SouthernMamas.com Weekly E-letter, May 31
This free weekly e-letter in your email every Wednesday keeps you savvy about all the kid-friendly happenings as well as summer camps 2023, free events, pediatricians and more.
Read it here.
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Free admission to Oatland Island Wildlife Center for military July 1-2 & July 8-9 2023
Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah will be temporarily closed the week of July 3-July 7 2023.
Military personnel (Active & Retired) and their families are welcomed to Oatland Island Wildlife Center for free – with ID or DD214- in honor of Independence Day – on two weekends before & and after July 4th.
Oatland offer two weekends of free admission for those with a military ID or DD214 on July 1 & 2 and July 8 & 9 2023. This is in honor of Independence Day.
Come out and enjoy the day exploring the beautiful grounds and watching the animals in the summer air. All visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.
Open 10AM-4PM
Proof of service must be provided when you check in at the Admissions Booth.
Learn more here
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Summer Hours. As of May 29 2023, Savannah Children’s Museum will be open Monday through Saturday from 9AM-2PM, and will closed on Sundays.
Daily programming
10AM | Storytime in the Frogtown Garden
12PM | STEAM Studio or Bottle Rocket Demonstration
1:30PM | Young Explorers or Healthy Me
AWESOME ART IS ONGOING DAILY
Admission
$10 per person (aged 18 month and older)
Ask about the discount combination ticket!
Learn more here.
655 Louisville Road
Savannah, GA 31401
912-651-4292
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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Free Summer Family Events @ Shelter Cove Community Park & Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head
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Fireworks: Free family fun on Hilton Head Is. this summer include Tuesday Night 6-9:10PM Summer Jams & Fireworks @ Shelter Cove Community Park, June 13-Aug. 8 2023. Details here.
Shelter Cove Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928
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Free Party in the Park & Makers Mart, Thursdays, 5:30-8PM, June 15-July 27 2023 @ Lowcountry Celebration Park, next to Adventure Playgrounds. Bounce houses, live music & more. Details & band schedule here.
Lowcountry Celebration Park 97 Pope Ave. Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928
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Bluffton Movie Nights & Fun Days. Schedule & details here.
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Free Community Kickball Event, Hilton Head Is. Details here.
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Free Family Fishing with Ben Green. Details here.
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Enrichment Saturday June 10 is with the Armadillos @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Time to flex your creative muscles at Oatland Enrichment Saturdays — the next program is Enrichment with the Oatland Island Wildlife Center armadillos on Sat. June 10 2023, 9:30-10:30AM.
Purchase tickets online here.
This program allows you early entry to Oatland Island where you’ll work directly with Animal Care staff to create unique enrichment items specifically for the armadillos and then walk with the Animal Care staff to give them your creations.
Financial contributions through membership and program fees, donations, and gift shop purchases are critical to Friends of Oatland’s continued success in supporting Oatland’s mission to provide guests with memorable experiences to help them make stronger connections to the natural world.
Purchase tickets online here.
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Friends of Oatland (FOO) is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
St. Andrew’s School, a private school in Savannah for preK through Grade 12
Congratulations to the St. Andrew’s Class of 2023 on everything including: $4.18 million in merit, talent & athletic scholarships; 80% acceptance rate to University of Georgia; 92% of seniors eligible for HOPE or Zell Scholarships.
St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island in Savannah is a private, independent college-preparatory International Baccalaureate World School inspiring young people age 3 through grade 12 in Savannah. For more information, visit saslions.com
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Our summer vacation trip started on the first day school was out with a pre-dawn flight from Savannah to NYC. We hit the Manhattan sidewalks by 9AM that first day and the rest flew by in dreamy 15,000+ steps-per-day blur. Our stay went too quickly.
Here are a few NYC spots, activities & programs we loved that you might savor, too, with your kids when visiting.
* Citi-Bike: if your kids are old enough to bike with New Yorkers who bike like they drive, download the Citi-Bike NYC app and ride as much as you can. We rode Citi-Bikes in: Central Park twice; from Boerum Hill in Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge to Union Square Park; from Little Island & the High Line north along Hudson River Park then walked the bikes along W. 72nd Street to the infamous The Dakota apartments and the Strawberry Fields Memorial in Central Park – eventually docking our bikes near Central Park South.
* Book a walking tour of Central Park with Central Park Conservancy. The guides know everything you want to know about this public-use landscaping masterpiece.
