Summer Bucket List: Simple Ways to Beat Boredom and Make Memories
When the days get long, and the temperatures rise, it can be challenging to keep toddlers entertained without relying too heavily on screens or spending a fortune. Here’s a fun and manageable bucket list of toddler-friendly activities to fill your summer with smiles, splashes, and sweet memories:
- Make Homemade Bubbles. A little dish soap, water, and a DIY wand (try a pipe cleaner!)
- Have a Backyard Picnic. Lay out a blanket, pack a few snacks, and dine under the sky—even if it’s just in the shade of your tree.
- Visit a Local Splash Pad or Kiddie Pool. Cool off with some water play. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a dry towel!
- Collect Rocks and Paint Them. Take a nature walk, gather rocks, and turn them into colorful creatures or patterns.
- Make Ice Block Treasures. Freeze small toys in a container of water and let your toddler “rescue” them with spoons and warm water.
- Make Sidewalk Chalk Art. Encourage your toddler’s creativity with big, bold chalk drawings right on the driveway.
- Dance Party in the Living Room. Blast some upbeat tunes and get those wiggles out with silly moves and lots of laughs.
- Build a Fort with Blankets and Pillows. Add books, snacks, and a flashlight for an afternoon of indoor adventure.
- Pick Flowers and Make a Bouquet. Let your child collect safe blooms from the yard or park and arrange them in a cup or jar.
- Make a Summer Keepsake Jar. Throughout the summer, collect small mementos, such as ticket stubs, seashells, or drawings, and add them to a clear jar.
Keep It Light and Fun
You don’t need to check off every item on this list—just keep it handy for those “what do we do now?” moments. Most importantly, enjoy the simple pleasures of summer through your toddler’s eyes.
Crafting a Summer Discovery Box to Ignite the Imagination!
As summer rolls in, the world outside becomes an playground filled with opportunities for exploration and creativity. One of the most delightful ways to harness this spirit of adventure is by crafting a Summer Discovery Box. This box can serve as a treasure trove of materials and inspiration, igniting your child’s imagination and encouraging them to explore, create, and learn throughout the season.
What is a Summer Discovery Box? A Summer Discovery Box is essentially a collection of items that promote hands-on learning and imaginative play. It can be customized based on your child’s interests and the resources available to you. The idea is to combine natural materials, art supplies, and prompts to engage young minds and foster a love for exploration and discovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Discovery Box
Choose the Right Container: Begin by selecting a sturdy box or basket that can hold all your materials. Ideally, it should be portable, allowing you to take it on summer excursions—whether it’s a day at the park, a family camping trip, or simply in the backyard.
Gather Natural Materials: Incorporate items from nature that your child can use for exploration and creativity. Collect leaves, twigs, pinecones, rocks, and flowers. These can be used for crafting projects or simply examined closely. You could even include a magnifying glass to enhance the experience! *
Include Art Supplies: Add a variety of art supplies to the box. Think crayons, colored pencils, watercolor paints, and sketchbooks. Consider adding some eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper or biodegradable glitter. These materials will inspire creativity through drawing, painting, and even sculpting.
Learning Prompts: Create a few simple prompts or challenges to inspire your child. For instance, you might include a card that says, “Build a sculpture using only natural materials,” or “Draw a picture of your favorite outdoor animal.” These prompts can spark creative thinking and engage them in deep exploration of their surroundings.
Fun Learning Tools: Include tools that can facilitate learning. A field guide for identifying local plants and animals, a journal for documenting discoveries, or even a simple butterfly net can encourage hands-on learning. You might even add a small compass to teach basic navigation skills during outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Exploration Tools: Think about including items like a pair of binoculars, a kite, or a set of chalk for drawing outdoor games. These tools not only add variety but also encourage physical activity and movement, which are essential for growing minds and bodies.
Crafting a Summer Discovery Box is not only a fun activity but also a way to foster a sense of curiosity, creativity, and connection with the world around us. As your children engage with the materials, they will cultivate skills that enrich their early learning experiences. So embrace this summer as a season of discovery and watch as your child’s imagination takes flight!
Sign Up For Summer Camp 2025 Today!
It’s Our Favorite Time Of The Year…Summer Time, Summer Camp!
This summer we will be celebrating “To Mars and Beyond!”
For 2025 we will enjoy action packed days with Crafts, Games, Cooking Projects, Science Projects, Field Trips and In-House Events!
The one word that describes what your camper will enjoy all summer long is FUN!!!!!
One of the greatest benefits of our annual summer camp program is that with each activity and social interaction with teachers and other campers, your child is better equipped to walk into the upcoming school year with more confidence, motivation and knowledge to succeed in the classroom.
