How to choose the best summer camp for your kids

Before you start looking for a summer camp, consider what activities your child enjoys, whether it's sports, arts and crafts, science or outdoor adventures.

kids at camp
Photo: Ron Lach/Pexels

Family Features - Selecting the perfect summer camp for your child can be a pivotal experience, shaping memories for years to come. Offering unique opportunities for kids to experience independence, build lasting friendships and develop new skills in a fun and safe environment, camps can encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities and overcome challenges away from the comforts of home.

Because campers are immersed in a variety of programs, such as outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, sports, team-building exercises and more, they often return home more resilient, confident and with a sense of achievement.

Consider these tips to choose the right summer excursion for your child.

Understand Your Child's Interests and Needs
Before you start looking for a summer camp, consider what activities your child enjoys, whether it's sports, arts and crafts, science or outdoor adventures. Knowing his or her preferences can help narrow down the options.

Additionally, think about your child's personality and social needs to ensure the camp experience is tailored to his or her unique disposition. If your child is more introverted, a smaller, more intimate camp setting may be beneficial. A larger camp environment may better suit outgoing children who are eager to make new friends.

Research Camp Options and Reputations
Look for camps that offer the activities your child enjoys and have a good reputation. Read reviews from other parents and, if possible, visit the camps to get a feel for the environment. Each camp provides unique strengths, ensuring there is one for every child to enjoy and benefit from.

Check if the camps have been in operation for a significant amount of time and whether they have experienced and qualified staff. A camp with a long-standing reputation and a history of positive feedback can provide added assurance of a quality experience for your child.

Evaluate Camp Safety and Accreditation
Safety should be a top priority when choosing a summer camp. Ensure the camp is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Camp Association, which sets high standards for health, safety and program quality.

Inquire about safety protocols, including staff-to-camper ratios, emergency procedures and staff training in first aid and CPR. It's also important to ask about the camp's policies on bullying and how they handle behavioral issues that may arise.

Consider Camp Location and Duration
Decide whether you prefer a camp close to home or if you're comfortable with your child traveling to a different region. Proximity can be beneficial in case of emergencies or if your child experiences homesickness.

Additionally, think about the length of the camp session. Some camps offer one-week sessions while others might last for several weeks or just overnight. Consider your child's readiness for being away from home for extended periods and choose a duration that aligns with your family's schedule and his or her comfort level.

To find more parenting advice, visit eLivingtoday.com.

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Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat according to recent study

Researchers say there's no silver bullet for mitigating the effects of heat stress on herds.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on smaller farms.

Researchers at the University of Illinois studied milk production records from nine Midwest dairy farmers. Considering both temperature and humidity when measuring extreme heat, they found farms lose about 1% of milk yield annually because of heat stress, while smaller farms lose closer to 2%.

Marin Skidmore, study co-author, said when cows are in extreme heat, it can cause increased restlessness and risk of infection, and decreased appetite, which reduces milk yield and impacts bottom lines.

"To some extent, it's only 1.6%. But if you're really making every dollar from your paycheck count, because you're living in a time with high costs, then 1.6% of your paycheck being gone in a given year is meaningful," she said.

The study predicts extreme heat days to be much more frequent in years to come and milk yield losses to increase about 30% in the next 25 years.

The Midwest tends to have smaller dairy farms compared with other states, with herds ranging from 100 to 200 cows. Researchers say being able to track and compare daily milk yields across a large region with similar climates has never been done before. Skidmore said their findings suggest that larger herds seem to have some level of protection to extreme heat compared with smaller farms, which start to see impacts of heat stress at lower thresholds.

"And this is additionally concerning in the context that we're studying because we've seen a lot of dairy farm exits over the last decade or two, and many of those are small farms," she added.

While researchers say there's no silver bullet for mitigating the effects of heat stress on herds, recommendations include adjusting feeding and calving timing, and using sprinklers and improved ventilation systems.

Skidmore emphasized the need for additional support for small farms since capital costs can be particularly constraining.

"Having the access to enough capital to make these really big investments is difficult, and grants or loans to help small farms adopt some of these management technologies could be one avenue to help small farms cope with heat stress and keep them competitive," she continued.

Skidmore said more research is also needed to explore other options to best manage extreme heat on dairy farms.

