Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action!

Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Spellbound Children's Bookshop ~ Story Time

Sunday, June 28 at 1:00pm

Story Time for Ages 3 to 6

Stories and activities about dogs, featuring the lovable puppy Biscuit. No registration required. Free. Should last approximately 30-45 minutes. Ages 3 to 6 years.

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Now showing!!!

Monsters VS. Aliens!

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Rock Out Hunger!

Rock Out Hunger! TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

06/25/09
5:00 PM

Earth Fare will be grillin’ and rockin’ out on our patio this evening to promote awareness of hunger that still exists in our communities. We will be serving grilled burgers for a buck from 5-8 pm!

Those burger bucks benefit Meals on Wheels.

That’s not all –5% of our sales today will go to Meals on Wheels too! So bring your shopping lists along with your appetite and oh yeah…don’t forget you shopping bags!

The WNC Nature Center ~ The Butterfly Exhibit

Nectar Collector Day

Discover the secret lives of butterflies.

Date: June 27, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 04:00 pm

The Beauty of Butterflies is an enclosed, walk-through exhibit home to several native species of butterflies and the plants they need to survive. Children can get their face painted, make buggy arts and crafts and participate in butterfly games. Adults can learn about attracting butterflies to their gardens and learn abut common butterflies in western North Carolina. This exhibit will be open through September 1st. Regular admission rates apply.

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Rock Out Hunger!

Rock Out Hunger! TOMORROW!! Mark your calendars!!!

06/25/09
5:00 PM

Earth Fare will be grillin’ and rockin’ out on our patio this evening to promote awareness of hunger that still exists in our communities. We will be serving grilled burgers for a buck from 5-8 pm!

Those burger bucks benefit Meals on Wheels.

That’s not all –5% of our sales today will go to Meals on Wheels too! So bring your shopping lists along with your appetite and oh yeah…don’t forget you shopping bags!

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

June 24, 2009

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night.

Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99.

Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece!

Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action!

Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

The Hop, Coffee Break with Asheville Mommies

Tuesday at The Hop on Merrimon Avenue 11am-noon.

Go enjoy a 1/2 off cup of coffee.

Summer Skateboard Camps at Food Lion Skatepark

Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, in conjunction with Push Skate Shop, will offer Skateboard Camps this summer at the Food Lion SkatePark, for skaters of all skill levels, ages 6-15.

Week-long camp sessions are an opportunity for beginners to learn basic skills and for more advance skaters to sharpen their skills. Camp sessions meet daily at the park from 9am-12pm. Cost is $75 for each session. Register early – camps are limited to 15 boarders.

Camp Sessions:
June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29-July 3
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31

To register for the camps, visit the Push Skate Shop at 25 Patton Ave. or call 828-225 -5509. For more information about the park, contact the Food Lion SkatePark at 225-7184, or visit www.foodlionskatepark.com.

Happy Father's Day

Card from My Punch Bowl.

The Health Adventure ~ Super Science Saturday

Super Science Saturday: Science Surprise
Saturday, June 20
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Come participate in a neat interactive activity that is, well… a surprise! Science Surprise activities are aimed at families with preschool through middle school aged children. No reservations are required. Come any time between 12:00 and 2:00 to have a great time at our Super Science Saturday event!

Super Science Saturday is FREE for members or with museum admission.

The WNC Nature Center ~ Celebrating Father's Day

MAKE FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL THIS YEAR

VISIT THE NATURE CENTER TOGETHER

SUNDAY, JUNE 21st, entrance open at 10 a.m.!

The first 100 Dads to visit will receive a free Nature Center Coozie!

Join the Western North Carolina Nature Center for Father's Day, Sunday, June 21st, and spend some time with our animal dads. The Nature Center is open from 10 am to 5 pm and located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville. The first 100 dads will receive a free Nature Center coozie, courtesy of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. Sunday's "Animal Moments" educational program will focus on animal fathers and their offspring. These moments are scheduled every day at 11:30 am and 3 pm for you to learn something new about nature! For more information on Father's Day, contact the front desk at 298-5600.

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

June 17, 2009

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night.

Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99.

Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece!

Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action!

Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Local Libraries offer Free FUN!

Story Time at the library focuses on early literacy as it helps children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. We have Storytimes for every age group:

* School-age story times are for 5 to 7 year olds
* Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.
* Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
* Mother Goose Time is a lively language enrichment story time serving our youngest folks--the 4 month-old to 18 month-old set.

Many libraries can accommodate groups or school field trips if arrangements are made in advance. West Asheville Library provides Spanish Story Times on request. Call any library for more information on the children’s programs available or email library@buncombecounty.org.