If you are searching for the perfect SUMMER CAMP HOME for your child, download the attached Summer Camp Registration and return the director at your preferred location.
We are here to answer your questions so that you can learn more about all of the plans that we have for your child to have fun with their friends exploring, dreaming, thinking, creating, and most importantly … a summer filled with learning and fun!
Learning Adventures to Keep Young Minds Growing Over Summer Break
Summer is a time for fun, sunshine, and a break from the usual school routine—but it doesn’t mean learning has to stop! For early learners (ages 3–7), every day holds opportunities to explore, discover, and grow. Here are some creative, low-pressure ways to keep your child’s curiosity and skills blooming all summer long.
Turn Nature into a Classroom
What to do: Head outside! Parks, backyards, beaches, or even your neighborhood are full of teachable moments.
Ideas:
- Nature scavenger hunts (find something round, green, bumpy, etc.)
- Count birds, clouds, or bugs
- Make leaf rubbings or paint with sticks and flowers
Skills built: Observation, early science, vocabulary, counting, fine motor
Make a Summer Reading Ritual
What to do: Build a daily or weekly reading routine—morning story time, bedtime books, or a “reading picnic.”
Ideas:
- Visit the local library for summer reading programs
- Try “theme weeks” (ocean books, animal books, adventure books)
- Let your child “read” to a stuffed animal
Skills built: Literacy, listening, imagination, love for books
Keep Math Moving
What to do: Add math into real-life activities.
Ideas:
- Count steps while climbing stairs
- Sort and count shells, rocks, or buttons
- Use measuring cups while baking
- Play hopscotch with number patterns
Skills built: Counting, sorting, basic math, sequencing
Cook Up Some Learning in the Kitchen
What to do: Let kids help in age-appropriate ways with cooking or preparing snacks.
Ideas:
- Stirring, pouring, and measuring
- Naming ingredients and where they come from
- Making a “recipe book” with drawings and simple steps
Skills built: Math, science, language, life skills
Celebrate Curiosity
What to do: Follow your child’s interests and say “yes” to their questions as often as you can.
Ideas:
- Explore topics through books, crafts, or videos (e.g., dinosaurs, space, bugs)
- Try a “question of the day” and research the answer together
- Make a “wonder wall” with sticky notes of things they want to learn
Skills built: Inquiry, research, critical thinking, independence
Summer is less about structured lessons and more about playful, meaningful experiences. With a little intention, every day can be a learning day—without your child even realizing it. Keep it light, follow their lead, and most of all, enjoy the extra time to learn together.
Let’s Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!
April is a very special month. On April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day! Our Earth gives us so many things: sunshine to keep us warm, trees to climb in fresh air, water to drink and splash in, and flowers and animals to make our world so colorful!
Earth Day is the perfect day for all of us to focus on God’s creation and how we are called to be good stewards of the Earth. Here are some activities and lessons that you and your family can enjoy:
“God Made the Earth” Storytime
Read Genesis 1 (the creation story) in a simple, child-friendly version. Emphasize how God made the Earth and everything in it and called it “good.”
Nature Walk & Prayer
Take a nature walk and point out trees, flowers, birds, and the sky. Say a simple prayer of thanks: “Thank You, God, for the trees. Thank You, God, for the birds. Help us take care of Your world.”
Planting for God’s Glory
Plant a seed and compare this exercise to Matthew 13:31-32 (the parable of the mustard seed). Learn more about small actions—like planting a seed that will grow into something big for God’s glory.
Sing a Creation Song
Sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” or make up a song thanking God for trees, animals, and water.
Earth Day Prayer Time
Here’s a simple prayer that all ages can recite on this day of celebration: “Dear God, thank You for the beautiful world You made. Help us to love and take care of it. Amen.”
Planting Seeds: A Lesson in Growth, Renewal, and the Promise of Spring
There’s something magical about handing a child a tiny seed and watching their eyes widen with wonder. They may not yet grasp the transformation that awaits, but they sense the excitement of something new. Teaching a young child to plant seeds in the spring is more than just a gardening lesson—it’s a powerful metaphor for life, growth, and renewal.
The Innocence of Beginnings
Just as spring awakens the world from its winter slumber, children experience everything with fresh eyes. When they drop a seed into the soil, it is an act of pure trust. They cannot see what happens beneath the surface, but they believe in the promise of life. In many ways, this mirrors the way we enter new seasons in our own lives—full of hope but uncertain of what lies ahead.
Nurturing Growth
A child quickly learns that planting is only the beginning. The seed needs water, warmth, and care to grow. This simple truth is a reminder that all good things in life—friendships, knowledge, and dreams—require patience and effort. Just as a tiny sprout pushes through the earth, we, too, must persist through challenges to reach the sunlight.