* See the Delacorte Clock’s musical animals announce the time every half hour between 8AM & 6PM between the Central Park Zoo & Tisch Children’s Zoo (near 64th Street). Think penguin on snare drum, hippo playing violin. (Free)
* While near Central Park, embrace your inner John Cusack and celebrate with a Frozen Hot Chocolate @ Serendipity 3 on East 60th Street. Reservations help.
* Got a Swiftie with you on your trip? While making the Taylor Swift pilgrimage to Cornelia Street in the West Village, please eat @ Tacombi on Bleecker Street. (We also loved eating outdoors @ the Tacombi Upper East Side location.) You are welcome! If you are in NYC during Summer 2023, see Taylor Swift’s costumes @ Museum of Arts and Design off Columbus Circle. “Taylor Swift: Storyteller” is on display at MAD through Sept. 4.
* Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – any of the many locations but we loved the sweet one in Boerum Hill on Bergen Street in Brooklyn. If in that area for lunch or dinner, check out Taqueria Al Pastor
* Bring a meal to one of the many free tables in Madison Square Park then watch dogs play on a dog park with hills @ the square’s Jemmy’s Dog Run.
* Luminescent evening views from balcony of the Whitney Museum of American Art during Pay-What-You-Wish Friday Night @ the Whitney.
* Visit Little Island & the High Line (Free)
* Breakfast in the garden @ Soho Diner. Reservations help.
* Late night, post-Broadway show cookies @ the Milk Bar.
* Free view of NYC @ the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Terrace
* Free, upclose look at colorful works by artist Yayoi Kusama @ David Zwirner Gallery on West 19th Street. On exhibit until July 21 2023.
* Walk Mulberry Street in Little Italy with cannolis or gelato from Ferrara Bakery.
* See what two miles of books looks like & do penance for all your chain bookstore indulgences by visiting the independent bookstore The Strand’s main location on Broadway @ 12th Street.
* Climb scary, spiral staircase up to The Crown @ the Statue of Liberty. Reservations required. Learn more here. Or at least visit the pedestal @ the Statue of Liberty.
* Find the hidden tennis court in Grand Central Terminal. (Free)
* Discounted tickets for Broadway shows from TKTS and Today Tix.
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Things on our to-do list that we didn’t have time for or weren’t happening yet, but on our wish list for next time:
* Governors Island ferry (free on Saturdays & Sundays before noon) to Governors Island which includes free walking tours by the National Park Service; a hammock grove through Sept. 3; climbing boulder; adventure playground; lavender field & more. (Free)
* Amateur Night @ Apollo Theater.
* Manhattanhenge – when the sun settles perfectly along the city’s west-east corridors – on only four days from May-July 2023. See the dates & more here. (Free)
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Find more family vacation ideas here.
Kindermusik Savannah June 2023 Playdates for Ages 0-7 on Sat. June 17, 10AM or 11AM
Join Kindermusik in Savannah for a beach-themed June playdate on Sat. June 17 2023, where you’ll dig in the sand, roll beachballs, skittle like crabs, and swim with the dolphins. There’ll be waves of musical fun in this delightful summer playdate, so don’t miss out!
Parents and children ages 0-7 together will engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more delightful activities in this exciting one-time Kindermusik class.
June Kindermusik Playdate, 10AM or 11AM Sat. June 17 2023. For children ages 0-7 & their caregivers.
Limited spaces! Claim your child’s spot before it fills! Enroll today at kindermusikwith88keys.com
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Latch is here to help in ALL manner of infant feeding.
If you are exclusively feeding your newborn or baby via bottle, LATCH is here to guide you.
Schedule your bottle feeding consultation online here.
If you are pumping and bottle feeding, please schedule online here.
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Latch Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Volunteers needed @ Pegasus Riding Academy therapeutic riding camp, Savannah
Pegasus Riding Academy is a therapeutic riding program in Savannah providing safe, professional and ethical equine assisted activities for individuals with physical, mental or emotional disabilities.
Volunteers are needed to assist these special children. This is a perfect opportunity for high school students in need of volunteer hours to graduate.
Volunteer Orientation will be this Sat. June 3 2023, 10:30AM.
Horse experience not necessary. Patience & dedication are necessary.
Pegasus Riding Academy is located at Old Roberds Dairy, 2500 Tennessee Ave. Savannah
Information & directions: www.prasav.org or call 907-414-1236
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Therapeutic Riding Camp @ Pegasus Riding Academy
Sign up your child for a week-long session of fun this summer.
