Reviews – Page 12 – Rockland NY Mom

Ramaquois – Camp Spotlight

Posted on March 23, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Phil Rainone

Director

Camp Ramaquois

Pomona, NY

p: (845) 354-1600

f: (845) 354-0764

www.ramaquois.com

Camp Ramaquois is a place where children feel physically and emotionally safe. We strive to create a unique environment where children feel a sense of belonging, learn life-long skills, have opportunities for leadership, and forge lasting relationships with their peers and their Counselors. All this is done in a magical environment that revolves around one word: FUN!

We hope every camper leaves our camp believing in themselves and feeling a strong sense of accomplishment. We hope our campers leave Ramaquois standing a little taller, feeling more self-confident, communicating more effectively with their peers, learning to make meaningful friendships, holding dear to their Ramaquois memories and respecting the value of others.

WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT RAMAQUOIS!

Please call the office at (845) 354-1600 to schedule a personal tour and discuss your individual needs and concerns.

To receive more information about Ramaquois, including our camp DVD, please fill out our Request Information form.

Would you like to visit Camp Ramaquois and take a tour? We are available for tours on weekdays between 10:00 and 4:00 and on most weekend dates.

Please call 845.354.1600 to to reserve a time.

Click here for driving directions to Ramaquois.

– See more at: http://www.ramaquois.com/contact/take-a-camp-tour/#sthash.bHaO3XA9.dpuf

Take a virtual tour here.

Paw Patrol Party!

Posted on March 15, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Party, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as some of the items are affiliate links the highlighted items will take you right to where you can purchase what you need.

Paw Patrol – July 2015 Little (E)’s birthday is EXACTLY 7 days after (A). This past year she turned 2 and we decided to do Paw Patrol since she is just OBSESSED, with the helpful pups. Here is what I came up with…

I again found the cutest invitations ever on ETSY and then had them printed and cut locally at Rockland Instant Copy. I used to go to staples, but Rockland Instant copyis local, a fraction of the price, and deals with my specific neuroses very well. (I like a nice thick card stock for my inviations).

This would be (E)’s first birthday party with stations so I wanted them to be age appropriate and fun. I also had to take into account that since she wasn’t in school yet, most of the kid attendees were family friends of varying ages.

I usually start parties with a craft. It helps the kids to get focused, and also makes a nice “take home” for them. As I have previously stated, I am not a huge fan of “goodie bags” so instead I try to think of things that the kids can really play with, or use.

Pup Tags- Remember shrinky dinks? Yeah they are awesome. I came upon a tutorial for them and decided that would be a fabulous craft. I traced “pup tags” onto the film in advance, popped holes in the top and cut them out. The kiddies got to color them in and I baked them while the kids played. I purchased hooks from AC Moore in advance so that they became little key chains, perfect for book bags.

Dino Dig– I purchased some plastic dinos from Amazon and spread them in the sandbox. At the dollar store I purchased some sand toys (sifters, shovels, rakes). I covered the dinos with more sand and left out pails for the kids to put their found dinos in. These little guys became one of the “take homes” for the party.

Pup Pup Boogie- Toddlers love to run around around and dance, they also love balloons. So I put the two together and created a station for “pup pup boogie”. In this station we played “freeze dance” in an area that I filled and threw balloons for them to play with.

Pin the Tag on the Pup- Free printable alert!! I printed this on card stock and cut out the tags… a colored bandana can be found pretty much anywhere and viola!

Frizbee Toss- Pups love to play frisbee!!! For ours we bought some in bulk at Oriental trading company, then used some printable stickers to add our own little logo to each. The kids had to stand behind the line and toss the frisbee into hoola hoops. The frisbee’s became another “take home”.

Decor- Auntie’s Crafts and More(Facebook) made my centerpieces and helped with various other decorations. I used printables from the NickJr site, and a bunch of dollar store items (tissue paper flowers, table cloths). I also got each kiddo a water bottle that looked like a bone from Oriental Trading (a “take home”) and put a personalized sticker on it that matched the frisbees.

Cake- The adorable and very yummy cake was made by Oh Sugar- a local mom who can be found on Facebook. I made some cupcakes to go with it and made little “paws” on them with Oreos and M&Ms.

