Archive for the ‘Fun family activities for kids’ Category

Fun family night out- for FREE!

Friday, August 12th, 2011

movies in the park, family night out

As summer comes to a close and families are getting ready to send kids back-to-school you may be looking for just one more fun summertime family event. Well, we have just the thing for you. It’s called Movies in the Park and is a fantastic (and not to mention free) way for your family to enjoy a fun, out of the ordinary night together.

Check out some of the family themed movies that are showing these last few weeks of August:

If these movies aren’t quite what you had in mind, check out the full listing here.

A few tips from those who’ve been through it before:

  • Be sure to get there early enough to grab your favorite spot,
  • Bring a blanket or a chair,
  • Don’t forget your bug spray,
  • Movies start 15 minutes after sunset, you can get sunset times here.

No matter how you choose to spend the last few weeks of summer, be sure to enjoy yourself, and if you have any ideas on other family outings or activities please share them with us here, we’d love hearing from you.

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Adaptive playgrounds for medically-fragile kids

Friday, June 17th, 2011

Children discover the world through play, so adaptive playgrounds are the perfect place to spend summer days and evenings. Plus, it’s just good, affordable fun.

Your kids’ favorite playgrounds?

PHS found a few adaptive playgrounds in the Twin Cities and Minnesota, yet we’d like to hear about others. Do you have a favorite local park or neighborhood playground? What features does your child enjoy? Which adaptive playgrounds do you recommend?

All public playgrounds are required by law to have at least some activities for people with disabilities. This may be a wheelchair-accessible ramp to reach the play area or harnesses or wheelchair decks on special swings. Some parks have modified digging and rocking toys, non-plastic slides (plastic can affect hearing aids due to static electricity), hand railings, and different colors on multilevel sets to help children with vision issues avoid falls.

Frankly, it’s difficult to find the exact adaptive features at individual playgrounds until you visit the area, so we’d love to have you share your experiences.

Adaptive playgrounds we found

Meanwhile, here are the adaptive playgrounds we found, alphabetically by location:

Coming soon! Two new adaptive playgrounds in the works

Keep an eye out for Madison’s Place, a completely handicapped-accessible playground in Woodbury and playground renovations at Wabun Park at Minnehaha Falls.

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Summer camps for medically-fragile kids

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Fresh air, new friends, crafts, and of course campfire skits: Even medically-fragile kids can be happy campers at summer camps designed for their specific needs.

PHS encourages families to consider summer camp for their kids. Counselors, staff members, cooks, guides, therapists, and 24-hour on-call health care professionals bring unique training, expertise, and enthusiasm for working with medically-fragile kids. Most of all, kids learn they’re not at all alone. And who can resist learning new camp songs?!

Check out this information about summer camps for medically-fragile kids in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

If you don’t see a camp that fits the need of you or your child and you are a PHS patient, please contact Social Worker Monica Handlos at 651-789-9215 or email her at mlhandlos@pediatrichomeservice.com. You may also contact United Way First Call for Help for additional camps at 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709.

Asthma Camp for kids ages 7 – 16 with asthma.

  • Super Kids Camp in Loretto (just west of Minneapolis)
    • July 11 – 16, 2011
    • Applications due: May 20, 2011.

AuSM Summer Camps for children and young adults with autism. Camp brochures are mailed to current AuSM members, and only current AuSM members are eligible for camp. Sessions include:

  • Camp Hand in Hand near Brainerd
    • June 18 – 23 for boys 9 – 16
    • July 3 – 8 for boys 14 – 21
    • July 31 – Aug 5 for boys 9 – 11 and girls 9 – 21
  • Wahode Day Camps in Eagan
    • Week 1: June 27 – July 1 for ages 8 – 14
    • Week 2: July 18 – 22 for ages 6 – 12
    • Week 3: Aug 9 – 12 for ages 8 – 14
  • Camp Discovery for ages 10-21 with Asperger Syndrome, near Maple Lake
    • June 25 – July 1 for ages 10 – 21
    • July 3 – 8 for boys 10 – 21
    • Discovery Extreme Adventure: July 8 – 11 for ages 10 – 21

Camp Needle Point for children ages 5 – 16 with diabetes. Sessions at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisc., include:

  • August 15 – 19 (day camp) for ages 5 – 9
  • August 14 – 20
  • August 21 – 27
  • Registration is now open.

Camp Odayin for children with heart disease:

  • Residential Camp July 18 – 22 for ages 14 – 15, July 25 – 29 for ages 16 – 17, August 8 – 12 for ages 8 – 11, August 15 – 19 ages 11 – 13
  • Day Camp August 1 – 5 for ages 6 – 7
  • Family Camp October 21 – 23
  • Applications are available now and due in early May. Family Camp applications are available in August and due early October.

