Events Archives
Jodi Skulley-November 11, 2009-
Looking for a fun event for you and your preteen? Check out the Winter Wonder Slam 2009 Tour headlined by GRAMMY® Award winner TobyMac. The tour also features the talents of Relient K, B.Reith, and Stephanie Smith. For the first time ever the tour will head to the West Coast as well as making its way to New York City; Fairfax, Virginia; Pittsburgh; and numerous other cities across the states.
The tour continues its tradition of giving, as Winter Wonder Slam teams up with the U.S. Marine Corps to help with their Toys for Tots campaign. Toys for Tots aims to provide tangible signs of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Music fanatics will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event as Marines will be on site to collect toys at every venue.
This will be the fifth year that TobyMac has brought his highly energetic show to the holiday season to crowds across the country. This family reunion show is one that keeps bringing people back for more each year sharing the true meaning of Christmas.
For more details on Winter Wonder Slam 2009, visit www.winterwonderslam.com or www.tobymac.com.
Jodi Skulley-November 5, 2009-
In celebration of November as National Adoption Awareness Month, Show Hope and Steven Curtis Chapman, along with Focus on the Family and FamilyLife, are helping to lead the charge this Sunday, November 8th -- also known as Orphan Sunday -- for a live event in Nashville, Tennessee, with one goal: raising awareness of the more than 140 million orphans worldwide. The free event, beginning at 4:00 p.m. CST, will be simulcast through satellite and Moody Radio Network and through a webcast at www.OrphanSunday.org. It will also be streamed online at www.GospelMusicChannel.com in the days following the event.
The Orphan Sunday event (held by Cry of the Orphan) will feature a special acoustic performance from Chapman with other musical guests Geoff Moore and the Children of the World Choir. Guest speakers include:- Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, a former orphan himself
- Dr. Sharen Ford, Manager for Permanency Services for the Colorado Department of Human Services in the Division of Child Welfare Services
- Jedd Medefind of the Christian Alliance for Orphans
- Dennis Rainey, an adoptive father and President of FamilyLife
If you live in the Nashville area, this free event will be held at Christ Community Church (1215 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, just south of Nashville) and will not be ticketed. Seats will be available on a first come, first serve basis. So be sure to get there early! Doors will open 30 minutes before show time.
If you don't live near Nashville, be sure to check out the available simulcast and webcast. For more information, visit www.OrphanSunday.org or Cry of the Orphan's Web site.
If you attend this event or participate via simulcast or webcast, we'd love to hear about your experience and what it meant to you. Tell us all about it.
William Summey-October 20, 2009-
The following is a worthy fundraiser taking place in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 25, 2009. We thought you might be interested in their story whether local to Nashville or not.
Laurian and John Scott, lost their two children, Thisbe and Noah, to a rare pediatric motor neuron disease. Now in their memories, friends and family will host a walk at Centennial Park in Nashville to celebrate their lives and to raise awareness about this devastating disease. The following is part of their story and more info about the fundraiser.
On Sunday, October 25th, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., The Olive Branch Fund: A Thisbe and Noah Scott Legacy, started by Franklin residents, John and Laurian Scott, will be hosting “A Mighty Voice,” a multi-city fundraiser to raise awareness and fund research for pediatric motor neuron diseases (MNDs) at Centennial Park.
The Olive Branch Fund was founded in honor of the Scott’s two children, Elenna “Thisbe” and Noah Scott, who were both lost to Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere (BVVL), a rare form of MND. Their daughter Thisbe was perfectly healthy the first 16 months of her life, yet gravely ill the last 17 months and passed away on April 30, 2007. One month later, their son Noah, 10-months-old at the time, also began showing symptoms of the same disease. Nine months later, on April 9, 2008, he also passed away. It has since been their mission to raise awareness of these diseases, help fund research to find a cure and be a support system for all families of pediatric MNDs.
“As the second annual A Mighty Voice event in our hometown, we look forward to strengthening the awareness, momentum, and research dollars for these diseases while also making it a wonderful event for families,” said Laurian Scott. “It’s amazing how many people are carrying the genetic mutation for a MND and have no idea – the number has been estimated at approximately 1 in 35 to 40 people. SMA, the most common pediatric MND, is the number one genetic killer of infants and toddlers. Since my daughter’s ‘diagnosis’ in 2006, we have radically changed the face of BVVL, and multiple families here and abroad, even as far away as Libya, have reached out to us for help. We’re the only ones on the planet advocating for this disease while also vying for a universal treatment for all MNDs.”
