REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED | | ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP GUIDE: Part One
Tucson Summer Camps & Programs | | |
1. Bindu's Corner: This week, Bindu brings us a quote from the 1896 book “Karma Yoga” by Swami Vivekananda.
2. The Heavens: The night skies earlier this week offered residents of Canada and the northern US states a rare chance to witness the northern lights, with the probability of a sighting peaking on Wednesday evening, the 22nd. Next Friday evening will greet the first of two full moons in May, the Flower Moon.
3. Volcanoes: Flock contributor Silvia Sanchez has compiled a report on current volcanic activity around the globe.
4. Around Town: One of my favorite spots in Tucson is Sculpture Tucson's sculpture garden in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park.
5. Conservation: More than 150 giant tortoises have been reintroduced to an island in the Galápagos archipelago that saw its population wiped out in the 1800's.
6. Fashion: The 1990s Britpop fashion and girl power pop supergroup the Spice Girls' 1997 Brit Awards wardrobe is featured in an exhibit at the Barbican Music Library in London.
7. Parent's Corner: This week, I have two posts with prudent suggestions for helping teens strive to maximize their potential and develop into confident, mature adults.
8. Kid's Corner: This week's Summer Camp Guide will feature camps and resources in the Tucson area; next week's Guide will feature national and international camps and programs.
9. Rising Stars: A young Tucson tennis player has been selected to attend the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, for the second summer in a row.
10. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.: I have a new post from Dr. Fox's blog this week.
| | Now, to this week's Flock. | | 1. Bindu's Corner: Work Always Goes On | | The following quote is a passage from Swami Vivekananda's book “Karma Yoga” (the yoga of action), based on a series of eight lectures given in New York City over the winter of 1895. | |
2. The Heavens: Astronomical Highlights for the Coming Week
| | My readers know that I love the northern lights. The Flock's newest contributor, Silvia Sanchez, who, along with bringing this story to my attention, has contributed four original posts to this week's newsletter. Much of Canada and the northern tier of the US had a chance to see the northern lights this week, with the probability of a sighting peaking on Wednesday evening. Most states along our northern border will still have a chance of a sighting tonight and Saturday night. Check the maps on the NOAA Aurora Dashboard web page to see if you fall within the viewline. | | Northern Lights Forecast: Over 20 States Could See Aurora Borealis Wednesday | From: Forbes, By: Antonio Pequeño IV, April 20, 2026 | |
Topline
Northern lights observers in 24 states have a shot at seeing the natural phenomenon Monday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which provided a favorable aurora forecast for states closest to the northern U.S. border.
Key Facts
- A Kp index of four was issued for Monday night, meaning NOAA is expecting auroral activity that can be “quite pleasing to look at” for viewers in the right regions.
- The curved viewing line for Wednesday stretches as far south as southern Iowa, with chances of seeing the aurora borealis increasing the farther north observers are of the line.
- Tuesday’s viewing line remains the same, though the likelihood of aurora is forecast to dramatically decrease.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
States within Monday’s viewing line include Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, the majority of Montana, northeastern Wyoming, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northeast Nebraska, Minnesota, most of Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northern Indiana, the Michigan Upper Peninsula, the Michigan Lower Peninsula, northern Ohio, most of Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Alaska, northern Montana, northern North Dakota and northern Minnesota have the highest likelihood of aurora among the states listed.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
With little to no moonlight or light pollution between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., which is when the northern lights are typically most active. High vantage points can also help with visibility.
| | The first of two full moons for May, the Flower Moon will rise next Friday, May 1st. the month will end with a second full moon on Sunday, May 31st. | | Full Flower Moon & Blue Micromoon – May 2026 Full Moon Guide | | From: The Old Farmer's Almanac, By: Catherine Boeckmann, April 23, 2026 | |
There will be not one, but two, Full Moons in May! The first Moon, the Full Flower Moon, reaches its peak on Friday, May 1, while the second Moon, the Blue Moon (which is also a Micromoon), peaks on Sunday, May 31. Find out the meaning of the Flower Moon, the Full Moon of May.
