Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens in Savannah offers several fun camps this summer:

Roots and Shoots Camp
Ages 5-7
9AM – 1PM
June 4th – 7th, 2012
July 9th – 12th, 2012
The popular educational program has been expanded to a summer camp! Students will spend the week learning how plants grow, all about pollination and photosynthesis, checking out the greenhouse, working in the garden, taking nature walks and exploring our 50+ acres of garden and bamboo.

Bamboo Camp
Ages 8-10
9AM – 1PM
June 18th – 21st, 2012
July 23rd – 26th, 2012
It’s all about bamboo at this camp. Explore the many bamboo groves in the gardens as we learn about the history, varieties and many uses of the world’s tallest grass. We will make bamboo crafts, tour the bamboo museum, build a bamboo hut and fish with bamboo poles. We may even see Louie, our resident “guard” cat who likes to hunt in the bamboo!

G.S.I. (Garden Scene Investigators) Camp
Ages 10-12
9AM – 2PM
June 11th – 14th, 2012
July 16th – 19th, 2012
Students will don lab coats, latex gloves and use the microscopes in our “lab” while investigating clues in the garden to solve a mystery. We’ll be spending time in the greenhouse and throughout the gardens using observation skills to learn about the ecosystem of gardening, how plants affect our everyday life.
All camps are $150.00 with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit due on registration.
$100.00 balance due 2 weeks before camp. Checks or cash ONLY (checks made out to Bamboo Farm).

To register, click here. Deposit for camp is $50 due at registration and the balance is due two weeks before the first day of camp. Discount: If you register for more than one week of camp, you will receive a 10% discount for all weeks after the first week.

For a listing of summer camps in Savannah & Hilton Head Is., visit the SouthernMamas.com Summer Camps 2012 page here.

Haven’t figured out your summer yet? Good news: UGA Marine Extension Service Summer Camps have a few openings left for students in the following Summer Camps:
Mommy and Me (Age 2-3 + Adult) June 12-15
Fish Fry (Age 4) June 18-22
Sea Sprites (Age 5) Session I June 25-29 and Session II July 16-20
Sea Squirts (Age 6) July 23-27
Sea Camp Session I (Ages 7-8) June 4-8

Learn more and download registration forms by clicking here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

For a listing of summer camps in Savannah & Hilton Head Is., visit the SouthernMamas.com Summer Camps 2012 page here.

5k Celebration Run – May 12, 2012
The Happiest Run Around Town!
Savannah State University Wright Stadium
Enter via LaRoche Avenue SSU Gate
Professionally timed race
Race awards, raffles, entertainment
Men, Women, Kids & Jogging Strollers All Welcome!
Race Time 8:30AM Register online $25. Race day, $35
Packet Pickup 7:00AM 912.349.1528 more info

REGISTER NOW HERE

Oglethorpe Mall to Host ChessFest Tournament for Area Youth on May 16

ChessFest Tournament. Organized by Gould Elementary, the Chessfest Tournament is a chess competition, featuring 150 students from six local-area schools. Participating schools include Gould Elementary, Georgetown Elementary, Godley Station, Hesse School, Largo-Tibet Elementary and Bethesda Academy. Certificates will be awarded to all students who participate in the tournament.

Teachers use the game of chess to teach mathematical reasoning and creative problem solving. Chess stimulates advanced cognitive skills and nurtures critical thinking abilities.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May Free Family Fun Night @ The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum
5:30-7:30 PM Fri. May 4
Come join us for this FREE Family Night of fun and check out the Sandbox’s new “Gravity in Motion” exhibit in the Construction Zone as well as their International Cafe exhibit featuring “Japan”.
Free admission to the museum, bounce house, light dinner and fun arts and crafts!
Final Family Fun Night before summer.

Here’s the imaginative Savannah camp you’ve been looking for: Kids Summer Pottery Camp at Savannah’s Clay Spot.

Discount: Register your child(ren) for a week camp at full price ($150) & receive a second week of camp for half price ($75). Your kids will have a wonderful time working in the studio for two weeks out of their summer.

Pottery camp at Savannah’s Clay Spot is a unique opportunity for children to work as actual artist in a professional ceramic studio. Each week young students will learn a variety of ceramic techniques. Children will create on the potter’s wheel and use several hand building methods as they unleash their imaginations as they create wonderful works of art. Each camp will have a different inspirational theme and will be different, giving the opportunity for children to be involved in multiple camps.

