10 top short-drive camping spots in Adelaide
We’ve compiled a list of the best “are we there yet” proof locations for families who want to camp but don’t want to be stuck in the car with their kids for 6 hours!
We’ve compiled a list of the best “are we there yet” proof locations for families who want to camp but don’t want to be stuck in the car with their kids for 6 hours!
The Farm Barn in Hahndorf have launched a series of “learn from home” live streams where kids can learn about the animals who call The Farm Barn home.
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Cleland Wildlife Park has been able to reopen this week, and the animals can’t wait to see you!
Put your winter woolies on, and pack a picnic, after seven weeks of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is open again for everyone to enjoy.
An adventurous new audio-led theatre experience, Mountain Goat Mountain, has been created during isolation for families across Australia to enjoy at home. The work was created by Australian theatre company Threshold and developed with the support of Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Children’s Festival, Arts Centre Melbourne, AWESOME International Children’s Festival and HOTA, Home of the Arts. Aimed at families with young children (aged five years and older) who miss going to the theatre, Mountain Goat Mountain is an interactive storytelling journey. DreamBIG Children’s Festival Creative Producer Susannah Sweeney: “We’re excited to be part of this project, and the great thing about Mountain Goat Mountain is that it is a totally new work and it’s perfect for the situation we find ourselves in. It’s a wonderfully fun and imaginative experience. “The artists behind this work have been part of our festival previously with Rain in 2017 and The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things last year, and we love what they create, so we are delighted to be supporting this project along with our interstate colleagues.” Through a series of activities that help families set up and step into their own magical imaginative world, participants will find themselves crawling through tunnels, crossing lava pits and swimming through underwater caves – all without leaving home. Guided by a narrative soundscape, families will embark on this 45-minute theatrical experience using only a charged audio device (computer, phone or tablet), a bed sheet (the bigger the better), a piece of blank paper (A4 will do) and their favourite pencils, pens or markers. The unique theatre experience created for children and grown-ups to share together was created in isolation by artists Zoë Barry, Liz Francis, Nikita Hederics, Tahli Corin and Sarah Lockwood for Threshold. Threshold is a new Australian company that use theatrical tools to create experiences that bring people together. Co-creator Sarah Lockwood said Mountain Goat Mountain was for families who enjoy adventure: “It’s for families needing a break from monotony and who are looking for a sense of occasion and a way to celebrate each other and this time together. Over many years I’ve been working with members of this creative team to create invitational spaces that encourage relationships to grow. When theatres started shutting down, we realised that we had a unique offering.” Co-creator Tahli Corin said as artists who live regionally and are raising small children, she and Sarah had been thinking about how to bring theatres into homes for some time: “Threshold launched in June last year, so we were already interested in how we could work to create theatre in people’s homes before the pandemic hit and made it a necessity. There’s a lot of commentary right now about what the world will be like post coronavirus, and Mountain Goat Mountain is an opportunity to imagine and explore a new world together.” Audiences can access Mountain Goat Mountain via The Show Must Go On, Adelaide Festival Centre’s new collection of online interviews and performances: adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/the-show-must-go-on Tickets cost $12.95 per family and are valid for 30 days, with all funds going to the artists who created the work. For more information about Threshold, visit: thethreshold.com.au
BTN is creating even more education focused content this term… Still national and still all made in SA! Our favourite news source BTN now has a Teachers tab and a Subjects tab on their homepage and YouTube Explainers on all sorts of different topics as well as their weekly show and BTN Newsbreak every weeknight. Check out one of their latest episodes on how Covid-19 is effecting kids below! There’s also content on how to deal with upsetting news, BTN Investigations and how to get your voice heard on the news: abc.net.au/btn/ They’ve also got a page all about COVID-19 for kids: abc.net.au/btn/newsbreak/coronavirus-covid-19/12137268
INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups organic rolled oats¼ cup ground almonds1/4 cup brown rice flakes2 cups almond milk2 cups boiling waterPinch salt3 tspn ground cinnamon2 bananas, chopped1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted1/3 cup Greek yoghurtHoney, to drizzle METHOD Preheat oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan-forced).Place oats in a roasting pan and toast in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.In a large saucepan combine oats, ground almonds, rice flakes, milk, water, salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and half the banana over a medium heat, stirring constantly until the porridge boils and thickens. Remove from heat, cover and allow to stand for 5 minutes.To serve porridge, divide evenly between 4 bowls and sprinkle the top with remaining banana, slivered almonds and cinnamon. To finish, place a dollop of yoghurt on top and drizzle with honey. SERVES2COOK TIME10PREP TIME5DIFFICULTYEasy adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/recipe/almond-banana-cinnamon-porridge/
Mothers Day is here and this is my favourite pancake recipe, the lemon curd is the perfect tangy accompaniment. They taste even better if you can get someone to make them for you, and eat them in bed. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS Pancakes 1 cup Greek Yoghurt (unsweetened)11/2 cups Self Raising Flour1/2 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon castor sugar or honey1 large egg, lightly beaten3/4 cup full cream milkbutter for cooking125g blueberries Lemon Curd 1/3 cup lemon juicezest of half a lemon3/4 cup sugar75g butter3 whole eggs, lightly beaten METHOD Whisk milk, yoghurt, honey/sugar and egg together.Sift in flour and salt and whisk until all lumps are gone. Heat butter in a heavy based frying pan and cook 3 smallpancakes at a time. Allow bubbles to rise to the surface of thepancake and pop before flipping and cooking for a further minute.Stack under a tea towel to keep warm and soft until serving. For the lemon curd, mix together lemon juice, zest, butter and sugarin a microwave safe jug that is big enough to use a stick blender in. Place in microwave to melt butter and combine ingredients. Next, addthe lightly beaten eggs and blitz with the stick blender to combine. Return to the microwave for 2 minutes, blitz again with the stick blender.Return to the microwave for 45 second-1 minute intervals until it has set,blitzing after each turn back in the microwave. It will look like it has curdled/been cooked too much however it will come back to a creamy curd once blitzed. Serve pancakes, blueberries and lemon curd together with a dusting of icing sugar. @foodbyannabel foodbyannabel.com.au OR TRY THESE BANANA MUFFINS ========>
SOUTH AUSTRALIA‘S YOUNG POETS TAKE OVER – History Festival Poetry Takeover Challenge open for entries Throughout May 2020, the History Trust of South Australia is inviting budding poets in years 4 to 11 to participate in the History Trust’s first ever online poetry challenge. Asking young South Australian poets to answer questions such as:What does local history mean to you?Why are objects important and why should we care?Why would a museum have that particular object on display?What’s the story? Originally part of South Australia’s History Festival 2020, which was this year postponed, the Poetry Takeover Challenge aims to engage young people with history and museum collections in a new and creative way – even if they can’t visit in person. Poetry Takeover Challenge participants will create a poem taking inspiration from the collections of the History Trust and other museums and galleries across South Australia. South Australia’s History Festival Manager Karen Blackwood said the theme of the Poetry Takeover Challenge is change which is now more relevant than ever. “In times of change and uncertainty, poetry offers a unique outlet to express complex emotions, to connect, to sooth the soul or simply have fun playing with words.” “The Poetry Takeover challenge provides a platform for young people to take some of the fascinating items held in the collections of South Australia’s cultural institutions and to interpret them through fresh eyes. We’re excited to see how our state’s young poets respond to the challenge,” Karen continued. The History Trust will publish Poetry Takeover Challenge poems in an online gallery and share across the History Trust’s social media. Every young poet who submits an original poem will be in the running to win one of six $50 Dymocks vouchers, chosen by a panel of peers. Community Choice prizes will also be decided online by popular vote. Entries close on Sunday 31 May at 5pm. The Poetry Takeover Challenge was originally planned as part of the South Australia’s History Festival education program. The History Festival, which usually takes place from 1-31 May each year, is one of the state’s largest community festivals. The 2020 festival program included almost 700 events, presented by over 400 organising groups. Entry is FREE, to access forms, resources, links to online collections and further details https://poetrytakeover.com.au/ History Festival Poetry Takeover ChallengeWhen: 1 – 31 May, 2020For: SA students in years 4 – 11.Where: https://poetrytakeover.com.au/#HFPoetryTakeover@HIstoryFestival
