As Christian parents and grandparents we have the awesome responsibility of guiding our children and helping them to find summer activities that support family and Christian values while educating, entertaining, and promoting fun and relaxation. Whether you are planning vacations, camps, or summer and vacation Bible schools, here are some tips to help you make the best choices for your children and your family.

• Research Christian or summer camps carefully. Choose those that support your religious and family values and take care to find reliable recommendations from other parents, pastors, or teachers. Consider qualifications of those that will be in charge and who will have the daily responsibility for your child. Think about how they handle emergencies, what experiences they will be providing for your child, and how the cost of the camp fits in with your family budget.
• Talk to your children about what they want to participate in for the summer and what skills or interests they may want to explore. Some children do well with time away from home for these experiences such as camp but  others would do better being home with activities in the community where they can participate with neighbors or friends. Avoid over booking or planning your child’s summer. Too many activities can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and mood changes.
• Help children to plan activities that include an aspect of serving others. It can be a simple as volunteering at a local nursing home, collecting cans for recycling, or raising funds for an important cause. Using summer time to participate in activities that serve others less fortunate shows our children how important it is to serve people, protect the environment, or give back. There is nothing better than blessing others with selfless giving.
• Help children to discover the joy of quiet time. Quiet time can be a time for renewing, reading, meditating, or sometimes just taking a nap. Children learn to be comfortable with quiet time to pray, work on a craft or hobby independently, or to simply listen to the sounds of nature or the quiet voice of God. They also learn that they do not have to be entertained every minute of the day by others. Quiet time activities can be age appropriate and can be done alone or as a group. The main focus is to help children recognize the need to rest and renew.
• Think safety when planning any summer activities for and with children. Not only should parents think about equipment safety, food safety, and environmental safety but also who your children spend time with and where they spend time. Older children choose many of these activities and their friends. Parental guidance helps them to make good choices. Know who your children’s friends are and what adults they are around. Be engaged and involved in those that have connections to your children to have the best chance of keeping them safe at any age.

Summer is a great time for vacation Bible school, church or summer camp, day trips, and working on new hobbies or activities. Work with your children to find things that they like and enjoy but that will help teach them service and gratitude while having fun. Encourage reading and skills that keep them ready for the new school year yet won’t bore them or discourage their enthusiasm for learning. Keeping these tips in mind will help your kids to have a fun and safe summer while honoring Christian family values.