Submit press releases or event listings to hello@epickidsaz.com. Deadlines for submissions are the 1 of each month. st
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by email at hello@epickidsaz.com
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-6 grades attending charter and private schools You can also find us placed in racks where kids and families are out and about. For a full list of locations, visit our website.
Notes: Every effort is made to avoid errors and omissions. If an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies.
Letter fro publish
Epic Friends TO: FROM: Brian
Happy Spring!
This is one of my favorite times of year. The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and everywhere you look, things are growing flowers, trees, and even YOU!
April and May are full of exciting moments. We celebrate Earth Day, a special time to show love for our amazing planet. Whether you're planting a flower, recycling, picking up litter, or simply enjoying the outdoors, you're helping make the Earth a better place. Even small actions can make a BIG difference! Showing love makes us all strong!
We also celebrate Mother's Day, a time to thank the moms, grandmas, caregivers, and all the special grown-ups who take care of us and cheer us on. draw a picture, write a kind note, or share a favorite story together sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most.
keep being EPIC!
Go out & Have SPRING TIME FUN 4/26
Grumpy Days & Colorful Feelings Book Club Kids
by Davina from Maricopa County Library District
One of my favorite things about books and stories is
how they can help us understand ourselves a bit better and communicate our experience to others “Grumpy Monkey”, written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang, is one of my favorite books about coping with tough emotions. I encourage you to check it out or some of these other great picture books about dealing with Big Feelings!
“The
Color Monster”
by Anna Llenas
Color Monster is confused about how he’s feeling today and doesn’t have the words to
to explain But thankfully, a little girl comes along to help the Color Monster put words (and colors) to each of his feelings so he can better understand them. Why You’ll Love It: Featuring bold multimedia illustrations, this is a great book to help start a conversation about identifying feelings and how we experience them.
“Fergal
and the Bad Temper”
by Robert Starling
Fergal is a little dragon who HATES being told what to do. When he feels like things aren’t fair, he expresses it in fiery, destructive outbursts. Can
Fergal’s family and friends help him to find ways to keep his cool? Why You’ll Love It: This is a funny and lighthearted story but also one that includes some great advice for how to tame your own fiery temper.
“The Rabbit
Listened”
by Anna Llenas
Something sad has happened to Taylor. The bear, the hyena, the ostrich and all the animals think they know how Taylor should feel. But, Taylor doesn’t feel right about any of it Who should Taylor listen to? Why You’ll Love It: This simple yet powerful story is a master class in friendship and gets you thinking about how to help your own friends.
Davina is the Youth Services Supervisor at the Southwest Regional Library in Gilbert. Also pictured is Potato, her best buddy.
Book Club Kids
KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU
“On The Far Side of the Mountain”
by Jean George
Genre: This book continues Adventurous Fiction Summary:
the story of Sam Gribley, a boy who ran away from his home in New York city two years ago to live in the Catskill mountains. His story continues when his falcon, Frightful, is confiscated by a conservation officer, and his sister Alice mysteriously disappears. Sam goes off to find her by following her tracks, but what Sam discovers might lead him into great danger.
What I like about this book:
This book is the sequel to My Side of the Mountain, and is a perfect read for kids who dream of going on a journey. This book is followed by "Frightful's Mountain”, the third
book in the series. This book ends on a mix of a cliffhanger and a happy ending.
“Falling Up”
by Shel Silverstein
Genre: Poetry
This is a collection of Summary: poems like Falling Up, Screamin' Millie, Sorry I spilled it, & more. These poems are very funny and are accompanied with drawings. What I like about this book:
I like that this book uses wordplay and is very funny. Other books written by Shel Silverstein are "Where the Sidewalk Ends", "A Light in the Attic" and more. Perfect for young poets or people who just want a good laugh.
“The
Trail” by Meika Hashimoto
Genre: Fiction
Toby, a boy who is Summary:
hiking part of the Appalachian Trail to finish the last thing on his list. A list he and his best friend Lucas made of awesome things to do together, but Lucas isn't here anymore. So Toby is doing his best to fulfill his promise to Lucas, While doing so, he meets a dog and two boys who need his help But can he help them and complete his own hike?
