology consulting firm.
Which bird is your favorite? I'm currently a fan of owls, although I could probably make a long favorite birds list.
It's a good weekend to go the the Arboretum to see the hummingbirds and quail. Bring binoculars. Perhaps you can can spot nests,
Happy Spring! Have a fine Spring weekend, Parmalee
| | The Answer to "Where do birds go when it rains?" | | |
by Josiah Clark
"When a big Bay Area storm approaches, I’m concerned about how it might affect our resident and migrant birds. What do they do and where do they go to wait out the storm?"
Josiah Clark writes about seabirds, land birds, song birds, insectivores, raptors and water birds who each have their own way of handling stormy days.
Read Josiah's article, share with the children, then ask them if they would like to take a bird hunt rain-walk the next time it rains, or even a nice, day-walk.
| | |
Interacting with Animals:
the Benefits for Kids and Teens
| | |
It happens. Your preteen or teenager is in an emotional crisis and you’re sick with worry. You reach out to friends for suggestions and begin to sort through helpful ideas. You decide on professional help and getting a dog. Yes, bringing a dog into the family can introduce positive, loving devotion, healing support.
Or quite simply, the children want a dog. You’ve been resisting. You never had a dog and you’re just not sure.
Read this article by the folks at Kennolyn Camp who have a lot of experience about the benefits of being around and caring for animals.
"At Kennolyn Camps we know how special it is for kids and teens to interact with animals. Whether it’s riding horses or spending time with farm animals, these moments offer lasting benefits. But what does science have to say about how animals help young people grow? Here’s why animals are so important for kids and teens’ emotional, physical, and social development." Continue to Interracting with Animals: the Benefits for Kids and Teens > > >
| |
|
Free Magic Show at Kennolyn Camp, 2pm, Sunday 1 – 3:30pm, March 23 and Sunday 1 – 3:30pm, April 27, Join us at 2pm and see what makes Kennolyn Day Camp so special! The Surfing Magician will captivate audiences of all ages with incredible tricks, humor, and engaging storytelling. It’s an interactive, ever-evolving performance that’s sure to entertain the whole family!
Before and after the show, your kids can get a taste of camp with songs, games, and a guided tour. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a FREE week of camp in our Spring raffle! This is the perfect opportunity for first-time campers to get comfortable and for returning campers to share their love of camp with friends. Stop by anytime between 1:00–3:30pm. RSVP to help us plan, here.
| | | |
|
Visit the fully restored Castro Adobe, Saturday or Sunday, 10:30am - 3:30pm, This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Preregistration is required! Details
| | | |
|
Safety Leadership for Adults Presented by Kidpower, Protecting and Empowering Children & Youth with Safety Skills, Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 – 8pm, In this program for adult leaders including educators, parents & caregivers, we will explore safety strategies to help children and youth. Ready to unleash your inner superhero? Join us for Safety Leadership for Adults at the Midtown Community Center! In this in-person program for adult leaders including educators, parents & caregivers, we will explore safety strategies to help children and youth: build strong friendships, have healthy relationships of all kinds, be safe from bullying, abuse, abduction, & other harm. Details
| | | |
|
Game On Santa Cruz Roller Derby, March 22, 7pm, Doors open 6pm, This Harbor Hellcats are locked, loaded, and ready to bring the ACTION, the HITS, and the GOOD TIMES. Whether you’re here for the speed, the strategy, or the sheer chaos, we’ve got you covered. Grab your crew and join us for a night of hard-hitting, edge-of-your-seat roller derby. Let’s make some noise! Details
| | | |
|
Top Dog Film Festival, Saturday, March 22, 7 – 10pm, The Top Dog Film Festival, Australia’s premier showcase of the best dog-themed movies from around the world, comes to Santa Cruz to celebrate the passion of dog lovers. The festival will bring a curated selection of hilarious, heartwarming, and delightfully dog-centric films. Details
| | | |
Watsonville Teen Artist Showcase, Fridays 2-4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 11am-4pm, through March 23, Details
Parent Nest: A guided play and connection series, Fridays, March 21, 9:15 – 10am, Details
Live Like Coco Seeks Volunteers for Read Run Repeat, April 26, Details
Watsonville Wetlands Paid Internship for Watsonville public high school students, Apply today! Details
National Craft Month Madness, Saturday, March 22, 1 - 3pm, Details
Tales to Tails Garfield Park Mondays, Make an appointment, Details
Lego Brick Builder Fridays, Fridays, 3-4pm, Details
READ program with Ziggy the mini, One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Details
Skate the Civic, Monday, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Roller skate at the Civic! Details
| |
|
Explore the nature of Santa Cruz — wherever you are! Connect with local experts and join your community in deepening understanding about nature, science, and stewardship online and in-person. 10 Unique Nature Events with your favorite museum leaders, Details
| | | |
|
2025 Summer Camp Festival, Saturday, March 22, 10am -12:30pm, Join us at MOD’s Summer Camp Festival! Your little superheroes will have a blast at our booths, filled with fun activities like obstacle courses, crafts, and games to keep them entertained! Parents, it’s your chance to plan your summer and learn about the best summer camps Santa Cruz has to offer! So grab your cape, gather your squad, and get ready to Power Up for the Ultimate Summer! Details
| | | |
|
St Patrick’s West Cliff Outdoor Market, Saturday, March 22, 10am – 6pm, This one-of-a-kind market takes place along West Cliff Drive in beautiful Santa Cruz, overlooking the iconic Steamers Lane surf spot—a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. Details
| | | |
|
Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group, March 20, 6 – 8pm, Join us and discuss the infinite possibilities of A.I.! Are you Intrigued by A.I.? Does A.I. Scare you? Do you want A.I. to write your next term paper? Come hang out and talk about the implementation and implications of this rapidly advancing field. Details
| | | |
|
Author Visit and Storytime with Nina Francisco, Wednesday, March 26, 11am – 12pm, Join us for a special storytime. Nina Francisco, author of Sidivana and the Two Birds, will be joining us to read her debut picture book. This enchanting story follows a young girl’s journey of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her unique gifts and see them as strengths. We will follow the story with crafts. Nina Francisco is a children’s book author from Angola based in California. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University and holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship. Sidivana and the Two Birds is her debut self-published book. Details
| | | |
How to Make Mealtimes with Children Birth to 5 Years Enjoyable, Friday, March 21, 12:30 – 2pm, Attend this FREE parenting workshop to learn: Why mealtimes can be challenging for both parents and children; Effective strategies for handling challenging behaviors during mealtimes; How to encourage children to eat a wider variety of healthy foods; Tips for establishing positive mealtime routines in your family, Details | | | |
|
Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! March
| | | | | | |