When to See the Full Moons in May 2026
May 1: The Flower Moon
May’s first Full Moon, the Flower Moon, reaches peak illumination at 1:23 P.M. (EDT) on Friday, May 1. How fitting to have the Flower Moon arrive on May Day!
May 31: The Blue Moon
In May, a second Full Moon, a Blue Moon, will make an appearance. The term Blue Moon is most commonly used when we have two Full Moons in a single month. On Sunday, May 31, the Full Moon will peak at 4:45 A.M. EDT.
Find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon, if possible. See what time the moon will be visible in your area with our Moonrise and Moonset Calculator.
Why Is It Called the Flower Moon?
The Full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from many places, 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 solely to the Full Moon.
The Flower Moon
May’s Flower Moon name should be no surprise; flowers spring forth across North America in abundance this month!
- “Flower Moon” has been attributed to Algonquin peoples, as confirmed by Christina Ruddy of The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre in Pikwakanagan, Ontario.
- May’s Moon was also called the “Month of Flowers” by Jonathan Carver in his 1798 publication, Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America: 1766, 1767, 1768 (pp. 250-252), as a likely Dakota name. Carver stayed with the Naudowessie (Dakota) over a period of time; his expedition covered the Great Lakes region, including the Wisconsin and Minnesota areas.
- Henry David Thoreau sparked the Native American Moon names as well, referencing the Flower Moon and Carver when he wrote about Native Americans.
| | 3. Volcanoes: Current Volcanic Activity | | Semeru, East Java, Indonesia | | Volcanoes Around the world | | Written by Silvia Sanchez | | |
As of April 2026, roughly 40 volcanoes are experiencing continuous eruptions worldwide, with significant activity concentrated in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia, and Iceland. Key active sites include Indonesia's Merapi and Semeru, Ecuador's Sangay, and Philippines' Mayon, while Hawaii's Kilauea and Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula see ongoing fissure activity.
Key Volcanic Activity (April 2026)
Indonesia: Multiple volcanoes are active, including Dukono, which is producing consistent ash plumes, and Semeru.
Philippines: Recent activity reported at Canlaon (ash plume) and Mayon (eruption).
Ecuador: Sangay continues to show significant, ongoing activity.
USA (Hawaii): Kilauea remains in an active phase, with recent lava fountains and continued monitoring of nearby seismic activity.
Iceland: The Reykjanes Peninsula continues to experience intermittent, disruptive fissure eruptions.
Europe: Campi Flegrei (Italy) is under watch due to recent seismic activity, while Etna remains periodically active.
Context and Monitoring
Global Activity: Approximately 70 volcanoes erupt every year, with nearly 500 having erupted in historical time.
Tracking Resources: The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program and USGS Volcano Updates provide real-time reporting on global eruptions.
Concerns: While many are remote, others pose risks to air travel (ash plumes) and local populations, causing evacuations and disruption, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines.
| | 4. Around Town: Sculpture Tucson's Sculpture Park | | Sculpture Tucson is a non-profit organization formed in 2016 by artists Barbara Grygutis, Steve Kimble, and Jeff Timan, dedicated to promoting three-dimensional art in the Southwest. The organization helps bring sculpture to public locations in Pima County through its Sculpture on the Street program, which places public art pieces throughout the community, and through free exhibits at the foundation headquarters in the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. The current exhibition, The Founders' Show, features works by the Sculpture Tucson founders and runs through the end of May. | | Sculpture Tucson, The Founders' Show | | |
December 7, 2025 through may 30, 2026
Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 2 PM
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The exhibition honors Sculpture Tucson founders
Barbara Grygutis, Steve Kimble, and Jeff Timan—three artists whose shared vision transformed a simple idea of supporting sculpture and sculptors into a thriving nonprofit arts organization.
