Crabbing with kids to catch Carolina Blue Crabs can be comical and tends to require less skill than fishing.

What you need:

a bucket, a crab net (available at any hardware store or bait shop), 10- to 12-feet of sturdy string with a chicken neck attached above a two-ounce sinker.

What to do:

Cut the line about ten to twelve feet, add a sinker, then a chicken neck for bait. Leave the end with the chicken in the water, and patiently wait. You’ll see the crab nibbling on your line. Once the crab grabs, pull the line in with the crab on it and scoop it into the bucket

Where to crab

A pier, sea wall, sea shore, or dock. Crabs will be closer to shore in murky water and a bit farther out in clear water. You can crab from shore if there is no wave action. Our suggestions include:

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Harris Neck Road (Highway 131)
Off U.S. Highway 17 between Eulonia and Darien in McIntosh County, GA (From I-95, take Exit 67)
www.fws.gov/harrisneck/

South Beach, Hilton Head Is.
Located at the “toe” of the island near the South Beach marina, is the Calibogue beach. There is no public parking, so it’s best to walk or bike from South Beach Marina parking lot.

Rules

There is a minimum size for “keepers”: five inches wide point to point to keep. You may not keep a female carrying eggs (an orange spongy mass on their underside).

Pint-Size Polkas
Accordian player and children’s polka musician Mike Schneider presents this educational program filled with music, dancing, audience participation and sing-alongs. All ages.

Pooler Library, Monday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.
Bull Street Library, Monday, June 18, 1 p.m.
W. W. Law Library, Monday, June 18, 3 p.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Monday, June 18, 6 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library, Tuesday, June 19, 11 a.m.
Tybee Library, Tuesday, June 19, 1 p.m.
Islands Library, Tuesday, June 19, 3 p.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, Tuesday, June 19, 6 p.m.
West Broad Library, Wednesday, June 20, 10:30 a.m.
Carnegie Library, Wednesday, June 20, 1 p.m.
Rincon Library, Wednesday, June 20, 4 p.m.
Hinesville Library, Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m.

Bunny Lune Dreams of the Moon
In Japan they don’t see a Man in the Moon. They see Bunnies in the Moon! Children will hear the story “Bunny Lune” by Kae Nishimura, learn about Japan, sing songs, and participate in a bunny moon dance. Ages 4-9.
Pooler Library, Tuesday, July 31, 2 p.m.
Port City Library, Tuesday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.
Carnegie Library, Tuesday, August 7, 10:30 a.m.

Campout at the Library

Gather around the “campfire” to sing some classic camp songs, hear a few stories, and learn how to tie a few knots. Ages 6-9.
Carnegie Library, Monday, July 30, 10:30 a.m.
Bull Street Library, Monday, July 30, 2:30 p.m.
Port City Library, Tuesday, August 7, 10:30 a.m.

Big Dreams and Moon Beams” Puppet Show
The moon is a magical place! Journey there and back on a rocketship full of adventure with this imaginative puppet show. Ages 3 and up.

Thunderbolt Library, Thursday, June 28, 11 a.m.
Islands Library, Thursday, June 28, 3 p.m.
Springfield, Thursday, July 5, 2:30 p.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, Thursday, July 12, 2 p.m.
Pooler Library, Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m.
W. W. Law Library, Friday, July 27, 10:30 a.m.
Rincon, Wednesday, August 1, 2:30 p.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Thursday, August 2, 10:30 a.m.

Juneteenth is the celebration of the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Considered to be June 19, Juneteenth is the oldest celebrated remembrance of African American Emanicipation day and is often celebrated with acknowledgements, speakers and events. Telfair Museums’ 5th annual JUNETEENTH Celebration will include acclaimed author Beverly Jenkins, a concert of traditional music and percussion by David Pleasant and a Gullah Geechee day with programs and demonstrations by local artists.