What I like about this book:
I like that Toby is persistent in wanting to hike the trail and is still is kind. This is a very adventurous book and is a great read for hikers and outdoorsy people.
Follow Manu on her literary adventures and see more reviews on Instagram About Manu
@alwaysastorybook
@mdbookclub
Meet William Miller:
The Boy Who Spoke Up
Can one kid really change a whole city?
Meet William Miller, a student from Goodyear, Arizona. He’s proof that even kids can make a BIG difference!
William loved doing something simple—walking to get ice cream with his grandma.
Sounds fun, right? But there was a problem. The streets near his home were not safe. Cars were speeding, and one day, his grandma almost got hit! That’s when William had an idea.
Imagine standing in front of a room full of adults—the leaders of your city! That’s exactly what William did. Even though he felt a little nervous, he went to a city council meeting (a place where leaders make important decisions) and told them about the dangerous streets. He asked a simple but powerful question:
“How can we make this safer?”
And you know what? The leaders listened! Because of William’s courage:
A new traffic light was added
A crosswalk (a safe place to walk across the street) was built
More safety measures were put in place
All because one kid spoke up.
GOALHIGH ANDDON'TSTOP TILLYOU GETTHERE
Why did the strawberry cry? Q.
His parents were in a jam! A.
Why was the flower always late? Q. They were a late bloomer! A.
One bird can't make a pun. but toucan!
Can you spot the differences?
Sports with ZAZA
This one is more about using your brain than your body
Before a Suns game, I got to go to something called Training the Mind at the Mortgage Matchup. My mom was moderating it, which was really cool to see, and it was put on by Dr. Brook Choulet.
It was all about how you have to train your mind just like you train your body, and I learned it might be just as important or even more so!
Coach Molly Miller talked about having a next play mentality. Basically don’t get stuck on one moment, just move on and try your best on the next one. I liked that because it makes mistakes feel less scary.
Johnjay Van Es talked about how it’s important to take quiet time for yourself every day. Like just being still, no noise, no phone, just thinking. He also said it’s
Vaughn Compton talked about working through your emotions and not ignoring them. Like if you feel something, it’s okay to feel it and let your body process it instead of just pushing it away. He also said you still have to show up and do the work no matter how you feel.
Overall, I learned that your mindset is a really big deal. It’s not just about practicing your sport, it’s about how you think, how you handle pressure, and how you keep going even when things are hard.
follow zaza on @sportswithzaza
From Classroom Kid to Classroom Hero: Ms. Peña’s Amazing Story!
Have you ever imagined growing up and coming back to your school as a teacher?
That’s exactly what happened with Ms. Denise Peña and her story is pretty amazing!
When Ms. Peña was a student at Loma Linda, she sat in classrooms just like you do.
She learned from teachers who believed in her and helped her dream big.
Those experiences stayed with her, and guess what? They helped inspire her to become a teacher!
Now, Ms. Peña teaches 4th grade at Biltmore Preparatory Academy. Instead of sitting at a desk, she stands at the front of the room, helping her students learn, grow, and believe in themselves.
And here’s the coolest part… Her principal (the leader of the school), Stephanie DeMar, is someone she already knew because she was Ms. Peña’s principal when she was a student too!
Talk about a full-circle moment!
Classroom Full of Encouragement
Ms. Peña doesn’t just teach reading and math. She helps her students feel confident and brave.
She reminds them that: It’s okay to make mistakes (that’s how we learn!)
Hard work helps you reach your goals They can do amazing things if they believe in themselves
Imagine having a teacher who once sat in a desk just like yours and now helps kids follow their dreams!
What Makes Ms. Peña Special?
Here are some cool things about her: She used to be a student at the same school she now teaches at She loves helping kids grow and succeed
She believes every student has something special inside them She brings kindness and energy into her classroom every day
Learning from Experience
Because Ms. Peña remembers what it’s like to be a student, she sat in the same desks students now do, she really understands what her classroom needs to succeed.