Clothing-

(E) is wearing a custom SKYE Dress by “A Posh Pumpkin” who can be found on Facebook. It is super well made, adorable, and cost effective (I would have spent more for something way less cute elsewhere).

Christine Roberts of My Binky Baby www.mylilbinkybaby.com made (A)’s polo shirt with a “Chase” tag on it. To build on that, I created tags for all of the pups and ironed them onto shirts for the family.

Dino-riffic Birthday Party!!

Posted on March 15, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Food, Party, Photo Obsessed, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as it includes some affiliate links. If you click on the items I used for the party, it will take you right to them.

This year for (A)’s Birthday Party, he again told me he wanted it at “a place” until it came time to plan. Then he decided that he liked the parties that I planned better. It’s a lot of work, but I really enjoy the creativity, and making him happy. A part of me was really glad that i’d get at least one more year to spoil him.

He decided on a dinosaur theme. I like to dress on theme so we created this Jurassic World Vest with a patch I bought on etsy and a kids vest.

I made my own invitations on the computer- don’t ask me why I decided that the interactive (the cracked top pulls out to reveal invitation information) sort would be fabulous this year bit I did. It took forever but we were both pleased with the outcome. I also made some vines out of shopping bags and paper for decoration, and a Happy Birthday Banner of hand-drawn bones.

I then created for him a “6” that looked like a dinosaur out of am blank wooden number. I used the 6 as decor at the party, for a photo prop, and then later in his dinosaur bedroom.

As we brainstormed together, the party became a fun paleontology party in the backyard. The first station that I set up was “camp”. This would serve as our home base. Base consisted of a tent that the kids could climb in and out of, and a kids picnic table (i’ve had this thing for years its awesome) that had on it binoculars, personalized collection bags and safari hats for each attendee.

I usually start parties with a craft because its easy to explain as kids start to arrive, and also usually a cute keepsake of the event. We made some “fossils” out of red clay on Styrofoam trays in the “Lab” area.

We got cleaned up and went down to the “Camp”. The tent also had the clues and maps for the bone expedition. Before we started I of course snagged a group photo.

The maps were created to look like the backyard, and put x’s where I hid bones. The bones were pieces from a wooden 3-d puzzle of a spinosaur that I glued larger pieces together for them to find. I took pictures of the pieces so that they knew what they were looking for and placed them in the envelope with the maps. The kids found all the pieces and then I put them together.

The next activity we needed their collection bags (brown paper bags I personalized that would turn into their goody bags). We went to the dino-nest in one area of a yard. The dino-nest had in it little dissolving eggs that have ‘growing” dinosaurs in them. Each child was told to find a few for their bag.

From there the kids moved over to the ‘ice age” where I had frozen small plastic dinosaurs into egg shapes (inside balloons that I later peeled). The ice eggs were put into water to begin melting. The kids dug the dinosaurs out of the ice and got to take a few of them too.

Then we moved onto the field of dinos. Plastic puppet heads were strewn on the grass near a blow up dinosaur (one of several scattered around the yard) kids got to take two of these and put them in their bags.

Lastly, there was the pinata. We filled the t-rex pinata with some candy for the kids to grab, and now that they are 6 I let them actually hit it instead of pulling strings.

As you may remember from my other posts, I don’t go crazy with food for kids parties, they really don’t care much. For this party I made Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets and Fries for attendees. Paper goods were also simple Jurassic Park ones that I found on Amazon. What I try to focus on a bit more is the dessert. I made fossil snicker doodle cookies by stamping plastic dinosaurs in them before I cooked.

I also made some “dino bone” cupcakes with white chocolate “skulls” and dirt made from crumbled graham crackers.

The most impressive part was of course the cake (I always love the cake). His cake was made by Vanessa of Sweet Spot Studio and it was just perfect!!! Not only is it stunning- but so so good. I have never been disappointed with her work.

Here’s another candid or two just because :o) Hope you enjoyed (A)’s 6th birthday party as much as we did!!

JCC Rockland “Smart Start” Program

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Health and Wellness, Reviews, Services .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post

Since having baby H back in August, I have been eager to return to my pre-pregnancy active self. When our friends at the JCC Rockland offered us to try their “Smart Start” program I was super excited!

