Author: Melanie Jewkes

Some of my favorite childhood memories include standing on a stool in the kitchen helping and watching my mom cook. I remember distinct smells of vanilla being added to cookie dough or frosting and feeling excited to get my hands on one of the beaters to taste the deliciousness of something homemade.

Did you know that including your kids in the process of preparing and cooking is one of the best ways to get them to eat and try new foods? Including kids in the kitchen can be a great way to introduce your children to healthy foods AND teach them important cooking skills. Our kids need skills in the kitchen because they will have to eat food every day for the rest of their lives! So, let’s get the kids in the kitchen!

Kids in the Kitchen class series in Salt Lake area–bring your kids, get a snack and learn some tips.

July 8, 2014 | Chapman Library | 3:00 pm

July 9, 2014 | Kearns Library | 7:00 pm

July 16, 2014 | West Jordan Library | 7:00 pm

August 4, 2014 | Magna Library | 3:00 pm

August 5, 2014 | Ruth Vine Tyler Library | 4:00 pm

August 12, 2014 | Chapman Library | 3:00 pm

August 13, 2014 | West Jordan Library | 7:00 pm

August 21, 2014 | Kearns Library | 7:00 pm

September 2, 2014 | Ruth Vine Tyler Library | 4:00 pm

 Melanie Jewkes is a part-time Extension Associate Professor in Salt Lake County. She has worked for USU for 6 years. The best part of her job is learning and relearning some of the things that matter most–loving and caring for marriage and family, living within your means, and growing, cooking and eating delicious (and nutritious!) food. She and her husband have two adorable children and live in Taylorsville.

Summer time is here! It is a great time to relax and enjoy those “lazy” days! But before you know it, the kids’ boredom will set in, and you will begin hearing, “There’s nothing to do!” We have a few resources for you to put up your parenthood sleeve so you are prepared for those moments.

PLAN NOW!

Summer camps are a GREAT way to keep your kids learning, exploring and creating in the summer time. Whether it’s a one-day camp or a week long, it gives the kids something to look forward to and be excited about.

Aggie Adventure Camps are offered all over the state of Utah. Click here  to find one in your area and get more details.

If you are in the Davis County area, one of the Aggie Adventure Camps offered is at the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville.  There are day camp options for kids as young as 5 years old all the way up to 11.

Wayne Country residents can get creative each Tuesday at Craft and Create! Contact the USU Extension office in Wayne County or check out their Facebook page for project details and prices. They meet every Tuesday –-the sewing group meets at 10 a.m. and the crafting group meets at 4:30 p.m.

USU Extension offers many classes, camps and events all summer long around the state. Here’s a handy calendar of summer events – click over – with the events broken out by day. It gets updated all the time too!

SPUR of the MOMENT!

A quick way to cool off is to head to a splash pad! Enjoy Utah has a GREAT list of Splash pads around the state. Most are free, but check their list before heading out. Splash pads can be a day of fun, so pack a picnic and the sunscreen!

Summer reading and adventure go hand in hand with the Public Libraries Summer Reading Program. Based on a theme with special classes, attractions, hands-on crafts and more, your little ones will be entertained for free while sneaking in some of that good ol’ education. Check your local library to see what it is offering and when the special events are.

Weekend FUN!

Utah Sweet Savings has compiled a big list of FREE OUTDOOR movies to enjoy this summer! Some of the cities offer them regularly and some only offer a few. Check out the list for outdoor movies from Northern to Southern Utah.

Weber County offers free admission to several of its museums, recreation parks, swimming pools and more through the RAMP program. Check the schedule here to see what events are free on Saturdays throughout the summer.

What other free activities are available in your city/county for the summer? What can we add to our list to round out our summer fun? Let us know!

Learning. Discovery. Engagement. Sound like a great way for kids to spend the summer? Then Aggie Adventures Summer Camps might be for you!

4-H Aggie Adventures and Summer Camps for Kids are educational day camps for children and youth in first through eighth grades in Utah.  All camps emphasize hands-on learning and explore a variety of subjects including archeology, robotics, art, history, astronomy and more!  Please click over to find a camp location in your area.

This weekend! Now is the time to hop over to Kaysville and get in on this wonderful family event – Baby animal days!

A weekend full of animals and activities. Don’t miss it! Get all the details, hours, prices, activities, and more.

We will see you there!

Utah Water Week promotes the importance of water quality and water conservation. Water week provides a unique opportunity for Utah citizens to join and recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Statewide and local activities promote the importance of water quality and water conservation.

Learn more at: www.waterweek.org OR www.extension.usu.edu/waterquality

Want a whole list of events going on around the state? Click over to Extension.usu.edu/waterquality to get details on the water festival, water fairs, tours, golf tournament and more.

It’s that favorite time of year again – Baby Animals Days!

Join us in Kaysville on May 9th and 10th for this fun family event!

Activities include:

• Baby Reptiles

• Come meet ducklings, chicks, bunnies, kids, lambs, piglets, calves, baby llamas and miniature horses

• Children’s Activities

• Horse Rides

• Sheep Shearing Demos

• Food Vendors

• Miniature Train Rides

• Climbing Wall

• Bouncy Houses

You can click over for a detailed list of activities, hours, prices and more.

You won’t want to miss this once-a-year event! See you there in 2 weeks!

Improve your family’s money habits! FREE classes for kids and adults.

Kids will learn about wants and needs, their earning power and how they can spend, save and share. Adults will become familiar with Habitudes, budgeting, raising money-smart kids and getting their credit score to rise. Classes are held on Tuesdays in Ogden. Remember they are free, but you need to register. Call 801.399.8207.