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Saturday 29 June 2024

Metro Detroit’s Best Youth Basketball Leagues

By  June 29, 2024   No comments

As a parent with a child who loves playing basketball, I am always looking for new basketball leagues and training for him to try. This is how I know how overwhelming it can be as a parent.

These places in metro Detroit all have one thing in common, they all want to teach and train youth players in basketball and offer a fun experience.

Make sure to register as soon as possible, because these basketball leagues do fill up fast.

All Star Sports Center

This center offers basketball camps and leagues for ages 4 and up. Every player will receive a participation medal and first place champions will receive a trophy.

Detroit PAL

The basketball camps that they offer are boys rec basketball (includes 8u, 10u, 12u and 14u divisions), girls rec basketball (includes 12u, 14u and 18u divisions), boys school basketball (grades 4-8), girls school basketball (grades 4-8), Little Hoopers and camps/clinics.

Greg Grant Sportsplex

The Sportsplex offers basketball AAU club teams, camps, clinics, training and tournaments. For grades K-12.

HYPE Athletics

The HYPE Premier Basketball Leagues will consist of 10 regular season games, team practices, All-Star games and skills event, playoffs, game uniform and medals.

i9 Sports 

Choose from a summer or fall basketball league for your child. i9 offers basketball programs broken up by grades PreK4-K, 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Coaches are volunteer parents that have been run through a background check and received resources and training.

Jr. Pistons 

The Detroit Pistons have partnered with already existing youth basketball programs around metro Detroit. It brings the Pistons franchise to young basketball players. All players receive a reversible Junior Pistons jersey to keep.

LK St. Clair

Bitty Basketball - LK St. Clair
Photo credit: LK St. Clair

LK offers a bitty basketball program for kids ages 4-5. It is for players getting introduced to the game and wanting to learn some skills. They also offer a Train and Play Sports for ages 6-12. The train and play programs for basketball are divided into three age groups – ages 6-7, ages 8-9 and ages 10-12. All participants will receive a shirt or jersey.

Macomb Township Youth Athletics

July 29-Aug. 2, 2024

Sign your child up for basketball camp for all skills and abilities that are provided by one-on-one Basketball Academy and Macomb Township Parks and Recreation. They’ll learn the fundamentals of basketball and play the game in a fun way. For ages 8-13.

Macomb Wildcats

Macomb Wildcats was created in 2023 and offers youth basketball for grades 1-8. All coaches, volunteers and affiliates involved with the program go through an ICHAT background screening.

Michigan Youth Basketball

This eight-week youth basketball program has partnered with local school districts. Players will receive an NBA reversible team jersey. All officials are quality trained and volunteer coaches are trained and run through a background check. There are playoffs for grades 3 and up. You do not have to be from the area or in the school district to play.

OFH Youth Basketball League

The girls basketball league is for ages 8-11 and the boys basketball league is for ages 8-15. There will be awards for the first and second place teams. Also, offers co-ed basketball camps.

Sterling Basketball League (SBL)

  • Address: Located in Sterling Heights

This youth basketball league is for boys and girls ages 6-17. It is a nonprofit organization and in partnership with the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department. Coaches and staff members are volunteers. The registration fee includes jersey and shorts, gym time, 8-10 games, referees, game score keepers and trophies.

The Compound Athletics

This sports training facility trains young athletes all the way to top-tier high school athletes in basketball. They offer training seven days a week along with camps, small group sessions, one-on-one training and the Jr. Pistons League. It is also home to the AAU team, Michigan Goonies.

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Career & Technology Education Programs in Macomb County Help Students Decide Their Future Professions

By  June 29, 2024   No comments

Not every student wants to go to a four-year university or two-year college. If your child is in high school and thinking about other career options, look into signing them up for the Career & Technology Education Program (CTE) in Macomb County.

Abby Kempski knew she didn’t want to go to college or choose a career sitting at a desk all day. She had her sights on being a police officer when she initially thought about doing a CTE program her junior year at Lakeview High School. 