Pegasus is a therapeutic riding program providing equine assisted activities for individual with physical, mental or emotional disabilities.
Sessions are conducted by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors.
Camp is 9AM till noon, Monday through Friday. Participants will enjoy riding, interacting with the horse during ground school and equestrian related art projects or nature program.
Tuition fees include snacks, craft materials, one t-shirt and safety riding gear.
Participants should wear long pants while riding and have on closed toed shoes at all time. If your child has food allergies be sure to make a note on Enrollment Forms.
Visit PRASAV.ORG or call 912-547-6482 with questions.
Camps are also offered weeka of June 12h, June 26h and July 10th and 17th 2023.
New Effingham Pediatric Center is now open in Springfield
Effingham Pediatrics is now open and seeing patients at the new location: 520 West 3rd St. in Springfield.
Join Effingham Pediatrics to celebrate the Grand Opening, meet their practitioners, and tour the new Effingham Pediatrics Center, located at the intersection of Hwy 21 & West 3rd St. in Springfield.
The Grand Opening is Mon. May 8 2023, 5-6:30PM.
NOW OPEN & seeing patients!
Learn more here.
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Plant Riverside District will host a special Father’s Day Gospel Celebration on Sun. June 18 2023 at District Live, a state-of-the-art live music venue located at 400 W. River St. in Savannah.
This high-energy event, which celebrates the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, will feature inspiring live gospel music by top regional artists as well as a lavish Southern-style buffet prepared by the exceptional culinary team at Plant Riverside District. Doors will open at 12:30PM, with the Father’s Day Gospel Celebration show beginning at 1:30PM
Featured gospel artists will include:
Gary Swindell, Jr.
Gary Swindell Jr. is a passionate gospel performer who began his career as a child traveling with his parents throughout the South, performing in stage shows and musicals. He started performing in church in Savannah, Ga. as a child and has recorded and trained with a number of notable musicians. As a worship pastor and youth pastor, Gary recently published his first book, The Language of Praise, and enjoys inspiring and uplifting audiences.
Calvin J
Born and raised in Savannah, Ga., Calvin J has been writing music since the age of 14 and playing instruments since the age of 5. A self-taught pianist and drummer who also plays the alto saxophone, Calvin J brings a sound that is soulful, powerful and straight from the heart. His music is inspired by God and his family. His True Gospel “Life Music” embodies real-life scenarios that are based around God’s love and is featured on his newest recording “Road 2 Recovery.”
Antwan Smalls
Antwan Smalls is an eclectic singer, worship leader and musician with a deep passion for music and ministry. He has dedicated his life to praising and worshiping through his music and has served as the worship leader at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship in Savannah, Ga. since the age of 15, Smalls has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs, Erica Campbell, Jessica Reedy, Mali Music, Le’Andria Johnson and Joshua Rogers and offers an energetic worship vibe that effortlessly connects different cultures and generations.
The Father’s Day Gospel Celebration at District Live will feature a Southern-inspired buffet that has been thoughtfully prepared by The Kessler Collection’s Corporate Director of Culinary Kyle Lipetzky and his culinary team. Menu highlights include Carved Slow-Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs, Crispy Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles, Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Fried Pork Chops with Sawmill Gravy, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, fresh berry cobbler, sweet potato pecan tarts, banana pudding and more. A full bar – including cocktails, beer and wine – will also be available.
Recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth is short for “June Nineteenth,” marking the date in 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas were first informed by U.S. General Gordon Granger they were free, in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrated for more than 150 years, Juneteenth is widely considered the longest running African-American holiday.
Reservations are required for the Father’s Day Gospel Celebration. Pricing is $50++ for adults and $25++ for children ages 5 to 12.
Reservations are available at plantriverside.com, on OpenTable.com.
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Teen Summer Camps 2023 @ Savannah Cultural Arts Center
Looking for a fun and creative summer activity for teens? Join Savannah Cultural Arts Center for all new specialty camps!
Discover a new passion or grow your knowledge in a favorite art style- from jewelry, to dance, to acting.
Camps are half day, so you can stack them and spend the day with us!
Teen camps are for rising 7th-12th Graders
High School Camps are for rising 9th-12th Graders
Three weeks to choose from:
June 5-9
Teen: Metals & Jewelry (Limited space!)
