Cayman Parent Issue #2 June 2015
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Transcript of Cayman Parent Issue #2 June 2015
June 2015
Top Family Destinations + The A-Z of Special Needs + Summer Survival
The islands’ ultimate resource for families
Support for breastfeeding
moms
Keeping it realwith teens
Your Special Needs Child
Teachingfiscal responsibility
Second Edition
www.caymanparent.com
Meet Jason and Erikka Gilbert and their twins Sage and Jonas
And babies make four!
Distributed locally by
SUPPLY
Caring People. Quality Service.
HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITYC A Y M A N I S L A N D S
Our patients are our number one priority We offer the only Maternity Ward in Cayman with caring and compassionate staff to care for you and your baby. The Women’s Health Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital is here to take care of you before, during and after childbirth. Our services include:
Preparing for your new babyLearn more about having a baby, what to expect during your pregnancy, infant CPR and more in our free Parentcraft classes. These 8 week prenatal sessions are every Monday 5:30 - 7:30pm hosted by the Women’s Health Clinic. Contact 244-2649 or visit our Women’s Health Clinic for more information and class schedule
Cayman Islands Health Services Authority 95 Hospital Road, Grand CaymanTel: (345) 949-8600 Fax: (345) 949-2998 www.hsa.ky /caymanislandshsa
“Having a baby is such an incredible experience. I was so fortunate to be cared for by the compassionate staff at the HSA,
who took care of me and my family, making the whole experience amazing.”
– Sara Doak
• Gynaecology and Obstetrics• Midwifery Services• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU)• Pre-natal Care
• Parentcraft Classes• Dedicated Women’s Health Clinic• Family Planning
www.caymanparent.com
Publisher SeaGrape Media Ltd.
Advertising & MarketingHeather Cassidy
Editorial & LayoutTamara McKee
Quirky Girl Creative
Contributors
Dr. Christine Chen
Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell
Faith Gealey
Lindsey Turnbull
Maureen Cubbon
Melissa Wolfe
Miriam Foster
Sheena Sigsworth
Tanya Foster
P.O. Box 31656
Grand Cayman KY1-1207
Cayman Islands
t: (345) 517-7093
w: www.caymanparent.com
Follow us on our social media channels
Printed in Canada by Ironstone Media.
Second EditionJune 2015 / Volume 1
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Welcome
Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming support and encouragement that we have
received for this new resource! We are so excited to bring you this edition, which is bursting with fantastic local content. From our cover story, about a young Caymanian family and their choice to move back home — despite the allure of Hollywood — to an encouraging article about teens and their relationships with their parents.
In this edition, you’ll also find the A-Z of Special Needs, and while certainly not a comprehensive view of it, the section will offer a place to start. With this ‘start’, we strive to bring about awareness and give parents direction as to the options and services which exist in Cayman.
In addition to available resources, our special needs section also includes a gripping and deeply personal account from a ‘special needs’ mum. In just two pages, she brings to life the hard truths and realities, along with the joys and achievements that each day brings. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us. I dare you not to want to give her a great big hug! You do not need to be the parent of a special needs child
to understand and appreciate “Lilah’s” story and that of her parents. We salute all of those brave parents who advocate each day for their special needs children, alongside their caring and knowledgeable service providers.
We’d also like to extend special thanks to our contributors who really outdid themselves in this edition. Your passion and insights are second to none.
Summer is upon us...HOT, sticky, rainy, mosquito season... definitely time to go into survival mode! ‘Summer Survival’ gives you what you need to get you through the long, hot Cayman summer. You’ll find crafts, activities, camps, book lists, summer travel, health, money tips and of course summer camps!!
Don’t forget to check in at Caymanparent.com regularly! There you’ll find a great calendar of family events, directories of family services, articles not found in print, special offers just for Cayman Parents, plus other dynamic content!
We’re glad you could join us on our journey! Please visit us on www.facebook.com/caymanparent and join the conversation.
Heather CassidyPublisher, SeaGrape Media Ltd.e: [email protected]: caymanparent.com
Our second edition is born!
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New Beginnings!
IH_Home 1_Newly wed_fp_Real Life.indd 1 3/24/15 5:14 PM
Top picks from our Summer Edition
Inside this issue
p28
Keeping It RealConversations with Cayman parents
p32
Let’s Get Crafty!Ideas for the long, hot summer
p44
Growing RootsErikka and Jason Gilbert come home.
Football4AllProgram makes every kick count!
p22
Summer TravelTop Family Destinations
p40
Recipes to savourFrom the islands’ top chefs
p58
BETTER ANGLEPHOTOGRAPHY
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CM
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CMY
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ParentMagazineJune15-Final.pdf 1 4/15/15 11:58 AM
8 www.caymanparent.com
CAr City
JeepRenegade_CarCity8.375x10.875F.pdf 1 4/22/15 9:38 PM
THe Cayman Islands possess something magical that
makes them attractive to families that other locations
don’t. There are some obvious answers and some less
obvious ones: If you’re a parent, obviously you’re going to
want a safe and secure environment for your family.
Many favour the Cayman Islands because it has all the
amenities that a family needs: • Exceptional schools, hospitals, clinics, and emergency
services;• Beaches and natural flora and fauna;• Upscale and varied restaurants and cafés; All are head and shoulders above the competition - very
much first world as opposed to second or third, which may be found on other islands. In fact, no Caribbean island can boast as family-friendly an environment for living, working, playing, all within 10 minutes of your children’s school and your office.
Cayman’s real estate market is in many ways the envy of the Caribbean, offering a wide range of products, catering to the needs of most, if not all, tastes. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a one-bedroom condo or a seven-bedroom mansion, the local real estate market is both sophisticated and strong. Prices are surprisingly competitive compared to other Caribbean markets such as Barbados, BVI, and the Bahamas, and with financing and insurance available, buying a home is much easier in Cayman than in many places in the region.
In addition, Cayman has become very good at welcoming visitors and their families, helping them settle into the islands as their new home. There are now almost 120 nationalities living and working here and you won’t find a more stable and sophisticated place to live in the region
or globally. Not only is Cayman a great place to invest in
property, a great place to live and work, it is also a great place to raise a family.
In Knight Frank’s 2013 lifestyle survey, Cayman ranked
joint second globally in the top places to live and work. See
more at www.knightfrank.com/global-lifestyle-review.Being a parent is challenging enough, but finding a home
that fits your family’s needs makes it much easier. Investing
in the right property is a key decision for you and your family
and is worth taking the time and advice that befits what will likely be one of the most significant investments of your life.
IRG - International Realty Group Ltd.161a Shedden RoadGrand Cayman (345) 623-1111 www.irg.ky
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Melanomaisthefifthmostcommoncancerformalesandseventhmostcommonforfemales.
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Fromages15-39,menare55percentmorelikelytodieof melanoma than women in the same age group
Young men account for 40 percent of melanoma cases, butmorethan60percentofmelanomadeaths.
Special FeatureADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders affecting children. ADHD can cause significant disruptions in learning and social development. ADHD can affect each child differently ranging in severity and type of behaviour.
Asperger’s SydromeAlso referred to as Mild Autism, a child with Asperger’s Syndrome often faces difficulty in social functioning and repetitive behaviours. Unlike children with more severe cases of autism, children with Asperger’s do not face significant delay or loss of speech or language abilities.
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently regarded as one of the most pervasive
developmental disorders affecting children and adults worldwide. Autism is considered a “spectrum disorder” as symptoms can affect each individual in a number of different ways ranging from mild to severe.
Communication DisorderSpeech disorders involve the inability to produce speech and sounds correctly or fluently or difficulty with the voice itself. Examples include stuttering, articulation problems, or difficulty pronouncing sounds.
Dyslexia Dyslexia occurs when the brain does not recognise and comprehend letters or phrases. Undiagnosed dyslexia is a primary cause of illiteracy. Detecting early signs can be fundamental for future success and achievement.
Mood & Bipolar DisordersMood disorders can affect individuals from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. These vary in regards to symptoms and severity, but the most common mood disorders include Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Depression is a treatable mental illness, but one which can go significantly unnoticed and often untreated.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)OCD affects approximately 1 – 2% of the population with young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 facing the highest risk of being diagnosed. OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions.
a Courtesy of the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman
“Special Needs is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged.
Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; severe
food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched;
occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and
gaining understanding for a child and their family.”
a Terri Mauro, the author of 50 Ways to Support Your Child’s Special Education
Pick any two families of children with special needs, and they may seem to have little in common,
however, every special needs family is as unique as their child. We hope this section give you a place to
start and hope for the future.
A Zto
ofspecial needs
11www.caymanparent.com
There is nothing more unsettling for a parent
than the thought that your child may not be
developing typically, and usually the first instinct
most parents have is to ignore the issue and
hope that it goes away on its own. But then you see it
again. You notice your child is not meeting milestones
as quickly as a previous child. At a play group, you notice
your child is not keeping up with their same-age peers.
Your child may engage in strange behaviours or do odd
things that just do not seem right. You scour the Internet
and pore over baby books looking for hope that your
little one is just a late bloomer. Then the pit deep in your
stomach starts to form, your heart beats a little harder,
and you start to think – ‘maybe it’s something more
serious’. Perhaps your child has a special need.
When your instinct tells you that things are not going
the way they should, be guided by it. While a million
questions may run through your mind, every parent of
a special needs child goes through this process. Your
best option is to design an action plan for your family to
follow. By using these tips to guide you, the process from
concern to diagnosis and finally to treatment, should
result in a smoother transition for your family.
Document your concerns Sometimes we forget to bring areas of concerns to our
paediatrician or family doctor for a variety of reasons.
Making a list of your concerns about your child’s
development will make it easier for you to discuss these
concerns once they are written down and you do not
have to worry about forgetting any key areas you want to
discuss with your paediatrician. It may also be helpful to
ask your child’s caregiver (nanny, daycare teacher, family
member etc.) if they have any areas of concern based on
their interactions with your child.
See your child’s paediatrician Paediatricians are not only for when your child is feeling
sick. Your child’s health care providers are there to assist
you with tracking your child’s development. Discuss
your concerns with them so that an action plan can be
developed. These are individuals who see children on a
daily basis and are familiar with what the range of
normal development looks like. Allow them
to assist you in this process with securing
the appropriate referrals or to ease any
concerns you may have.
Help! My child has Special Needs
Children develop at their own pace, and tracking your child’s development is a part of the parenting process.
It is important to continually monitor how your child develops their language, play, cognitive,
and motor skills, as well as their behaviour.
Story by Faith Gealey
A to Z of Special Needs
12 www.caymanparent.com
Referrals Your paediatrician may
recommend your child see one
or all of the following service
providers on island: audiologist,
speech language pathologist,
occupational therapist, physical
therapist, psychologist, ENT
physician. Please do not wait,
rather proceed with making the
necessary appointments for your
child based on your paediatrician’s
recommendations. Keep in mind
that for some services, there may
be a short waiting period between
when the appointment is made
and when your child is seen.
Report back Your paediatrician will be your
child’s biggest advocate in relation
to your child’s medical team. After
following through with your child’s
referrals, forward these results to
your child’s paediatrician. Not only
will they be able to decipher any
of the technical aspects of the
report, they can make subsequent
referrals for any therapy that
is required. Many insurance
companies will not cover services
without a physician’s referral, so
having your paediatrician as an
integral part of your team is vital.
Early Intervention If your child is under the age
of 5, enroll them in the Early
Intervention Programme. The Early
Intervention Programme (EIP)
involves a group of early childhood
teachers and therapists who
specialise in providing services to
children under the age of 5. These
professionals can assess your
child’s overall development and
provide additional supports and
services if your child demonstrates
a need for them. Their goal is to
have your child ready for school.
They are a wonderful resource for
any young child with a suspected
or diagnosed special need.
If your child is over the age
of five or enrolled in school,
seek school based guidance.
For children already enrolled in
primary or secondary school,
seeking help will be varied based
on the school setting. Most public
and private schools have a Special
Educational Needs Co-ordinator
(SENCO), or an equivalent position.
Discuss your concerns regarding
your child’s classroom teacher and
the SENCO for your child’s school.
Your SENCO will coordinate
a meeting with all of the
stakeholders so that all concerns
can be discussed and can assist
you with getting the necessary
referrals completed. For children
who attend public (government)
schools, many services such as
Speech and Language Therapy,
Occupational Therapy, Behaviour
Therapy, Music Therapy and
Education Psychology are offered
within the school system. For
children who attend private
schools, parents may need to
seek support through the Health
Services Authority or through
the private sector via one of the
service providers on island.
Individual Education Plan An Individualised Education Plan
(IEP) (or the equivalent) is a plan
that outlines what services will
be provided to your child and
what accommodations can be
offered in their academic setting.
It also includes short-term and
long-term goals that your child’s
therapy team and teachers will
focus on. Establishing an IEP will
assist your child’s therapy team
with planning and implementing
goals that will enhance your
child’s academic success. IEPs
are often written by the school’s
SENCO (or equivalent) with all
stake holders included. As a result,
it encourages an open dialogue
between you, your child’s teacher
and your child’s service providers.
Having an IEP encourages a
higher level of accountability for
all stakeholders involved (family,
teacher and therapists). It also
provides additional opportunities
for stakeholders to discuss
Behavioural Health Associates Cayman 746-0066 62 Hospital Road Hospital Road Plaza E: [email protected] Service provided: Psychology
Cayman Echoic Services and Translations 929-9050 or 326-5126
E: [email protected] Services provided: Tomatis®,
listening therapy
Cayman Islands Health Services Authority 949-8600
95 Hospital Road E: [email protected] Services provided: Paediatricians, Otolaryngology (eNT), Nutrition, Feeding Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology.
Cayman Music Therapy 928-5307 E: [email protected] Service provided: Music therapy. www.musictherapy.ky
Chatterbox 926-1693 15 Pasadora Place E: [email protected] Services provided: Speech and Language Therapy, Playschool, Hanen Programs, Autism Consultancy, Pivotal Response Treatment, Family Support Worker/Social Worker.
Early Intervention Programme 926-1413 515 Walkers Road E: [email protected] Services provided: early Intervention Teacher, Speech and Language Therapy,
Occupational Therapy,
Programme for the Visually
Impaired, Teacher for the
Hearing Impaired, Counselor,
educational Psychologist,
Music Therapy.
HOPE Academy 768-4673 Grand Harbour Shoppes,
Crewe Road E: [email protected]
Services provided: Speech
and Language Therapy,
Occupational Therapy,
Psychology, Social Skills
Trainings, Cognitive
Behaviour Therapy,
Counseling.
I Read For Life 947-1497
2nd Floor Barnett Bldg,
24 Huldah Avenue
Services provided: Reading
Remediation, Speech and
Language Therapy.
KidsAbility 943-5437
24 Pasadora Place, Smith
Road E: [email protected]
Services provided:
Occupational Therapy,
Speech and Language
Therapy, Feeding Therapy
(SOS Approach), Handwriting
Remediation, Inclusive
Classroom Support, Parent/
Teacher Training Workshops.
The Wellness Centre
949-9355
Cayman Business Park E: [email protected]
Services provided:
Psychology, Child and
Adolescent Counseling,
Applied Behavioural Analysis
(ABA), Family and Parenting
Support, early Start Denver
Model.
Where to go
> see next page
13www.caymanparent.com
Proudly supporting Cayman parents through a range of services delivered by a team of qualified and compassionate health professionals.
Individual, family & couples therapy
Children’s play therapy & adolescent counselling services
Specialized Autism Services: Diagnosis, Intervention, Parent training and family support
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) & Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Social skills programmes
In-school behaviour support
Parent workshops and training
Divorce Family Support: Co-Parenting
Sexual Trauma Counseling for children, adults,groups & families
Suite D4 Cayman Business Park | George Town | Box 10462 | Grand Cayman | KY1-1004 345.949.9355 | www.wellnesscentre.ky | [email protected]
Congratulations Cayman Parent! We are honoured to be part of your first edition.
progress and the establishment of new goals as skills are mastered
and educational needs change. Typically IEPs are updated annually,
however, these be updated more or less frequently, depending on
your child’s unique academic needs.
After your child has been assessed, therapy may be
recommended by individual therapists based on your child’s
performance during the assessment. It is important for you to not
only continue with the service but to ensure that your child regularly
attends his or her therapy sessions. Prompt access to service and
regular attendance to therapy will be beneficial to your child if he or
she has been diagnosed with a special need.