Have you ever felt nervous about a test or unsure about something new? She has too!
That’s why she works extra hard to make sure her students feel supported and never give up.
A Big Message for All Students
Ms. Peña wants every kid to know something important:
“You can reach your goals.”
Even if something feels hard right now, you can keep going and get better.
She is living proof (real-life evidence!) that dreams can come true.
Ms. Peña’s story shows us something powerful:
With hard work, kindness, and belief in yourself, you can grow up to do incredible things even return to where your journey first began!
Imagine This...
What if one day YOU came back to your school as a teacher, principal, or leader?
What would you teach?
Who would you inspire?
Just like Ms. Peña, you could help the next generation (the kids who come after you) believe in themselves too!
Did You Know?
Some teachers once went to the same school where they now teach! A principal is the person who helps lead and take care of a whole school. When someone says “full circle,” it means something ends where it began in a really special way!
Lab Glow Stick Science Glow Stick Science
by Arizona Science Center by Arizona Science Center
Have you ever cracked open a glow stick and watched it light up the dark? Did you wonder how the glow stick worked? The answer is pure chemistry—and with a few simple experiments, you can explore the science of for yourself.
Supplies
Glow sticks
A bowl of hot water (not boiling)
A bowl of ice water
A bowl of room-temperature
water
Paper towels (in case of drips)
Instructions
1.Crack the Glow Stick: Pick one glow stick and snap it until you hear a little “crunch.” Shake it so the glow spreads evenly. That “snap” is breaking a small glass vial inside that mixes two different chemicals.
2.Divide and Dip: Place one glow stick in the hot water, one in the ice water, and one in the roomtemperature water. Leave them for a few minutes.
3.Observe the Glow: Compare them side by side. Which one glows the brightest? Which one glows the longest?
The science behind the glow
Glow sticks work because of a process called chemiluminescence, which means “light from a chemical reaction.”
Here’s what’s happening:
Inside the glow stick are two liquids: hydrogen peroxide in the little glass tube, and a solution containing phenyl oxalate ester and a fluorescent dye in the plastic tube. When you snap the glow stick, the two liquids mix. A chemical reaction begins, releasing energy. Instead of heat, the energy excites the dye molecules, which then release that energy as visible light.
They’re basically a portable chemistry lab!
Mini frozen yogurt bites are a quick, easy snack. Each cup of yogurt makes up to 12 gut-friendly bites! Enjoy with creativity around your toppings and the fun food science of frozen yogurt bites. You might even notice tiny crystals on the berries, a process from slow freezing!
Berry Frozen Yogurt Bites Berry Frozen Yo
by Christina Ackerman Product Development Lead at Plexus
Supplies
Silicon square baking trays or muffin tins
Muffin liners (optional)
Batter scoop or spoon
Mixing bowl
Ingredients
1 cup Greek yogurt
Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc
Optional: sprinkles chocolate chips, etc
Directions
Add muffin liners to tins or silicon trays & set aside
Cut larger fruit into bite sized slices
Combine fruit & yogurt in a mixing bowl
Add the mixture to silicon mold or a mini muffin tin
Place leftover fresh fruit on the top or chocolate chips or granola
Chill in the freezer for 2-4 hours
Enjoy!
Mother's Day is may 10!
Footprint & Handprint Bouquet
Supplies
Your favorite paint colors
Cardstock
3 green straws
Clear tape
Glue/glue dots
Paint brushes
Paper towels or wipes
Plastic tablecloth or garbage bag to work on
Directions
Paint one hand and press it onto white paper. Repeat with a different color. Paint one foot and press it onto a second sheet of white paper. Make an additional blue footprint for the vase. Let all prints dry.
Cut out all handprints and footprints. Trim the blue footprint near the toes to create a vase shape.
Cut leaves from green paper and small hearts from yellow paper. Glue the yellow hearts to one end of each straw. Tape the handprints and one footprint to the straws to create flowers. Tape the leaves onto the straws just below the prints.
