Travel writing contest for kids
Calling all aspiring young writers: Smart Poodle Publishing is hosting a travel-writing contest for children ages 5 to 10. The entries must be stories based on a real-life experience or a fictionalized journey.
   
There are three categories, split up by age groups: ages 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. A winner from each group will be chosen, and their stories will be published on the Smart Poodle Web site. Winners will be given $25 and an autographed copy of “The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly: Costa Rica.”
   
Stories must not exceed 1,000 words and be original work. There’s no entry fee, and the deadline for submissions is Sept. 1. Winners will be notified by Sept. 15.    
   
Send submissions to Smart Poodle Publishing, P.O. Box 817468, Hollywood, Fla., 33081. For details, go to smartpoodlepublishing.com.


Summer reading buzz!

Want your kids to read four or more books this summer? Join The Scholastic Summer Reading BUZZ!
   
Scholastic.com/buzz, offers book lists and book-themed activities for parents and kids, including logs, reading games and Q & A’s.
   
For every four books a child reads, Scholastic donates one book to a nonprofit group that sets up schools and libraries in underprivileged communities.
   
Plus, kids can get inspired by the Read and Dream Sweepstakes – a chance to win a Walt Disney World
vacation.


API scores are in!
Many O.C. public schools received high marks on the Academic Performance Index. About half (288 schools) scored 800 or higher – the state’s goal. And 19 percent earned the highest ranking. Many of the top-ranking schools were in the Irvine Unified School District.
   
To look up your school’s API, visit cde.ca.gov.


Looking for a sitter? Mix it up!
Need a new sitter? Forget the want ads and online babysitting services. A nationwide sitting resource, MommyMixer, has come to Orange County.
   
Founded in 2003 in Austin, Texas, MommyMixer connects busy families who need part-time sitters with college students who want part-time work.
   
At each hour-long mixer, moms interview potential babysitters and leave with a favorites list. Sitters introduce themselves and describe their experience and schedules. Moms do the same, then mingle to find the best match.           

Moms get a copy of “The Babysitter Book,” each sitter’s resume, contact information and a photo. They can contact their favorite sitters directly to establish an hourly rate, check references and set up in-home meetings with the children. The cost to join is $100 for first-time families.   
   
To check the mixer schedule for Orange County, visit mommymixer.com and link to “Choose Your City.”


The Irvine Co. awards 32 scholarships
Four students from local high schools each received $15,000 in The Irvine Co.’s 2008 Student Leadership Awards. The finalists – Rochelle Breedon, James Lozano Jr., Aimee Jaquelyn Torres and Noah Young – were among 32 students honored at an awards reception May 14.
   
The students were selected by high schools in the Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport–Mesa, Tustin and Orange school districts for academic and leadership excellence. After completing a competitive program consisting of a leadership exercise, essay and oral interview, the eight semifinalists participated in another interview, from which four finalists were chosen.
   
In addition to being scholars, varsity athletes and leaders, the finalists give back to their communities.
   
Breedon mentors students and plans activities at the Youth Leadership Village Church of Irvine. Lozano Jr. works on beach cleanup and park renovations, and participated on Irvine’s Teen City Planning Committee. Torres has worked with the San Antonio Youth Ministry and the Society to End Poverty, as well as the Filipino-American Association. Young has worked with his local Jewish Community Center.


Free riding lessons for military families
The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding is offering free, weeklong summer riding sessions for military families, sponsored by the RichLynd Foundation. The programs are for kids ages 5 through 16 of active and retired military personnel. They will be grouped by ability level and interest, with programs for children with special needs, too.
   
One of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the U.S., the Shea Center is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled people through therapeutic equestrian activities.
   
These special riding sessions are from July 7-Aug. 23, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
   
For more information, call Adre Hudgson at 949.240.8441 or go to: sheacenter.org.

Reported and compiled by Olga Belogolova, a summer intern for OC Family Magazine.


CARES safety harness takes off
When flying, the safety and comfort of kids is paramount. The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES), a child harness for air travel, gives extra support to children between 22 and 44 pounds. CARES has been recognized by the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) with a gold seal for the toddler age group in its Parenting Resources Awards.
   
The harness is lightweight and retails for $74.95. Each CARES unit includes an instructional video and an information card in a carrying case.
   
For more information, go to kidsflysafe.com or call 800.299.6249.