Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/786171
4 Hudson Valley Parent n February 2017 ON OUR COVER In this issue COLUMNS FEATURES 5 Marketplace: Hudson Valley products and services 6 Publisher's Journal: Being a Sugarholic is not fun BY TERRIE GOLDSTEIN 30 Calendar: Great places to go and things to do you will enjoy HVP date-night suggestions 8 ME Time: Just for moms 5 billiant ideas for you whether it's back to school or starting your own business BY BRILAH HARRIS 12 2017 Annual Camp Guide 170 camps that is going to make choosing difficult 20 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Thomas Mattingly: Parenting solo BY BRIAN PJ CRONIN 22 Navigating the generation gap Learning to define your relationship with your teen BY LAURA LYLES REAGAN 25 Preparing your child for day camp 10 key factors to evaluate when deciding on the best camp for your kids BY DENISE YEARIAN 37 4 ways to teach your child to enjoy school How to make sure that school is not faced with a frown but with a beaming face BY DENISE YEARIAN 38 Best educational apps for kids The author has picked 6 apps for kids of all ages that she feels are worth a look BY DENISE YEARIAN This month's cover kid is Alyssa Guardino, 14, from Newburgh. This talented teen's first love is dancing. She was chosen as a semi-finalist for Dance America and has per- formed at Walt Disney World. Photo by Michael Bloom HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK What's most important when considering a camp? I look to see young but experi- enced counselors that like their job and have a good time with the kids. — Graceanna C. One that would accommodate or offer programs for special needs including autistic children. — Niki C. Offer activities for varying groups and encourage boys and girls to do typically "boys/girls activities". Price and location is always a factor. — Felecia W. Fun activities and the number of counselors per child. — Jenny S. If I let my kids pick they'd be going to the higher priced camps but with 3 kids that's not an option. Price is the major factor in where they go. — Elizabeth V. Kids go to our town camp. Lots of friends from school go, counselors are local high school students who we often see at local events and working local stores. — Sheena L. I chose the town camp 3 years ago because of the low cost and great value, but I soon came to realize that the Town of Crawford Summer Camp program is outstanding. — Joan M.