Summer Camp Plans
Despite the fact there is a blizzard going on outside as I write this, thinking about summer puts a smile on my face. When I was a kid, I used to long for the school-free and care-free days of summer. Now as a parent, imagining the kiddos out of school for three months can be stressful. Don’t fret, doing some summer planning now can make for a summer both parents and kids can look forward to.
There are several ways you can go about this but if you are visual learner (like me), it helps to pull out an actual calendar. First, plug in the last day of school and the first day of the next school year. Next, mark down any other known events (i.e. weddings, reunions, family vacations). By plugging this information into your calendar, you’ll start to see where the gaps of time are and be able to start planning camps, outings and all sorts of adventures. Check your local library for free passes to museums, zoos and aquariums if they offer them during the summer. Passes can be reserved a few months out so you’ll want to check early. Be mindful that most summer camps and programs start registering in January and February. So get on it!
What do they want to do? Maybe they have a particular interest they’d like to explore. Art camp? Theater camp? Robot camp? Are they old enough to consider sleep away camp? There are an infinite number of options, let your kids be your guide.
Our kids are scheduled all year. If at all possible, make time in the summer for them just to be kids running around, blowing bubbles, going to the beach, eating ice cream, catching fireflies, reading a book, that kind of thing. Don’t be shy, jump in and join them! You’re scheduled all year too and it does the soul good to be silly.
“But Mom, it’s not time for bed, it’s still light out”. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean kids can forget all the rules. You might be less strict about screen time and bed times in the summer, but whatever you choose, make the boundaries clear.
I hope these tips help you get organized for summer. Is there a special place that your kids love to go in the summer or a family tradition you have? Let us know on social media! #TheLittleDetails
