Summer blues? For some students, the thought of an entire summer without the routine schedule of the school year is a scary thought. Others anticipate the joy of unscheduled days and impromptu gatherings. If your student loves routine, thrives on a set schedule, and dreads the thought of not knowing what he or she will do tomorrow, there is good news for you! Summer days can be filled with summer camps, day trips, outside learning, reading time, and worksheets. Sports camps are available in a variety of lengths, intensities, schedules, and age groups (www.thechristiancenter.cc). Day camps offer trips to the pool, crafts, songs, and lessons (www.cocusa.org). Many local libraries offer reading incentive programs. Take the time to explore your neighborhood, the closest park, and local businesses. Sunshine provides Vitamin D, and getting out in the fresh air is a nice break from electronics.
Gideon Bicksler, Business Manager at a local school, is taking a group of high school students on a camping trip in July in Colorado. He says “Three guides and I are taking eight high school students to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for five days. The students will experience nature at its finest. We spent several days practicing for this hike at local parks in the Peoria area. We feel confident and ready for our big trek. The students have basic survival and camping skills, have learned to pack essentials only, and are excited to spend time enjoying the outdoors in this way.” The students were part of a mini-term class offered by Peoria Christian School. All students in the high school take a five-day mini-term class each school year. Other classes offered included car mechanics, sports training, cooking, baking, history, art, movie classics, research and journal writing, and video games.
Jael Mahasi, a Middle School Guidance Counselor, encourages students to not only stay engaged in physical activities in the summer, but also to seek continued learning. “While enjoying sports and outdoor activities, take the time to look up how the body works, your metabolism, and healthy eating ideas. Read articles, do some research and keep your brain active too. Summer is a great time to get away as a family and visit historical sites. Engage your mind in a study of the history of our community.”
Enjoy summer. It goes by fast and, before you know it, school supplies, school routines, and after-school activities will once again be a part of the daily schedule. Helping your students deal with changes in routines, different environments, and learning to be flexible is a life-long skill that will benefit them years from now in their work and home lives.
Karen Hutchins is the Admissions Coordinator at Peoria Christian School. Peoria Christian School is a premier Christian school serving area families with students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade for over 65 years. Peoria Christian School is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), AdvancED North Central, and fully recognized by the State of Illinois. Peoria Christian School is offering enrollment incentives; visit www.peoriachristian.org for more information.