So many fun summer camps. So little summer time. Have you checked out SouthernMamas.com Summer Camps 2011 page? Click here to do so.

The SouthernMamas.com Camp Guide includes such options as Summer Marine Science Camps 2011

Looking for hands-on, feet-in marine science? The University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium camps allow kids to grow up learning about the Georgia Coast. The Summer Marine Science Camp (SMSC) sessions emphasize marine science and coastal ecology while nurturing the curiosity and stewardship potential in each child. We offer informal, team oriented, memorable camp experiences that balance detailed study with exploration. Using elements of environmental and experiental education as well as creative arts, each SMSC session is tailored to meet the learning stages and styles of kids aged 4-15.

Low student to staff ratios ensure personal attention and mentoring for your camper. Summer camp staff includes UGA marine education faculty and Georgia Sea Grant marine education interns. Camp sessions are high energy, chock full, and lots of fun! Your camper is sure to be hot, tired and dirty at the end of the day! The camp tailors key concepts in marine science and coastal ecology to camper academic level and attention spans.

For more info, contact Anne Lindsay @ 912-598-2355 or lindsaya@uga.edu. Click here for 2011 session dates.

Fund raiser for Interfaith Hospitality Network of Coastal Georgia. A kids bike tour around Lake Mayer to raise money for homeless children in Savannah. All children in grades preK-8th are invited to participate. $10 registration includes an event T-shirt, water bottle and access to carnival-style activities in the park. All participants must wear helmets.

Prize levels for individuals and teams. The team that raises the most money will receive a team Pizza Party and all team members will receive a fun goodie bag.

Registration form due March 30, 2011. To register or for more info, call 912.790.9446 or email LBrown@innsav.org

This fundraiser will enable Interfaith Hospitality Network of Coastal Georgia to continue sheltering and finding housing for homeless families and children. In the 13 years since IHN accepted its first guests, the organization has helped nearly 800 homeless families find shelter at host churches through its program. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Hunger and Homelessness Survey, family homelessness increased by 9 percent in 2010 and accounts for 36 percent of the homeless population. Georgia ranks fifth among the 50 states in family homelessness.

There is a glimmer of good news. After an average of 40 days, 73 percent of the homeless families that IHN sheltered were able to find permanent housing. IHN provided more than 2,360 nights of shelter and more than 4,720 meals to homeless families in 2010.

The generous support of individuals, organizations, and foundations is urgently needed. About $26.00 can feed and house one child for a day. IHN is an independent non-profit organization that works through the faith community to alleviate homelessness among families with children by providing shelter, meals and intensive support.

The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens’ Spring Garden Festival, sponsored by the Friends of Coastal Gardens, is a fundraising event that includes educational lectures, activities for children, plant vendors, and arts and crafts vendors.

Listen as UGA Extension Agent Dave Linvill shares the secrets of growing tomatoes in Chatham County in the free lecture “Totally Tomatoes” at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. UGA Extension Agent Jackie Ogden will share ideas on “Cooking with Herbs” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This year there will be a Roots and Shoots demonstration for the kids.

This is your opportunity to purchase an outstanding selection of bamboo plants as well as other garden plants from our vendors. Arts and crafts are also well represented. There will be face painting for the youngsters and free balloons at the Panda Club tent. Southside Fire Department’s fire truck and Chatham Mosquito Control’s exhibit will be here. There will be a snack bar and the always popular funnel cakes.

Admission to the festival is free but there is a $2 charge for parking. Some activities are free while others have a small charge.
http://www.ugaextension.com/bamboo/contact.html

UPDATE: the winner is Kelly Tucker! Congratulations Kelly!

This month, a SouthernMamas reader will win her choice of sandal or flip flop that’s in stock at Petite Feet , Savannah’s shoe boutique for children. The winner will have her pick from the popular brands Petite Feet carries including Morgan & Milo, Sun San sandals for toddlers to big kids or The North Face Base Camp flip flop – just to name a few!

