Thinking Ahead

Most of us are taking these days one at a time. The idea of planning right now seems both terrifying and counter productive. And yet we need to plan a little or we may find ourselves stuck in June with no idea of what to do with the kids for the summer. At this point, our world is in limbo in more ways than we can count. Summer camps may or may not open. I received a request this week from a reader asking for some Camp Mommy ideas for those of you who may now find yourself unexpectedly running one.

First, see this original Camp Mommy Post for some thoughts on summertime with the kids. That was from 2019, far before we knew what the word Corona meant and before Social Distancing was part of every child’s vocabulary. So I’m going to dedicate this post to updating Camp Mommy for quarantine life.

Before I begin, I still strongly feel that some type of daily schedule makes life more manageable - especially with younger kids. It doesn’t need to be a highly regimented routine but a basic sketch of the day makes things easier to manage and provides the kids who need some school-type structure with a framework for their day.

Posters with the daily “camp” schedule can help for kids who need that. It doesn’t need times on it (though they can’t hurt for kids that thrive on that) - and leave slots for “special activity” times where you can switch things up each day.

First, get online and make a big order from the art store. You’re going to need a supply of the basics - markers, crayons, poster board, sketch books, paint, glitter (if you dare). Pipe cleaners. Think about what a normal art room at school has and get enough. If you have a space in the basement or somewhere in the house that can be dedicated to keeping it organized and out of your way that’s ideal, if not try housing it in a few boxes in your laundry or utility room.

There is so much art to be done. Kids love to get messy and creative. If you can handle the mess, I would encourage you to integrate projects into at least two days a week. Everything in their world can be turned into art, from their names to your house to anything you can think of. We used to go to the zoo with sketch pads and draw the animals. Many of the big zoos in the world have online portals to watch the animals while they’re closed. Log onto one and let them draw what they see. Being confined to home doesn’t mean they can’t experience the world. They’ll just experience it differently.

Obviously, if things are still the way they are now, an actual trip day is a no go. So get creative. Once a week, create a virtual trip. You don’t need a computer or more screen time for the kids to do this (though it might help to let them take a Google Earth hop over to wherever the destination may be), but you can still create a place for a day.

Since distance is no longer relevant, pick great places. 

Take them to Paris for a trip day. Create an Eiffel Tower. Bake French bread (for anyone who has never been to Paris, the fresh bread is ridiculous- and I’m not even a bread lover). Print out a famous painting from the Louvre and have them repaint it (yes, even small kids can participate, who doesn’t love painting??).

Travel to Istanbul and visit the bazaar - create your own indoor market and let them be the sellers and the buyers. They can create their own market stalls and sell their wares.

Visit the Rocky Mountains. Couch pillows can be stacked to create the hike of their dreams. Get HUGE rolls of paper and have them draw the scenery. Print out maps and show them how to plan a hiking or driving route. You get the idea. Be flexible about the mess (build in time to clean it up).

I’m not sure what the status of outdoor trips will be - but most neighborhoods have some sort of walking or hiking trails. Find them. Go at weird hours so you don’t have to worry about crowding paths (walking in our trails after 4 has become a social distancing nightmare). For the kids who are reluctant to walk, bring treats. I’m not usually one to push sugar but these times are extreme and a little extra treat never killed anyone.

We also don’t know what the pool story will be so plan for some at home water time. Most hoses can be hooked up to sprinklers. Think Slip n Slides. Kiddy pools can help with cooling down even for bigger kids. If you have a slide in your backyard, you can get a long enough hose and make it into a water slide. Your grass may be muddier this year than ever but again, we have to be flexible.

If possible, invest in something new for your yard. It doesn’t have to be a big purchase (unless you were in the market for a new playhouse or swing set) but even something smaller like a hammock can transform your yard. Wait to put it out until school is over - new items get the most traction the first few weeks of their existence.

Some kids love to play pretend and all you need to do is supply them with an idea and they’re off in their imaginations, others will need more prodding or more hands on to make it enjoyable. I think it’s key to let go of your orderly house and structure for this to be a successful endeavor. Don’t give up on having a clean house, I’m never the person who will tell you to look at my messy house and see the happy kids, but some level of flexibility will make it a much more enjoyable experience for everyone. And like I said in my original post, build in time for cleanup and regular life chores. Luckily during quarantine, shopping with the kids is not an option (silver lining) but there are still plenty of things in the house that need taking care of and the cooking and cleanup don’t do themselves.

For those of us who have to work while managing a house full of kids - well that might need to be the subject of a whole different post :)

As much or little as your kids may have some school structure now, there will be a void once school is done and the days are just open. If we do find ourselves still quarantined at that
Point, you’ll probably be glad you thought ahead a bit and were prepared with ideas and supplies to manage a summer with a very different format than you may have expected.

Good luck!!!!