High School: Creative Writing & Performance
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June 20-23 (4-Day Camp)
Teen: Metals & Jewelry (*Waitlist*) and Visual Arts
High School: Theater Experience and The Beat Music Camp
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July 5-7 (3-Day Camp)
Teen: Metals & Jewelry (*Waitlist*) and Portfolio Development
High School: Comedic Acting and Dance Composition
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View all camp descriptions and register here.
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Kindermusik Savannah Family Class, Savannah
Moms of multiples: a family music class for ages 0-7!
Bring all your children to the same Kindermusik class for ease, convenience, fun family memories, and a $20 discount per sibling.
Kindermusik Savannah offers the family class 5x per week: Mondays at 10AM, Mondays at 6:30PM, Tuesdays at 10AM, Wednesdays at 10AM, and Wednesdays at 11AM.
Text “FAMILY CLASS” to 912-432-5885 to schedule a free introductory class with your little ones!
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Are you worried about your child’s dental care?
Check out the review above of Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry.
Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry has offices in Savannah, Statesboro & now Pooler.
Statesboro- 912-402-KIDS-(5437)
Savannah- 912-298-KIDS-(5437)
Pooler- 912-200-8841
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Are you expecting a new baby or looking to change pediatricians?
Scheduling a prenatal or “meet the doctor” visit is a great way to get to know if you’ve found the right pediatrician.
Call and schedule a visit with Coastal Pediatrics . They’d love to answer your questions!
Coastal Pediatrics has offices in Savannah & Pooler.
Learn more here.
Coastal Pediatrics- Savannah
2 Wheeler Street
Savannah, GA 31405
Coastal Pediatrics- Pooler
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Building 1000B
Pooler, GA 31322
Coastal Pediatrics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Oatland Island Toddler Tuesdays: For kids ages 1-4 & their caregivers
Toddler Tuesday is a program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program meets at the picnic pavilion and includes singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of Oatland’s furry, feathered or scaly residents.
Occasionally the program ventures to an exhibit, so dress appropriately and bring your stroller and walking shoes. Toddler Tuesday is weather dependent and in case of extreme weather and a cancellation is called for, attendees will be emailed at the address you registered your child with.
Sessions are offered twice on Tuesdays from 10AM-10:30AM & 11AM-11:30AM and registration is not required, but it helps us speed up check in and if there is a cancellation you will be the first to know.
Program Cost:
$5 for adults / free for adult FOO members
$3 for military adults/ free for adult FOO members
$5 for children participating in the program (FOO members and non members must pay program fee)
$3 per class if you buy a multi pass punch card (6 class minimum purchase)
You can purchase a punch card for your child’s admission for repeat visits at the class sign-in table, or at the front desk lobby anytime! Find out more information here!
If you are a preschool or day care you will need to call 395-1510 or click here to book a private program as this program is designed for the general public.
Find links to the registration forms for each session here.
Please review all Toddler Tuesday information above and if you still have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Kelly by email or at (912) 395-1517.
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Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Art Bus Summer Camps 2023, Savannah
It’s almost time for CAMP!
The Art Bus in Savannah will have four summer camp sessions (9AM-1PM) and only a few spots available. Register today here for fun, creative and engaging experience for your child this summer.
The Art Bus Summer Camps 2023 include:
Whimsical Woodlands: Construct and create a whimsical woodlands retreat. Your enchanted artist will create a multi dimensional, playful piece filled with mushrooms mansions, plants, flowers, gnomes, fairies and hide away homes! Artist will explore wood, clay, paper mache, paint, items from nature and up-cycled materials! June 5-9 9AM-1PM. Ages 5 & older. $185.00. Register here.
Cuckoo Chirping Creatures: Artful elements create bright and bold birdhouses that will be the centerpiece to Creatures That Chirp Week. Birds, nests, trees, pests! We will explore wood, clay, up-cycled items, paper mache, pom – pom and paint. June 19-23, 9AM-1PM. Ages 6 & older. $185.00. Register here.
Wild About Watercolor: This week will be all about watercolor! Campers will experiment with techniques, explore different materials and creating beautiful art for a watercolor portfolio. July 10-14, 9AM-1PM. Ages 8 & older. $185.00. Register here.
Textured Textile Creations: Textured Textile will be using a variety of materials to make a one of a kind creation. Kids will design a piece they would love to hang in their room; specific to their likes and taste. The types of materials we will use includes cloth, yarn, fiber, paper, paint, feathers and wire. July 17-21. 9AM – 1PM. Ages 6 & older. $185.00. Register here.
