Category Archives: Classes

The Highlight of my Musical Career- RNYD

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.

RNYD wrote this one for you all.  Thought you might like to hear from him.  It’s worth noting before you read, that RNYD has music credits on actual albums.  Additionally, he and I were in an actual band together when we were first married (no offense taken to his “Highlight” comment, I get it).  We knew we wanted our kids to be into music, and maybe even play an instrument.  We weren’t quite prepared for this. 

               Every musician dreams of jamming with their children when they grow up. Playing music for a musician goes beyond reading notes on a page and counting 4 beats to a measure. You connect with the people in your band. You support each other, you must listen and react to them. If all goes well, you create some great music. This past December, I had the pleasure of being my 8-year-old son (A)’s bass player and it was the absolute highlight of my musical career.

(A)’s and his teacher Andrew stopped me at the end of his lesson one Monday and said, “would you be willing to play with Aidan at his recital in December”? “Are you guys kidding, of course I will”! We were playing Aidan’s favorite Ramones song. I could see Aidan was excited, and he knew I was excited. It was pretty cool. That night after dinner, I wrote out a chart so that the next evening I was ready to go. We spent hours and hours rehearsing, listening to the song, and talking about the arrangement. Some of it was tough, but 98% of it was a blast. (A) got to see how I ready myself for a performance. I’d play for hours on my own. I was terrified of making a mistake. I’m ok if a mistake makes me look bad, but if I made a mistake this time…I’d make him look bad.

The day of the performance came, and I was more nervous than he was. I never thought I’d be nervous about playing a Ramones song…unless of course I was playing with the actual Ramones. I played the song at least 25 times that morning. (A) was surprisingly calm. As we were walking up to the front to perform, I was the most nervous I had ever been to play music in my entire life (I’ve been playing in front of people since I was 8…in 1984). I sat down, plugged my bass and gave (A) a sly smile. He counted us in and we nailed it. If I closed my eyes, I never would have known that my band mate, my son, was 8. When we finished (A) looked over and smiled at me. After we spoke to the 12 family members who came for the performance, he thanked me for playing with him. I thanked him for the opportunity and told him one day he’d understand how special that was for me. How many Dad’s can say they got to play a Ramones song with their kid?

I can’t thank Andrew Klein and The New City Music School enough. They have taken a kid with a passion for music and turned him into a musician. Now (A) and I get to not only listen to music together, but we get to jam together as well.

He’s playing a Weezer song this weekend without me, but we are already talking about what we are going to do for the December recital. Keep your eye out for that review…it’s going to be awesome!

As a special for our readers, if you register by Saturday June 30th and mention Rockland NY Mom, we’ll waive the $55 registration fee!

New City School of Music | Music Lessons, Music Teacher, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Violin, Saxophone | New City, NY

Nickel-O Farms- Review! #RNYMBucketList

Posted on by Posted in Camps, Classes, Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Opportunities, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as Nickel-O Farms is a directory member.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Pleased to be checking items off of our #RNYMBucketList this early in the year, here is installment 1.  Horseback riding.  Its a great skill, one I loved as a kid at camp, and my brother even pursued.  So excited that I was able to share it with my kids, that they weren’t scared (actually LOVED it), found a great place to go, and look forward to going again. 

RNYM recently had the pleasure to begin working with Nickel-O Farms. They have joined our camps directory, and became one of our spring/summer bucket list options as one thing my kiddos wanted to do was to learn how to ride a horse.  They always enjoy the “pony” rides at events we attend, but wanted something more.

Nickel-O has lessons, as well as scouting events, camp, and animals available for birthday parties. It is located right in West Nyack and Lisa (the owner) is more than sweet.

 

We headed over for a riding lesson with the kids and didn’t know what to expect. We had been told that long pants and boots or something with a hard sole would be best so that’s what we wore.  Safety is most important at Nickel-O so the first thing we did was get fitted for helmets.  Then we were brought over to Sara who introduced us to our horse for the day, Small Bear.

I thought that it would be a little lighter than it was but the kids were thrown right in (I’m glad) and (A) was taught how to walk Small Bear Bear right over to the stables. After a few pointers (A) was able to get right onto him.  I figured (having literally no background in riding other than the lessons we had at my sleep away camp when I was 10) that they would ride around a few times and they would get the hang of it but nope.  They did a ton!!!