MINI MAD craft kits are brimming with crafty fun ready for you to get creative at home! The kits are designed inspire open-ended creativity. With their range of beautiful, engaging materials, you can either follow the Mini Mad Things craft tutorials or create your own fun projects. There are lots of options. Check out the Collage Creative Craft Kit below: COLLAGE CREATIVE CRAFT KIT With the COLLAGE CREATIVE craft box you have the option of making the following MINI MAD CRAFT projects:Collage RainbowCollage RobotsTexture printingPaper Bag Monster masksPLUS extra materials to make your own creations The box includes the following materials:Cardboard rainbow template x1Cardboard robot body parts x1Large paper bag to make a mask x1Cardboard printing block bases x1Textured materials to make printing blocksReady cut collage materials in rainbow coloursA sheet of monster and robot eyes to cut outPaper fastenersA4 white and coloured paper x8 sheetsPom PomsFelt shapesTo complete these projects you will also need the following tools/materials that are NOT supplied in this box:PVA glue or glue sticksPaint and brushesColoured marker pensScissors MINI MAD CRAFT kits are all beautifully presented and packed with care, no plastic packaging materials are used AND you can use the cardboard packing box to start building your own CARDBOARD BOX TOWN! Suitable for ages 3+ Check out more boxes at MINI MAD THINGS
Troubling behaviour by loving parents ‘Sharenting’ is a word now so overused and ‘punny’ that it actually undermines the important cause the term was originally coined to highlight. Sharenting – for those who don’t know – is when a parent regularly shares photos and/or stories about their child without any consideration of the impact this might have on the child’s privacy and agency, either at the time, or when they’re old enough to be on social media themselves. The ironic thing about sharenting is that many of the most engaged, conscientious, and caring mums and dads around, have been shown to be the main culprits. A 2018 study by the London School of Economics titled ‘What do parents think, and do, about their children’s online privacy?’ revealed that three in four parents who regularly use social media, posted pictures and videos of their kids. In fact, the study went on to say that “parents who say they are concerned about privacy are more likely to share images of their children online – both with close family or friends, and with wider contacts”. I’ve been hearing that when it comes time for kids to establish their own social media accounts (around the age of 13), they are frequently unsettled and very embarrassed to discover that they already have a significant historical digital footprint they knew nothing about. Discovery of this unknown footprint, created by the people in their lives who are supposed to have their best interests at heart, can leave many children feeling upset, humiliated, or betrayed. Posting the obligatory first day of school snapshot quickly becomes less appealing when we consider how many strangers will view that photo with the name of the school, possibly the full name of our child, and quite likely, the geo-location of where the picture was taken. What about a photo of our child in their bathers at the beach? If we wouldn’t hand out images or information to a stranger in the checkout line at the supermarket, should we be posting it online? Even without our social media settings switched to public, if any friend comments on or likes our post, their friends may receive access to it too, and once online, it can end up anywhere. So before any of us posts another pic or video of our child or grandchild online, we need to stop and consider the impact it may have on that child down the line. If we can hear them objecting, we should consider that not posting it might just end up strengthening the trust that exists between us. That way, when it does come time for them to be making decisions about what they do post about themselves online, they will be able to turn to us for guidance and reassurance – and surely no number of ‘likes’, ‘shares’ or ‘comments’ could be more important than that! Try out my practical tips for being a ‘Smartparent’ when using social media at ccyp.com.au/guides-and-fact-sheets/ If you’re a child, young person or parent who would like to get in touch with me send an email to CommissionerCYP@sa.gov.auor visit ccyp.com.au