You may also check out Storytimes and Toddler Times by going to our library locations page and searching by library branch.


~School Age Story Times (for 5 to 7 Year Olds)
Wednesdays
Pack Memorial 10:00am (Sept. through May)

Thursdays
North Asheville 3:15pm


~Story Times (for 3 to 5 year olds)
Tuesdays
Weaverville 11:00am (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)

Wednesdays
Black Mountain 10:30am
East Asheville 11:00am
Enka - Candler 10:30am
Leicester 10:30am
North Asheville 11:00am
Oakley / South Asheville 10:00am
Pack Memorial 11:00am

Thursdays
Fairview 10:30am
Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30am
Swannanoa 11:00am
West Asheville 11:00am

Saturdays
East Asheville 11:00am


~Toddler Times
(for 18 to 36 month— olds)
Tuesdays
Leicester 11:00 am

Wednesdays
Fairview 10:30 am

North Asheville 10:00 am
Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30 am
West Asheville 11:00 am

Thursdays
Black Mountain 10:30 am
Enka - Candler 10:30 am
Pack Memorial 10:00 & 11:00 am
Swannanoa 10:00 am
Weaverville 11:00 am (2nd & 4th Thursdays)


~Mother Goose Time
- for 4 to 18 month olds
Mondays
West Asheville 11:00 am

Tuesdays
Pack Memorial 10:00 am (for walkers)
Pack Memorial 11:00 am (for non-walkers)
Fairview 10:30 am

Wednesdays
Swannanoa 11:00 am
Weaverville 11:00 am (2nd & 4th Wednesdays)

Thursdays
Oakley 11:00 am

The Hop, Coffee Break with Asheville Mommies

Tuesday at The Hop on Merrimon Avenue 11am-noon.

Go enjoy a 1/2 off cup of coffee.

Plan a game night at your house.

Kid Friendly Asheville believes in quality family fun!

You don't always have to leave your house for Kid Friendly Family Fun.

How about starting a tradition with your children or grandchildren?? Plan a game night. Children as young as three even enjoy this family fun.

If you plan on inviting more family and friends to your family fun here are a few ideas to make your night a big success.

Set up a Kid Friendly table. At our house the Dora table works perfectly. Just the right size for small children to use for their games. Younger children can play Memory, Dominoes (with pictures), Sorry, Candyland and many more. They don't have to really follow the rules. Let them make the rules up themselves. Just let the younger kids enjoy the fun!

You can let the older kids play with the adults. They like being included in the grown up fun.

Adult (kid friendly) games to think about playing: Monopoly, Trivia Pursuit, Upwords, Scrabble, Dominoes, Clue, Scatagories, Cranium and many more. It's a good idea to pair a child with an adult and play in pairs. That way the child doesn't get overwhelmed and think they cannot play the game as good as the adults.

No matter the game, your family will enjoy it. Be prepared to laugh and make lots of great memories for your family and friends.


****If you have a family tradition to share with us just send us an email
AshevilleKids(at)aol(dot) com****

We'd love to hear about it and post it on KFA!

Cooking with Kids ~ Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

I want to share a fun and easy recipe that your kids will love. I had some extra cream cheese icing left from making a cake so I wanted to incorporate it into another recipe.

HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS!!!!!

I made up a simple biscuit dough. The kids can get all dirty helping you with this!! In fact they will want to help and make a huge mess. Which it totally okay because that can be cleaned up.

2 cups all purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup milk

Mix dry ingredients together. Cut in butter with a pastry blender. Then add milk and stir with a fork until dough forms.

Put dough on floured work surface. I rolled the dough out pretty thin in a rectangle shape. I then sprinkled lots of brown sugar and cinnamon on the dough.



I then cook a pizza cutter and cut thin strips into the dough. Then I rolled the strips and put them on a baking sheet. I have also just rolled the dough up first then cut into strips. They both come out the same. I actually got more cinnamon rolls by rolling up and then cutting. I am not sure how that worked.




I baked for about 12 minutes on 425.

Fresh from the oven and iced.





Served with love.



To make a simple icing for the cinnamon rolls you can just mix together powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency and smooth. Then just drizzle over hot cinnamon rolls.

All the ingredients used in this recipe were organic.

Chuck E Cheese offers Rewards Calendars.

A way to get free tokens. Go check these out.

They have calendars for:

*Tooth Fairy Award
*Getting Dressed
*Reading Rewards
*Active Kid
*Homework Helper
*Potty Training
*Sleep All Night
*Magical Manners
*Doctor/Dentist Good Patient Award
*Stop Thumb Sucking
*Clean Your Room
*Teeth Brushing

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Now showing:

17 Again

My teenage daughter saw this and said it was funny.