Support The process of having your child assessed for a special need
can be quite harrowing. If your child has been diagnosed with a
special need, it can be overwhelming and it is natural for you to go
through periods of grief, denial, sadness, anger or anxiety as you
try to wrap your head around their diagnosis and the way forward.
Seeking support from other parents who have gone through similar
experiences can help you come to terms with your child’s diagnosis.
Additionally, there are non-profit agencies on island, such as the
Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) that are available as
a resource to families to provide access to training, guidance and
general support as you and your family goes through this transition.
The diagnosis of a special needs child does not change who
your child is to you or their role in the family. They are still the child
that you are madly in love with. As you go through the process, take
time to appreciate the small gains your child will make. The small
changes eventually add up to larger changes over time – and these
are worthy of celebration – no matter how small! CP
Is your child ‘gifted’?Very often children who are considered to be “gifted” are
excluded from the special needs conversation. However, it is
important to remember that children who require additional
educational support may need to do so not only because of a
lack of skill, but also due to a highly developed skill.
The National Association for Gifted Children states that
children who are gifted display a variety of behaviours but all
share common traits such as marked alertness and the ability
to learn new information or tasks very quickly. Very often
children who are gifted have good memory, large vocabularies
and are able to understand abstract ideas very easily. They also
have long attention spans and can concentrate intensely for
significant periods of time.
At times children who are ‘gifted’ are labelled as
“daydreamers” as they can often be preoccupied with their own
thoughts. It is not uncommon for these children to be highly
sensitive, may have difficulties with managing in a classroom
well and may be described as disruptive; this usually happens
when the child is not challenged enough and is able to
complete his or her work ahead of their peers. These children
who can also be “self-taught” and may have reached various
developmental and cognitive milestones prior to expectation.
If you feel that your child may demonstrate signs of
giftedness, the first step you should take is to seek additional
assessments to confirm it. This is usually completed by an
Educational or Clinical Psychologist who will administer a variety
of cognitive assessments to see if your child is performing at
levels that exceed age expectations. Your child may excel across
14 www.caymanparent.com
We believe that all children can benefit from support to help them reach their full potential. Music therapy is an engaging and creative way to address children’s emotional, cognitive, physical, and social needs and help them flourish.
Give your children the tools to thrive in school, at home, and in life.
Contact us to learn more about our wide variety of programme offerings for children and families.
“SUPPORTING FAMILIES, NOTE BY NOTE”
928-5307 [email protected]
all areas, or it may be specific to a certain
subject area, such as mathematics or
science or even music and art.
Once you have confirmation from
your child’s psychologist, your next step
should be to discuss these results with your
child’s school. Both his or her classroom
teacher and the school principal should be
included in the meeting to discuss your
child’s academic performance and status.
At present, there are no specific educational
policies in place for children who are
deemed gifted, however, both the public
and private schools are generally willing to
provide additional supports to assist your
child with excelling in their area.
Finally, encourage your child to
participate in extracurricular activities that
will foster their giftedness. You are your
child’s biggest advocate. Just as a child
who is struggling with mathematics would
receive additional tutoring, a child who is
on the opposite end of the spectrum would
also benefit from tutoring.
Use what you know about your child’s
present level of functioning and their area
of giftedness to encourage their overall
development. You will both be glad you
did! CP
15www.caymanparent.com
Reading the medical notes still paralyses me. She was
born ‘blue’, ‘aggressively resuscitated.’ Medics recorded
APGAR scores and hooked up her tiny body to
machines. Preparations were made to airlift her to Miami. A
photographer arrived to take passport photos. I still can’t see them.
She looked like a corpse. I had never been parted from Lilah’s big
sister and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her now.
In sombre tones, doctors offered me ‘something to help me cope.’ Even
in the midst of the firestorm, I recognised the absurdity of the offer. I didn’t
know what to do; how to survive this new reality, but I knew I had to keep a
clear head. I decided to live one minute at a time – one second
if need be. And so began my life as the parent of a ‘special needs’ child, –
never daring to look ahead for fear it would break me.
The Early YearsAfter two weeks, Lilah* was discharged with an inconclusive prognosis. I
threw myself into caring for her, seizing every opportunity to provide a rich and
stimulating environment. When she slept, I scrutinised child development books.
When she awoke, we sang, read and played. I obsessed over developmental
milestones, watching enviously as other babies dutifully smiled, rolled over and
sat up. The truth was undeniable: Lilah was not achieving her milestones. At 15
months of age, we attended the first of many evaluations in Miami, while my husband stayed
home with our eldest who, despite our best efforts, inevitably began to see her needs as
secondary to her sister’s.
In the early days, I hung on every word, highlighting key phrases, researching terminology
and inwardly despairing at each new ‘deficit’ uncovered. I enrolled Lilah in Early Intervention
and began exhaustive home programme work as I swotted up on Speech and Language,
Occupational and Physical Therapies. As well as conventional treatments, I explored
“She was born in
September 2001, the
same apocalyptic
month that the world
was forever changed.
As devastating footage
of the fall of the Twin
Towers looped on TV
screens across the
island, I watched my
baby girl fighting for
survival in the NICU
and wondered how life,
by some, could be held
in such disregard.”
RaisingLilah
A to Z of Special Needs
16 www.caymanparent.com
alternative practices, feverishly attempting to maximise gains in her
formative years, wishing on miracles, desperate, I later realised, to
fix her; driven by guilt; haunted by the misguided belief that I was,
somehow, to blame. After all, I was her mother – it was my job to
protect her.
TransitioningMoments of transition are stressful for any child but for
children with additional needs, navigating the school system
can be brutal. Lilah had far exceeded expectation – she could walk,
talk (albeit with articulation issues) and run. She was slower than
most, but she got there in the end. Call me naïve but, despite being
a career teacher, I hadn’t considered for a moment that the new
intellectual challenges of school should be any different. Surely she
would get there in time? In years to come I heard a friend telling a
joke about ‘denial’ not being a river in Egypt. I didn’t laugh.
The Primary YearsIt became obvious that Lilah needed more support so I
quit my job. In addition to regular overseas evaluations involving
days of testing, meetings with teachers, support staff and doctors,
the establishment of an Individual Education Plan to ‘service’ my
daughter (“Don’t you service a car?” I asked), and hours of therapy, I
began going into class with Lilah. It had to be done, but the financial
repercussions added new tensions. Finally, we were informed that if
we wanted our daughter to continue at school, we must provide a
full-time teacher’s aide. The pressure mounted.
Where there were shortfalls in services, I endeavoured to address
them, petitioning government for greater access to service providers.
Private practitioners were expensive and not always covered by
insurance, yet the reports insisted Lilah needed contact time several
times a week. My father always said, “The squeaky wheel gets the
most oil,” and I soon learnt that getting results required agitating. I
did what needed to be done, but the fight seemed endless.
We invested heavily in Lilah’s friendships. Birthday parties were
huge, extravagant affairs that
ensured a smattering of return
invites; play-dates at our house
were plentiful but not widely
reciprocated. We wanted so
badly for Lilah to feel accepted in
spite of her increasingly obvious
differences, but with each passing year invitations became scarcer.
I came to resent the patronising enquiries about how Lilah was
doing; the superficial sympathy always accompanied inexplicably by
that tell-tale tilt of the head and furrowed brow. At school pick-up,
Lilah’s smile was replaced by tears which we initially put down to ‘a
phase’ or later, problems reading social cues. The harsh reality was
that our child was being bullied – she was ripe for plucking. Knowing
that, statistically, children with special needs are more vulnerable to
bullying didn’t make the agony any more bearable.
PerseveranceSomewhere along the line, I was diagnosed with depression and
became bulimic. I realised that, in all this, I had thrown my marriage
under the bus. Energy spent on the girls meant there was precious
little left for anyone else. Achieving balance is hard enough without
raising a child with special needs in such an unforgiving world.
Somehow I was on a crusade that I’d never planned on. I had no
choice but to continue, but had nothing left to give. I felt isolated and
hopeless.
There is hopeI heard of a group of parents with children on the Autism
spectrum who had begun to meet so I decided to go along.
Sitting, listening to their struggles, I realised for the first time that
I wasn’t alone. From these modest beginnings came the Special
Needs Foundation of Cayman. I found strength and solace in this
community of parents, educators and professionals and to this day, I
try to pay this forward.
Now 13, Lilah is a mass of auburn hair with a fiery nature and
killer smile – a fighting spirit, we like to say; a spirit that sustained her
in those first dark days. The medical file that started the morning of
her birth now occupies the better part of an entire filing cabinet. She
has a slew of unpronounceable diagnoses, but these labels neither
define nor limit her. It is she who teaches me, daily, about courage. I
am a better teacher, parent and human being for having walked by
her side.
As I write, I am dreading an appointment with a doctor where I
will need to argue the findings of a report. It is still a struggle, but I
am no longer in danger of being broken by it. CP*Although the names have been changed to observe the
privacy of the individuals involved, we hope this piece will
inspire all parents.
“After two weeks, Lilah was discharged with an inconclusive prognosis. I threw myself into caring for her...”
17www.caymanparent.com
Story by Faith Gealey
A relationship between a therapist and a
child is a beautiful thing. It is usually slow
to take root, but once it does, it blossoms
and blooms into a sweet bond. However,
the bond between a child’s therapist and a parent can
be hit or miss. As a parent, it is your job to advocate
for your child, and as a parent myself, I totally
understand and support that. However, I can’t tell you
the amount of times I have to take time from therapy
to “sell” myself as a clinician or to convince a family
that I am here to help them win the war, not to wage
any battles against them. As a paediatric therapist
who has compared notes with other therapists, there
are some underlying things that we want parents of
our clients to know:
You are not being judgedYour child having a special need is not your fault,
and it is not the result of your parenting. When you
bring your child to me, I am looking at your child in a
holistic manner – not evaluating your parenting skills.
Your child will not be compared to other children
One of the common questions parents ask me
relates to comparison. “Is my child the worst child on
your caseload?” or “Do you have any other children
that are as bad as my child?” My answer to this
question is always ‘no’. Each child is unique. I’m not
just saying that because it is the proper thing to say; I
say that because it is a fact. Even if all of the children
on my caseload had the same diagnosis, they would
still be unique because learning and development is
a process that varies from child to child. As a result,
each child brings with them a very different set of
strengths and weaknesses. It is for this reason that
I do not compare your child to any other because
each one of my clients is on an individual journey.
You can be honest with me Does your child already have a diagnosis? Are
they getting therapy elsewhere? Are you having
a rough time at home? Please, let me know. If
your child has been assessed, it helps me to know
that information because your child may not
have to sit through another tedious assessment.
If an assessment is still warranted, an alternative
assessment could be administered to ensure that
as much information on your child’s development
has been obtained from the assessment and
most importantly to ensure that the testing results
obtained and paid for are, in fact, valid. I would like
to know which other therapists are working with
your child so that we can collaborate together and
make sure that we are working as a single team for a
child. Are things a little chaotic at home? Remember
The relationship you have with your child’s therapist could define your child’s success
You andyour child’s
A to Z of Special Needs
18 www.caymanparent.com
point number one? I’m not judging you! I
certainly am not interested in knowing about
your personal life but if your family is going
through a difficult time, it is helpful for me to
know in case I start to notice some changes
in your child’s behaviour. Keeping secrets
from your therapist in regards to your child is
not the best way to go.
I genuinely care
I think your child is cute, charming and
sweet. Even on the roughest of therapy days
I still want to give your child a big squeeze.
I’m proud of their victories and I want to see
your child succeed. I give a part of myself
to each child during therapy. Each client I’ve
worked with will forever hold a piece of my
heart. I will feel old as they grow up. I will
miss them when they have been discharged
from therapy. So don’t ever think I’m just
going through the motions with your child.
I will fight for your child’s rights as if they
are my own child because I seriously adore
every inch of your child – quirks and all.
There are no quick fixes
I wish when I graduated from college
they gave me a magic wand that can make
any child better. I really do. But unfortunately,
my alma mater did not get that memo. There
is no quick fix for any type of disorder or
delay.
For some children, a few months of
therapy is sufficient. For other children the
habilitation process can take years. I have no
way of saying in this time period your child
will be able to do x, y and z. Therapy doesn’t
work like that. It is a process of teaching and
learning. The length of time a child needs
to be in therapy is directly linked with how
quickly he or she can grasp the concepts
they are being in taught in therapy.
Much of your child’s progress rests in your hands
I only see your child for a limited amount
of time per week. Some parents feel that
the more therapy their child has access to,
the better it is for the child. This, in many
cases is true. However, the best thing you
can do for your child is integrate the targets
they are working on in therapy at home
during regular family activities. The more
opportunities your child has to practice, and
to use those skills across different settings,
[email protected] (KIDS)
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the more likely it is that he or she will master
the goal quickly and generalise those skills
across different settings.
You are appreciatedI especially enjoy having the family in
the room during therapy because it helps
them to know what to do to encourage
generalisation of skills at home. However,
sometimes you have to put your parent
instincts to swoop in and save your child on
hold for short period of time (just until the
end of the session). Please let me work with
your child, and if your child is struggling –
please let them. Each and every one of us
struggles when we learn something new,
and this goes the same for our children.
Allow me to teach your child it is okay not
to have all the answers. Allow me to teach
them strategies and encourage them to use
them on their own, teaching your child pride
in finishing a task. Allow me to teach your
child to learn.
Celebrate the moments Sometimes when you focus on the end
goal – you forget to celebrate the smallest
of victories. You want your child to walk
independently. He’s not there yet, but he’s
standing on his own now. Celebrate it!
Your want your child to tell you about her
day. She’s not there yet, but she learned
three new words this week. How awesome
is that?! Take this therapy process with
your child day by day, session by session.
Celebrate each and every small victory and
use that as a reminder that progress is being
made, change is coming and your child is
one step closer to their goals.
As a speech therapist, I spend every day
working with children with special needs.
While I know the challenges of working
with each individual child, I don’t know the
challenges of living with and raising your
child. Always know that I admire you for
your dedication, love and commitment and
think you are AMAZING. I may not always
say how impressed I am with your patience,
or compliment you on the great job you
are doing with your child. Please know that
I hold you in the highest esteem and I think
that your child is truly blessed to have a
wonderful parent like you. CP
Faith Gealey is mom to two-year-old Alyssa
Hope and a Speech Language Pathologist
who is a native of Bodden Town.
It’s about listening to you. Understanding what you want to do. Supporting your needs and dreams. Knowing what matters most to you.
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20 www.caymanparent.com
Story by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell
Parents of special needs children face
many challenges in the Cayman
Islands. One of them is schooling.
Depending on the severity of your child’s
needs the Lighthouse School is an option.
A Cayman Islands government school
established in 1976, Lighthouse School is
the only primary and secondary institution
in the Cayman Islands that caters to
children with moderate to profound special
education needs and diagnosis: children on
the severe autism spectrum, cerebral palsy
and chromosomal disorders.
Their mission is to help students with
challenging needs develop their unique
abilities to their fullest potential through
individual and innovative programs,
implemented by a caring and professional
staff in a dynamic partnership with parents
and community.
The school’s programs and curriculum
was developed with an emphasis on
skills that prepare the students for life.
Those skills include: Personal and Social,
Communication, Literacy, Numeracy and
ICT, Physical and Co-ordination, Life, and
Work related.
Programs and Services
Programs and services ranging from
Individualised Education and Life Skills to
Occupational Therapy and Medical Services
are provided by special education classroom
teachers and specialist support staff, all of
whom work for the government with the
exception of outsourced programs.
Each child is given an Individual
Education Plan specific to their needs, which
includes mainstream integration in schools
and the philosophy of inclusion. Children are
included in their community by participating
in athletic, cultural arts programs and library
activities. Inclusion benefits both special
needs kids, the people they interact with,
and students in mainstream school.
Students participate in community-based
learning and events that enhances their life
skills. Special needs events are hosted by the
school to bring awareness to the Cayman
Islands and celebrate the success of their
students. Businesses in the community
support the school by holding special events
for the students throughout the year, and
integration into their business through work
programs.
Who can attend? Lighthouse School caters to residents
of the Cayman Islands, and due to the
limited capacity of the school, and the
amount of special needs children on the
island, preference is given to Caymanian
candidates.
