Founded in 2006, Yogurtland, the popular self-serve frozen yogurt pioneer, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by supporting kids and families across the country. Together with its fans, Yogurtland will be raising funds for children’s hospitals to help enhance lives, lift spirits and brighten smiles of patients and families at their member hospitals.

From Sept. 9 – Oct. 19, Yogurtland through its charitable arm, Yogurtland Cares, will be collecting donations at stores throughout the country.  Every dollar raised will go directly to local children’s hospitals. During this time period, Yogurtland will also be highlighting three of its most popular flavors – Birthday Cupcake Batter, Pineapple Sorbet and Almond Midnight Mocha.

These contributions will go to help kids like 11-year-old Jordin, a frequent visitor at her children’s hospital where the doctors and nurses help her manage her sickle cell disease,  including acute chest syndrome and chronic pain. Jordin loves to ride and care for horses, play soccer and is an avid Disney fan. Despite her young age, she understands the seriousness of her disease and is living life to the fullest. Her goal is to become a doctor so that she can help other kids the way the doctors have helped her.

“We are so grateful for the loyal support Yogurtland has received over these past ten years, and are thrilled to join with our fans to support children in need. Together, we can help kids and their families in many positive ways,” said Phillip Chang, founder and CEO of Yogurtland.

In 2006, Phillip and Michelle Chang opened the first Yogurtland in Fullerton, Calif., and the self-serve brand quickly became a sensation while establishing the industry standard for high quality and extensive customer flavor variety. Giving back to the communities it serves has been an integral part of Yogurtland’s operating values since the first location opened and supporting children’s charities has been a top priority for the Chang’s and the company.  Through Yogurtland Cares, the company plans to enhance its community support.

“Congratulations Yogurtland on its 10^th anniversary, and thank you for choosing to mark the milestone by supporting children’s hospitals across the nation.  Children’s Hospital of Orange County is grateful for the relationship we share with you and look forward to decades of working together to brighten the lives of children and families,” Dennis McClellan, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Children’s Hospital of Orange County

Some of the hospitals benefiting from the Yogurtland fundraiser include Rady Children’s Hospital (San Diego, Calif.), Children’s Hospital of Orange County (Orange, Calif.), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cottage Children’s Hospital (Santa Barbara, Calif.), Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center (Bakersfield, Calif.), Valley Children’s Hospital (Fresno, Calif.) Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (Salinas, Calif.), UC Davis Children’s Hospital (Sacramento, Calif.), UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital (San Francisco), St. Rose Dominican Hospital (Henderson, Nev.), Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Phoenix, AZ), Children’s Hospital Colorado (Denver, Colo.), Seattle Children’s Hospital (Seattle, Wash.), Primary Children’s Hospital (Salt Lake City, Utah), Children’s Medical Center of Dallas (Dallas, TX) and Miami Children’s Hospital (Miami, FL).

The Yogurtland Difference

Separating Yogurtland from competitors is the company’s team of flavorologists who develop the proprietary recipes for the brand’s more than 250 different and customized flavors that are produced in the company’s own dairy plant in Paramount, Calif. Whether traditional or exotic, each flavor uses real ingredients sourced from their original locations. By controlling the entire frozen yogurt making process, Yogurtland has raised the standards for flavors and quality to new heights much to the delight of millions of fans.

Naturally occurring calcium makes Yogurtland yogurt a healthful, refreshing treat. Fruit flavors are also fortified with Vitamin C. All of Yogurtland’s flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility. Yogurtland features non- and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as gluten-free, non-dairy and no sugar added choices. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

Credit: Yogurtland.

With its 2016 Growing Healthy Kids campaign, Whole Kids Foundation aims to raise $4 million to fund programs that give schoolchildren in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. better access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Throughout September, Whole Foods Market shoppers can get involved by participating in one of hundreds of in-store events or by making donations at store checkouts or online at wholekidsfoundation.org. Because Whole Foods Market covers all of the foundation’s operational costs, 100 percent of every dollar donated directly supports Whole Kids Foundation programs. The campaign’s goal is to raise $4 million to fund school salad bars and gardens, and nutrition education classes for teachers.

“The Growing Healthy Kids Campaign is an integral part of the foundation’s work,” said Nona Evans, president and executive director of Whole Kids Foundation. “It provides us the opportunity to raise funds to support our programs, and to engage with community members that shop at Whole Foods Market and care about children’s nutrition and health.”

