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Traffic can not only be a nuisance, but it can make you miss out on certain events or make you late to appointments that you need to be on time for. Even simple accidents can cause a significant delay, and during construction season, those delays can even be worse. To avoid the complications that traffic can cause and help keep yourself on time, check out the three traffic apps below. Google Maps Probably one of the best-known maps and navigation systems for drivers is Google Maps. Google Maps helps you map your route and lets you choose the best course to take based on travel time and mileage. The app also takes into account the time of day and average traffic to provide you with an accurate estimate of how long it will take to get to your destination. Additionally, when the route is mapped, the app will also indicate areas where there are traffic delays, what is causing them, and how much time it will take to get through them. The great thing about Google Maps is it is most likely already on your smart device. more Waze Another popular traffic app is Waze, which takes traffic monitoring into a new direction. It works by monitoring the time and travel speed of drivers taking the particular route and sharing that information with other Waze users who may be planning to travel that route and want an up-to-date traffic report. Waze utilizes user interaction to help create the most up-to-date reporting on things like road kill, construction, traffic accidents, and even the presence of police officers. The app gathers its data from users by assigning points that can be earned for each of the users which can be redeemed at a later time. The app also integrates with your calendars to help you plan routes for appointments you can anticipate in advance. Beat the Traffic The Beat the Traffic app is free for both iOS and Android users and provides drivers with detailed traffic reports letting them know what they will encounter along certain routes as well as how long traffic delays will be. The interface is extremely user-friendly and will allow you to log and save your favorite traveled routes. It also provides you a detailed account of events and incidents that will affect travel such as where construction areas are located, how much traffic is expected, and how long of a delay you can expect. On the app, you can also view traffic cameras, avoid tolls along the way, and receive notifications about traffic problems along with your route. One of the unique aspects of the Beat the Traffic app is that it will factor weather into the time delays and route times to give you the most accurate arrival times. Help get the best of traffic by using one or more of the three apps above to avoid traffic delays along your trip and help get you where you are going and get there on time. Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay

How the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Corolla iM Compare Both vehicles get the same great fuel mileage that you can expect from any Corolla, with an EPA estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg and 36 mpg for the highway respectively.  Both of the vehicles are front wheel drive and both offer a 7-speed CVT transmission. The Corolla IM does offer the option for a 6-speed manual transmission. more Engine Each of the vehicles is powered by a gasoline, 4-cylinder engine. The Toyota Corolla produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs with 128 lb-ft of torque, and the Corolla iM produces 137 horsepower at 6,100 RPMs and 126 lb-ft of torque. Safety When it comes to safety both the Corolla and Corolla iM have a host of standard safety features including ABS brakes, curtain airbags, and front side and passenger airbags. Both vehicles also offer the standard Toyota Safety Sense which includes many of the new advances in safety technology such as a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High beams and even daytime running lights. Technology Both cars provide technology to help keep you connected in your car while providing for a more convenient drive. Both vehicles come equipped with a Display Audio which also has navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice, and steering column controls to help you stay hands-free while driving, and a standard back up camera. The Corolla also comes standard with smart key and touch start as well as Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Interior The Corolla and Corolla iM both have a more sporty interior with the iM including a sports gauge cluster with MID screen, Sport mode options, and Sports Bucket front seats. The Corolla's interior includes 60/40 Split rear seats, available auto climate control, SofTex leather-like seats, and a fluid dashboard with piano black accents and contrast stitching. Exterior The exterior of both vehicles has been given a sporty upgrade with 17" Alloy tires and a new more aerodynamic design. The Corolla iM sports LED daytime running lights while the Corolla has standard Bi-LED Headlights. The IM also has folding heated side mirrors, a sportier suspension, and is a hatchback to help drivers make the most of their cargo space. The Corolla is designed with a sporty front fascia and a rear spoiler, to give the vehicle a more sports-like appearance. So, whether you prefer the 2018 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback or the classic Corolla, you will find the safety, styling, technology, and convenience that you have come to love from Toyota. Not sure which of the Corollas will best suit your needs and tastes? Stop by your local dealer and take one out for a test drive today. Image via DealerOn

