Choosing the Right Camp For Your KidWritten by L. C. Peterson
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4. Objectives: What are objectives of camp? Are objectives carried out in activities of camp? 5. Flexibility: Are camp's programs flexible? If your child has already had a particular course or activity, is it possible for him or her to attend an alternate activity? 6. Balance: Does camp allow for a balance between learning and fun? How is camp structured for hours after classes or activities? 7. References: Do campers who have been there before recommend camp? How about parents of campers who have been there? What do they say? 8. Resources: Does camp have a nurse, EMT, or doctor on- call? Are emergency procedures taught to counselors and staff? 9. Orientation; Do campers get a chance to know each other and their counselors a little before camp moves into full swing? 10. Accreditation: Is camp accredited by American Camping Association or another camping association?
L. C. Peterson is a freelance writer and web marketing consultant. More writer’s tips are at http://www.salesandtales.com and http:/www.lcpeterson.com.
| | Halloween HappeningsWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
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Dissolve gelatin in water, set aside for 30 mins. Whisk milk and pudding mix until smooth, about a minute or two. Pour into an oiled pan and chill until set. Using your pumpkin cookie cutter, cut into shapes and decorate. *** Menu Ideas: Hot turkey sandwich Ghostly white potatoes and gravy Pineapple witches' brew ** Halloween Macaroni and Cheese Monster teeth (green peas) Graveyard surprise (chocolate pudding with whipped cream ghosts swirled on top) ************************* Candied apples: 12 apples 3 cups sugar 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 2/3 cup water 1 tsp. lemon juice 15 cloves 1-2 tsp. red food coloring Place sticks in apples. Combine sugar, cream of tartar, water, lemon juice and cloves in pan. Stir over heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Add food coloring. Boil, without stirring to hard-crack stage. Remove from heat; remove cloves. Twist apples in syrup and place on buttered cookie sheet to dry. ************************** Mashed Potato Ghosts: 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 3/4 cup milk, heated 2 tbs. butter 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese 2 tbs. freshly chopped parsley or dill Place potatoes in pot and add enough water to cover. Cook 15 mins. or until very tender. Drain and mash, adding in hot milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar and parsley. To make a ghost: Create your ghost shapes on waxed paper or foil. Cut out your shape to use as a guide. Use 1/2 to 1 cup mashed potatoes for each ghost. Place stencil on top of mashed potatoes, cut around shape, and remove excess. Use olives for eyes and mouth or raisins, if you prefer. To reheat: place ghosts on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 6-7 mins. loosely covered with foil. *********************** Witches' Brew: 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1/2 cup hot water 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/3tsp. salt 3-1/2 cups milk dash of vanilla dash of cloves cinnamon sticks Combine cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in pan; add 1/2 cup hot water slowly. Heat to boiling, stirring and cook 2 mins. Add milk; but do not boil. Remove from heat, add vanilla and cloves. Beat with mixer until frothy and serve in mugs with cinnamon stick. *********************** Have some old sheets - taking a black marker, draw eyes and a mouth. Hang on a broomstick and place on patios and porches. Change light bulbs in your lamps to green or orange for Halloween night. If you have "door" duty on Halloween night, join in fun - dress up, play some Halloween tapes in background, and open door slowly and at first, just let your hand reach around - of course, check to see if little ones are knocking, then greet them with a smile and a treat. Use colored plates, cups, and cupcake paper cups for treats or for a meal. Getting into "spirit" of day, is just as much fun as visiting that Pumpkin Patch and waiting for Great Pumpkin to arrive. Have fun and ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 September (Excerpt from Arleen's book - Halloween Happenings)
Books, articles, gift ideas, and newsletters: http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com http://www.arleenssite.com http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
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