Summer camp was always a part of our lives in NYC. My girls took part in the Trailblazers Day Camp at Prospect Park in Brooklyn for about three summers and they loved it. But this summer, we decided for the second time to keep them out of summer camp, while I take control of their daily activities.
Last year, we had no camp out of necessity, We moved to upstate NY right before the 4th of July. This time was crucial, because I wanted to make sure that they were acclimating well to their new home, rather than throwing them into a new environment with strangers. But this year, I decided that we are going to explore the great outdoors and go on wild adventures that will engage them in nature, the arts, music, education and every other way I can think of. As I continue to build our calendar, I have come up with a simple system on what our days will look like inserting the big plans where needed.
Here's our plan that balances activities, learning, and relaxation:
Morning:
8:00 AM - Breakfast and Brain Warm-up
- Have a nutritious breakfast together.
- Start with a brain teaser or a quick puzzle to get their minds engaged.
8:30 AM - Get Ready
- Brush teeth and get dressed
- Fix beds and pick up things off bedroom floors
9:00 AM - Outdoor Activity
- Head to a nearby park for some outdoor play.
- Activities: Outdoor play, soccer, tag, or simply exploring nature (hiking).
11:00 AM - Arts and Crafts
- Come back indoors for a creative session.
- Activities: Painting, drawing, making simple crafts with paper or recycled materials.
Midday:
12:30 PM - Lunch
- Prepare a healthy lunch together.
- Take the opportunity to teach them simple cooking skills.
1:30 PM - Learning Hour
- Rotate educational activities each day:
- Science Day: Conduct simple experiments
- Reading Day: Read aloud or have them read independently for 30 minutes.
- Math Day: Play math games or do fun math worksheets.
- Life Skills: basic first aid, financial management, hygiene, communication skills and more.
- Online classes: A language class and/or classes to prepare for the next grade via an online platform.
2:30 PM - Quiet time
- Have some quiet time to disengage
Afternoon:
3:00 PM - Indoor/Outdoor Activity
- Activities: Board games, puzzles, visit to the local library, pool time, learning a new language (French for us).
4:30 PM - Free Time
- Allow them some free play or relaxation time.
- They can choose an activity they enjoy: reading, drawing, listening to music, play some Roblox (limit 30 to 45 mins) etc.
Evening:
5:30 PM - Dinner
- Another opportunity for them to help prepare a meal.
- Have them set the table and encourage clean up after
6:30 PM - Family Time
- Spend time together as a family.
- Activities: Movie night, board games, storytelling, or a family walk.
7:30 PM - Wind Down
- Start preparing for bedtime.
- Quiet activities: Reading stories, listening to calming music.
8:30 PM - Bedtime
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to ensure they get enough rest.
Additional Tips:
- Flexibility: Adjust the schedule based on their interests and energy levels.
- Hydration: Keep them hydrated throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities.
- Screen Time: Limit screen time and encourage active and creative play.
- Learning Opportunities: Incorporate learning into everyday activities to keep their minds active and curious. Work on strengthening any difficulties they encountered academically throughout the school year to prepare them for the next grade.
You can expand on this simple plan. The access to quaint towns, beautiful waterfalls, lakes and state parks is something to be excited about here. I want us to frolic in nature and enjoy the best of what our new town has to offer. This is the closest thing to the free spirited summers of my childhood that I can give them. Maybe next summer, we will be back at camp, but for this summer, I look forward to all the little adventures we will have and maybe we will make some friends along the way.
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