The Health Adventure ~ Arthur's

Don't forget the new Arthur exhibit!!!!

The Health Adventure is open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM on all Monday's during the month of June!

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

June 10, 2009

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night.

Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99.

Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece!

Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

The Health Adventure ~ Origami Folding Frenzy

Origami Folding Frenzy
Wednesday, June 10
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Learn new folds, share favorites and make friends at this monthly session. All skill levels are welcome. Paper is available for purchase in The Explore Store, or you may bring your own.

Origami Folding Frenzy is FREE for members or with museum admission.

Public Pools

County Pools Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Services offers five outdoor pools located in all areas of Buncombe County.

Buncombe County Pools will open on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 and 24, 2009. The pools will be open on weekends only until June 10, 2009 when all pools will be open daily.


Swimming Pool Locations

Cane Creek
590 Lower Brush Creek Rd.
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828) 628-4494


Erwin
58 Lees Creek Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 251-4992


Hominy Valley
25 Twin Lakes Rd.
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 667-9937


North Buncombe
892 Clarks Chapel Rd.
Weaverville, NC 28787
(828) 645-1080


Owen
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
(828) 686-1629



Outdoor Pool Hours:

* Monday - Friday (12:00 noon - 5:45 pm)
* Friday Night (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
* Saturday (11:00 am - 6:45 pm)
* Sunday (1:00 - 6:45 pm)


Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are offered Monday – Thursday.
Swim Levels:

Level 1 is a water acclamation class. Students learn to put their faces in the watrer, blow bubbles and are taught the prone float.

Level 2 students learn to float on their backs and begin to use their arms and legs.

Level 3 swimmers work on their front crawl and elementary backstroke.

Level 4 lessons are taught in the deep end of the pool. Students improve their back and front crawl and begin to work on sidestroke and diving.

Level 5 students work on the four main strokes and add the butterfly stroke.

At all levels, safety is stressed and taught.
First Session:

* Lessons: June 22 – July 2
* Registration: Begins June 15th at 12:00 noon
* Classes: Monday - Thursday at the following times:
o 11 - 11:45 am; Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
o 11 - 11:30 am; Preschool Class for 3 & 4 year olds
o 6 - 6:45 pm; Levels 1, 2 and 3

Second Session:

* Lessons: July 20 – 30
* Registration: Begins July 13th 12:00 noon.
o Sign ups go all week or until classes are full.
* Classes: Monday - Thursday at the following times:
o 11 - 11:45 am; Levels I, II, III, IV, V
o 11 - 11:30 am; Preschool Class for 3 & 4 year olds
o 6 - 6:45 pm; Levels I, II, III

The cost is $25 per person for a session of eight of classes ($2.00 off for other children in the family). You must register and pay at the pool at which you will be attending.
Pool Schedule [top]

County community pools open May 24th for Labor day Weekend and will be open on weekends until County school lets out. Admission is $3.00 per visit. Friday night swim is $2.00 per person.

Passes maybe purchased 10 visits for $20 and 25 visits for $40, these are available at all pools and at the Administrative office of Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services at 59 Woodfin Place in Asheville.
Pool Rental [top]

All pools are available on a rental basis for parties. The cost is $60 per hour. This includes one lifeguard for 25 kids or less. There is a $10 charge for additional lifeguards.


Pool Rules

* Everyone must shower before entering the pool
* Absolutely no running or horseplay in pool area
* Dunking, spitting, pushing, and shoulder riding are not allowed in the pool
* Diving from the side of the pool can only be done in the deep end or in water which is at least 6' deep
* Glass is not allowed in the pool area
* Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises
* To be in the deep end, person must swim the pool width; even if able to do so, decision is at the lifeguard's discretion
* Children under the age of 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
* Splashing or unnecessary talk with the lifeguard on duty may result in suspension of pool use
* Ladders are only for entering and exiting the pool
* The use of masks, fins, and snorkels is prohibited; swimming goggles are allowed, but only in water 5 feet or less
* Lifeguards must be obeyed
* Proper bathing attire required (at discretion of pool manager; T-shirts are not allowed unless approved by management)
* Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation reserves the right to restrict entry into the facility when the facility is at capacity
* Diapers are not allowed in the pool, rubber pants with elastic legs are required
* No floats are allowed in the pool; arm floats/water wings are permitted as long as there is direct in-water supervision by an adult
* No pets allowed in pool area
* There will be no rain checks / refunds issued


Contact Information

Teri Gentile
(828) 684-5072
E-mail: teri.gentile@buncombecounty.org

Mailing Address:

59 Woodfin Place
Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action!

Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

The Health Adventure ~ Storytime in Arthur's World

Storytime in Arthur's World

Arthur loves to read, and so do we! Join us for storytime at the museum every weekday at 10:30 a.m. this summer, beginning June 9.

