With spring arriving, students are casting a fond eye toward liberation from the boredom of school and further to basking in the warm summer air. So, this week, our Moms Council fielded the following question: How should students spend their summer?
Getting into the summer mindset now will help you get organized and plan a fun summer for your kids. Waltham organizations offer great camps and sports programs that will keep your kids active and learn new skills. Consider signing up for programs with the Waltham Fields Community Farm where kids can learn more about agriculture. Take the kids for walks around the , , or estates, or bike rides along the Charles River and have a picnic lunch. Water spray parks are free and located in most neighborhoods and would provide relief on hot summer days.
Summer vacation is a time for fun as well as continued learning. Kids should spend some time over the summer just being kids by playing at the park, in the backyard and doing lots of outdoor activities. Physical activities such as bike riding, running around and climbing are important, as well as getting a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine.
A family vacation, or a vacation with another family, creates lasting memories and allows kids the opportunity to see other parts of the country and how people live, eat and work differently. This early exposure can have lasting affects on a child's career or interests later in life.
Summer camp is also a great place for learning and fun. Some shorter camps, such as one or two weeks, can give kids a great experience without putting them on a rigid schedule. They can also foster independence if they include sleeping away. Camps exist for acting, music, and all kinds of creative activities. These programs give kids a chance to be immersed in their hobby and be around like-minded kids who may become friends for life. Older teens may want to be camp counselors, earning money and valuable work experience.
Whatever your kids do over the summer, enjoy creating memories at home or on vacation, as these years will fly by in a hurry.