This family-friendly fundraiser will include a walk through Centennial Park with live entertainment by the popular children’s band, Adam and the Couch Potatoes, face-painting, and a book signing of Thisbe’s Promise, a children’s picture book written by Laurian Scott. Through this, and other fundraisers throughout the nation, the Scott family hopes to create “A Mighty Voice” for all children affected by motor neuron diseases.
The Olive Branch Fund is a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a 501 (c) (3). For more information visit www.amightyvoice.org or www.cfmt.org.
Please let us know if you go to this fundraiser on Sunday!
Jodi Skulley-October 15, 2009-
Fall is finally here, and with fall comes chilly weather. If you are like me, you've already packed away the summer clothes and brought out the warm ones ... especially warm pajamas.
Unfortunately, not ever child has the luxury of having warm pajamas. In the U.S. foster care system, alone, there are more than 500,000 children. Every two seconds another child enters the system. Many have been abandoned or abused and have never enjoyed the simple comfort of putting on a cozy pair of pajamas and having a mother or father tuck them in at bedtime and read to them. But now ... thanks to the non-profit Pajama Program, thousands of children in orphanages, group homes, and shelters are being given new pajamas and new books.
Since its founding in 2001, Pajama Program has donated nearly 600,000 new pajamas and books. Recently, the Pajama Program launched its 2009-2010 awareness and fund-raising campaign -- A Better Bedtime.
A Better Bedtime aims to focus the nation on a crisis facing far too many of America’s children during “Danger Season” — the block of six cold months between October 1 and March 31 in which it is especially dangerous for a child to be without warm clothing at bedtime. At the Official Pajama Program A Better Bedtime Facebook page visitors are encouraged to share their favorite bedtime stories (from published or original works) on the group’s wall and discussion boards; to offer memories of their own childhood bedtime routines; to upload photos of their favorite pair of pajamas; and to share ideas, stories, and photos from their own local events that support Pajama Program.
To learn about local chapters of Pajama Program and to participate in events, visit http://www.pajamaprogram.org/chapters.html.
To make a financial contribution to Pajama Program, visit http://www.pajamaprogram.org/donate.html or donate via Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/309815?m=3f1cca43 .
To learn about donating new pajamas or new books, to conduct your own local Pajama Program Drive or event, or to become a beneficiary receiving organization of The Pajama Program, visit http://www.pajamaprogram.org/donate.html.
Have you participated in a Pajama Program event? Tell ParentLife readers all about it by leaving a comment.
Jodi Skulley-October 8, 2009-
Today, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record will set a new record for the world’s largest shared reading experience and raise funds for early education in low-income communities. People everywhere will join together to read the beloved children’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to more than one million children across the country and globe.
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a celebration of reading and community service created to raise awareness about the importance that reading with young children has in developing crucial early language and literacy skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Each year, one third of America’s children arrive at their first day of school developmentally behind their peers and without the skills necessary to succeed. This year’s campaign will donate hundreds of thousands of books and raise more than $2.5 million to support Jumpstart’s yearlong work with preschool children.
The official campaign book for the 2009 Read for the Record is a special, limited edition of the Philomel Books classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Walmart stores nationwide are offering the official limited edition copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in support of Jumpstart's Read for the Record. All net proceeds from the book sales will be donated to Jumpstart.
Anyone, anywhere can participate in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record by pledging to read at readfortherecord.org, buying their official limited-edition campaign book at Walmart, and then reading with a child at home or at one of the thousands of events taking place in schools, libraries, town halls and community centers across the country. To see what’s happening in your community, visit the Event Finder at readfortherecord.org. Did your family participate in any Read for the Record events today? Tell us about your experience.
Jodi Skulley-August 25, 2009-
When?: Today at 12:00 PM Central
What?: Get into Their Heads: Understanding the Struggles of Today's Girls
Wondering what is going on in girl world? What they are thinking about? What their fears are? What stresses them out? New issues they are facing? Join us for this Webinar as we identify and discuss some of the latest struggles our teen girls are facing. We will also discuss how we as girls' ministry leaders can meet those needs.
