Camps

How to choose a summer day camp

"I am bored." Every parent hears these three words from their children during the summertime, often followed by sighs and outrageous requests. The good...

Photos from Camp Fair AZ 2016

We want to share some of our favorite photos from Saturday's 13th Annual Camp Fair AZ event, along with thanks to the hundreds of...

My Day at Camp: Camp Zoo

The room became really quiet when Shannon Howard entered. She was wearing thick leather gloves and holding a small spiny animal. When she asked...

My Day at Camp: AZ on the Rocks

When RAK contacted me about covering rock climbing for the My Day at Camp project, I may have failed to mention my fear of...

My Day at Camp: Circus School of Arizona

The statement “I’m leaving to join the circus!” once conjured images of a petulant child making threats to run away from home. Kids who...

My Day at Camp: Digital Kids Club

I didn't know what to expect when I attended the “Digital Kids Club” at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s Kids Camps in Scottsdale. But I...

My Day at Camp: Scorpius Dance Theatre

When RAK staff members discuss which camps to spotlight for the "My Day at Camp" series, we try to include some unusual ones around the...

My Day at Camp: Musical Instrument Museum

I witnessed some wonderful things during the first-ever week of summer camp at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. I tagged along Wednesday afternoon...

My Day at Camp: Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA

I have always loved animals. I remember spending hours during summer break giving my stuffed animals “check-ups” and wrapping their “injuries” in Ace bandages. My...

My Day at Camp: Friendly Pines

Our RAK intern-turned-freelance-photographer Tac Coluccio went to Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott for four years and was a counselor in training last summer. We...

Arts enrich special-needs students’ lives at Hi-Star

Students at Hi-Star Center for Children in Phoenix performed their own take on a popular musical for more than 500 people in May. Their...

My Day at Camp: Quartet Camp

The sound from the string orchestra in the sanctuary at the Camelback Bible Church is slow and solemn as the students learn the difficult...

Whispering Hope Ranch

It’s not easy to take a family vacation when you have a child who is medically fragile or developmentally disabled. The constant grind of...

“Peter Pan” inspires high-flying fun

Children were delighted several years ago when gymnast Cathy Rigby "flew" across the ASU Gammage stage as Peter Pan. Now Valley families can enjoy the Valley...

My Day at Camp: Camp KROC

The Salvation Army’s Camp KROC at the KROC Center in South Phoenix provides a variety of activities and themes each week during the summer...

PARTY ARTICLES

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe