I hope you are looking forward to summer as much as we are!
This summer promises to be one full of exploration and delight as Emma Skye is a toddler on the move! At 14 months old, she is go-go-going, and I am daily amazed at how fast she learns. As the days grow warmer, I look forward to new experiences with her — starting with running in the Ogden Tiny Tot Trot on Memorial Day weekend, then petting the deer at the zoo, boating on Piedmont Lake, exploring the backyard and more.

Like all parents, however, I am concerned for my little one’s safety. Summertime means sunshine that can burn her, water that can fill her little lungs, bugs that can bite her and all sorts of dangers lurking.

Not one to be a worry wart, I nonetheless want to be as prepped as possible for what lies ahead. Some of the articles in this year’s edition of the Summer Survival Guide, such as “Fun in the Sun” and “Face It,” have been helpful to me, and I hope also will be helpful to you.

If you haven’t made plans for your children this summer, check out the summer camp listings, where you’ll find a variety of local programs that offer educational and recreational opportunities. At the back of the guide, we also list child care centers, preschools, libraries and more, to keep you informed of the variety of community resources available.

And after a day of running and swimming and exploring, treat your tykes to some classic s’mores or try out one of the new recipes featuring that heavenly combination of chocolate, marshmallow and graham crackers.

Here’s to a happy and safe summer!