In Summer
The summer has officially begun! For those of us who live in the Sunshine State, it feels like it began back in March. And for those of us who are pregnant, it’s just hot all the time.
With our third child due in late summer, I felt a strong pull to slow down and savor these last months as a family of four. My oldest will start preschool in August, and my youngest is officially in toddlerhood. It feels like the perfect time to start something a little more structured, but with plenty of flexibility and fun.
Since they are both still too young to participate in most summer camps, and, to be honest, the price of some of these camps are a budget buster for us right now, I tried to think of things we could do here at home with the materials we already had on hand.
Thus, my very unoriginal idea of “summer camp at home” was born. I sat down and planned out eight weeks that worked best for us (M-F), each with a theme my oldest said she was interested in learning more about. Here is what we came up with:
Week One: May 20 - 24 —> Under The Sea
Week Two: May 27 - 31 —> All About Trees
Week Three: June 3-7 —> Outer Space
Week Four: June 10-14 —> Community Helpers
Week Five: June 17-21 —> Weather
Week Six: June 24-28 —> America / Independence Day
Week Seven: July 1-5 —> *Break for Holiday*
Week Eight: July 8-12 —> All About Babies
I found myself looking over the mapped out schedule and getting really excited. It was great to let my oldest pick the topics so she would be excited, too. With a plan in place, I set out to structure the days even more. Each day would consist of a devotional, a book, a song, and a craft. Each week would have one “field trip” that corresponded to the theme.
I told myself this was just an outline and not to hold onto it too tightly. All moms know that life can change on a dime, and some days, as you will come to see, did not work out! This is great practice for all of life, and a great lesson in flexibility.
Last summer, the girls and I went through this study by Brighter Day Press, and absolutely loved it. I am excited to implement some of the same themes this year!
For the daily devotional, we are sticking with the one we previously used. It is called Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science, and you can find it here.
For the daily books, I go to the library and my local used bookstore and have found several books that go with each of the weeks. I either ask the librarian for help finding age-appropriate material or reserve the books ahead of time. Taking the girls to the library is always a free and air-conditioned activity on the days that feel really long!
For the songs, I searched Youtube for a song or two that went with the weekly theme that was clean and catchy. The girls have most of them memorized by the end of the week, and I find myself humming them as well.
For the crafts, I searched Pinterest for ideas that seemed manageable and printed off free coloring pages. We have had so much fun taping our artwork all over the walls and sticking them on the fridge. I’ve linked some craft ideas below:
We are currently on week three, and having a blast so far. Last week was a bit derailed due to the flu or some sort of virus (sorry, trees!) but we are back at it and ready to learn all about outer space.
All in all, it takes about 30 minutes of time in the morning and it is such a special way to slow down and connect with my girls before I start my workday or other tasks. I am learning right along with them! If this feels like something that is doable for you in this season of life, please jump on in! And if not, that is completely okay. Lord knows I may not have many more weeks left in me before this beautiful baby consumes the rest of my energy. I think the most important thing we can do as Christian moms is to try. Even when we don’t feel like it. Even when it doesn’t seem worthwhile. We are to be different than this world, and our efforts are never in vain. Galatians 6 says:
4 “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
I’d be more than happy to answer any questions or provide more resources (books, places to go, shows or songs) if you’d like. I didn’t want to link everything we are using and make this post overwhelming. Besides, like I said, some days we accomplish nothing at all ;-) Thankful that He always gives us more grace (James 4:6).
Happy Summer! -E