KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
My first job out of college was as the managing editor at a small medical publishing company in New York City. I worked alongside Steve, our associate editor. My strength was structure and rhythm; his was medical accuracy and detail. We made a good team. One day, Steve walked into my office waving some printed pages. “Deb, can you
do that thing you do, so I can check out the science?” “What thing?” I asked. “You know,” he said, “that magic you work where the writing comes in muddy and you turn it into something clear, logical, and even fun to read.” I’ve never forgotten that moment. Not just because it felt great to be seen, but because of what it taught me about leadership. We’re surrounded by people with unique strengths. As parents, friends, or leaders,
one of the most powerful things we can do is notice those strengths and say them out loud. When we do, people rise. Kids rise. They lean into what they’re good at, and their futures get brighter. It’s not magic—it’s just the natural result of being seen and valued—but it feels like it. Over the years, as I raised kids, built a business team, and worked within various communities, I kept returning to that lesson: Leadership isn’t about having a
title, it’s about paying attention. You can’t run a family or a business unless you know who you’re with and what makes them shine. And once you start validating others (“You know that thing you do? Please do that!”) you become a leader. Even if you're just leading someone to be more themselves. So today, find a reason to start a conversation: “You know that thing you do?...” You won't see it right away, but trust me: Their horizon will
glow.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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The Winter Hoot is a down-home, down-to-earth, music gathering where everyone is welcome and there's joy to spare. Located at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY (20 min from Woodstock) the event begins with a Friday dinner, concert, and jam, continues
with music, fun activities, and dancing all day/night on Saturday, and ends with yoga and a farewell singalong on Sunday. Don't miss the blacksmithing, mini concerts in the pewter shop, kids zone activities, local food & libations!
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Meet animals, explore nature and participate in crafts, games and activities. The Mommy & Me program will take place every Friday from 10 AM - 10:45 AM, followed by 45 minutes of self-directed exploration and play.
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STEM meets comedy in this explosive science show that has kids and adults laughing and learning together. Science has never been this explosive—or this funny! Join Doktor Kaboom, the hilariously eccentric scientist with a passion for making STEM education
unforgettable. In Look Out! Science is Coming!, he blends comedy, theatre, and mind-blowing experiments into an interactive show designed to entertain, engage, and inspire curious minds of all ages. Be amazed as Doktor Kaboom delivers an unforgettable one-man science variety show. From chemical reactions to physics demonstrations, every moment is packed with laughs, learning, and explosive (but safe) results. Whether you are a budding scientist or just love a good laugh, this show makes science
thrilling and fun.
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Using liquid crystals and swirling waters, visualize the intensity and flow of heat energy in the world around us. Inspired by the exhibitions DRAW: Heat and Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat. Recommended for ages 8+.
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Join us for the Newburgh Farmers Market. The Winter Market is every Saturday through April 25, from 10 am – 2 pm in the Safe Harbors Ritz Theater Stagehouse (100 Ann St, Newburgh).
Support local farmers and get some local goodies!
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Let’s get creative! In this fun-filled 8-week class, young artists will explore drawing, painting, papier-mache, clay, printmaking, and so much more, all inspired by the colors and shapes found in nature! From nature collage self-portraits and funky
mushroom sculptures, colorful printmaking projects and group paintings, every project is an adventure in creativity. This class is all about trying new materials, making friends, and falling in love with the joy of art. For ages 5-8.
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Hudson Valley? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping
a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Hudson Valley area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Art Educator, Favorite Sport Educator,
and Favorite STEM Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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