Before considering enrolling your child,
contact the Department of Education
(DOE) Services to ensure Lighthouse
School can accommodate your child. If
the school can accommodate your child,
and an application is submitted to a panel
with representatives from the DOE and
mainstream schools. The panel reviews the
application to ensure the applicant meets
the school’s criteria and decides their best
placement based on their needs.
Quick Tips• Have your child’s assessments
completed to ensure you know all their
physical and educational needs.
• Contact Lighthouse School to check
space is available for your child.
• Confirm Lighthouse School can
accommodate ALL of your child’s physically
and educational needs.
• If you’re considering moving to the
Cayman Islands, make sure the school can
accommodate your child.
• Meet with the principal and teachers,
and take a tour of the school, to make sure
you’re comfortable with the school and the
people responsible for your child on a daily
basis.
For more information about the Lighthouse School, please contact the principal, Carla MacVicar at [email protected] or call 947-5454.
A ray of hope at Lighthouse School
LighthouseSchoolFundraiserLighthouse School had its inaugural art exhibition, "Art Without Boundaries", at The DART Auditorium Community Gallery at The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands in March 2015 to bring awareness to children with special needs.
Other schools and many visitors attended to view the unique art completed by Lighthouse School students. The exhibition culminated with a fundraising art auction. The evening was a huge success, selling every piece of art, and raising almost $20,000 that will be used to refurbish the Lighthouse School’s playground and to purchase musical instruments.
Notable attendees were: Hon. Tara Rivers; Winston Connolly, MLA; Roy McTaggart, MLA; and Christen Suckoo, Chief education Officer.
21www.caymanparent.com
Darryl Paddyfoot stands proudly with his medal at Football4All.
Photo supplied.
Story Faith Gealey
On a sunny Saturday morning at the
Academy Football Club in George Town,
you will find in a corner of a football field, a
group of 12 children partnered with older peer buddies
learning the game of football. While coaches provide
strategies and supervision, parents are scattered across
the area – some on the field helping with exercises
and others on the sidelines cheering their children
on. At first glance, it seems like a typical children’s
football team, however, upon a closer inspection, one
realises that there is something quite unique about this
particular football club.
Football4All is a sports programme initiated by The
Wellness Centre and supported by The Academy
Sports Club. It provides an opportunity for children
with special needs between ages four and 14 to
engage with each other outside of the therapy room.
Shannon Seymour, director of The Wellness Centre,
founded Football4All with a very special vision for this
club. Very active within the Academy Football Club,
and during one of the Junior Football games, the idea
for Football4All was conceived.
“I saw these young kids playing football and having
a blast. It saddened me because at that time my
clients didn’t have access to engaging in that type
of activity.” During a team-building meeting at The
Wellness Centre, the idea was put forth to the staff.
The entire Wellness Centre team came on board
to assist with the development and planning of this
programme. “We had very specific objectives for this
programme. We wanted our clients to have fun. We
also wanted to target functional life skills such as
responding to concepts like “stop” and “go” which are
very important commands for any child to understand
for safety reasons. Additionally, we target imitation
of gestures and words, socialisation with peers,
compliance, responding to questions, and responding
to instructions.”
The Academy Sports Club graciously donated the
use of the field, the equipment and peer coaches.
One of the guiding principles of the Academy
Sports Club is for players to give back, and this was a
wonderful opportunity for their Under 15 and Under
17 players to do on Saturday mornings. These players
completed a short workshop on Autism Spectrum
Disorder and learned simple strategies on how to
work with Football4All players. The parents of the peer
coaches shared that their children have become more
Making every kick count!
Football4All brings the love of the game to all children and allows them to engage outside of the therapy room
A to Z of Special Needs
22 www.caymanparent.com
compassionate and empathic due to their
volunteer experiences with Football4All.
Mr. Patrick O’Brien and Mrs. Lynn Walsh-
O’Brien’s son, Calum, has been involved with
Football4All since its inception. “Calum has
improved greatly with patience, turn-taking
and following the rules, and communicating
with others in a group setting.” The O’Brien
family strongly supports the Football4All
programme and shared that “the strides
Calum and the other children have made
are quite evident.”
Very often children with special needs are
excluded from participating in extracurricular
activities within the community. Ms. Vanessa
Ebanks shared her son Darrell’s (pictured left)
experience,
“Before Football4All my son resisted trying
anything new. Since joining Football4All
I have noticed he is more open to new
places and people”. Families like the O’Briens
and The Ebanks are “very thankful for
the Football4All programme and really
appreciate all of the time and effort put forth
by those involved.”
Football4All was initially established as
a community programme specifically for
clients with from The Wellness Centre with
Autism Spectrum Disorder. Therapists from
The Wellness Centre donated their time
each Saturday morning to assist the parents
and peer coaches with supervision and to
provide hands on support when needed.
The programme has grown and now
includes children from the community with
a variety of special needs.
Being a part of an extracurricular activity
is a childhood rite of passage; the beauty
of Football4All is that it provides children
with special needs with an opportunity to
engage in community based activities. As
the programme grows, it continues to be a
challenge for The Wellness Centre to keep
up with the demand without additional
supports from the community. The benefits
of this programme and seeing the progress
of the children in Football4All, makes it all
worthwhile for the staff volunteers. Mrs.
Seymour is hopeful that stakeholders in
the community will assist with keeping this
programme going so that more children
have the opportunity to participate. CP
For more information please contact
Shannon Seymour at sseymour@
wellnesscentre.ky or at 949-9355.
The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is a charitable, non-profit organisation. SNFC is Cayman’s own support group providing information and education about Children with Special Needs.
Visit our website for community events, support and other informationwww.specialneedsfoundation.ky
What is special needs?Having Special Needs can be defined as an individual with particular requirments resulting from physical, learning, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.
What do we do?The SNFC advocates for individuals and families to promote ongoing education of the public about the needs of the special needs community. With growth, we will endeavour to work with professionals, providers and policy makers to ensure that needed services and options are available throughout the lifespan of people diagnosed with any kind of special needs.
The Foundation believes that all children with special needs should have a voice, be given the same opportunities as all children and be able to develop their maximum potential.
Design donated by
How can you help?Getting involved with the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is easy.Become a member, volunteer or donate to this local non-profit organisation by contacting us via:
E-mail - [email protected]
Phone - 345-321-2957
Mail - PO Box 12141, Grand Cayman KY1-1010
/SNFCCayman
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23www.caymanparent.com
Advocating for parents and children:The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman
Today, despite years of struggle and reinvention, there is a growing awareness that
The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman has finally come of age and established
itself squarely as the unequivocal voice of the islands’ special needs community.
With each victory – large or small — the powers that be are coming to understand
that this is a sector of society that refuses to be marginalised any longer.
Committed to utilising all resources available to develop and provide appropriate and
comprehensive support services for children with a range of special needs across the
Cayman Islands, The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is an organisation on a
mission. A non-profit collective of parents, educators, service providers and professionals, it
seeks to help all its young people reach their maximum potential to become valuable and
valued members of society.
What originally began as a monthly support group for parents of children on the Autism
Spectrum, soon evolved into The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman, a membership-
based organisation formed to tackle the increasingly urgent need to address the lack of
diagnostic, treatment and support services available to the nation’s youth special needs
community.
Advocating for individuals and families through ongoing public education programmes
and positive partnerships with professionals, providers and policy-makers, the foundation
aims to give a voice to some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, offering opportunities
through increased awareness and expert guidance.
Other active roles include the petitioning of government to make changes to the
Health Reform Law to ensure full coverage of all children for essential therapies, as well
as undertaking comprehensive research studies to establish baseline data to inform good
practice and accessibility for future generations.
Funded by generous corporate sponsors, private donors and membership dues, the
foundation offers a range of services including members’ financial aid for selected Summer
Camps, morale and emotional support, practical assistance, a calendar of social events
where parents and children can meet and mingle and monthly newsletters detailing training
opportunities, special interest courses, and educational presentations in collaboration with a
wide range of special needs providers.
Driven by a host of dedicated volunteers and spearheaded by a Board of Directors,
comprised primarily of parents and respected professionals from fields ranging from Speech
and Language Therapy to Music Therapy, the SNFC promotes early identification, diagnosis
and intervention in order to improve the long-term prognosis of all children with special
needs resident on island.
With three hard-working committees – the Fundraising Committee, Membership
Resource Committee and the Committee for Advocacy and Research – members have
ample opportunity to get as involved as they wish with the running of the organisation.
To find out more about exciting work and future projects, please visit
www.specialneedsfoundation.ky or contact the SNFC’s Executive Leader, Susie Bodden,
at [email protected] or by phone on 321 2957.
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So often, children are punished for being human.
Children are not allowed to have grumpy moods, bad days, disrespectful tones, or bad attitudes, yet we adults have them all the time!
None of us are perfect, and we must stop holding our children to a higher standard of perfection than we can attain ourselves.
familyresourcecentre
THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTREEmail [email protected] or Call 949-0006
Your children are not themselves when they are...
Address these needs and you will see negative behaviours decrease.
For more information about this tool or on how to enhance your parenting tool kit, contact the Family Resource Centre
at 949-0006 or frc.gov.ky.
Become familiar with all the free services FRC provides!
The Department of Counselling ServicesC A Y M A N I S L A N D S G O V E R N M E N T
Children are people, too!
As long as there have been babies,
mothers have nurtured them at their
breasts. That so many of us are here
today is testament to how well breastfeeding
has worked through the millennia. The benefits
have been widely touted and authorities on
child care have made strong statements in
favour of breastfeeding. Indeed, the World Health
Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers
worldwide breastfeed their infants exclusively (i.e.
no other foods or liquids) for the first six months
of life to achieve optimal growth, development,
and health. After that infants should receive
nutritionally adequate and safe complementary
foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to
two years or more.
Armed with all this knowledge, most local
families make the decision to breastfeed. This
turns out to be an easy journey for many
new mothers and their newborn babies.
However, despite their best intentions, a
number of mothers experience challenges
with breastfeeding at some point, which may
discourage them from continuing to breastfeed.
An important, but often overlooked, element of
successful breastfeeding is a strong network of
support.
Breast is best for your baby
Jacynth Tibbetts and her daughter Ava
Call: 943-5800 E: [email protected]: hearthealthcayman.comWest Shore Center, 508 West Bay Road
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q Waist CircumferenceYour waist (approximately 1 inch above your belly button) measures > 35” (women) or > 40” (men) - recommended is = or < than height in inches divided by 2.
q Physical InactivityYou do not exercise for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily.
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“My world changed
when my daughter Ava
was born. Becoming a
mother was amazing,
terrifying and profound!
Breastfeeding was a
way to give her my very
best. I breastfed for an
amazing 13 months, and
the Breastfeeders Support
Group volunteer played
a critical role in making it
successful. “
Support
26 www.caymanparent.com
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Will my child need braces?Orthodontics can play a huge role
in young childrens’ appearance and
health. In fact, the American Associ-
ation of Orthodontics recommends
that an orthodontist examine chidren
by the time they are seven years old.
Bite, crowding and alignment issues
can be identified at an early age. Some
orthodontic conditions are simply
easier to correct if they are corrected
early. And knowing that your child
might need corrective dental work, or
not, simply offers peace of mind.
Dr. Pourang RahimiDr. Geoffrey NewtonBoard Certified Specialists in Orthodontics
Call 946-7303 • Email: [email protected] • www.islandorthodontics.kyComplimentary consultations and most insurance companies accepted
The Cayman Islands Breastfeeders Support
Group is made up of volunteers who work to
promote, protect, and support breastfeeding
in the community. Volunteers include nurses,
midwives, lactation consultants, and mothers
who have breastfed successfully. They make
themselves available to all mothers on the
island who need help with breastfeeding.
Mothers are encouraged to call a support
group member at any time, as soon as they
feel they need help, in order to prevent a
minor issue from developing into a major
challenge.
Breastfeeding mom, Jacynth Tibbetts had
this to say: Breastfeeding felt like an art to
be mastered, but I was comforted to know
that the kind, patient person who helped
me with my challenges from Ava’s birth,
through returning to work and weaning, was
able to offer continuous encouragement
and assistance; helping me celebrate the
beautiful journey Ava and I traveled together
as mother and daughter.
Most of the services of the support
group are free of charge (pump rentals
incur a nominal fee). Volunteers provide
breastfeeding education, phone counselling,
visits to the hospital maternity unit
or individuals’ homes to assist with
breastfeeding. Many mothers also seek
advice when they return to work and wish
to continue to breastfeed. This is essential to
ensure they have an adequate milk supply
in order to continue exclusive breastfeeding
until the baby is six months.
Although some businesses on the island
provide breastfeeding rooms and pumps for
their employees to express milk, many do not.
The support group partners with the Family
Resource Centre (FRC) to provide dedicated
areas where working mothers may go to use
electric pumps donated by the support group
to express milk. Mothers may take their own
pumps to the Centre or they may purchase a
personal pumping kit to use with the electric
pumps available at the Centre. In addition,
FRC provides assistance to teenage mothers
participating in the Young Parents Programme
who wish to breastfeed. The support group
is dedicated to promoting the health and
well-being of the next generation through
successful breastfeeding.
To access contact details for Support Group
volunteers families may visit or
call the maternity unit at the hospital on
345-244-2841 or 345-244-2842.
27www.caymanparent.com
Cover story
Twins Jonas and Sage are
lovingly watched by parents
Erikka and Jason Gilbert
Growing Roots Having a family pulls busy couple, erikka and Jason Gilbert, back to their Caymanian roots.
28 www.caymanparent.com
> see next page
Story by Lindsey Turnbull | Photos by Melissa Wolfe
Erikka and Jason Gilbert are a young,
successful Caymanian couple who have
been living in the United States for almost
a decade pursuing their careers. But the
birth of their twins, Jonas and Sage, 18 months
ago while they were living in Miami meant a
serious reprioritisation for the couple. Coming
back to live in their native Cayman last summer,
erikka, 33, and Jason, 32, feel they made the right
move for their family unit as a whole.
‘The One’Having grown up in the Cayman Islands, Erikka
and Jason were acquainted with each other from
school, such was the close knit community of the
islands back in the early Nineties, but it wasn’t until
after college that the two became an item.
“I knew she was the one since I was a teenager,”
Jason confirms with a twinkle in his eye. “Erikka
wore shell toe Adidas shoes, which I remember
thinking was really cool for a girl!”
Both attended Florida International University,
Erikka studying hospitality management and Jason
finance and thereafter gaining his Master’s. After
working in the financial services industry for a year
Jason knew he really needed to pursue his real
passion as a career - making music. A keen lover
of music from an early age, Jason plays the guitar,
bass, drums and piano and says the creativity
involved with making and producing music is his
real love professionally. His career took off into the
stratosphere once he gained a manager, producing
the score for a slew of successful movies such
as Fast and Furious 6, Real Steel, Project X, and
culminating in the winning of a Grammy® Award
for producing a record on Eminem’s ‘Recovery’
album.. As producer, JG, Jason Gilbert’s career
required the couple to be based in Los Angeles to
be right in the heart of the industry.
Children arriveMarrying in 2011 in grand style in Grand Cayman,
the couple eventually moved to Los Angeles shortly
after where the decision was made to think about
starting a family.
“We both come from big families and we really
wanted kids of our own,” Erikka confirms. “However
we were a little surprised when I fell pregnant
straight away!”
Even more of a surprise was the fact that Erikka
was carrying twins.
“Actually I was in shock when I had the scan
which confirmed twins,” she states. “We had
discussed having a child and how we could
Growing Roots “We thought we had a game plan but
that went right out of the window.”
– Jason Gilbert
Having a family pulls busy couple, erikka and Jason Gilbert, back to their Caymanian roots.
29www.caymanparent.com
manage a baby between us, travelling with
them wherever we needed to be; two babies
at the same time was a completely different
story!”
Jason confirms: “We thought we had a
game plan but that went right out of the
window.”
Eighteen months ago Erikka gave birth in
Miami to their adorable babies and their lives
changed overnight.
“I was pretty much housebound for the
first three months breastfeeding,” Erikka
recalls. “Our families were absolutely
invaluable at that time. My mom came to
stay with us for the first two months. My
cousin and godmother to the twins, Renee
Thompson, was also a tremendous help and
used up every vacation day in that first year
flying up to help out.”