| | One in a Million, Steve Kimble | | This event also marks 10 years of Sculpture Tucson, celebrating a decade of creativity, public art, exhibitions, and community engagement. | |
5. Conservation: Giant Tortoises Reintroduced to Galápagos Island
| | 158 young giant tortoises were released on Floreana Island on February 20, 2026 Credit: Galapagos.org | | This past February, 158 young giant tortoises were released on Floreana Island in Galápagos National Park as part of the Iniciativa Galápagos program, formerly known as the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative, which I last posted about in January of 2024 when 136 juvenile Galápagos tortoises were released into the wild on Isabela Island. More than 9,000 tortoises reared in captivity have been rewilded on the islands in the 60 years since the effort to restore the endangered giant tortoise population began. | | Giant Tortoises Return To Galápagos Island After Centuries | | From: DOGOnews, by: Hajar L., April 21, 2026 | | |
On February 20, 2026, conservation teams released 158 young giant tortoises on Floreana Island in the Galápagos. This historic milestone marked the first step in restoring a species that disappeared from the island in the 1800s.
Park staff carried the young tortoises in crates. They walked several miles over rocky, volcanic ground to special release sites. These sites were carefully chosen to ensure the tortoises would have access to food and water, as well as safe areas for nesting. Before release, each tortoise was fitted with a microchip. This will allow scientists to monitor them in the wild.
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Floreana Island was once home to hundreds of Floreana giant tortoises. But the animals were hunted down by early settlers. Invasive animals such as pigs and rats further reduced their population by eating the eggs and hatchlings. By the late 1800s, there were no tortoises left on the island.
In 2000, researchers surveying giant tortoise population on the nearby Isabela Island made a surprising discovery. Some of the tortoises there carried traits of the original Floreana species. These animals became the starting point for a long-term effort to bring the species back.
| Giant tortoises return home to Galapagos island after 150 years | |
6. Fashion: Barbican Music Library Exhibits Spice Girls Wardroe
| | The Spice Girls performed at the Brit Awards in 1997 | | The Spice Girls were a seminal group of 1990s Britpop, influencing pop culture fashion and the girl power movement of the era. | | The Spice Girls Changed Pop Forever in 1996. Thirty Years Later, Their Iconic Outfits Are on Display in a New Exhibition in London | | The Barbican Music Library is celebrating British pop culture with a show that features Mel B’s leopard catsuit, Emma Bunton’s blue dress and Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack boots | From: Smithsonian Magazine, By: Michele Debczak, April 20, 2026 | |
In 1996, Great Britain succumbed to “Spicemania.” The Spice Girls’ first album, Spice, broke sales records when it debuted that November, instantly cementing the girl group as pop royalty. Thirty years later, items worn by the band’s members are the highlight of a new exhibition celebrating what its curator calls the “wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade.”
Per a statement from the City of London, the pop star says she remembers the night as a “glorious moment when we came home to celebrate a rollercoaster seven months after exploding from unknowns in July 1996 to feeling like we had conquered the world. It was all a crazy ’90s whirlwind, but in my leopard print, I knew I could take on anything.”
Other pieces of Spice Girls memorabilia on display in the show include the Union Jack platform boots once sported by Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) and a blue dress worn by Emma Bunton (Baby Spice).
| | Spice Girls - Wannabe (Official Music Video) | | 7.Parent's Corner: Helping Your Teens Mature | | The Real Consequences Teens Don't Always See Coming | | Written by Silvia Sanchez, Investigative reporter | | |
Adolescence is often described as a time of exploration, growth, and self-discovery. But it's also a stage where decisions—sometimes made in seconds—can carry long-term consequences that many teens don't fully understand at the moment. As parents, educators, and community members, it's important to guide young people with honesty about what's really at stake.
One of the most immediate consequences teens face today is related to digital behavior. Social media can feel temporary, even disposable—but in reality, posts, messages, and photos can follow them for years. Colleges, employers, and even scholarship committees often review online presence. A single impulsive post can shape how others perceive a teen's character, maturity, and judgment.