LA LA LOCAL – WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK So, you’re happily married, working full-time and raising kids (home-schooling at the same time, in fact, thanks to COVID-19) – but still manage to release a new single with a French label. That’s something to smile about at this crazy time. And Thom Lion has done just that. His new single “Not Your Bfrnd” was introduced to the world last Friday. Musically it was inspired by French band Phoenix who straddle the Indie Pop and Electronic genres with ease (playing in a pre-Daft Punk band and supporting AIR will do that). Lyrically, it was inspired by a doozey of a break-up. While the break-up was documented in a journal about 8 years ago it was only taken to the band last year. Rather than make it into a sad song they turned it into something effervescent and danceable. Inviting a celebration rather than a sulk. As Thom joked to me – like a Divorce party. I wonder if they’ll still be a thing post-Corona?? And for clarification, this song is NOT about the lovely TV presenter Jessica Braithwaite who is the person Thom is happily married to and raising children with. Now, this is such a good line I’m going to rip it straight from his press release – Thom Lion packs a musical punch, like Arcade Fire having a barbecue at Paul Kelly’s house – the beers are on, the songs are catchy, and each tells a moving story. And this track is no different. Note to self – look out for the little E when playing this track at home. An angry Thom knows how to let one rip. It’s only once, but it packs a punch. Thankfully the version I sourced for the ABC was clean. And while it wasn’t good news for Thom last weekend, when he lost his voice and had to postpone his Instagram performance, it might be for you. It’s on this weekend instead. 5pm on Sunday. Check him out. Now let’s rap. Or talk about it at least. I have three boys. They all love music. But their tastes vary. As do all of ours. The 10-year-old is partial to Eminem right now. And I get it. Eminem combines beats, angst and humour with ease. I can’t help but enjoy hearing him tackle the lyrics of Lose Yourself as he learns it on guitar. However, should you dig that song but prefer your kids don’t get a taste for an artist known to suggest alternative uses for staplers (in his tamer moments) I can recommend an alternative version for you to investigate. It comes from Ella and Sienna, talented young performers from Mt Barker, who well and truly support the theory that sibling harmonies are often the best. They’ve had a cracker of a year winning numerous awards and places in talent shows. And up in Tamworth Kasey Chambers surprised them by appearing out of the crowd to join them on-stage as they sang one of her tracks. Doesn’t get much better than that. Their music spans across acoustic rock, pop and contemporary country genres. So, for some family-friendly music inspiration look them up and follow them on Facebook. They’ll be streaming live from their loungeroom this Saturday night. Until next time, stay safe and healthy and support local music however you can. Kate x
Goodstart At Home provides parents with access to world’s best practice online learning Parents with young children at home now have access to world’s best practice online learning, packed with fun, play-based learning activities provided by the nation’s largest, not for profit, early learning provider, Goodstart Early Learning. Goodstart At Home is an extraordinary new way to learn for children who can’t attend early learning centres. Provided free to Goodstart families and for just $1 per month for other families, the website provides resources created by some of the world’s leading early childhood practitioners. “Many families have very young children at home during the current Covid-19 crisis and we want to support them to keep learning during this time,” Goodstart CEO, Julia Davison said. “Our team of pedagogical experts, harnessing local and international experience, have been hard at work developing Goodstart At Home and our families are embracing it. “More than 18,000 families have already subscribed to the online hub with this number expected to grow significantly as we begin sharing with the wider community across the nation.” Goodstart General Manager Pedagogy and Practice Sue Robb, OBE, said children learned best through play, and some of the activities would even let parents take a well-earned break while their child explored and learned independently through play. “These activities have been developed and approved by a team of Goodstart experts from across our nation-wide early learning network of educators, teachers, and behaviour and learning specialists. “They’ve been assessed by international academics as meeting the early learning benchmarks for children across all age groups. We are already receiving inquiries from governments and international early learning providers to use the on-line hub. “The resources are easy to use and great fun for children and their parents – many of our families are sharing wonderful photographs and videos of them putting the new resources to use,” Ms Robb said. Key benefits for families• Continued learning in the home environment for children in the early years• Access to the Goodstart at Home online village with easy to do learning activities that are updated regularly.