After a few basic lessons on the reigns while going around the corral I was shocked that Sara started explaining to (A) how to steer Small Bear to do a zig zag through the cones. Without a lead line or anything!  It took him a few seconds to get the hang of it and he was doing it on his own!!!  I honestly would have been impressed if we stopped right there.  They had already blown my expectations away, but then Sara brought (A) and Small Bear into the adjoining corral.

There they worked on walking over obstacles, including cavaleties in the ground, and also a bridge. THEN THEY GOT TO JOG!  This was the highlight of the experience if you ask (A) or (E).  They LOVED it!!!

When ½ hour was up (A) was instructed how to get off Small Bear ‘like a cowboy’ and came out all smiles. At this time (E) was heading in for her lesson.  Being 5 I assumed it would be drastically different.  NOPE!  She did all the SAME things that (A) had done (but with a lead line held by Sara).  She too enjoyed every moment, and Sara told us at the end that for most kids her age they would have only started with 15 minutes, but that she did so well that she got to do the whole ½ hour.  When it was completed she was instructed how to walk Small Bear back to the cross ties and hook him up.

At this point Sara told them a bit about how to care for a horse, and about how riding lessons are about more than just the “riding” it’s also caring for the horse, and having a relationship with them where they trust you. You have to take care of them.  The kids got to brush him a bit, and were given a lesson on the difference between the grooming tools.

At this time I pulled the kids aside to ask them a few questions about the experience (it’s really cool that they are old enough to do that now). Both reported that they would LOVE to do it again, or go for a trail ride in the future.  They also reported that they LOVED jogging, and recommend that others try it.

Nickel-O was a fabulous experience for my guys. They wanted terribly to learn more about horseback riding, and to do more than be led around a pony area.  This was the second item we were able to cross off of our #RNYMBucketlist.  If you are interested in going for a ride, camp, lessons, a scouting event, birthday party or anything else, please contact Lisa Owens at:

Nickel-O Farms
369 Strawtown Road, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA

Phone:     (845) 353-8006

​Fax:        (845) 348-8178

E-mail:    nickelo123@aol.com

As always we appreciate your mentioning that you read it here :o)

Upcoming Events or Programs:

CAMP

Our summer Riding Program is a one of a kind experience that kids of all ages come to enjoy.  We teach children how to take care of the horses and experience life at the barn 

– all while having a great time.  

 At Nickel-O – kids get to saddle up and ride every day,
​Friday mornings include a very special horse show.  

Enrollment is limited, so early registration is important.

$400 per week per rider
Tuesday – Friday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please send the registration form to

Lisa Owen/Nickel-O Farm
12 Old Mill Road, West Nyack, NY 10994.
Nickelo123@aol.com

8  Weeks Available!
Week 1    7/2-7/5
Week 2    7/9 – 7/12
Week 3    7/16 – 7/19
Week 4    7/23 – 7/26
Week 5    7/30 – 8/2
Week 6    8/6 – 8/9
Week 7    8/13 – 8/16
Week 8    8/20 – 8/23

Doll and Me Style at Sparkle Up Review

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Day Trips, Events, Party, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as Sparkle Up is a directory member.  All opinions expressed are our own. 

By: Intern Cat

Sparkle Up in New City holds kids parties, does hair cuts and style for both boys and girls (even grown ups), and holds many events. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for updates!

The Doll and me Style, was the recent event at Sparkle Up. Similar to American Girl Doll in NYC (but at a fraction of the cost), the girls got to bring their dolls and they both could get their hair done.

Nails were also a dolly and me experience.  Sparkle Up uses special nail polish on both girls and dolls that is safe for them.

The girls also got to dress up in fun costumes and got to get some awesome sparkle tattoos.

There was also a fun photo shoot where the kids got to show of their make over as well as their dolls. The event was really fun, and it was really awesome to see all the smiles. So thank you to all the moms and parents for giving me permission to take photos! It was a really fun afternoon to see the girls dress up and coordinate with their dolls

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The next event for Sparkle Up! is…

Sunday 3/10/19 from 12-1:30 pm

Decorate a pony to take home, have your hair done “pretty Pony” style, paint your nails and have your face paint done too!! Cost $25 per child call 634-0140 to register!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolatier-Matisse- More than Just Sweet Treats

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited over for a class.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Chocolatier-Matisse in Orangeburg has been on our radar for quite a while.  In addition to being a great resource for party favors, a sweet treat for someone you love, holiday trays, and of course chocolate covered strawberries, Danielle and her staff has so much more going on there.  They also hold craft classes (weekly) where your child can affordably make a great project, work on a chocolate component and have a great time.  These classes are drawn upon as inspiration for their super fun birthday parties, as well as scout troop events.