Coming homeBut the strain of being a plane ride away
from family and friends was eventually too
much for Erikka and Jason to bear and they
made the decision last year to move back
home, where the help would be full on,
whenever they needed it.
It’s a decision that they haven’t regretted
at all.
“We’ve lived in Los Angeles, Miami and
New York but Cayman is the place in which
Jason with wife erikka with the twins.
The early days with Jonas and Sage.
erikka in the 1980s.
30 www.caymanparent.com
It used to be just about the two of us but now we come second to their needs,” Jason says. “In fact, we call them Jay Z and Beyoncé and we are just their road managers!
we want our kids to grow up, just as we
both did,” Jason says.
While Erikka and Jason grew up in
Cayman, Erikka says hers was the more
traditional ‘outdoors’ living of Caymanian
youngsters in the Eighties and Nineties.
“I have five siblings, three of whom are
brothers. They are all really ‘men’s men
as is my father, Renard Moxam, who was
a professional sportsman, so I grew up
fishing, playing at the beach and climbing
trees,” she says.
Jason, the youngest of five children, says
he spent his time growing up mainly in
his home learning to play music. He says
he is really enjoying getting to know the
outdoors a bit better with his children.
Both twins love the outdoors and their
lovely home that Jason and Erikka have
created for their family is idyllically located
at East End overlooking the ocean.
“The first thing the kids say to me when
they get up is ‘shoes Mama!’” Erikka says.
“They just love playing outside.
Their lives have changed 180 degrees
since having their babies, the couple says.
“It used to be just about the two of us
but now we come second to their needs,”
Jason says. “In fact, we call them Jay Z
and Beyoncé and we are just their road
managers!”
Jonas displays the testosterone-filled
tendencies of his families and is boisterous
and “rough” while Sage is a real girly girl and
enjoys her books. Both are in raptures when
daddy starts playing music, which thrills both
Jason and Erikka.
Jason has taken time off in recent months
to help his young family settle into their new
lives in Cayman, while Erikka, who took a
year off to be with her children, has now
embarked again on her full time marketing
career, working at DMS. Jason is about to
start travelling again and his work will see
him travel frequently between Los Angeles
and home in Cayman.
“We can only make this work because of
the fantastic support we have at home,” he
confirms.
Erikka says the twins have a lovely nanny
who came recommended via her family.
The couple made sure she was well trained
in the Montessori principles of rearing young
children and the youngsters will start pre-
school soon.
“Even so, our moms are very close to us
and always around to help out, as are our
aunties and other family members,” Erikka
states.
It’s clear that the couple work incredibly
closely as a team, working in tandem to care
for their children. Moving back home gives
both Erikka and Jason a stronger base from
which to raise Jonas and Sage, and gives
their children the best possible start in life,
just as they had themselves. CP
Lindsey Turnbull is a freelance writer and
editor in the Cayman Islands, who is also
a mum of two teenage daughters.
She runs her freelance writing business
www.mayflowerfeatures.com
The Gilberts, enjoying a night on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards®. Jason Gilbert (commonly known as JG) won a Grammy in 2011 for his work on eminem’s ‘Recovery’ album. Photo Copyright Life Magazine.
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31www.caymanparent.com
Now that Mother’s Day has been celebrated and Father’s Day is just around the corner, it’s a good time for
parents to reflect on how to cultivate a good relationship with their children. In this article, parents and their teens reveal how they manage to keep the communications open and the relationship strong.
RespectJohn and Javana’s 15-year-old
daughter is Paris and she is currently studying for her GCSes in Cayman. Javana says from a young age they have always talked about everything.
“I have worked hard to be approachable and open, letting her know that no question is too big or too small. There are no topics off limit,” she says. “I have always encouraged Paris to voice her opinion which has helped me to become a good listener. As a family, we always have breakfast together and we share most meals together. This also helps to keep the lines of communication open with Paris, as she has both parents present. She also enjoys the guidance given by big sisters Sarah and Sophy.”
emma, Catharine, Graeme & Rachel
Relationships
Javana, Paris
& John
Simone & Nathan
Keeping it real
32 www.caymanparent.com
Keeping it real
Families share the qualities that make their connection with their kids last.
Javana says they have been fortunate as, so far, Paris has never shown any ‘moody teen’ tendencies. “The transition has been calm and gradual,” she confirms. “I am very proud of Paris and all her accomplishments to date; but, sad that she is growing too quickly.”
If there are arguments, they tend to be about Paris managing her time more efficiently and her time spent on social media via her iPhone and computer.
“Paris is a good student, works hard and is self-motivated, but can be distracted by social media. Hence, we compromise, no use of iPhone during homework and if the computer is not needed, then it is not in use either. The weekend is little more flexible and she can to indulge with social media and catch up with friends,” Javana says.
Javana says they are really proud of their daughter: “We are most proud of Paris’s inner strength, her determination and humility. She is very grounded, a good student, well-liked by everyone, very caring and kind. Beautiful on the inside and out.”
For her part, Paris says she really admires her mum’s work ethic.
“She works so hard and when she sets a goal for herself she makes sure she achieves it no matter what. Also, my mum tries to see the good in everything by staying positive. My dad is always laid back and calm (providing rugby isn’t on TV). After a long day at school when he picks me up our car journey home can be quite entertaining which helps me to de-stress.”
Passionate about fashion, Paris hopes to pursue a fashion degree and further her interest in modelling, having already participated in New York Fashion Week.
Family timeCatharine and Graeme have two
daughters, Emma, 20, who is at a UK university and Rachel, 17, who is studying for her AS levels in Cayman.
Catharine confirms that they have always done a lot together as a family,
“even simple things like regular time chatting and watching the sun go down at Smith Cove,” she says. “We almost always sit down together around a table for our evening meal on a daily basis which is
when most of the day’s news is shared and school/work-related issues are talked about until they are resolved, if that is what feels needed.”
Catharine adds that they have not had television in their home since Hurricane Ivan, although they do have DVDs and enjoy films at weekends or holidays, so this has naturally resulted in more family communication.
“We only have limited Internet access in our home and both our daughters only received their own personal laptop at the beginning of their Year 12 ‘A’ level courses. The other constant in the weekly routine for both our daughters has been the disciplined requirement for music practice which meant that with homework and outside time with other extra-curricular activities they have had busy lives!” she says.
Rachel says she admires her parents’ ability to take most things in their stride with a smile on their face.
“even though there are often serious discussions about serious things and tempers do get frayed, at the end of the day they manage to crack a joke about it and finish with a smile. I also admire how open and approachable they are. If either my sister or I ever had a problem, they were a confidential ear if we needed it,” she says.
Rachel hopes to study sciences at university in the UK.
“After that I would like to explore new places to live and work in order to broaden my experiences, which is what my parents have always encouraged emma and me to do. I will always be expected to communicate with my parents and make sure they know what is happening and how I am, therefore I hope that I will be able to maintain a close relationship.”
Patience Simone has two sons, Nathan, 17, who is
studying for his AS levels in the UK and Matt, 13, who is at high school in Cayman.
Like Javana, Simone says, as Nathan is making the transition to adulthood, she takes the time to really listen to him.
“Suddenly I realised that my son is giving me remarkably good advice and voicing well supported opinion,” she confirms. “I think if
parents are prepared to listen actively, the teenagers will talk. It’s as if you have had a long interview for the role of parent of the teen and during that time the child must develop a confidence that you will do the right thing with the information he shares.”
Simone says it’s tempting to move into the technology age fully but she has resisted that.
They argue most about procrastination, she says.
“I am slowly realising that a sense of urgency is something you develop and it is not innate. Nathan loves music and reading and he would find all the time in the word to read, play, compose or listen to music, but it seems that there is never is enough time for following up on outstanding actions or chores.”
Her secret conflict resolver is white hot chocolate and time.
“Always a good way to break the ice. It’s no point trying to get to a resolution when he has worked himself up, so I wait patiently (which isn’t easy for me), then try a different approach to resolve the issue,” she states.
Nathan, she says, is very respectful and polite. He is a loyal friend and would rather get into trouble himself than breach a confidence entrusted to him.
“No matter how they argue or disagree on things his first instinct is always to protect and defend those closest to him,” she confirms.
For his part, Nathan admires his mum’s “indomitable inner strength and conviction that drives her and makes her the wonderful woman she is today.”
Sharing a love for music with his mum, Nathan says “I enjoy sharing, listening and playing music together as it connects us on a deeper level and this is the essence of what we share.”
Nathan sees himself as a psychologist, but says “most importantly in whatever I do, I wish to be able to help others. I wish to be an author and a composer as well.”
CommunicationTad and Iris have three children, erin, 28
and Ben, 22, who both work in the States, and Adam, 17, who is studying for his AS levels in Cayman.
> see next page
33www.caymanparent.com
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Tad says although they talk and discuss issues, it’s hard to know if Adam is telling them everything he’s thinking or that concerns him, such as pressures from peers, teachers and other social contacts.
“We don’t know what he tells himself, but I do think kids put a lot of pressure on themselves to meet a whole series of expectations,” he says. “We are close-knit, and, after the departure of his big sister and big
brother, he’s the only child in the house. We are only three people. It’s hard to hide.”
Tad adds: “His mother always has 1,000 questions and is not shy about asking them. I am less inquisitive than she – if only because I tend to think of it as ‘prying’.”
Tad says that Adam is doing well at school and finding himself doing A Levels, and then managing his relationship with his girlfriend has matured him.
“Probably the issue he needs most to face for a successful transition is efficient time management. He still loves his video games and spends entirely too much time on YouTube. He’s still only 17 and, frankly, Iris and I are not terribly worried that he will manage perfectly.”
Mum Iris says she has tried to instil the value of honesty into all her children.“I’ve told them we expect them to be
honest, even if, at the end of the day, it gets them into trouble!” she says.
Calling Adam “gentle and sensitive”, Tad says Adam is also “clever and funny”.
“He is able to see the humour in a stressful situation. He is respectful. He’s a smart kid and largely makes the right choices,” he says.
Adam appreciates the fact that he can share his love of music with his parents.
“My dad and I hang out listening to music and my mum and I play steel pan together on Monday evenings,” he says.
And while he enjoys the fact that his
parents are both musical, he says he also admires his dad’s great sense of humour. “He’s managed to push through some tough times recently but always maintains his sense of humour. My mum is just a really nice person. She’ll help out anyone and always says yes, even if she doesn’t want to do something!”
Adam sees a career for himself in paleontology as he’s loved dinosaurs since he was a child, combined in some way with his love of music.
AdaptFranz and Nuvia are parents to
18-year-old Franz Jnr who is attending the Vanguard High School in Lake Wales, Florida and Alyssa, 23, who is in her final year at the University of South Florida studying business and hospitality.
Franz Snr says that over the years he and his wife have had to change and adapt their methods of communication with their son.
“In his younger days we were able to have great talks while having supper or family dinner or Sundays. As he progressed through school, we found that asking “how was your day” didn’t get the answers we were seeking – so we provided other opportunities for open communication, whether it was playing cards or picking and eating crabs, which is
Iris, Tad & Adam
34 www.caymanparent.com
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favourite activity of his.
Today, we have had to rely on social media and keeping in touch with his teachers and friends to keep the lines of communication open. But most importantly is to provide the atmosphere where he feels comfortable coming to us with any topic,” he confirms.
Franz Sr., calls Franz Jr’s transformation from child to adult “amazing”, stating that he will never forget the first time he realised that he was no longer looking down when he spoke to him.
“Looking up at your son, who used to sleep on your chest in what seems like
a very short time ago is surreal. We have watched his personality change from a little boy who always smiles to a more serious young man whose smile can still light up the room,” he confirms.
Arguments are not frequent in their household.
“We really don’t argue. Franz Jr., is a well behaved young man who stays away from conflict. He will stand his ground on matters he believes in, but does so in a polite manner,” Franz Snr says. “We are most proud of his honest and respectful character. He is really a gentle giant and shows great care and concern for others.”
Franz Jr., says he admires his mum and dad’s “positive attitude towards everyday life”.
“I have never seen my dad be negative towards challenges and my parents have always encouraged me be the best I can be,” he explains. “They both encourage me to work hard to be respectful and not to settle for second best. I also admire my parents discipline and work ethic, I have never seen them skip a day at work unless they were on vacation or very sick.”
Following in his parents’ footsteps, Franz Jr., says he sees in his future “college and returning home to do my part to make Cayman a better place for all of us to live”. CP
Franz Sr. & Franz Jr.
until:
From yourmodernfamily.com
Summertime
RulesNO SCREEN OR DEVICE TIME
a You have played outside, built, crafted or done something
industrial for 60 minutes;
a You have read for 20 minutes;
a You have checked your room to be sure it’s clean: bed is made,
floor and closet is tidy;
a You have finished one other chore approved by Mom or Dad;
a You have written a handwritten note of gratitude to
a friend or family member.
35www.caymanparent.com
With summer break
around the corner,
many parents of teens
inadvertently rely
on a non-human being to provide
supervision: the media. Whether it is
television, the internet, social media,
mobile phones or MP3 players they
all become more accessible during
the summer. The average teenager
consumes over seven hours of media
per day and the number seems to rise
yearly. Though there are very positive
uses for media, unfortunately it also
has negative messages that we must
empower children to filter from a young
age.
The media still perpetuates traditional
gender roles which research indicates
that the continuous effort to align with
gender norms produces great anxiety,
insecurity, stress and low self-esteem in
children. It also promotes youth as lazy,
sassy, sex-crazed and/or rebellious. It
minimises the parent-child relationship
and places emphasis solely on the peer
group influence.
Parents need to realise that teens
still need parenting. They need adult
supervision, but it looks different at
this age. It is important to realise that
teens are not little adults. An extremely
significant part of the brain, the prefrontal
cortex, has not fully developed yet. This
causes teens to engage in more risky
behaviour. Teens may have an inflated
sense of immortality. Additionally, the
brain at this stage is seeking social
interaction and the dawn of social media
Story by Miriam Foster
“Social media is a lifeline to many teens. It is key that parents understand how it works.”
Teens & the Media
The media sends mixed messages about who, what and how our teens should be
> see next page
Summer Survival -The Media
36 www.caymanparent.com
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has created an unprecedented flow of
social access inside and outside the home.
That is why toddlers and teens are quite
similar stages, there is an urge to engage
in the world independently but they are
disadvantaged by the physical and mental
skills available.
Teaching vs. ControllingMany parents address media issues by
strictly limiting it and trying to control it.
However, the greatest results are achieved
when one comes from a place of teaching
versus controlling. The media can be very
positive when used properly and within
adequate limits. The issue is that it takes
active parenting. This takes work, but the
benefits are completely worth it.
1 Set time aside to calmly discuss with
your teen media usage. Discuss when,
where, and create no technology times
to allow for other activities and adequate
sleep.
2Instead of “turning off that junk” when
your teen is watching a show, sit
down and discuss the show with your
teen”. Engage in dialogue about pros and
cons of watching that specific show. Agree
on what the parameters will be for watching
this show.
3 Encourage teens to learn about his
or her brain and understand how the
media messages impact the lens the
world is viewed through.
4 Engage in discussions about the
difference in the reality the media
creates and the real world.
5Talk to your teen before the media
does. If there is a topic that is
important to discuss with your teen…
It is not easy being a parent in this
technological world, but parents need to
take time to learn about technology, as it is
here to stay. It is a parent’s job to educate a
teen about appropriate online behaviour, the
way the internet works and the agenda the
media is constantly pushing. It is imperative
to have technology-free times to allow
the brain a break and reduce cortisol levels
which increase stress. Although to parents
keeping up with social media is not essential
to living, many teens truly believe that
social media is a lifeline. Teaching children
to be in the present is also an essential life
skill and although it may seem like a hard
task, the easiest is way to teach is to model
appropriate use of technology.
The summer can be a great time to learn
new skills or focus on skills often neglected
during the school year. The media can be a
great teacher with over 700,000 educational
videos on YouTube, but we must first
educate children to be empowered
consumers. Filter the messages that are not
in line with the family’s value system and
retain the messages that bring positivity and
enlightenment.
Humans are adapting to this new
technological world and time needs to be
taken to create systems that allow children
to be protected while still allowing some
freedom to foster independent thought. CP
Miriam Foster is Program Coordinator at
the Family Resource Centre (FRC), which is
an amalgamation of the services provided
by the Women’s Resource Centre, National
Parenting Programme and Young Parents
Programme.