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Guest Commentary |
Riding the stock market roller coaster; don't jump

Now is not the time to faint or jump from the roller coaster. Who knows how the market will perform over the next few weeks.


by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


You never undo your seat belt or jump from a moving roller coaster. Nor, should you when it comes to our current Stock market.

Eight years ago, if you bought a share of VOO or Vanguard S & P 500 ETF stock, you may have paid about $220 for the share. Today, as of this writing it’s worth $490.55. In other words, even with the fall of the stock market recently you have made good money on your investment. A couple of weeks back it was up to $560 which means you were flying high on your profit. Still yet, you have done well.

If you bought your share of VOO two weeks ago at $560 then you have lost $70, at least for now. You may lose some more but you have to hold tight. Don’t panic and sell now or you will have a loss. Ride it out and give the market time to settle down and rise again. If you have to cash in your stock then cash in while they are high.

Now may be a good time to buy but keep in mind the market may go down some more.

Don’t invest your grocery money in stock. This is the money you need every week for food, shelter, travel and overhead. This is not the money you spend on stock. If you do, then in two weeks you will have to sell your stock to eat and risk losing some of the money you invested. Only invest in stock what you don’t currently need for general living expenses.

Who knows how the market will perform over the next few weeks. It’s going to be a few weeks or months before the tariffs really shape up as to what is really what. The reports are that numerous countries are coming to the table interested in making deals and playing fair with the United States. This will be good for us and them. As these deals stabilize look for the stock market to become more stable once again. If Japan, India, South Korea, Canada and Mexico all level the playing field with the United States our stock market will level out. If there are more reports of industry manufacturing coming to the United States the stock market will begin to rise again.

Now may be a good time to buy but keep in mind the market may go down some more. If you bought VIG two weeks ago then you’ve already seen a significant drop. Keep in mind you only lose it if you sell it when the stock is down. I feel confident that the stock market will come back bigger and bolder than ever but it may take a few months or longer.

The stock market has averaged making about ten percent over the last fifty years. This means it has had years when it made more and years when it made less. An average of ten percent is about the best you can do on your money over the long haul.

Now is not the time to faint or jump from the roller coaster. Rely on your stable income such as Social Security, or any other stable income you may have. If you have a regular paying job you may want to stay with it a little while longer if you can and if you enjoy your work.

About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


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Refunds to New Rides: 3 essential tips for buying a good used car this spring

Photo: Leon Seibert/Unsplash
Family Features - Tax refunds have started rolling in, which means many people are looking to use this influx of cash to make purchases they’ve been putting off. According to an Oxford Economics report, the amount of money received from income tax refunds this year could be among the highest in recent years, so many people may have more money in their pockets to spend this spring.

One purchase typically rises to the top this time of year: used vehicles. The Oxford report shows used vehicles are one of the most popular purchases for Americans during tax refund time as this coincides with higher resale values of used vehicles. When making this purchase, it’s important to consider several factors to make a smart financial decision.

Make Sure the Purchase Fits Within Your Budget
Data from Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive suggests average used car prices are around 50% less than new vehicle prices. Trusted used car companies and dealerships often feature a wide selection of inventory, including different makes and models, so customers can select a vehicle that excites them and fits within their budget.

“While there are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a vehicle, consumers should never exceed their budget,” said Laura D. Adams, personal finance expert, host of the “Money Girl” podcast and a paid Enterprise Car Sales spokesperson. “A vehicle that is near new is often an excellent sweet spot for consumers looking for quality without wanting to make the leap to purchase an expensive, new vehicle.”

Searching for a vehicle with a retailer you trust can help make it easy to stay within your budget. For example, with Enterprise Car Sales, the price listed is the price you’ll pay.

Keep the Monthly Payment Low
The more you can invest in the down payment on a vehicle, the lower your monthly cost will typically be and the less interest you will typically pay over the length of the loan. This can lead to lower, more manageable monthly payments.

“In setting a budget for a quality used vehicle, it’s important to consider the initial down payment, the monthly payments, and the interest,” Adams said. “When consumers can put a little more toward the initial down payment, while staying within budget, they often thank themselves later when they have lower monthly payments and less interest accrued.”

There are many online resources that can help consumers make this calculation. For example, an auto loan calculator can show you how a down payment can affect interest charges.

Purchase a Reliable Vehicle
No matter who you buy from, ensuring you are purchasing a high-quality, reliable vehicle is of the utmost importance. Do your research before signing on the dotted line and conduct a test drive if you can.

