Robeez Turns 20 & Celebrates With Melissa Rycroft

Melissa Rycroft and family attend Robeez 20th Anniversary at New York City's Sugar Factory on October 21, 2014 in New York City — Melissa Rycroft and family attend Robeez 20th Anniversary at New York City’s Sugar Factory on October 21, 2014 in New York City

Last week, the iconic children’s footwear brand Robeez celebrated its 20^th Anniversary with special guest, celebrity mom Melissa Rycroft (known as a former “Bachelor” contestant, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant) and her family (including her husband, Tye Strickland, and her two adorable kiddos) at the Sugar Factory in the Meatpacking District to celebrate the brand’s milestone anniversary with sweet treats and a peek at Robeez’s new Disney line and fall/winter styles!

We caught up with Melissa on the red carpet and chatted with her about Robeez, work-life balance, visiting NYC with her whole fam (they’re based in Dallas), and more!

What do you love about Robeez?

We started using Robeez three-and-a-half years ago when my daughter was little. I love the concept—they’re cute and comfortable; they don’t fall off; they’re comfortable for the kids. My daughter has sweaty feet—I know that sounds like a weird problem, but these are the only shoes I can put on her and her feet wouldn’t be like little sweat-balls when I took them off. Now, here we are three-and-a-half years later with another baby—and Robeez are just as a great. I’m a big fan of: “When you like something, you talk about it and get the word out.”

We’re proud to be out supporting the 20^th anniversary. That says a lot—especially about a kids’ apparel company, so we’re just happy to our support in!

Tell us about your family!

I have a 3.5-year-old, Ava—she likes everything Disney and princess right now. My husband actually just took her to the big Disney store in Times Square to buy a princess dress so we can go ride the horse and carriage tomorrow in Central Park. And my son, Beckett, is 6 months old and he’s in that stage where he’s just learning what things are. He’s sitting up, he’s rolling on his own—he’s going to start changing real quick on us!

Mickey_Geo_front__25558.1411160160.1280.1280 — Coming soon: new Disney looks by Robeez

Has the whole family visited NYC together before?

It’s our first time as a family of four. We’ve brought Ava a couple of times—but it’s the first time with the four of us. My husband has actually been in charge of the babies all day, cause I’ve been working. So I’m just hoping they’re clean with their hair combed by the time they get here!

What are you up to right now?

I just shot a show with Oxygen—literally five minutes before I came here! I do a lot of “Good Morning America” stuff and, to be honest, mommy-hood takes up about 90 percent of my time. In between I try to get some work in—but I’m staying busy!

Do you have any tips on balancing work and motherhood and staying sane?

Call me when you figure it out! I had it figured out with Ava. When there was three of us, I had it down to a T, now we’re starting over. Right now our balance is we all go together. So when I travel, they travel. That can only last for so long because my husband has a job and my daughter’s in school. We’ll get there—it’s about finding what works for you!

To learn more, visit myrobeez.com!

Debate Camp

Public Speaking, Debate and Global Awareness - - coveted skills in a camp-like environment! At Debate Camp, we provide a fun and inspiring space for youth to develop some timelessly-important skills; to hear opposing views and to confidently articulate their ideas well in the company of others. Debate Camp specializes in parliamentary debate, impromptu and prepared public speaking.&nbsp; We ensure that all program areas are highly interactive and suited to a variety of age groups (grades 5 to 10) and multiple ability levels. &bull; day camp and sleepaway camp options &bull; multi-level instruction &bull; suits all ability levels &bull; teaching ratio 1:8 &bull; parliamentary debate rounds on new topics daily &bull; feedback and fun! &bull; all resources provided Debate Camp believes in a well-balanced program where an academic focus is mixed with opportunities for traditional camp games and a fun and inspiring approach to learning. 2024 day camp options for NYC families include 3 x 1 week options in Manhattan / UES location (including our NEW 3 day Model UN camp) and NEW 1 week Overnight Debate Camp options in Maine &amp; Rhode Island (with r/t transportation options from NY Penn Station)&nbsp; All details on: https://www.debatecamp.com/newyork &nbsp;

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

<div>Surrounded by 140 acres of natural beauty, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is the perfect place for your child to joyfully express their creativity. We offer 1, 4, and 8-week day camp programs for students K through 12. Classes are taught by exceptional educators and professional artists in music, art, theater, creative writing, chess, and more. Bus transportation is available from Long Island and NYC to our woodland campus in Wheatley Heights. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Scholarships</div> <div> We believe that every student who wants to attend Usdan should be able to. Usdan has offered need-based scholarships since our opening in 1968 and on average 45% of our campers received some kind of scholarship. We welcome you to apply.</div> &nbsp;

Ghostlight Theater Camp

Ghostlight Theater Camp is a summer theater camp for campers ages 9-17. Providing 10-day, 3-week, and 6-week programs that combine high-caliber theater training with a traditional summer camp experience.&nbsp; Working with Broadway artists both in classes and in productions, campers will have access to skill development, mentorships, and lifelong connections that will follow them beyond camp. Ghostlight focuses on ensemble theatre values and practicies that support individuality and self-expression in the context of community. This means that no camper at Ghostlight is in the back row or sitting on the side. Each day brings multiple opportunities to perform and create with fellow campers in an environment filled with support.&nbsp; When not making theater, campers can enjoy the benefits of a summer camp in Maine that no other theater camp offers. Stargazing in a hammock, walks in the woods, downtime by the pool, and quiet time reading in the Gazebos with the sound of wind all around are some of highlights of a summer unplugged and away from screens.&nbsp; Finally, the most meaningful and lasting gift of a summer at Ghostlight is the friendships made that last a lifetime. Though the love of theater brings us together, and the work we do stands out from other experiences, the community focus of Ghostlight Theater Camp is why we hear, year after year, that campers cannot wait to return.&nbsp;