Kamp Kace for school-age children in all stages of cancer treatment

  • June 26 – July 1

Camp M.A.S.H Make. Arthritis. Stop. Hurting. Camp for children ages 9-17 who have arthritis or a related illness. Camp located at the Easter Seal Center for Camping and Recreation, one mile north of the Wisconsin Dells.

  • August 6- 11
  • Registration is now open.
  • Reserve your child spot with a $25.00 deposit by May 1st.

Courage Center has many camp sessions for many interests. They also offer camps for independent and active adults Ages 18 and family camps.

  • Literacy, for campers who are struggling readers
    • June 19 – 24
    • ages 12 – 18
  • For Campers with physical disabilities or visual impairments:
    • Youth session: July 18 – 23, ages 7 – 12
    • Teen session: July 18 – 23, Ages 13 – 17
  • For campers with communication disorders:
    • July 31 – Aug 6
    • ages 7 – 14
  • Leadership for teens with physical disabilities or sensory impairments:
    • July 31 – Aug 6
    • ages 13 – 17
  • Hemophilia:
    • July 10 – 16
    • This session is co-sponsored by the Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota and Dakotas. It is geared for children who have hemophilia and other related bleeding disorders.
  • Oncology/Blood Disorder session:
    • July 25 – 29, ages 7 – 17
    • This session is co-sponsored by Children’s Hospitals and Clinics-Minneapolis and The Miracles of Mitch Foundation. It is geared for children who have or had leukemia or other blood disorders, brain tumors and other forms of cancer.
    • Application deadline is May 20.

Have your kids attended summer camp? Which sessions can you recommend? We’d like to hear about it. If you have photos of your happy campers, we’d love to see those, too.

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Adaptive sports programs for medically-fragile kids

Friday, February 18th, 2011

“Yes, you can,” parents and caregivers can tell medically-fragile kids. ‘Yes’ to playing baseball, soccer, golf, scuba—and a little downhill skiing before the snow melts.

PHS continually sees the psychological, physical, and emotional benefits of organized sports programs for PHS kids. Coaches and coordinators have unique training, expertise, and enthusiasm for working with medically-fragile kids. So, let’s play ball!

Here’s information about these Twin Cities area adaptive sports programs for medically-fragile kids:

Lucas Hagen, PHS patient, the west metro miracle league, adaptive baseballMiracle League Baseball

Summer days are brighter at a baseball field, so The Miracle League provides kids ages 3 – 19 of every ability opportunities to play baseball. There are special Miracle League fields and facilities in Blaine, Duluth, Lakeville, Mankato, Minnetonka, Rochester, St. Cloud, Woodbury, Lacrosse, Wisc., and Sioux Falls, S.D.

  • Register now. Sign up is now underway for Miracle League baseball, and there are early bird discounts available. Here’s how to register:
  • Adaptive baseball in the western Twin Cities suburbs. PHS is a proud sponsor of the West Metro Miracle League
  • Adaptive baseball in other towns. Find the Miracle League contact for your area here.

TOPSoccer MN

The rest of the world is crazy for “the beautiful game,” and it’s fun to try. TOPSoccer is geared to player development, rather than simply competition, for kids ages 8 and older. TOPSoccer places kids on teams according to ability, not age, to enhance each kids’ experience. Any child with nearly any disability is welcome in TOPSoccer.

Tana Wall, adaptive skiing, courage center, trollhaugenAdaptive skiing: Special package rate at Trollhaugen Ski Resort

There’s still plenty of time to play in the snow, including the wonderful new adaptive ski program at Trollhaugen Ski Resort in Dresser, Wisc. It is available every day, yet since adaptive skiing is specialized, please call at least 14 days before you plan to visit so Trollhaugen can have the proper gear and staff members there for your skier.

Trollhaugen is extending an amazing package that really makes this an affordable option.

  • Book your ski timeContact Trollhaugen’s Larry LaBathe at 651-433-5141, 800-826-7166 or 715-755-2955

Courage Center also offers adaptive skiing at other area ski resorts

Courage Center adaptive sports programs

Courage Center is likely the most recognizable place for adapted sports and recreation. Programs are tailored to fit kids and families, from pure fun to intense competition. In our area, their programs include:

Many of their wheelchair sports teams are national champs and many Courage Center athletes and coaches are nationally and internationally recognized.

Find more information on Courage Center adaptive sports and recreation

Which sports are your kids trying this spring? Which programs can you recommend? We’d like to hear about it. If you have photos of your kids in action, we’d love to see those, too.

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Top 12 winter activities for kids

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

 Minnesota is a completely different place this time of year, so here are PHS staff members’ top winter activities for kids, starting with advice from Lynn, a PHS IV nurse.
“Play in the water,” Lynn advises. “Whether it’s a bucket-full or bathtub full, water play is one of the most beneficial ‘play times’ for children of all ages. You can add a little food coloring, some measuring cups and spoons, floating toys or bubbles.”

 

 

 

Get out there
1. Pull a sled through the snow. Better yet, pull it to a hill and slide down.

