Keeping children occupied during the summer is no small feat. Many families look to summer camp, which can be a fun experience for kids that they will remember into adulthood.
Many summer camps do not begin right at the end of school, meaning there may be a lull when kids are at home uttering the dreaded words, 'I'm bored.' Parents can bridge the gap between the end of he school year and the start of summer camp in numerous ways.
· Neighborhood fun: Rotate hosting duties with other parents, and organize scavenger hunts, bicycle rides, lemonade stands, or backyard pool gatherings.
· At-home projects: Use this gap time for hands-on projects like painting canvases, trying new hobbies, learning how to play an instrument, or catching up on chores.
· Volunteer: Kids can do community service or participate with a faith-based charity.
· Short-term camps: Recreational departments in many towns and cities offer short-term specialized day camps that can help fill some days until other camps begin. These may be specialized toward sports, arts, STEM, or dance. Some run just a week or two.
· Library events: The library can be a great source of inspiration and engaging activities for kids. Plus, libraries often have available free passes for museums, parks and tours.
· Online platforms: Children can brush up on some of their school lessons by looking into online classes. Outschool, for example, is an educational platform that offers online classes for kids and teens ages one to 18. Khan Academy is a free educational app with games, books, lessons and more.
Parents looking to fill the time between the end of school and the start of summer camp have various options at their disposal. TF266933