To enter to win, just visit the Petite Feet Facebook page by clicking here. “Like” the page. Then write your answer to this question on the Petite Feet Facebook wall: what’s your favorite quality brand of children’s shoe that Petite Feet carries? You can get a idea of their vast selection by clicking here.

Not into Facebook? You can enter to win by answering below this post! (Click on Comments)

Deadline to enter to win is Midnight March 31. We’ll announce the winner here in April.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. The boutique has hard-to-find sizes. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking. The kid-friendly store even has puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for more brands and information.

Petite Feet , 5521 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, 912.349.4292, email michael@petitefeetsavannah.com;  Petite Feet is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com

Celebrate Children Day is part of the 5th Annual Healing Field for child abuse awareness, organized by The Coastal Empire R.O.C.K. Group. Activities include:
10 AM Opening Ceremony
11 AM-3 PM Activities and entertainment for the whole family
For more info, call 912.356.8404 or email director@coastalrockgroup.com
www.coastalrockgroup.com

The goal of the annual Healing Field for child abuse awareness is to turn a field of hurt into a field of hope. Each $50 donated to the Healing Field removes one flag representing child abuse and neglect from the field and replaces it with a pinwheel representing one family who will be supported by First Steps-Parents of Newborns Program at Candler. The field at the National Armory is free and open to visitors March 25-April 2. Free admisison to the National Guard Armory. For more info, call 912.356.8404 or email director@coastalrockgroup.com

From March 25 to April 2, the field in front of the National Guard Armory on Eisenhower Drive in Savannah will be covered in flags. Each flag represents child abuse and neglect.

It’s all part of the 5th Annual Healing Field for child abuse awareness, organized by The Coastal Empire R.O.C.K. Group. The goal is to turning a field of hurt into a field of hope. Each $50 donated to the Healing Field removes one flag representing child abuse and neglect from the field and replaces it with a pinwheel representing one family who will be supported by First Steps-Parents of Newborns Program at Candler.

The field at the National Armory is free and open to visitors March 25-April 2. Free admisison to the National Guard Armory, at 1248 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA, 31406. For more info, call 912.356.8404 or email director@coastalrockgroup.com

From March 25 to April 2, the field in front of the National Guard Armory on Eisenhower Drive in Savannah will be covered in flags. Each flag represents child abuse and neglect.

It’s all part of the 5th Annual Healing Field for child abuse awareness, organized by The Coastal Empire R.O.C.K. Group. The goal is to turn a field of hurt into a field of hope. Each $50 donated to the Healing Field removes one flag representing child abuse and neglect from the field and replaces it with a pinwheel representing one family who will be supported by First Steps-Parents of Newborns Program at Candler.

The field at the National Armory is free and open to visitors March 25-April 2. Free admisison to the National Guard Armory, at 1248 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA, 31406. For more info, call 912.356.8404 or email director@coastalrockgroup.com  

Celebrate Children Day will be Sat. March 26 at the National Guard Armory, at 1248 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA, 31406. It’s part of the 5th Annual Healing Field for child abuse awareness, organized by The Coastal Empire R.O.C.K. Group. Activities include:
10 AM Opening Ceremony
11 AM-3 PM Activities and entertainment for the whole family
For more info, call 912.356.8404 or email director@coastalrockgroup.com
www.coastalrockgroup.com

The Beach Bum Parade might surprise the unsuspecting visitor. Like most parades, there are floats pulled behind cars and trucks. Unlike most parades, however, the floats, often trailers or boats, are filled with water-throwing paraphernalia. Spectators, lined up along the parade route on Butler Avenue, armed with buckets, squirt guns and hoses. What results is an all-out water war for fun loving beach bums of all ages. (912) 786-5444/(800) 868-2322

Kids of all ages are invited to search for easter Eggs hidden throughout South Beach Village at 10 AM Sat. April 23. Children’s Entertainment and special appearances from Jake the Salty Dog.

