6 Survival Strategies for When You Decide Against Camp

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As the school year wraps up, chatter about summer plans fills the air. Everyone seems to be asking, “What’s your summer agenda?” The reality is, we face a lengthy twelve-week break (not that I’m counting or anything!), but our family can only squeeze in one week of actual vacation due to work commitments and budgeting. Meanwhile, others scramble to find the best affordable activities for their kids, ensuring they don’t miss any sign-up deadlines.

For the fourth consecutive year, I’ve taken on the role of Head Counselor at Camp Stay-At-Home. That’s right—I keep my kids with me all summer long. Part of it is about enjoying my freedom, but if I’m honest, it’s also because I’m a bit frugal and, let’s face it, lazy. Here are six essential tips that help me survive summer:

1. Popsicles: Stock up on an absurd amount of frozen treats. Seriously, your freezer should be filled to the brim with popsicles. Hand them out at any sign of sibling squabbles, meltdowns, or boredom. Popsicles can be a magical solution for just about anything.
2. Rash Guards: Since my sunscreen skills are mediocre at best, rash guards are a must-have. Plus, they make it easier to spot my kids in a sea of other soggy little ones at the pool. I’ve even thought of implanting a tracking device in them, but for now, these shirts do the trick.
3. Band-Aids: With all that running around, skinned knees and stubbed toes are inevitable. I keep Band-Aids handy for bug bites, minor burns, and anything else that might lead to tears. A quick fix followed by a popsicle usually does the trick.
4. A Plan: Avoid asking your kids, “What do you want to do today?” You’re in charge, so make a plan. Unless you want to hear “play video games all day,” take the lead. Be firm and avoid eye contact to maintain your authority.
5. No Plan: Sometimes, it’s just as important to have days without a structured plan. Ironically, those are the moments my kids choose to play nicely together. I’ve been known to pretend we have an agenda just to encourage them to find something fun to do.
6. Surprises: Kids adore surprises, and you don’t need to orchestrate a Disney-level event to make them happy. Simple surprises, like s’mores for breakfast or a surprise water balloon fight, can elevate their mood. Just calling it a surprise makes it feel special and can buy you a few extra minutes of peace.

As you prepare for your own summer with kids at home, remember that every minute counts when you’re running Camp Stay-At-Home. If you want more tips on home insemination, check out our post here. Also, for a reliable source on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource here.

In summary, these six strategies can help you navigate a summer without camp, making the best of your time together as a family. By stocking up on popsicles, planning (and unplanning), and throwing in a few surprises, you can keep the summer fun and manageable.