Kids have all summer to play at their leisure and when school resumes in August or September, the children often feel as if they no longer have time for fun. This time of year is a great opportunity for the involved parent to facilitate social gatherings for their kids, which will help to alleviate the stresses of the academics.
You can plan several events over the course of the first 6 weeks of school, to transition the students from their summer freedom to the academic year constraints. Since the school work load generally starts to be realized around the third week of the academic year, it would be wise to plan the first three events for the first three weeks. Since the weather will still be great, make the events outdoor-related and include the opportunity for the kids to expend lots of energy!
Summer Fling Water Fight
Have the kids don their swimsuits one last time for an all out water battle. The event can include Super Soakers, squirt guns, hoses, water balloons, Splash Balls, and any other water toy that you can think of! Encourage the kids to go hog wild with their chosen weapons --- the aim is to soak everyone! To keep the event safe, comb your yard beforehand for any sharp stones, twigs or objects that could hurt the kids' bare feet. Reinforce the concept that the guests should not aim to hurt one another, but merely soak them. To control this event, you may wish to station an adult in the yard to oversee the festivities!
Nature Hike with Arts and Crafts
Take a group of kids into a local park, forest preserve, or through some forested yards. Take note of the types of trees, the growth patterns, the wildlife inhabiting the area, and the natural decomposition that occurs amidst the growing trees. As you are sharing this adventure with the kids, it's great to reinforce the concept of recycle, reuse, renew. Following the nature hike, treat the kids to a picnic lunch or a nature-inspired craft activity. Several good options include creating leaf print stationery, stringing bead jewelry, or assembling a photo journal of the hike.
Host a bonfire on a weekend evening that includes food, drink and fun for the kids. Keep the plan basic but effective. Provide the roaring fire, sticks to roast wieners and marshmallows, a cooler of lemonade, and the fixings to make hot dogs and s’mores. As long as there are a couple of adults to maintain the fire, assist with the cooking, and perhaps to lead the group in stargazing, the rest of the event will take care of itself.
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