What are some reasons to choose a CTE Program?

Abby and her mother Nicole first saw information about the CTE program while Abby was flipping through a class catalog during her sophomore year. 

“I really chose the program on a whim,” says Abby. 

She chose the law enforcement program to do during her junior year and learned so much, including the fact that she wanted to try the firefighting program the next year. 

“Before the police program, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do,” says Nicole. “The law enforcement program exposed her to things that would be a great fit for her, so we were very thankful for that.”

The law enforcement program and firefighting program worked together on some activities together, so Abby decided to try the firefighting program her senior year. 

What is some advice for students considering CTE?

Photo courtesy of Abby and Nicole Kempski

There are so many CTE programs for students to choose from. CTE is state-funded and offerings vary by district in Macomb County. Some programs to choose from are:

  • Agriscience and Natural Resources
  • Allied Health Technologies
  • Business Services & Technology 
  • Child & Adult Care Services
  • Cosmetology
  • Hospitality & Food Services
  • Life Management Education/Family & Consumer Sciences
  • Marketing Education
  • Trade & Industry

“CTE programs were a lot more responsibility than their regular courses,” says Nicole. “Students should be responsible and independent enough for the commitment.”

How can CTE benefit your child’s future?

Both of Abby’s CTE programs greatly benefited her future. Her peers are figuring out what college they want to attend and what majors they will choose. Abby, on the other hand, is ahead of them already being certified and ready to start her career. 

“She has graduated from Lakeview High School and graduated from the Center Line Fire Academy,” says Nicole. “Now, she is just waiting for her written test results from the state of Michigan and getting everything together to begin her EMT program.” 

She is doing all of this without acquiring debt from attending a two-year college or four-year university.

“To have the opportunity for your child to be ready to enter the workforce and with zero debt is an amazing feeling,” says Nicole. “She’s ready to take her next step and go out into the workforce and if she chooses to expand her education, she will now have the ability to pay for that herself.”

Abby has also gained a lot of hands-on experience through the program that she wouldn’t necessarily have received otherwise. 

Photo courtesy of Abby and Nicole Kempski

“Through this program she got to experience skills competition,” says Nicole. “She and her teammate are going to Houston to compete in the national competition in Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).”

How can parents can help their child pursue other career options

“I will tell anyone who will listen to have their kids look at their high school CTE programs,” says Nicole. “It doesn’t seem to be advertised or encouraged as much as college prep programs are.”

She explains that students can always change their mind and try out a traditional college later on, but CTE gets them ahead of their peers and alleviates some of the debt they would accrue going straight to college. 

“Now that I’ve graduated from high school and the academy, I’m just waiting on test results from the state,” says Abby. “It’s been a crazy couple of months, but now I can enjoy my summer and not stress.” 

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.



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7 Tips for Beginning Solid Foods with Your Baby

By  June 29, 2024   No comments

Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone that marks a new chapter in their developmental journey. Just think: you are going to witness your child’s first taste of real food!

I still remember my oldest daughter’s eyes going wide with delight at her first taste of butternut squash which, by the way, she quickly devoured.

In a blog on the Henry Ford Health website, pediatrician Dr. Jordan Kridler offers guidance for this new phase to ensure that your baby not only enjoys their first foods but also receives the nutrients they need for healthy growth.

1. Knowing when to start

The right time to introduce solids varies from one baby to another, typically around 4 to 6 months. Dr. Kridler advises parents to watch for signs that their baby is ready, such as the ability to sit up without support. 

Another sign that your baby is interested in solid foods may be that they begin to show curiosity about what you’re eating. “It’s not just about age; it’s about developmental cues that show your baby is interested and physically ready,” says Dr. Krindler.

2. Selecting the first foods

Tip: It doesn’t only have to be rice cereal. For many parents, rice cereal is a popular first choice due to the fact that it is easily digestible and gentle on the stomach. However, Dr. Kridler encourages exploring other options like purees of fruits and vegetables. Some good choices: carrots, bananas, apples and sweet potatoes. These are all easy to digest and tasty for babies.