• Recipes and ideas for cooking with children• Support, articles and resources for parents• A brand new Behaviour Support Kit that you can order to be sent to your home which is designed to help parents support their children during this stressful time Goodstart Families can subscribe online for while the program is available to all other families for a small fee of $1 per month at athome.goodstart.org.au/ The Goodstart Family Behaviour Support Kit Families are spending more time together than ever before, and sometimes that can mean emotions (and behaviours) can go a little off track. Goodstart are really excited to share with you a new resource that they have developed for families to help them guide and support their children’s behaviours and emotions. The Goodstart Family Behaviour Support Kit has information and resources to help support your child to understand and manage their emotions and help them learn how to communicate their needs in an appropriate way. It’s a physical kit delivered straight to your door and includes a multitude of helpful tools and tips! You can purchase this kit direct from our Goodstart website! athome.goodstart.org.au/
This Starlight Day, Friday 1 May, Starlight Children’s Foundation needs your help to raise $250,000 to deliver fun and happiness to more than 5,000 seriously ill and hospitalised children around Australia. As Starlight’s biggest national fundraising event, Starlight Day aims to raise much-needed funds to support sick kids through its hospital services – the Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight. With a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in Australia and over 180 Captain Starlights nationally, every child admitted to hospital, regardless of their illness or injury, can access these vital services with their family. CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Louise Baxter, said: “Happiness is critical to a sick child’s development and to building resilience. The work Starlight does to support sick kids in every children’s hospital nationally is only made possible through the community, who we rely on for support.” “Being seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of childhood, especially when evidence shows happiness helps kids bounce back after going through tough times.” “While health professionals treat the serious illness, Starlight, through its hospital services (Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Room) is there to deliver fun to sick kids and their families when they need it most.” Anyone can make a donation today on the Starlight Day website, with all donations made before midnight AEST Sunday 3 May generously doubled by Starlight’s corporate partners. To donate today, please visit starlightday.org.au. About Starlight Children’s Foundation Starlight Children’s Foundation brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and young people by replacing pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter. Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight has expanded to become the broadest reaching children’s charity in Australia. There is now a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in the country and over 180 Captain Starlights nationwide. This year, Starlight will be refurbishing its Starlight Express Room in Newcastle. In 2019, Starlight granted 500 life-changing wishes with 100% of families recommending a wish experience to other families. Starlight also delivered over 610,000 positive Starlight experiences to seriously ill children, young people and their families. www.starlight.org.au
Want to straighten your teeth? Been thinking of having Invisalign treatment? The smile you’ve always wanted doesn’t have to wait. And you don’t even have to leave your home. Transform Orthodontic Care are excited to now be offering free Online Consultations! And they are offering $500 off all Orthodontic treatments* and free X-rays and scans worth $164, saving you $664 in total off your treatment. At Transform Orthodontic Care, their online consultation means they come to you…via your phone, tablet or computer. And, did we mention, it’s free?! Just book online at transformorthocare.com.au, send them some photos and they’ll work with you remotely. It’s the same service…but you can relax and do it from home. You will receive a free personalised treatment plan, free scans and X-rays (worth $164) as well as free teeth whitening at the end of your treatment. TOC also offer interest free payment plans over 20, 30 or 36 months. As a Specialist Orthodontist for the past 20 years Dr Daniel De Angelis has had the privilege of being a part of over 10,000 patients’ lives and, in some cases, treating generations of family members. His patients have always been at the centre of what he does, this is why looking after his patients and providing continuity of care is paramount in these unprecedented times. This is why, during the Covid-19 crisis, they chose not to shut their doors but instead adapt and innovate. Transform Orthodontic Care are constantly looking at ways they can provide their patients with innovative, state of the art, safe treatment. Book your free online consultation now, at transformorthocare.com.au. *T&C’s apply: Minimum spend $5,000. Excludes all other offers.