2. Build with snow: try a snowperson, snow fort and make angels in the snow.
3. Play on water: Look for a safely frozen pond, lake or outdoor rink. Slide around on your boots or try ice skating or even hockey. Find an ice rink near you.

4. Go for a hike in the woods; Try snowshoes or cross-country skis. Find winter activities for kids at Minnesota State Parks.

5. See a lights display. Use these resources to find a neighborhood, park or festival that fits your family and your location:
Lights displays map

St. Paul-area drive through lights display

Downtown Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade

Metro area lights displays at families homes, some synchronized to music from your vehicle’s radio

6. Go caroling around your building, neighborhood or around your own living room. Tune in to radio station 102.9 FM for all-holiday music; Find caroling lyrics

Stay in
7. Set up a challenging puzzle and work on it all season. Ask at your local library about puzzles to check out. Libraries also have board games to rent.

8. Wrap gifts together; See some clever, thrifty ideas.

9. Bake together; Tips and recipes for holiday baking with kids from Minnesota’s own Betty Crocker

10. Blow bubbles inside; Recipe for homemade bubbles:
6 parts water
2 parts dishwashing soap liquid
1 part corn syrup
Combine and store in a covered container.

Make and create with play dough; Recipe for homemade play dough:
2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar
Add a few drops of food coloring or 1 packed of unsweetened drink mix like Kool-Aid. If you’d like, consider these variations: 1 tsp. peppermint extract; 2 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp. lemon extract; 1 tsp. cocoa.

11. String popped popcorn onto thread for a garland. Hang it in your home or on a tree outdoors (and watch the birds and perhaps other wildlife enjoy it!).

12. Read about winter and the holidays; See teachers’ picks for winter books

What are winter activities your kids enjoy? What makes winter special for your family? Do you have tips and resources, based on your experiences? We’d love to hear about it, and we especially appreciate photos of your winter activities.

PHS is not liable for the content of any of the resources listed, nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or suggested.

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10 tips for vacation with medically-fragile homecare kids

Friday, August 13th, 2010

There’s still time for one last family getaway this summer. Travel allows you to change up your routine, yet for medically-fragile children and their families, it can be terrifying—not exciting.

These 10 tips can help you and your family relax and enjoy some away-from-home adventures:

1. Talk with your PHS clinician before the trip

He or she will help you prepare, including getting a copy of your child’s current physician orders to keep with you and helping you with other planning details.

2. Pack or arrange to ship disposable supplies and equipment

You can carry disposable supplies with you or PHS can ship disposable supplies to your travel destination in the United States (except Hawaii and Alaska.) Contact PHS customer service at 651-642-1825 to make arrangements for shipment of supplies from PHS to your destination.

If you are planning to ship your child’s equipment, make sure it arrives safely by packing it in a correctly sized box. Call PHS if you need boxes for your child’s equipment.

3. Bring backup equipment

Pack backup equipment or arrange to have backup equipment ready for your use at your destination.

4. Know your resources

Before leaving home, call a hospital in your travel area and ask for resources that fit your child’s medical needs. Be sure to say that these medical resources are for a child because most homecare and medical equipment providers center on adult care. If you’re unsure where the nearest hospital is in your travel area use the US Hospital Finder website to help locate one.

5. Let the airline know

Before buying a plane ticket, call the airline or PHS to talk about your child’s medical needs. If medical support is needed during flight time, your airline may require a doctor’s order. If you need oxygen during your flight time, your airline will require you to use their oxygen tanks, not your own. You will also want to make sure your medical and equipment needs are met at the airport terminal before you board and after you arrive at your destination.

6. Line up oxygen if needed

Some companies specializing in oxygen and related medical equipment for travelers are:

Advanced Aeromedical

For a fee, provides oxygen for airport layovers, hotel stays, cruise ships, and motor tours.

Breathin’ Easy

Identifies oxygen providers in cities throughout the world.

Travel O2

For a fee, arranges for worldwide delivery of medical and oxygen equipment.

7. Bring home with you

Make your hotel or other lodging a little more like home with a familiar stuffed animal, blanket or pillow. Consider a room with a small kitchen.

8. Keep your schedule consistent

As much as possible, keep bedtimes and wake-up times the same as at home, accounting for time changes. Try to have a trip routine from day to day, even if the specific activities change.

9. Preview and review

Each morning, talk with your child about the day ahead, and review the day each evening.

10. Most of all, enjoy the experience and take plenty of photos and video. PHS would love to hear about your adventures, too!

How do you prepare for time away from home? What works for you and your family while on vacation? Do you have tips, based on your vacation experiences? Any places that have been especially accommodating for you and your family?

We’d love to hear from you.

We provide these resources as a convenience and for informational purposes only. Always consult your child’s doctor regarding your child’s care plan. PHS is not liable for the content of any of the resources listed nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or suggested.

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