JUNETEENTH Celebrations include:

Saturday, June 23 – Juneteenth at the Jepson featuring performers, storytellers and art activities
12 – 3pm / Jepson Center
Area performers, storytellers and art activities related to the Geechee-Gullah culture and inviting the participation of neighborhood associations including Cuyler-Brownsville, Tatemville and the communities of Sandfly and Pinpoint.
Jamal Toure, a griot or living historian, is founder of The African Spirits of Day Clean -an organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of African Americans. Toure will present a living history exhibit based on the Geechee-Gullah culture.

Louise Cohen , a fifth generation native Hilton Head Islander, is a captivating storyteller and speaker of Gullah—a language she grew up speaking. As rooted as she always was on this history-rich sea isle, with its gentle beaches and sanctuaries of oak forest that echo with the praise of her ancestors, Louise found that something was missing. It has become Louise’s mission to tell the stories of her people.
Culture Music by DJ Shaka Zulu, a Reggae DJ heard weekly on WHCJ Radio.

All Juneteenth events are FREE and open to the public, sponsored by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.

Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W York St, Savannah, 31401, http://telfair.org/jepson/ Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

To register or for more info, call 912-665-4199 or click here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Summer Special: Bopping Heads Dance & Entertainment Videos – a new type of entertainment for children’s birthdays in Savannah – is offering a fun Summer 2012 special. Are you having a birthday party, office party, wedding party or any other event during the Summer? Then Bopping Heads would love to be there! That is why Bopping Heads is offering this summer deal: Bring Bopping Heads to your Party – any summer party or event 2hrs up to 25 people – and every guest gets their own DVD & a Master DVD for the host with all the guest music videos! Cost: $250. (over $100 savings) Call today to book your Summer event.

Mention Southern Mamas and 10% will be donated to Hope for Savannah, which provides hope and comfort to cancer patients and their families.

Bopping Heads uses “Green Screen” technology to superimpose the participants heads onto professional dancing bodies, up to four people at a time sit infront of the camera as they “Bop” their heads to hundreds of available songs!

The exclusive Bopping Heads Digital system can also capture the performance, which is then transferred to a DVD instantly with NO wait time ! Bopping Heads Videos are a Great Party Favor and the Birthday Girl/Boy gets a master DVD with all their friends videos included!

Give Bopping Heads a call! 912-704-7803 or email info@boppingheadsofsavannah.com.

Bopping Heads looks forward to making your next Party Super Fun with Non-Stop Laughter Guaranteed!

www.Boppingheadsofsavannah.com Please “Like” Bopping heads on Facebook here to stay connected & updated about birthday deals. Bopping Heads is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Sandbox – An Interactive Children’s Museum , Hilton Head Is., kicks off summer fun programs.

Summer programs include Pottery classes, Cupcake Decorating, Crafty Kids, Summer Fun Craft Activity, Interactive Art Classes led by local artist Veronica Martini, Parents night Out, Imagination Hour, and Coastal Critters by Coastal Discovery Museum.

The Crafty Kids Program includes sand art, tie dye shirts, and oyster shell art. The Interactive art classes include Picture Frame Art, Sand-Hand Mosaic, and a Go Green Gator made from repurposed products.

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum with region related exhibits, activities and programs for children’s ages 9 years and under. There’s a toddler area perfect for the little ones who are crawling and sitting up to 3. The museum hours are Monday-Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.

The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Ave., next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church. For more information, call 843.842.7645 or log on to www.thesandbox.org  for information, including date and time, on these programs.

This summer, don’t forget the importance of saving for their child’s continued education,

Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan has two great opportunities to do just that: the Summer Reading Program & 2012 Newborn sweepstakes.

Statewide Summer reading program: Think BIG! Save for College! Sweepstakes:
The Path2College 529 Plan & Georgia Public Library Service offer the Summer Reading Program and the Summer Reading Program Sweepstakes to encourage Georgia’s children to read during the summer months.
The Path2College 529 Plan will award one Georgia student, 16 years and under, who participates in the Summer Reading Program with $5,529 toward a Path2College 529 Plan account.
Entries must be submitted online by July 31, 2012. Details about the sweepstakes, including the official rules and the online entry form can be found at http://www.path2college529.com/news/reading.shtml .

