| Most parents don't realize that during the summer | | | | that involve hiking, looking for and learning about |
| months they basically take on the role of cruise | | | | plants and animals that can be found in the local |
| director for their family. Many kids have a short | | | | woods, lakes, ponds and streams. |
| attention span and can get bored very quickly. That's | | | | The more outdoorsy crowd, a perennial favorite has |
| why parents need to be armed with a wide variety | | | | always been sleep away camp. Camps can last |
| of options that are both fun and interesting. Whether | | | | anywhere from one night to one week or more. One |
| the kids prefer outdoor recreation such as Cincinnati | | | | can expect the usual camping activities such as |
| kayaking and Little Miami canoeing or more structured | | | | boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, cooking over a |
| activities like an art class, a little planning will keep the | | | | campfire, archery, arts and crafts, and other fun |
| peace between parents and kids. Here are lots of | | | | games and sing-a-longs. Another type of camp that |
| great ideas to help parents get started in planning a | | | | seems to be very popular with girls is horseback |
| memorable and less stressful summer. | | | | riding camp. Some offer overnight accommodations |
| A really helpful resource for finding summer activities | | | | while others offer camps only during the day. |
| is the local department of parks and recreation. Every | | | | Campers learn how to properly mount and ride |
| season is set up to help meet the recreational and | | | | horses at their own skill level as well as take part in |
| educational needs of families. They offer day camps | | | | helping to groom and care for the animals. |
| where kids are kept occupied from the time mom or | | | | If there is a zoo in the area, it is definitely a good |
| dad drop them off on their way to work until | | | | idea to look into what summer programs they offer. |
| dinnertime. Or, your family might opt for only a | | | | Kids love being able to get a look behind the scenes |
| half-day camp experience. Daily activities might include | | | | at the zoo. The experience gives kids the |
| board games, relay races, obstacle courses, lunch, | | | | opportunity to visit all the zoo's regions and get an |
| arts and crafts, basketball, baseball, kickball, dodgeball | | | | in-depth opportunity to learn about the natural world. |
| and water fun. | | | | Kids participate in a variety of fun activities and |
| There are plenty of other activities offered by the | | | | lessons designed to promote awareness about our |
| parks and recreation department. Kids can participate | | | | environment. Campers will also enjoy include arts and |
| in theater workshops where they perform a play for | | | | crafts, songs, games, hands on animal experiences |
| the families at the end of the experience. Boys and | | | | and group play. |
| girls alike can choose from just about every sport to | | | | Some kids are happy enough spending hour after |
| improve upon or learn new skills. There are beading | | | | hour at the pool. But if you need an action plan, then |
| and knitting classes as well as cooking and golfing. | | | | be sure to investigate some of the suggestions |
| They also offer a wide selection of nature programs | | | | outlined here. You'll be glad you did. |