April 19, 2024

Summer Camp Issue

Overview for this week.

1. Monday, April 22 is Earth Day. All of April is now deemed Earth Month. I've included a link to an event finder on the official Earth Day site where you can find Earth Day events near you no matter where you live. You can also find information on participating in environmental activities, like neighborhood and park cleanups being organized through the rest of April.

2. The Reid Park Zoo is having their own Earth Day event, "Party for the Planet", on Sunday. I was able to get to the zoo last weekend and tour the elephant enclosure where I got some pictures of Meru, the elephant calf born on March 8th.

3. Summer is approaching and school ends in another month, so summer camp time is just around the corner. I’ve put together a collection of camp resources for Southern Arizona, the rest of the U.S. and Canada, as well as some immersive language camps in Europe.

4. Summer camp can be for big kids too, so I've included an article on the best adult summer camps in the U.S.

5. I also have some information on Outward Bound, who go beyond a camp experience and into the realm of expeditions.

6. In The Heavens we look at April's full moon, the Pink Moon coming up next Tuesday evening.

7. The 2024 Boston Marathon was run last Monday, April 15th. I want to congratulate the winners, Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma in the men's division and Kenya's Helen Obiri, with a repeat of last year's victory in the women's division.

8. In Performing Arts we have one more performance from the Arizona Opera's 2023/24 Opera Outdoors series coming up next Friday at the Tucson Museum of Art. I've also included a preview of their 2024/25 season lineup.

9. In Wellness I’ve found comprehensive article the looks at the pros and cons of the many sugar alternatives available today.

10. In the Pet's Corner this week we have a visit from an old friend of The Flock, Fern. We also have a new addition, a cute little Coton de Tulear puppy named Rosie.

Now, to this week's Flock.

Tap to view past issues.

Next Monday is Earth Day. Earth Day was established as a day to raise environmental consciousness and to demonstrate support for the environment. It has been celebrated worldwide on April 22nd since 1970. The links below include an interactive map where you can find Earth Day events near you.

From: EarthDay.org

Join us to honor and celebrate our remarkable planet on this extraordinary day. Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.

Through various events, toolkits, and initiatives, we aim to raise awareness, inspire change, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Let’s unite in our efforts to protect the Earth today and for generations to come. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a more sustainable world.

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

Earth Day 1970 Part 1: Intro (CBS News with Walter Cronkite)

The Reid Park Zoo is throwing an Earth Day party on Sunday, April 21st.

From: Reid Park Zoo

Join us for a Party for the Planet at the Zoo to celebrate Earth Day!

Activities are free with paid admission to the Zoo, no registration required.

During this event, guests can enjoy a variety of conservation-themed activities and informational displays from 9 a.m. – Noon to discover and celebrate ways to help protect our environment. Throughout the morning guests can:

• Make a seed ball to plant native seeds at home (while supplies last)
• Visit the community science table in the Pollinator Garden to spot native wildlife as part of the City Nature Challenge.
• Enjoy animal presentations throughout the Zoo
• Learn about conservation actions you can take at home through information stations provided by the Zoo Crew teen volunteers.
• Purchase a Go Green Kit sold by the Zoo Crew to help reduce your use of plastic at home. Proceeds support the Zoo Crew’s conservation fund which supports wildlife conservation around the world and locally. Available for purchase at the event.
• Learn from our community partners about additional opportunities to care for and protect the planet.

photo: Beth Kasser

I was able to visit The Reid Park Zoo this last weekend and get a tour of the Elephant enclosure where I met the yet to be named elephant calf born on March 8 of this year. I took some video and pictures of the little girl playing in a puddle. Since my visit she has received her new name, Meru!

From: Reid Park Zoo Blog, April 17, 2024

The African elephant calf born at Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo on March 8 has been named “Meru,” after Tanzania’s “Mount Meru.” 

“Our team really fell in love with the name Meru for the calf. She’s the fifth member of our herd, and Mount Meru is the fifth highest peak in Africa. We think it really suits her,” Reid Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Care, Adam Ramsey, said.

More than 19,000 votes were cast in the poll to select the name from three options selected by the elephant care team. 

Meru is most visible to Reid Park Zoo guests in the morning after 10 a.m. The schedule fluctuates daily based on the elephants’ needs and is subject to change. Guests may also catch a glimpse of the calf online on the Zoo Cams. Meru is quite energetic and curious. She is very playful, and enjoys climbing over logs.

photo: Beth Kasser

Meru having a drink of fresh water

I first posted a guide to summer camps in the Tucson area in the first issue of The Flock, back in May of 2022. The response I got from readers was very positive, and I've included posts on summer camps, both local and international, as the school year comes to a close since then. Here are some resources for finding a camp for the summer of 2024.

