Toni-Lynn
06-18-2009, 02:14 PM
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Unless you're lucky enough to spend the summer home with your kids, you're probably scrambling to find worthwhile activities to keep them occupied, entertained and enriched during their summer break. Now's the time to finalize those plans, using these helpful tips:
If you have year-round day care, be sure to talk to your provider well in advance about your vacation plans and theirs. If your vacations aren't coordinated, you'll have to find a replacement during any lapses in your usual arrangements.
Day camps are a great way to fill lapses or to give your kids some variety in their summer schedule. There are camps that appeal to just about every childhood enthusiasm. Check at your local YMCA, school district Recreation Department, Scout camps, the zoo, museum, children's theater and more. Your local college or university may have a "College for Kids" where your children can pursue new interests or longtime passions. Day camps are also a great way to prepare kids for extended-stay camps.
Overnight camps offer all-around fun and wilderness skills or cater to more specific interests, such as sports (from archery to wrestling), language immersion, dance, voice, art or theater.
The American Camp Association (http://www.acacamps.org/) lets you search listings of accredited camps according to location or your child's age. Camps earn ACA accreditation by meeting standards for healthy activities; caring role models, service to the community and environment, and personal growth, among other regulations. They also give provide great advice on coping with homesickness. (http://www.campparents.org/homesickness.php)
If you're considering overnight camp, make sure your child is ready. Has he gone on sleepovers successfully? Can he get himself ready for the day independently? Is he open to new experiences? Does he follow directions well? All of these skills will lead to a successful experience.
Consider "Summer Hours" with your child. If your employer has flextime, work a little extra every day so you can take an afternoon off each week to share with the kids. In a short afternoon, you can create lifetime memories of trips to the beach, hikes in the woods and other summertime fun.
Don't forget to set up appointments for pre-camp physicals, as well as appointments with the dentist and orthodontist. This is the time of year when everyone tries to get kids in to see medical professionals.
Question:
How do you organize your kids' summer vacation time?
SOURCE (http://www.scottcommonsense.com/EasyOrganizing/Articles/AllGearedupforSummer.aspx?articleID=58&catID=2)
Unless you're lucky enough to spend the summer home with your kids, you're probably scrambling to find worthwhile activities to keep them occupied, entertained and enriched during their summer break. Now's the time to finalize those plans, using these helpful tips:
If you have year-round day care, be sure to talk to your provider well in advance about your vacation plans and theirs. If your vacations aren't coordinated, you'll have to find a replacement during any lapses in your usual arrangements.
Day camps are a great way to fill lapses or to give your kids some variety in their summer schedule. There are camps that appeal to just about every childhood enthusiasm. Check at your local YMCA, school district Recreation Department, Scout camps, the zoo, museum, children's theater and more. Your local college or university may have a "College for Kids" where your children can pursue new interests or longtime passions. Day camps are also a great way to prepare kids for extended-stay camps.
Overnight camps offer all-around fun and wilderness skills or cater to more specific interests, such as sports (from archery to wrestling), language immersion, dance, voice, art or theater.
The American Camp Association (http://www.acacamps.org/) lets you search listings of accredited camps according to location or your child's age. Camps earn ACA accreditation by meeting standards for healthy activities; caring role models, service to the community and environment, and personal growth, among other regulations. They also give provide great advice on coping with homesickness. (http://www.campparents.org/homesickness.php)
If you're considering overnight camp, make sure your child is ready. Has he gone on sleepovers successfully? Can he get himself ready for the day independently? Is he open to new experiences? Does he follow directions well? All of these skills will lead to a successful experience.
Consider "Summer Hours" with your child. If your employer has flextime, work a little extra every day so you can take an afternoon off each week to share with the kids. In a short afternoon, you can create lifetime memories of trips to the beach, hikes in the woods and other summertime fun.
Don't forget to set up appointments for pre-camp physicals, as well as appointments with the dentist and orthodontist. This is the time of year when everyone tries to get kids in to see medical professionals.
Question:
How do you organize your kids' summer vacation time?
SOURCE (http://www.scottcommonsense.com/EasyOrganizing/Articles/AllGearedupforSummer.aspx?articleID=58&catID=2)