“Starting with single-ingredient purees helps you monitor for any adverse reactions and eases your baby into the new flavors,” she notes. These first foods should be free from added salts, sugars and artificial additives to keep them as healthy as possible.

3. Embracing the mess

Introducing solids can be a messy process as your baby learns how to handle new textures and tastes. “It’s perfectly normal for babies to play with their food and even spit it out as they get used to eating from a spoon,” says Dr. Krindler. 

If your baby spits out food at first, don’t get discouraged. “It can take up to 15 times of trying a new food before your baby starts to take to it,” says Dr. Kridler.

She encourages parents to keep the mood light for your child and make feeding times a fun time. “This is as much a learning experience as it is a feeding one,” she explains.

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4. Avoiding certain foods (at least initially)

While introducing a variety of foods is important, there are certain foods that should be introduced with caution. Common allergens such as eggs, nuts, dairy and fish might need to be delayed, especially if there’s a history of allergies in the family. 

“Always introduce new foods gradually and keep an eye out for any signs of a reaction,” Dr. Kridler advises. If you have other children with allergies or you have them yourself, consulting with an allergist can also help tailor a safe introduction plan.

5. Fostering independence with finger foods

As your baby grows and gains more motor skills, finger foods become an important next step. However, use caution when offering finger foods to your baby and offer soft, easy-to-swallow foods cut into small pieces. 

One benefit of finger foods is that they give your baby a sense of independence since they are able to feed these to themselves. It’s a whole new world! 

“This stage is crucial for developing their fine motor skills and encouraging them to be active participants at mealtime,” says Dr. Kridler.

6. Continuing breastmilk or formula

Throughout the introduction of solid foods, you still need to continue with breastmilk or formula. “These should remain the primary source of nutrition until about 7 to 9 months of age,” Dr. Kridler says. 

Giving your child breastmilk or formula during this transitional eating phase will ensure that they continue to receive the important nutrients they need.

7. Introducing other liquids

It’s no surprise that babies like the sweet taste of juice. However, think twice about juice or even water while your child gets used to solid foods. The reason? If their little tummies fill up with liquids, they won’t want to eat. 

Moderation is key with water and juice can be put on hold until your baby is older, says Dr. Krindler. She recommends limiting water to no more than 8 ounces a day after 6 months and advises against introducing juice until after the first year. 

“Juice offers no nutritional benefit at this age and can detract from the intake of more nutrient-rich foods,” she says.

Remember, every baby is unique, and their readiness for solids will vary. Embrace this new adventure with patience and enthusiasm, and you’ll soon see your baby enjoying a whole new world of flavors and textures. Here’s to a happy and healthy eating journey for your growing baby!

For more information on Henry Ford Health please visit henryford.com. Click here for more Metro Parent articles on kids’ top health questions.



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Friday 28 June 2024

U Prep Schools Makes a Lasting Impact

By  June 28, 2024   No comments

Every parent wants their child to get a great education that has lasting impact. Some parents recognize the power of choosing a school that will help their child achieve this goal. This is exactly what Anton Horton’s mother wanted for him. So, instead of choosing the default neighborhood high school option, she sent him to University Preparatory Academy (UPA), which is part of the 10-school, three district University Prep Schools in Detroit.

“My mom sent me to UPA because of the way it looked, because of the classroom sizes and because it was a good space for me,” Horton recalls. Immediately, Horton recognized the impact of student-teacher relationships on academic success. “When teachers build relationships with kids, the kids will perform, no matter who they are.”

Today, Horton holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and serves as Interim School Director at University Prep Art & Design Middle School, located in Detroit’s Cultural District. And, he says, the path to his current role started in the hallways and classrooms at UPA.

“I played sports and ended up going to Adrian College and had the opportunity to work as a summer intern for Detroit 90/90 Promise,” he says, referring to the measured initiative that 90% of students who attend U Prep schools will graduate and be accepted to a college of their choice. “I was able to go to the different schools in our district and saw that they all had the same vision and mission, and all the buildings looked nice. I could see myself working here one day.”