A stroller-friendly 5K Run/Walk/Stroll and Pop Tab collection event.

The family friendly fundraiser will feature free activities including fun with Ronald McDonald, a ¼ mile kiddie run, live music by Ricky Standard, games, prizes and refreshments. There is a wonderful bridge that participants will traverse twice for which this 5K is nicknamed the “mini-bridge run!” It’s perfect training for those aiming for the big one at the end of the year! Strollers are welcome.

Packet pick up is available at Ronald McDonald House on April 8th from 9 AM- 7 PM for those who pre-registered. Day of registration and packet pick up begins at 7 AM, the kiddie run begins at 8:45 AM, the 5K begins at 9 AM and the Pop Tab Weigh-In will be taking place from 7 AM – Noon. Post race activities including awards for winners, entertainment, refreshments and celebrity guest Ronald McDonald will last until Noon.

Last year almost 3,000 pounds of pop tabs were collected. Georgia Scale generously donates a bench scale each year to weigh the pop tabs brought in by each school, business and individual. Everyone loves to hear the rush of the tabs as they are poured into the drums to be weighed. The tabs are recycled and the funds are used for House operations to help fulfill the needs of the families served. Pop tabs are turned into Ronald McDonald House to be recycled throughout the year, but many people save them up for Pop Tab Pandemonium.

Visit www.active.com, key words Red Shoes Run to register for the 5K or obtain a paper registration by visiting Fleet Feet Sports, the Ronald McDonald House or log onto www.rmhccoastalempire.org . The fee is $30 through March 30th and then $35 through race day. Online registration will close at noon on April 8th. Participants are encouraged to start a personal fundraising web page after they register by going to www.firstgiving.com/rmhccoastal . It’s safe, easy and fun. The funds stay at the Savannah House.

Part of the Turtle Crawl Triathlon weekend of events! Tri to help sea turtles by registering for the Olympic or Sprint Triathlon events or the 5K Beach Run by clicking here. Additional events include a Friday night pasta dinner with Scute, the Loggerhead sea turtle mascot, and art auction at The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, as well as Saturday activities and a sea turtle release! Registration for the event can be completed through active.com by clicking here.

Registration Closing Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011
Proceeds from the events benefit the Jekyll Island Foundation which supports the continued operation and growth of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The Triathlons will begin early Saturday morning at Great Dunes Park. Volunteers from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be present along the route to cheer on athletes as they proceed through the course. Scute the Sea Turtle will make appearances thoughout the morning and several educational information booths will be placed near the finish line from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
A 5K run on the beach will take place after the start of the triathlons and a sea turtle release will follow the awards presentation as the culminating event.
Schedule of Events:
May 20, 2011
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Packet Pickup
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Pasta Dinner & Student Art Auction (Georgia Sea Turtle Center) Presented by Latitude 31.
May 21, 2011
7:00 am – Olympic Triathlon Start
7:30 am – Sprint Triathlon Start
8:00 am – 5K Beach Run
12:00 pm – Awards Ceremony
12:30 pm – Sea Turtle release

The fourth annual Shell-e-brate Earth Day family festival at The Georgia Sea Turtle Center This earth shell-e-bration features recycled crafts, earth-tastic activities and eco-entertainment for the whole family! No reservations needed; event is FREE with general admission to the Center, $6 adults, $4 children, 3 & under are free. Click here for more info.

No matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we’re so high-tech, we’re never going to know as much about our own computers as the folks at Coastal Empire Tech Solutions. Which is why SouthernMamas.com is thrilled to have Coastal Empire Tech Solutions –  a family-run, AFFORDABLE computer repair business – as a new advertiser.

Coastal Empire Tech Solutions has over 16 years of experience in the computer industry with a focus on Customer Service. They serve Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, and Liberty counties. Coastal Empire Tech Solutions takes great care in all details, from the smallest requests to the biggest of problems. They treat you with the respect that you deserve and will never talk over your head. Whatever your computer needs may be, let Coastal Empire Tech Solutions help you with them.

