I read a great article in this month’s Parenting magazine about Nature Deficit Disorder. In it the author mentioned a study published by the American Journal of Public Health that found that exposure to nature reduced ADHD symptoms in children.
In this study they had children do typical weekend or after-school activities in three settings, indoors, outdoors in a built setting (like a blacktop area without much greenery), and outdoors in a mostly green setting. Then their parents rated their abilities on things like following directions in comparison with what was normal for that child. The results of the outdoor built setting were better than indoors. The results of the outdoor green setting were even better. It appears that the results were measured in the first hour after the activity. I would love to see further study on how long the results last.
Even without further study, though, this information could be useful to parents. Getting outdoors is inexpensive and good for all kids whether or not they have adhd. In fact, there’s a lot of discussion about what adhd is and even whether it’s real. For a ‘treatment’ like this, it doesn’t matter. If your child has trouble concentrating or completing tasks, is easily distracted or can’t sit still, try getting them more green outdoor time. There are no harmful side effects. If it helps even a little, you’re ahead.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. Maybe your children can come up with more.
- Have kids walk or ride their bike to school, preferably through an area where they can see trees, grass, rocks and other cool stuff.
- Set up a fun spot in your back yard where you child can go to read, play or maybe even do homework.
- Hang a hummingbird feeder outside your child’s bedroom window.
- Open the windows so your child will see the great outdoors sometimes even when they’re inside.
- Put houseplants in the house, maybe even in your child’s room.
- When you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, head to one of the many wilderness areas in Orange County.
- Sign your child up for one of the many children’s educational programs offered by these nature centers or sanctuaries. Don’t forget to allow some extra non-structured play time before or after class.
- Join a club that does a lot of outdoor activities, like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or Indian Guides.
- Don’t let poor weather stop your child from playing outdoors. Get rain boots and jackets, or just accept the fact that they’re going to get wet and muddy. They can clean up when they’re done.
A cooking class for 5 year olds? Basketball and hockey for 4 year olds? A science class for 3 year olds? Yep! Kids Gym lets the young ones do all these fun things and more. Classes are geared toward the preschool set, who like to get their hands dirty!
These classes are for kids and their parents, and a good time will be had by all. The cooking class helps kids build math, science and thinking skills. They’ll mix, shake, stir, and blend to create delicious, messy munchies to share. Did I mention messy? The Messy Art class involves – you guessed it – hands on projects like fingerpainting. I think a theme is beginning to emerge!
Kids Gym also offers drop in child care on selected days and evenings so that parents can get away for a little while, knowing that their kids are having a blast.
Want more Kids Gym? Preschool is offered two, three or five days a week.
Kids Gym has recently moved from Rancho Santa Margarita to Capistrano Beach. Visit their website or stop by and see their new digs!
CNN has a good article about how the recession is impacting kids’ summer camps this year. Not surprisingly, many camps are reporting lower enrollment this year.
It seems like we have gotten out of control with the amount of money we spend on these programs. My sixth grader brought me a flyer from a camp he wanted to attend. It was a sleep-away camp where kids could learn to skateboard and razor. I think there were motorized vehicles involved too. The price tag was about $950 for a week. Yikes! I understand that it probably costs a lot to run a camp like that, but who can afford it?
Summer camps have two roles. One of course is fun, friendship, and learning. The other is child care. Even teenagers need something to do with their time. So parents who are working are still signing their kids up for camp, they’re just going with less expensive camps. And requests for financial aid for camps are way up.
What camps are less expensive? Things like the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA and camps offered by city recreation departments. Daycamps are more cost effective than overnight camps.
Are you cutting back on summertime activities for your kids? There may be some creative ways to send your child to camp. There may be some camps that will trade volunteer time from you for the camp fee for your child. Or get a group of parents together and organize some fun outings.
If you are in a position to do so, consider donating time and/or money to one of the many organizations that provide low cost summer camps for kids. The Orange County Register has a campership program where you can contribute online. Or consider approaching whoever runs the summer camp where your child is going to see if they know of a child who would like to attend but can’t for financial reasons.
A camp doesn’t have to be pricey. Kids just need a safe place to go be with other kids and keep busy.
Fishing is one of the many activities at Camp James Summer Camp.
Camp James is holding open houses in April and May. Families can come check out the facility and meet the staff. Week-long day camps are offered during summer, spring break and other school holidays. Summer camp activities include sports, rock wall, go-karts, dance, martial arts, nature lore, miniature golf, boating, fishing, archery, music, crafts and of course visits to Wild Rivers! Specialty camps and overnighters are also offered. Teens ages 14-16 can volunteer to work at camp.
Camp James is located next to Wild Rivers in Irvine.
Open House Dates:
April 8th 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
May 7th 4:00 pm – 7 pm
May 31st 11 am – 2 pm
Summer Camp is a Blast!