The “Smart Start” program is offered to all new members free of charge – it includes a complimentary fitness consultation with a fitness manager, 2 one-hour sessions with a personal trainer, and a consultation with their nutritionist.

My Smart Start began with a consultation over the phone with Jacob – one of the fitness managers. He asked basic health questions – height, weight, ultimate fitness goals, what exercise I most enjoy, best time for me to work out, etc. From this information he would match me with a trainer who he thought could help me reach my goals and keep me motivated. My perfect match – Chaya.

I was both excited and nervous for my first session with Chaya. We began our first session with a brief conversation to help her get to know my strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, health considerations, and personal goals. From there we did a simple ‘fit test’ to help assess my fitness level, which led into an introductory stretch and work out. I expressed I tend to work out mainly with free weights and body weight, not on machines, so we went into the Cross fit room to get started. The work out included work with a kettle bell, medicine ball, battle ropes, and then a circuit on a rowing machine (Which I am now obsessed with and need to start taking rowing classes) and the dreaded burpee.

A week later I came back for round two. Second session we hit the ground running. Remembering how much I loved the Row circuit from the first session – she began with warming up in the rowing room, and then we headed into the TRX studio for a more intense cardio work out. TRX jump squats, battle rope, kettle bell, and a jump rope circuit got my blood pumping. I had a bit of a respiratory cold I was battling, and she could see I was struggling a bit, so she slowed the pace and adapted the intensity to fit my needs, without skipping a beat.

Chaya was amazing. I instantly felt comfortable with her. She explained what each exercise was for and how to modify if needed. Chaya knew just how to motivate me when I was feeling nervous to push a little harder and when it was time to take it down a notch. I could tell she took the time to prepare and review notes from session to session. That this wasn’t just a generic throw together routine she uses with everyone.

I finished each session with Chaya feeling like I got my butt kicked – but in a good way! It also helped me determine (realistically) my current fitness level. (‘Cause in my head I am still fighting weight and think I can Kickbox 5 days a week like I was pre-pregnancy)

Next was my consult with the Nutritionist. First step was a quick online questionnaire asking about my eating, sleep, and exercise habits. From there we had a brief conversation via email (you can also meet in person or speak over the phone). Since I am still nursing baby H, I am limited on changes I can make right now, but she gave me advice on the best foods to eat and some to avoid. I plan to reach out again after I wean him.

I also tried out a group Zumba class – way way way out of my comfort zone – and it was so fun! All age groups mixed together just having fun and dancing away the pounds. Read about our experience here!

This Smart Start program is a great way to help you start off on the right track and feel comfortable and confident when beginning your new fitness adventure. I was shocked when I was told just how reasonable it is for a membership.

The JCC has so much to offer! It really has EVERYTHING you need at a gym; cardio machines, weight machines, studio for free weights, cross fit studio, womens only studio, trx studio, spin studio, rowing studio, pilates studio, aqua fitness, racquetball court, basketball court, yoga (I am sure I am forgetting something), and over 100 group classes offered each week! They also have babysitting available in an adorable playroom right across from the fitness center (send Lauren an email to find out more about pricing and a special deal on babysitting for RNYM readers!)

I highly suggest taking full advantage of their 7 day free pass
to see what it is all about.

JCC is also currently running a special 90 Day Jump Start for an unbeatable rate!

Newborn Session with IC You Photography

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post

I used IC You photography for a Daddy and Me mini session about 2 years ago and I was thrilled with the results! Through out my pregnancy, I kept seeing Isabella post the most adorable shots from her newborn sessions and knew I just had to work with her again when Baby H arrived.

Isabella encouraged me to come up with ideas/vision of what I wanted and send her pictures. Since we did know the sex of Baby H, it was hard to narrow down my ideas. I thought she was starting to regret telling me this after a week or so of my constant “Oh my gosh! How cute is this?” emails, but she wasn’t! She was just excited as I was, shooting ideas back to me as well.

When H was born rounding our little family out with 3 boys, I knew there was only one way to capture his newborn stage. Big Brothers W and S can name every construction vehicle, emergency vehicle, car and truck on the road (and now so can I), so I thought using one of their oversized trucks would be perfect!

