How Can We Incorporate the Joy of Summer Once the Next School Year Arrives?

As our children began their first day of camp this morning, the relief most parents felt was palpable. It wasn't just about getting them back into a routine—there wasn't too large of a gap between school and camp. So why did I feel such a sense of calm?

Then it hit me. Deep down, camp offers a hands-on, fun-filled day with outdoor time, socialization, some learning, and not too much sitting around. I wish the typical school system had more of this.

We love our kids' school and sincerely appreciate their teachers and principals and the love they receive each year. But sitting at a desk all day is challenging, and managing twenty kids in a classroom will never be the same as managing them in smaller groups.

This is a more profound discussion because we send our children to school for many reasons, including academic, social, religious, and community values. However, I realize that the parts of camp we love are the parts I'd love to incorporate more into their school year. Here are some attainable goals for parents to bring a bit of that summer joy into the school year:

Emphasize Outdoor Time

• Daily Play: Ensure kids spend at least 30 minutes outside daily, whether it's a walk, bike ride, or just playing in the yard.
• Weekend Adventures: Plan family outings to parks, nature reserves, or even just a picnic in the backyard.

Encourage Hands-On Learning

• Home Projects: Engage kids in simple science experiments, gardening, or cooking projects related to their school learning.
• DIY Crafts: Provide materials for arts and crafts that they can do independently or with minimal supervision.

Promote Socialization

• Playdates: Arrange regular playdates with classmates or neighborhood kids to build social skills and friendships.
• Family Game Nights: Dedicate one night a week to board games or collaborative family activities.

Incorporate Movement

• Active Breaks: During homework or study sessions, include short breaks for stretching or a quick dance-off.
• Extracurricular Activities: Enroll them in sports or dance classes that keep them physically active and engaged.

Balance Screen Time

• Screen-Free Zones: Create specific times or areas at home where screens are not allowed, encouraging other activities.
• Quality Content: When screen time is used, choose educational and interactive content that promotes learning and creativity.

Foster Independence

• Chores and Responsibilities: Assign age-appropriate chores that teach responsibility and independence.
• Personal Projects: Encourage them to start a project of their choosing, like building something, starting a small garden, or learning a new skill.

Support Emotional Well-being

• Open Conversations: Make time to talk about their day, listen to their concerns, and celebrate their successes.
• Mindfulness Practices: Introduce simple mindfulness activities like deep breathing or guided meditations to help them manage stress.

By incorporating these elements into our daily routines, we can help bridge the gap between the structured school environment and the joyful, active experience of summer camp. This approach enhances their learning and supports their overall well-being and happiness.

As we all know, a good goal needs a good plan, which means this planner mom will be using her September planner to remember all this to translate it from a nice idea, to a goal and ideas for our family this upcoming year.