What Will You Do to Keep Your Kid(s) Busy this Summer?
Will you keep them busy—or give them a breather — or some combination of both?
Certainly, one of the happiest days of the year in many kids' lives is one that comes with a special title: First Day of Summer.
We won't even start on chanting, "No more teachers, no more books..." After all, there is required (or recommended) reading.
And some student like (or need) to brush up on skills or delve deeply into special academic or athletic interests over the summer.
So what will your child be doing this summer? Does it disrupt your regular routine to have one or more extra kids around the house? Do you mind having the gang hang around the house, or does it get out of hand?
Do even preschool children miss the routine? Do they like having older siblings around more?
Do you join the local pool, or take advantage of the many camps in the area? Do they go away?
One of the interesting options for older kids in recent summers is Xtreme Adventures, offered at the county's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, which also offers a number of programs for other age groups.
There also are camps at the Somerset Hills YMCA, activities offered by the township, and mini-units for learning offered by the school district.
There are also such continuing activities such as riding at Lord Stirling Stables, and a wide variety of private organizations and camps. As our blogger from the IRS, Gregg Semanick, lets us know, some of those programs can be tax deductible.
And then there is a state of being sometimes called "the gift of boredom." The opportunity to clear one's mind and think about things both frivilous and ideas that may change the course of one's life.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
In This article
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Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park
190 Lord Stirling Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ -
Lord Stirling Park Riding Stable
256 S Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ -
Colleen Epple Pine
12:32 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Our children are now old enough to work this summer-and so we ask that they “family share” the expenses of their summer activities that might include a theme park or going away with a friend for a few days to the beach. We look at the estimated cost and they split it with us and bank the rest of their savings. With one in college now, we try to cherish our family time together while it’s here. September is always SO close! So for us, it's a babysitting job with two or our great neighbors for our older child and lifeguarding again this summer for our younger child.
Linda Sadlouskos
12:37 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Do other local kids work in the summer? Are jobs hard to find? And what about younger kids?
Julie Harabedian
12:52 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
There is so much pressure on kids now, I think they need a little down-time over the summer to play and just be kids! Remember when everyone entertained themselves and played outside and rode bikes? Not every minute was a scheduled event like it is today. I vote for giving kids a breather and re-introducing spontaneity!
Stacey Irvine
1:37 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
My kids need a lot of structure so the summer is difficult for us. I'm happy there's no homework but I have to work very hard to plan a structured schedule for them all summer. Back when we were kids, there were not so many kids with disabilities and it was ok to take the summer off to ride bikes and go to the pool. Unfortunately, spontaneity is just not an option if your kids have special needs. I bought a giant blank calendar and we are using it to plan out our summer - and as a fun art project. They are choosing the colors to use to write in the dates and are drawing pictures to represent various activities.
Susan V
4:38 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stacey (and other moms looking for summertime structure)-
Check out the YMCA day camps. They have tons of options for kids of all ages and even specialty camps for children with special needs (Carousel Kids @ Camp Cromwell). Financial aid is available for those who need it. Most camps provide swim lessons too!
Colleen Epple Pine
1:40 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
So true, Stacey! Be sure to connect with Gwen Luebner of SCP&R if you haven't already-she is wonderful and offers a variety of programs for the special needs and Autistic children.
Linda Sadlouskos
1:41 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stacey, do you feel there are some good programs for special needs children over the summer? Or are they hard to find? Thanks, Linda
Madhavi Saifee
1:47 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
My kids are always looking forward to some down time but that usually lasts about 1 week and then the boredom sets in. So I usually plan a few week long fun camps (soccer, tennis, etc) that keeps them active and outside. Usually try to not make it too intensive unless the child is requesting it....
Linda Sadlouskos
1:48 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What do your children especially want to do this summer?
Madhavi Saifee
2:14 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
mostly my girls are looking for tennis, soccer, or art camps. this year however my oldest has actually requested to go to a couple of preview academic camps (ie. creative writing and math) huh?! so I will give in if I must (;9) and sign her up for them.
Sanford Josephson
4:50 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
How about volunteering at Matheny or another non-profit? They will meet interesting people, make new friends and feel good about giving back to the community. If they're interested, they should call Gail Cunningham at 908 234-0011, ext. 282, or email her at volunteers@matheny.org.
Madhavi Saifee
5:07 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What a great idea! Please be sure to add the info to the volunteer tab on Patch:
http://baskingridge.patch.com/volunteer