We had to reschedule a few times due to a few bumps in the road in the beginning with Baby H and Isabella was more than accommodating. We arrived the day of our session and Isabella was so excited! She has tons of props and outfits to use if you want. She warmed up the room so H was comfy and sleepy. (Well, we tried to make him sleepy)

The day of the session H was far from compliant. He was cranky, over tired and didn’t want cooperate. My older boys were still adjusting to the new baby so they were acting out for extra attention. Isabella quickly got pictures of the brothers all together and sent the big boys home with Dad. H an I continued the shoot for another hour or so.

I was nervous with how the kids were behaving if she was even able to capture anything worth framing. She kept reassuring me that she had great shots, and even sent me a few sneak peeks. H being my last (yes, yes I mean it this time!) baby, I was obsessed with making sure to get good newborn and family pictures. So before I even received the images, I booked a fall mini-session to try again!

… I should’ve trusted Isabella! Not only are the pictures from the newborn session AMAZING, so are the pictures from the mini-session!

Isabella is a skilled artist and knows what she is doing. Of course, things don’t always go according to plan; kids don’t behave, the weather wasn’t perfect, whatever it is but please, trust the process.

Trust your photographer, she is looking through the lens and sees things differently. She doesn’t see you kid being crazy (well maybe a little) but she also sees that one smile and can capture it, that one perfect snuggle between baby and big brother.

IC You photography is starting to book Spring Mini Sessions!
Schedule now before they are all booked up!

https://www.facebook.com/ICyouPhotographers/
icyouphotography@yahoo.com

RNYM Bunny Brunch!!!

Posted on February 21, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Easter, Events, March of Dimes, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM Events, Things to Do!, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored event.

We at RNYM LOVE to host parties for you!!! Haven’t heard of them yet?! Well we would love to give you a quick run through. We host a bunch of community events for our readers so mark your calendars!!!

This past year we hosted/sponsored our:

Rockland Mommies Easter Egg Hunt

Tent at The March of Dimes Walk

Baby Shower

Costume Swap for a Cause

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Photo Credit: IC You Photography (it’s even possible that your children might both smile)

We are so very pleased to add to our repertoire this year our Bunny Brunch!!! Based on the 24 hour sell out of our Breakfast with Santa- you may want to get in on this quickly. Our dedication to affordable family friendly events continues as we throw an amazing Bunny Brunch with the help of our fabulous sponsors that includes:

Buffet Breakfast- Knights of Columbus Blauvelt
Professional Photos with the Bunny – IC You Photography
An Easter Craft- Day Camp in the Park
Photo Booth – Donations from Madison Lee PhotoBooths and Daisy Dreams Party
Chocolate Easter Pop – Sweet Celebrations with Jeannette
Bunny Ears for All Children
Bag of Swag- Free items, information and coupons from local businesses
Small Egg Hunt
Tricky Tray Full of fun prizes to benefit March of Dimes
Performances and interaction with Vicki’s Studio All Star Dance Team
Music and interactions with Catherine from Moon River Mother and Child

Here are the details:

Date: Saturday April 1, 2017

Two Settings: 9-10:30 or 11:30 – 1:00 ( 11:30 SOLD OUT)

Location: Knights of Columbus Blauvelt

Cost: $25 a person, Under 2 Free (It is assumed that under two will sit on your lap, if your child will be taking a chair it will be an additional member)

Ways to pay: PayPal- Chase Quick Pay- Check

How to reserve your spot:

Send an email to mailto:RNYMBunny@gmail.com requesting your seating and how many attendees you will have. You will receive a confirmation email with paperwork to fill out and instructions for payment. Payment is due within a week of communication or your space is forfeited to the next in line.

A special THANK YOU to our sponsors:

Day Camp in the Park– Luigi O’Grady’s- Vicki’s Dance Studio– IC You Photography– IN HOME LCSW – Pitch By Pitch Camp Madison Lee Photobooths
Moon River Mother and Child

Holy Good Fun, Readers! @LDCWestchester is kicking off @LEGOBatmanMovie Days

Posted on February 15, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, as we were invited to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. All opinions expressed are our own.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester Celebrates The LEGO® Batman™ Movie with Exclusive Movie Days from February 11-19

Scene-stealing DC super hero to headline The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days at Ridge Hill attraction

Super Hero. Crime-fighter. Master Builder. LEGO® Batman™ is all of those and so much more. With the scene-stealing star of The LEGO Movie returning in his very own, highly anticipated big-screen adventure, The LEGO Batman Movie, from Warner Bros. Pictures and LEGO System A/S, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester will join LEGOLAND® Parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers around the world to celebrate the Caped Crusader with The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days, held at the Ridge Hill attraction from February 11-19. The kids had SO much fun!!!