Camp Schedule

Each weekly Camp will be held Monday-Friday 9am-12noon
$150 includes all supplies

Week 1-June 11-June 15, Ages 8-16
Week 2- June 18-June 29, Ages 6-10
Week 3-June 25-June 29, Ages 8-16
Week 4- July 9-July 13, Ages 6-10
Week 5-July 16-July 20, Ages 8-16
Week 6-July 23-July 27, Ages 6-10
Week 7-July 30-August 3, Ages 8-16
Week 8-August 6-August 10, Ages 6-10
Week 9-August 13-August 17, Ages 8-16
Week 10- August 20-24, Ages 6-10

Camp sizes are limited to 7-10 children so register early. Payment with registration will secure your child’s spot

Follow Savannah Clay Spot on Facebook here.

Savannah Clay Spot, 1305 Barnard St., Savannah 31401, www.savannahsclayspot.com, On Facebook here, 912.509.4647. Savannah’s Clay Spot is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

ArtZeum Opening Celebration
11 AM – 2 PM

You are invited to this special family event
Telfair Museums announce the opening of four new exhibits designed for preschool children and families. Funded by the Telfair Academy Guild, the new activities are installed in the ArtZeum – the children’s museum space at Telfair’s Jepson Center.

An opening celebration will take place on Saturday, May 19 at 11 am with activities in the ArtZeum and museum studios continuing through 2 pm. Admission is free to families during this event, sponsored by the Telfair Academy Guild.

One of Telfair Museum's new ArtZeum Stations shown in construction at Studio Displays Inc. This image shows an architectural play space inspired by Gari Melchers’ work, The Unpretentious Garden.

The ArtZeum is in the Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center, 207 W York St, Savannah GA 31401 More info here. Telfair Museums are a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah vs. Fayetteville Roller Derby 5:00 pm Annual Fresh Meat Scrimmage
7:00 pm All Stars vs. Fayetteville, NC

The Savannah Derby Devils take on the Rogue Roller Girls of Fayetteville, NC, in the SDD’s debut 2012 bout at the Savannah Civic Center.

The first game of the double header will be the annual Fresh Meat Scrimmage featuring the SDD Class of 2012.

This family-friendly event offers two back-to-back bouts, live music by the Mensa Bullies and the Charles Ellis School Band, activities for kids, raffles and roller derby merchandise. Beer and wine will be available.

Raffle proceeds will go to the night’s sponsored charity, COPE (Childhood Obesity Prevention + Education.)

Tickets:
Adults $12-16
Kids 2-12 $2
* Kids under 2 are free
* Civic Center service & delivery fees apply

May 12: Civic Center Box office opens at 4:00pm, Doors to the arena open at 4:30pm

Hubbard’s Maid Service wants to help you celebrate Mother’s Day (May 13) in a very special way.

Hubbard’s Maid Service has gift certificates available for Mother’s Day. After all, maid service is the perfect gift for a busy mom! Anyone who purchases 4 hours of maid service for Mom this upcoming Mother’s Day will also receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant as an added bonus!

It’s Hubbard’s Maid Service way of wishing you “Happy Mother’s Day”–with many more to come!

Call today: 912-961-9131.

Hubbard’s Maid Service, 912.961.9131, www.hubbardsmaidservice.com Hubbard’s Maid Service is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Tuesdays beginning May 1, 2012
2pm – 6pm
Visit the Buckwalter Place Farmers Market every Tuesday 2pm – 6pm and get your weekly supply of fresh vegetables.
Visit the website here

For more local Farmers’ Markets, click here,

www.buckwalterplace.com

Come to KIDS COVE at the Tall Ships Challenge.
Puppet People promises you “Magical Memories That Will Last A Lifetime!”
* See King Neptune & the Magical Filets strolling the beside the tall ships!
• Take part in our interactive puppet production, Capt’n Splatter!
* Have your face painted so amazingly, your mother won’t even recognize you!
Dates: Saturday & Sunday – May 5th & 6th
Location: Morrell Park at the east end of River Street
CAPT’N SPLATTER PUPPET SHOW
11:00 AM and again at 2:00 PM
STROLLING CHARACTERS
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
FACE PAINTING
9:30AM till 6:00 PM

Tea in the Garden at the Davenport House
May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18; 4:30 p.m. May 24, 25, 31; 5 p.m.
On Thursday and Friday afternoons in May.
Learn about tea traditions and experience an early 19th century tea in Davenport House’s beautiful courtyard garden. Patrons will visit areas of the home where tea service took place and will participate in an afternoon tea given with costumed interpreters in the garden. For more information, please call 912.236.8097
http://www.davenporthousemuseum.org/

Tybee Island Kite Flying Festival
May 6, 2012
Come fly your kite, or watch others fly their colorful kites at North Beach area & in front of the Tybee Lighthouse Museum from 11:00 am – 2 p.m. This should be a great photo op too!