Since 2011, Whole Kids Foundation’s programs have impacted more than 4 million children in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., have funded more than 3,600 school gardens and have implemented 4,600 salad bars in schools. Additionally, Whole Kids Foundation has reached 11,000 teachers with its healthy teacher education program.

As part of this year’s Growing Healthy Kids Campaign, each of the following supplier partners has pledged to donate $40,000 to support the foundation’s work: Annie’s, Applegate, Back to Nature, Barbara’s Bakery, Cascadian Farm, Clif Kid, Health Warrior, King Arthur Flour, Organic Valley, Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Tom’s of Maine, and Stonyfield Farm.

Whole Kids Foundation keeps a laser focus on programs that support schools and inspire families to improve nutrition. With resources from this annual campaign, the organization is able to evolve and respond to changing needs over time. For example, as part of a new initiative this year, Whole Kids Foundation recently awarded $200,000 to nine recipients through its Healthy Kids Innovation Grant, created to fund the next generation of ideas in children’s nutrition and engage kids in making healthy food choices.

Whole Kids Foundation accepts applications for its Salad Bar Grant Program, created in partnership with Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, year-round at wholekidsfoundation.org. It’s also accepting applications for its School Garden Grant Program, created in partnership with FoodCorps. Schools can apply through Oct. 31 in the U.S., and through Nov. 15 in Canada.

Credit:

About Whole Kids Foundation^®

Whole Kids Foundation, a Whole Foods Market foundation, is based in Austin, Texas, and operates as an independent, nonprofit organization. By empowering schools and inspiring families, the Foundation aims to help children reach optimal health through the strength of a healthy body fueled by nutritious food.  For more information on the Foundation’s programs including school gardens, salad bars and nutrition education for teachers, visit wholekidsfoundation.org.

Conserve Energy SoCal, have created the following helpful tips to educate the community on energy conservation.

1. Set your AC to 78 degrees when you’re not home.
2. Reduce the temperature on your water heater.
3. Turn lights off when you leave the room.
4. Use a power strip; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.
5. Air dry dishes instead of using dishwasher’s drying cycle.
6. Take short showers instead of baths and use low-flow shower heads.
7. Only run full loads of clothes or dishes.
8. Wash clothes in cold water.
9. Keep windows and doors closed when heating or cooling your home.
10. Clean or change air filters regularly.

In addition to the educational programs The Pacific Wheel in Santa Monica Pier has a light show some Wednesdays to celebrate energy conservation, a perfect event for SoCal City Kids readers to plan a family day together.

For further information on Conserve Energy SoCal, their events, and deals, please visit www.ConserveEnergySoCal.com, or visit us on Twitter and Facebook. 

The next light show is Wednesday, September 14^th!  

Credit: Conserve Energy SoCal.

The County of Orange, Orange County Board of Supervisors and OC Parks are pleased to introduce the new OC Parks mobile application, making it easy to explore all that the County regional and wilderness parks have to offer.
Using the OC Parks app for iOS or Android, you can easily get outside and find a park near you with the most detailed, accurate maps of all regional, wilderness, beach and historic parks and regional trails operated by the County of Orange. The app also offers detailed park descriptions and photos.

“The new OC Parks app gives Orange County residents and visitors information about the features and amenities available in our beautiful County parks,” Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Fifth District, said.

The mobile app lets users easily locate the closest playgrounds, parking and restrooms in each park. Search recent OC Parks news, events and alerts regarding park access, weather, trail conditions and more.

The app also links to camping and picnic shelter reservations, some program registrations and annual parking pass purchases.

The new OC Parks app is free and available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Credit: OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

3rd St Promenade (Santa Monica)

Friday, August 12 @ 7pm

Creekside Plaza (Valencia)

Saturday, August 20 @ 3pm

Singer-songwriter Kerry Fenster will perform songs from his

award-winning album SONGS ABOUT US

which features fun and interactive music that helps teach

social skills to kids, as well as young adults with special needs.

A portion of the proceeds from purchases made during these events will benefit:

Credit: www.muzicschool.com.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and Disney Channel are teaming up to inspire girls and their families to practice leadership. The collaboration brings GSUSA’s focus on leading like a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)^TM, the Girl Scout way, and Disney Channel’s recently launched animated television series Elena of Avalor into action with the debut of The Elena of Avalor Leadership Guide by Girl Scouts and Disney Channel. Available in English and Spanish beginning today, the Guide showcases leadership activities and conversations parents and caregivers can engage their preschool through fifth-grade girls in to boost their everyday leadership skills and prepare them to create the future they imagine.

