Summer Break Fun

With the holiday weekend upon us, we had a quiet week down at camp. Historically we do not run a program this week because of the holiday. While our staff is enjoying their time off and gearing up for the last four weeks of camp, I thought I would share a quick list about some things you can do with your kids to get them active this summer.

1. Fishing- There is not much better than being on the water on a hot summer day. Dropping a bobber and a worm from a bamboo cane pole is where I cut my teeth in the outdoors world. Whether it was bobber fishing with Grandpa in the UP or trolling for salmon out of Manistee our family spent countless hours fishing together.

2. Visit a state park- It is the 100th anniversary of the Michigan State Park system. With 103 parks throughout Michigan, there are events and activities going on all summer long to celebrate the centennial event. This is a great time to revisit your favorite park or discover a new park for your family.

3. Take a Hike- Spending some time on the trails is a great way to explore a new area or just to get some exercise. Whether it is in the National Forest, State Park, or County / City Park. Make sure you spend some time this summer taking a stroll through some trees or maybe along the shore of a lake/river.

4. Visit a Great Lakes Beach- Michigan is home to four of the five Great Lakes and their thousands of miles of shoreline. No matter where you live in Michigan, you are within 90 miles of one of the Great Lakes and the fifth Lake Ontario is readily accessible from Canada.

5. Go Camping- Whether you set a tent up in your backyard or head out to the north woods, a night under the stars is a great way to unplug from the television and phones. Sharing s’mores around the campfire and falling asleep in rustling sleeping bags both have a calming effect and can be fond memories for kids.

6. Plant something- Weather it is getting a summer garden growing, trees to improve wildlife habitat or just some annual native flowers, spend some time with your kids getting their hands dirty. Having them help plant, and weed can help connect them to the land and will give them a chance to take pride in something as they watch what they planted grow.

These are just a few ideas. Does your family have a favorite summer activity?