Highlander The Highlander is the perfect SUV choice for those who need a lot of space in their vehicle. The passenger area can seat up to eight people comfortably, and the cargo space is an impressive 83 cubic feet. The third-row seating has a 60/40 split and also reclines allowing you to adjust the seats to help you get the passenger or cargo space that you will need. more 4Runner The 4Runner is the perfect option for those who like to spend their time on and off the road. The 4Runner can take a beating and get you to and from any off-road destination. The cargo area can support up to 440 lbs, and the TRD pro floor mats can weather any kind of foot traffic you will bring in or out of your vehicle. The car also comes equipped with Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control to help you navigate even the most treacherous trails. Sequoia The Toyota Sequoia brings the luxury you want to the powerful SUV you need. The Sequoia is designed for comfort with heated and ventilated front seats providing comfort no matter the temperature outside. Multiple power outlets allow both passengers and drivers to stay plugged in and charge their devices whenever they need to. The third-row seating offers power reclining technology to maximize comfort even when the vehicle is full. Land Cruiser If you are looking for power and the technical features to provide you and your passengers with the comfort and convenience you need, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the SUV you are looking for. The powerful engine is a 5.7-liter, V8 that outputs 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed transmission and rigid body design, the Land Cruiser performs great and creates a smooth ride both on and off the road. The Land Cruiser provides buyers with the latest technology features to help them keep in control of the vehicle as well as provide convenience no matter if they are driving long distances or simply handling everyday traffic. The car comes equipped with integrated navigation, Entune App Suite, and a multi-information display. You can stay safe on any terrain with the multi-terrain monitor which will help guide you through off-road tracks and trails. When using your Land Cruiser for travel, you can adjust settings to accommodate the passenger and cargo space you will need as well as utilize the dual monitor DVD screens to help keep your passengers entertained. Find out which Toyota SUV will best fit your wants and needs by visiting your local Toyota dealer today. Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

How Does the Leasing Process Work? When leasing a vehicle, you'll be committing to a period of time during which you make payments while also keeping the vehicle's mileage under a predefined limit each year. During this time you will be paying interest on the payments just as you would with a traditional car loan, except the interest will be accruing on the estimated amount of depreciation your vehicle will go through during the lease period. At the end of the lease term you will either return the vehicle to the dealership or purchase it at its current depreciated value. At the conclusion of your lease, the dealership will check the vehicle for damage and excessive wear and tear, as well as mileage overages. You'll then be assessed any overages you may owe before completing your lease. more Why Choose Leasing? There are a lot of factors that can go into determining whether leasing is the best option for your next vehicle. Your Monthly Payment If you are limited on what you can afford for your monthly payment, leasing may be a better option. Since you are only paying interest on the portion of the car that will depreciate, you will have a much smaller monthly payment. You will still be responsible for paying sales tax and fees associated with a vehicle purchase but the sales tax will be charged on the amount of the payment, and you will not be responsible for paying sales tax on the whole vehicle unless you end up purchasing it at the end of the lease term. You Have Less to Put Down on Your Vehicle When purchasing a new car, you will often be expected to put money down and will be responsible for paying sales tax on the full amount of the vehicle as well as the title and registration fees. While you may have the option of rolling these costs into the loan, it will often cause you to be upside down on the loan in proportion to the current value of the car. You Like Staying Up-to-Date on the Latest Technology Sometimes people choose to lease a car because they prefer the latest in new vehicle technology and want to reap the benefits of changes to automotive design on a regular basis. If you plan on changing out your vehicle every three to five years, it may be best to lease instead of buying outright. You will get to stay up-to-date with the latest vehicle trends and enjoy cheaper monthly payments. Avoiding the hassle of selling or trading in a used car every few years may also make leasing a more attractive option. Check out how leasing may help you get into the Toyota of your dreams by visiting your local Toyota dealer today. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Whether you're living or vacationing in Tennessee, you should know that the state is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural sites in the country. Besides offering excellent opportunities for the admiration of nature and photography, these sites also allow you to indulge in a wide range of outdoor activities. Here are four natural attractions you should visit while you're in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Located at the Tennessee-North Carolina border, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws more visitors than any other national park in the U.S. Tourists from all over the world go there to see its famous blue haze covering the mountains, enjoy pristine mountain views, and perform a variety of outdoor activities. One of the highlights of the national park is Clingmans Dome. Rising to a height of 6,643 feet, it's the highest mountain in Tennessee. There's an observation tower at the top of the mountain that offers an incredible 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Besides the usual hiking, biking, and fishing, you can also do horseback riding, rafting, and zip lining at the park. more Snoopers Rock Snoopers Rock is situated about half an hour's drive from Chattanooga in the beautiful Prentice Cooper State Forest. Also known as the “Horseshoe Bend of Tennessee,” this well-known overlook offers stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge. If you wish to do some hiking, you can access the park's six-mile loop at the Cumberland Trail Head. You can also reach the overlook by car. After driving a few miles on the gravel road, you'll arrive at a parking area that's just a few steps away from the overlook. Craighead Caverns Located about four miles northwest of Madisonville, Craighead Caverns is home to the nation's largest underground lake. Also called the Lost Sea, this natural wonder has a storied past. It was a saltpeter mining site for the confederate soldiers during the American Civil War and a mushroom farm in the 1940s. Today, the caverns are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and have become one of the most popular natural attractions in Tennessee. While you're there, you can explore the caves and enjoy a relaxing ride on a glass-bottom boat on the world-famous lake. If you're the adventurous type, you can try the wild cave tour that takes you deep into the caves, where you'll see rock formations that are unique to the area. Fall Creek Falls Situated on top of the Cumberland Plateau, the Fall Creek Falls State Park covers an area of over 26,000 acres. It consists of beautiful cascades, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. The Fall Creek Falls is the main attraction of the park. With an amazing height of 256 feet, it's one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern part of the country. Other natural attractions that are worth visiting in the park include the Cane Creek Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, and Piney Falls. There are many other great natural wonders in Tennessee. If you're a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, you'll find endless things to do in this state. Image by Hans from Pixabay

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid The best-selling Toyota Camry has broadened its appeal with the addition of a hybrid version. The 2018 Camry Hybrid is fitted with a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine for 208 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hybrid cars on the market. Following this year's redesign, this car has become more efficient than ever before, delivering 51/53 mpg (city/highway) with its base trim and 44/47 mpg with its higher trims. Besides impressive fuel efficiency, it also offers excellent ride quality and more standard safety features than most cars in its class. more 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid If you're looking for a full-size sedan that offers great fuel efficiency, the 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a great option. This sedan provides a smooth and stable ride, comfortable and well-equipped cabin, and a long list of advanced safety features. It uses a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce 200 horsepower. However, the most appealing aspect of the car is its fuel economy. It's one of the thriftiest large cars on the market with its 40/39 mpg ratings. 2018 Toyota Prius The 2018 Toyota Prius is an ideal car for daily commuting, because of its incredible fuel efficiency, spacious and refined cabin, and great safety features. Despite being a hybrid car, it offers many of the capabilities and features of its non-hybrid rivals. Its four-cylinder engine and two electric motors team with a continuously variable transmission to deliver 120 horsepower. This combination also yields a whopping 54/50 mpg. Choosing the Right Hybrid While hybrid cars are typically more frugal than ordinary cars, they can vary greatly in terms of fuel economy. If you get a hybrid car, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll save a lot on fuel. There are several different types of hybrid vehicles, including micro-hybrids, mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. Micro and mild hybrids only offer some form of electrification to improve fuel-efficiency, such as the start-stop feature. Full hybrids actually run on electricity, but only for a limited time at lower speeds and gentler throttle. If you want to get the best fuel economy, you should opt for a plug-in hybrid, which can run entirely on electricity for a certain distance. Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient compact car or SUV, Toyota has a hybrid that'll meet your needs. Besides a low cost of ownership, its hybrid vehicles also have excellent resale value. Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

