Hi Moms,
Do you have any suggestions on how to keep busy with my tweens this summer? Camps are generally too expensive or too young. I certainly don't want them indoors all day every day driving me bonkers.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kim
I had my tween work as a Counselor in training at camp, which was challendging, social and cheap and best of all kept her busy while I was at work.
have you heard of geocaching? they have a website www.geocaching.com you will need a gps, but it is a blast. i also found a site a long time a go that had to do with letter boxing i just found the web site its www.letterboxing.org and they have a ton of hidden stuff in your area you go out in nature and find hidden boxes that have stamps that you stamp your book and put the stamp back for the next person as well as rehide the box. the ymca is also a good place to look for activities or a native american center or nature conservancy have good nature classes, etc. good luck and have fun!!
K.,
Maybe they can do some volunteer work. How about the SPCA or Animal Care and Control if they like animals, or helping out with senior citizens? Also, some day camps have "CIT's" or, counselor in training positions.
Do you have elderly neighbors? Maybe they need assistance with things? Yardwork, or just plain conversation. Teaching kids about helping others is always a good lesson.
Just some suggestions........
You could also check your local rec department to see if they have day camps. Maybe they could even work at one helping the younger kids if that is something that interests them.
Another mom mentioned signing them up to be CIT & I'd also like to suggest that. Try your local Y. My friend got her two younger daughters (now 20 & 18) involved in the Y when they were both about 14 & it's been such a great experience for both of them. The girls then also got involved in the Y in other programs, mainly Youth & Government & her youngest went w/the group to Prague this past Fall. Since they live in the Sunset, they went to the Stonestown Y. Go to the Y web site so you can find the closest one to you guys & see what they offer for kids yor boys' ages. A lot of the Y's now have day camps for that tween age ...skateboarding, biking. Best of luck!
jelly belly factory(Fairfield), zoos(Oakland, SF, and Sacramento), bowling, tech museum(SJ)...
there is a good book called something like things to do with kids in CA.
Good luck!
Kim,
If you are home and can facilitate or can share with another mom or two, I would have them create their own camp with younger kids that also cannot get to camp...set up fun stuff and let them be the teacher..science experiments, build forts, obstacle courses, put on a magic show...anything that plies them on tech for a little part of the day..it will teach them leadership, planning and patience.
I would have them write adventure stories too.
Last summer we attended no camps but went to the pool and did occasional day trips. I would suggest coming out to the East Bay for swimming. There's a great pool in Walnut Creek at the Heather Farms Park. They have multiple pools including a 3 foot pool that allows water toys for the little ones. There's also a nice lawn area where you can camp out for the day. There are lots of great parks in the Walnut Creek area that are really nice and warm. You might also check and see if SF recreation department has some summer programs. Our local rec department has a program that runs for 6 weeks/ 3 days a week for 3-4 hours a day and it runs $300 a child. That's one of the best deals I've seen. Otherwise you can take advantage of all the SF free days at the various museums, etc. You could also enroll your child in summer school through public school - out here summer school is open to all children even if they are not in need on remedial help and it's free. Good-luck! Michele
Scouts, Science camps, YMCA, church groups, SF zoo or city park program volunteers, Summer school for youths at the local jr College or SFSU, call the local jr high's for suggestions.
Check with the local churches. They often have Day camps with older children. They usually go on a field trip every week at the end of the week. These church camps are usually just as nice and less expensive. Usually half the price. also the Y has good camps but somewhat pricey. Also you could check the Park & Rec for swimming. That will keep them busy and in shape.
