Two words that can shivers down any parent's spine is “school's out!” These words mean an end to the sanity of every day life. If you and your spouse both work, the added expense of day care begins. For parents who stay at home, your tranquility is suddenly interrupted by kids fighting and running in and out of the house all day. To keep your sanity, you need to come up with a summertime schedule that will keep your children busy.



Summer camp is an option that you may want to consider. Varying from one to two weeks a summer, these camps offer a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming and canoeing. If you have an only child, it will also enable him to have the interaction with other children that he will be lacking now that school is out. Some of these camps are set up as day camps, which will allow your child to come home in the evening. This type of camp would probably be better for younger children. Your older children will probably enjoy the overnight types of summer camp. These camps are set up so that your child can spend the whole two weeks away from home.

Another option to keep your kids busy during the long summer months is bible schools. Many churches offer these programs free of charge and combine religious studies with other activities. These bible schools divide the children according to their age group, so this type of program is ideal for kids of all age groups. Again, some of these bible schools are during the day while others involve an overnight campout.

Many city parks also offer recreational programs during the summer for children of all ages. These programs are usually set up to concentrate on one activity, such as soccer or baseball. Your child can learn the fundamental skills to play these sports as well as learning the value of teamwork. These programs are usually held for a couple hours during the day.

Many public libraries also offer summer reading programs that combine the love of reading with fun arts and crafts. Some libraries offer story times with a storyteller while others offer a free movie with popcorn. Many of these programs are held for one day a week and last throughout the entire summer. You may also want to sign your child up for his own library card and help him to check out books that he may be interested in. Encouraging younger children to read can instill a love of leaning that your child can carry with him his whole life.

You may also want to have your child work on subjects that he learned during the school year. Some studies have proven that your child can lose two-thirds of the knowledge that he gained in school during the summer. By reviewing this information, you may help him to retain at least part of it.

These are just a few of the ways that you can keep your kids busy during the summer. Your child's teachers may be able to give you a few ideas as well. By giving your child fun activities to participate in, it will make the summer more enjoyable for both of you.