Kingsport is a popular travel destination in Tennessee because of its close proximity to famous attractions such as the Appalachian Caverns and the Cherokee National Forest. The city itself also has a lot to offer tourists, from historic sites to outdoor activities. It's also home to many excellent restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines to suit different tastes. If you find yourself craving Asian food in Kingsport, you should pay a visit to one of these restaurants. Little Panda Restaurant Located on Memorial Boulevard, Little Panda Restaurant is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Kingsport. With its oriental decor and clean, comfortable dining area, it provides the ideal environment for enjoying Chinese food. The restaurant serves classic Chinese food with a modern twist. It seeks to create high-quality meals for its customers by using the freshest and most nutritious ingredients. On its menu you'll find a wide selection of appetizers, soups, entrees, and different varieties of fried rice and noodles. Some of the recommended items include the steamed dumplings, fantail shrimp, stir-fried tofu, Mongolian beef, and meatball lo mein. If you like spicy food, you can try the Hunan chicken, beef, or shrimp. Besides great food, Little Panda also offers warm and helpful table service, as well as efficient takeout service. more Edo Sushi Bar and Grill If you're in the mood for Japanese food, you should head down to Edo Sushi Bar and Grill. Situated at Taft Point, this award-winning sushi restaurant offers a full-line sushi bar, American-style hibachi and teriyaki, and a variety of Asian dishes. It sets itself apart from other Japanese restaurants by serving high-quality sushi at affordable prices. If you want good value for your money, you can opt for the restaurant's combination lunches, which are available on weekdays. It's also a good idea to order the bento box, which comes with a meat dish, crab rangoon, California roll, salad, and rice. As for sushi, it's recommended that you try the spicy crawfish roll, soft-shell crab roll, Dragon Roll, Dynamite Hand Roll, Big Roll, Steve Roll, Performance Roll, and Oishii Roll. Stir Fry Café Stir Fry Café is one of the best places to experience Asian cuisine in Kingsport, because it offers a great variety of Asian food under one roof. Located on Broad Street in downtown Kingsport, this restaurant gives you the opportunity to try dishes from many Asian countries, including China, Japan, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Mongolia. In addition, it serves American and Mexican food. Some of the options you'll find on the menu include fried rice, rice bowls, soup or fried noodles, stir-fried dishes, sushi, grilled items, burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. There's also a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and wines for you to choose from. The restaurant offers discounts on selected items on certain days. Kingsport is gaining a reputation as a food haven in northeastern Tennessee because of its diverse culinary options. Besides the above-mentioned restaurants, you can find many others that offer a great Asian dining experience. Image by Yash Gooly from Pixabay

Cabin On the inside, the 2019 Toyota Avalon is also markedly different from the 2018 model. While the current model is already impressive with its Lexus-like materials and quality, the new Avalon kicks it up a notch with several upgrades and options. The Touring trim now comes with Ultrasuede materials and aluminum trim that give it a more modern appeal, while the Limited receives Yamaha wood trim and quilted stitching details for an extra touch of style. Since the 2019 Avalon is larger, it also offers a more spacious cabin. Rear passengers get more legroom and shoulder room but less headroom due to the reduced height. Nonetheless, the passenger space is class-leading according to Toyota. more Styling Both the 2018 and 2019 Avalon models look sleek and elegant, but they're different in a number of ways. The latest model is an inch lower and just under an inch longer and wider than its predecessor. These changes give it a slightly more imposing and sportier appearance. The car also features sharper creases and bolder sculpting, which add a touch of athleticism. Partly due to its larger dimensions, the new Avalon looks neater, more svelte, and more understated than the current model. According to Toyota, it showcases a new design philosophy called “Technical Beauty.” The 2019 Avalon XSE and Touring stand out from the rest of the lineup with a black mesh grille, black mirror housings, and black wheels. The XLE and Limited also have their own unique features, including a dark gray grille with chrome surround and LED headlight bezels. Tech Features For a long time, Toyota didn't include Apple CarPlay in its vehicles because of a legal dispute with Apple. However, things seem to have smoothed out between the two companies. The 2019 Avalon will be the first vehicle from the Japanese automaker to feature Apple CarPlay, and it'll be standard. In addition, the new Avalon will receive Entune 3.0, the most advanced version of Toyota's infotainment system. It'll also be the first Toyota vehicle to offer smartwatch and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Other notable tech upgrades include Qi wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and a 14-speaker audio system. There's also a 10-inch head-up display that projects driving information onto the windshield. Along with these upgrades, the 2019 Toyota Avalon will retain the excellent reliability, performance, and safety features of the 2018 model. It's a significantly improved car that's ready to dominate in the full-size sedan segment. It's expected to go on sale by the end of spring. Image by Rusfromspb from Pixabay

