Well, summer is almost here and now begins the time of what I call "SummerStress". "Summer Stress" is what we parents of school-age children get whenwe are faced with a loooong, hot summer with kids that are not in school andnot in a full-time care situation. This stress syndrome happens to workingand non-working parents alike! I have been the victim of "Summer Stress" and decided to do something about it, which is why I came up with a
well-researched and well-designed comprehensive directory of Houston summer day camps and classes. I tried to leave no stone, er, no camp, unturned. I hunted up and down to find the best of alternatives to a summer of television and nintendo!

This year's book, THE SUMMER BOOK 2004: A Directory of Houston Day Camps and Classes for Kids 5-12 Years Old, featuresover 200 camps in four categories: arts, sports, education, religion, and I also include FREE camps and places that offer drop-in programs
throughout the summer. The book lists dates, descriptions, dress codes, supplies needed and more, all at your fingertips. It's designed to fit into your purse or bag, so take it to that soccer game and PLAN YOUR SUMMER!

You'll see from my website (did I mention that it's www.thesummerbook.com?) that the book is IDEALLY available from over 20 retailers, including Barnesand Noble, Borders and several lovely local retailers. I say "ideally"because the book will not be there just yet. But, don't fret, they are on their way and should be in most retailers by the end of next week (but
docall first to save yourself more "Summer Stress" if the book isn't there!).
I can guarantee that it will be in stock at
British Isles,
2366 Rice Boulevard in the Village,
by this Friday, March 5 (for more information, go to www.britishislesonline.com), so pay them a visit!

Can't get to British Isles, you say? That's a shame, BUT we do have an alternative for you. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and Gish Creative (that's me!) are hosting a "Summer Book Kick-Off Party" this Sunday, March 7 at the Arboretum at 4501 Woodway Drive from noon until 4pm. We will be selling books (with a portion of the proceeds going to the Arboretum), signing kids up for Arboretum camps, and having a swell
time in nature. Hope to see you there! And here's more about it:
http://www.houstonarboretum.org/activities/04_03.htm.

Finally, if you don't want to be out "with the bugs" and would rather beat the heat indoors while learning about summer camps, join Polar Ice Galleria (http://www.polaricegalleria.com/) and Gish Creative (me again!) on Sunday, April 4, 1-5pm for a "Summer Fun Days Sunday" camp information event. We'll have summer camps represented, THE SUMMER BOOK available for purchase, and the first 50 kids can skate for free while mom and dad are exploring summer camps. I'll see you there!

Sarah Gish
Gish Creative
1940-A Fountainview, PMB 116
Houston, Texas 77057
email: sarah@gishcreative.com
web: www.gishcreative.com
and: www.thesummerbook.com
phone/fax: 713.532.1173

BE SURE TO ACCESS OUR NEW COMMUNITY CALENDAR AT
www.gishcreative.com/Events.html!