Where?: http://bit.ly/12QYe3
Jodi Skulley-August 11, 2009-
On Thursday, August 13, Dairy Queen® will host the 4th Annual Miracle Treat Day, when proceeds from Blizzards® sold will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals.Last year on Miracle Treat Day, Dairy Queen raised more than $4.5 million for 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. A cause partner since 1984, Dairy Queen has raised more than $77 million and is one of the top five contributors to Children’s Miracle Network.
Dairy Queen will bring back the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard as the featured Blizzard of the Month for August, just in time to celebrate Miracle Treat Day. Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie is the most popular limited-time-offer Blizzard ever, since the first one was served upside-down with a spoon in 1985. The Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard is made with creamy DQ vanilla soft serve blended with Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie pieces and a Crème de Menthe topping.
For more information about Miracle Treat Day or Dairy Queen, visit www.miracletreatday.com or www.dq.com.
Jodi Skulley-July 29, 2009-
Today is a very exciting day at LifeWay Christian Resources. It is VBS 2010 Preview Day (and Bring Your Child to Work Day!! LifeWay will be taken over by children, children's ministers, and other children's ministry workers as they get a taste of the Wild West on Saddle Ridge Ranch with an advanced look at the theme for VBS 2010. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade, parents, and guests will participate in a worship rally and various VBS rotations. For lunch, the LifeWay cafe will offer special western-themed, kid-friendly food options! It promises to be a great time!
ParentLife has the wonderful opportunity of participating in the fun this year. We get our very own booth dedicated to letting people know about our magazine, our blog, and the LifeWay children's devotional magazines — More, Adventure, and Bible Express! We will be handing out business cards promoting the blog and directing folks to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Even more exciting ... we will be giving away one free subscription to ParentLife and each of the children's devotional magazines!
It's going to be a great day!
If you attended VBS 2010 Preview Day today, tell us about your experience and what you enjoyed the most!
William Summey-July 27, 2009-
At ParentLife, we receive a lot of information about children's activities and events to consider and pass along to readers. Occasionally we receive information on something truly unique. That's what I thought when I read about Memphis Botanic Garden's new children's garden My Big Backyard!
My Big Backyard is filled with spaces catering to kids of all ages from toddlers on up — or those who are just kids at heart! There is something for everyone. Created on 2.5 acres, the children’s garden is designed to bring to life the best of every backyard adventure ever dreamed about. The $5.8 million project will feature 16 unique educational and imagination inspiring areas for children to learn, explore, play, and dream.
The grand opening for the new garden is this Saturday. Admission is free this Saturday only 9 a.m.-Noon and will feature a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00. But it is an affordable day visit at other times. Admission to all areas of the Botanic Garden is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children (3-12) and free to children under two and to Members. For more information visit www.memphisbotanicgarden.com.
Jodi Skulley-July 14, 2009-
If your family loves great music and opportunities to minister to others, you're going to love Jeremy Camp's fall 2009 tour!Making his passion known this past year with the release of Speaking Louder Than Before, BEC Recordings artist Jeremy Camp is introducing his fall tour named after the recently released CD and with a purpose at hand. As his first headlining tour in almost two years, Camp will be joined by reigning Dove Female Artist of the Year Natalie Grant and label-mate Bebo Norman. The Speaking Louder Than Before Tour is sponsored by Compassion® International and is kicking off in Florida on September 10th.
Tickets for the anticipated tour went on sale Friday, July 10th in addition to a special iTickets / iTunes promotion. Those who purchase tickets via iTickets from July 10th until July 24th will receive a code for two free downloads at iTunes ("Beyond Measure" by Jeremy Camp and "Never Saw You Coming" by Bebo Norman).
Earlier this year, Camp and his management company began a ministry called Speaking Louder Ministries. The purpose behind Speaking Louder Ministries is tri-fold:
- Bringing a raised awareness to the local outreaches in the cities that Jeremy Camp performs
- Helping equip the church body and local community to get involved in ministry together
- Impacting the needs of the community/organization with physical goods.
Visit www.speakinglouderministries.com for more information.