Attach the straws to a piece of craft paper using glue or tape. Place the blue footprint over the bottoms of the straws to create the vase.
Scouts in space?!
ASupercoolmissionwithNASA
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to the moon? Well, get ready—because some kids are getting one step closer to space!
A Big Team-Up!
Scouting America (a group where kids learn skills, teamwork, and leadership) is teaming up with NASA—the scientists and explorers who send rockets into space!
Learning Like a Space Explorer
Through this partnership, Scouts will get to try fun hands-on activities (learning by doing!) and solve space problems just like real scientists!
Together, they’re working on something amazing called the Artemis program. Artemis is NASA’s plan to send people back to the moon...and one day go all the way to Mars!
Day Camp at the Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Summer Day Camp offers kids an unforgettable summer full of fun, friendship, and adventure! Running from May 25 through August 7, every week brings a fresh, themed experience, with activities designed to keep campers engaged, active, and excited to return each day
From hands-on arts and crafts to high-energy games, outdoor adventures, and refreshing water play, each themed week offers something new to spark creativity and curiosity. Campers enjoy opportunities for teamwork, collaboration, and making lasting friendships in a safe and welcoming environment
Day Camp for ages 5-12
480-585-4848
scottsdaleprincess.com/events-scottsdale
7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale
Fountain Hills Youth TheateR
Does your child love to sing, dance, act, or dream of being on stage? Give your child a magical summer filled with creativity, confidence, friendship, and the thrill of performing! All day camps run Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm Choose from two 3-week performancebased camps: dive into Disney’s “Finding Nemo Kids” (June 1–19) or experience Disney’s “Aladdin Kids” (July 6–24), each ending with a ticketed performance Students train in acting, dancing, and singing, and receive a T-shirt plus a photo and bio in the show program. Also offered is a one-week “Shrek” camp (June 22–26), where campers learn monologues and songs and perform in a final-day revue
Day Camp for ages 8+
480-837-9661 ext. 3 bit.ly/fhtedu
11445 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills
‘sun’sational summer camps Fit-n-fun
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while keeping campers active and engaged Each week, participants enjoy gymnastics, trampoline activities, group challenge games, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables and more Weekly themes add to the excitement Xtreme Gymnastics employs a high-energy staff that are USA Gymnastics Safety Certified and have completed thorough background checks The facility is fully air-conditioned and features state-ofthe-art equipment
Day Camp for ages 5-14
480-596-3543
xtremegymnastics.com
14000 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale
This year’s theme is SPACE. Campers experience the adventures of summer and create special memories through education, athletics, creativity, and social interactions in a safe and positive environment
Weekly field trips and VIP guest presenters keep campers entertained and their minds stimulated.
Pricing includes all field trips (transportation and entrance) and 2 snacks each day, but attendees will need to bring their own sack lunch
Day Camp for ages 5-14
623-376-3923
dvusd.org/a-z-guide/summer-2026-programs Multiple Locations Available
D-Bat Scottsdale
At D-BAT Scottsdale, we host more than 50 Camps, Clinics & Classes each year providing a great opportunity for players to improve while having fun at the same time!
Our Spring/Holiday Break and Summer Camps are very popular with parents who are looking for something constructive to keep their ballplayers busy when school is out Our specialty clinics typically focused on one aspect of the game give athletes a chance to fine-tune established skills or work on problem areas
Day Camp for ages 7-18
480-591-3228
dbatscottsdale.com 9109 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
ABT’s Academy
Nurture your child's creativity and imagination through comprehensive acting, music, and movement classes at Arizona Broadway Theatre's Academy for Young Performers Children, pre-teens, and teens can discover the world of theatre this summer at ABT’s Academy for Young Performers. Campers will learn theatre warm-ups and games, audition for roles, and learn about staging, choreography, and music with professional artists as their instructors They will also get behind-the-scene experience as they create costumes, props, and sets, and all will receive a role in the production and perform on the Saturday following the last day of their camp
Day Camp for ages 7-18
623-776-8400
azbroadway.org
7701 W Paradise Ln, Peoria
Alta climbing and fitness
Each camp week is five days of adventures where kids learn navigation skills using map and compass and celestial navigation, relax with yoga/mindfulness, go on a geocaching scavenger hunt, hone their skills in shelter building, knottying, and more
And of course, kids will be taught a variety of climbing skills including top roping, belaying, bouldering, and slacklining!
