Planning and preparation will help you keeps kids happy and active
Done right, a summer camp can be so much more than just childcare for little ones! It is a place for them to learn new things, make lifelong friends and grow.
But those long, lazy, hazy days of summer — even with the fun activities and lack of schoolwork — can be a bit too long if programmers don’t add a little spice to the recipe.
The best summer camp programs understand a child’s needs; the way they have to go from high energy to low energy activities, to give their minds and bodies a chance to recover, before taking off running again.
As a coach, instructor, counsellor —or just a parent looking for ways to keep children busy and happy during summer — the best plan is to have a plan! Proper preparation is the best way to ensure their time with you is successful and fun.
100s of activities, 1 goal: Active, happy kids
The best part of any summer camp (and that includes summer-camp-at-home) is that with the right planning, you can encourage children to grow in all areas: mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. Sprinkle your day plan with games and activities that allow for self-esteem building and others that encourage cooperation.
Even a gymnastics-focused summer camp can’t be a seven-hour class! Mix up the day with all the best parts of summer fun, like hula hoops and sidewalk chalk. Keep them interested and they’ll forgot just how much physical activity they’re getting.
All the fun without the equipment
You don’t need high-end equipment to have high levels of fun, or to work on gymnastics skills. You can go through the basics, like throwing, catching and kicking, along with your regular basic movement activities through sports. Try basketball or soccer.
Try balancing with bean bags or balloon activities. And children of all ages love a good dance party.
Races and team challenges are a great way to the children to interact with each other in a non-competitive way. Cooperative team motivation is a great way to build self-esteem. Bring back tag and jump rope.
Keeping children happy, excited and on the go for a full day (and another, and another…) can be demanding. Looking at summer camp programs is a great way to get inspired.
Remember that if you’re having fun planning it, they’ll have fun doing it!
From Darlene “The Bean”
