KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: For much of the country this year, March simultaneously is bringing hope that spring may in fact return to North America AND the awareness that every car is at risk for the foreseeable future. All winter long, water seeps into asphalt cracks, freezes, expands, melts, and freezes again, and bit by bit the driving experience becomes a game called Avoid the
Crater. But lately I’ve started seeing the repair trucks out there again, their bright-vested workers moving methodically from hole to hole with their shovels. Every time I pass them, it gives me a lift, not just because it means someday soon I'll start seeing flowers out in the real world, but also because potholes are one of those perfect reminders of what humans do. Playrooms, projects, and paperwork start out neat, but over time, weather, wear, gravity, and
procrastination take their toll. No matter how strict the system, order gradually slides toward chaos. And then humans step in and make it right again. I saw the cycle in action at the KidsOutAndAbout office last week: Our storage room had slowly become a museum of random supplies, half-filled bins, and Christmas decorations that had been tossed in with a hopeful Future Us will deal with this someday. Fortunately, my colleague Michelle, who works in our data department,
is also a genius organizer. A few hours after Future Michelle stepped in and applied logic and elbow grease, the little room had transformed from a cluttered cave into a serene space. The quickening of the seasons seems to bring that same energy into our homes: Closets get sorted, garages get swept, junk drawers finally meet their match. It feels good, not just because the space looks better, but because fixing things reminds us of something important: Disorder is normal, but
it’s not permanent. Humans can step in and bring brightness back. So here’s to spring cleaning, organized shelves, and freshly patched roads. Our tires, and our spirits, roll much more smoothly because humans fill potholes.
—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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For 35 years, families across greater Milwaukee have trusted USM Summer Camps for exceptional enrichment, academic, and athletic programs. Campers discover new talents, build friendships, and explore diverse interests within a flexible schedule. With
healthy meals, extended care, transportation options, and multi-week discounts, families enjoy a convenient and valuable experience. Now accredited by the American Camp Association, USM meets the highest national standards for safety and quality. This milestone year introduces two exciting additions: a new Sports Camp for athletes of all levels and a Counselors in Training program for teens. Learn more at www.usm.org/summer and use code EBKOAA26 for early bird savings.
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Girl Scout summer camps are a great way for you to seek challenges, explore on adventures, learn new skills, make new friends, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. There’s an adventure for everyone! At GSWISE Day Camp, campers enjoy camp during the
day and go home at night. At Camp Alice Chester Overnight Camp, campers enjoy classic camp activities – or embark on adventure trips. And, at Day Camps by Community, campers participate in progressive activities with their local Girl Scout community. Girl Scout camp is open to campers in grades K-12 – whether you’re a current Girl Scout or not!
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Calling everyone for an unforgettable evening of laughter and friendly competition at Washington Park! Bring your favorite board games or choose from our selection. Come for popcorn and more! Registration is not required for this event. Urban Ecology Center
programs bring our city’s children and families into nature and as a result, our urban parks are safe to visit, our kids are acquiring the science skills they need to succeed, and adults keep on learning about how our changing world around us works.
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Beware the Ides of March! If only Julius Caesar had listened. Fresh from a victory over his rival Pompey, Caesar basks in his newfound power, celebrated by the people of Rome. But not everyone is cheering. Some fear he is becoming too powerful; powerful
enough to end the Roman Republic and crown himself king. Betrayal. Conspiracies. A public that cheers one day and turns the next. Who should hold power? And what happens when those in control decide to take matters into their own hands? Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller comes to life in a story of loyalty, honor, and the price of ambition.
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Science Strikes Back (SSB) aims to encourage community members in Milwaukee to critically analyze environmental issues and solve problems in their communities. Through the development of collaborative relationships between students, educators, and content
specialists from locally-based organizations, Science Strikes Back will produce a strong network in Milwaukee for continued environmental education and natural resource stewardship. Inspiring an interest in our Great Lakes watershed, supporting student inquiry in community issues and advancing dialogue around environmental justice all are examples of how SSB hopes to support science in Milwaukee.
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Along a half-mile hike through the maple forest, you can tap a tree, learn from naturalists about Wisconsin woodlands and the animals that live there, observe the methods behind syrup production throughout history, and complete crafts and other activities.
Upon arrival at the Sugarbush House, listen to live music while you sip sap tea, or maple sugar-rimmed beer for adults
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Produced by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin and Westown Association, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of Milwaukee’s favorite traditions! Each March, thousands of spectators line the streets of downtown Milwaukee to celebrate our city’s rich Irish
heritage. The Parade route spans a mile-and-a-half through downtown’s entertainment districts and features over 100 units including Irish dance performances, live music, festive floats, Irish wolfhounds and more!
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Milwaukee area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more.
Our guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Milwaukee area? 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 Dallas 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 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Milwaukee Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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