Help Fill the Summer hours
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| Mon, 04-10-2006 - 4:28pm |
If you've been following my story at all you know that I busted DD (almost 14) and her bf at our house after school a couple of weeks ago. I've told DD she has killed all trust and that she is not going to be able to stay home by herself for quite some time.
Little pats on the back because I'm sticking to my guns on this one and I'm known for giving in. So now I'm trying to find things for her to do this summer. We live in a town of 7,000 people and there are NO structured, supervised activities I can find.
So far I have her signed up to help at the library 2 hrs/day 2x week (the most they'll use her).
She has cheerleading practice several days and camp for 2 week days in June.
We'll be on vacation for a week in early August.
She has a red cross babysitting certification class two days (she'll work at her dad's office in the a.m. and then have class in the afternoon).
I have a call in to one of the local vets hoping she can ride along one day a week.
I called the hospital to ask about candy-striping/volunteering. Not terribly convenient because of the drop off/pick up headache but I'll make it work if there is any way.
I'm going to call the nursing home and see if they have an activity director who might like some help, and I have the name of the coordinator for our local services --thrift store, food pantry, etc. How do I make those things sound interesting and rewarding to 14you??? She's already rolling her eyes at the idea of calling the thrift store.
I've looked into camps and found one or two through church and 4-H. We'll find the money somehow.
The local YMCA isn't offering anything structured and the open gym/swim/etc. isn't supervised well enough for my taste.
Other suggestions? We have a l-o-n-g 12 weeks to fill!
HELP!
Dani

Does your church have a vacation Bible school in the summer? My church is always looking for teens to work at VBS. Once she takes the Red Cross babysitting certification course, is there a mommy in town looking for a mother's helper? I'm thinking a pregnant mom on bedrest with another little one at home might love having a 14 year old over for several hours a day to watch the child and maybe do some light housekeeping. And your DD might like earning some money that way.
When I was 14, I volunteered at a nursing home, working with the activities director. I led singalongs, played bingo, wheeled residents to the main gathering room for activities, etc. I think I worked three days a week, about 3-4 hours a day. It was fun.
Do you have a local community college with any summer classes for high schoolers?
Elizabeth
I was going to ask about summer school too - here ds13.5 is going to take PE and health over the summer (3 weeks each from 7:45-12:35) at his HS to count for freshman year (he wants to do this). They have quite a number of offerings, and a majority aren't remedial.
Also, there is a craft place that he always loves taking camps, which are very pricey. Not this summer (age thing) but next, they'll let him volunteer work for one session and then go free the next, which goes from 9-3:45 daily. That way he isn't just volunteering, and although he's not getting paid, he knows he'll be saving us a bundle on class fees.
Maybe an in-home daycare could use help?
Sue
Sounds like you've done a great job so far of finding things for DD to do!! I've only just begun to think about this for my DD. IMO, this is the hardest age for summer stuff - too old for many camps, too young to work or do real volunteer work. What does your DD like to do? Maybe she can find a volunteer opportunity - mine likes horseback riding, and I'm looking into programs that use volunteers to help kids with disabilities.
I'm going to use some of your ideas with my DD14!!
Sue
Thanks for all the feedback, you've sparked some new ideas for me.
I am waiting to hear back on the dates/times of VBS at our church. It's usually one week and mornings only, but it will fill some time with something positive. AND her 5yo sister can attend, too!
I put in a call to the local horse barn. DD loves horses but has little experience with them. I'm hoping she can clean stalls, comb horses, whatever.
I also found an overnight 4-H camp that will be 4 days in June. It's a 2 hour drive, but it's worth it for a positive experience.
And I let the YMCA and the Community Rec Center know how disappointed I am that they are not providing anything for this age group. We so desperately need it.
Keep the ideas coming--I'm slowly getting the calendar to come together. I also need some backup ideas that can be pulled out at the last minute. I don't want to be in a situation where I have to say "I don't have anything scheduled for you today so I guess you have to stay home." That is not an option this summer. I'm very lucky in that my parents live close and my dad is a farmer and peddler so he enjoys having her around sometimes--just not all the time. I take enough advantage as it is.
If I come up with any flashes of brilliance I'll post them, but I appreciate the brainstorming.
Dani
Hi Dani! I