IN Mars Area Spring 2020 | Page 35

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT Little House Learning Center’s Dedication to Kids Continues with Summer Camps “I t’s time once again to begin thinking Summer Camp,” says the co-owner of Little House Learning Center, Jennifer Osterman. “Although the warm sun seems so far away at this point in the year, we are planning and preparing for yet another kid- focused summer camp experience.” Little House has provided care to the children of the Mars area from birth through school age, with a goal to love and nurture, encourage and teach through every stage and every age. Its approach focuses on the whole child—physically and emotionally—and the summer camp embraces that approach as well, 110 percent. “We offer a unique camp experience,” notes Osterman, “with very encouraging and engaged camp counselors and a caring atmosphere, where kids can experience a summer of active fun in the sun!” Little House campers experience the best of both worlds in the summer camp program. Offering opportunities for activities as well as time for independent play allows for a summer that balances what kids need with what kids want. Daily emphasis is placed on experiencing the outdoors through activities such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking and assorted games, and simply enjoying nature. Campers will spend the unplugged days with friends, building relationships, laughing, and being creative. Although the main focus of camp is relaxation and fun, the intent is to infuse play with learning in any way possible. “Learning is not just classroom based. In fact, children learn best when learning through exploration and play. That can be said for kindergarteners and fourth graders alike,” according to Osterman. “Our camp provides opportunities to learn by exploration, active involvement, independent choice and play. After all, that’s what summer is all about!” With 10 weeks of summer camps to choose from, Little House brings back some old favorites like Nerf Battle, Clue Camp and more for campers who have enjoyed them in the past. New camps this year include Gardening Camp which takes campers through the entire growing cycle from composting to growing fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs on site. Campers who remain with Little House throughout the summer will tend and reap the benefits of the harvest as the summer progresses. Those crops will then be used for the kids who sign up for the Foodie Fun Camp, where they’ll make pizza, cakes and messes all in the name of fun. There’s also Camp Survival Week, which teaches kids everything from pitching a tent to, building a fire and how to fend for yourself in the wilderness. With various field trips to test out their skills, students will come home a little more prepared for anything after this camp. Shark Week will tie into the popular summer celebration of the toothy beasts we all fear and live in awe of and Magic of Show Week will go behind the scenes to give campers insight into the world of cartoon and animation. Finally Yuck Week is a camp designed for kids who just love messes. A week full of messiness full of goops, glops and good times, this camp includes favorite activities such as Little House Run and Double Dare and is one of Osterman’s personal favorites. Parents can enroll their children for all three months, or tailor their camp experience to what fits their family’s needs the best. Offering an “a la carte” style, to choose when and for how long your children participate, makes it easiest to match up your needs with the LH Camp. Enrollment opened February 1 and closes on May 1. Parents are advised to enroll early to reserve their spots. Detailed information on Little House Learning Center’s summer camps can be found on the website. For more information on Little House Learning Center, go to littlehouselearningcenter.com online, or call Jennifer Osterman at 724.776.5583. MARS AREA ❘ SPRING 2020 33