(A) and I were able to head over to the Dragon and Fairy Lantern Event held at the beginning of January.  Poor (E) was sick and was so so sad to be missing it.  That’s the first thing ill say about the Chocolatier Matisse Events that is really nice, they are geared toward BOTH boys AND girls. For me this is a no brainer as I have one of each to occupy, AND its incredibly difficult to find fun things to do for boys.  (A) is OBSESSED with Dragons so this was a home run for us.

Once all the kids were present and accounted for they made some chocolate dipped treats (rice krispies and pretzels).  There were extra toppings that could be added atop the chocolate and (A) had a ball playing with it.  When everyone had completed that task they moved to the other table which was all set up for the lantern craft.

There were more than enough helpers who walked around to repeat the simple directions to the kids, and they were all able to put their own spins on the project.  (A) really loved adding jewels to his dragon for a little extra sparkle when the candle was lit.  While the kids worked, other employees packaged up the chocolate delights that they had made for them to take home.  It was just about the perfect amount of time for the kids.  Enough for them to be creative and enjoy, without getting bored.  They accomplished two things the chocolate and the lanterns, and were ready to go home.


(A) has mentioned that he would love to do it again with more mystical creatures, that it would be really cool.  He has had the lantern on his nightstand since, and puts the light on each night to sleep.  He loved that he made a chocolate dessert and would love to go back and do that too.  (E) is dying to attend one as she loves arts and crafts and hasn’t let me forget that she was unable to attend.

Launch into Fun! – Review!

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were hosted in giving Launch a try.

This past month the kids and I were invited to visit the new trampoline park Launch in West Nyack.  I have to start off by saying I love the location of this facility.  Right behind social security off of 304 it’s easy to get to from anywhere.  We recommend not getting there right when it opens as it is very popular and you will have to wait on line.  If you get there about an hour afterwards it’s much easier to get in.  I do love that you sign in on the computer before you get to the counter so your waiver is ready and they just scan it at the computer to log you in.  You don’t have to wait for people to be inputted into the system this way with kids who are looking to burn some energy.

The park is clean and lots of fun. There are no real restrictions for age at this park as there are at others with sections for younger kids and older.   Everyone has free reign.  I liked that part as it meant that my 5 and 8 year olds (of very different ability levels) could try the same obstacles.  This is particularly nice for my kids given that (E) is far more adventurous than (A) who is 3 years her senior.  She WANTS to venture where he goes and try the same things as he does, always has. Those who are worried about the bigger kids mixed with the younger can rest easy as there were lots of employees around checking for safety.

The kids bounced around for quite a while. (E) being a dancer and aspiring gymnast of sorts, really enjoyed the bouncing and then bouncing to jump into the foam pit (which was nice and clean- a big concern of mine when we go to such places because she’s asthmatic).  (A) preferred to run and bounce from trampoline to trampoline, and play dodgeball.

The kids really enjoyed the obstacle course which is really quite difficult, and they spent a long while swinging on the different parts trying to get through it. The parts that were too high, an employee jumped in and helped them up to get.  The hour time frame for bouncing was more than enough as my kids both came off red faced and ready for a break.

When break time is over there is a nice snack bar and tables you can utilize. Even though Launch itself was busy at the time, there wasn’t a wait while we were there.  Then we decided to play some video games.  This section is a great space to cool down and have a little fun before you head out.  (A) used his entire credit balance to play the Jurassic World game, and (E) chose to run around and try a bit of everything.  She even won a ball at the claw game!

The kids really enjoyed Launch and have already asked to have another play date there (every day since). It’s a great facility for getting the energy out, playdates, birthday parties, scout trips, fundraisers, really anything you can think of.  There are some fabulous deals to take advantage of right now including:

 Take $150 OFF any of our awesome A-List Birthday party

Winter Pass on Sale Now!