Spellbound Children's Bookshop ~ Father's Day Craft Workshop

Sunday, June 14 at 1:00pm

Father's Day Craft Workshop

Is your dad a superhero? Make a personalized comic book for his Father's Day gift! All materials provided. Free, but please call ahead, even the morning of the workshop.

(We want to make sure we have enough materials and work space ready!)

Ages 5 and up. Teens and tweens welcome!

The Health Adventure ~ Super Science Saturday

Super Science Saturday: Backyard Critters
Saturday, June 6
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Arthur has a new experience in our exhibit when he has a sleepover outside. What kinds of bugs and animals might you meet in your own backyard on a sleepover? Come meet the program insects at The Health Adventure and make a take-home animal craft.

Super Science Saturday is FREE for members or with museum admission.

Earth Fare ~ Hawaiian Style Sundaes and Grilling Day!

Here's an event to remember for TOMORROW!!

Hawaiian Style Sundaes and Grilling Day!
06/06/09
1-4 PM/2-6 PM

ALOHA! Join us from 1-4 pm for an Ice Cream Sundae Benefit! Ice Cream Sundaes dished up Hawaiian style with coconut, pineapples and macadamia nuts will be $5.00 and 20% from each sale will go to the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Then from 2– 6 pm we will have a Hawaiian style grilling demo featuring samples of grilled pineapples, pork and Sierra Summer fest Beer. Wear your Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and bring your appetite for a fun afternoon!

Summer Skateboard Camps at Food Lion Skatepark

Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, in conjunction with Push Skate Shop, will offer Skateboard Camps this summer at the Food Lion SkatePark, for skaters of all skill levels, ages 6-15.

Week-long camp sessions are an opportunity for beginners to learn basic skills and for more advance skaters to sharpen their skills. Camp sessions meet daily at the park from 9am-12pm. Cost is $75 for each session. Register early – camps are limited to 15 boarders.

Camp Sessions:
June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29-July 3
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31

To register for the camps, visit the Push Skate Shop at 25 Patton Ave. or call 828-225 -5509. For more information about the park, contact the Food Lion SkatePark at 225-7184, or visit www.foodlionskatepark.com.

The Health Adventure ~ Preschool Play Date

Preschool Play Date
Thursday, June 4
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Held in The Health Adventure’s Creative Play Space, the museum's Preschool Play Date series provides tots ages three to six an opportunity to learn and play while parents and caregivers socialize. Hands-on take-away activities led by an expert educator make these play dates enriching for children and adults alike.

Preschool Play Date is FREE for members or with museum admission.

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

June 3, 2009

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night.

Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99.

Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece!

Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

Earth Fare ~ Making Healing Balms

Making Healing Balms

06/18/09
6:00 PM

This is a Family Friendly hands-on class that will teach children(10 years and older only please) how to make healing balms using native medicinal plants and essential oils.

Balms can be used for chapped hands or lips, bruises and scrapes or aching muscles.

Make your own personalized one to take home tonight! Class is limited to 12 children. To register for this please contact Erica Fadely, Community Coordinator at 828-253-7656.

Sponsored by Redfern Children’s Farm and Earth Fare.

Getting Kids to Play Outside

I was given a great opportunity to review an awesome website. If you love Internet shopping them you will love this site!!!



I was sent this awesome toy for the kids to play with OUTSIDE!!!



You can go HERE to read the review.

The Health Adventure ~ Free Wednesday

Free Wednesday
Wednesday, June 3
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

On the first Wednesday of each month, The Health Adventure is open and FREE to the public from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action!

Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Local Libraries offer Free FUN!

Story Time at the library focuses on early literacy as it helps children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. We have Storytimes for every age group:

* School-age story times are for 5 to 7 year olds
* Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.
* Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
* Mother Goose Time is a lively language enrichment story time serving our youngest folks--the 4 month-old to 18 month-old set.

Many libraries can accommodate groups or school field trips if arrangements are made in advance. West Asheville Library provides Spanish Story Times on request. Call any library for more information on the children’s programs available or email library@buncombecounty.org.

You may also check out Storytimes and Toddler Times by going to our library locations page and searching by library branch.


