Time to start thinking...summer activities for the grade school crowd

Last week, I gave you a rather hefty list of Edmond's summer activities open to the youngest of kiddos. But this week, hold onto your hat (I mean, really, it's been super windy out there), because the list of activities for the grade school crowd only gets bigger.

Let's jump right in...

For all around fun...The Edmond YMCA is an expert on day camps, and both the Mitch Park and Rankin locations will be offering camps for those 5 to 12 years of age (see a note about their teen camps in next week's blog, and their camp program booklet here). Not only do their summer camps emphasize the YMCA's three core principles--youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility--but mini camps will also be available, including ones that offer cooking, photography, etiquette, science, tumbling, and other areas of special interest.

For the young artist...There are a number of creative outlets for your kiddo in Edmond. For the budding artist, check out the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. "Self expression is important at this age," says Janet Hoppe, Enrollment Coordinator. "Kids get bored during the summer, but this gives them the opportunity to relax and have fun while creating a project they walk out with at the end of the day." Other opportunities for the performing artist include Upstage Theater and Dance Phase camps.

For the developing athlete...Okay, we do like our sports here in Edmond, and the many camps prove it. Here are just some of the fun-filled athletic camps in which you can enroll your kiddo (some with activities that extend beyond just the actual sport itself): Arctic Edge Summer Sports Camp, Edmond Racquet Club , Edmond Soccer Club Recreational Camp, Kickingbird Tennis Center, and Oklahoma Golds Gymnastics.

For the outdoorsy kid...I'm sure there are more than just these two opportunities, but the Parkhurst Ranch camp teaches kids about nature, gardening, and animal care (they learn to milk a cow!), while Camp Cadence offers straight-up equestrian (horseback riding) skills.

For the scientist...For your budding Einstein, check out the Mad Science Camps!

For something faith-inspired...Vacation Bible schools generally go up to fourth or fifth grade and take place in the mornings, so this is could be a chance to give you and the kids a fun mini break from each other. For a local list, click here.

For the would-be fish...Swimming is critical, even if your kid isn't the next Michael Phelps (not necessarily a bad thing!). Check out a list of lessons here.

I'm sure there are more, because Edmond definitely knows how to do the family-friendly thing right. Just keep in mind that spaces go fast!

Stay tuned for middle and high school summer activities next week.

Time to start thinking...about summer (activities)

You did it! You made it through one of the most wintery winters we've had here in a while. It's time to start pulling out shorts, think about swim suits and vacations, and yes, consider how to keep those kiddos busy all summer long.


And with so many summer programs getting ready for "sign up" time, you've got to think hard and fast.


There's so much to choose from in Edmond, that I find myself a little dazed as I think about all the options. Sports? Music? Swimming pool memberships? Art camp?


Sigh. And to think my childhood summer breaks used to consist of a pile of books, two siblings, and a overactive imagination to keep me busy.


Well, guess what? You certainly don't have to overdo it. The best thing is to find that happy medium between keeping the minds and bodies of your kids active while still enjoying the laid-back pace of the season.


Pre-K and younger...If your kiddos are in daycare, chances are the program already has some fun summer activities up their sleeve! But if your kids are home with you, that doesn't mean they can't participate in some group fun, and at this age, working on social skills throughout the summer is definitely a benefit when preschool or Pre-K starts in the fall. There are several Mothers Day Out Programs offered during the summer (see list of MDO programs here), but if the cost or your summer schedule is prohibitive, just scheduling a weekly playgroup can do the trick.


As for other activities, programs for preschoolers abound. Places like Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, Arctic Edge, Soccer City, The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, and the YMCA offer many fun, affordable options. And don't forget this is a great time to get your child water safe. For a list of swimming programs, click here.


For more on this topic, check back April 10.


For elementary school kids...This is a time where your child can explore different sports and creative outlets, and taking advantage of summer programs that give children that opportunity can give them something to call their own. Maybe you've explored several different sports, and your child now knows what he or she does or doesn't like (often related to what that kiddo feels good at doing). Week-long camps are a great way to immerse a kid in an activity, and weekly, summer-long programs can contribute to long-term development. For a list of some local programs, check back April 17.


For the older crowd...A kid has often become specialized by this time, so choosing an activity can be easier. Music and sport camps are often offered through the school system, ones that you may know about long before the summer gets here.


