Summer Camps Abound!

If you are like me, you have already planned your summer with activities to fill your children's day. School will be over before we know it and you might feel a bit of panic as you realize your children will be home EVERY day for a little over 2 months!

Take a breath and relax. I've found some great opportunities for families to enjoy the benefits of camp without necessarily breaking the bank. Here are a few places I'd encourage you to check out:

Susanna Wesley School of Shelton is hosting week-long camps for your pre-schooler starting in June and through July. Contact the school at 203-925-1076 for more information.

CT Fitness Pros in Shelton will have kids' camp for three 1-week sessions in the summer: July 11-15, July 25-29, and August 8-12. Open for children ages 4-10. Contact Liza Bailey at info@ctfitnesspros.com or 203-331-6396

Skyhawks offers sports related camps in the Shelton and Monroe areas. Children as young as 3 can join in on the fun. Visit http://www.skyhawks.com/ for more information or visit your local community center.

Valley Karate of Shelton is holding two camp sessions in July and August. It is open to ages 5-14 and will be held from 8:30-12:00. Contact Sarah Bergers at 203-924-CHOP.

Youth Elite Soccer will have a soccer camp for children in Shelton mid-August for children from 4 up to 14 years of age. For more information, call 203-455-6910 or visit http://www.sysonet.org/

Not Here, But Near:

Fun Factor in Middlebury 203-528-0118. http://www.funfactorusa.com/. An indoor inflatable facility.
The Little Gym of Orange (203) 298-4131. www.thelittlegym.com/OrangeCT. Flexible camp schedule.
Tumble Jungle in Newtown 203-426-1300. http://www.tumblejungle.net/. Perfect for pre-schoolers!

Other Camp Options:

Your local library has several activities for your children throughout the summer filled with fun and reading all wrapped into one! Kids can sign up for the summer reading program and earn prizes, while enjoying great books. In Shelton, we have two wonderful libraries, Plumb Memorial Library and Huntington Branch Library. Visit http://sheltonlibrarysystem.org/ to learn more about their summer programs.

Vacation Bible School offers an enriching experience for your children, not to mention a cost effective option for many families. Check your local churches for more information.

Let summer reading and activities begin!

I spent most of my Monday leisurely doing things, like a bit of housework (that laundry won't do it by itself) and watching the World Cup Match of Portugal v. N. Korea (7-0 Final). I have had fun chatting with my dad about the games and talking "futbol" lingo with him. It's the one sport that he and I can enjoy together and both understand.

So, after that anhialation by Portugal, I proceded with my house work and made it down to my basement when the computer called my name. I haven't touched it in about 36 hours, so it sucked me right in again.

My mission was to find fun things to do with the kids that are FREE, especially things sponosored by our local libraries. I came out with a pot of gold, with the help of a friend who shared a few links.

First site I stumbled upon was Storyline Online, sponsored by the Screen Actors' Guild. It's a neat site that has streamlined video of various actors reading books to the viewer, with some animation, most less than 7 minutes long at a clip. Perfect for my 4 and 5 yr olds. Though my son wasn't embracing the idea of watching someone read a book to him (he'd rather watch Battleforce Five or The Chipmunks on the computer), he did sit attentively the entire time 4 books were read to him. This was great. Something educational, interesting and FREE! That site is bookmarked now for "things to do when kids are bored" folder.

From there, I researched the various local libraries for their summer reading programs. I have never done this before and wasn't sure what the requirements are for participation. The easiest and maybe one of the "cooler" library summer reading programs is from Fairfield Public Library. You can register online and for a minimum of 5 books, kids can win a free kids meal at Subway, coupon for ice cream at Carvel and and all-day pass to Quassy Park. Wow! My kids probably read about 3 books each a day, if not more!

Many libraries host their own summer reading programs and events, so check out your local library today! Not only are they fun, but they are FREE!

If books aren't what you want and you need something more active, kids can try bowling for free! I haven't tried that with my kids, yet, but could be the perfect thing to do when it's really hot outside, it's raining or just because!

Most communities have family activities as well. Our very own Huntington Green hosts a summer concert series each Wednesday evening. You bring your own chairs, blankets, and if you like, your picnic dinner and sit and relax while listening to various artists entertain.

Summer is the time for craft fairs and agricultural fairs. Two sites you can check out and find what's happening around town and the state are CT Craft Shows and Association of Connecticut Fairs. I absolutely LOVE going to both the craft fairs and the Ag fairs. Farmers Markets are also a fun way to have some family time while taking an educational opportunity to teach children about local and fresh foods.

There is so much to do right around the corner to keep kids entertained, educated, and active. We can all get sucked into the same routine and forget about exploring what our great state has to offer. CT is a beautiful state. Go out and find your favorite thing to do!