 Image © timsackton; Flickr.com To keep kids active and promote physical fitness, strive to provide more than just an exercise routine. You can make it fun at the same time. When you transform exercise into an active game, a child will show far more interest. Because of the element of fun, kids may not even realize, or care at all, that they are participating in a form of exercise.
One fun, active game to play is "Spray Bottle Relay Race". It's a popular game and is even used in schools as part of Field Day or just as a fun activity. In Spray Bottle Relay Race, the kids will work pretty much the entire body. Spray Bottle Relay Race should be played in an open field, such as one at a school or park. It's a team game, but can be easily modified for fewer kids. This game is fun for school-aged children of all ages. The only materials needed to play this active game are batons and large spray bottles. The spray bottles should be ones that can spray a straight line of water, not a mist. There should be 2 batons and 1 spray bottle for each team. Setting up the game is fairly simple. First, determine how many teams there will be. Then, split up the kids accordingly. Figure out where the start and finish lines will be and place a baton at each to mark the spot. Alternatively, a chalk line can be drawn to mark the start and finish lines as well. Have the kids line up behind both the start and finish lines. Give each of the kids located at the start lines a spray bottle, filled with water and ready to spray. To start the game, blow a whistle or shout "Go!" The children who are first at each of the start lines will race to the finish lines and then squirt their next teammate with the spray bottle (no face shots allowed) and hand off the spray bottle. Then, that child will run to the start line and spray the next teammate and hand off the bottle. This will continue until all of the children have run at least once. Ideally, each child should run more than once. Splitting the children into small teams can help make that happen. This active exercise will give the kids a great cardio workout, as well as helps them cool off on a hot day. It works the entire body while running and also increases the heart rate. The action of squirting the water also gives an added bonus of using the smaller muscles in the arms, hands, and wrist. It makes for a great last minute opportunity for getting kids active, as the supplies are ones that may already be on hand. *I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network  Image © Redcorn Studios [Matt]; Flickr.com Parents and teachers can make exercise fun with a unique way to cool off and get active on a sunny day. Combining fitness with fun is my favorite way to keep kids active. One activity kids will enjoy playing with their friends is the "Water Bucket Relay Race."
In this water relay race, the kids will get pretty wet, so be forewarned. To play Water Bucket Relay Race, a few supplies are needed. All kids who play will need a pair of sweatpants and a bucket. All buckets should be exactly the same. A kiddie pool is also needed for this active game. First, determine a start and finish line for the kids. The kiddie pool should be at the finish line. The buckets should be at the start line. Each of the kids will stand in front of their own bucket. At the start of the race, each one of the kids will race alongside each other to the kiddie pool and jump in, which should soak their sweatpants. They then should run the race back to their own bucket and squeeze as much water as possible into it. Game play continues until one player's bucket has been filled completely. That player is the winner. If there are more than 10 kids playing, the game can be adapted into a team relay game. The kids should really like this active game and have so much fun running back and forth. The determined looks on their faces while attempting to fill the buckets will make you smile. For those concerned about the physical challenges, when the pants become soaked, it creates extra weight, which gives a good workout, in addition to the racing itself. To make this race even more challenging, try adding a mini obstacle course in between the pool and bucket. One idea for a mini obstacle course is to put out some cones to weave through, a row of batons to jump over, or a row of tires to step through. Be sure to have drinking water, towels and dry clothing on hand for when the race is completed. The kids should enjoy this active race, but when it is over, they will also be happy to get refreshed. *I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network Build Character, Teamwork, and Skills  Image © the_robio; Flickr.com Is your daughter interested in sports? You may be considering summer sports camps for girls. There are many to choose from. Summer sports camps for girls can help build skills, teamwork, character, and lasting friendships. Any girl even mildly interested in sports will likely enjoy this one-of-a-kind confidence-building experience. Here are some of the best summer sports camps for girls.
