July 2011 Archives

Tech-Savvy Kids Benefit from Camp

Kids and teens are increasingly devoted to communicating through their devices - Smartphones, Facebook, video games, etc. A new study from Canada shows that the summer camp experience can be a powerful opportunity for these "bubble-wrapped" kids to grow beyond their comfort zones and learn valuable interpersonal skills.

"Sending kids to camp allows children to grow and learn good citizenship, social integration, personal development and social development, exploring his or her capabilities and being in a safe environment where they can grow, gain independence and take risks," says Troy Glover, the director of the University of Waterloo's Healthy Communities Research Network, who spearheaded the Canadian Summer Camp Research Project.

Click for more on how "bubble-wrapped" kids benefit from camp.

What to Do While the Kids Are Away at Camp

by Amanda Formaro

You most certainly miss your kids while they are away at camp. While they're off having a blast this summer, why not seize the day and have a blast yourself! When the summer camp season ends, the entire family will reunite refreshed and rejuvenated and ready for a brand new day together.

Here are a few ideas for taking advantage of the "me/us" time that summer camp allows you.

Staycations
If you haven't enjoyed a staycation yet, now would be the perfect time. Maybe there's a spa hotel within 30 miles of your home, or perhaps there's a lake town you've been meaning to visit. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce. They are more than happy to provide you with a list of businesses and activities within your area. Be sure to check surrounding areas as well.

Bed & Breakfast Visit
This may be just what you need while the kids are away. Whether you need to rekindle your romance with your spouse or just need some time to kick back and enjoy the summertime weather, a stay at a bed & breakfast may be just what you are looking for. There are thousands of B&B's across the country and abroad. Visit BBOnline.com to get started looking for the right B&B for you.

Date Night (or Day!)
Enjoying a date with your spouse or significant other without having to pay a small fortune for a babysitter is probably considered quite a luxury these days. However, while the kids are away, be sure to take advantage of the time you have available. Go to dinner, a movie, go bowling, play a round of golf, or even rent a motorcycle and head out for the day! Get gussied up and head out to a Broadway show or don your jeans and see a concert.

Romantic Evening at Home
Parents often neglect their relationship with their spouse due simply to exhaustion. Working outside the home, dealing with finances, and running around after children all day can drain your energy and fizzle your romantic thoughts. Take some time to rekindle by enjoying a romantic evening at home. Make a marvelous dinner, a delectable dessert and help each other do the dishes afterward. Lay a blanket on the living room floor, pop open a bottle of wine and light a fire in the fireplace.

Get Outdoors
While it's certainly fun to enjoy time outdoors with your kids, there are some activities that are truly limited by their age and size. While the kids are away, enjoy some time water skiing or heading out on rented Jet Skis. Heading out on the open road atop a motorcycle is certainly something you can't do with your kids, so now is the time to plan a road trip. Maybe you'd just like to walk hand in hand on the beach with your significant other and perhaps enjoy a bon fire in the evening. If nature is of interest, enjoy the great outdoors by going for a trail ride on horseback, footing it on a nature hike, or maybe you enjoy the faster pace of an ATV.