Jeremy is thrilled about this 30+ city tour. "I'm really looking forward to the tour and to what's being planned with Speaking Louder Ministries," shares Camp. "We'll have unique opportunities in each and every town that we play on this tour to be a part of local ministry. I'm hoping to see the body of Christ engaged and fired up to help local ministries in need. This will be more than just a typical concert experience, we will be working and worshiping together for the Kingdom of God."
For tour dates and additional information, visit www.jeremycamp.com.
Don't miss Jeremy in the July 2009 issue of ParentLife as he talks about how God has been faithful to Jeremy and his family. And make a note not to miss our January 2010 issue, featuring Natalie Grant on parenting twin toddlers!
William Summey-July 13, 2009-
During the month of July, golf facilities nationwide will offer free and affordable activities for families during the fourth annual Family Golf Month.
Golf is a great way to spend quality family time together, especially during the summer months. Throughout Family Golf Month, participating courses will provide activities such as golf clinics, family scrambles, parent/child golf camps and play days.
To find participating facilities in your area, go to PlayGolfAmerica.com, and click on Family Golf Month. The Play Golf America site also highlights other programs available to families, including the Sticks for Kids program, providing kids the ability to play golf and learn the game who may not otherwise have the ability to participate. Do you ever play golf together as a family? What are some other great family summer sports that you like to participate in together?
Jodi Skulley-July 2, 2009-
This week, I have the privilege to work at Vacation Bible School at my church. It has been a great week so far ... and there's still one more day to go!
VBS brings back so many fun memories. As we were decorating our room on Sunday, my friend Heather was commenting about how exciting it is to be involved. We both agreed that it makes us feel like kids again ... anxious to see what each new day of VBS will hold! VBS may have changed over the years (now with amazing themes, fantastic music, and lots of extra options) but the basic purpose is still the same -- to tell kids about Jesus! In years past, I've worked with preschool, but this year I was ready for a change. I am working with 2nd graders and I love it! It's such a great age. They are sweet, smart, and kind. And most excitingly ... they are very receptive to the gospel. Yesterday was the day we emphasized the plan of salvation. We learned about the ABCs of becoming a Christian:
- A -- Admit to God that you are a sinner.
- B -- Believe that Jesus is God's Son.
- C -- Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
We must have gone over the ABCs 6 or 7 times yesterday (if not more). By the end of the day, the kids knew it by heart! I just hope and pray that in His time, God will soften each of their hearts and draw them to Him. It's so wonderful to get to play a small role in God's plan for these children. I'm so thankful and excited to see what He does through them!
What memories do you have about VBS? Did you come to know Christ as your Savior at VBS? Have your children participated in VBS this year? Tell us about your experiences.
William Summey-June 4, 2009-
World Vision unveils “World Vision’s Summerfest ’09,” their first-ever summer concert series featuring pop-rock band Building 429, 33Miles, Lanae Hale, and new act Kimber Rising. The Summerfest will visit 12 to 15 cities and kicks off this week. World Vision hopes to have more than 800 child sponsorships by the end of the tour.
The tour dates lead up to Building 429’s World Vision mission trip to Uganda this July where the band will be performing to approximately 30,000 people in Rwanda with Andrew Palau of the Luis Palau Association. The band will continue their tour with World Vision in August for 15 dates across Canada.
For more information on World Vision Summerfest ’09 and the tour dates, click here.
For more information about World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice, visit the World Vision Web site.
ParentLife is excited to feature 33Miles’ lead vocalist Jason Barton and his story in our upcoming October 2009 issue. You can see Jason and 33Miles as part of Summerfest '09. Don't forget to check out this month's ParentLife feature on musical artist TobyMac.
Tell us! Who are your favorite Christian artists? Do you sponsor a child through World Vision?
Jodi Skulley-May 11, 2009-
As a mother, I know it is very hard to find time to exercise and stay in shape. So why not include baby in your fitness routine? Exercising with your baby can be fun for both of you. Check out Stroller Strides® — the total fitness program for moms with their babies.
And now might be the perfect time to give Stroller Strides a try! In honor of Pregnancy Awareness Month and moms and moms-to-be everywhere, Stroller Strides will be offering both its traditional postnatal exercise classes and new prenatal Fit4Baby classes absolutely free at its more than 800 locations across the country, May 10-16! The classes are not only a fun and effective way to get fit, but also inspire lasting and supportive friendships.
For the free class pass, visit www.pregnancyawarenessmonth.com and click on the "Stroller Strides/Fit4Baby" banner to print the coupon. (Good for first-time clients only.)