Trusting the Process
There’s an unshakable faith in planting a seed. The child doesn’t doubt that something will happen, even if it takes days or weeks to see results. This trust mirrors the way we navigate the uncertainties of life. Every new endeavor, relationship, or goal begins as an unseen possibility. With care and time, what once seemed invisible emerges into something real and beautiful.
Spring as a Symbol of Renewal
Spring is nature’s way of reminding us that life begins again. The bare trees bud, the flowers bloom, and the world is filled with color once more. In the same way, we all experience seasons of dormancy—times when progress seems slow or dreams feel distant. But just like the seeds we plant, we are always growing, even when we cannot yet see the change.
A Lasting Lesson
When a child watches their first plant grow, they don’t just learn about nature; they learn about life. They learn to nurture, to be patient, and to believe in unseen possibilities. And as they marvel at the tiny green sprout breaking through the soil, we, too, are reminded that every fresh start—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. Spring invites us to embrace new beginnings. So, whether you’re planting seeds in the soil or in your own life, trust that growth is happening. The beauty of spring is that it always comes back—and so do we.
Celebrate Your Littlest Valentine From Morning to Bedtime!
Valentine’s Day is a time for love, fun, and creativity—and it’s not just for adults! Little kids can get in on the excitement with these fun, age-appropriate Valentine’s Day activities that make the day feel extra special. Here are a few ideas to spark joy in the hearts of your little ones:
Healthy Heart-Friendly Breakfast
Start the day with a Valentine’s-themed breakfast. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make pancakes or toast. Top them with strawberries, whipped cream, or pink sprinkles.
Balloon Fun
Fill a room with red and pink balloons for an instant Valentine’s Day party vibe. Kids can play games like balloon volleyball or try to keep the balloons off the ground.
Sweet Heart Cookie Treats
Bake simple sugar cookies in heart shapes and let the kids go wild decorating with icing and sprinkles. This doubles as a fun activity and a tasty treat!
Valentine’s Day Heart Treasure Hunt
Hide heart-shaped cutouts or candy around the house and create a treasure map. Kids will love the thrill of hunting for Valentine’s goodies.
Heart Tugging Bed-Time Story
Pick up a few Valentine’s-themed children’s books. Some favorites include Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Love Monster by Rachel Bright. Snuggle up for some cozy storytelling.
New Year Resolutions For Your Early Learner – Setting the Stage for Growth
As we usher in a new year, it’s a great time to introduce children—even toddlers and kindergartners—to the concept of setting goals. While they may be too young to make their own resolutions entirely, you can guide them in creating simple, fun, and age-appropriate ones. These early lessons in setting intentions can lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive habits and self-improvement.
Here are some ideas to inspire New Year resolutions for your little ones:
- Foster Kindness and Sharing
Goal: “I will share my toys with friends.”
At this age, children are learning to navigate social interactions. Teaching kindness and the value of sharing helps build empathy and strengthens their bonds with peers.
How to Help:
- Role-play sharing scenarios with stuffed animals or toys.
- Praise and encourage your child when they demonstrate kindness.
- Develop Independence
Goal “I will put my toys away after playtime.”
Simple chores teach responsibility and help toddlers and kindergartners feel capable and confident.
How to Help:
- Use visuals like a toy bin labeled with pictures.
- Turn cleanup time into a fun game or play cleanup songs.
- Encourage Healthy Habits
Goal: “I will eat more fruits and vegetables.”
Introducing healthy eating habits early sets the tone for a balanced lifestyle.
How to Help:
- Let them pick fruits or veggies at the store.
- Involve them in simple meal prep like washing produce or arranging snacks.
- Learn Something New
Goal: “I will try one new activity.”
Whether it’s learning to ride a bike or trying out a new hobby like painting or music, encouraging exploration boosts creativity and curiosity.
How to Help:
- Expose them to a variety of activities.
- Celebrate their effort, not just their success.
- Be Active Every Day
Goal: “I will move my body every day.”
Active play promotes physical development and is essential for growing bodies.
How to Help:
- Plan daily outdoor time.
- Introduce simple movement games like “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader.”
When helping your child set New Year resolutions, keep them simple, specific, and achievable. Celebrate small successes and make the process fun. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about growth, learning, and instilling positive habits. Here’s to a year of joyful milestones and meaningful growth for you and your little ones!
Carry the Warmth and Love of Christmas Throughout the Whole Year
The magic of Christmas brings out our best—our warmth, compassion, generosity, and sense of connection. We cherish this season because it helps us remember what truly matters: the love we share with others. But wouldn’t it be beautiful if we could carry that same spirit all year round? Here are some heartfelt ways to keep that Christmas warmth alive beyond the season.
