The end-of-year countdown is officially on. For most moms I know, this is the season where the “mental load” shifts into high gear. After wrapping up homework and selecting end-of-year teacher appreciation gifts, we have two to three months of open calendar space.
If you haven’t locked in your summer plans yet, the panic can start to set in. But I’ve learned that summer shouldn’t just be about finding a place to “put” the kids while work continues. It’s actually the best time to stretch them in ways they don’t get to experience during the school year.
The “Why” Behind My Plan
I stay away from filling the calendar just so they stay ‘busy’ – nobody likes ‘busy work’, including children. Every choice I make comes down to intentionality. Before I sign up for a single camp, I look at the “gaps” from the school year. I also, this year, can look at their vision board. Did they spend too much time sitting at a desk? Then we’re going to be outside. Do they need a boost in confidence? Then we’re looking for a skill-based program. How are their cooking skills?
Summer is their chance to explore …
What We’re Prioritizing This Year
I tend to mix things up to keep them engaged without burning them out:
- Real-World Skills: I love programs that teach things like entrepreneurship, financial literacy, or even just cooking and baking skills. I want them to see how the world works outside of a textbook.
- Staying Grounded: It’s easy for kids to get caught in a bubble. I look for local opportunities that keep them connected to our community and allow them to meet people from all walks of life.
- The “Unstructured” Days: We don’t enroll them in camp every single week. On our “off” days or weeks, I give them projects or relax and explore with a trip. Maybe they’re responsible for planning a meal, organizing spaces in our house or we spend a week focusing on a specific hobby. This is where I see the most growth in their independence.
Keeping My Sanity
As much as I plan for them, I have to plan for me, too. If the kids’ schedule is a mess, my calendar and sanity suffer.
- The Master Calendar: If it’s not on the main calendar, it doesn’t exist. My work calendar and their camp drop-offs have to live in the same space, so there are no surprises. With camp locations changing from week to week for different-aged kids, things can get out of control easily if I don’t spend the time up front putting all the details on the calendar. My husband appreciates this as well!
- The Family Sit-Down: I ask the kids what they want to do. When they have a hand in the planning, they’re much more excited to get out the door in the morning.
- The Pivot: Sometimes a camp isn’t a good fit, or we’re just exhausted. I keep a “backup list” of low-key local spots, parks, or museums for the days we just need to slow down, or we just hit the pool!
Staying in Budget
- Look for the Sale Days: Some camps offer sales during the school year. If you find a camp your kids love, check to see if they offer a one-day sale or early registration discount and then put it on your calendar for next year.
- Keep a Spreadsheet: My Summer Camp spreadsheet is worked on, usually starting in January and even earlier if a trip is being planned. I try to keep on there the camps they loved and remove those they cared not to do again. This sheet also tracks the costs per kid. Depending on how many kids you have, summer camps can add up really quickly!
A Final Note for the Moms in the Thick of It
We’re the architects of our kids’ environments. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. Don’t worry about keeping them “entertained” every second. Focus on giving them the space to grow, to lead, and most importantly, to just be kids!
If they come back in the fall with a little more confidence and a new skill or two, you’ve done your job.
Always #LiveSovereign,
Karen Hatcher, CPM®