To find a Stroller Strides/Fit4Baby location near you, visit www.strollerstrides.com.
How do you find time to stay in shape as a parent?
William Summey-April 29, 2009-
It's happening in churches all over the United States this week --
state Bible drill competitions! My wife and I both have fond memories
of our days in the Bible drill program in our churches growing up. This
year our son Jonathan had his first experience in Bible drill and
Saturday was our state drill. Kids memorize 25 verses and references,
10 key biblical passages, and all the books of the Bible as part of the
competition. So Bible drill involves both memorization and the skill of
finding Bible books and passages quickly. It was great to see so many
kids who worked so hard at something so worthwhile!
How do you find out about Bible drill? This
article is a great intro to the program. Also, check out information about the entire
Bible Skills, Drills, & Thrills line of products
here.
Have your kids participated in Bible drill? Tell us about your experience!
William Summey-April 23, 2009-
It's that time of year, again! This year's
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day is today Thursday, April 23, 2009. If your workplace has not chosen to participate this year, make the commitment today to ask about participating next year or setting an alternative date on the company calendar for later in the year.
Why is taking your child to work important? Designed to be more than a career day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons
to Work program goes beyond the average practice of "shadowing" an
adult. Exposing girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their
lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value
of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities
associated with a balanced work and family life, providing them an
opportunity to share how they envision the future, and allowing them to
begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive
environment is key to their achieving success.
The theme for 2009, "Building Partnerships To Educate and Empower," expresses what the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work program has done all along - empower children to make more informed decisions about careers and the work/family balance by educating them about the world of work and the possibilities available to them. For over 16 years, the development of new, interactive activities and partnerships has helped the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work program in taking girls and boys to the future they dream of.
Visit the program's
Web site for more information.
Have you participated in a take your child to work program? Are there other ways you have exposed your kids to different careers?
Jodi Skulley-April 22, 2009-
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards -- good stewards of our money, time, and the many blessings God has given us ... including the earth. One of the things that immediately pops into my mind when I think about being a good steward of the earth is recycling. But there is so much even beyond recycling that we can do. For lots of great ways to take action at home, in your child's classroom, at work, and in your community, visit
EarthDay.gov.
And be sure to check out the
April 2009 issue of ParentLife. Many of our April articles have a "green" focus.
- "Growth Spurts: Birth to 12 Months -- Natural Parenting" -- Consider some ways to "go green" as the parent of an infant, such as breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and making your own baby food.
- "Growth Spurts: 1 to 2 Years -- Toxic for Toddlers" -- Discover how switching to natural cleaning products can be safer for your family and better for the environment.
- "Growth Spurts: 3 to 5 Years -- Healthy and Nutritious" -- Get the lowdown on organic foods and vitamins.
- "Renewing a Steward Spirit" -- Explore some practical planet-wise parenting strategies for reducing waste.
- "Gardening With Kids" -- Enjoy time together in God's creation by planting a garden with your kids.
- "Today's Life: ParentLife Product Picks" -- Choose from lots of environmentally friendly products from companies who make it easy for your family to go green.
What are some ways your family is celebrating Earth Day today? What does your family to do to be a good steward of God's creation? Share your ideas by leaving us a comment.
William Summey-April 14, 2009-
You and Your Girl
is a mother/daughter event (for mothers and their daughters ages 10-18 or grades 5-12) that gives spiritual encouragement and practical
tools to navigate through this generation. Best-selling author Vicki Courtney encourages moms and equips daughters
to steer toward a God-filled
life. Soak up Vicki's inspiring messages, music by worship leader
Lindsey Kane, age specific breakouts, and more. The drive back home
could be some of the best times you've ever shared.
Vicki Courtney is a an author, speaker, and founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries, which reaches more than 150,000 girls and mothers per year through books, speaking engagements, virtuousreality.com (for teen girls) and virtuealert.com,
her blog for moms.
In addition to Vicki's messages, moms, daughters, and their friends
will also hear from a variety of breakout leaders (Jackie Kendall, Pam
Gibbs, Sissy Goff, Melissa Trevathan, Carrie Hopkins, and Becky Loyd)
and worship leader Lindsey Kane.
