Published: March 09, 2006 02:13 pm      

Conquering the Spring Break blahs

Chelsea Rumond is a registered nurse at Integris Hospital and the mother of 9-year-old Sam Rumond and 7-year-old Natalie Rumond. Working full-time, she says she always makes plans to take and pick-up her kids from school, but week-long spring break is a different story.

“Spring break always stresses me out,” Rumond said. “First you have to try to get a good sitter for the week, then you constantly worry all day that something has happened.

“Plus the constant calls to work, ‘Mom, can I go to my friends’ house?’ ‘Mom, can I have some pizza?’ — It drives me nuts.”

Luckily for Rumond, this spring break kids are not just wanting to lay around the house watching TV all day. And it’s no wonder with all the activities happening around Edmond.

From Edmond’s Parks and Recreation Department, to the Oklahoma City Zoo, there is something for every kid this spring break.

Even Rumond has noticed a lot more offers of spring break activities this year.

“Both of (my children) have brought brochures and information home from school this year,” she said. “And of course if their friends are going, they just have to go, too.”

Edmond’s Recreation Department will sponsor “Camp Edmond” March 13-17 with fun-filled, jam-packed days of indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, pottery and art, and science and exploration, said Ann Loughren, recreation program coordinator for Edmond’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“Spring break is always a blast for the kids,” Loughren said. “We have a lot of fun activities for everyone.

“There is sure to be something to interest any child coming to camp.”

Activities planned for “Camp Edmond” include a science experiment to measure PH balance, making rock candy, creating egg shell mosaics and also will feature an origami kite workshop and a sport fencing demonstration.

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Education Department is also joining in the fun offering four spring break camps: Oceans Alive, Great Grasslands, Fantastic Forest and Dangerous Deserts.

And for those stay-at-home parents who are looking for something to break the boredom in your house this spring break, adventure is right around the corner, said Summer Johnson, program coordinator for Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.

From famous comedians and hands-on science activities, to a glimpse of Greece and horse races, there’s a lot going on for kids that will also interest parents, Johnson said.

The Adventure District includes the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Omniplex Science Museum and Tinseltown Theater.

“Beaded Brilliance: Exquisite Wearable Art from the Columbia River Plateau” is on exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum through May 14.

At 1 p.m. kids can enjoy Mrs. Fizzle as she embarks on another “Magic School Bus” adventure. With hands-on educational sessions during the week of spring break, children from second through sixth grade can learn how to make slime and decode secret messages.

“Hopefully this spring break I can avoid the silly fighting and phone calls to work,” Rumond said.

(Loralea Epperson may be reached via e-mail at lepperson@edmondsun.com.)