2012 Newborn Sweepstakes:
The Path2College 529 Plan will award one child born in Georgia during 2012 with $5,529 toward his or her college savings. Parents, grandparents or guardians may go to www.Path2College529.com  until April 14, 2013 to enter for a chance to win a prize that will put their loved one on the path toward a college education & a brighter future.

Visit www.Path2College529.com  for official rules & details. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

To learn more about Path2College 529 Plan or to open a Path2College 529 college savings account, visit www.path2college529.com  or call 877-424-4377.

About the Path2College 529 Plan
The Path2College 529 Plan helps families prepare for the future costs of college tuition and other qualified expenses, such as fees, books, and certain room and board costs for colleges in Georgia and nationwide. The plan is easy to use and understand, with no sign-up, maintenance or third-party sales fees – just a low annul asset-based management fee, and an account can be opened online with as little as $25.

Any earnings in the Path2College 529 Plan are federal and Georgia income tax-deferred and withdrawals for qualified higher education are federal and Georgia income tax free. In addition, the State of Georgia offers a state income tax deduction on contributions of up to $2,000 per year, per beneficiary. (Transfers from another 529 plan are not eligible for the deduction. Recapture provisions apply.) Your account assets can be used at virtually any college or university in the country. The plan offers seven investment options and participants can arrange for automatic contributions to their accounts to be drawn directly from a bank account or made through payroll deduction with participating employers.

A big thank you to Savannah Children’s Theatre  for presenting yet another fun musical – Meredith Wilson’s THE MUSIC MAN!

We attended Opening Night on Friday of this MAINSTAGE production of the classic musical – featuring adult and children performers plus a live orchestra –  and loved it. My 5-year-old son & his 5-year-old friend sat through the roughly 2-hour performance (which includes an intermission when you can visit the theatre’s concessions stand to help support the non-profit theatre) and were sorry to see it end.  

THE MUSIC MAN will be presented for three weekends in June.
JUNE 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 2012: Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. Sat.& Sun., 3 p.m.

Tickets are available online by clicking here as well as at the box office. Children, senior and military discounts available.

Savannah Children’s Theatre announced their upcoming Mainstage productions for Fall 2012 & Summer 2013 – ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’ and ‘A Year with Frog and Toad.’ Check their Website for auditions info. coming soon.

Savannah Children’s Theatre offers a variety of summer camps. More info here.  

Savannah Childrens Theatre, (912) 238-9015, 2160 E. Victory Dr. in the Piggly Wiggly shopping center, Savannah, 31404 www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org/

Summer Kids Movies 2012 at Royal Cinemas, Pooler
ALL TICKETS: $1.00
Shows start at 10:00am
Doors open at 9:15am

5 Towne Center Ct
Pooler, GA 31322
912-988-4025
(FOR MORE FREE – OR ALMOST FREE – LOCAL SUMMER 2012 KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE)

Starting in early June and running until August, several local movie theater complexes show $1 & $2 kids movies on designated weekday mornings.
Savannah Stadium 10, behind Savannah Mall, and Carmike 10 at 511 Stephenson Ave. , Savannah offer $2 kids movies. (please note the change of location. Wynnsong 11 Savannah is not showing the $2 kids movies this summer) Victory Square 9 in Savannah, Pooler Stadium Cinemas & Royal Cinemas in Pooler will offer $1 kids movies on designated weekday mornings.
For showtimes & movie schedule, click here.

Georgia Theatre Co. 2012 Summer Kid Show Series at Pooler Stadium Cinemas
10 AM Tues & Thurs. June 12-Aug. 2 2012
$1 Movies
Doors open at 9:15 AM
Films are subject to change. For more info, call 912.330.0012. On Facebook here.
425 Pooler Parkway, Pooler 31322
www.GeorgiaTheatreCompany.com

Tue 7/31 & Thur 8/2: Puss N Boots (PG) 2011‐1 hour 30 min. Big (PG) 1988‐1 hour 44 min.

(FOR MORE FREE – OR ALMOST FREE – LOCAL SUMMER 2012 KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE)

Starting in early June and running until August, several local movie theater complexes show $1 & $2 kids movies on designated weekday mornings.
Carmike 10 at 511 Stephenson Ave. , Savannah offers $2 kids movies. (please note the change of location. Wynnsong 11 Savannah is not showing the $2 kids movies this summer; Savannah Stadium 10, behind Savannah Mall,  Victory Square 9 in Savannah,  Pooler Stadium Cinemas & and Royal Cinemas in Pooler will offer $1 kids movies on designated weekday mornings.
For showtimes & movie schedule, click here.

Frank Theatres Summer Movie Series 2012
Victory Square 9
1901 E. Victory Drive, Savannah 31404
912.355.5300

11 AM July 31 & Aug. 1 The Adventures of Tin-Tin (PG)

(FOR MORE FREE – OR ALMOST FREE – LOCAL SUMMER 2012 KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE)

Savannah Children’s Museum’s EXPLORATION STATION, made possible with support from Newman’s Own Foundation, will open Saturday June 9, 2012 at 9 a.m.. Exploration Station is an outdoor venue and water and sunscreen are strongly encouraged.
Exploration Station is a 1 acre, two level, outdoor exhibit area built in the ruins of a Central of Georgia building. Exploration Station’s goals are to connect children with nature, encourage learning through outdoor play emphasizing the importance of daily activity for a healthy lifestyle, and planting the seeds for preservation of historic buildings.
PATRON PARKING
Parking is shared with Georgia State Railroad Museum at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, GA 31401 and will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Parking is free for patrons, but limited. There is plenty of additional parking in the surrounding area.
MUSEUM ADMISSION & MEMBERSHIP COSTS
General admission: $7.50 per person, ages 1 and older.

Artist Uncorked  – a bright, cheerful art studio in Bluffton/Hilton Head Is. – is offering week-long fun & creative summer camps for kids.

Projects include acrylic painting on canvas, jewelry making, collages & other speciality crafts.

Different camps with various themes are offered for ages 4-7 and 8-12, Monday-Friday from 9 AM-1 PM. Cost: $150 per child per week.

Camp themes include Under the Sea, Rock n’ Roll & Big Top Finale. Space is limited so call today.

Artist Uncorked teachers are professional artists.

Artist Uncorked is also a party venue for the creatively challenged.

The art studio ready and waiting for your party. Great for reunions, showers, parties, girls night out, couples, home schoolers, children’s parties & more.

Artist Uncorked provides instructor, canvas & use of paints & brushes.

Regular events include teens’ night & paint your pet night.

Like Artist Uncorked on Facebook here to stay updated about their events/deals. Follow Artist Uncorked on Twitter here @ArtistUncorked

Artist Uncorked, www.artistuncorked.com/,  322 Moss Creek Village, Hilton Head Island, SC 29910, tel: 1 (843) 837-4700, email: info@artistuncorked.com Artist Uncorked is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Father’s Day is only 2 weeks away! Let’s face it, they are so tough to buy for. But we’ve got the perfect gift idea – lasting memories with a family portrait session.

Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch is offering a fabulous Father’s Day special: A photography session, online proofing and high-resolution CD of the best images for $400 plus tax (Regular cost is $575)!

The Savannah family portrait photographer and mother of two specializes in newborn, baby, child, and family photography. LeeAnn is known for shooting warm, candid portraits like these pictured here.

Check out more of her work by clicking here.

Click here to book a session.

Be sure to mention SouthernMamas to take advantage of this Father’s Day deal.

To follow LeeAnn Ritch’s work and stay updated on her specials, be sure to “like” her Facebook page by clicking here.