Moms, don't miss this weekend opportunity to connect or reconnect
with your daughter, while she can be encouraged to stand up for Christ. The next event is this Saturday, April 18, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Check out information about other LifeWay events here.
Have you been to a You and Your Girl event? Let us hear from you about your experience!
Jodi Skulley-April 13, 2009-
Can your child make a difference in your community? Of course she can! That's why
Red Robin® Gourmet Burgers is launching its first-ever
"How Do You Make a Difference?" kids' poem contest on April 13.
Kids ages 5 to 10 can submit their poems (100 words or less) describing how they make a difference in their communities. To enter, have your child complete the entry form and submit her poem online at
www.redrobin.com.
The deadline for submitting a poem is May 17th. The grand-prize and first-prize-winning poems will be featured on Red Robin's Web site. There are lots of fantastic prizes, like
Red Robin iPod® Nanos,
Red Robin gift cards, and
Coca-Cola prize packs. Check out the
"Official Rules" for more details.
Jodi Skulley-April 8, 2009-
Today more than 1,400 babies in the U.S. will be born prematurely. Many will be too small and too sick to go home. Instead, they face weeks or even months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
This topic is very close to my heart, because my little boy,
Jack, was actually born four weeks early and spent almost a week in the NICU. We are so thankful that Jack was able to make a complete recovery!
The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers, and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birthweight.
And now ... you can help the March of Dimes by participating in their
March for Babies -- America's favorite walking event! When you walk, you give hope to the families of babies born too soon or sick. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten babies. The March for Babies started in 1970 and since then an incredible $1.8 billion have been raised to benefit all babies.
March for Babies takes place in more than 900 communities across the country. If you participate, you'll be joining 1 million people walking with their families or co-workers
. To join a team, start a team, or find an event in your area, visit www.marchforbabies.org.Have you participated in the March for Babies? Tell us about your experience.
Jodi Skulley-March 25, 2009-
For most first-time mothers, the prospect of caring for a newborn produces serious apprehension. For unwed teenage mothers, that sense of anxiety is multiplied exponentially. To alleviate some of that stress, The Kentucky chapter of the
Baptist Nursing Fellowship (KyBNF) developed an innovative program called
Baby Boot Camp based on the devotional book of the same title by
Rebecca Ingram Powell.
During the five-hour seminar, young mothers learn the fundamentals of infant care. Most of the participants have no idea how to care for a baby, so the first component of the program is baby basics. Under the tutelage of a professional nurse, students use lifelike dolls to learn how to hold, feed, burp, bathe, and diaper their own bundles of joy.
The second component of the program focuses on wellness. "We teach them that in order for them to be totally well, they have to be mentally well, spiritually well, and they have to be physically well. In order to take care of themselves and their babies, they have to be happy in life," says BNF President, Jessica Childers.
At the end of the day the new mother's get a big surprise ... a baby shower! Each of the girls is sent home with a laundry basket overflowing with donated baby supplies. The baskets are so heavy that the girls need help carrying them out. For many of them, the generosity of strangers is overwhelming.
The Baby Boot Camp program has been a wild success. To date the KyBNF has held a dozen camps and has reached more than 100 girls and their families. In response, they have just written a "How To" guide for use by other state organizations that are interested in adopting their ministry.
Amy Hammond Hagberg is an author, speaker, radio host, wife, and mother. Amy's award-winning work has been featured in publications all around the world. Learn more at www.amyhagberg.com.
Baby Boot Camp is a very special ministry to parents in need. What ministries are you involved in or know of that relate to parenting?
Jodi Skulley-March 19, 2009-
Looking for something fun to do with your preteen this Spring? If so, consider attending an
iShine LIVE! event.
iShine LIVE! is a high-energy, 2.5 hour event that is not only
biblically based but is geared just for preteens! The I stands for
Identity, because iShine LIVE! is all about teaching kids to find their
Identity in Christ, as a child of God.
Hosted by Luke Benward, star of How to Eat Fried Worms and Disney's
Minutemen, iShine LIVE! features Robert Pierre, The Rubyz, and speaker
Paige Armstrong. There will be a DJ, dancers, live video, and many other
kinds of high energy entertainment all centered on finding your
identity in Christ!
For tour dates and more information, visit the iShine LIVE! Web site.
Have you been to an iShine LIVE! event? Tell us all about it.