Services provided include:
Computer Repair
Computer Diagnosis
Virus Removal
Home and Small Business Network Setup
Computer Migrations (moving data from one computer to another.)
Local and Network Printer Setup
Hardware and Software Upgrades
Small Business Consulting

Costs/Discounts:
$40 an hour, except for virus removal which is a $50 flat fee.

Even better, visit Coastal Empire Tech Solutions on Facebook by clicking here and “like” the page to receive 10 percent off. For the month of March, all services are $10 off the regular price. Military, Police and Fire Dept receive 10% off standard.

Contact Coastal Empire Tech Solutions via email at sean@coastalempiretech.com or call 912-335-4424. For more info, click here.

The Savannah College of Art and Design’s School of Fine Arts, School of Foundation Studies and sculpture minor program present the annual Sand Arts Festival. Talented SCAD students and alumni compete in the festival and invite the public to attend this seaside celebration of creativity. The Sand Arts Festival will feature competitions in sand castle design, sand sculpture, sand relief and wind sculpture. Contestants may work individually or in teams. Entries in the sand castle, sand sculpture and sand relief competitions are judged for creativity of concept and design, as well as excellence of craft and detail. Entries in the wind sculpture competition are evaluated according to structural development, surface decoration and ability to fly. SCAD faculty members judge all competitions.

The Savannah College of Art and Design’s annual Sidewalk Arts Festival draws thousands of visitors each year to view temporary chalk masterpieces created on the sidewalks of historic Forsyth Park in Savannah. Participants represent SCAD’s many areas of study; different artistic styles are inspired by different cultures, interests and disciplines. The event features a chalk art competition with prizes awarded in three categories: students, alumni and prospective students. Children are invited to participate in dedicated drawing areas. Food and drinks will be available. Admission is free and open to the public. http://www.scad.edu/info-for/alumni/calendar.cfm

A favorite Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch is offering a fabulous spring special: A photography session, online proofing and high-resolution CD for $350 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 the spring special. 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.

Savannah Yoga Center at 1319 Bull St. believes that moms and dads should be able to grow a yoga practice while raising kids. While you find your center, your kiddo will be enjoying structured activities with other children right in the other room. Childcare at Savannah Yoga Center provides organized learning, yoga, & skill development projects for ages 6mo – 5yrs. Cost is $5 per child, $3 per additional sibling.

Child Care Times:
Tuesday 10am-11:45am
Wednesday10:30am-12:15pm
Thursday 10am-11:45am
Friday 10:15am-12:00pm

Please reserve childcare 24hrs in advanced via email: savannahyoga@gmail.com. For more info. on childcare at Savannah Yoga Center, click here.

Savannah Yoga Center also wants to encourage practicing yoga WITH your child. Which is why Savannah Yoga Center offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes.

Savannah Yoga Center, 1319 Bull Street, Savannah, 31401, email: savannahyoga@gmail.com, (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com Savannah Yoga Center is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor

Spring is about to be here in Savannah, finally! Fabulous jewelry and accessory trunk show at The Savannah Soap Co. hosted by Colleen Spencer with her amazing “Stella & Dot” collection. Come in and see this celebrity coveted jewelry collection for yourself. Fabulous free door prizes, freshly brewed gourmet teas, and refreshments. The Savannah Soap Co. is a child-friendly atmosphere. In addition, bring in your comforters for a spring cleaning and a 20% discount as well as a 15% discount on all of our products. Check out these totally fantastic accessories yourself by clicking here! They really are stunning.

Kottage Kids boutique apparel and accessories offers timeless treasures including smocked clothing, classic children’s footwear and unique gifts for moms as well.