~School Age Story Times (for 5 to 7 Year Olds)
Wednesdays
Pack Memorial 10:00am (Sept. through May)

Thursdays
North Asheville 3:15pm


~Story Times (for 3 to 5 year olds)
Tuesdays
Weaverville 11:00am (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)

Wednesdays
Black Mountain 10:30am
East Asheville 11:00am
Enka - Candler 10:30am
Leicester 10:30am
North Asheville 11:00am
Oakley / South Asheville 10:00am
Pack Memorial 11:00am

Thursdays
Fairview 10:30am
Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30am
Swannanoa 11:00am
West Asheville 11:00am

Saturdays
East Asheville 11:00am


~Toddler Times
(for 18 to 36 month— olds)
Tuesdays
Leicester 11:00 am

Wednesdays
Fairview 10:30 am

North Asheville 10:00 am
Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30 am
West Asheville 11:00 am

Thursdays
Black Mountain 10:30 am
Enka - Candler 10:30 am
Pack Memorial 10:00 & 11:00 am
Swannanoa 10:00 am
Weaverville 11:00 am (2nd & 4th Thursdays)


~Mother Goose Time
- for 4 to 18 month olds
Mondays
West Asheville 11:00 am

Tuesdays
Pack Memorial 10:00 am (for walkers)
Pack Memorial 11:00 am (for non-walkers)
Fairview 10:30 am

Wednesdays
Swannanoa 11:00 am
Weaverville 11:00 am (2nd & 4th Wednesdays)

Thursdays
Oakley 11:00 am

The North Carolina Arboretum ~ June Activities (and many more)

You can click HERE to see a listing of events for The North Carolina Arboretum.

Asheville's Fun Depot for June

Click to make bigger.

The NC Arboretum 2009 Youth Camp Schedule

The NC Arboretum 2009 Youth Camp Schedule


Summer Camps


Gone Buggy Pre -K
Come see through the eyes of an insect as we learn how they live, what they eat and how special they are. Go on hikes to collect the smallest and largest bugs you can find. Fun stories will help children explore how bugs get along with the rest of the world. Siblings under age 2 may accompany for free.
June 1 – 5, 2009
Ages 2 - 4 Camp Fee: $45.00/members, $55.00/general public
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Animal Adventures Pre – K
Make crafts, sing songs and hear stories on adventures through the woods. Explore and learn about all the amazing critters in the world around us. Siblings under age 2 may accompany for free.
June 15 – 19, 2009
Ages 2 - 4 Camp Fee: $45.00/members, $55.00/general public
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Soggy Sneakers Pre -K
Explore the wonders of streams and ponds and visit a different water world on the beautiful property of the Arboretum. Use fish nets, magnifying glasses and bring a camera to capture unforgettable memories. Songs, stories, crafts and games will be part of the adventure. Siblings under age 2 may accompany for free.
July 20 – 24, 2009
Ages 2 - 4 Camp Fee: $45.00/members, $55.00/general public
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Rising Grades K - 1


Nature Rangers
Come with us as we learn how to protect and cherish some of the most amazing things on earth – nature! As a little Nature Ranger participants will play games, go on hikes, make crafts from recycled items and even meet a real grown up Park Ranger.
June 8 – 12, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Teeth, Tails and Talons
Search for local critters to see how they eat, sleep, and play. Enjoy games, hikes, crafts and stories all about teeth, tails, and talons. Visit with our very own creatures and experience the different lives they live compared to critters in the wild. Learn about native birds and construct a birdhouse or feeder to hang in your yard!
June 22 – 26, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


A Natural Artist
Get in touch with the budding artist within to create paper, use natural dyes, draw, paint, glue, pattern a t-shirt, work with clay and make crafts with materials found in the woods. Take a short hike on a trail to find a mountain or stream and the plants and animals in the beautiful forest. Make and take an original masterpiece every day!
July 6 – 10, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Wet and Wild
Get ready to discover all there is to know about life in and around the many micro worlds of water. The Arboretum’s huge and beautiful forest has many spots to investigate for aquatic life. Take a special trip to Lake Powhatan to swim and splash, examine a bubbling creek and discover some wet and wild critters.
July 13 – 17, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Eco Detectives
Games and hikes will help participants understand how important animals are to the forest ecosystem. Learn how to spot the many critters that live here and how to identify what they are. Catch salamanders, insects and minnows as we explore the Bent Creek watershed. We’ll look for tracks and other wildlife signs as we explore the homes of lizards, birds and mammals that inhabit our enormous forest.
July 27 – 31, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Little Mountaineers
Explore the green woods as you learn how to stay safe, watch the weather and build shelters. Discover some of the best old recipes, hear great stories and learn about knots. Uncover the secrets of the “Leave No Trace” guidelines that encourage excellent and useful ways to be a superior Little Mountaineer.
August 3 – 7, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Summer Camp Classic 1
Join us as we explore all the amazing classic camp adventures waiting for you at the Arboretum. Bring your friends and meet new ones as we hike in search of critters, splash in creeks and play games outside. You’ll even bring home a special souvenir to remember all the fun.
August 17 – 21, 2009
Rising Grades K & 1 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Rising Grades 2 - 3