Jodi Skulley-March 11, 2009-
In one of the most anticipated tours of the spring, the
Rock & Worship Road Show will launch on March 17th in Billings, Montana. The diverse line up boasts current GRAMMY® nominee and multi-platinum band
MercyMe, award-winning and multi-gold selling male vocalist
Jeremy Camp, and
Hawk Nelson, as well as new and burgeoning bands
Tenth Avenue North and
Addison Road. The tour will hit over 20 U.S. cities.
With a $10 admission price, the Rock & Worship Road Show aims to be an event for fans of all ages, especially families.
In addition to bringing a night of exciting performances, the tour is also dedicated to a bigger purpose: helping kids with juvenile diabetes via
Imagine A Cure, a non profit organization to support research that will lead to a cure, and those with medical needs around the world through
Compassion® International.
"We are all living in a new world today, and an economy that is affecting everyone around us," comments Bart Millard, lead singer for MercyMe. "We all wanted to be able to bring some family-friendly and Christ-centered entertainment that will uplift people and not break the bank. We are really excited to get out on the road with all of these acts. It's going to be a blast!"
For more information and tour dates, visit www.therockandworshiproadshow.com. Be sure to check out the July 2009 issue of ParentLife featuring Jeremy Camp!
Jodi Skulley-March 9, 2009-
Google™ recently announced this year's
"Doodle 4 Google" competition. The competition invites all K-12 students in the U.S. to design a Google logo inspired by the timely theme,
"What I Wish for the World." The winning student's doodle will be displayed on the Google homepage on May 21, 2009. The champion "doodler" will also receive a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school. This year's competition also includes a $10,000 award to recognize the school district with the greatest quality participation.
This year, Google is partnering with the
Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, a leader in encouraging the next generation of designers and advancing public understanding of design. After the competition concludes, the top 40 winners' doodles will be displayed in a national exhibit at Cooper-Hewitt in New York City.
Teachers can register their class online by going to www.google.com/doodle4google.
Registration closes on March 17 and all entries must be postmarked by March 31.
William Summey-March 4, 2009-
This time of year always makes me think of
Upward™ Basketball. I have helped coach Upward three years and love this organization for its sports philosophy and emphasis on teaching kids about Jesus. I thought you would enjoy these words from Upward's founder and president,
Caz McCaslin.
What we do: Specifically designed for K5 through 6th grade boys and girls, Upward sport leagues provide a fun, positive atmosphere for children to grow in a sport they love while also learning about Jesus Christ. Who we are: Upward™ Unlimited is
an international nonprofit children's sports organization designed to
give children and their families a positive sports experience. To
fulfill their mission, Upward partners with evangelical churches across
the country. By working with and training local churches, over half a
million children will participate in Upward this year. How we operate: Giving
children the opportunity to learn and grow through participating in
games they love is one of the most rewarding aspects of conducting a
league. Unlike traditional sports programs, Upward programs are
structured so children participate in practices and games without
league standings. Characteristics such as sportsmanship, kindness, and
character are valued as winning qualities. Coaches primarily focus on
ministering to children and their families instead of game strategy.
Teams are arranged in a substitution system where all players are
allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement. What we emphasize: To
further the "Every Child Is a Winner" philosophy, Upward coaches
encourage each player with a game-day star award following each game
that builds self-esteem and team spirit. Coaches also are prepared with guides containing a Scripture
learning verse and devotions for practices and games. In addition, the
referee will lead all sports teams in prayer in the center of the field
or court at the beginning of each game.
Upward offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, and several camp options so
find a church near you who offers one of our sports leagues.
Have you participated in an Upward league? Tell us about your experience!
Jodi Skulley-March 2, 2009-
The National Education Association annually sponsors the Read Across America program. Now in its 12th year, the program focuses on motivating children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills. The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, community centers, and more participate by bringing together kids and books, and you can too!
Be sure to check out the
NEA's Read Across America Web site for information about Read Across America activities happening in your area; free digital read-along versions of Dr. Seuss books; and lots of downloadable resources like posters, bookmarks, and book lists!
And don't miss the articles about reading in the
March 2009 issue of ParentLife:
- "Raising Bookworms" -- Crystal McDowell helps you develop your child's love of reading.