Horton took the relationship skills he developed as a student at UPA and applied them as a leader at Adrian College.

“There were about 30 other students from Detroit and about 50% of them left Adrian, either because they couldn’t afford it or they couldn’t keep up in the classroom,” he says. “So, I started an organization to focus on the retention rate of African American students at Adrian.” Seeking to understand what fellow students needed to feel supported and building relationships to meet these needs, Horton created rituals to empower those around him.

“The biggest thing it did was to move people to want to be change agents at Adrian — and then be change agents wherever they are now,” he explains.

A professional home at U Prep Schools

Through this effort, Horton says he developed an “educator’s mindset” with a goal to improve urban schools to better prepare students.

“I spoke nationally about retention rates and increasing the number of students of color who graduate. That experience encouraged me to come back to speak at high schools, middle schools and elementary schools,” Horton says. Initially, he adds, school leaders expressed doubt about how students would connect with a Black male educator — since few students have lived this experience.

Those leaders were incorrect. “Students received me like they had known me. They shared what they were going through, their home life and what they planned after school,” Horton says. “It was a trigger. I realized I should go into education and take it seriously.”

After he graduated from Adrian College, Horton served in the Army National Guard and then attended grad school at Wayne State University. He has served in several roles, all within the three districts that make up U Prep Schools — and he’s working toward a doctoral degree in education policy.

Horton’s not the only U Prep graduate to contribute professionally within the organization. In fact, says Danielle Jackson, Chief Executive Officer at U Prep Schools, alumni are “sprinkled into just about every area of our operation.” And that fact serves to remind everyone that their work — the lasting impact U Prep has on students — is still important.

“It gives me a sense of joy,” Jackson says. “There’s something to be said about them coming back and seeing a face they recognize. In the charter space, there’s so much transition that happens, but being here and seeing, 10 years later, that you are getting more than anecdotal stories about former students, that reminds you that the work is still important.”

Authentic relationships make the difference

From his desk at UPAD Middle School, Horton embodies the relationship-centric values so important to the student experience at U Prep schools — and he shares these every time he interacts with students, teachers and staff. 

u-prep
Photo credit: Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office

“The most important thing to me is that students are able to be themselves and feel loved and supported each day. It’s a vision that every school in the network embodies, and we all have the opportunity to make sure that happens,” he says. “We want students to feel that no one is limiting them from attaining their vision. That’s important.”

Alumni feedback supports the value of relationship-building skills, especially as they relate to college and career experiences, Jackson says. 

“We talk openly with our students about how relationships matter,” she says. “Relationships with adults form the gatekeeper for student success. It’s important for them to know that someone will check in on them. And alumni say they feel they have had a lot of practice in building relationships and rapport.” 

The world has evolved from automatic regard afforded to teachers due to their age to an environment where respect and trust must be earned — particularly in the high school space, Jackson explains. 

“In the ethos of U Prep as a whole is a fundamental belief that relationship trust is the underpinning for the learning process,” she says. “I have to feel like you are genuinely getting to know me and you are extending a level of trust. We talk about relationships all the time and about how we are strengthening them. Kids have agency, particularly today.”

Helping students recognize what is possible

Authorized by Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office — Michigan’s largest charter school authorizer — U Prep Schools meet the same high public school standards, but are afforded a level of flexibility about how they achieve these goals. And that can make all the difference for students, Horton says.

“Being a charter school means you can do things that are nontraditional. Teachers can teach how they want, and our school is big on peeling back what holds us back systemically,” he says. “We come to the table with different ideas each year, and we are big on ensuring teachers feel 100% supported. They can advocate for themselves within the charter school network.”

Strong relationships create the conditions for teachers to teach at their highest capacities, Horton says, and continual exposure to the success stories of people in their own communities fuels student achievement. 

“We help students see what is possible,” Horton says — and Jackson agrees. 

