5 Summer Camp Activities To Keep Children Learning Over Break
Summer camp activities can keep your children active and engaged throughout the summer months. Whether you implement these activities at home or sign your child up for an associated camp that will provide them in a group setting, your kids will benefit greatly. Engaging in creative, educational, and physically active pursuits over the summer will promote greater physical, mental, and emotional health all summer long.
Scavenger Hunts
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A scavenger hunt is an engaging activity that’s easily adapted to different environments and age groups. You can find a variety of printable scavenger hunts online or make your own. Assess your environment and look for a list that includes a few abundant items for an easy start along with some real challenges that could take all day to find. You might have your kids collect their items to bring back for show and tell or simply take pictures of them.
Journaling
Journaling is a great way to record the summer’s activities and accomplishments. Begin the summer with a classic journal-making activity where kids get to design their covers, fill the journal with paper, and bind it all together. Return to the journal throughout the summer for regular updates. Kids can write, draw, create collages, paste pictures, and stash collectibles like a special feather or other found item. At the end of the season, this will serve as a precious reminder of all your summer fun.
Physical Challenges
Give your children physical challenges to mimic or complement the regimen provided by many summer camps. If your child is attending a strength and conditioning camp or sports camp at a Catholic college school, incorporating physical activities at home will help prepare them for the challenge. You might incorporate a daily family jog, set up an obstacle course, or provide a log book for push-ups, crunches, and weight lifting so kids can track their progress and beat their own personal records week to week.
Math Games
Keeping math skills strong over the summer will keep your kids sharp for the next school year. You can incorporate math in anything from hopscotch to dice and card games. If you have a large family, these games are especially engaging because you can incorporate some competition and collaboration. You can also find an abundance of online games that help kids sharpen their math skills while engaging in a highly coveted video game environment.
Cooking Activities
Cooking is an essential skill that’s overlooked in many schools today. You can use the summer to work on skill-building in this area by putting your kids to work in the kitchen, similar to the way they would help out in the cafeteria at summer camp. Assign a different child or group of children each night and have them assist with dinner prep. Older children can take over an entire dish while younger ones can begin with washing vegetables, stirring, or sprinkling cheese.
With these engaging activities inspired by summer camp routines, you can turn your summer into an ongoing educational adventure. Encourage your kids to stay active and keep growing so they can return to school in fine form for the next year.
