By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.
Tony Crider/Flickr
For many kids, the last day of school is the best day of the year. An eternity of summer days ahead. How simply FABULOUS!
For many moms, the last day of school is the worst day of the year. An eternity of summer days ahead. How FRIGHTENING!
Sending your kids off to summer camp can be a great solution. But what if the cost of summer camp is out of your budget?
How about creating your own summer camp at home? Here’s how to:
- If you only have one child, you may want to get other families to join the fun and organization. A summer camp of only one might not be that much fun, but it still could be done.
- Decide on how long your summer camp will run. It could be one day or the entire summer.
- Come up with
a list of themes for each day or each week. Check out my 100 frugal and fun activities to help you come up with ideas. - Each day should include a story, a craft, a physical activity, snack, and possibly nap.
- Each week should include at least one outing.
- Schedule the time loosely, but have a definite starting and finishing time, especially if other families are involved.
Here are five ideas I would certainly include:
- Make official camp t-shirts. You can make them with fabric paint, permanent markers, iron-on transfers or get fancy and order them from Cafe Press.
- Take an official camp picture.
- Make up a camp song.
- Have a camp out in the backyard.
- Make s’mores at least once.
Making a summer camp at home lends itself best to young children, but you can even make a summer camp with your teens. The more you let the campers participate in the creation of the camp, the more fun it will be. Brainstorm activities with campers during the first week to fill in any gaps you have in the schedule.
You can also use this idea for family reunions and birthday celebrations.
Happy Camping!
April 26th, 2011 at 2:01 am
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