From: American Camp Association

The camp experience enriches lives and changes the world.

Camp provides children with a community of caring adults who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect — build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the four "C's" of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character! For years, campers' parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society.

From: Tucson Local Media, April 3, 2024

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

#ThisIsTucson has compiled a searchable list of more than 100 summer camps in the Tucson area. The list is searchable and sortable by: topic, cost, age, and location.

From: #ThisIsTucson

Search more than 100 Tucson-area summer camps with help from #ThisIsTucson. Follow the link below.

The University of Arizona offers summer camps that are tailored to a wide range of age groups. Camps cover a diverse set of activities and topics including sports, business, and STEM.

From: The University of Arizona, By: Andy Ober, April 2, 2024

If you're looking for a way to keep your kids engaged after the last school bell rings this spring, the University has several options. Here's a list of the summer camps being offered on campus and at other University locations.

The Tucson Village Farm offers a range of summer camps for kids and teens that go beyond agricultural and culinary experiences.

From: Tucson Village Farm

At Tucson Village Farm we believe in the transformative power of experiential learning and this summer your campers can experience it all!

From farm and culinary camps to outdoor adventures, our friendly, seasoned educators will give your child an unparalleled camp experience full of fun, learning, and skills to last a lifetime. 

CampPage.com is an extensive searchable directory of summer Camps throughout the U.S. and Canada that is organized by program type, activity, and location.

From: CampPage.com

If you want to give your child the perfect summer, send them to camp - but which one? There are a lot of camps to choose from! We'll help you find summer camps based on your child's interests, needs, and location so they can spend their summer break in the best way possible

Here are some overseas summer camps from Education First that provide teens the opportunity to learn a second language in an immersive environment and still get to experience many traditional camp activities.

From: Education First

Go on a summer camp abroad with EF! Our summer camps include language classes in the mornings and all kinds of sports and cultural activities in the afternoons so you can make the most of your time. If you want to learn a language, play soccer, dance and meet new friends, our summer camps are the best option this year. 

photo: Space Camp

Whether you're looking for a nostalgic summer camp experience in Martha's Vinyard, outdoor adventure in Moab, Utah, one more week of band camp, or even want to relive your childhood dream of becoming an astronaut at NASA's Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, the listings below an adult oriented camp for everyone.

From: TimeOut, By: Lauren Dana, March 12, 2024

Summer is essentially synonymous with camp if you're a kid—just think back to your childhood and picture warm, sunny afternoons out on the water or in the woods. But that doesn't mean the fun stops when you grow up, and we don't mean taking up a job as a counselor. Feeling nostalgic for the good ol' days? Consider attending an adult summer camp in the U.S., where you can partake in classic outdoor adventures like kayaking and archery, albeit with a grown-up flair (think: mimosas or Bloody Marys at breakfast, cocktails in the evening and that include arts and crafts and spirits tasting). Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best adult summer camps across America—ultra-luxe offerings included.

Outward Bound offers outdoor adventures and training for youths and adults in a safe, supervised environment.

From: Outward Bound

Welcome to Outward Bound, where we get back to the basics of summer. Whether you’re on a weeklong middle school expedition in the Colorado Rocky Mountains or joining our Semester program in Costa Rica, get set for uninterrupted days of fun, community, and outdoor adventure.

With multiple locations across the U.S. and internationally, our expeditions center around 1-3 key activities such as backpacking, rafting, kayaking, or climbing, designed with challenge levels that are appropriate for each age group. These activities, combined with camp craft and community building, are a catalyst for you to experience profound moments of personal growth and confidence. There's more in you than you know; we'll help you discover it!with Outward Bound

A Day in the Life with Outward Bound

From: The Old Farmer's Almanac, By: Catherine Boeckmann, April 12, 2024

Venture outside on Tuesday, April 23, to catch a glimpse of April’s full Pink Moon. This full Moon reaches peak illumination at 7:49 p.m. Eastern Time.

For the best view of this lovely spring Moon, find an open area and watch as the Moon rises just above the horizon. At this point, it will appear its biggest and take on a golden hue!

Why Is It Called the Pink Moon?

The full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from various sources, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not only to the full Moon.

Although we wish the name “Pink Moon” had to do with the color of the Moon, the reality is not quite as mystical or awe-inspiring. In truth, April’s full Moon often corresponded with the early springtime blooms of a certain wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata—commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox—which also went by the name “moss pink.” 

Thanks to this seasonal association, this full Moon came to be called the “Pink” Moon!

Sisay Lemma celebrates win the men's event at the 128th Boston Marathon.

Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

From: CNN, By: Ben Morse and George Ramsay, April 15, 2024

Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma won his first Boston Marathon title on Monday, finishing with a time of 2:06:17 in the men’s race, while Hellen Obiri of Kenya retained her 2023 title in the women’s race.

Lemma, who is the fourth-fastest man in history after his 2:01:48 finish in the Valencia Marathon last month, set the early pace, racing into a big lead.

And although the chasing pack closed the gap on Lemma as the race progressed, the 33-year-old was able to hold on for his second major marathon victory after winning the 2021 London Marathon.

The result cements him as one of the favorites to win gold at the Paris Olympics later this year.

Lemma finished 41 seconds ahead of Mohamed Esa in second and one minute and five seconds ahead of double-defending champion Evans Chebet in third.

The top performing men’s runner from the US was CJ Albertson who finished in seventh with an unofficial time of 2:09:53.

Obiri crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the 2024 Boston Marathon.

Ken McGagh/Reuters

Shortly afterwards in the women’s race, it all came down to a thrilling finish between reigning champion Obiri and former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi.

The pair were neck-and-neck throughout the final few miles, only for Obiri to sneak ahead and retain her crown by a narrow margin of eight seconds after finishing with a time of 2:22:37.

The last performance of Arizona Opera's 2023/24 season of Opera Outdoors is coming up next Friday, April 26th. The performance will be at the Tucson Museum of Art and is free with purchase of admission to the Tucson Museum of Art.

From: Arizona Opera

April 26, 2024

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Tucson Museum of Art (140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701)

Featuring a performance from Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artists and Head of Music Kathy Kozak.

Step away from your desk and experience world-class singing at the Tucson Museum of Art. Purchase lunch from Café a la C’Art before or after the performance, enjoy the museum, and join us for some incredible opera!

This event is free with purchase of admission to the Tucson Museum of Art. Registration for the performance is encouraged. Please enter the number of guests attending the event below.

Admission to the museum can be purchased when you arrive at the museum.

Arizona Opera 2024/25 Season

From Arizona Opera

Arizona Opera is thrilled to announce the lineup for its 2024/25 Season. The season will feature classic productions filled with star-crossed lovers and forbidden love; the Company Premiere of a thrilling new adventure opera perfect for all ages; a new “Beyond Downtown” program to bring opera to the broader Arizona community; and a recital series featuring one of opera’s brightest stars, all to be presented in both Phoenix and Tucson.

The following article is a deep dive into the pros and cons of the many altenatives to table sugar available to us today.

From: Food Revolution Network, By: Ocean Robbins, February 14, 2024

If there was an award for the most overused food ingredient with the least nutritional value, sugar would win in a cakewalk.

I’m not talking about sugars naturally found in fruits and vegetables. I’m talking about added sugars — mainly plain ol’ white sugar and its troublesome twin, high-fructose corn syrup.

There’s really nothing beneficial about added sugar — besides the temporary pleasure of your taste buds. But most of us eat way more of it than we should.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than six teaspoons (around 25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and nine per day (around 36 grams) for men. But the average American consumes 94 grams every day or over 74 pounds per year.

So, what about sugar alternatives?

Sugar substitutes attract consumers because they’re labeled as being naturally derived, calorie-free, or simply because they’re not sugar.

But then, what are different types of alternative sweeteners made of? What are the pros and cons of each? And are certain ones better for you than others?

This week we meet Rosie, a Coton de Tulear puppy. Coton de Tulear 's are an easygoing island dog originally from Madagascar. They are named after the port city of Toliara in Madagascar and their resemblance to a cotton ball. According to Rosie's granddaddy Jay, she is no more than nine weeks old.

Fern dropped in this week, just to say hello.

These Flock regulars are always here for you:

• Dr. Hayward M. Fox, Ph. D. and The Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge
• Kimberly Gomer of Body Beautiful Miami, our body shaper and fee-based nutritionist. 
• Kyria Sabin of Body Works Fletcher Pilates, she's the best.
• Where in the World is Zoe
• Sarah Smallhouse & Make Elections Fair Arizona - Sign the petition here!
• The Fabric Jeanie! Tap to learn more.
• Cita Scott for paintings, photography, and culinary art.
• We have new issue of Sensitive & Specific: The Testing Newsletter by Mara G. Aspinall and Liz Ruark. It's of special import for men who may be struggling with prostate worries.

In coming weeks: we'll be sharing more investigative articles from our roving reporter William George, original writing from Flock favorite Dino DeConcini, and an update on the Marolt brothers' coming expedition to Argentina.

Pink moss phlox, or “moss pink,” lends its nickname to the April Moon.

Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories!

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our second year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

View as Webpage