Stanford Camps Stanford Camps offer a variety of summer sports camps for girls, such as baseball, basketball, hockey, swimming, lacrosse, golf, fencing, field hockey, volleyball, soccer, and much more. Stanford summer sports camps are for girls and boys alike. However, girls and boys are housed separately at Stanford University dorms. Cornell Summer Sports Camps Cornell Summer Sports Camps are available to both girls and boys ages 7 - 18. There are co-ed camps as well as summer sports camps for girls and boys to enjoy separately. Summer sports camps for girls include basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, softball, and soccer. Co-ed summer sports camps include cross country, golf, fencing, youth sports, track, tennis, swimming, rock climbing, and sailing. Camp Emerson Camp Emerson offers separate sports summer camps for girls and boys. This camp caters to the needs of the individual child and has a family atmosphere. Camp Emerson is a place to enjoy sports and other activities, make new friends, and develop hidden talents and skills. The camps are self-designed by the students, according to which sports and activities they are interested in. US Sports Camps US Sports Camps offers a variety of summer sports camps for girls and boys, some co-ed and some separate. US Sports Camps features Nike Sports Camps, as well as other top-notch summer sports camps. Some of the sports available include basketball, swimming, soccer, lacrosse, golf, field hockey, football, volleyball, tennis, and running. Sports Camp at Frenchwoods Frenchwoods Festival of the Performing Arts Summer Camp also offers All American Sports Academy. Girls and boys camp separately. The campers choose their own sports and activities to customize and make the most of their camping experience. Sports include basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, fencing, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, and more. The instruction at these sports summer camps for girls and boys is individualized. If a camper wants to take the professional route, the instruction leads in that direction. Whereas, if a camper is simply there for fun and has no desire to be on a professional team, her experience will be different. *I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved There are a variety of fun events children can attend during summer vacation, many of them free. A great number of parents are unaware these events are free or that they even exist. This is because not all of them are are always listed on events calendars. They also aren't always what parents may think about when considering free summer events and activities for kids.
Free Summer Concerts Many cities have free concerts, especially during the summer. Parks, town squares, and even libraries will often be the location for these. To check listings for free concerts in your city, visit your city's official web site, check the local newspaper, and check at the library for fliers or schedules. Oftentimes free concerts are geared toward children and the ones that aren't may even be G-rated and enjoyable for all ages. These will keep kids busy singing and dancing along. Since most will be in parks or children's libraries, kids can feel free to just be kids. Free Summer Workshops Many retail stores and museums hold free or low-cost workshops, even for kids. Topics may include DIY home improvement projects, history, nature conservation, safety tips, art, crafts, and many more. Workshops are generally interactive, keeping the kids busy making or learning about something. To find out about these workshops call and check the websites of local museums, home improvement stores, nature conservancies, zoos, craft stores, and anywhere else you can think of. These aren't always filed under events listings. Zoo Free Days Zoo free days are an exciting event for kids and their parents. The kids receive entertainment and the parents will love the small impact on the summer fun budget. To save even more, bring along your own sack lunch. At the zoo, kids can learn about animals and have fun watching them. An interesting time to go is feeding time for certain animals, so keep that in mind. This is when certain animals and their trainers will be busy putting on shows for the audience. Also, check to see if there are any animals in the nursery. If so, there may be some accompanying educational info for the kids. Museum Free Days Like free zoo days in the summer, parents and kids alike will find this worthwhile. Keep in mind that even though admission and permanent museum exhibits will be free, there may be charges for special exhibits or shows. Some parents may choose to avoid those on free day, yet others will just be glad to save the general admission. If you kids especially enjoy the museum or it's beneficial to various studies, you might consider purchasing a yearly membership. These generally pay for themselves after just a few visits. Summer Parades Most cities have some type of parade, even small ones. If no main parades are scheduled for the summer, check with museums, art galleries, theaters, and other organizations. Sometimes they hold small parades that the kids would enjoy. Most kids are amazed at watching horses, dancers, floats, and anything else parade past them down the street. Factory, Warehouse, Orchard, and Farm Tours Just about every area seems to have at least one factory or manufacturing plant of some kind. Children love the excitement of learning how things work behind the scenes. Try food factories, farms, orchards, product assembly warehouses, and more. Most manufacturing companies have some type of tour and many are free. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image by Michael Bentley via Flickr.com When you go out in the sun with your kids, are they protected from the harmful UVA and UVB rays? Are you absolutely sure? Everyone, even those who do not burn or those with darker skin tones need sun protection. This includes the appropriate sunscreen. But summer sun protection for kids goes beyond sunscreen alone. As an experienced mom and former nanny, I've learned a great deal about sun protection over the years.