- "Talk, Read, and Listen" -- Donna R. Hoomes gives the keys to increasing your preschooler's vocabulary.
- "Practice, Practice!" -- Mary Ann Bradberry helps you build on your 6- to 8-year-old's reading skills.
Are your children participating in Read Across America Day activities? Tell us about them! What tips do you have for helping your children love to read?
Jodi Skulley-February 23, 2009-
On Tuesday, February 24th,
IHOP restaurants nationwide will celebrate
National Pancake Day from
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. In return IHOP will ask guests to donate what they would have paid for the pancakes or more to
Children's Miracle Network or other local charities.
This year, IHOP restaurants around the country hope to stack up more donations than ever before. IHOP's goal is to raise $1,000,000, which will benefit children's hospitals and other charities throughout the U.S.
To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.
Fun Facts From National Pancake Day 2008
- IHOP served 1.5 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2008.
- All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day 2008 would create a stack more than 12 miles high.
- Pancake lovers donated more than $875,000 to children's charities, far exceeding the fundraising goal.
- Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly two million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates.
- National Pancake Day 2008 was IHOP's largest one-day event in the company's 50-year history.
Jodi Skulley-February 11, 2009-
Looking for a great Christian concert for you and your preteen? Check out
Winter Jam 2009!
Winter Jam 2009's updated roster is headlined by the "GMA Artist Of The Year 2008"
tobyMac, with special guests
Hawk Nelson, "GMA New Artist Of The Year 2008"
Brandon Heath,
Francesca Battistelli, the
Precious Girls Club Pre-Jam Party with
pureNRG, and Gotee Recording artist,
Stephanie Smith. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning
NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 14th consecutive year, with special guest speaker
Tony Nolan. Family Force 5,
The Afters, and
BarlowGirl will also play select dates.
Best of all, it's only $10 at the door! For more information and to see tour dates and locations, visit www.hearitfirst.com/winterjam.
Jodi Skulley-February 9, 2009-
Reckless use and improper storage of gasoline leads to thousands of young children being burned every year. These dangerous behaviors are being addressed in Shrine
rs Hospitals 2009
Burn Awareness Week campaign. A special Web site has been developed fo
r the campaign. Be sure to check it out!
Kelly Hall's family knows firsthand the danger of burns. Read their amazing story ("My Kids Saved My Life" by Rebecca Ingram Powell) in the February 2009 issue of ParentLife.
William Summey-January 21, 2009-
As part of the blog, we want you to know about upcoming events that we think you might like. These pages could be updated so don't hesitate to check them out more than once. Here's the first one:
February 5-7, 2009 -- Living Proof Live -- El Paso, Texas
Join Beth Moore on Feb. 5-6 or 6-7 with Travis Cottrell and the praise team.
February 6-7, 2009 -- Going Beyond with Priscilla Shirer -- Marietta, Georgia
February 20-21, 2009 -- Going Beyond with Priscilla Shirer -- San Jose, California
Join Priscilla Shirer for this inspiring women's event.
March 14 - LifeWay Kids Workshop: Leaving a Leagacy - Columbia, SC
March 28, 2009 -- You & Your Girl with Vicki Courtney
A dynamic mother-daughter event for preteen and teen girls. There are more dates and locations throughout the year.
William Summey-January 19, 2009-
ParentLife Online is here! We are excited for the opportunity to communicate with you online. ParentLife Online will be updated daily during the week with commentary from the ParentLife staff, content that goes deeper into topics appearing in our print magazine, product reviews, and helpful links to parenting sites and the latest parenting information.
We also want to hear from you! Respond to our posts, send us ideas for articles, and submit your writing and queries to be considered for ParentLife.
Meet the Editor in Chief
Hi there! I am William Summey, the editor in chief of ParentLife. I have been working on ParentLife for 7 years, initially as editor and now as editor in chief (EIC). As an EIC, I help edit the magazine but function as team leader, helping everyone do their jobs as best they can.
I have been married to my wife, Christy, for 15 years. We have two boys, Jonathan (10) and Christopher (4).
One of my passions is to help encourage parents in their parenting journey. One of the best ways to encourage others is by being open and honest about parenting struggles and challenges. By building community, we are all stronger. I hope that our blog can be a small piece of that community for you!
What are the parenting issues you feel most strongly about? I would love to hear from you!