$99 to jump 1 hour per day

December 1st through March 15th

Playing for Fun at New City School of Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

One of the things I love the most is watching my children grow and learn.  I think all parents would agree with that statement.  At 8 and 5 we are at “great ages” for this, for all things really.  Each age and stage of childhood has brought with it special moments and challenges.  These ages however, have shown me major maturity, growth, and with it both character and personality development.  They are truly coming into their own with what they enjoy reading, listening to, and doing.  One place where this is really starting to shine, is with (A) and his drum lessons at The New City School of Music.

Having been attending for just a little over a year now, Andrew has determined that (A) is ready to increase his lesson length.  This shows major attention span growth, as well as endurance both mentally and physically.  This new lesson length came with it some changes in the way he plays and practices.  Since (A) has a rudimentary knowledge of reading music as well as playing now, Andrew often plays right along side of him.  This gives (A) confidence, and makes it fun for him (even when doing stick work- which is technique training).  But along with this change in technique work, Andrew has continued, and even highlighted the need to play for fun, for enjoyment, and for the love of music.

All along (A) has been assigned homework to practice on a nightly basis during the week.  It usually consists of some stick work, as well as reading and playing a few “fills” and whatnot.  Andrew has kicked it up a notch and asked (A) to jam for homework.  Once a week, he is supposed to forget the work from the book and just jam.  Make up his own fills, beat on the drums and play along to some favorite songs.  In fact, each night in addition to his usual practice, he is supposed to play along with a song that he enjoys.  Listening critically, figuring out the notes being played, and then playing along with them, in time including any fills.

This teaching of the whole child is something that Andrew has excelled at all along.  He isn’t just reading music, or teaching traditional music theory (although he is getting plenty of that- as I type he is learning how to write an “accent” in drum music), its about teaching how to “hear” the music.  To break it down into its it smaller parts, to learn how it all fits together.  The timing, the harmonies, all of it.  More importantly, its about my 8 year old son learning to love all aspects of music, listening, experiencing and playing it.

As a result of this approach, I don’t have to force him to practice.  He isn’t upset when its time to come to his lesson, in fact he’s usually ready to go early and upset if its not quite time to go.  He loves to chat with Andrew, to play with him, to talk music with him.  All of it.

As I’ve watched (A) mature and grow with the drumming, I am also noticing that he is maturing and his endurance (mental and physical) for schoolwork is improving.  His reading and fluency is improving, and his mathematical abilities have improved.  His knowledge of mathematical concepts like fractions is well beyond what I would think it would be for his age, but why not, we have a metronome going at least 15 minutes a night at our house, and he’s reading complex drum phrases and changing time along with the notes he sees.

RNYD and I couldn’t be happier that he’s loving it so much and growing with the music.  I have a post coming soon to talk about his most recent performance, that was a real doozie for us. As a show of how much we love our lessons, and our readers,  The New City School of Music is currently offering  a $55 registration for free to students who mention RocklandNYMom and register by 1/15/19!

 

Teaching More than Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Last week we walked into our regular drum lesson at New City School of Music ready to rock with (A)’s teacher Andrew.  (A) really looks forward to them.  While we were waiting for Andrew to come in to get us (A) often likes to look at the trophies to see who is testing this coming month.  We hadn’t even realized it had been a year since (A) started lessons, until he found the trophy that adorned his name.

When we walked into our lesson (A) brought it up and Andrew checked his records.  Yep it was time.  He offered (A) two choices.  Try to earn it right then and there- pop quiz style, or go home to prepare and test the following week.  I was really unsure which he would choose, then he picked pop quiz.  Although I was super excited that he was feeling so self assured, I was immediately nauseous.  If he was nervous he didn’t look it one bit.

Andrew gave his assignment and he was off to the races.  He made it through, but it was a little choppy and he had to stop once or twice when he first started to begin again.  Really though, he did really well for a kid who was taking a pop quiz.  Andrew concurred, then surprised me (pleasantly).   He asked (A) how he thought he did, to which (A) replied “OK”.

Andrew asked if it was the very best he could do.  (A) replied that no, he could do better with some preparation.  Then Andrew told him that technically he had gotten enough of it right to earn the trophy, but offered him two more choices.  He could take the trophy home that day having met the minimum requirements, or he could go home and prepare.  Come back next week, and nail it.