The Kingsport Theater is a community theater in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area. For 70 years, this theater company has entertained audiences with all kinds of productions, from musicals to dramas, and 2018 will be no different. To celebrate its 70 years, every production at this theater is one that the Kingsport Theater Guild has performed over the years. The theater will even recognize the original actors for every show. Here are some of the events and shows coming to the Kingsport Theater in 2018. Winnie the Pooh the Musical Winnie the Pooh will take place on the main stage of the Kingsport theater, bringing audiences to the Hundred Acre Wood. This is where they will find all their favorite Winnie the Pooh characters, including Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. The theater will put on several performances in February, including a school show on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. more Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Head to the theater in April to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Based on the "coat of many colors" story from the Bible, this is one of the early works of Andrew Lloyd Webber and is almost completely told in song. A narrator tells the story of Joseph, a dreamer who is one of 12 brothers. He has a coat of many colors, and all his brothers are so jealous that they sell him as a slave to Ishmaelites who take him to Egypt. Student Film Camp The Kingsport Theater Guild theater camp is for students in grades seven to 12. The Pre-Camp session will have the kids working on preproduction, story development, and script writing, and they will also do some directing and producing. The following week is Film Camp, where attendees will start working on production and editing and then learn how to release a film. The cost for both camps is $300, and they run all day. Students will also take part in auditions for the actors, and at the end of the two weeks, they will release the film to the public. Anyone can come to see the film, and there is no cost to attend the camp. Teen Theater Camp The theater also runs a theater camp for teens in the summer. This is for middle and high school students and includes classes on auditioning, improv, directing, makeup, and set design. The teens will learn everything that goes into putting on a production from start to finish. The teachers and mentors are the members of the Kingsport Theater Guild, and there are also other area professionals who come in to teach and do presentations. At the end of the camp, the kids will put on a show for the public. Admission to this camp is free, and anyone can go. The Kingsport Theater is a great place to go whether you want to see a show, be onstage, or work behind the scenes. You can see shows at the main stage or the downtown location with productions running all through the year. Image by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay

Buying Buying and leasing are two financing options for very different needs. With a loan, you finance the entire cost of the car. You then pay off the loan, which can have a term period of up to seven years. The interest rate will depend on the length of the loan, whether you buy a new or used vehicle, and your credit rating. One of the benefits of buying over leasing is the equity that you have in the car once you pay it off. You can use this as a down payment on a new vehicle when you're ready to upgrade. more Leasing Leasing is another option. Keep in mind that this is better for drivers who don't plan on keeping the same car for a long time and for those who don't drive a lot of miles each year. Most leases last for just two years, and since you will not own the car at the end, you don't get the benefit of a trade-in value. Payments for a lease are usually lower than a loan, but you need to stay within a certain number of miles. If you go over this limit, you have to pay a fee based on the total mileage. The Term of a Car Loan The term of a loan refers to the amount of time it will take you to pay the lender. It is important to remember that although a longer term often means lower monthly payments, in the end, you will pay more for the car because you are paying many months of interest. You might even owe more than the car is worth if you spread the payments out for too long. If you can handle a slightly higher payment, shortening the length of the loan is a better way to go. Credit Scores No matter what type of financing you choose, your credit score has a significant impact on the interest rate you will pay. Your credit score comes from several different credit bureaus who assign a number based on several factors, including the amount of debt you have, how many open accounts you have, and if you pay your bills on time. When you apply for a loan, the lender will look at your credit score and the information on your report to determine the interest rate that they will charge. These are a few of the factors to consider when deciding how to finance a vehicle. Each situation is different, so continue to research so you can go in with all the necessary information. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Land Cruiser If you put a premium on luxurious features, entertainment, and size, the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser is the quintessential choice. Larger families will love the comfort of the Land Cruiser, as it comes with plush leather seats and room for up to eight. With a packed house, the Land Cruiser still offers 16 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, but if you need more room, fold the seats to the ground to reveal a whopping 81 cubic feet of space. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system is another benefit of purchasing this SUV, offering two 11.6-inch screens on the front headrest that allow your kids to choose a movie or video game without having to agree on the same thing. Heated and ventilated seats keep you warm or cool depending on the weather outside, while a four-zone climate control system allows everyone to set their own perfect temperature. more Sienna The 2018 Toyota Sienna is the most obvious family car from the Japanese automaker, not only because of its top ratings, but because it's the only minivan offered. It has plenty of room for your kids and cargo, offering room for seven or eight passengers while still boasting 39.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. When you need more room, all the seats fold to unveil a total space of 150 cubic feet, making it one of the best in its class. When you have your most precious cargo in tow, you don't want to have to worry about accidents. The 2018 Toyota Sienna earns a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration thanks to a number of top-notch safety features that will put your mind at ease. One key element is lane departure alert with steering assist. This system informs you aurally and visually if you happen to move out of your lane at speeds faster than 32 mph, while also changing your trajectory in extreme cases. Tundra A pickup truck may not seem like the best family vehicle, but the 2018 Toyota Tundra isn't like the rest. Thanks to the CrewMax body, the Tundra can comfortably seat up to six passengers, making it ideal for carpools, trips to sporting events, or heading to grandma's house. Under the hood, the Tundra comes equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8. Pumping out 381 horsepower, it's fun for mom and dad to drive, while the 10,200 pounds of towing power give the Tundra enough oomph to pull a boat or a camper for a family outing. Regardless of the size of your family, how many drivers you have, or what features you want, Toyota has a car, truck, or SUV that's sure to fit the mold. Image by ❄️♡💛♡❄️ Julita ❄️♡💛♡❄️ from Pixabay

When kids are invested in the arts, they have more opportunities to express their creativity and may do better in school. However, with budget deficits in public schools, arts programs in schools are being reduced. Here are some ways to get your kids involved in the arts outside of school. Brushstrokes n' More If you'd rather not commit to a formal class, consider exposing your kids to a painting studio such as Brushstrokes n' More. They can paint on canvases or ceramics, or make board art. They can even make jewelry or glass crafts. You can go during an open painting session, take a class, or host a kids' birthday party at the studio. Kids can have the opportunity to explore painting without having the supplies at home. This means less cost and mess. more Dance Classes at the Centre for the Performing Arts The Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingsport, Tennessee, offers dance classes to a wide range of age groups from 3-year-olds to adults. For preschool- and kindergarten-aged students, kids learn from a curriculum based in pre-ballet, pre-tap, pre-acrobatics, creative dance, and music appreciation. Starting with 6- and 7-year-olds, students start to learn the classic skills behind ballet, tap, acrobatics, and jazz. A boys-only class is available for boys of all ages. Workshops and Camps at the Kingsport Theatre Guild For many school-aged students, nothing is more fun than playing make believe in front of an audience. If your child has an interest in performing, the workshops and camps available at the Kingsport Theatre Guild are likely a good fit. During the summer, the Kingsport Theatre Guild offers week-long camps for kids, divided by age groups and topic. For instance, Youth Theatre Camp is for kids from kindergarten to sixth grade. In this camp, students act, design sets, try on costumes, and learn more about stage combat. At the end of the camp week, the kids work together to put on their own stage show. During teen theatre camp for seventh graders to 12th graders, teens learn about auditions, monologues, stage lighting, stage combat, improvisation skills, stage makeup, directing, and stage management. The teen camp also features a show that takes place at the end of camp. Portable Art On the Go Are you familiar with busy bags? Busy bags are simple activities that you keep in a bag or case to always have them with you on the go. It is a great way to keep kids entertained when you are out and about, such as in a doctor's office, waiting for food at a restaurant, or on a plane. A busy bag can contain markers and a drawing pad, an age-appropriate learning activity, or stickers and other supplies. You can use busy bags to infuse art time into each day. Getting your kids involved in the arts doesn't have to be a hassle. By using one of these strategies to encourage your kids to participate in the arts, it can be easy. Plus, your kids are sure to have fun Image by bodobe from Pixabay