The Millstone Times August 2018

BACK TO SCHOOL & KIDS Karate By Lauren Kolacki

T he purpose of your comfort zone is familiarity. It is a psychological state in which an individual feels in control with low levels of stress and anxiety. Trying something for the first time forces you out of your comfort zone. It can be intimidating, in that it exposes you to the chance of failure. After speaking to Mihail Shpilevoj we learned all about stepping out of your comfort zone. Mihail is from Latvia. He is the 2012 runner up in the Italy World Championship for Karate. He has practiced several forms of karate and has taught numerous classes. In 2016 after visiting his sister in New Jersey, he decided it was time for him to face a new challenge. Mihail moved here on a work visa, where he’s decided to share his karate expertise. He loves the country and the people and is grateful for the opportunity he has to coach at all different levels. Shotokan Karate School where Mihail teaches at, is located on Park Avenue in Manalapan, NJ. He believes there is no limit in learning, which has resulted in his two black belts. The most rewarding aspect of his job is watching individuals learn and improve. He has witnessed children, on their first day, unable to do a pushup or a sit up and after weeks of training, he watches them

blossom into strong, capable athletes. Mihail claims that this sport is more than athleticism though, but it challenges your mental toughness as well. Children who practice don't just improve their physical strength, they become more discipline in every area. Some adults join, not just to learn karate, but because it is a fun way to keep in exceptional shape. He encourages all individuals, no matter their knowledge or skill level, to come join, in fact, that’s how he got started. Even with no background or ability, there is always modifications to be made. Karate is good for your whole body, mentally and physically, and by pushing your body to new limits, you will begin to see changes in all aspects of life. Shotokan Karate School 700 Park Ave., Suite 300 Manalapan, NJ 07726

first week of classes for free! We offer classes for adults and children.

(At Rising Stars Gymnastics Academy) 732-792-7742

Beating the "End of Camp" Blues Camp is an action-packed adventure. Each day brings new and exciting opportunities for growth and accomplishment. At the same time, strong bonds of friendship and community are developing. It truly is a life-changing experience. And when the embers of the last campfire have cooled, and campers make their way home, often children experience a mild case of the "end of camp blues." The blues are not uncommon — causing some children to be tired, moody, quieter than usual, or even irritable or grumpy. The American Camp Associ- ation® (ACA) recommends the following tips for families to help ease the transition from camp to home: • Help them relax and adjust to the slower pace of non-camp life. Suggest they take a warm shower and get plenty of rest. Plan to have an "old favorite" for dinner. • Encourage reconnecting with friends from home. Volunteer to set up play dates and get-togethers to help re-establish a sense of belonging with friends they haven't seen in a long time. • Allow your child to write, email, or call camp friends. Many camps encourage campers to exchange e-mail and IM addresses with one another. Parents should make sure to oversee their child's online activities, and make sure that all camp policies are being followed. • Be open and available to talk about camp. Allow your children to reflect on their friends, their favorite moment at camp, and what they miss most about camp. Sharing experiences and feelings will help them feel connected to you, and will make the transition easier. • Organize a small "reunion." Getting together with local camp friends can help reassure your child that though his or her friends are out of sight, they are not out of mind! If your child gets the blues, remember that they miss camp because they had fun — and they enjoyed taking healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environ- ment. And, it is normal for them to miss their camp family the same way they missed their home family at camp. By being supportive and understanding, families can ease the sadness and help campers adjust to life at home. And, families can help campers remember that next summer is not that far away. Contact Public Relations at 765.346.3391 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson or for more information about coping with camp sickness. For customizable public service announcements or article reprints, visit our Media Center at www.ACAcamps.org/press-room.

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