“When conducting your search, it’s important to put companies and dealerships you trust at the top of your list,” Adams said. “Maintenance costs can sometimes creep up down the road, so it’s important to make this significant purchase from a company or dealership you trust.”

Some dealers also provide additional benefits to help protect a purchase. For example, all vehicles purchased through Enterprise Car Sales are “Enterprise Certified,” pass a rigorous inspection by ASE-certified technicians and come with a 12-month or 12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (whichever occurs first), 12 months of roadside assistance and a 7-day or 1,000-mile (whichever occurs first) buyback policy.

With a little research and careful planning, you can find a reliable used vehicle that excites you. Visit enterprisecarsales.com for more information.


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Commentary |
I stopped sleeping because of climate change

I used to love rain and snowfall as a child, but now, whenever it rains, I fear landslides and unexpected destruction.
by Naman Joshi
     

India boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape. Uttarakhand, a state nestled within the Himalayan mountain range, is renowned for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. The World Bank’s report, titled “Assessing Biophysical and Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Uttarakhand State,” acknowledged that Uttarakhand is particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides due to its biophysical risks. These risks are exacerbated by social vulnerabilities, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare and financial services, and marginalized populations.

I live in a small district of Uttarakhand called Champawat, known for its cultural heritage and breathtaking natural views. Many families in our area have never used fans in their entire lives because the cold climate made them unnecessary. Nainital, a district 208 kilometers away, had the highest rate of tree cover loss from 2001 to 2023, according to data from Global Forest Watch. This loss was primarily due to fires, with an average of 12 hectares lost per year.

During one incident, my parents visited our village, where more than 12 members of my family experienced a natural disaster in the form of a massive landslide. Our ancestral home was damaged in the disaster. At the time, I was in Delhi, India’s capital. My parents called me once to inform me about the heavy rain, but suddenly, their connection was lost. Due to the perilous and anxiety-inducing night and the lost connection, I was unable to get any updates about their safety or that of my other family members.

Many young people around me—both girls and boys—no longer want to marry because of climate change. They suffer from climate anxiety, a relatively new term that many still don’t understand. They fear the kind of life they could provide for their future children. Meanwhile, those with resources are buying air conditioners, worsening the situation in these hilly areas.

People in my district are surprised by the recent heatwaves. They aren’t geography experts, and there are no heavy industries nearby. They see greenery all around but don’t realize that climate connects everything—villages to districts, districts to states, states to nations, and nations to the global level.

I used to love rain and snowfall as a child, but now, whenever it rains, I fear landslides and unexpected destruction. These days, rainfall can occur in any month and in unpredictable quantities. Climate anxiety is a serious issue that must be addressed.

Recently, former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, but climate issues can only be tackled through cooperation and collaborative action. I lived in Delhi for almost eight years—one of India’s most polluted cities. While the government has introduced policies to reduce pollution, I’ve seen little real impact. Many still dismiss climate anxiety as a joke and believe climate change is a temporary phenomenon. Some remain unaware of heatwaves, mistakenly blaming the sun alone for rising temperatures.

If we truly want to sleep peacefully, we must act at the grassroots level. Today, I am a victim of this crisis, and unfortunately, no one can predict who will be next.

The fashion industry must adopt recycling in garment production, and social media influencers should raise awareness about climate change and climate anxiety. We must change our daily habits—ditching plastic straws and disposable cups in favor of sustainable alternatives without ignoring their environmental cost.

I dream of a future where everyone can sleep peacefully, without needing air conditioners or living in fear. I long for the days when I could enjoy rain and snow with my family, free from the dread of sudden climate-induced changes. I wish my financially struggling villagers could ease their anxiety about not being able to afford fans for their children, who now suffer from sleep disturbances due to rising temperatures. Their well-being weighs heavily on my mind.

About the author ~

Naman Joshi hails from Uttarakhand, India, and is a Doctor of Philosophy at Kumaun Univeristy Nainital.

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Kelly Allen lets out a roar while running in the half marathon course on Washington Ave in Urbana. Allen, hailing from Oswego, NY, finished the course at 2:33:30, good for 46th out of 75 runners in the women's 45-49 age group on Saturday. See more photos from the 2024 Illinois Marathon here.

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