(A) thought for a moment (how tempting it must have been) then said that he would rather practice and then knock it out of the park.  Andrew and I were both pleased with this decision.  They went on with their lesson.  During this lesson they had a chance to “jam” together and it was awesome.  Andrew gave him his assignment when we were leaving and said he knew (A) was going to kill it.  (A) vowed to practice hard.

And practice he did.  Every night he went into his room and prepared, asking RNYD to go in with him and listen to make sure he was doing it well.

This past Monday (A) headed back to class ready to rock it.  I couldn’t be there because I had back to school night (which is apparently pointless without the teacher).  RNYD accompanied him.  I kept checking my phone to see how it went, and low and behold 10 minutes into the lesson I got the message.  He nailed it, followed by two ecstatic photos.  When I got home, he was really excited to tell me all about it.  I am so proud of him.

I’m also so super glad that Andrew and The New City School of Music have the same type of values that we have in our house.  (A) didn’t get that trophy just because he reached the 1 year mark.  He didn’t get it because he met the minimum requirement, nor because he tried and he should be rewarded for that.  He received the trophy as a reward for hard work, for practicing.  He earned it.  So did Andrew.  In giving (A) options, and letting him take ownership of his progress, he taught him way more than the drums.  He taught him that things worth doing are worth doing right, that hard work pays off, and that you shouldn’t settle for the minimum.  He showed (A) what he was capable of with practice.  I can’t wait to see where this goes next <3

Halloween at Jills Ceramics!

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Crafts, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

We adore our adventures around town together.  One that we end up doing quite often is visiting Jill of Jill’s Caramics.  We’ve spent so much time there in fact that my kids hug and kiss her every time we go.  That’s Jill.  She adores kids.  She’s been celebrating birthdays and crafting with kids in Rockland County for over 30 years.

We celebrate almost every holiday there, and have been creating the handprint art I so love together since (A) was 1.  When we had two days off in the beginning of September and an event coming up for Halloween we thought it was the perfect time to pay Jill a visit. The kids were allowed to each paint one thing they chose, but then I had another little project in mind… no surprise there it was made with their handprints.

I love walking around and looking at all the items that Jill has to paint.  The possibilities are endless.  Although I knew what I wanted the handprints to be I wasn’t sure what piece I wanted to put it onto until I walked around a bit and looked around.  Then in the back I saw the perfect plates.


I brought them over to Jill and told her my idea.  She LOVED it.  She’s always willing to give a crazy idea of mine a try.  The kids got to paint the backgrounds.  I really like that we didn’t really section off the colors for them, so each is a little off, just the way the kids wanted it.


That’s when Jill got to work.  She painted their hands and helped each child place it on the plate.



Once that was complete Jill started adding the embellishments to each hand to turn them into their intended characters.

Finally we had Halloween plates with the handprints of my little monsters <3


Since we opted for the Glaze this time, we had to leave them and come back a week later; after they were baked in the kiln.  When I went to pick them up I was so excited.  They are absolutely perfect.  They fit right in my plate holder, and as always, they are beautiful.


I’m so looking forward to our next family projects.  The kids then painted a puppy and a battleship, and their Aunt Shannon made an adorable little pumpkin tea light holder.  Experiences like these are the reason why I am so excited to share with our readers, and to help organize events for everyone.

In fact, we have a family event on 10/20 with two sessions 10-12 and 1-3.  We prefer that you RSVP to these events so that we have enough space for everyone, and you don’t need to show up at the beginning of your session, people come and go throughout. You can paint anything you’d like, but we call it a Halloween event because Jill has lots of super fun themed pieces for the Holiday.  Price varies by size of piece, and fluctuates slightly if you choose to Glaze rather than craft paint.To RSVP and/or order a pumpkin please either post in the Facebook event or email Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com .

https://www.facebook.com/events/234432913901908/

We also have a parents night out event scheduled for 10/24 from 7-9 where adults can come and paint any piece they would like.  Jill does make these super cool custom large pumpkins with light sets that we love though, so we are doing a special order for them.  They are $50 and must be ordered in advance so that she can make them (takes a week to make each one for us) in time for the event.  Due to the customized nature of the project its necessary that you pay us in advance for these pieces.  10 characters or less work best.  To RSVP and/or order a pumpkin please either post in the Facebook event or email Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com .

https://www.facebook.com/events/268248380466180/

*As always, if you choose to go see Jill, we appreciate letting her know you heard it here. :o) *

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raising the Standards- New City School of Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

You have heard me RAVE about (A)’s drum instructor Andrew time and time again. Andrew has blown us away with what he has already been able to impart upon our 8 year old boy.  One of the things that I really LOVE about him as an instructor is that he’s still performing, he’s a professional musician.  This means that there are times that he is away, even when we have lessons.  At first, this sounds intimidating, or may be upsetting to some people to think that “Their teacher” wouldn’t be there, or that a lesson would be cancelled. 