What Time is it? Watch the clock and go outside only during certain hours. Avoiding the sun altogether is one of the simplest ways to increase sun protection in children. Try to take the kids to the playground or other outings in early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not so glaring. Other sun protection is still necessary during these hours, but the sun's rays will not be as intense. Made in the Shade If you simply cannot avoid being outside during peak sunlight hours, keep the kids in the shade. Under a tree in the park is one good spot. If there are no good shade trees, try an umbrella. Larger umbrellas offer the most protection for the most people. A sun shade on a baby stroller or carrier can make all the difference for the little ones. The goal is simply to keep the kids in the shade as much as possible. Watch the Gear Using protective clothing to cover up the skin is actually the best defense from the sun, even more effective than sunscreen when done correctly. In fact, an EWG report states that most suncreen and sunblock products on the market can actually do more harm than good. Some may even cause cancer. When shopping for protective clothing, look for 100% organic cotton with a tight weave. Try to cover as many areas of the body as possible. A brimmed hat with at least 3 inches of brim space is needed to shade the eyes and face. Hide those Eyes Along with the hat mentioned above, protect those eyes. Kids need to wear sunglasses with at least 99% protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This does not necessarily mean you need to spend a fortune on sunglasses for your kids. Even low cost sunglasses can do the trick. As long as the label states between 99 - 100% UV protection, you have chosen the right pair. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image by twid via Flickr.com It's hot outside, but the kids are bored with nothing to do. As a mom and former nanny, I've had to be creative in similar situations numerous times. Playing some sports can quickly make the kids even more hot and tired - and cranky too. Not fun at all! One way to solve that problem is to add a variation to the sports that allows for some cooling off. Water Balloon Golf can keep the kids busy for a while without the summer sun ruining the fun. This is basically a more active version of golf.
Materials children's golf clubs, tees, and balls (enough for all kids who will play) garden spade small plastic cups water balloons Game Setup Before game play, someone will need to set up the golf course. This can easily be done in the backyard or at a local park. Map out the course and dig a hole the size of the cup bottoms for each golf-ball hole. Stick the cups into the holes. If this is done at a local park, you will need plastic holes for the golf balls, instead of the garden spade and cups. This is just because you don't want to be digging up property that isn't yours. How to Play Water Balloon Golf This game of golf is played almost the same as a regular game of golf or miniature golf, depending on preference and skill level of the kids. Each kid needs to have a golf club and ball. It helps if each child has a particular color ball and all colors are different. This way there are no disagreements over which belongs to whom. You also may wish to take a permanent marker or strip of tape and use it to mark each golf club. If possible, match the tees to the balls as well. This helps avoid some of the arguments. Once the kids are all setup, the first player can start by hitting his or her ball to make an attempt at the first hole. Anytime the player does not get a hole-in-one, someone will throw a water balloon at that player. The player can choose to run to try to avoid it, but if it's extra hot outside, they may readily welcome it. Only one balloon is allowed for each try by a player. If the water balloon lands on the ground without breaking, the player can pick it up and throw it at someone else. This can be repeated until the balloon breaks open. Also, if that player misses the hole-in-one, once the balloon throwing is finished, it is the next player's turn. Game play continues until each player has completed the golf course. Be sure to have enough water balloons to allow for several missed tries for each player. If there are extra water balloons after the kids play Water balloon Golf, the kids can continue throwing water balloons at each each other. *Remember to tell kids not to throw too hard and also not to throw at faces or deliberately try to hurt each other. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network |
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans network. She is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! Running a network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is her top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, this awesomely crazy family conquers the world, managing Intent-sive Nature while going on Upstream Parenting adventures & lessons, sometimes in an RV. They strive to cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, they settle for rescue dogs and cats. By supporting us, you support a single parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to and/or stands for several causes, including homeless pets, homeless people, trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature goes toward worthy causes. For guidance in the world of freelance writing or for advice on her specialty topics, Ask Lyn. Archives
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