LeeAnn Ritch Photography, 912.308.9327 or email leeann@leeannritchphotography.com , www.leeannritchphotography.com LeeAnn Ritch Photography is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor

This weekend, Lovin’ Spoons Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt is giving you the opportunity to get 10oz of Lovin’ Spoons frozen yogurt absolutely FREE! Plus, there’s a chance for you to win a $50 gift certificate!

Customers of any Lovin’ Spoons frozen yogurt store are welcome to participate.

Participating in this special promotion is as easy as 1-2-3.

1) On Saturday, June 9, from 10AM-12PM, Lovin’ Spoons cool yellow VW Bug will be parked in a recognizable part of Richmond Hill. Watch for clues on the Lovin’ Spoons Facebook page to see where they park the car!

2) Once you know where the car is parked, come find Lovin’ Spoons between 10AM-12PM on Saturday, June 9 and they’ll hand you a 10oz coupon good at their Richmond Hill store absolutely free!

3) If you take a photo of the Lovin’ Spoons VW Bug that morning and post it to their Facebook page by midnight on June 9, you will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift certificate good at any Lovin’ Spoons location.

Check Lovin Spoons Facebook page here regularly, put on your thinking caps, and see you Saturday!

Lovin Spoons, 912.355.2723, email info@lovinspoons.com , www.lovinspoons.com, Lovin’ Spoons is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah Sharks  – an All Stars Competitive Cheerleading Squad –  offers Tumbling Camps this summer:
July 2-6. For ages 4 and up. 9 AM-12 PM.
Middle School 5th-8th grade July 23-27. 9 AM-12 PM
4-4th grade July 30-August 3. Cost. $85.

The camps are held at St. Andrews Lower School Gym, 601 Pennwaller Road, Savannah, 31410. Email Savannah Sharks @  savsharks@gmail.com for more information & to get signed up for the program.

Savannah Sharks is still accepting private try-outs for their All Stars Cheerleading Squad. Email savsharks@gmail.com to arrange a date.

Savannah Sharks is an All Stars Competitive Cheerleading Squad located on Wilmington Island serving girls ages 4-14. Accepting girls of all levels from beginner to advanced!

“Like” Savannah Sharks on Facebook here to stay updated about try-outs & programs.

Savannah Sharks All Stars Competitive Cheerleading Squad, On Facebook here, email savsharks@gmail.com, 601 Pennwaller Road, Savannah, 31410 Savannah Sharks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Thank you Hope Harris, winner of the Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award, for your newest children’s CD, “Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can you!)!”

This CD celebration of visual artists from the 19th & 20th century is not only packed with entertaining tunes, it is a fun way for kids to receive mini musical lessons about art and artists – Romare Bearden, Jackson Pollock, Paul Klee, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso, Grandma Moses, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Claude Money and Georgia O’Keeffe.

My kids’ favorite on the CD is “A-C-T-I-O-N,” an upbeat ode to the “action painting” of abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock.

Be prepared for lots of questions about the artists from your little listeners. And get ready for them to be inspired. In the CD’s eleventh and final track, “Paint a Picture, Too,” Hope encourages children to make all kinds of art. After listening to “Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!),” chances are your little ones will be inspired too,
“PICASSO, THAT’S WHO! (AND SO CAN YOU!)” released in May 2012
www.hopeharris.com

Other children’s CDs worth checking out:

Putumayo Kids “Cowboy Playground” is the newest release from the prolific purveyor of international music. Your little buckaroos can groove to tunes by 12 artists (Johnny Bregar, Victor Johnson, Buck Howdy and Riders in the Sky among them) www.putumayokids.com

.

Alastair Moock’s family music CD, “These Are My Friends” is a collection of warm new real-life songs that won a NAPPA Gold Award. My kids and I love this CD and each and every one of its 14 rootsy songs especially the fractured nursery rhyme “CBAs and a Twinkle Baa”. Preschoolers (and their parents) will identify with Moock’s “Three Like Me.” A big bow to the Boston-based Moock for creating this creative hootenanny.
www.moockmusic.com

Disclosure: We received CDs at no cost to review.