Soccer camp is just one of the many options for our kids this summer. We're opening a discussion on summer camp today at chambanamoms.com (Photo by stevendepolo on flickr)
by Rachael McMillan
We have been in the preschool routine for almost exactly two months. That’s it.
Am I sad that I get to spend less time with my kiddos? Am I nervous about handing over some portion of authority to other people? Am I afraid for the challenges they’re sure to face?
Heck, no. I am only wondering how to get them out of the house this summer.
OK, some slight exaggeration there. But still, it’s been so nice to discover something as mutually beneficial as a good preschool. I know my children are learning much more than I can teach them, I get to go grocery shopping solo (my new definition of heaven), I can work out from time to time or just tool around Goodwill for an hour, and we all get to TAKE A BREAK from each other.
So what are we going to do when summer comes and this great system comes to a crashing halt?
No, seriously, what are we going to do?
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be exploring the question of how to fill the impending glorious summer days with something other than television. And I’m going to need your help.
The following questions are going to guide my research. So, I’m asking them of myself, but truly I am also asking all of you. If you have advice to offer on any of these topics, please feel free to add your input. After all, we parents are our own best resource.
Question one: What are some of the best local summer camp options? I know the Champaign Park District runs some. Does anyone know when the new Funformation guide comes out? How about the Urbana Park District—do they run any camps? How abou private organizations?
Question two: What about camps for kids with special needs? I know, for example, that the American Diabetes Association runs Camp Granada in Monticello for children with diabetes. What other special needs camps are out there? Are there any great summer programs for kids who need educational enrichment or help meeting other challenges?
Question three: What about something other than camp—more like classes my kids can take once or twice a week all summer long? Something to allow them some fun, instructional time and to give me a bit of a break? Again, I think the Champaign Park District may be a good resource here. Can I get a personal testimony about any of these programs?
Question four: What about summer childcare? I’m going to need to replace my regular sitters once finals are over and they return home. How do I go about finding a responsible person to watch my kids for a few hours each week? Has anyone had any success with SitterCity.com? What about options for part-time or full-time childcare?
I don’t know about you, but I have to psych myself up for summer. I’m a lazy gal at heart—grabbing something to read and cozying up on the couch with a cup of tea is way more my speed than are repeated trips to the park.
Still, with a little planning, I think I can actually get excited for summer this year. After the winter we had (heck, after the last summer we had), we could all use a little fun in the sun. The key is going to be securing good kids-out-of-the-house options. So, stay tuned as we tackle the topic of building a summer that is enjoyable and relaxing for ALL family members…
Rachael McMillan is an occasional contributor to chambanamoms.com. A former high school teacher who now is spending time at home with her two children, Jack and Kate, she is a freelance writer and reading tutor.
Related posts:
I highly recommend the Champaign Park District’s Creative Kids day camp for elementary school kids. My daughter attended from the summer after kindergarten through the summer after fifth grade and is really disappointed that she can’t go this year (she’s a sixth grader). It’s a little smaller than the camps at other sites and the focus is art of all kinds. They also take field trips and go swimming once a week. She’s hoping they have some kind of teen/tween camp this year.
Now my question for you all. What about middle school kids? I’m not looking forward my kid spending the entire summer in front of the TV at home by herself. That seems to be a recipe for disaster. Does anyone have any suggestions or alternatives?
Don’t forget about the Urbana Park District and the Savoy Rec Center. They also both offer a lot of great summer activities.
I am in Laura’s situation, too. My 6th grader attended Creative Kids every summer, and insists he could probably attend this year, but I have a feeling that is just wishful thinking.
I am looking at the theater summer camp at the Champaign Park District (though he is luke warm to that idea), but I haven’t found any other options for middle schoolers yet.
Dana
Here’s a link to the current summer camp offerings available at the Urbana Park District (UPD): http://www.urbanaparks.org/newlg/Summer_Camps.pdf. Early bird registration is OPEN NOW!
UPD is also on Facebook and posts some program information there: http://www.facebook.com/urbanaparkdistrict
Great comments, all. This is really helping shape my research for the next piece…I hadn’t thought about the Savoy rec. center and I know almost nothing about the Urbana Park District. Also, I’m glad to have a personal recommendation for one of the CPD programs–I will definitely pass that along in my next installment!
College for Kids at Parkland is a great option for older kids (grades 3-7). I think sign up is usually in April. CPD and UPD also offer some great special interest classes and camps for the older set and they can also volunteer at the park district in the camps. They all offer financial assistance.
I highly recommend a pool pass to anyone with kids! If you actually go, it is well worth the cost (we have to go once a week to pay for it and we usually go 3 times a week).
Some of our preschool parents organized a weekly playdate (such as Weds 10am at Centennial Park).
It’s maybe not exactly what you’re looking for here, but Easter Seals runs a special needs camp in Hudson, Illinois called Timber Pointe Outdoor Center.
http://ci.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ILPR_TimberPointeOutdoorCenter