SESAME STREET LIVE “ELMO’S SUPER HEROS” at Savannah Civic Center, Johnny Mercer Theater

3 PERFORMANCES!!!

SHOW 1- JUNE 19, 2012 7:00 PM
SHOW 2- JUNE 20, 2012 10:30AM
SHOW 3- JUNE 20, 2012 7:00 PM

Details here.

We’re so thrilled to learn about the May opening of Ganesha’s Place, which is offering a variety of therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids & restorative yoga for caretakers. There is such a need for something like Ganesha’s Place in Savannah.

You’re invited to the Grand Opening of Ganesha’s Place, Sat. May 5, 2012.

The ribbon cutting will be held at 11 am, followed by class demonstrations until 3 PM.
In celebration of their Grand Opening, Ganesha’s Place is offering “Bring a Friend & Get the Class Free” for all classes during the month of May. Thai Massage & Reiki sessions discounted to $75 per session.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook 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

We’re so thrilled to learn about the May opening of Ganesha’s Place, which is offering a variety of therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids & restorative yoga for caretakers. There is such a need for something like Ganesha’s Place in Savannah.

You’re invited to the Grand Opening of Ganesha’s Place, Sat. May 5, 2012.

The ribbon cutting will be held at 11 am, followed by class demonstrations until 3 PM.
In celebration of their Grand Opening, Ganesha’s Place is offering “Bring a Friend & Get the Class Free” for all classes during the month of May. Thai Massage & Reiki sessions discounted to $75 per session.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook 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

Junior Roller Derby Meeting & Pizza Party

Learn about Savannah’s new league for girls ages 10-17,

2-4 p.m. May 13 Garden City Gym

The Savannah Junior Roller Derby is seeking coaches and young skaters to take the new team to the next level!

The SJRD will host a Meeting & Pizza Party to discuss our immediate goals at 2-4 p.m. May 13 at the Garden City Gym, 160 Priscilla Thomas Way (just behind Groves High School.) Pizza, beverages and some skating. The cost will be $5 per child (cash) at the door and parents must sign a liability waiver for their children to skate. Use of rental skates and some protective gear will be available at no cost.

The event takes place the day after the Savannah Derby Devils’ season opener starting at 5 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center on May 12.

The SJRD is for girls ages 10-17 who want to learn to skate and play roller derby and for adults who want to teach skating, positive team competition and sportswomanship through a sport that reflects empowering, strong images of women of all body types. We would like to start holding weekly private practices at the Garden City Gym and signing on dues-paying members.

While the SJRD operates under the umbrella of the Savannah Derby Devils women’s flat-track roller derby league, the SJRD is looking for a regular coach(es)/trainer(s) with skating experience who can plan and lead weekly practices based on JRDA training materials available at http://juniorrollerderby.org/trainers.html .

For information, email savannahjuniorderby@gmail.com .

Info Box

What: Savannah Junior Roller Derby Meeting & Pizza Party

When: 2-4 p.m. May 13

Where: Garden City Gym, 160 Priscilla Thomas Way (behind Groves High School)

Cost: $5 per child, cash only. Register at the door. Parents must sign a liability waiver for children to skate.

Saturday, April 28–LUCAS THEATRE
8:00pm Curtain Up
Presented by Savannah Danse Theatre
http://savannahdance.com/

Sunday Supper in the Strawberry Patch.
April 29 4:00 PM
Pick strawberries, tour the farm from 4-5:30pm. Fried Chicken Dinner and traditional fixin’s including strawberry shortcake served at 5pm. Reservations required. $20 per person, including children.
http://www.ugaextension.com/bamboo
912-921-5460
Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens

Take a sculpture or pottery class to learn something new…or continue a flourishing hobby! Classes are centrally located in Midtown Savannah.

