Dads The Word

While mom bloggers, momtrepeneurs and mom memoirists are
becoming more and more common, not as much attention is giving to the equally
deserving dads who do interesting work in the world of families. For
inspiration, we put together a short list of a few dad writers we love. Enjoy!

Skip Card, a longtime journalist who
lives on the Upper West Side with his daughter and wife, is a columnist for one
of our favorite resources in NYC education—insideschools.org.  InsideSchools is an invaluable resource for city parents, offering independent insights into NYC education at every level, from public schools to charter schools, and for young children through high school. Check out here. Card is also an avid
outdoorsman and hiker, recently wrote a story for us about the best nearby places
to go hiking with kid
s, a great resource for the spring season!

Jay Bushara, another Manhattan dad, pens the blog onepotato.net, where he reviews children’s books. A graduate of Columbia University, who, after a variety of odd jobs around the world, settled in NYC with his wife and sons, now 8 and 14. At onepotato, parents can peruse the titles that Bushara likes best — he has an eye for quirky, colorful books with flair and a great story — put them in their shopping card, and seamlessly go on to Amazon.com to purchase. Expert book recommendations from a fun, well-written blog, written by an awesome NYC dad? What’s not to love?

Bruce Feiler is one of the most inspiring dads we know. In July 2008, the Brooklyn-based bestselling author of “Walking the Bible,” learned he had a tumor in his
left femur that threatened his ability to walk, his career as a journalist and
travel writer, and even his life. However, his immediate concert was her twin daughters, who were only 3 at the age of his diagnosis. Within days, Feiler assembled a group of six of his friends to become a group surrogate father figure, which he named “The Council of Dads,” which served as the inspiration for the book of the same name. Now cancer-free, Feiler’s story is poignant for all parents. For more of his insights, click here to check out a recent interview we conducted with the inspiring dad.

Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the two dads behind the NYC Dads Group, Lance Somerfeld and Matt Schneider. Founder Somerfeld, fell into stay at home fatherhood after the birth of his son Jake, and subsequently felt the need for a social group of fathers, both working and stay-at home, to connect, plan activities, and share experiences. Thus, the NYC Dads Group was born, a group of over 300 active NYC fathers. For more of Somerfeld’s insights, click here, or check out the group’s blog here. Schneider, a founding member and co-organizer of the group, also frequently contributes to the Citibabes blog on topics of parenting and fatherhood in the city. Schneider is a father of two young boys, Max and Sam.

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Future Stars Summer Camps

<p>The Ultimate Summer Camps Experience!  For over 40 years, Future Stars has helped campers build skills, character, friendships, and lasting memories. We offer flexible weekly scheduling in over 40 Sports, STEAM Education, and Specialty camp programs for boys & girls entering grades K-10.  TRAIN – PLAY – BELIEVE </p>

Trail Blazers

<p><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; background-color: #ffffff;">Since 1887, Trail Blazers’ programs have been where campers connect to nature, make new friends, and create life-long memories. From Grades PreK-10, there is a day or overnight adventure for your camper. Registration is currently open for farmstead, rock climbing, canoeing, biking, and backpacking adventures. We’ll leave the screens at home for a summer full of learning about our environment and building skills, guided by staff from all over the world! Of course, there will be songs and s’mores! Come outside and play, adventure awaits! Visit our website to learn more and secure your camper’s spot. Trail Blazers is accredited by the American Camp Association.</span></p>

Ghostlight Theater Camp

<p>Ghostlight Theater Camp is a summer theater camp for campers ages 9-17. Providing 10-day, 3-week, and 6-week programs that combine high-caliber theater training with a traditional summer camp experience. </p> <p>Working with Broadway artists both in classes and in productions, campers will have access to skill development, mentorships, and lifelong connections that will follow them beyond camp. Ghostlight focuses on ensemble theatre values and practicies that support individuality and self-expression in the context of community. This means that no camper at Ghostlight is in the back row or sitting on the side. Each day brings multiple opportunities to perform and create with fellow campers in an environment filled with support. </p> <p>When not making theater, campers can enjoy the benefits of a summer camp in Maine that no other theater camp offers. Stargazing in a hammock, walks in the woods, downtime by the pool, and quiet time reading in the Gazebos with the sound of wind all around are some of highlights of a summer unplugged and away from screens. </p> <p>Finally, the most meaningful and lasting gift of a summer at Ghostlight is the friendships made that last a lifetime. Though the love of theater brings us together, and the work we do stands out from other experiences, the community focus of Ghostlight Theater Camp is why we hear, year after year, that campers cannot wait to return. </p>