There are also emotional and relational consequences. Choices involving friendships, romantic relationships, and peer pressure can deeply impact self-esteem and mental health. A toxic relationship, bullying (online or in person), or exclusion can leave lasting emotional scars. Teens are still developing emotionally, which makes these experiences especially powerful—and sometimes difficult to recover from without support.
Academic consequences can quietly build over time. Skipping classes, neglecting assignments, or losing motivation may not seem urgent in the moment, but they can close doors later. Grades, attendance, and discipline records all play a role in shaping a teen's future options.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked consequences is the effect on family trust. When teens make risky or harmful choices, it can strain relationships at home. Rebuilding trust takes time, consistency, and effort on both sides. Strong communication is key—but it often begins after a mistake has already been made.
This doesn't mean teens should live in fear of making mistakes. In fact, learning from missteps is a natural and necessary part of growing up. But understanding the potential consequences helps teens make more informed decisions—and reminds them that their actions today can influence their opportunities tomorrow. Experts also recommend letting them face the natural consequences of their actions. For example, if they did poorly in school, and didn't turn in homework, let them face the grade they get. If they use their phone or digital access in a bad way, take away their phone, but only for some days or hours.
Also by having open, judgment-free conversations and setting clear expectations, adults can help teens navigate these challenges with greater awareness and confidence. The goal isn't perfection—it's preparation, preparation for the real world.
| | Written by Silvia Sanchez, Investigative reporter | | |
Choosing the right educational environment is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For many, boarding schools offer a unique balance of academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community.
Boarding schools create an immersive learning experience where students are encouraged to focus, explore their interests, and reach their full potential. With smaller class sizes and dedicated faculty, students often receive more personalized support and mentorship.
Beyond the classroom, students develop independence and confidence by learning to manage their time, make decisions, and take responsibility for their daily lives. The close-knit campus environment also fosters meaningful friendships and a deep sense of belonging.
Families are also drawn to the wide range of opportunities available—from athletics and the arts to leadership programs and advanced coursework—allowing students to discover their passions and build well-rounded skill sets.
At their core, boarding schools provide more than an education—they offer a transformative experience that prepares students for college and beyond.
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8. Kid's Corner: Tucson Summer Camp Guide
| | I've been posting an annual Summer Camp Guide featuring summer camps and educational programs ever since the first issue of the Flock in 2022, when I highlighted Tucson Local Media's guide to summer camps and classes. Over the years, I've expanded to include national and international guides and camps. This year, I'm splitting my Summer Camp Guide into two issues. This week, I'll be featuring camps and programs in and around Tucson. Next week, I'll look at options across America and international programs, too. | | Camp helps children grow by providing a supervised, positive environment that has safety as a primary commitment. | | |
Camps create quality experiences that build a world of belonging and growth.
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.
Children are at less risk at camp where they have a sense of community, develop intergenerational relationships, and learn through first-hand experiences. Trained, caring adult role models help children feel loved, capable, and included. Camp helps children grow by providing a supervised, positive environment that has safety as a primary commitment.
Benefits and Anticipated Outcomes of the Camp Experience
Social Skills Development
- Leadership
- Communication
- Participation
Self-Respect and Character Building
- Responsibility
- Resourcefulness
- Resilience
Community Living/Service Skills
- Caring
- Fairness
- Citizenship
- Trustworthiness
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City of Tucson
KIDCO and School's Out
Monday-Friday from 7:30 am-6 pm
Session 1 – June 1-26 (closed June 19)
Session 2* – June 29-24 (closed July 3)
*For TUSD site locations, session 2 will run June 29-July 17, 2026
Programming is available for ages 5-11
(must have completed kindergarten)
The KIDCO and School's Out programs provide:
- A safe, comfortable place for children to be after school and during the summer.
- An opportunity for kids to express themselves through various art forms, sports, and special events.
- A place to practice physical fitness, experience healthy alternatives, and learn respect for the body.
- An environment that helps encourage listening and caring, and where positive values are reinforced.
- An opportunity to develop varied interests, practice recreational skills, and experience positive use of leisure time.
