Hi! I’m CAMP MOM. You can call me Camp Counselor Kelly. This is my summer moniker around here. It is a name and a mindset that helps me refresh my role to my kids, and lets be honest … to myself! If you’re like me, you’re feeling pretty worn out from spring and looking forward to all that rest and relaxation we associate with summer.
Though summer is pretty full too. And then not full at times. As a mom, whether at home or at work, life is always full. These not full times for our kids can get stressful without some structure. For that reason I find that a mindset, a framework and a system can really benefit me and my campers. Therefore I don my camp counselor hat and call these open days Camp Mom days.
What makes a Camp Mom day?
In brief, they are the open days that aren’t filled with a camp for the kids, vacation for the family, or a special something else. Camp Mom days are the summer days we want our kids to remember – the ordinary ones (alongside the special ones).
Camp Mom does fun things to connect with the children for a period of the day, it can be short or longer. Some examples are: a trip to the community pool. Another may be learning to make a fun snack in the kitchen to eat together. Often it is playing in the hose. Or a simple impetuous prompt to color the trees or tires with sidewalk chalk. Sometimes the Camp Counselor is involved or sometimes she just gets the activity going.
Additional ideas include: a picnic with a frisbee, or inviting some friends to play in the backyard. Other times, we might hike and look for wild edibles. I usually plan Camp Mom for 30 mins up to 2 hours depending on the day and other responsibilities.
What about the rest of the day?
Outside of camp time, there is quiet time. The kids play independently or together, quietly. Anyone who is tired sleeps. I rest too – this may look like a shower, a book, or working (yes, work can offer a resetting change of pace that is a type of rest). Other sections of the day are self-directed free play, chores or responsibilities, and family time in the evening. Each family has its own culture and rhythmic flow, however there are three components that seem to work across the board to make the day easier: connect early (ahem – Camp Mom), get outside before noon, and have quiet time in the afternoon.
How do I plan out Camp Mom?
First, schedule your calendar with the special summer moments – those camps, that vacation, the days with family. Now take a moment and think about what YOU want for you this summer. Is there a project you’re hoping to tackle, the book you hope to read, that time to devote to your hobby? Schedule that next. Break it up in navigable sections of time on your calendar. Hint: give yourself at least twice as long as you think it will take! Mental health starts with self care and nourishing your inner life. Make yours a priority, Mama.
Thirdly, download our free document of ideas for Camp Mom. This is a brainstorm at the ready. Even more, flip it over and add your own ideas!! Fourth, jot down a list of supplies you may need to pick up. Now you are ready! Pull from your bank of Camp Mom activities and plug them into your schedule. You may choose to add all at once or a few to the calendar week-by-week. Most importantly, just plan one activity a day.
Lastly, explain to your kids each day will have together time (Camp Mom) and then personal time (ie quiet time) each day. Build this rhythm if you don’t have one. Quiet time provides each person individual time – this grows and encourages independent play which has benefits of emotional regulation, self confidence, increases creativity to name a few. This rhythm will set you up for more success in the school year as well. New rhythms and habits take time to build, keep the long game in mind and be consistent – the reward is worth it.
