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'True Boy' Snags Shot At Magazine Cover

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By CHERYL KUCK

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 26, 2008

PLANT CITY - When Brittany Bates picked up a copy of Parents magazine and saw that the publication was seeking a child to appear on its November cover, she knew just who to enter.

Her 2-year-old son, Camden.

Although her child didn't win, he was one of five finalists from among more than 85,000 entries. As part of the selection process, Brittany, her husband, Jon, and Camden were flown to New York for an all-expense paid visit that included a photo shoot at the magazine's offices.

"It all began with a day at the gym, when I picked up a copy of Parents with the cover competition in it," said Brittany Bates, a stay-at-home mom and former Chamberlain High School math teacher and tennis coach.

The family flew from Florida on Aug. 12, arriving in New York for a stay at the Helmsley Hotel. The Bates' 4-year-old daughter, Ansley Kirsten, stayed with grandparents and didn't go on the trip, which included a visit to Central Park.

"One of the most exciting things for Camden was receiving his own wings from the Jet Blue pilot on our way to New York," said, Camden's dad, who works in sales for John Deere.

On Aug. 13 the Bates were transported to and from the magazine studios where the finalists and their parents met with the magazine's staff for a briefing. The families were told what to expect during the photographic sessions.

"Camden is a true boy, very active and fun-loving who mixes well with other children, so he was not shy during the photo shoot but he has a mischievous streak that makes us keep a watchful eye on him," his father said.

The photo shoot was quite an experience, his mother said.

"There were hundreds of clothes and a lady in charge of choosing individual wardrobes. There was a person who solely deals with the models. There was a dot-com and a TV person ... a photo editor, a magazine editor and food person whose job it was to keep the children fed so they would not become hungry or cranky. It was all really amazing," she said.

When a group photo of the finalists appeared in the October issue of Parents, the Bates were informed that their child's photo was not the winning selection for the November cover.

Brittany Bates said she was a little disappointed, but grateful for the experience.

"Although it was fun, we have no intention of turning into stage parents and this may be the only time we ever do such a thing," she said.

Cheryl Kuck can be reached at wkuck@tampa bay.rr.com.

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