“We are majority African American, and so we recognize that kids need to see themselves in the world. If you want to inspire a child to take risks in career pathways that are underrepresented, you will have a better story to tell if you can present them with at least one example or talk about what it means to be trailblazing in an environment where people don’t look like you,” she says, adding that University Prep Art & Design schools, in particular, expose students to career pathways in art and design.

“Being able to have representation makes our rhetoric around what is possible real, not a pie-in-the-sky aspiration,” she says.

And Anton Horton provided a great real-world example during a recent annual leadership conference.

“He was able to say, ‘I remember being a student and having a voice in what I’d like to see happen,’ and he walked away with big ideas about where he wanted to see change,” Jackson says. “Now, he’s in the seat to execute on the vision he had. What better story can you tell? All of this means something. It all matters. It does have meaning.”

Content sponsored by Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office. Visit gvsu.edu/cso. Learn more about UPrep Schools at uprepschools.com.

Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Guide to Michigan Charter Schools. 

This post was originally published in 2022 and is updated regularly. 



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Make These Muskegon State Parks Your Vacation Destination This Year

By  June 28, 2024   No comments

Tell a friend that you’re visiting Muskegon and they’ll ask you which state park you plan to visit. Thanks to the beauty of Lake Michigan, there are several state recreation areas along Michigan’s west coast. 

Here, we share two of Muskegon’s great state park options to add to your summer vacation list this year. 

Muskegon State Park Track Chair
Muskegon State Park is a favorite for all visitors with its accessible beaches and trails.
Photo Credit: Visit Muskegon.

Looking for more things to do while you’re in Muskegon? Check out our guides for Michigan’s Adventure and other nearby family attractions. 

Muskegon State Park

Located in North Muskegon, this 1,233-acre park is home to various terrains, including a beautiful shoreline, forested dunes, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and more. This state park is the perfect addition to your “must visit” list year-round, so if you can’t make it this summer, don’t worry. 

There are several attractions that make this park unique, accessibility being a major one. The park now offers a track chair for visitors to borrow. These chairs effortlessly navigate trails, snow, sand, and even up to four inches of water, enabling users to explore areas of the parks that traditional wheelchairs cannot access.

Muskegon State Park also boasts an Olympian-designed luge track at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. The Sports Park is home to an impressive ice-skating trail, a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails, a 1,300-foot dual zip line, a unique summer luge track, an archery range and much more. There’s something here for everyone! 

  • Accommodations: There are several campgrounds throughout Muskegon State Park that offer tent camping, as well as RV connections for a more comfortable camping experience. If you need more room, they offer cabin rentals, as well as yurt for a more unique camping experience. 
  • Trails to try: The Muskegon River Trail, which follows the Muskegon River and offers a peaceful and scenic hike along the water’s edge, and the Dune Ridge Trail, a slightly more challenging trail that leads you through the dunes, offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.
  • What families are saying: Jecake, from Chicago, said, “We took our three kids (ages 7, 5, and 3) to Muskegon State Park and tent camped for two nights…The kids loved the giant sand dunes and basins that were just a short trek down the ship channel towards Lake Michigan. My husband enjoyed the fishing, and the kids played at the small but very clean beach both days…You won’t regret taking your family.”

J. Hoffmaster State Park

This gorgeous 1,200-acre park is situated on three miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline and is home to majestic sand hills, scenic trails and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, where guests can see exhibits and programming regarding the state park. This accessible park is open year-round and offers lots of enriching experiences for families. 

A highlight of Hoffmaster State Park is the ascent up the Dune Overlook Trail, offering visitors a chance to conquer its sandy slopes. This approximately half-mile round trip trek involves ascending about 220 steps, so be sure to bring good walking shoes. There are, however, benches along the trail for resting. The most unique feature of the park is the Dune Climb Stairway. This stairway leads to the summit of a towering dune, and as you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the park’s natural beauty. 