Developed with The LEGO Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days promise epic fun for kids and families, with everything centered on the beloved crime- fighter who claims he “only works in black. And sometimes, very, very dark gray.”

The eagerly anticipated feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Animation Group and LEGO System A/S hits theaters worldwide beginning on February 10. Starting February 11, fans can meet Gotham City’s iconic DC Super Hero in LEGO form at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. Included with admission, The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days will feature photo ops with LEGO Batman™, a Batman-themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman™-inspired LEGO build activities:

· Mystery Mosaic LEGO® Build

· Miniland Scavenger Hunt: The Villains have escaped!

· Meet & greet with Gotham City’s Caped Crusader (select days & times)

· Opportunity for photos in front of The LEGO Batman Movie signage

· LEGO Batman™ masks and pop badges while supplies last

· Batman-themed build in the Master Builder Academy

· Dress up like Batman for $5 off the price of admission

· No extra ticket required

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground featuring more than 3 million LEGO® bricks, geared towards families with children aged 3-10. Its range of educational and interactive attractions include hands-on play areas, a 4D cinema, the Master Builder Academy, two LEGO® amusement rides, special party rooms and MINILAND — the venue’s signature re-creation of landmark locations and buildings throughout New York, made entirely out of more than 1 million LEGO® bricks. Advance tickets and annual passes to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center are available online.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at Ridge Hill, 39 Fitzgerald Street in Yonkers. They can be reached at 866-243-0770 or by visiting www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/Westchester. For the latest news and updates, follow @LDCWestchester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Don’t forget to pre-purchase your tickets through our savings (CLICK HERE) !! Have a great time!!!

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry!

Posted on February 14, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Health and Wellness, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

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

If we have been asked once, we have been asked a million times about a pediatric dentist. We try to be on top of all of the new children’s groups in the area. When Smith’s Little Smiles opened up we asked for a private tour. WOW! Boy was I impressed. Dr. Smith couldn’t be sweeter. She was so happy to answer all of my questions. Little (E) jumped right up onto the DINOSAUR chair and was happy to show her teeth. But I am getting ahead of myself.

The office is SUPER CLEAN, and totally geared toward children. Dr. Smith said that she designed the whole thing with her own children in mind. We could tell. (E) was really amusing herself. Dr. Smith herself is a doll. You can tell she really cares about her patients. She came out and introduced herself and invited (E) into the back. (E) was happy to join her.

She was led into a room with, yes, a dinosaur chair. The chair comes equipped with a seatbelt if needed and (E) had a good time putting it on. If the dinosaur chair, or Dr. Smiths demeanor doesn’t put all children right at ease, then the numerous televisions that they can watch will. There is one on the wall where they can see, and also one mounted on the ceiling to look at while being examined.

Let’s get down to the questions all parents want to know.

WHAT INSURANCE DOES SHE TAKE?

She works with ALL insurances. She has a deep rooted belief that dental care should and can be affordable for ALL children.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT?

There are ALWAYS emergency appointments available, for new clients it takes a week or less to get in and see the Dr.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD WE START SEEING DR. SMITH?

At the age of one- here’s some more great information about that… http://www.smithslittlesmiles.com/age-one/

WHAT AGES DOES DR. SMITH WORK WITH?

From one year all the way up to 20 years of age!!

CAN SHE TAKE X-RAY ON PREMISES?

Yes- her awesome machine moves around the standing child (so fun).

WILL MY CHILD BE COMFORTABLE THERE?

You bet- not only is the office totally geared towards kids, but as a mother of two youngsters, she makes you feel RIGHT AT HOME. She had (E) up in the chair getting a quick once over in no time, (E) was more than happy to oblige. EVERYTHING about this practice is geared toward kiddos.

After a successful appointment Dr.Smith does so many neat things for the kids to make them feel at ease. You receive a gold coin to use in her huge bubble gum (prize) machine.