Junior Mountaineers
This camp offers all sorts of outdoor skills, games and activities like making shelters out of found materials and learning how to use a map while on a hike. Use teamwork to create camp gadgets and play great games. Gain essential survival skills while learning the basics of using a compass, setting up a tent and making a campfire.
June 15 – 19, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Mountain Ways
Games, music and local history are a fascinating and playful part of a guided discovery in this culturally diverse area. Learn to identify wildflowers as well as medicinal and edible plants used by settlers. Practice textile and candle making, and other techniques used by settlers and natives to live off the land. Make toys, get to know animals important to pioneer life, folklore and re-enact 19th century and native village activities!
June 29 – July 3, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Nature’s Studio: Earth Art
Beautiful mountain views and crystal streams will provide amazing inspiration as you paint, sketch, weave, dye, and mold your own creations. Explore the picture perfect details of the world around you while in search of insects, salamanders, birds and more. Get in touch with your inner artist as you create art with materials you find in nature. Make an original masterpiece every day!
July 6 – 10, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Advanced Eco Detectives Learn all about the animals that live in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, how to spot them and where they live. Catch salamanders, insects and fish as you explore Bent Creek. Scout for tracks and other wildlife signs as you explore the homes of lizards, birds and the mammals. Special wildlife mysteries will put you to the test as you examine evidence left behind by creatures of the forest.
July 20 – 24, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Aquatic Adventures Discover the diversity of aquatic life in our natural environment. Use microscopes to observe tiny single-celled critters and then fish for splashing trout at Lake Powhatan. Explore aquatic wonders on creek walks, pond investigations and a special salamander safari. Learn to use minnow traps and nets to capture and observe a variety of life; and most importantly, learn how to protect our amazing aquatic habitats.
July 27 – 31, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Science Connections
Make and create natural products while learning some basic chemistry and put together some “museum-quality” collections. Explore the natural environmental balance in the amazing web of life. Test ecological hypotheses, conduct fun experiments and play science-inspired games. Uncover the mysteries of our plants and trees, woodland animals, aquatic critters, geologic formations and impacts on our air and water.
August 10 – 14, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Summer Camp Classic 2 Join us as we explore all the amazing classic camp adventures that are waiting for you at the Arboretum. Bring your friends and meet new ones as we hike in search of critters, splash in creeks and play games outside. You’ll even bring home a special souvenir to remember all the fun. August 17 – 21, 2009
Rising Grades 2 & 3 Camp Fee: $170/members, $190/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Rising Grades 4 - 5


Boots, Paddles and Reels
Explore parts of our forested campus that few know about. Use a GPS unit to guide you to Lake Powhatan and fish for trout with fishing flies you tie yourself. A quiet-water paddling trip with Southern Waterways along the French Broad River is sure to be a highlight! Safety and care for your sporting equipment along with hands-on instruction and demonstrations ensure a great experience.
June 15 – 19, 2009
Rising Grades 4 & 5
July 13 – 17, 2009
Rising Grades 4 & 5
Price: $215/members, $235/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Wilderness Explorers
Learn to read maps and use a compass to accomplish a cross-country orienteering course and design a course for your friends to try. Purify water, cook outdoors, make a shelter, provide first aid in the back country and learn how to limit your impact on the environment while outdoors. At the end of the week your skills will be put to the test in an overnight camping trip in the beautiful forest of the Arboretum.
June 22 – 26, 2009
Rising Grades 4 & 5 Camp Fee: $200/members, $220/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Woodland Ways
An adventure in history takes place as we explore the games, tools, crafts and skills used by Native Americans in our area. Mold pottery, use plants for creating dyes, weave a basket and learn how people lived off the land. Visiting historians and scientist will bring the past alive while we explore Cherokee culture. Learn about Cherokee folklore, trade, farming methods and cook traditional recipes. Get down and dirty as we explore and unearth an “archaeological site” learning what others did to survive over the last thousand years in the Bent Creek area.
June 29 – July 3, 2009
Rising Grades 4 & 5 Camp Fee: $180/members, $200/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Nature Adventure Camp
Become a junior field ecologist as you explore woodland and stream habitats, hunt for local wildlife and take part in small animal and minnow trapping. Take a night hike as we search for nocturnal animals, observe the night sky and go camping Thursday evening in a pine forest. Discover the amazing habits and behaviors of the many birds, reptiles, mammals and fish we encounter.
July 20 – 24, 2009
Rising Grades 4 & 5 Camp Fee: $200/members, $220/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Outdoor Explorations
Discover the natural wonders of Western North Carolina as part of this enriching program. Explore the Davidson River on a hunt for hellbender salamanders and visit the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education to learn about the needs of trout and other coldwater fish. Spend a day off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Craggy Gardens exploring the unique plants and animals that live in high elevations. Take in a day at Great Smoky Mountains National Park helping biologists study wildlife populations. All these great explorations, plus an overnight camping trip at the Arboretum on Thursday evening, add up to an amazing week of discovery and adventure!
Aug 3 – 7, 2009
Rising Grades 4 & 5 Camp Fee: $255/members, $275/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Rising Grades 6 - 8


