The KC Team Has Begun its Journey Across the Galaxy…


	Kid Command Mission Log – Liquid Lock Down Commander Fitz keeps us up to date each month as the KC team travels to Earth. The Liquid Portal was amazing. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. In fact, I’m struggling to find the words to describe it; and there is nothing on planet Earth that I can compare it to. The liquid swirled quickly into a vortex, much like a black hole. But it was not a black hole. It was bright and thick looking somewhat like the lava that flows from your volcanoes on Earth. It looked like trillions of stars had melted into a frantic sparkly goo that disappeared in the center like water down a bath drain. Our mission to Earth was dependent upon our entry into the Liquid Portal. I knew nothing of what we would encounter once inside and I was somewhat hesitant to press on at the risk of endangering my crew. But to turn the ship around would mean disaster for planet Earth. The effects of Ecnar Ongi’s shadow forces would lead to devastation…not immediately, but certainly in the years ahead. I hoped our ship could withstand whatever lay ahead within the Liquid Portal. As I locked down our spacecraft’s thermal fins and engaged our liquid repellent shield, I noticed the Pexdolimer Indicator on the control panel had turned from green to red. And then without touching it, the ship’s command lever began to turn… Continued next month…

	Easy and Fun Organic Gardening This month the Kid Command team visits the amazing organic garden of friend and professional landscaper, Paul Vande Velde to learn the basics of creating a garden without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. According to Paul, “People assume that gardening without chemicals is challenging and mysterious; but it’s actually much easier and much less expensive!” Check out our fun video to learn how…

	Garden Party – Don’t Forget to Invite the Insects! Mr. Praying Mantis…check. Miss Ladybug…check. Mrs. Spider…check. That’s right! Did you know that if you create a habitat for these wonderful insects they will come to your garden party and help keep your beautiful plants healthy? Take a look at the list on the following site to make sure you don’t forget any important guests! 8 Bugs Worth Keeping Around: A List Of Beneficial Insects

	Picky Eating is a Learned Behavior. Good News… It Can Be Unlearned! If you are like most families, you probably have a picky eater or two in your midst. It can be a challenge to get kids to eat their vegetables; however, according to an article we found on Smithsonian.com, accomplished chef and natural foods advocate, Alice Waters says “When kids grow food and cook it and serve it, they want to eat it. All of the very important ideas about sustainability and nutrition come in by osmosis. They're engaged with all of their senses.” Creating an organic garden with your kids will give them a sense of accomplishment and keep them healthy at the same time! To read more about the impact of teaching your children to grow food and cook with it, visit Getting Kids to Eat Their Veggies Try this kid-friendly and fun recipe for a cool summertime treat (with berries from your garden of course)! Printable PDF – Frozen Yogurt Pops

	Unique Reptile Makes a Comeback A major discovery was made when a baby tuatara was found in New Zealand for the first time in 200 years. Scientists refer to these rare creatures as “living fossils” due to the fact their lineage dates back to the dinosaur age. Spiky backs and long life spans are unique characteristics of the tuatara, but the most unique part is a “third eye” on the top of their head. Tuataras made their home on two major New Zealand islands until humans arrived. Rats and dogs began to eat their eggs and youngsters causing near extinction until the New Zealand government protected tuataras and their eggs in 1895. Today tuataras only live on 30 tiny offshore islands. Thanks to the efforts of the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the satellite colony of the Brothers Island Tuatara, the future of the tuataras is looking up! For a closer look at a tuatara, visit: Tuatara