If you have had no cavities- you get a certificate and a balloon and you get your photo taken to put on Facebook. The kids love being recognized for good dental hygiene.

Photo Credit: Smith’s Little Smiles Facebook Page

Speaking of Facebook if you take a moment to follow Smith’s Little Smiles you will see all these great achievers as well as get some awesome tips for dental hygiene at home.

HOW DO I CONTACT SMITH’S LITTLE SMILES??

Phone: (845) 414- 9626

Address: 5c Medical Park Drive Pomona NY

Email: drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

Website: http://www.smithslittlesmiles.com/

It is so so important to be able to get your kiddos off on the right path to dental hygiene since it is a life long journey. Dr. Smith is dedicated to making this process easy, and effective. She has an amazing bedside manner and great office. I have already spoken to lots of friends who have gone and ADORE her. If you are in the market for a pediatric dentist, or have a little one who is nervous- this place is SO for you. As always- we love a mention if you choose to see her because of us- your mentions help us to continue to bring you the best local kid info. :o)

YCA Birthday Party: Make your own pizza and eat it, too!

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Party, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
-Ashley

Every year as the kids birthdays roll around we typically choose to skip having a birthday party and use the time and money to take a mini family get away. Giving us an excuse to unplug and have some family time. We have done Great Wolf lodge, Sesame Place, Legoland, and Diggerland. This year, however, my big guy asked to have a birthday party.

S has never had a real birthday party, except for his 1st birthday. Since his birthday falls between Christmas and New Years we knew we would have to have the party at a venue, since our house could not accommodate an inside party. I researched your typical bounce house, trampoline type parties and it didn’t quite fit what we wanted. He currently isn’t enrolled in any dance/martial arts etc. where he would want a party so we were stumped.

It wasn’t until we were having our usual “make your own pizza” dinner one Friday night that I remember hearing about Young Chefs Academy. S loves helping in the kitchen – he loves to help wash produce, mix ingredients, roll out dough etc. So I sent them an email and Chef Sebastian was very quick with a response. The price was in our budget, and they had availability on the day we wanted. Perfect! A Make your Own Pizza party!

S super excited to get started!

I have always hosted parties at my house, so having it at a venue was new for me. So, of course, I had 100 questions, and Chef Sebastian was patient and quick to answer each of those emails, as well.

As the kids come in to the party they are each given an apron and are escorted into the kitchen to wash their hands and find a seat. One of the kitchen walls is a one-way mirror so the parents can watch from the lobby area. This was perfect for our party; the adults hung out in the lobby area talking, but were still able to check on the kids without disturbing the flow.

Mirror/window to see the kids.

Chef Tina was wonderful with the kids! We had an age range of 2 ½ – 10 years and she kept them engaged. (Parents of the younger kids were asked to stay in the room to help their child) They began with learning the ingredients needed to make dough and how to measure correctly, each taking a turn at it. (Of course the dough needs time to rise, so they were prepared and had one that had already had time to rest and rise.) Then the messy, fun part came! Each child was given a small amount of dough and taught how to roll and kneed it into a small circle, then spread the sauce, and add cheese and pepperoni if they wanted.

While the pizzas cooked Chef Tina and her crew kept the kids entertained with charades and trivia questions about manners, and food from around the world. We also took this time to sing Happy Birthday and enjoy cupcakes.

The kids loved eating their pizzas that they made themselves. Even some of the picky eaters, whose parents didn’t think they would eat it, gobbled it right down!

I am so glad we hosted the party at Young Chefs Academy. It was less stressful than hosting at my house. As they say “You provide the chef, we provide the rest!” I was responsible to bring the cupcakes, they provided the invitations, the paper goods, drinks and of course the pizza and entertainment. Decorations aren’t needed – although our party was a dinosaur theme so we had dinosaur cups for the kids and balloons. Chef Tina and Chef Sebastian even had a special gift for the birthday boy!

In the end, this party was a great success! Not only did S get the birthday party he wanted, but we also had a fun time with friends (both kids and adults) making memories and enjoying the experience.

YCA has several affordable party options, with upgrades and add ons available!

Head on over to newcityny.youngchefsacademy.com or
send an email to Chef Sebastian newcityny@youngchefsacademy.com

YCA also offers weekly classes, stay tuned for our full review!