Kids should wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement and athletic shoes with socks We’ll provide the climbing equipment!
Day Camp for ages 6-12
480-565-8249
altaclimbing.com
3 locations - Gilbert, Chandler & Scottsdale
ISAZ camp Pathfinders
ISA's Summer Camp is offering five fun weeks of adventure and outdoor life for kids ages 2 to 12 This is a wonderful opportunity to expose your child to a new language: Spanish or French. Campers will enjoy themes such as sports and movement, culture and international fun, creative cooking for kids, music and talent and mini professionals. Camps will include hands-on activities, learning through play, exploration, STEM projects and art
Older campers will have an opportunity to participate in iCode @ ISA programs - a great way to learn how technologies like programming all while having fun
Day Camp for ages 2-12
480-874-2326
isaz.org/camppathfinders
9522 E San Salvador Dr., Scottsdale
Creative Color Fine Art Camp
These fun classes are designed to develop your child’s skill in watercolor, drawing, mixed media, sculpture and acrylic painting. Campers create original artwork inspired by our dynamic thematic curriculum receiving nurturing instruction from our teaching artists Building kids’ confidence and having a great time doing it that’s our goal! Kids are always encouraged to use their imagination and develop their own interpretation of our themes, while gaining the tools needed to share and express their ideas Whether beginner or an advanced student, weekly thematic sessions offer the opportunity for all levels to advance through multiple sessions or one
Day Camp for ages 5-13
480-478-8121
creativecolorart.com/summer-fine-art-camp 8300 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale
Pursue More Summer Camp
The #1 Summer Camp for Girls Who Want More Confidence, Healthier Friendships, & a Stronger Sense of Who She Is We help girls build a strong inner foundation so she can think for herself, treat others with kindness, and show up with confidence before the world tells her who to be Over 80% of parents saw a positive transformation in their daughter’s mindset, friendships, and self-belief in just one week at camp!
At Pursue More, confidence is built through intentional, immersive experiences that help girls practice self-leadership in real time
Day Camp for ages 10-13
719-520-8754
girlsmentorship.com
9180 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
Metropolitan Youth Symphony
Get ready for a week of music, creativity, and fun! This camp is open to string musicians through the summer after 9th grade and band students through 12th grade What’s in store? Daily orchestra and band rehearsals, hands-on music theory sessions, exciting electives like Guitar, Ukulele, Sight-Reading, Expression & Movement/Dance, Yoga for Musicians, and more!
Lunchtime concerts featuring professional musicians and a free finale performance on Friday, June 26. Don’t miss this chance to make music, learn new skills, and create lasting memories with fellow musicians
Day Camp for ages 14-18, June 22-26
480-456-9501
azmys.org
49 W 1 St, Mesa st
Impact gymnastics
Alongside a variety of activities including Gymnastics Rotations, Open Gym, Ninja Zone, and Creative Crafts, each week campers will enjoy a different theme including:
Summer Kickoff Luau
Animals and Critters
Ninjas
Mad Science
Hero and Military
Water
Christmas & Hanukkah
Dinosaurs
Princess & Superhero Olympics
No Gymnastics experience required!
Day Camp for ages 4+ 602-870-7574
impactgymaz.com/impact-camps
7812 N 12 St, Phoenix th
8+
EARTHDAY EARTH DAY
APRIL22 APRIL 22
Let’s travel back in time to 1970.
A senator named Gaylord Nelson wanted people to understand how important it is to protect the earth. So, he helped start the very first Earth Day, where people came together to learn and take action.
