The heat is ramping up, the sun is shining, and the kids are getting restless: summer break is here. At first glance, summer seems like a time filled with family vacations, and afternoons spent at the beach. Families playing together while sipping ice-cold sodas and fancy drinks with umbrellas in them. But looking closer it reminds us that this season also means finding something to do with the kiddos while parents continue their 9 to 5 grind.
If you are looking to keep the kids busy between weekends and week-long getaways, consider one of the following options.
Your neighborhood or city community center is a great place to start your search for activities that will keep your kids both happy and active. From week-long summer camps that include sports, science, and art, to individual classes that fill up smaller portions of the day, there is plenty to choose from. One of the highlights of community center programs is that they are affordable, helping you save some cash for your upcoming summer vacations. You can typically find summer camps and programs through the City’s Parks and Recreation website or by going to a community center a picking up one of their guides. Portland and Seattle both have great online resources.
While making sure kids have plenty of time to play over the summer season is important, volunteer opportunities are great for teaching them the benefits of investing in their community. If you love the idea of having your child do a little volunteer work but you have no idea where to look, check out retirement homes, animal adoption agencies, and soup kitchens or food pantries are always looking for help. If you feel like your child isn’t ready for such a big job, reach out to neighbors with small children or infants and see if they need a “mommy’s (or daddy’s) little helper.” Another option is having them help an elderly neighbor with yard or garden work. This is a great way to begin to prepare your child for work outside of the home down the road.
The library is another great option for summer activities that won’t break the bank. They run programs, reading clubs, and even offer workshops that kids can participate in throughout the summer months. In fact, most libraries run summer-long reading programs that encourage kids to get in their daily reading time, providing prizes for kids once they read a certain number of hours. Big bonus: many of programs and classes cost little or are even free.
If you need a little extra time to work, have your child spend some reading time at the library before their activity, and spend time checking out books after. It’s a great way for them to stay busy for a handful of hours, especially in the heat of the day!
Starting at just $39/session, your kiddos can learn basic tennis skills in a non-competitive atmosphere while getting their wiggles out and making a new set of friends. RecTennis summer camps are affordable and super fun. They keep kids engaged with camp games, activities, and even prizes. It’s the classic summer camp experience with the perfect tennis twist.
Tennis teaches kids integrity and sportsmanship while helping kids becomes stronger, faster, and healthier overall. When they are done with their day at camp, they’ll come home feeling satisfied with their summer experience and ready to chill with the family.
RecTennis is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | © 2024 RecTennis | Privacy Policy
I hereby consent to emergency medical and/or hospital service that may be rendered by or at accredited hospitals, by appointed physicians, in the event such need arises in the opinion of the duly licensed physician.
Acceptance of my entry in these events is without responsibility of any kind by the USTA/Pacific Northwest Section (USTA/PNW) and any other entity sponsoring the event. I do hereby for and on behalf of myself and my heirs and legal representatives RELEASE and forever discharge the USTA/PNW, its officers and representatives, from any and all claims, demands, and injuries, howsoever arising, whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW and its representatives, representatives of other sponsoring entities, or by third parties, which injuries may be in any way related to my activities during the tournament and any period traveling to or from the events described, and all such claims are hereby WAIVED AND RELEASED, and I covenant not to sue therefore. The parent or guardian by signing below, does hereby agree to INDEMNIFY and hold harmless the USTA/PNW Section and its representatives and the sponsoring entity from any liability which they may incur to the entrant, howsoever arising and whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW, its representatives, or the sponsoring body. I also give USTA/PNW permission to create a USTA account for myself and everyone in my party who is participating in the event.
I agree to be filmed and photographed by The United States Tennis Association (“USTA”) in connection with such participation and that the USTA will own any and all rights in such film and photography of me (hereinafter referred to as “Footage”). This will permit the USTA to proceed with taking such Footage and I now waive, as to the USTA and its successors, assigns and licensees, all personal right and objections to any use to be made of me, my name, likeness, voice or personality in connection with the use of the Footage in any media for any and all purposes, including trade, advertising and promotional purposes, in perpetuity and without further compensation. I understand that in proceeding with filming and photography of the Footage, the USTA will do so in full reliance on the foregoing permission.
By checking the box below you agree that you can currently answer no to the following questions: 1. In the last 14 days, have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms? Symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or at least two of these symptoms: (a) fever of 100.4 or over; (b) chills: (c) repeated shaking with chills; (d) muscle pain; (e) headaches; (f) sore throat; and (g) new loss of taste or smell? 2. In the last 14 days, have you tested positive for COVID-19? If you’ve tested positive, but subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 twice in a row, 24 hours apart, have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms have resolved, then you can answer “no” 3. Have you been exposed to any individual who has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or traveled to any known hot-spots for COVID-19? Exposure means a household member, intimate partner, or other individuals in prolonged close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).
Players, participants, and any spectators or individuals that are participating in USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, acknowledge the risks associated with tennis, accept those risks voluntarily, and in consideration of their acceptance in the USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, assume all loss or damage, and any claim or demand therefore on account of injury and/or exposure to infectious syndromes or diseases to the person or property or resulting in illness and/or death arising out of or related to their participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. By participating or attending a tournament, program, activity or event, the players, participants, and any spectators assume all risks whether known or unknown. Furthermore, players, participants, and spectators agree to hold harmless the USTA, USTA PNW, and the host facility, their officials, (Released Parties) and the Released Parties employees and agents with respect to any injury or loss caused by negligence or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law.