The sculpture classes include instruction in different hand building techniques such as coiling, slab work, pinching, carving, and bas-relief designs. The pottery instruction involves learning how to center the clay on the wheel, how to make plates, bowls and cylinders, and how to attach handles and make surface designs.

At the end of the session children will apply either underglaze paints or glazes to complete their work with a splash of color. All work will be finished with a gloss glaze and fired.

The fees include all materials and firings. The work will be available for pick up after all of the firings have been done. Please call or email Tiffany with any questions or to register.

To complete registration, please send a $20 deposit to Tiffany Drabek to Tiffany Drabek Studio, 215 East 64th St., Savannah, 31405 . The balance of the tuition will be due at the first class. $10 off total family tuition if an additional sibling signs up.

Spring Classes:
Sculpture $70
5 Tuesdays April 24-May 29(skip April 22) from 4:00-5 P.M. (ages 4 and up)
Pottery $130
7 Wednesdays April 11-May 30(skip May 23) from 4-5:30 P.M. (ages 7 and up)
Summer Camp Pottery and Sculpture Classes:
Sculpture $70
Monday-Friday, July 23-27, 9:30-10:30 A.M. (ages 4 and up)
Pottery Session 1 $95
Monday-Friday, July 9-13, 9:30-11:00 A.M. (ages 7 and up)
Pottery Session 2 $95
Monday-Friday, July 16-20, 9:30-11 A.M. (ages 7 and up)
Note: $10 off total tuition if student registers for both summer pottery sessions

About Tiffany Drabek: Tiffany is a local potter and ceramic sculptor. She has a BA in Art and French from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and has been working in her medium since graduation in Dec. ’91. In Savannah, she has been teaching clay classes to adults and children since 1999, and she has specifically taught home school students pottery, sculpture, and art history since 2001. She offers pottery birthday parties throughout the year to children as well as adults.

Tiffany Drabek Studio, 215 East 64th St., Savannah, 31405, (912) 692-0659, email tiffanydrabek@gmail.com , www.tiffanydrabekdesigns.com Tiffany Drabek Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Scribble Art Studio is offering a Living Social deal this week for summer camp at the Pooler location. Click here to check out the 50% off deal.

Choose from several week-long art classes for $75 (regularly $150) in different age brackets for kids ranging from ages 4 to 8. Themed camp sessions range from Storybook Magic, Time Travel, and Under the Sea, with camp sessions happening during select weeks throughout the summer. Camp is 10 AM to noon and the five-day sessions run from June 18 to July 27. More here.

For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

A.S.P.I.R.E (Achieving Success-Pursuing Inspiration- Reaching Excellence) an I-Youth program for ages 10-17 designed to help students to develop portfolios through the application of skills aquired. Located at 309 Hwy 80 in Pooler, GA near Fitness Witness.

Students will enjoy special guest appearances, networking events and much more. Apply online by clicking here. 

•Goal Setting
•Social Media Etiquette
•Vocabulary & Oral Communication Development
•Leadership
•Health and Development

I-Youth program is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

We love when our Savannah moms have something to celebrate. And Nancy Brandon – Savannah mother of two and English professor – definitely does. Nancy recently published her first novel “Dunaway’s Crossing.” Congratulations, Nancy!

Nancy Brandon grew up in middle Georgia, and she graduated from the University of Georgia. She has taught college English for the past twenty years in Savannah, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Here’s a sample of what Nancy’s novel is about:

“Savannah newlywed Bea Dot Ferguson has it all: breathtaking beauty, a lavish home, and a wealthy husband—who bears her nothing but contempt. When his brutality results in the loss of her baby, she realizes she must break away from him. But how can she do so without opening a Pandora’s box of shameful secrets? For peace of mind until she figures out her next step, Bea Dot travels to sleepy Pineview, Georgia to visit her cousin. But upon arrival, she learns the rural town is beset with Spanish influenza. And Bea Dot finds herself fighting for survival, not only from her cruel husband, but from an invisible foe, the deadliest the world has ever seen.”

Currently, Dunaway’s Crossing is available via Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle formats. Signed paperbacks are available via www.nancybrandon.com .

In a few weeks, the book should be available through Barnes and Noble and is now available at at E. Shaver Bookseller at 326 Bull Street in Savannah. All copies of Dunaway’s Crossing at E. Shaver are signed by Nancy Brandon.