For more information,
please visit http://www.frc.gov.ky, contact
345-949-0006 or email [email protected].
37www.caymanparent.com
Exactly what temperature is considered a fever?First of all, a fever
is considered to be
a rise in our internal
body temperature to
levels that are considered to be above
normal.
From your Googling you may get a
wide range of answers ranging from 99
degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius)
to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees
Celsius).
So you wonder - why is there no
straightforward answer?
That’s because the definition of a fever
includes some reference as to which part
of the body the temperature was taken.
The following represent the
temperatures typically used to define
fever:
• 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees
Celsius) or higher if measured under arm
• 99.5 (37.5 degrees Celsius) or higher if
measured orally
• 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees
Celsius) or higher if measured rectally, by
ear, or by temporal artery
What is the best
method to check my child’s temperature?Opinions will differ about
the best site and method of temperature
measurement and each has its own pros
and cons. Temperature readings may
be affected by how the temperature
is measured, the device used, how
cooperative your child is, as well as
environmental factors.
When deciding which method to use,
parents need to consider whether the
accuracy of the results will have clinical
implications for their child, for example,
any fever in a child younger than 3
months of age may require hospital
admission and a thorough investigation
into the source of the infection whereas
fever in older well looking children may
require initial observation.
Temperatures measured rectally are
considered to be the most accurate and
are used as the reference standard for
measurement of core body temperature.
Rectal readings can be affected by
the depth of measurement of the
thermometer tip and the presence of
stool but are least likely to be affected by
external factors such as over bundling
and recent ingestion of hot or cold
beverages.
Many parents are uncomfortable with
this method of temperature assessment
and older children are more likely to
resent it. However in young children
especially in newborns in whom a low
grade fever may signify a serious illness a
rectal temp should be checked.
Ear thermometers are quick but are
not reliable in young children as they
have smaller ear canals especially before
6 months of age. When used in older
children it needs to be placed correctly in
your child’s ear canal to be accurate. It is
very important to straighten the ear canal
and insert the probe tip comfortably and
completely in the ear canal to ensure
accuracy. For children 6 to 12 months pull
the ear straight back. For children over
12 months pull the ear up and back. Too
much earwax can cause the reading to
be incorrect.
Temporal artery thermometers are
quick and non invasive and hence
attractive to use but are the most
expensive option. Readings are close
to core body temperature but its
accuracy is affected by sweating,
blood flow, and the environmental
temperature and there are conflicting
reports on its accuracy to date.
Oral temperatures rely on the child
being old enough to cooperate with
holding the thermometer under the
tongue with the lips closed around it,
long enough to get an accurate reading.
This is often a challenge for most
children younger than 4 to 5 years old
and those who are very stuffy and need
their mouth to breathe. Its accuracy will
also be affected by the recent ingestion
of hot or cold beverages or food. As
rectal temps are less likely to be tolerated
by older children, oral temperatures are
preferred.
Axillary temperatures are the least
accurate in measuring core body
temperature and are most impacted by
environmental factors such as swaddling,
Ask the Doctor
Doctors get countless queries each day from parents about their child’s health.
Here are the TOP 3 MOST COMMON questions, from paediatrician Dr. Christine Chen.
2
1Summer Survival - Health
38 www.caymanparent.com
a recent bath, and recent exercise. Care
must be taken to to place the tip of the
thermometer in the centre of the child’s
armpit and to restrain the arm against the
child’s side long enough to record the
highest reading.
Forehead strips may give you an idea of
whether your child has a fever by measuring
skin temperature, not body temperature
hence they are not accurate and they do not
give an exact measurement either and so are
not recommended.
Electronic pacifiers are also not
recommended as they are not accurate and
take a longer time to generate a reading (up
to 4 minutes) and parents have to remember
to add 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit to recorded
readings.
Using one’s hand to determine your child’s
temperature is not a reliable way to measure
a temperature and determine the
presence of a fever.
How can I help prevent my child
from getting sick so often?It can be normal for young
children to have up to 6-8 upper
respiratory tract infections and 2-3
gastrointestinal infections each year. If
they attend daycare or school they can
experience even more episodes as their risks
of exposure are increased in such group
settings.
As your child gets older, his immune
system will strengthen and he will build up
immunity to many common infections and
so he will get sick less often.
Steps you can take to minimise the
chances that your child will get sick include:
• Ensure that your child is properly
immunised. This will help protect against
more serious infections.
• Ensure that your child gets adequate rest
and eats a well balanced diet which will
provide a variety of vitamins and nutrients to
help keep his immune system as strong as
possible to help him fight off infection.
• Ensure that the daycare or school you
choose is clean, has a well enforced
policy of hygienic education and
measures to decrease the spread
of germs, including frequent
disinfection, not allowing sick
children to attend, and not allowing
sick caregivers to care for your child.
• To decrease his risk of exposure to
sick kids you could choose a smaller sized
daycare or consider hiring/sharing a private
nanny.
• Teach your child hygienic measures and
to avoid playing with sick kids.
• Isolate sick family members as much as
possible and observe hygienic measures
even in the home setting. CP
Dr. Christine Chen is a paediatrician at
TrinCay Medical Centre & Urgent Care
located in Camana Bay. She is actively
involved with The Children’s Health Task
Force/Cayman Heart Fund and is the
founder of Get
Active and
The Get Active
Challenge
programs which
serve to raise
awareness
and tackle the
problem of
childhood obesity
in Cayman.
Feel free to
contact Dr Chen at 345-943-4633 or
through Facebook/Get Active Cayman.
A premier international school for children aged 2-18 years old Approximately 550 students representing over 30 nationalities
Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (USA) American/International Curriculum for Pre K through Grade 12
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for Grades 11 and 12
Director of CIS: Dr. Jeremy Moore Tel: (345) 945-4664 Fax: (345) 945-4650
Website: www.caymaninternationalschool.org Email: [email protected]
3
39www.caymanparent.com
Summer Survival - Travel Planning to travel this summer? Here are Travel Pros’ top places to discover
Enjoy Europe with the whole family this summer. With the Euro having dropped below the Caymanian Dollar it is the best time to plan a budget friendly
vacation for the whole family to Europe! In Copenhagen Denmark make sure to take the little ones to see the famed Little Mermaid statue. Explore fairytale castles, then up the pace on the thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens. First opened in 1883, the amusement park is now a virtual symbol of Denmark. The capital’s safe streets are also fun for a family bicycle trip. In Athens Greece everyone will go away with astounding sights and experiences emblazoned in their memories; buildings the kids have only seen in cartoon form, from the Parthenon to the Acropolis looming up high. Plus towering statues, idyllic islands and stunning antiquities. Try Rome Italy with sights guaranteed to impress even the most jaded teen, the Italian capital makes for a captivating getaway. From the ghoulish bone-decorated Santa Maria della Concezione to the delicious slew of ice cream stops around the city, Rome is sure to have something unforgettable for everyone. Top attractions in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg, Austria include its imposing fortress, Hohen Salzburg, a thrilling castle experience complete with cannons and dungeons. Follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapps on a Sound of Music tour, visit the zoo or explore Mirabelle Gardens’ labyrinth maze and dwarf gardens. With so many places to choose from enjoy the history of Europe now!
Europe
The Great Northern Catskills in Upstate New York offer
something rare in today’s fast-paced, glued-to-a-
Smartphone world: a chance to unplug with the
whole family in a summer camp setting where everyone’s
needs – from meals to snacks and activities to entertainment
– are taken care of by a dedicated team of hospitality pros
recognised for their attention to detail. We’re talking of
course about Greene County’s all-inclusive family resorts.
There’s no need to look outside of the U.S., or even outside
of New York State to find a great value on a family vacation
package that includes everything your family wants and
needs to have the perfect escape you’ve been dreaming of.
Grab everyone (grandparents and toddlers, mom, dad and
teens) and get away from it all without travelling far. Just two
hours from New York City and Northern New Jersey, and
three hours west of Boston, find over a dozen family resorts
in Greene County, each offering its own signature ambiance
– from authentic German architecture and cuisine, to family-
style Italian and charming Irish cottage touches. Learn how
to play tennis or go boating on a nearby lake, relax with a
drink while playing bocce ball or shuffleboard as the kids race
each other on go-karts, perfect their mini-golf skills, paint a
new masterpiece during craft time or play “Marco, Polo,” in
the resort’s pool. In the Great Northern Catskills of Greene
County, they specialise in creating experiences guaranteed
to make memories that last for generations.
Upstate New York
Family Destinations
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40 www.caymanparent.com
Planning to travel this summer? Here are Travel Pros’ top places to discover
Family Destinations
Planning a trip for your extended family? Welcome
to multigenerational cruising, a vacation that
promises endless options for family members.
Cruises have activities for everyone from toddler to
grandparents. With the increased popularity of family
cruises, the cruise lines are offering increased family-
friendly amenities and activities. Cruising with kids has
never been easier, and there are lots of different options
– from cruise lines to itineraries. Many families choose
a Caribbean Cruise, because they are usually shorter
in duration and have many family-friendly activities at
the ports-of-call. There are definitely some things to
consider when choosing a cruise and ways to prepare
so that you have the most successful trip possible. Be
sure to fully research the kids’ clubs aboard the ship.
Depending on the ages and interests of your kids,
those clubs can make a huge difference in your cruise
experience.
Cruises are like all-inclusive resorts. Your cabin
and all of your meals are included in the
price, as are most of the activities your family
will enjoy. But how prices are determined depend
on many factors, including how far ahead you book,
which cruise line you choose, your level of stateroom,
the ship’s itinerary, and the port of departure. Booking
early is particularly important for larger families,
because the most spacious staterooms, family rooms,
interconnecting rooms, and suites sell out first. During
other vacations in which families travel together, it can
be tough to balance personalities, age-appropriate
activities and, frankly, stamina. Not so on a cruise, there
is something for everyone.
For a vacation that has your heart pumping, your
taste buds buzzing and the family bonding,
choose Orlando. With the many theme parks,
zoos and water parks there is sure to be something
for the whole family. Enjoy the nostalgia of The Magic
Kingdom bringing everyone back to their childhood
surrounded by characters from your favorite Disney
movies. Epcot brings a little piece of the world closer to
home! Try traditional food in one of the 11 countries in
the World Showcase or blast into the future in Future
World. Movie magic comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood
Studios, awash in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s
Golden Age. Step into the action with attractions
based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows, and
delight in exciting entertainment that puts you centre
stage. Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings you up close
and personal with animals from around the globe.
Head on over to Universal Studios and jump into the
magical World of Harry Potter. Enjoy a butter beer at
The Three Brooms Sticks pub or be fitted for your wand
at Ollivanders Wand Shop. You could even stock up on
your jokes at Zonko’s Joke Shop or take a thrilling ride on
Escape from Gringotts. Want to cool off? Head on over to
Wet n’ Wild for a water park overflowing with incredible
thrill rides for the whole family! With something for all
ages Orlando is the Ultimate Family vacation destination.
Family Cruise
Orlando, Florida
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41www.caymanparent.com
Spotlight
This summer, dozens of camps will be
offered across the Cayman Islands, all
promising fun, fun and more fun for our
pre-schoolers, adolescents, tweens and teens
alike while providing an essential service for
working moms, dads and guardians.
CampsThe YMCA of the Cayman Islands, also
referred to as “the Y,” will also be conducting
camps throughout the entire summer on
the island. But as you learn more about the
philosophy of the Y programme, you begin to
understand the broader focus. That is, the Y
sees camp as so much more than just a day
care option for parents or mere play dates and
field trips. The aim of the Y camp is to provide
youth with the type of positive developmental
experience that will yield lifelong benefits.
“As with all YMCA programmes, we use
day camp as a tool to develop the potential of
our youth, especially in the area of character
development. For kids to discover more about
what makes them unique, as well as how strong
values lead to a more enriched and fulfilling life,
day camp is a vital part of the mission of the
Y,” explains Greg Smith, CEO of the YMCA of
the Cayman Islands. “We achieve great results
because the programme is designed to be
fun with diverse options, which captures the
attention of the kids. But at the centre of it all,
we are successful because we select and train
camp leaders who embrace our core values
and philosophy, with a heart and passion for
developing youth.”
The YMCA Camp experience is grounded in
a set of seven objectives that characterise all Y
programmes:
• Grow personally
• Learn and reinforce positive values
• Improve personal and family relationships
www.ymcacayman.ky
345-926-9622
Offices:Governor’s Square23 Lime Tree Bay Ave.PO Box 10190 #51Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1002
“The Y” Difference The YMCA makes a difference at home and around the world
42 www.caymanparent.com
• Appreciate diversity
• Become better leaders and supporters
• Develop specific skills and assets
• Have fun and enjoy the experience
Led by YMCA-trained camp
counsellors, campers are
encouraged to focus
behaviours in keeping
with five core values
that are routinely
reinforced
throughout the
camp experience:
• Caring – to
demonstrate a
sincere concern for
others, for their needs
and well-being
• Honesty – to tell the
truth, demonstrate reliability
and trustworthiness through
actions that are in keeping
with their stated positions
and beliefs
• Respect – to treat
others as they would
have others treat them,
to value the worth of
every person, including
themselves
• Responsibility – to take
accountability for themselves, their
belongings, promises and actions;
to strive to do what is right,
recognising all people are part of
an inter-connected world
• Faith – To value an individual’s
personal beliefs with trust that we
are created for a divine and great
purpose.
“Our programme objectives
and core values are at the heart
of everything we do at camp,” Greg
explains. “From games and sports to field
trips and swimming, there are tremendous
opportunities to teach campers through our
routine, personal interactions. The entire
recognition system is designed to reward
campers demonstrating the core values.
Different coloured beads and various other
awards are provided as campers live out the
values in everyday activities.” Smith adds,
“Our approach makes it real, and camp
leaders make it fun… the result is character
development that is ‘Real Fun’!”
Let your kids experience the Y Camp
Difference this summer! Log on to
www.ymcacayman.ky today for more
information.
Counsellors-In-Training (C.I.T.)Finding relevant, fun, age-appropriate
activities that will interest and engage
teenagers during the summer is a challenge
for many parents. They’re too old for most
camps and they may not qualify for the
limited amount of summer jobs
available.
Enter the Cayman YMCA
Counsellors-In-Training
programme, a place for
teens to make new friends,
develop their confidence and
leadership skills and avoid less
constructive uses of time!
Open to teens ages 13 to
17, Counsellors-In-Training gain
real-life, hands-on experiences,
participate in creative
leadership trainings, help
plan and facilitate fun
camp activities, create
unforgettable memories,
receive nationally
recognised volunteer
hours and provide a safe
and fun programme for
kids in their community.
C.I.T.’s volunteer
approximately 5 to 8 hours
each day at camp,
which are not just
held over the
summertime,
but during
most school
holiday breaks
at the Field of
Dreams.
“Our C.I.T.’s
are integral to
the success of our
Y day camps, and we
believe that they benefit from
the experience just as much as we do from
having them with us,” says Greg Smith,
CEO of YMCA Cayman Islands. “The YMCA
is a globally-recognised organisation and
being able to list Y volunteer experience
on a college application or a resume can
boost an applicant’s credibility and their
chances of being successful. Some schools
here in Cayman require a certain amount
of volunteer or community service hours
and working with the YMCA can fulfil those
requirements.”Teens who are interested
in being a Summer 2015 C.I.T. can log
on to www.ymcacayman.ky for more
information.
In Cayman and Around the World
The YMCA of the Cayman Islands became the 119th country to join The World Alliance of YMCAs in 2014. Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors, Pastor Randy Von Kanel, stated, “It’s quite an honour to be recognised on a global scale. We live in such an amazing place, yet we have immense potential to improve on the standard of life in the community. The YMCA has the programmes and services that make it the perfect conduit for channeling the greatness in the people of our Islands.”
This potential and the programmes and services the Y is known for offering around the world have taken root in Cayman and the organisation is excited about what has happened so far and what is to come. The Y’s Founders Campaign has raised over $600k to help establish programmes in earnest.
Y Cayman CEO Greg Smith sums it up, “We have plenty of work to do, but we’re not doing it alone. We have fantastic support from caring, generous and influential partners in the community that are dedicated to insuring the Cayman Islands is the most wonderful place in the world to live.”