Eco Challenge - Counselor in Training Camp
Our mountains are home to an incredible variety of plants and animals. Spend a week exploring these wild wonders, combining experiences at the Arboretum with day trip destinations in our area. Explore the unique habitats of the Southern Appalachians at Graveyard Fields, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Davidson River. Campers will build strong leadership skills and teach younger campers what they have learned about the natural world – a one-of-a-kind experience that combines ecological study, leadership and adventure.
June 8 – 12, 2009
Rising Grades 6 – 8 Camp Fee: $255/members, $275/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Mountain Trek
Learn the basics of land navigation and become skilled in using a GPS, map and compass to navigate trails at the Arboretum and at off-site destinations. Hike among rhododendrons and blueberry bushes at Craggy Gardens, stroll atop a mountain bald at Black Balsam and navigate along the trail to Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest for a high-adventure experience. Skills learned throughout the week will be put to the test on Thursday evening on an overnight camping trip at the Arboretum, and a cross-country orienteering course on Friday.
August 10 – 14, 2009
Rising Grades 6 - 8 Camp Fee: $275/members, $295/general public
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Registration is taken on a first-come, first-served basis and can be made by mail or drop-off only. Before care and after care is available for an additional fee. Arboretum members receive a discount on camp registration fees. Visit www.ncarboretum.org for a complete list of camp offerings, registration applications and membership information, or call 828-665-2492.

Hands on Asheville-Buncombe, a United Way Program, offers many things for June.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, a program of United Way, makes it easy to lend a hand and help others in our community by volunteering with local nonprofits. Visit www.handsonasheville.org and choose the volunteer opportunity that works for you: your passions, your skills, your schedule. Volunteer on your own or with your family, business, or faith community. The following Hands On Managed Projects are led by a trained volunteer Project Coordinator in connection with Hands On and a Partner Agency. Most of these projects last 2-4 hours are generally held on evenings and weekends and do not require a long-term commitment. For more information, and to sign-up, simply click on the project name below.

Cookie Night
Help bake homemade cookies for families who are staying at the Lewis Rathbun Center. The Rathbun Center provides free lodging for families from out of town who have a loved one in an area hospital. Supplies will be provided. Just bring some compassion and an appetite (sampling is encouraged!).
Project Date & Time: 6/08 (Monday); 7:00-8:30 pm
Requirements: 2-4 needed; ages 18+ welcome (ages 10-17 with adult supervision)
Visit www.handsonasheville.org to sign up.

Pack & Sort at MANNA
Help sort and pack food at MANNA Food Bank to be given to agencies serving hungry people in 17 Western North Carolina counties.
Project Date & Time: 6/09 (Tuesday); 6:00-8:00pm
Requirements: 5-20 needed; ages 16+ welcome (5-15 with adult supervision)
Visit www.handsonasheville.org to sign up.

In the Garden
Volunteers will be preparing the Emma Community Garden for fertilization, planting, and harvest! Volunteers should wear seasonal work clothes and sturdy shoes. Please bring enthusiasm, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Project Date & Time: 6/20 (Saturday); 10:00am 1:00pm
Requirements: 5-15 needed; ages 16+ welcome (12-15 with adult supervision)
Visit www.handsonasheville.org to sign up.

ARTHUR’S WORLD TOUR IS COMING TO THE HEALTH ADVENTURE

The world’s most famous aardvark and all his friends will be making a visit to Asheville this summer. Arthur’s™ World, the national touring exhibition based on the PBS children’s television series and popular Marc Brown books, will open at The Health Adventure on Friday, June 5.