But finding programs isn't the only thing a pre-teen or teenager can get involved in. In fact, the summer is a perfect time to begin discovering interests and building up experience through summer jobs and volunteering. Many churches will be running Vacation Bible School programs and will need teenagers to help, and other charities will be happy to have a volunteer. And if kids pick something near and dear to their heart, they'll gain valuable work experience as well as that buzz that comes from helping others. For more on this topic, check back April 24.


Finally, you don't have to spend big bucks to make the summer memorable for those kids. Places like the zoo, the science museum, and even just playing together as a family at a park can create a sense that the summer is a special time of year. Just be intentional about making a plan, and in their downtime, just let those kids be kids.

2013 VBS Breakdown

I'm not going to spend a lot of time chattering this week. I know, I know. You'll really miss my wit and awesome one-liners, but this week I've got serious business to attend to.

That's right. Vacation Bible School. You know, that week-long, generally FREE, camp-like event that gives you time to check a few things off that to-do list. Or shop. Or get a hair cut. Oh yeah.

So, here's this year's schedule, in alphabetical order. I've included a few churches in North OKC that serve our community and are large enough to provide some pretty spectacular programs.

2014 Dates (check back for updates)

Crossings Community Church - June 9 - 12

First Christian Church of Edmond - June 9 - 13

First United Methodist Church of Edmond -  June 16 - 19

Henderson Hills Baptist Church - June 9 - 13

New Covenant United Methodist Church - July 15 - 19

Quail Springs Baptist Church - June 23 - 27

Sante Fe Presbyterian - June 2 - 6

St. Elijahs's - June 16 - 20

St. Monica Catholic Church - June 9 - 12

So sign up quick. From experience, these spots go fast! And as always, I'm happy to add any program I've missed.

Edmond summer camps - Get yourself on the shortlist

Next week, I've got some fun info for you on finding your perfect babysitter (also see May 2013 Community Connections). But this week, I thought I'd start your summer planning out with a helpful list on what camps are available in the immediate area for kids and teens.

Now, I have to tell you--the first time I saw something called "princess" camp or "pop star" camp, I snaughed (which entails snorting and laughing at the same time). I mean seriously, someone wants me to pay for my daughter to have more attitude? More snaughing. But then, after rounds and rounds of Disney's Princess Sofia and my daughter turning everything into a microphone, I thought, just maybe, that these camps could be kind of fun. If anything, I'm curious what the benefits could be (and whether the princess camp might save me watching multiple episodes of Princess Sofia talking to various woodland creatures).

Then again, princess and pop star camps are just the tip of the iceberg on what Edmond has to offer the little star(s) of your life. From sports to ballet, this town has it covered. The list below is certainly not comprehensive (and I'm happy to add any I've missed), but it should give you a good taste of the variety from which you and your child can choose.

Artic Edge Summer Sports Camp (ages 7 and up) (morning workout, basketball, and ice skating;  weekly activities include swimming, martial arts, hip hop dance, arts & crafts, hockey, ping pong, gymnastics, ballroom dancing, cheerleading, and skateboarding)

Camp Cadence (ages 6 - 13) (horseback riding)


Dance Phase (princess & pop star camps)


Edmond Public Schools (school-specific camps, clinics, and leagues)


Edmond Racquet Club (ages 5 - 16) (tennis)


Edmond Soccer Club Recreational Camp (boys and girls of all ages)


Farm & Ranch Day Camp - Parkhurst Ranch (ages 6 – 12 and 4 – 5 years if accompanied by an adult) (horsemanship/pony rides, plant/harvest vegetables, and nature walks and crafts).
 

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond  (ages 3 - 14 years) (art and theater)

Francis Tuttle Summer Quest (ages 11 - 14 years) (art, web design, babysitting, robotics, cooking, and more)

Kickingbird Tennis Center (ages 4 and up)


Mad Science Camps (1st - 6th grade)


Upstage Theater (ages 5 - 15) (theater)


YMCA of Edmond Summer Day Camps (ages 5 - 12) (arts and crafts, recreational swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, drama, reading, games, interest centers and weekly field trips as well as other specialty activities including dance, martial arts, photography, theater, sailing, and scrapbooking)


For more on this year's summer camps, see the Just Us Kids by the publisher of the Edmond Sun.