This year, many parents are facing the prospect of having a summer unlike others before. Depending on where you live, summer camps in your area may not be running this year. Even in areas where they are open, many parents are hesitant to send their kids back.
Summer camp is tough for some parents to swing during an average year. Many full-day programs, which working parents depend on, are pricey. Free or low-cost community programs are out there, but it can be tough to secure spots. This stands to be challenging for parents who are already struggling because of closures and layoffs related to the global health crisis.
For all these reasons and more, keeping the kids home this summer may look attractive. Parents who are able to do this still face a challenge. Keeping the kids busy without letting them be on screens all day isn't easy for parents who have other responsibilities to tend to during long summer days.
The good news is that an at-home summer camp is totally within your grasp. Adapt these ideas for your family and you can enjoy a DIY summer camp in your own home.
Brainstorm Session
Some kids may require a little hyping up if they're missing out on a program they love or were looking forward to. A good way to get started is to get the whole family excited. Start by talking with your partner and any other caretakers who will be involved. This is also a good opportunity to put an older kid in charge of the little ones by giving them a "job" as a camp counselor.
Ask how much time and effort everyone can contribute to your program. If you get an idea of everyone's capabilities, you will know which ideas are within your grasp and prevent unforeseen time sucks for busy parties.
Once all the people in charge are on the same page, approach the kids. Pitch the idea of camp, and talk to your kids to find out what they'd like out of their summer. Setting a goal can help give you some direction to which activities are a must that the kids will be excited for each day. The more they look forward to it, the less trouble they'll give you about doing it.
Keeping It Real When It Comes to Structure
Moms who try to plan ahead struggle with structure. You know your family. If your kids will be excited to follow a schedule, go for it. If your kids are frustrated by structure, or other circumstances prevent you from following any particular schedule, don't be afraid to aggregate lists of activities the kids can choose from and do independently.
Coming Up With Activities
Activities are what's going to make camp fun, so make sure to keep an open mind when choosing them. Think about how much your child can reasonably do on their own or with their siblings based on ages and maturity levels. Try to pick as many activities as can be independently enjoyed as possible.
Activities for Kids Who Love the Arts
There are so many opportunities to have fun and have something to show for it when kids get creative. Here are some classic summer activities you can set up in a reasonably simple way for your kids:
Activities for Kids Who Are Active
There are a lot of simple and fun ways you can help active kids burn off their energy. Leave plenty of room for them to explore on their own, but check these out when looking for something more specific to do:
Activities for Kids Who Love Science
Some kids have inquisitive minds that yearn to explore, and learning about science is a great place for that curiosity. Whether you have a budding geologist or a stargazer on your hands, these activities will keep their minds stimulated:
Activities That Teach Life Skills
It's important to keep minds learning during the summer. A great way to do it is to set up something that will allow your children to learn and practice a new skill. Being able to do just one more thing for themselves can be a big help in your day-to-day.
Activities That Provide Alone Time
If there's one important lesson you can teach a child of any age this summer, it's to value and appreciate alone time. Kids are often eager to spend time with other people, but they also have to learn how to be OK spending time with themselves. You can encourage kids to journal or meditate during this time. It may also be a good time to engage in an activity or interest they may not share with other family members.
Screens Are Not Completely Canceled
With kids spending so much time at home, many moms are feeling guilty about how much they're relying on screens. Everyone's circumstances are different, and as long as screen time isn't affecting your child's well-being in any way, you shouldn't hesitate to rely on them when you need them. If there's a particular part of your day that would be much easier if the kids gave you some space, consider letting them watch a movie or play a game on screens during that time.
Consider Themes
If your kids have similar interests, you may be able to plan activities based on a certain theme by week or month. Camps incorporate themes into their usual schedules all the time, so by adapting one or two activities in a day to the theme, you can change things up significantly. It will also keep things fresh by adding some variety for families who are sticking to more structured schedules.
Stock Up
When you consider what you're saving by keeping kids at home during the summer, you can save money and still have a decent budget to dedicate to stocking up on supplies for activities.
If you have space, some kind of kiddie pool or sprinkler is a great way to keep kids cool when the days get hot. Keep in mind any safety equipment you might need if you plan to have kids in a pool.
If your kid has an interest you think might really stick, it could be a fun time to splurge on a big item that will play a major part in their summer.
Get Ready
Talk things over with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Make sure the rules are crystal clear to family members of all ages.
Take the time to teach kids anything they need to know or do to prevent them from pestering you about it later in the day. It's an unusual but important step in preparing yourself. This can cut down on a lot of everyday frustrations by giving them a good foundation to start from.
Make Yourself Available Where You Can
The goal of getting a good at-home summer camp running is to have time to take care of your own responsibilities. That said, model the idea of taking breaks for your kids where you can. Catch some candid shots of them enjoying their activities. Have lunch together. Make sure to have a minute to check in. Also, indulge proud kids with praise for newly finished crafts, and listen to stories about their days if you can swing it. It's a sign that your planning ahead has paid off.
Have Fun!
Summer is a time for kids to explore and have fun. After the last few months we've faced, we could all use some more of that. Load your kids up with Polaroid cameras or old-school disposable ones to capture their own fun while avoiding a screen trap. Hang art on the fridge and sing songs at the day's end. It's hard work having everyone home, but it's an opportunity you have to cherish when you can.