The mission of the YMCA of the Cayman Islands is: “To help people reach their God-given potential by putting Christian principles into practice in ways that build healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body for all.”
43www.caymanparent.com
Let’s get crafty!
Story and Photos by Lindsey Turnbull
It’s the end of June and the
long hot days of summer
are stretching before you
until school starts again at
the beginning of September.
But don’t despair! There are
plenty of cool crafts and
fun activities you can do
with your kids this summer
to keep them amused, no
matter what the age of your
youngster. And they don’t
have to cost the earth, just
requiring a bit of imagination
and some cheap crafty
supplies.
Play around with play dough
It’s doubtful there is a child on the planet
who doesn’t like playing with play dough.
When the weather is too hot for outdoor play,
why not have your child help you make their
very own? In that way they can choose what
colour they’d like and it becomes much more
fun. Homemade play dough is essentially a
mix of equal parts water, and flour (say three
cups) a few tablespoons of vegetable oil,
a pinch of salt, a couple of table spoons of
Cream of Tartar and food colouring. You will
need to cook it all (minus the food colouring)
over a gentle heat, continually mixing, until it
turns into a dough. Divide into separate balls
and knead in food colouring while it’s still
warm. Store in Ziplock bags. It should keep for
about six months.
A Day in My LifeChildren of all ages love using a camera.
A brilliant way to get your children to think
creatively is to buy them a cheap disposable
camera (Cost U Less has some cheap ones)
and have them photograph people, pets and
places that are dear to them. Then you can
get the photos developed and help them
make a beautiful collage that highlights a day
> see next page
Summer Survival
44 www.caymanparent.com
in their life. For older children and teenagers
who may have their own digital camera or
IPhone, have them focus on taking good
quality photos of their family, friends and pets
and then get the photos developed (Cathy
Church at Sunset House has self-service
machines for developing photos) and have
them make their own collage that they can
hang on their bedroom wall.
Keeping recordWriting an entry a day in a diary of your
summer is a really good way for kids to
develop their writing and reporting skills.
Diaries can be embellished with all sorts of
crafty ideas, such as drawings and sketches,
small shells from a walk on the beach,
sticks and twigs from a walk in the bush,
flowers from the garden that have been
pressed flat, glitter, sequins, ribbons and more.
Oceans of potionsWhen the weather is really hot it’s best to
stay in the cool of the A/C. A great way to
stimulate the imagination of young minds
while indoors is to allow them to create
a ‘potion’ which will then be baked and
eaten! Supply your youngster with edible
items, such as flour, eggs, butter, sugar,
food colouring, chocolate chips, chocolate
syrup and fruit pieces and allow them to
concoct their own cake batter which you
can then bake and then they can decorate.
It’s always interesting to see what the result
will be and of course, parental supervision
is recommended when the child is young,
though it’s still fun to allow them a relatively
free reign on the ingredients!
Catch a bug!As a youngster, one of my daughter’s most
favourite summer camps was a week with
the National Trust of the Cayman Islands
where the children get back to nature in a
real way. She came home one day having
made a brilliant craft, decorating a glass jar
with various cut out paper designs in which
she could try and catch her very own bug!
Half the fun went into decorating the jar and
the other half went into trying to catch a little
creature to inhabit the new home she had
created. She ended up finding a caterpillar
which grew a chrysalis around itself,
eventually emerging as a beautiful cabbage
white butterfly!
Beach combingA simple walk on the beach, particularly
on the more deserted beaches at Barker’s in
West Bay, out at East End or round the corner
from Rum Point in North Side, can elicit all
sorts of wonderful treasures along the way.
Driftwood, shells, rocks and even the elusive
sand dollar (if you are very lucky) make
wonderful blank canvases on which kids can
paint and get creative. Driftwood can be used
to make all sorts of wonderful creations. We
once made an entire Cayman cottage out of
driftwood and some wooden lollipop sticks!
Teen craftsYouTube is an incredibly useful invention,
bringing forth a multitude of ideas for crafting
for teenagers. Who would have thought that
some rolled up pages torn from a magazine
would make a lovely wall hanging, or some
bits of old towel and some fancy material
scraps could turn into a useful make up bag?
Best of all, the ubiquitous duct tape can be
used for all measure of useful items, including
wallets, purses, shopping bags and more!
With a little imagination and a few basic
materials you can be sure to have a brilliant
summer with your children. CP
and adventure
Enjoy afull day of fun
Opening hours:Mon – Sat 8:00am – 4:30pm
Check website for Sunday hours
786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman | [email protected]
www.turtle.ky | 1 345.949.3894
Kids will love tickling a baby turtle, hand-feeding colourful birds, and splashing down the Turtle Twister waterslide.
Our Turtle Lagoon is great for kids learning how to snorkel and is full of fish and some turtles too! Cayman Islands residents enjoy special low rates. It’s just CI$10 for adults, CI$4 for kids 5 to 12, and kids 4 and under get in for FREE!
Or, you could purchase a Resident Annual pass for just CI$50 for adults or CI$35 for kids, and enjoy unlimited visits for an entire year!
Annual Pass holders also get 10% off at Schooner’s restaurant and Splash gift shop.
Come visit us today!
Demario creating his A Day in My Life collage at his after school club sponsored by PwC.
summer
46 www.caymanparent.com
Compiled by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell
Summer is here. The perfect time of year for sun, fun, quality family moments, and more hours on the computer and hand-held gamers than thought
humanly possible. The chances of your kids losing some, if not all, of what they learned during the school year is highest during the summer. Here are 10 activities to keep their minds sharp and ready for the new school year, and have fun doing it.
1 Keep a journal or scrapbook:Two great options to keep kids writing. Add
photographs, drawings, magazine cutouts, and memorabilia from trips, camps and other summer activities, and you’ve got a dynamite learning experience, and a
keepsake for kids to cherish and share at school.
2 Send posts cards and lettersWhether you’re traveling aboard or staying at
home, have the kids send postcards. It’s a fun way for them to share their summer with family and friends, or even send it to themselves and understand the mail system. Who doesn’t like getting mail?
3 Get them reading Local bookstores and libraries tend to have book
readings or other fun activities for kids over the summer, along with local charity shops which sell books. Kids can stock up on books and learn about the value of giving.
4Play games Scrabble, Hangman, cards games, bingo or
dominoes are fantastic games to keep their minds on writing and math. The best part? They won’t even realise it. They’ll be having too much fun.
5 Explore the community Visiting local museums, parks, farms and animal
sanctuaries teaches kids about their environment, community and the people and places in their own backyard.
6 Camps When looking for camps, why not look for new
camps to take your kids out of their comfort zone and learn something new. How about camps with varied learning experiences and expose your kids to new and exciting worlds like art, music, sailing, and swimming? Make it a summer they won’t forget.
7 Cooking Kids love to bake. Use cooking to teach them the
importance of reading and following instructions, and all about temperatures, measurements and nutrition. Then there’s the joy of eating what they made.
8 Apps There are several apps for kids with fun learning
experiences. Try apps like Primary Games Ltd. who bundle together math and reading games giving kids a range of different math and reading skills so they won’t get bored — not even the picky kid who loves action games.
9Life Experiences If you’re travelling or staying on island, seize
opportunities to get your kids to apply their existing skills – using money, telling time, reading schedules, or learning a different language.
10 On The Road Turn an ordinary car ride to the grocery store
into an opportunity for your kids to sharpen their skills. Have fun with old classics like “I Spy” and other memory games and mental math challenges, or see who can make the best words from the letters on car licence plates.Look for ideas outside the humdrum summer norm
and create an awesome experience your kids will brag about to their friends and teachers when the new school year starts. CP
Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell is an author, freelance writer, and founder of CayWriters Ltd., a company dedicated to promoting and nurturing writers in the Cayman Islands from childhood to adulthood. For more information about Elke or CayWriters, visit http://elkefeuer.com or email [email protected]
Avoiding the summerSlide
Summer Survival
47www.caymanparent.com
Use our DROP & PLAY Service all summer long!Need a few hours to yourself, grabbing lunch with friends, enjoying some adult time in Camana Bay or anywhere… drop the kids off and we will entertain them! Ages 3-12. See website for more details
TONS OF FUN WHILE LEARNING THIS SUMMER!
Our camp promises to be a variety of innovative and exciting activities combining hands-on projects with outdoor exploration including garden and fountain play, nature walks and field trips to various location.
Camp Dates:Week 1: June 29th – July3rd: ALL THINGS LEGOWeek 2: July 7th – July 10th: YOUNG CHEFSWeek 3: July 13th – 17th: CAYMAN CULTUREWeek 4: July 20th – 24th: DANCE AND MOVEMENTWeek 5: July 27th – 31st: CREATIVE MINDSWeek 6: August 3rd – 7th: ATHLETES IN TRAININGWeek 7: August 10th – 14th: PAMPERED PRINCESSES AND ADVENTUROUS PIRATESWeek 8: August 17th – 21st: OCEAN AROUND US
Visit website for full details . Located at Camana Bay, next to Gelato & Co.T: 345.640.7827 | E. [email protected] | www.starfishvillage.com
Camp Rates:Full Day Rate (8am-3pm): $80Half Day Week (8am-12pm): $175Full Day Week (8am-3pm): $325
PurpleStarfish
Ages 3-6
OrangeStarfish
Ages 10-12
AquaStarfish
Ages 7-9
After Camp Care (3pm-5:30pm): Hourly Rates
Hey Parents!
Don’t wait for your children to
become teenagers before you
start teaching them about good
personal finance habits; these life lessons
can be taught at a much younger age.
Children as young as three can be taught
about the basics of spending and saving.
Young children can also be introduced early
on to the subject of saving for something
worthwhile, an excellent concept that will
remain with them as they get older.
Keep it funTo teach young children about the
importance of saving, it’s a good idea for
children to have a goal in mind when it
comes to something they really want, so
perhaps set up a jar or a piggy bank and
use this to fill with coins that can be earned
when your child behaves particularly well.
The money can then be saved towards a
toy that they really want, although it’s best
to ensure that the item isn’t too expensive
otherwise the child will probably lose
interest. Likewise, parents can establish jars
for other reasons, such as money to be
spent on treats such as ice cream or special
activities. Periodically counting out the
money already saved is a fun way to keep
their interest as to how much is already in
the pot.
Teaching responsibilityChildren can also be taught from an early
age how money is used to buy things and
the value of the things they want. It’s a good
idea to allow older children to have a small
amount of money with which they can pay
for purchases such as items for their lunch
box at the grocery store.
Monetary responsibility can increase as
your child grows. Pre-teens can start to earn
pocket money for extras that they want.
There are some excellent young savings
plans on island for young teenagers to open
up, as it shows them to appreciate what
it means to have a bank account. Such
accounts come with debit cards so they can
master the art of using ATMs as well.
Maintain interestTeenagers should also be taught the value
of compound interest, so they can learn the
value of starting investing early in a pension
plan. They should also be aware of the risks
involved with online shopping; including the
dangers of credit card fraud and rules should
be in place so that they can only make
purchases with parental consent.
Parents play a vital role in educating their
children about the value of good personal
finance. Talk regularly to your children about
the value of items purchased, how important
it is to save for a rainy day and how planning
for the future as early as possible is always
a wise move. At the end of the day, parents
need to lead by example, so do your best
to ensure that your personal finances are in
good order and hopefully your children will
follow your example.
Article provided by the Chamber Pension
Plan which is sponsored by the Cayman
Islands Chamber of Commerce. Visit the
Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce
website www.caymanchamber.ky.
Money, money, money
Begin teaching your children healthy habits with money very early
facebook.com/KFC.Caymanwww.kfccayman.com
TMgoodso
Our founder, Colonel Harland Sanders
What makes us ?TMgoodso
Using only top quality poultry from trusted brands, such as Tyson and
Pilgrim’s Pride – the same brands you know from your local supermarket.
Cooking in Trans Fat Free Oil in all our kitchens
Marinating and preparing “real” 100% chicken, not mystery “nuggets”Having trained cooks in every kitchenHand-breading and cooking chicken
throughout the day
The Colonel's secret Original Recipe blend of 11 herbs & spices
Always fresh, hot & juicy. Our passion for that great craveable taste.
We still make it like the Colonel did... real meals made
the hard way.
“The hard way builds solidly a foundation of confidence that cannot
be swept away.”
facebook.com/KFC.Cayman
www.kfccayman.comTM
goodso
Our founder, Colonel Harland Sanders
What makes us ?TM
goodso
Using only top quality poultry from
trusted brands, such as Tyson and
Pilgrim’s Pride – the same brands you
know from your local supermarket.
Cooking in Trans Fat Free Oil
in all our kitchens
Marinating and preparing “real”
100% chicken, not mystery “nuggets”
Having trained cooks in every kitchen
Hand-breading and cooking chicken
throughout the day
The Colonel's secret Original Recipe
blend of 11 herbs & spices
Always fresh, hot & juicy. Our passion
for that great craveable taste.
We still make it like the
Colonel did... real meals made
the hard way.
“The hard way builds solidly a
foundation of confidence that cannot
be swept away.”
facebook.com/KFC.Caymanwww.kfccayman.com
TM
goodso
Our founder, Colonel Harland Sanders
What makes us ?TM
goodso
Using only top quality poultry from trusted brands, such as Tyson and
Pilgrim’s Pride – the same brands you know from your local supermarket.
Cooking in Trans Fat Free Oil in all our kitchens
Marinating and preparing “real” 100% chicken, not mystery “nuggets”
Having trained cooks in every kitchen
Hand-breading and cooking chicken throughout the day
The Colonel's secret Original Recipe blend of 11 herbs & spices
Always fresh, hot & juicy. Our passion for that great craveable taste.
We still make it like the Colonel did... real meals made
the hard way.
“The hard way builds solidly a foundation of confidence that cannot
be swept away.”
What makes us sogood?
We still make it like theColonel did... real meals
made the hard way.
Using only top quality poultry from trusted brands, such as Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride –
the same brands you know from your local supermarket.
Cooking in Trans Fat Free Oilin all our kitchens.
Marinating and preparing “real” 100% chicken,
not mystery “nuggets.”
Having trained cooks in every kitchen.
Always fresh, hot & juicy. Our passion for that great
craveable taste.
facebook.com/KFC.Caymanwww.kfccayman.com
facebook.com/KFC.Caymanwww.kfccayman.com
TM
goodso
Our founder, Colonel Harland Sanders
What makes us ?TM
goodso
Using only top quality poultry from trusted brands, such as Tyson and
Pilgrim’s Pride – the same brands you know from your local supermarket.
Cooking in Trans Fat Free Oil in all our kitchens
Marinating and preparing “real” 100% chicken, not mystery “nuggets”
Having trained cooks in every kitchen
Hand-breading and cooking chicken throughout the day
The Colonel's secret Original Recipe blend of 11 herbs & spices
Always fresh, hot & juicy. Our passion for that great craveable taste.
We still make it like the Colonel did... real meals made
the hard way.
“The hard way builds solidly a foundation of confidence that cannot
be swept away.”
49www.caymanparent.com
The Opposite of Spoiled
Summer Survival - Books
Review by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell
Ron Lieber, the “Your Money” columnist for
The New York Times, delivers a taboo-
shattering manifesto that will help every
parent embrace the connection between
money and values to help them raise young
adults who are grounded, unmaterialistic, and
financially wise beyond their years.
We may not realize it, but children are
hyperaware of money. They have questions
about its nuances that parents often don’t
know how to answer well. But for Lieber,
a personal finance columnist and father,
good parenting means talking about money
with our kids. When parents avoid these
conversations, they lose a tremendous
opportunity—not just to model important
financial behaviors, but also to imprint lessons
about what their family cares about most.
Written in a warm, accessible voice,
grounded in real-world stories from families
with a range of incomes, The Opposite of
Spoiled is a practical guidebook for parents
that is rooted in timeless values and covers
all the basics: the best ways to handle the
tooth fairy, allowance, chores, charity, savings,
birthdays, holidays, cell phones, splurging,
clothing, cars, part-time jobs, and college
tuition. But he also identifies a set of traits and
virtues—like modesty, patience, generosity,
and perspective—that parents hope their
young adults will carry with them out into
the world.