You’re invited to preview the latest in children’s boutique apparel and accessories for spring at the Kottage Kids Launching Party, 10 AM-4 PM Sat. March 26 at Grand Lake Lodge & Spa, 815 Southbridge Blvd., Savannah 31405.

Cash, Visa, Mastercard and Discover will be accepted. A $10 gift certificate to Kottage Kids will given away.

Kottage Kids specializes in home parties. Invite your friends and Kottage Kids brings the shop to you. What a fun twist to your next kid-friendly gathering. Kottage Kids offers incentives when you host the following types of parties: mommy parties, trunk shows, grandparent parties, baby showers.

Kottage Kids, info@kottagekids.com, 912.412.0542, www.kottagekids.com

Safe Kids Savannah will accept donations for a yard sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., March 14-18 at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Anyone dropping off items is asked to enter the Health Department from Sallie Mood Drive.

Items should be gently used and can range from bric-a-brac to furniture. Arrangements can also be made to have items picked up. For more information on item donation or to arrange for the pick up of items, please call 912-353-3148 or e-mail amgramza@dhr.state.ga.us.

The yard sale will be 8 a.m. to noon Sat. March 19, at the dog exercise area at Lake Mayer which is the large grassy area located at the corner of Sallie Mood and Montgomery Crossroads in Savannah. All proceeds will benefit Safe Kids Savannah, a local coalition of organizations and concerned individuals with the common goal of preventing accidental childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability among children ages 1 to 14. For more information, visit www.safekidssavannah.org .

Preview the latest in children’s boutique apparel and accessories for spring at the Kottage Kids Launching Party. Cash, Visa, Mastercard and Discover will be accepted. Expect to find timeless treasures including traditional smocked clothing, classic children’s footwear and unique gifts for moms as well. A $10 gift certificate to Kottage Kids will given away. www.kottagekids.com

Art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway are a big hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Melissa makes the art classes fun and educational by first reading a different art book for kids each class, then doing art projects based on the book. 

It’s time to sign up for the 2011 Spring Art Sessions for Children at Melissa’s Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio.

Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway

New Spring 2011 Classes include:

The Scribblin’ Squirrels
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10 – 10:45am
March 26 – April 19th
$60 for 4 classes
The two’s must be accompanied by an adult

The Paintin’ Pandas
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
March 26 – April 19th
$70 for 4 classes

The Creative Crickets
Ages 6-7
Saturdays 1:30 – 2:30
March 26 – April 19th
$80 for 4 classes

Art supplies included. Space is limited. Classes are small in-order to provide individualized attention. For more information or to register for a class, e-mail Melissa at melissaminerholloway@gmail.com . The classes will be held at 2323 Barnard.

Melissa Holloway received a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Art Education at Ole Miss. For the past five years she lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she earned a Masters in Art Therapy. Melissa currently works part-time at a local pre-school and also volunteers at Backus Children’s Hospital.

Art for Little Hearts and Hands is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Harlem Globetrotters, are coming to the Savannah Civic Center on Tues. 3/29 at 7 pm with their 2011 “4 Times the Fun” World Tour at the . SAVE $7 on tickets when using the password “MOM” (some restrictions apply).
http://www.savannahga.gov/cityweb/civiccenter.nsf/60d8fcab0a461f8785256a9d0052c5cf/59c12826021724b1852572020045c64e?OpenDocument

Art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway start March 26 at Melissa’s Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio.

New Spring 2011 Classes include:

The Scribblin’ Squirrels
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10 – 10:45am
March 26 – April 19th
$60 for 4 classes
The two’s must be accompanied by an adult

The Paintin’ Pandas
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
March 26 – April 19th
$70 for 4 classes

The Creative Crickets
Ages 6-7
Saturdays 1:30 – 2:30
March 26 – April 19th
$80 for 4 classes

Art supplies included. Space is limited. Classes are small in-order to provide individualized attention. For more information or to register for a class, e-mail Melissa at melissaminerholloway@gmail.com . The classes will be held at 2323 Barnard.