“Since 1912, Girl Scouts has proudly fostered a tradition of excellence that prepares girls, with the support of their families, to boldly take the lead in their lives in the ‘Girl’ Scout way,” said Sylvia Acevedo, interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. “Recognizing that leadership development for youth begins early-on, we are particularly excited to work with Disney Channel on this collaboration tied to Elena of Avalor, a wonderfully innovative program that emphasizes the importance of embracing the mantle of leadership to a new generation. Because, as we say at Girl Scouts, ‘If the world needs more leaders, then we need more Girl Scouts!’”

Studies show early experiences in life impact leadership potential, and the family setting is the first place a child learns about how to be a strong leader.¹ As uncovered by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI), the disconnect between the command-and-control definition of leadership and the more aspirational types of leadership points to potential pitfalls in communicating with girls about the benefits of leadership development programs². Additionally, girls are not confident about having the essential skills and competencies they think of as most important for a leader². GSUSA, with its established legacy in preparing girls to be leaders, believes in a holistic approach to leadership, which is a key component of the new leadership guide.

“As we launch Elena of Avalor on Disney Channel, nothing is more important to us than using the impact that we know television has on our audience to showcase strong, ambitious role models for young girls. Our work with GSUSA will give us the chance to amplify that message and be a part of the largest community of young female leaders, by providing materials and inspiration that demonstrate every girl has the power to lead,” said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.

Also debuting is the inaugural “Elena of Avalor—Scepter of Light Award,” which will be presented to two Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. The Gold Award is the highest recognition a Girl Scout can earn, with recipients demonstrating extraordinary leadership through “Take Action projects” and exemplifying compassion, critical thinking, collaboration, and courage—the very leadership qualities that Elena of Avalor models. Award recipients will participate in events including Elena’s Royal Welcome at Walt Disney World in Orlando this August and a GSUSA event in Chicago in the fall.

Later this year, as part of Disney ABC Television Group’s Be Inspired pro-social efforts, Disney Channel and Disney Junior will air leadership-themed pro-social interstitials featuring Girl Scouts alongside Princess Elena, as well as kick off a user-generated contest encouraging girls to share how they exemplify being a G.I.R.L. on International Day of the Girl (October 11) and give them the opportunity to be featured on air.

Disney’s Elena of Avalor follows the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Set in Avalor, an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore, Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience, and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders. The series airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel.

Credit:

We’re Girl Scouts of the USA

We’re 2.7 million strong—1.9 million girls and 800,000 adults who believe girls can change the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. She organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, and every year since, we’ve made her vision a reality, helping girls discover their strengths, passions, and talents. Today we continue the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs for girls from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to do something amazing. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscouts.org.

About Disney Channel

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family-inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series, movies and short form. Currently available on basic cable and satellite in over 96 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney ABC Television Group. Disney Channel-branded content spans television, online, mobile, VOD platforms and the Disney Channel App. Disney Channels Worldwide is a global portfolio of 116 kid-driven, family inclusi

Do you know a budding marine biologist? The Junior Biologist series of programs at the Aquarium of the Pacific aims to encourage a love of science in seven- to twelve-year-old children. Each two-hour class includes activities related to the animal theme, a guided gallery tour, interaction with animal care staff behind the scenes, and a keepsake journal.

Students interested in learning about a career for a school assignment or pursuing a job in the animal care field can join the Aquarium’s Job Shadow series of classes. Four unique three-hour classes are offered to give teens ages thirteen through seventeen the inside scoop on a career in marine biology. Participants can sign up for the entire series or just one class. Job Shadow classes are led by Aquarium educators and include opportunities to interact with animal care staff members.

WHEN:           Junior Biologist dates and topics:

Saturday, August 13, 2016, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Marine Mammals

Saturday, September 10, 2016, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Invertebrates

Saturday, October 8, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Fish

Job Shadow dates and topics:

August 6 and 21, 2016, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Penguin and Lorikeet Biologist

September 3 and 18, 2016, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Mammalogist (mammal biologist)

October 1 and 16, 2016, 9:00a.m.-12:00 p.m., Veterinarian

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            Junior Biologist: $29.00 per participant, $25.00 per Aquarium member. Aquarium admission not included.

Job Shadow: $39.00 per participant, $35.00 for Aquarium members. Aquarium admission is not included.

INFO:              For more information visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/education/programs/category/childrens_adventures

Credit:

AQUARIUM:  The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the new Horses and Dragons and Vanishing Animals exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium won a 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.