The Opposite of Spoiled guides parents
in conveying the value and significance of
money. Parents will appreciate the sound
advice and broad perspective offered on this
important subject. CP
with Ron Lieber
Best Bets for Your Children
The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
I Was Here by Gayle Forman
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Rebel Belleby Rachel Hawkins
All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
(Divergent Series)Middle School
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Public School Superhero by James Patterson
Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods by Rick Riordan
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Pre-SchoolLittle Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
Little Owl’s Dayby Divya Srinivasan
On the Night You were Bornby Nancy Tillman
Why I love My Daddy by Daniel Howarth
Ten Little Lady Bugsby Melanie Gerth
Teens
50 www.caymanparent.com
Educational/Arts/Culture Camps
Ambassadors of the EnvironmentThe Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Ages: 4–15 years
Synopsis: Snorkeling, digital photography, movie making, team building tasks, kayaking, science experiments, art projects, cultural activities and field trips.
Dates: 15 June–21 AugustHours: 9am–1pm and 1pm–4:30pm.
Cost: CI$395 per week for half day, 9am–1pm (lunch included) | CI$350 for half day 1pm–4.30pm | CI$695 per week for full days (9am–4.30pm) or combined with tennis camp (lunch included). Special sibling and early registration prices available.
Tel: (345) 815-6120 Email: [email protected]
Budding Chef Summer Classes at Bon VivantAges: 4–12 years
Synopsis: Kids will make healthy and inspired foods and get to take home a kitchen tool from Bon Vivant. 8-12 year old Budding Chefs will be hands on and assist with advanced parts of food preparation. Daily themes include Heavenly Pastries, The Creative Cake Workshop, Sushi Mania, Mexican Fiesta, Pasta Party, Say Cheese, Summer Treats. Each class includes a snack and a take home creation. Nuts will be used in class so if your child has any allergies, please advise Bon Vivant when making your booking.
Dates: Throughout Summer 2015 – TBC Hours: 12pm–1pm Cost: CI$30-CI$40 per child per session
Tel: (345) 623-2665 Email: [email protected]
Culinary Camp: Baking 101 Youth Services Unit, Cayman Islands Government
John Gray High School Cooking Classrooms Ages: 11–17 years
Synopsis: “Baking 101” is aimed for beginners who are interested in learning about the fundamentals and introductory baking practices.
Dates: 7–10 July Hours: 9am–2pm Cost: CI$40
Tel: (345) 943.1127 Email: [email protected]
Culinary Camp: “Chopped!” Youth Services Unit, Cayman Islands Government
John Gray High School Cooking Classrooms Ages: 11–17 years
Synopsis: The “Chopped!” camp is geared to Intermediate Culinary Students and will feature cooking demonstrations and challenges, showcasing the preparation of authentic Caymanian dishes by Caymanian cooks with additional surprises.
Dates: 7–10 July Hours: 9am–2pm Cost: CI$40
Tel: (345) 943.1127 Email: [email protected]
‘EVEREST: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power’ Vacation Bible School St. Ignatius Catholic Church Parish Ages: 4–12 years, teens and young adults are invited to join as helpers
Synopsis: Join St. Ignatius for Sciency-Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, tasty treats and making lots of new friends.
Dates: 13–17 July 2015 Hours: 8.30am–12.30pm Cost: CI$60 donation per child if
register by 3pm Friday, 5th June 2015. Late registration is CI$75.
Tel: (345) 949-6797 Email: [email protected]
Fabulous Fashionistas Launch Pad Enrichment Center Ages: 4-12 years
Synopsis: Campers will spend half of their day being creative Fashionistas – whether it’s creating a beaded jewelry set, decorating a hat or creating perfumes from flowers, the girlie-girls out there will be sure to enjoy this chance to create their own Fabulousness! To round out each week, Campers will also enjoy other group activities including Creative Art, Movement, Culture, the Beach Explorers Club and Fantastic Fridays where an afternoon on-site party wraps up camp each week.
Dates: 13 July– 21 August Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm Cost: CI$175/week for Full-Day. $125/week for Half-Day. $150/week for 4+ weeks Full-Day.
Transportation: Bus transportation available from Camana Bay and Elgin Avenue for $25/week.
Tel: (345) 945.1866 Email: [email protected]
Intensive Read & Write ProgrammeCayman Learning Centre Ages: 5+ years
Synopsis: Intensive Read and Spell Choose from 1 or 3 hours every day, 9- 4pm. If your child struggles to read, this is the programme for you - We can help!
Dates: July and August 2015
Cost: CI$700, $1400 or $2100 per month
Tel: (345) 943.7323 Email: [email protected]
Kid’s Summer Art Camp Young@Art and Kara’s Glass Garden at Camana Bay Ages: 5–12 years
Synopsis: Young@Art along with Kara’s Glass Garden will team up for a spectacular art and creativity boosting summer camp. All children have fun and success with their ‘see-touch-do’ method, regardless of their age or stage of creativity. Each day has a different theme such as (but not limited to) ‘Wet n’ Wild Mondays’, ‘Edible-Art Thursdays’ & ‘Kids Happy Hour Fridays’. Lunch will be an additional $8 which will be catered by Treats Restaurant. Alternately you may send your own lunch with your child.
Dates: 7–14 August
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm (1/2 Day) or 8:30am-2:30pm (Full Day)
Cost: Daily Rates: 1/2 day = $45 per day. Full Day = $55 per day. Weekly Rates: Full Day = $200 & 1/2 day = $160 (first week only due to public holiday); CI$200 (1/2 day) and CI$245 (Full Day) per week for remaining weeks. Get a 10% sibling discount if you sign up for 1 week or more.
Tel: Monica (345) 928.0284 or Kara (345) 925.6840
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Limitless Lego Launch Pad Enrichment Center Ages: 4-12 years old
Synopsis: Campers will spend half of their day in the Lego Lab - creating individual projects daily and help in planning and building a challenging group project which will vary weekly. To round out each week, Campers will also enjoy other group activities including Creative Art, Movement, Culture, the Beach Explorers Club and Fantastic Fridays where an afternoon on-site party wraps up camp each week.
Dates: 13 July–21 August Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm Cost: CI$175/week for Full-Day.
SUMMER CAMPS
Summer Survival
51www.caymanparent.com
t:(345) 547.6257 e:[email protected]
AGES 3-12
summer TENNIS
camp
8:30AM - 12:30PM PAUL HOWARD COMMUNITY COURTS
WEST BAY ROAD
DAILY SCHEDULE
Tennis from 8.30am – 10.30am, followed by various activities
including yoga, soccer, volleyball, frisbee, beach fun
and lunch at Tiki Beach.
2015 DATES
15 June – 19 June22 June – 26 June29 June – 3 July6 July – 10 July13 July – 17 July20 July – 24 July
10 August – 14 August17 August – 21 August
4 HOUR FULL MORNING CI$375.002 HOUR HALF MORNING CI$250.00
$125/week for Half-Day. $150/week for 4+ weeks Full-Day.
Tel: (345) 945.1866 Email: [email protected]
Music Camp at Musicians Age Range: 5–16 yearsSynopsis: Intensive performing arts camps, band camps and world music camps all including music, dance and drama.
1–3 July “Performing Arts Camp” Cost CI$180 7–10 July “Musicians Ltd Third Annual Band Camp” Cost CI$220 13–17 July “Around the World in Music and Culture” Cost CI$275
Dates: 1–17 July 2015 Hours: 8:30am–2:30pm Cost: CI$180–CI$275
Tel: (345) 525.6787
Email: [email protected]
S.E.A. (S.cience E.nvironment A.nimals Programme) Chatterbox Age Range: 6+ years (children must be comfortable in the water)
Synopsis: Campers will learn about their environment through snorkeling, arts, crafts, surveys and treasure hunts. Bring mask, fins and snorkel.
Dates: 13–17 July 2015 Hours: 1pm–4pm Cost: CI$350 per week
Tel: (345) 926.1693 Email: [email protected]
Shutterbugs Summer Camp Picture This Studios Ages: 8–16
Synopsis: Shutterbugs will embark on a photographic tour around the amazing grounds at Camana Bay. The Bugs will learn how to take care of their camera and explore the secrets of taking great photos. Kids must have their own camera, charged battery and memory card.
Dates: Ages 8-11 years: on Mondays 17, 24, 31 July and 7, 14 August | Ages 11-16 years: Fridays 20, 27 July and 3, 10, 17
August Hours: 9am–12pm Cost: CI$35
Tel: (345) 943.3686 Email: [email protected]
Summer Camp at Starfish VillageAges: 3–6 years Purple Starfish; 7-9 Aqua Starfish; 10-12 Orange Starfish
Synopsis: Starfish Village Camp will encompass different exciting weekly themes to keep our campers entertained and to have fun whilst learning.
Week 1, 29 June-3 July: All Things LEGO Week 2, 7-10 July: Young Chefs Week 3, 13-17 July: Cayman Culture Week 4, 20-24 July: Dance and Movement Weeks 5, 27-31 July: Creative Minds Week 6, 3-7 August: Athletes in Training Week 7, 10-14 August: Pampered Princesses and Adventurous Pirates Week 8, 17-21 August: Ocean Around Us
Hours: 8am–3pm Cost: CI$175 (half day) 8am-12pm | CI$325 (full day) 8am-3pm
Tel: (345) 640.7827 Email: [email protected]
Summer Arts Camp Cayman National Cultural FoundationAges: 7-16 years (will accept 6 year olds with an older sibling in the camp)
Synopsis: Campers are involved in a variety of artistic and cultural activities including drama, storytelling, folk music, dance, thatch plaiting and traditional craft projects. Daily snacks will be provided and a field trip highlighting Caymanian cultural heritage is also scheduled. Kids present a work show at the end of the camp.
Dates: 13–24 August Hours: 9am–3pm, early drop off from 8am Cost: CI$150
Tel: (345) 949.5477 Email: [email protected]
National Trust Summer Camp 2015 National Trust for the Cayman Islands Ages: 6–12 years
Synopsis: Daily field Trips, Heritage Hunts, Nature Trails, Coastal Explorations, along with exciting eco-projects and crafts,
Dates: 27 July–7 August (2 week camp) Hours: 8:45am-3pm Cost: CI$225 per week (Members) CI$250 per week (non-members)
Tel: (345) 749.1121 Email: [email protected]
Summer Camp drop-in sessions National Gallery of the Cayman Islands Ages: 6–14 years
Synopsis: Summer Camp drop-in sessions throughout July and August for kids. The National Gallery also offers a one day summer art camp in Cayman Brac. For more information about NGCI summer programming:
Tel: (345) 945 8111 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nationalgallery.org.ky
Summer Learning Camps Montessori Home TutoringAges: 3-8 years
Synopsis: Small groups of children work with a fully qualified Montessori teacher to brush up on core academic skills in a fun and interesting way. Camps are home based for small groups of similar aged children and are aligned with the National Curriculum of England and Wales. The aim is to make learning as much fun as possible! There are also etiquette workshops available where kids practice their table manners and eat Buckingham Palace style. Regular one on one or small group tutoring is also available over the summer if you would like to keep your child’s skills up or learn a little about etiquette!
Dates: July & August Hours: 9am-12pm
52 www.caymanparent.com
SUMMERSCAPE PROGRAMME
Ages 2-12
Have a blast at our
WEEKLY THEMES INCLUDE:ARTS AND CRAFTS • BAKING • SPORTS
BEACH EXPLORATION AND MORE!
June 29th - July 24thFull Day option 9am to 3pm
Half Day options 9am-12pm (2-6 year olds)Rates starting at CI$150 for half days
CI$250 for full days
Tel: (345) 947-0684 | Email: [email protected]
Cost: CI$250 per week
Tel: (345) 917.6375 Email: [email protected]
Teen Summit ‘15 Youth Services Unit University College of the Cayman Islands, Cascade Room Ages: 13–17 years
Synopsis: This summer Teen Summit ’15 will focus squarely on Cayman’s unique heritage. Students will learn the difference between Heritage & Culture and will tour the districts of Grand Cayman in search of significant items that depicts Cayman HERITAGE. With items being shared instantly via INSTAGRAM.
Dates: 13–17 July Hours: 9am-2pm Cost: CI$50 per person (40 person capacity)
Tel: (345) 943.1127 Email: [email protected]
Vacation Bible School & Kid’s Camp Cayman Islands Baptist Church Ages: 5–10 years
Synopsis: Games, crafts, music, lessons and more!
Dates: 13–17 July *Registration Open from 31 May–30 June. Hours: 8am–12.15pm (Vacation Bible School) | 8am-5.30pm (Vacation Bible School + Kids’ Camp) Cost: Vacation Bible School (mornings) is FREE (optional $10 extra for a t-shirt). Kids’ Camp is CI$65 (afternoons) for a week (t-shirt, lunch and snacks included).
Tel: (345) 946-2422 Email: [email protected]
Young at Arts Summer Intensive Cayman National Cultural Foundation in Association with Butterfield Age Range: 12-17 years
Synopsis: This intensive programme is to engage youth in creative activity through theatre practices and develop their talent and discipline to set the groundwork for further exploration in the arts at a tertiary education level. The programme will culminate in a musical production. Call the Cultural Foundation for more details or visit http://www.artscayman.org
Auditions: 9 & 16 May 2015 from 9am-Noon. (You must call to Register)
Dates: Classes are 2 July- 7 August 2015 (Monday to Saturday except Public Holidays);
Musical Production held from 7-9 August
Hours: 8.30am-3pm (Monday-Friday) 9am-1pm (Saturdays) Cost: CI$450 (for 6 weeks)
Tel: (345) 949.5477 Email: [email protected]
53www.caymanparent.com
Summer Camp at Montessori School of CaymanAges: 2.5-5 years
Synopsis: Themes: Week 1: Space Week 2: Peppa Pig and Friends Week 3: Monsters Inc. Week 4: Frozen
Dates: 6-31 July
Hours: 8am-12:30pm (half day) 8am-3pm (full day)
Cost: $240 (half day) $265 (full day)
Tel: (345) 949.0202 Email: [email protected]
Summer Morning Camp Math or Read and Spell Camp at Cayman Learning CentreAges: 5 years and up Dates: July and August 2015 Cost: CI$325 week
Tel: (345) 943.7323 Email: [email protected]
SummerScape at Montessori By The Sea Ages: *2-12 years *One of the few camps that accepts 2 year olds. Must be potty trained.Synopsis: Our mission for our SummerScape Program is to enrich the emotional, physical, creative and social life of each camper in a fun and welcoming environment consistent with Montessori principles. Children can join us for one week or all summer long, providing families with the flexibility to design their own summer schedules. Dynamic, caring staff are at the heart of our SummerScape Programs! Our experienced, well-trained staff have diverse backgrounds working with children.
Dates: 29 June–24 July Hours: Morning Adventures: 9am-12pm | All Day Adventures: 9am-3pm Cost: CI$175–300
Tel: (345) 947.0684
Email: [email protected]
Summer Tutoring Math, Reading Fluency, or Comprehension Cayman Learning CentreAges: 5 years and up
Synopsis: 50 minute Tutorials - choose an hour from 8–3pm. The focus is on literacy or numeracy. We can assess and create a programme
that is individualised to your child’s needs.
Dates: July and August 2015 Cost: CI$40 per session
Tel: (345) 943-7323 Email: [email protected]
Tiny Tots Academy Summer Camp Ages: K–6 Synopsis: Fun with science, arts & crafts, field trips, cooking, baking, sport fitness, nature walks, water activities, fun games, puppets & storytelling and island exploration.
Dates: 6 July– 28 August
Cost: 8am–6pm: $175.00(weekly) | 8am–12:30: $135.00(weekly) | 8am–6pm (3 days) - $145.00(weekly)
Tel: (345) 623.8687
Email: [email protected]
Working Memory for Better Focus and Attention Cayman Learning CentreAges: 5+ years
Synopsis: 1 hour everyday for five weeks. Helps develop focus and attention to learn more efficiently.