  • Accommodations: Hoffmaster State Park offers a group campground and a shaded modern campground with rustic and electric sites.
  • Trails to try: For a less challenging hike, explore the Homestead Trail, which spans two miles round trip. This particular route includes a stop at Lake Michigan. Honeymoon Trail is an easy 1.1-mile round trip trail that is quiet and scenic. The best time to hike this trail is April through October.
  • What families are saying:  Travelingw6, of Wauseon, Ohio, says, “We visited on a Saturday as a family with friends. The park was beautiful. The trails are maintained and not very busy. The walk to the shoreline that we chose was shaded with lots of elevation changes. The nature center had an informative section about wildlife the kids enjoyed.”

Plan your whole Muskegon experience with the help of our City Guide. Check out Michigan’s Adventure and other nearby family attractions — and watch your kids’ smiles grow!

Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Learn more at buyfordnow.com. Find more road trip guides and full city guides at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide. 



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Thursday 27 June 2024

Best Places to Eat with Kids in Royal Oak

By  June 27, 2024   No comments

Looking for the perfect spot to grab a bite with the kids in Royal Oak? The Oakland County town is known for their restaurants especially for the family crowd.

Royal Oak’s kid-friendly restaurants not only cater to the taste buds of all ages but also provide a welcoming atmosphere for families. These eateries ensure a fun and delicious outing for everyone.

Read more: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Royal Oak

Ale Mary’s

royal-oak-guide-photo-credit-ale-marys
Photo credit: Ale Mary’s

This kid-friendly beer hall features fried McClure’s pickles, chicken and waffles, tacos and so much more! A full vegan menu is available here, as well as a kids menu, making this a favorite spot for brunch.

Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina

It’s in the name — known for their wood-fired pizza oven and the biga (fermented pizza dough) — this spot serves up delectable pizza the whole family will love. The menu also includes many other dishes, appetizers and salads. 

Comet Burgers

Feel like you’re stepping back in time in this retro diner. The burgers are obviously their most popular item, but don’t turn down a hand-spun milkshake.

Lockhart’s BBQ

Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Royal Oak
Photo credit: Lockhart’s BBQ

Save this spot for the next time you’re craving barbecue. You’ll find everything from brisket and pulled pork to mac and cheese. The atmosphere is welcoming, including live music sets and even a kid’s menu serving smaller portions. 

Oak Diner

For families who love to brunch, this homey spot has all the breakfast classics including egg dishes and sweet treats. The diner is small, but your family won’t mind cozying up in one of their booths.  

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5 Must-Try Desserts in Royal Oak

By  June 27, 2024   No comments

Royal Oak is a sweet spot for dessert lovers, offering a delightful array of options that cater to every taste. 

This town boasts an eclectic mix of dessert destinations for everyone—from those craving freshly baked pastries and breads in the morning to those in search of a late-night ice cream treat. Here are some of our favorite spots for desserts in Royal Oak.

Read more: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Royal Oak

Crispelli’s Bakery

Crispelli’s Bakery is the neighborhood place for fresh baked goods. Cookies, pastries, a variety of breads, muffins, scones and desserts fill the bakery cases. Grab a morning treat, soup and sandwich for lunch — or meet up with friends for coffee or tea.

Custard & Co

This charming dessert spot specializes in creamy, rich custard, serving up a variety of classic flavors. You have to get an Arctic Swirl mixed with any topping you want like cookie dough bites, peanut butter chocolate and even Nerds. 

Daily Dozen

This beloved local donut shop is known for its fresh, handcrafted donuts available in a variety of unique and traditional flavors. Enjoy classic glazed donuts or inventive seasonal specialties like Oreo and Samoa. 

Le Crepe

Le Crepe offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can indulge in made-to-order crepes. Their sweet creations involve flavors like a chocolate eclair or peach cobbler. Definitely save room for their savory crepes, too!

Ray’s Ice Cream

When the kids scream for ice cream, Ray’s is your go-to stop. The classic ice cream shop serves so many fun flavors like Superman, Rainbow Sherbet, Peppermint and more. 

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