In Arthur’s™ World, children engage in role-playing and reading activities in their favorite Arthur settings. The exhibit includes Mr. Ratburn’s Classroom, The Elwood City Library, The Read Family Kitchen and The Backyard Sleepover. Children can even dance in front of a ChromaKey wall that inserts them into some favorite Arthur TV scenes. Fun, Arthur-related activities are designed to reinforce the messages behind the Arthur books and television series: that being smart is cool; and that kids face, and can resolve, real-life dilemmas.

The exhibit was created by The Children’s Museum of Boston, in collaboration with Marc Brown and WGBH-TV, the Boston PBS station that produces the Arthur television series. Pizza Hut BOOK IT!® and BOOK IT! Beginners® Programs for Youth Literacy are national sponsors of the tour. The exhibit is sponsored locally by Mission Children’s Hospital, Asheville Cardiology Associates, Dixon Hughes, Mast General Store, and McGuire, Wood & Bissette, PA.

“We are so thrilled to work with Marc Brown to bring Arthur’s™ World to The Health Adventure,” said Paige Dickens, President & CEO. “So many children care about and identify with the Arthur characters, and we hope that by providing a place for families to experience Arthur’s™ World, we can help to foster a love of reading and storytelling in young children.”

Created by Brown, Arthur is an eight-year-old, who, along with his little sister D.W. ™ and their friends and family, has been beloved by children since 1976. Today there are dozens of Arthur titles and more than 35 million books in print, and the Arthur television program airs daily on PBS. Featuring stories about the challenges of childhood (such as looking and feeling different, sibling rivalry, taking care of a pet, or making new friends), Arthur illustrates problem-solving and communication skills, as well as the importance of self-respect and respect for others.

“I’m delighted that children truly can enter Arthur’s™ World all over the country on this national tour,” said Brown. “I have enjoyed seeing children interact with Arthur and the stories in the Boston exhibit, and am looking forward to offering even more kids the chance to learn, grow, and best of all, have fun with him in his home environment.”

Entering its fourteenth season on PBS, the Emmy-winning Arthur™ television series is consistently ranked as one of the most popular children’s television series. Each Arthur™ episode includes two independent stories that focus on themes and events central to children’s lives. A live action segment featuring school children who create their own Arthur-related activities links the animated stories. Arthur™ airs in the Asheville area on UNC-TV at 4:30 p.m. each weekday.

Elements of Arthur’s™ World include:

• Arthur’s™ World TV – Live from the Lakewood School Auditorium, join Arthur and the gang as they make their own videos. Combining actual footage from favorite Arthur shows with ChromaKey technology, children appear on a giant television screen as characters in Arthur’s™ World. Sing A-A-R-D-V-A-R-K and more!

• The Read Family’s home, consisting of the Read Family’s Kitchen, Backyard Sleepover and Arthur’s Tree House, offered numerous fun activities for families.

• The Read Family Kitchen introduces the Read family and is a central space for family activities. Children will feel like a member of the family as they help to set the table, cook up one of Grandma Thora’s recipes or find something D.W. ™ will eat.

• Backyard Sleepover - Capturing the excitement of a child’s sleepover, the backyard offers children all the paraphernalia of a real sleepover: sleeping bags, pillows, books and games. Children can join in the sleepover fun with Arthur, Buster and The Brain as they tell spooky stories, crawl in and out of a cluster of tents, make shadow puppets and create signs to communicate with aliens.

• Mr. Ratburn’s Classroom - Join in the classroom activities with Arthur and friends as they enter a spelling bee or explore life under a microscope. Student cubbies let you peek in. Guess which one belongs to whom? Take a seat at your favorite character’s desk and role-play school life with Arthur and his teacher, Mr. Ratburn.

• Elwood City Library – Books are cool in Arthur’s™ World. This is Arthur’s neighborhood gathering place where children discover and explore the world of books while helping D.W. ™ sign up for a library card, voting for their favorite Arthur book, and choosing a book Binky would like to read. A circulation desk—complete with scanners and book drop—plus shelves of children’s books and resource materials for parents complete the library atmosphere. It’s a great place for families to curl up for a few minutes with a book.

• Street Scenes - Stroll down the streets of Elwood City while pushing Baby Kate™ in her buggy. You’ll pass by the popular ice cream spot, The Sugarbowl, the not-so-scary Tibble™ house and the City Bus Stop where one of Arthur’s pals is waiting for the next bus. While you’re strolling along, D.W. will be bouncing happily on her pogo stick.

As part of the exhibit, The Health Adventure will be hosting story time every weekday in June, July, and August at 10:30 a.m. This event is free with museum admission.

Arthur’s™ World will be on display at The Health Adventure through September 6. For more information, visit www.thehealthadventure.org.