- A time for friendships and socializing.
visit website »
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Tucson Country Day School
Camp Adventure
June 1st - July 10th, 2026
Camp Adventure has been a Tucson tradition for over 50 years! Since the beginning, Camp Adventure has filled the summer days with activities that engage children, help them develop a sense of community, and present learning opportunities throughout the experience. We host camp on a beautiful 10-acre outdoor campus, which is also home to Tucson Country Day School.
visit website »
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Tucson JCC
JCC Camp J
May 26 – July 29
Traditional Camp J creates an environment where campers entering grades K–9 develop essential life skills through meaningful experiences, supportive relationships, and intentional community-building. Small group sizes and strong staff-to-camper ratios allow each child to be known, supported, and encouraged as they take healthy risks, try new things, and discover their strengths. The camp day is intentionally structured to promote problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, confidence, and social-emotional learning—all woven into play, group challenges, hands-on projects, and shared camp traditions. As campers grow, they practice independence and leadership, learning how to communicate, navigate friendships, work as a team, and contribute to the larger camp community. With AM/PM care included and daily routines designed to be seamless for families, Camp J offers a full-service summer experience where every camper can build skills, deepen connections, and continue their personal growth in a joyful and supportive setting.
visit website »
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Children's Museum Tucson
Play Camps
9 am-3 pm, all June and July
Ages 5-6 or 7-9
CMT Summer Play Camps harness the power of play to grow a lifelong love of learning! These full-day adventures for ages 5-9 blend hands-on, minds-on exploration. From desert detectives to cardboard engineers, campers explore the world around them with abundant free play throughout the Museum. Campers develop creativity, curiosity, and essential skills while discovering the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and art with our experienced Education Guides.
Sonoran Desert Detectives
June 1-5 or July 6-10
Magical Light & Color Mixers
June 8-12 or July 13-17
visit website »
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Tucson Raquet & FItness Club
Summer Camp
May 26-July 31
9am-2pm
Extended Hours Available
The Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club Summer Camp is proud to have served the Southern Arizona community and it’s youth since 1979. Our dedication to excellence has resulted in one of the most successful camp programs in the country producing thousands of happy campers. We look forward to seeing you for one of many exciting Camps at The Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club!
visit website »
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Tucson Village Farm Camps 2026
May, June & July
Tucson Village Farm, a program of the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona, offers Farm, Culinary, Art, and Adventure Camps for youths and young adults ages 5 -17.
visit website »
| | Tucson Summer Camp Guides & Listings | |
9. Rising Stars: Hector Woolfolk
| | This young man makes me proud to be a Tucsonan. | | Hector Woolfolk's inspiring journey | | Written by Silvia Sanchez, Investigative reporter | | |
Our community has many reasons to be proud- and Hector Woolfolk is one of them.
At just 14 years old, Hector has once again been admitted to the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca Spain, marking his second-year training among some of the most promising young tennis players in the world. He was first admitted to this academy in the summer of 2024. This incredible achievement reflects not only his talent, but also the discipline, resilience, and heart he brings to the court every day.
Founded by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the academy is known for shaping athletes who strive for excellence both in sport and in life. To be selected once is an honor- but to be invited back speaks volumes after Hector's growth and determination.
For our community Hector's journey is more than a personal accomplishment- it's a reminder of what dedication and passion can achieve. He carries with him the support, pride, and admiration of everyone cheering him on from home.
We can't wait to see how far his talent and hard work will take him. The future is bright, and Hector is just getting started.
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10. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.: From Dr. Fox’s Blog
| | I have a new blog post from Dr. Fox's Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge. Visit Dr. Fox's website; I promise you will find wisdom within its pages. | | Springtime at Maroon Creek Valley | | These Flock regulars are always here for you: | | 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 third year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story. | | Subscriptions & Idea Submissions
Reminder: Your submissions are always welcomed. | | |
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Your fan and friend,
Beth
| | | The information and materials contained or referenced in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before beginning a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or care based on anything contained in this newsletter. | | | | |