Back in Time- Review

Posted on January 26, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Reviews .

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

Every once in a while you are able to find a truly wholesome experience for your children. Something that makes both you and them feel good. Something with old school values- something nostalgic.

When I was young I was truly blessed to be able to spend summers at camp- real camp- with lakes, fires, boating, archery, and more. I enjoyed it more than I can ever possibly put into words. I knew how fortunate I was then and to this day am thankful for having had the opportunity. I learned so much in my years at Camp Bernadette.

I wasn’t sure that I would ever be able to provide my children with this type of experience, did they even exist anymore? Well, it turns out yes it does, and its hiding right in our backyards.

A well kept secret of the Hudson Valley is Day Camp in the Park. I hadn’t heard of it myself until we started our camps page and explored it this past year. This camp brings me back in time- to my days at camp- to a time when things were simpler, care free, and just plain fun. It’s a camp that is actually still just in the middle of the woods on a REAL lake. Exactly the way I grew up.

The kids attended a week and on their first day I tagged along for the first half to see what it was like. Day Camp in the Park thrives on repeat customers- what do I mean? People love it so much that they have grown up attending (starting at age 4) become junior counselors and then counselors. Eventually, they send their children. When I was there this is exactly what I found.

A private bus picks your child up at YOUR house. Yep no more morning rush to drive the kiddos to camp and still make it to work or appointments. There is a full schedule that the kids follow with 8 periods a day. Each group has their own cabin (yes cabin) where they keep their belongings during the day and change for swim. Speaking of swim, they get to go 2x a day- first instructional and then free swim.

Camp also has a meal plan (which means no rushing to pack a lunch for them). My kiddos have been eating it and are happy (as am I because it’s one less thing I have to worry about).

(A) had instructional swim first in the lake- yep the lake- having grown up swimming in lakes, I love this. They have cribs that they have created that are boxed in and specific depths to keep the kids safe. (A) loves swimming (thanks to the Condors) and enjoyed the instruction – which was spot on. Then they went to a deeper area where they began to teach him how to dive- a new skill. I love the progression that the instructor used to teach kids the process.

Then it was off to Archery. Instructors taught the boys in his group how to shoot as well as focusing on the safety involved. (A) adored this- he had never shot a real bow and arrow before!!!

During this time I migrated to (E)’s group to see what she was up to. Well, I found her in a life jacket across the grounds BOATING. Little miss independent even got to drive around in HER OWN duck boat!!!

Back to (A) we found the group heading up to Nature where they made SMORES!! They learned the art of roasting the perfect marshmallow- where to hold it, how to turn it. Then of course they got to eat their creations!!! The second activity in this period was making “Goop” which I didn’t catch but I got to see and hear all about afterwards.

I had moved on to catch (E) during instructional swim. Because she is younger they have theirs in the pool which is great. There were lots of counselors two instructors and junior counselors in the pool to keep an eye on all of the little guys at once. (E) swims great with a puddle jumper but hasn’t had any structured lessons as of yet, so they spent the session working on basics (putting your face in the water, kicking, and scooping). What a great benefit to have swim lessons included.

After these periods were lunch for my kiddos. They had two options and both chose chicken nuggets. There was more than enough available to them so they wouldn’t be hungry for the rest of the day.

The kids had SO much fun that they both attended for the rest of the day that they begged to return the next day. I had driven them the first day but Tuesday they would take the bus. My BABY would take the bus. This made me super nervous at first. Could she handle it? Was it safe?

My fears were put to rest when I found that not only did Day Camp in the Park hire REAL Professional bus drivers- like ours Mark who is fabulous- but there are counselors on the bus!!! We actually have TWO!! They also had a car seat just like (E)’s ready and waiting for her.

As for her not handling- she walked right on, got buckled and left with big thumbs up BOTH days.

My kids are LOVING Day Camp in the Park. I know EXACTLY what they will be doing next summer and am SO excited for them. I am so happy to have found an old school family camp for them to grow and develop at over the years.

For more information on Day Camp in the Park you can visit their website : http://daycampinthepark.com/ their facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Day-Camp-In-The-Park- email:dcitp1979@gmail.com or call: 845-638-2515

Keep an eye out for special open house dates coming this spring!!!

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