Summer with Camp Family

Perhaps you’ve seen it out your front window, or just heard the squeaky brakes: the yellow school bus picking up your neighbor’s kids bright and early. But wait, isn’t school out? Yep…they’re just going to summer camp.

As a new mom, you should start to become familiar with the summertime options that your kids might be begging for one day soon that could cost you lots of dough.

You know all those typical camp activities—arts and crafts, ice cream and sports? Sometimes all it takes is a little collaboration with some other parents and you can have a mini-camp going right from a few homes, several times a week. Or go to a park and do your thing there…and then let the kiddies run around till they are ready for a nap (or at least ready to zone out in front of Ratatouille for the 90th time). You don’t necessarily need a set schedule, but your aim should be to entertain, educate and enjoy.

Working moms can take advantage of summer fun, too! You might be tired by nighttime, but a family trip to the local Italian ice shop will only take a few minutes. And what about those weekends, hello?

So—ice cream, $10. Craft supplies, $50. Spending time making memories at home? Priceless.

What are you doing with the family this summer? [The Wichita Eagle]