- Embrace the Power of Small Acts of Kindness — Christmas reminds us to give, not just in big ways but through small gestures—smiling at strangers, lending a hand, or sharing a kind word. Make kindness a part of your routine by holding doors, complimenting others, or writing a thank-you note. Even the smallest acts can create a ripple effect, spreading warmth far and wide.
- Practice Gratitude Daily — At Christmas, we often reflect on our blessings, and it fills our hearts with gratitude. Why not extend that habit year-round? Start or end each day by noting a few things you’re grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal or make it a family tradition to share what you’re thankful for each week. This practice shifts your perspective, helping you stay anchored in positivity even when life feels challenging.
- Make Time for Family and Friends — Christmas brings us together with loved ones, often reminding us how much they mean to us. Don’t wait for a holiday to reconnect. Regularly reach out to friends and family, even if it’s just for a quick call or message. Plan monthly family dinners, game nights, or meet-ups with friends to keep those bonds strong throughout the year.
- Give Thoughtfully and Generously — Giving is at the heart of Christmas. To carry this spirit forward, look for ways to give your time, resources, or skills in meaningful ways. Volunteer, donate to causes close to your heart, or simply surprise someone with a kind gesture. Thoughtful giving doesn’t have to be grand; it can be as simple as sharing a homemade meal or offering to help a neighbor.
- Embrace a Spirit of Forgiveness and Understanding — During the holiday season, many of us let go of past grievances and come together with open hearts. Carry that spirit into the new year by being quicker to forgive, choosing understanding over judgment, and letting go of grudges. Not only does forgiveness bring peace to your relationships, but it also creates space in your life for new joy.
- Create Your Own Year-Round Traditions — Christmas traditions bring warmth and connection, so why not invent new ones for the rest of the year? Set a day each month for a “kindness day” where you do something nice for someone, or celebrate “Gratitude Fridays” by sharing what you appreciate about a friend or family member. These traditions keep the Christmas spirit alive in fresh, personal ways.
- Stay Mindful and Present — Christmas has a way of slowing us down, helping us appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Keep this alive by practicing mindfulness: take moments to breathe deeply, enjoy nature, savor your coffee, and truly listen to the people around you. This grounded awareness brings the same peace and joy we often experience during the holidays.
- Keep the Spirit of Hope Alive — Christmas is a season of hope, a time when we believe in the goodness of people and the possibility of a brighter future. Carry that hope forward by staying optimistic, believing in your dreams, and spreading positivity. When challenges arise, remind yourself of the resilience and hope that Christmas instills, knowing that light always returns.
The warmth, kindness, and love we experience during Christmas can fill our lives year-round with a little intention. By practicing kindness, gratitude, connection, and mindfulness, you can keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart and share it with those around you. Remember, every day offers us a new chance to bring a little more light and love into the world. And that, in itself, is a gift worth celebrating every single day.
Share Your Heart With Homemade Gifts This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves searching for the perfect gifts to show our loved ones how much we care. But in a world where almost everything is mass-produced, handmade gifts hold a special value that store-bought items simply can’t replicate. Here are a few reasons why handmade gifts make Christmas extra special:
- Thoughtfulness and Personal Touch
When you make a gift by hand, it reflects time, effort, and thoughtfulness. The giver has taken the time to create something unique, often tailoring it specifically to the recipient’s tastes, preferences, or needs. This personal touch makes handmade gifts feel more intimate and cherished than store-bought options.
- Uniqueness and Originality
Handmade gifts are one-of-a-kind. Unlike mass-produced items, each handmade piece carries unique characteristics. A hand-knitted scarf, homemade candles, or a painting has distinct features and imperfections that add charm and authenticity. This makes handmade gifts truly special, as no two items are exactly alike.
- Quality Over Quantity
Handmade gifts are often created with high-quality materials and an attention to detail that mass-produced items can’t match. The care taken in selecting materials and crafting each piece often means the finished product is not only beautiful but built to last. This kind of gift emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging a more thoughtful and minimalist approach to gift-giving.
- Memories and Meaning
Handmade gifts hold stories and memories. Whether it’s a quilt stitched by hand or a photo album scrapbooked over weeks, these gifts capture moments and meaning. Handmade gifts can also become treasured keepsakes, reminding recipients of their connection to the giver every time they see or use them.
- Creative Fulfillment
For the giver, creating a handmade gift can be a fulfilling and joyful process. It allows you to slow down, focus on a task, and express yourself creatively. Crafting a gift can become a meaningful part of your own holiday experience, making Christmas feel even more special and connected.
Choosing handmade gifts this Christmas adds a personal and heartfelt touch to your celebrations. Whether you’re giving or receiving, these gifts carry a warmth and sincerity that captures the true spirit of the holiday season.