Dates: July and August 2015 Cost: CI$650 for the five week programme includes the post assessment fee
Tel: (345) 943.7323 Email: [email protected]
YMCA “Summer of Dreams” Day Camp YMCA of the Cayman Islands Field of Dreams Ages: 5-12 years for Day Camp/13-17 for C.I.T.’s “Counselors in Training”
Synopsis: Let the adventure begin! The YMCA offers a safe, values-driven, educational and FUN programme held at the Field of Dreams. Activities are organised into themed-weeks and include swimming, group games, sports, arts and crafts, fitness challenges, team-building, songs, skits, field trips and more. Like everything they do, the Y focuses on developing youth through their Character Development Programme, which integrates the values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and faith into all they do. At the Y, it’s all about learning, growing, making friends and having FUN! They are
also accepting applications for 13-17 year-old, teen leaders to serve as “Counsellors-In-Training.”
Dates: 7 July – 21 August
Cost: CI$135 per week (CI$10 sibling discount) / C.I.T. Programme is free
Hours: 8:30am–4:30pm (pre and post camp available from 7:45am–5:15pm)
Tel: (345) 926 9622
Email: [email protected] Website: www.ymcacayman.ky
SPORTS/ADVENTURE CAMPS
Camana Bay Multi-Sport CampAges: 6-14 years
Synopsis: Young athletes of all levels get active and improve their skills while having fun. Campers will be exposed to a variety of sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Football, Cricket and more)
Dates: Week 1: July 7–10 | Week 2: 13–17 | Week 3: 20–24.
Hours: 8am–12pm (Drop Off from 7.30am)
Cost: Week 1: CI$125. Week 2 & 3: CI$150.00
Tel: (345) 640.2878 Email: [email protected] Website: www.camanabay.com
Camana Bay Basketball CampAges: 7-17 years
Synopsis: Aspiring hoop stars will receive NBA instruction and improve on their skills through stations, drills, skills contests and live games. Campers are also given a unique opportunity to meet and train with a special guest from the NBA.
Dates: July 27–31 Hours: 8:30am–12pm ages 7-12 | 12:30pm 12-17 years Cost: CI$150
Tel: (345) 640.2878 Email: [email protected] Website: www.camanabay.com
Adventure Camp
Cayman Surf and Adventure Tours Ltd.Ages: 8–16 years
Synopsis: Surfing, snorkeling, outdoor games, adventures and an overall active fun time. Lunch will be provided.
Location: Drop off: Snug Harbour Park. Pick up: South Sound Surf Spot.
Dates: Weekly June 15 – August 21 Hours: 9am-1pm Cost: Weekly CI$400. Single Day $90
Tel: (345) 927.8690 or (345) 525-9777 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Double Dutch Summer Camp - Reach Caribbean UCCI AuditoriumAges: 5-15 years
Synopsis: Campers will learn double dutch jumping, along with hip hop dance and arts and crafts.
Dates: July 13–17 Hours: 8.30am–4.30pm Cost: CI$100
Tel: (345) 928.1038 (leave message) Email: [email protected]
Dutch Football Camp - Futbolista WorldSynopsis: Learn from Willem II Tilburg coaches
Dates: August 3–7
See www.futbolistaworld.com
Fitness Connection’s Summer Camp Ages: 4-12 years (age 3 considered - enquire directly)
Weekly themes:
Week 1– Fiesta! Schools Out for Summer -7-10 July; Week 2 - Around the World - 13-17; Week 3 – Pirates Week Part 1 – 20-24 July; Week 4 – Discover Cayman -27-31 July; Week 5 - Ocean Odyssey - 4-7 August; Week 6 - Eco Adventure week 10-14 August; Week 7 –Kitchen Party / Food fight!- 17-21 August; Week 8- Pirates Week Part 2 - 24-28 August; Week 9 – Summer Olympics Aug 25 – 29.
Dates: 7 July–28 August 2015 (8 weeks) Hours: 8am–5pm Cost: CI$375 per five day week (includes all activities), book 3-4 weeks get 5% discount or 5-8 weeks
54 www.caymanparent.com
CONTACT: [email protected] or call 926.9622 Website: www.ymcacayman.ky
The Y is a safe, great place for your child to grow and have FUN at the same time! We focus on developing youth through our Character Development Programme which integrates the values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and faith into all we do.
Spaces are Limited!
‘THE SUMMER OF DREAMS’ DAY CAMP KIDS 5 – 12 YEARS | AT THE FIELD OF DREAMS
Weekly July 7th – Aug 21st | 8:30am - 4:30pm | $135 per week
ARTS & CRAFTS SPORTS • FIELD TRIPS
TEAM BUILDING
SONGS • GROUP GAMES
SWIMMING & INSTRUCTION
NATURE & OUTDOOR SKILLS
Parents of teens!LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR YOUR 14-17 YEAR OLD?
We have a great C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) Programme too! Develops leadership, builds character and is a great way for your teen to spend their summer days! Visit www.ymcacayman.ky for an application and more information.
get 10% discount!
Tel: (345) 949.8485 Email: [email protected]
Football Summer Camp The Academy Sports CampSynopsis: Learn to play The Academy way!
Details: To be confirmed for 2015
Email: [email protected] Web: www.academysportsclub.ky
Gymnastics Camp at Motions Unlimited StudioAges: *3-10 years (Half Day) | 5-10 years (Full Day) *must be potty trained
Synopsis: Different themes weekly. Obstacle courses, basic gymnastics skills and arts & crafts.
Weekly Themes: August 3-7: Under the Sea Week | August 10-14: Pirates Week | August 17-21: Around the World Week | August 24-28: Superhero Week
Dates: August 3–28
Hours: Half Day (ages 3-10) 8.45am-11.45am; Full Day (ages 5-10)
8.45am-3pm
Cost: Half day CI$150 per week/CI$100 for 3 days or CI$40 per day for a drop-in, Full Days CI$270 per week/$200 for 3 days or CI$75 for a drop-in.
Tel: (345) 749.8365 Email: [email protected]
Horse Riding Camp at Cayman Riding SchoolAges: 5+ years (all levels)
Synopsis: Daily riding lessons and stable management, run by the only British Horse Society Instructors on the island.
Dates: 1-3 July; 6-10 July; 24-28 July Hours: 8.30am–12.30pm Cost: CI$50 per day
Tel: (345) 926.7669 Email: [email protected]
Horse Riding Camp at The Equestrian CentreAges: 5+ years
Synopsis: Experience the fun of learning to ride! Learn to handle and care for a pony and get involved in the fun arts and crafts and exciting
outdoor games on a farm. Small groups will have personalised attention from internationally qualified riding instructors, ride high quality ponies and enjoy an air conditioned classroom facility with an indoor bathroom. This riding facility is recognised by the UK Pony Club Centre and is family owned and run with over 23 years experience instructing and conducting Pony Camps.
Dates: 29 June–28 August Hours: 8am–12pm Cost: CI$65 per day or CI$300 per week. A light mid-morning snack is included.
Tel: (345) 516.1751 Email: [email protected]
Summer Horse Camp at Cowboy Town StablesAges: 5+ (all levels)
Synopsis: This summer have fun learning to ride, take care of, and be safe around horses. Create cowboy crafts, play games, and maybe even paint a horse! *This camp is specifically designed to be authentically inclusive and is for children of all abilities and includes children with special needs.
Dates: 27-31 July and 17-21 August 2015
Hours: 8.30am–11.30am Cost: CI$55 per day or CI$250 per week (Deposit needed to reserve your space).
Tel: (345) 916.8571 Email: [email protected]
Karate Camp Purple Dragon Mirco CentreAges: 4–12 years
Synopsis: Focus on having fun while building coordination, balance, attentiveness and cultivating discipline. Training sessions are mixed with other activities such as field trips, arts & crafts, educational lectures, island explorations and more!
Dates: 27 July–28 August
Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm
Cost: CI$300 per week (Discounts for multiple weeks) Daily and half day rates available.
Tel: (345) 946.1241 Email: [email protected]
55www.caymanparent.com
Marine Ecology Camp at Central Caribbean Marine InstituteAges: 14–18 years
Synopsis: Students will have fun exploring the island’s marine environment and terrestrial habitats. Each day has a full schedule with field trips to the reef, lectures from resident scientists, and fun educational activities to increase a student’s knowledge of the fish, coral and other life that inhabits a coral reef.
Dates: 16–23 August
Cost: $2,300USD for international participants. Please note Cayman Island residents are eligible for scholarships for up to 70% of camp costs. Please email for more details before you register.
Tel: (345) 948.1094 Email: [email protected]
Red Sail Aqua Rangers Summer Camp – Red Sail SportsAges: 7–14 years
Synopsis: Stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, fish ID lessons, snorkeling, knee-boarding, wake-
boarding, a catamaran sail to Stingray City and an exciting trip to the Kittiwake to snorkel.
Dates: Ages 7–9: 6–10 July; 20–24 July; 3–7 August; 17–21 August 2015. Ages 10–14: 13–17 July; 27–31 July; 10–14 August
Hours: 8.30am–12.30pm (Friday 8.30am-2pm for graduation party, lunch will be provided on this day)
Cost: CI$250 per week. Includes Red Sail sun hat, all equipment and materials and juice/ water. Campers are encouraged to bring their own snacks.
Tel: (345) 623.5965 Email: [email protected]
Sailing Camp at Cayman Islands Sailing ClubAges: 5-18 years
Synopsis: Camp includes a range of activities on and off the water. In addition to sailing instruction they will be offering model boat building, motor boat rides, windsurfing, paddleboarding, cruises to Rum Point and Stingray City on their 22-foot sailboats and other organised sports and land based games. There will also be sail away days to
Camana Bay, Kaibo and Rum Point as well as the Friday Pizza day at Grand Harbour.
Dates: CIS Camp 15–26 June | Camp 1: 29 June–10 July | Camp 2: 13 July–21 July | Camp 3: 3–14 August | Camp 4: 17–28 August Hours: 9am–4pm Monday–Friday Cost for two weeks: CI$550 for members | CI$650 for non-members
Tel: (345) 947-7913 or (345) 926.7914 Email: [email protected]
Summer at the Barn at Cowboy Town Stables Ages: 12 years+
Synopsis: Enjoy a fun summer at the barn. You will learn to take care of, handle, and be safe around horses. You will learn about horse anatomy, behaviour, and nutrition. *This is not a riding camp; if you wish to ride, ask about our riding options.
Dates: 29 June - 28 August 2015 Hours: 8.30am-5pm Cost: CI$75 per day or CI$250 per week (Discount for 4 weeks or more. Deposit needed to reserve your space.)
Tel: (345) 916.8571 Email: [email protected]
Tennis Camp at Cayman Tennis AcademyAges: 3-12 years
Synopsis: Tennis lessons from 8.30am to 10.30am; followed by various activities including yoga, soccer, volleyball, frisbee, beach fun and lunch at Tiki Beach!
Dates: 15-19 June | 22-26 June | 29 June-3 July | 6-10 July | 13-17 July | 20-24 July | 10-14 August | 17-21 August. Hours: 8:30am–12:30pm. Drop off from 8:15am Cost: CI$375 Four hours (full morning) | CI$250 Two hours (half morning)
Tel: (345) 547-6257 Email: [email protected]
Tennis Camp at CI Tennis Club Ages: 5-16 years
Synopsis: Learning strokes, match play and other basic skills of tennis.
56 www.caymanparent.com
Dates: 6-10 July | 13-17 July | 20-24 July | 27-31 July Hours: 8:30am–11am Cost: CI$160 per week (members), CI$190 (non-members)
Tel: (345) 949-9464 Email: [email protected]
Tennis Camp The Courts by Bollettieri The Ritz-Carlton, Grand CaymanAges: 4-15 years
Synopsis: Two hours of tennis instruction followed by waterpark, swimming, soccer, fitness classes, pizza and pasta making, kid’s yoga etc. Every day dinner from 5pm-6pm at the Ritz-Carlton
Dates: 15th of June – 21st of August 2015 Monday – Friday 2pm-6pm Cost: CI$ 345 per week. Can be combined with Ambassadors of the Environment to become a full day camp experience. Please ask for pricing. Other activities include playing in the Waterpark, swimming in the pool, baking and cooking in the Blue kitchen, exploring nature with Ambassadors of the Environment and fitness/yoga classes in the Spa. Dinner at Andiamo or Bar Jack. Sibling and early booking discounts available.
Hours: 2pm-6pm
Tel: (345) 323 0049 Email: [email protected]
Eye care for every age and stage
Eye Exams | Lenses | Frames | SunglassesContact Lenses | Optical Lab | Same Day Service
Schedule an eye exam today! Tel: 943-1515Shops 14 & 15 Seven Mile Shops
Email: [email protected] • www.cariboptical.comHours: Mon - Sat 8:30am – 5:00pm
WHERE IN THE WORLD DO YOU WANT TO GO?
www.travelproscayman.com | (345) 949.8182Email: [email protected]
#3 Commerce House, Dr. Roy’s Drive | Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm & Sat: 9am-12pm
Family travel just got more affordable...
Let us help to find the perfect family trip!
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Cheesy Jerk Chicken PastaCourtesy of Nadia Powery
Ingredients4 boneless chicken breasts/boneless thighs1⁄2 cup butter1 cup half-and-half1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable broth1⁄2 cup white cheese of your choice (Mozza-rella or Monterey jack)1 teaspoon Complete Seasoning1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon of Jerk Seasoning (Grace)1 cup of spinach3 seasoning pepperssalt and pepper, to taste1 box penne pasta
Directions• Melt butter in skillet over medium/low heat and add garlic.• When garlic becomes fragrant add seasoning peppers and cut in small strips.• Cook until chicken is cooked to preferred tenderness. Remove chicken from pan, leaving the butter/seasoning
pepper mix.• In a separate deep pan, fill pan 1/4 full of water.• In a separate deep pan, cook penne pasta according to the package directions. Se aside.• In a cup stir together half-and-half, Chicken Broth and Cheese. Add butter and seasoning pepper mix that was prepared earlier.• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer for 3 minutes, constantly stirring.• Stir in the jerk chicken seasoning and spinach for 3-5 minutes to heat through and allow flavours to blend.• Add chicken to heat through.
Recipes Savour these creations and keep your family well fed.
Pasta SaladCourtesy of Chef Tanya Foster, Foster’s Food Fair – IGA
Ingredients1 lb. Fusilli Pasta½ lb. Pepperoni (cubed)2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (cubed)4 oz. Black Olives (sliced)1 pint Grape Tomatoes1 small Red Bell Pepper1 small Yellow Bell Pepper1 small Orange Bell Pepper1 Bunch Green OnionsFresh Parsley¾ cup Olive Oil½ cup Red Wine Vinegar1 tsp White SugarSalt & Pepper
Directions• Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for about 6 minutes or until al dente.• While the pasta is cooking start to prep the pepperoni and mozzarella by cutting into cubes. Place in a large glass mixing bowl. Add sliced black olives.• Slice the grape tomatoes in half and add to the bowl. Small dice the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers and add to the bowl. Cut the green onions and finely chop the fresh parsley and add to the bowl.• Drain the pasta and run under cold water to stop the cook process and cool rapidly. Add the pasta to the bowl. In a separate small bowl mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning to taste.• Pour vinaigrette over the pasta and mix well until well coated.• Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving or over night.
Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon
Ingredients1 cup mixed fresh mushrooms2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil2 cups grilled or rotisserie chicken or turkey cut into bite size pieces1 teaspoon sea salt1 teaspoon onion powderfreshly ground black pepper2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced½ cup chicken stock1 package whole grain spaghetti OR a mix of whole grain and plain spaghetti¼ cup of half and half1 cup of frozen chopped greens (collards, spinach, any combination) or 1 cup of callaloo, chopped½ cup of grated parmesan cheese1 sprig of fresh basil chopped
*This is a great recipe to add veggies to and no one will know the better…so feel free to add tomatoes, carrots, etc. You can also make a version that uses white wine to add extra flavor. You would add ¼ cup of white wine at the same time as the stock.
Directions• Heat a saucepan big enough to hold all the ingredients, and pour in a splash of olive oil and cook garlic for a few minutes on medium heat. • Add the chicken/turkey, mushrooms, onion powder, and greens and stock. Simmer gently until the mushrooms cook through and the sauce has reduced a little.• Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions and drain well. • Add the half and half to the pan of chicken, then bring to the boil and turn the heat off.• Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the drained spaghetti to the creamy chicken sauce and toss well. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan and all of the basil and stir well. • Transfer to an ovenproof baking dish or non-stick pan, sprinkle with half the remaining cheese and bake in the oven until golden brown, bubbling and crisp – cool and serve!
Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake
CONTEST WINNER
Dine & Dish Recipe of the
Month
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