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Spring break is a welcome pause from school responsibilities, and it’s also a chance for foster family bonding and spending quality time together. With that said, there is no need to plan a big and expensive vacation when stress-free fun can be had close to home. Here are some “staycation” suggestions for inspiration.
Sleep Under The Stars
Kids of all ages will enjoy this time-honored outdoor activity! Simply set up a tent or two in the backyard, grab some sleeping bags, flashlights, and battery-powered lanterns, and have a family sleepover over under the stars. If your yard has a suitable/safe space for a portable fire pit, toast up some S’mores and tell campfire stories, or check out this easy way to make S’mores on the grill. All you need are graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and heavy-duty foil. If backyard camping isn’t an option due to space restrictions or inclement weather, never fear! You can always build a fort in the family room with sofa cushions, pillows, and blankets instead.
Fly A Kite
Flying a kite has been a favorite pastime for generations, and it’s fairly easy to do with a little foster family teamwork. Of course, you will require a decent kite (or several, unless you want to teach the skills of sharing and taking turns), a good bit of breeze, and a wide open location, such as a park or beach, to achieve this feat. If you are feeling creative and want to add to the fun, you can also try to make your own kites with common materials like garbage bags or newspapers, dowels, and some string. Then, pack a picnic lunch, head to the Great Outdoors, and click here to learn how to send your kites soaring!
Cooking Classes
In our blog, 4 Reasons To Get Cooking With Your Foster Kids, we discuss the benefits of cooking and baking with children and teenagers. This family-friendly activity is “the perfect combination of science, math, social studies, and language arts — with a dash of creativity thrown into the mix.” Cooking together is both fun and educational, it helps to create strong family bonds, it boosts confidence, and it also teaches valuable life skills. And best of all, it has a delicious outcome! Spend time in the kitchen over Spring Break teaching kids how to cook, whether it’s preparing dinner or dessert. Here are some recipes from Taste of Home and Food Network to get you started.
Other fun “staycation” ideas for Spring Break include planning an at-home spa day, a family talent show, or a movie marathon with PJs and lots of popcorn! If you live in the state of Illinois and want to become a foster parent, we invite you to visit our website for more information, or click on the following link to get started: https://family.binti.com/users/signup/camelot-il-initial.
Every child needs and deserves to grow up safe and protected from abuse and neglect, and caring foster parents offer children support and stability when they need it most. At Camelot Care Centers, we specialize in higher-level foster care for children and adolescents that need extra support. We partner with our foster parents/homes to provide trauma informed care and additional services, including in-home counseling, parent support and training, tele-psychiatry, and therapeutic mentoring, to maintain children at the least restrictive, yet most appropriate level of care. Camelot Care Centers (“Camelot”) is a Child Welfare Agency.