Soon millions of people joined in and new rules were made to protect air and water. A group called the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was creted. The EPA is a team that helps keep our environment safe.
Today, more than 1 billion people in over 140 countries celebrate Earth Day!
Become a Waste Warrior!
Did you know trash can last a VERY long time?
A cardboard tube breaks down in about 2 months
A plastic bottle can last over 450 years
Before you throw something away, ask yourself: “Can I reuse this?”
Plant a Tree, Help the Planet
Imagine planting a tree and helping animals AND people! Trees:
Give us oxygen (the air we breathe)
Help keep places cool in the summer
Every year, about 15 billion trees are cut down.
Planting even ONE tree makes a difference!
Flip the Switch!
Have you ever left the lights on when you didn’t need them?
Electricity comes from energy sources like:
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
Renewable energy (energy from wind and sunlight)
Save Every Drop
Water may seem everywhere—but clean water is actually rare!
Less than 1% of Earth’s water can be used by people.
Small Actions + Lots of People = BIG Change!
You’ve got this, Earth Hero!
Cave Creek Museum 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek
Experience the only fully operational ore crushing mill in Arizona! Watch the mine shaft explode with sights & sounds as ore is moved on the tram and pulverized into sand right before your eyes
cavecreekmuseum.com
Mining Experience
Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Blast into action with a hilarious and high-energy journey through the scientific method & wonders of physical science Be entertained with comedy, curiosity & often successful experiments!
tempecenterforthearts.com
25 Doktor Kaboom!
26
Arcadia Canal N. Arcadia D.r & 48th St., Phoenix
Walk, run, bike or scooter a 3mile route through the streets of Arcadia Proceeds benefit Phoenix Children’s Home Safety & Safe Sleep Program which delivers education and resources for families teamtaylor2026.raiselysite.com State Farm Stadium 1 Cardinals Dr.,
This enchanting night is like no other: watch over 1,200 drones take flight in perfect harmony with the songs from the films creating breathtaking visuals!
Kick off summer with the Bubble Bash, full of interactive bubble stations including a giant bubble that kids can stand in and have a photo taken!
Team Taylor Fun Run
Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Ln.,
Gerald and Piggie sing, dance, and celebrate friendship in this joyful musical romp filled with laughs, surprises, and the “Flippy Floppy Floory”!
Elephant & Piggies “We Are In A Play!”
What’s What’s a Girl to Do a Girl to Do This Summer? This Summer?
Girls Mentorship empowers young women with the knowlege that they can do anything and are not alone at their Pursue More Summer Camp!
When Layli Kasraee’s mom first began nudging her to attend summer camp two summers ago, she was not interested. She had a bad camp experience before and felt like she didn’t fit in. But her mom kept pushing, and it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to Layli. Now she is getting ready to finish sixth grade, and this summer will be her third time at camp!
“Everyone there was just really sweet,” Layli said. “Like, there's not one exception.”
Pursue More Summer Camp is a week-long confidence and leadership experience for hundreds of girls ages 10–13, offering a safe space for girls to talk about real-life topics and build lifelong skills. For Layli, it’s been a huge help when it comes to building her confidence and meeting new people. “The socializing really helps me get out there and speak to people,” she recalled. She still even has phone numbers for some of the girls she met that first summer.
Practicing kindness and patience came easier to Layli, thanks to her experiences at camp. “I was really influenced by everybody there, seeing how kind they were and how people grew close so fast.”
Creators Jill Petersen and Mary Frances designed GM to give young women the mindset, skills, emotional tools, and mentorship they wished they’d had during their own childhoods.The camp has made such an impression that Layli might even become a peer leader in the future. These are older girls, ages 14 to 18, who serve as mentors and role models and help guide the younger girls at camp.
Each day of the week-long camp is built around the concept of POWER:
PERSPECTIVE - Seeing challenges as opportunities
OWNERSHIP - Taking responsibility for choices and mindset
WORTHINESS - Knowing she is enough without comparison
EMPOWERMENT - Learning to speak up and take action
REASSURANCE - Building resilience to handle setbacks