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Prenatal Breastfeeding Class in Savannah
If you are due in July, August, or September and plan to breastfeed (for any period of time) this virtual class is for you!
Sign up with the link below to secure your spot here: latchsav.as.me/BFClass
Latch Breastfeeding Support is a trusted name in the Savannah community. Latch has a history of working closely with families, physicians, and a variety of other health and wellness practitioners in seeking optimal outcomes for their clients.
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Latch Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Summer Camps 2023 @ Georgia Tech Savannah
Georgia Tech Savannah still has spots available in many of their summer camps!
Don’t miss out on the variety of options Georgia Tech Savannah has available.
Browse programs and register here
Scholarships are available.
Find more details here.
With a total of 18 in-person programs and one virtual option, you can find the program that fits your students’ needs and age range.
Don’t forget that Georgia Tech Savannah has programs for middle and high school students.
Contact information:
210 Technology Circle Savannah, GA 31407
912-966-7922 I gtsoutreach@gatech.edu
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Free World Oceans Day program, June 10 @ UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island, Savannah
Join Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant for World Oceans Day at the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island in Savannah on June 10 2023, 10AM-2PM. Throughout the day, celebrate oysters, an important coastal habitat that provides a wealth of benefits to marine life and coastal communities.
During this free event, the aquarium will also debut a special art exhibition “SUBMERGED: An Underwater Exhibition of Bioceramic Artwork.”
In addition to viewing the exhibition, staff at the Shellfish Research Lab, who specialize in oyster aquaculture and reef restoration, will be offering oyster-themed activities for people of all ages.
World Oceans Day is a FREE event for all visitors and registration is not required. All activities will take place between 10AM-2PM. However, the aquarium will remain open until 5PM.
Questions? Contact Cindy Lingebach at calingeb@uga.edu or call 912-598-2344.
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Find more Savannah-area kids’ events here.
Children’s Museum of Pooler will offer a variety of camps for ages 4-10 this summer. Space is limited.
Campers will have time to play and explore the Museum each day during their camp time!
Learn more here.
MEMBERS $180 | NON-MEMBERS $200
Calling all young scientists to get messy and conduct some fun experiments through this hands-on science camp! This week will offer a jammed packed week of activities ranging from slime making to exploring electricity and circuits!
June 5-9 2023 9AM-Noon
Register online here.
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MEMBERS $180 | NON-MEMBERS $200
Get ready to get messy and have a blast! Children will use their imaginations as they create unique works of art! Campers will learn about different artists, dabble in color and explore different mediums in this fun-filled camp.
June 19-23 2023 9AM-Noon
Register online here.
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MEMBERS $180 | NON-MEMBERS $200
Campers will love designing and constructing their dream inventions and structures using a variety of recycled materials, Legos, and untraditional supplies.
June 26-30 2023 9AM-Noon
Register online here.
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Members $180. Non-Members $200 Morning Camp
Members $305. Non-Members $325 All Day Camp
CMOP’s classic camp is back! Explore all of the terrific museum exhibits and participate in our daily programs! We’ll be on the go making projects and inventions, creating art, and having a blast in the exhibits!
Two camp times to choose from. This camp is offered as a morning only camp or choose the all day option.
July 17-21 2023. Two time options: 9AM-Noon (morning only) or 9AM-3PM (all day)
Register online here.
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MEMBERS $180 | NON-MEMBERS $200
Your child will have a blast creating rhythm through STEM building of musical instruments! Design, build, and learn to play various instruments such as rhythm boards, rubber band harmonicas, and straw pan flutes!
July 24-28 2023 9AM-Noon
Register online here.
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A diverse day camp that embraces Jewish values to help build children’s confidence, create long-lasting friendships and develop a strong sense of community…one camper at a time.
Spots at JEA Camp Savannah are filling up faster than ever before! Registration is open and don’t wait until it is too late!
JEA Camp Savannah is open to everyone entering grades K-10th grade.
Register here.
For more information or questions about programming, please contact DJ Horton by email Camp@savj.org or Jackie Laban by email Jackiel@savj.org or by phone: 912.355.8111.
If you have questions about registration or financial assistance, please contact Camp Registrar, Sarah Docar by email Kids@savj.org or by phone: 912.355.8111 Ext 308.
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Free Summer 2023 Gym Membership for Teens @ Planet Fitness
Now through August 31 2023, teens between the ages of 14-19 can work out for free all summer long!
Register & learn more here.
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Find more free local events here.