Nope, not at New City School of Music.  I’ve mentioned before how very organized they are and this occurrence is no exception to that practice.  They have thought of everything.  If Andrew is called away to play with his band instead of cancelling and rescheduling another drum instructor fills in.  Now, I know what you are saying- “would you want another teacher?” and absolutely that’s nerve wracking to think about especially when your child has done so well with one.  Andrew let us know about this plan in advance and then explained to us that its actually a wonderful experience to switch things up, and learn from another qualified professional.  That perspective is important and to learn from another’s is actually a BONUS, not a determent.

As I’ve met a good number of the instructors at the Music School, I must say I’ve been impressed with them all, and was totally ready when we had a lesson that Andrew would miss, to meet and experience a lesson with another teacher.

I could tell that (A) was a little nervous.  Michael was very welcoming and made him feel at home immediately.  He sat and got ready to begin and was BLOWN AWAY.  Not only was his lesson great, he was able to learn new things, and jam a little.  In fact, he was going to see Michael the following week he gave (A) homework that included making up his own routine using the elements that they had gone over.  This ownership and excitement of being able to “write” his own music was a great incentive to practice and come in the next week ready to play.

This was a fabulous experience.  So many of the teachers at New City School of Music have SO much to share!  This actually spurred a great conversation between (A), Andrew and I about how great it is to learn things from different people.  Each teacher, coach etc. has a different specialty, and teaches things differently.  The more people you learn from, the better and more well rounded you actually become.  Its a fabulous thing to be able to do at a school.  A real benefit that isn’t available at some places.  Unique to NCSM. <3

The New City School of Music is running a special right now for new students that ENDS 9/20!!!  They also offer trial lessons so you can check it out.

** As always if you give them a call we appreciate you mentioning that you read it here first.**

 

Friendship- the Unexpected Bonus at Condors Swimming

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Health and Wellness, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Special thanks to Jennifer Tesker-Photography for the photos used in this post. 

Well- she’s actually an even bigger part than that.  You see a good portion of the post is about Jennifer and her girls.  They swim at Condors with us.  Her daughter (S) swims with (E) and her other daughter (L) is on pre-team with (A).  For the 2017-2018 swim seasons they have been in the same groups.  Throughout all their swim time together, they have not only learned to be better swimmers, they have also become friends.

But not just- “Hey Good to see you” friends, like when are we having a play date- can they come swimming at Gran’s house, i’m ditching you at our photo viewing and playing outside all afternoon friends.  This is possible because of the retention rate at Condors.  People who come to see the program love it so much that they stay- so our kids have been swimming together a LONG time.

When we walk into Felix Festa Middle School on our scheduled days the first order of business is ALWAYS to find out buddies.  (A) won’t even walk over without (L), and Little Miss likes to sit in the bleachers and chat with (S) before their lesson.

Lots of learning and fun happen in our half hour lessons- but aside from the benefits of fitness and safety that I often discuss- there is also a TON of laughter and fun happening.  The kids chat, make plans, and encourage one another to do better.  (A) and (L) even have some friendly races from time to time.

In fact, we have a little group of parents that hang out in the stands now (very inclusive if you see us come on over) with a total of 10 kids in the program- and we’ve really gotten to know one another because of the kids swim schedules.

We’ve had the summer off and the kids are asking about lessons once again.  I am so happy that this is the case because the school months are my absolute favorite times for them to swim.  They continue to hone their skills in the off season, stay in shape and get to have some great fun.  Ashley is ALWAYS amazing at helping us find the perfect session to fit into our super busy schedules- and we get to hang with our buddies again!!!

For information on pricing- and schedules or just to ask some questions hit up Ashley at lessons@condorsswimming.com

*As always we appreciate you letting Condors know we sent you- that’s how we continue to bring you the best information and programs in and around Rockland County.**