My office is still illuminated by the warm glow of twinkling lights on my Christmas tree. It’s Februaryfreezing outside — and not just by coastal North Carolina standards. The fridge calendar is set to June, and I’m juggling 47 tabs — dance, theater, sports and camps — trying to fit everything into our schedule.
When our summer isn’t consumed by moving, there are a lot of weeks to occupy, especially if your kids are like mine and cry boredom within the first 48 hours of having nothing to do, and you, like me, are tethered to a full-time job.
In the places we’ve lived, if you start to think about summer camps once it feels like a reasonable time (any time after spring allergies kick in), you’ve probably missed the boat. You’ll be left stuck with the bottom-of-the-barrel three-hour camp that’s a 30-minute drive away (plus traffic), starting an hour into your workday and requiring you to be back for pickup three hours later — not ideal.
We’ve trudged through all scenarios when it comes to summer activities for the kids:
- Skipping activities entirely because we’re moving
- Registering last-minute for anything available, just to help our kids make friends before school starts
- Choosing minimal activities and spending the summer traveling
- Enrolling in evening activities, leaving us with a bored dancer all day and parents scrambling to figure out dinner before 9 p.m.
I think that about covers it. We’ve never really gotten it right, which is why I’m sprawled on my office floor in fuzzy socks, under the glow of the Christmas tree, with tabs open, calendars poised, and a plan taking shape in February. You may feel that rush of anxiety, thinking you’re too late. I won’t make promises, but I’ll just say, “maybe not.” Here’s my advice to you today.
- Get the academic calendar for the next school year and track the last day of this school year.
- Mark key dates and immovable commitments (vacations, move dates, doctor appointments, family visits, etc.).
- Reach out to other parents to find out where and when their kids will be attending camps or classes (unless you’re new in town).
- Set a realistic budget for summer activities.
- Explore options at local schools, colleges, sports leagues, gyms, dance studios, theaters and outdoor businesses (YMCA, boating, fishing, hiking, surfing, horseback riding, etc.).
- Eliminate any options that conflict with your immovable dates.
- Present the remaining options, including the suggestions from other parents, and let your kids choose a few that fit your budget.
- Once you’ve agreed, book the activities and let friends’ parents know (more kids, more carpooling and a happier planet).
A Word for Those Not Registering for Summer Camps
I’ll admit, sometimes summer camps are more trouble (and expense) than they’re worth. Honestly, they were not the norm for me growing up. Even if you aren’t planning on camps or classes this summer, it’s still a great time to plan the next few months. Are you planning a vacation or a PCS? Don’t forget to book hotels and find activities at your destination. Staying put? Find local activities to avoid summer boredom. Maybe it’s a reading goal, a weekly family game night, extra responsibilities around the house, visiting a new local attraction, or making sure your teen secures a summer job or volunteer position.
Summer will be here before we know it. Routines will shift, and this is our chance to shape them so summer feels like time well spent for the kids and the parents, who are often playing taxi.
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