Summer break is here again and many of us may be planning trips to the shore or visits with family and friends across the country or across the word! Below are some ideas for fun that can support your child and family whether you are hanging by the pool or travelling across the country.
Summer ideas that support emotional growth:
Summer Activities to build life skills & self-esteem~~~This article from ADDitude website shares ideas for building self-esteem, independence and academics in the summer months. The website offers insights and strategis for adults and children with ADHD, but much of the information is helpful for all families.
See the free guide that accompanies this article: Finding the perfect summer camp
~~Catholic Summer Camps
St. Ambrose Catholic Church Weekly Catholic Summer Camps -- Saint Ambrose Summer Camp is a Catholic summer camp located in Annandale, VA for children ages 4-14. Individual camps are offered on a weekly basis for eight weeks from June 20 - August 12, 2022.Camp runs from 8:45 am - 12:00 pm each day, Monday through Friday, with Extended Care available, beginning at 7:00 am and ending at 6:00 pm.
Spotlight on the Arts Summer Camp Camp Broadway, Art Explorer Camp, and more are offered at All Saints Parish as day camps during the month of July. Catholic professionals with expertise in their disciplines and education instruct young people in the arts through these highly interactive day camps directed by Mr. Tessier, who serves as All Saints’ 7th and 8th grade religion teacher, All Saints Director of Youth Ministry, and Director of Upper Room Theatre Ministry.
Vacation Bible School—many Catholic parishes in the Diocese host week-long Vacation Bible School programs. Please check individual parish webistes for the date and times of these fun, faith-filled activities.
At home with your family (make your own camps):
If you can't find something that fits your schedule or budge, consider getting together with a few other families to create your own camp at home. Here are a few ideas:
~ Catholic Faith Camp at home--All you really need though are some story books about faith, a few songs or short videos to play and a snack/craft. This could be hosted at one house, or could move from house to house on different days.
Holy Heroes Summer Faith Adventure
Catholic Icing--vacation-bible-school-at-home-
Catholicmom.com Gospel coloring worksheets
~Art gallery event—have your child/children set up an “art gallery” in your basement, playroom or any room. They can use blue painter tape, easels or any surface you choose to display their masterpieces. They can hang them by color, mood, subject or in any order. The artists can take you on an in-person “tour” of their gallery while making a virtual tour video for distant friends and family members.
The same type of idea could be used for any craft/hobby your child loves (a collection of their Lego creations, for example).
~Arts performances at home—set up a mini-stage for your budding musician, singer or thespian to show you their greatest performances. This can be weekly, daily, monthly etc. and can be recorded for family and friends.
~Virtual Vacations—if you are not ready for world-wide adventures, there are still so many virtual travel tours that can introduce your children to the world or help them relive a special family trip from the past. As a family you can decide what food and drink you want for your virtual vacation or at the end of virtual museum tour --it can be as simple as pasta and Italian soda; tea and cucumber sandwiches, or beach fries and lemonade. Each child can pick a vacation destination for the week and help plan it out if you want this to last.
Here are a few links to virtual tours and vacations:
Goodhousekeeping Best virtual tours
Best Virtual Tours of New Zealand
10 Best Museums in Singapore
Best Virtual Tours of Ireland
The summer break we’ve all been waiting for is now here! But camps are cancelled, some pools are closed and vacation plans may be on hold or looming far in the distance.
Here are some thoughts and ideas for summer fun that you might want to try. They are from different sources and there are many ideas on the internet. Hope you are able to find some that fits your family!
Teaming up with another family or two (while maintaining whatever social distancing is in place):
~Cooking camp—this can be for a morning or a week of mornings. One parent can host per day or week. Use simple recipes like pancakes, banana muffins, sandwiches, fruit cup, fun snacks or smoothies. The “chef” can do any cutting ahead of time if the children are too young for knives. This can be done with any age group---changing the recipes to fit the junior chefs’ skill levels. At the end of the week, the children can put together a recipe book. Everyone can chip in for supplies
https://www.reallifeathome.com/teaching-children-about-meal-planning-and-preparation/
~Craft camp—same idea as above with any “crafty” parent hosting and picking the types of craft based on interest and skill level.
~Vacation Bible School—if your children had plans for a week at vacation Bible camp, here are some resources to create your own camp. All you really need though are some story books about faith, a few songs or short videos to play and a snack/craft. This could be at one house, or shared by a few families.
https://www.holyheroes.com/Summer-Faith-Adventure-Catholic-VBS-s/110.htm
https://www.catholicicing.com/catholic-vacation-bible-school-at-home-summer-with-the-sacred-heart/
http://catholicmom.com/kids/catholic-gospel-coloring-worksheets-sunday-mass/
http://www.livingfaith.com/?mc_cid=ab8fafa63c&mc_eid=27439713ca;
https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=91e158c51bed6cb61bb053f36&id=2641da6c56
~Water adventures—this can take place at the house with a water slide, pool or sprinkler and can include water balloon target games/corn hole.
At home with your family:
~Art gallery event—have your child/children set up an “art gallery” in your basement, playroom or any room. They can use blue painter tape, easels or any surface you choose to display their masterpieces. They can hang them by color, mood, subject or in any order. The artists can take you on an in-person “tour” of their gallery while making a virtual tour video for distant friends and family members.
The same type of idea could be used for any craft/hobby your child loves (a collection of their Lego creations, for example).
~Arts performances at home—set up a mini-stage for your budding musician, singer or thespian to show you their greatest performances. This can be weekly, daily, monthly etc. and can be recorded for family and friends.
This can also be used as a group activity with neighbors.
~Virtual Vacations—this can be a way for your children to learn about the world or remember a fun family time from the past. The children can draw pictures of places they have been or want to go and decorate any room for this trip. As a family you can decide what food and drink you want for that vacation --it can be as simple as pasta and Italian soda; tea and cucumber sandwiches, or beach fries and lemonade. Each child can pick a vacation destination for the week and help plan it out if you want this to last.
Virtual Museums, Zoos and Theme Park Tours
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/
National Parks Virtual Tours https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-is-closing-national-parks-but-you-can-still-visit-the m-on-a-virtual-tour-2020-03-21/
~Remember this time in our lives activities—memory box, time capsule, journal or some other way to capture your family’s “story” from the pandemic. Have your children think about what items, drawings, photos or stories would mark this time at home. The goal would be to think about something they learned or enjoyed—extra bike rides, time with family or pets.
Some additional resources:
Make your own stress ball: https://copingskillsforkids.com/blog/homemade-stress-balls/
Make your own sensory bottle: https://www.therealisticmama.com/11-awesome-calm-down-jars/
Get Moving: GoNoodle: https://www.gonoodle.com/
Summer Fun ideas: https://www.verywellfamily.com/summer-fun-ideas-kids-and-parents-3542627
World Animals: https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/blogs/kids-stuck-home-heres-how-keep-them-busy?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2ZSF0OT36QIVO-aGCh2BbQWVEAAYAiAAEgIbb_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Enjoy! Have a wonderful summer
Mrs. Henry