Published: May 30, 2009 03:26 pm      

Summer activities do not have to cost an arm and a leg

Check out free activities offered by OSU Extension this summer.

Now that school is out for the summer, parents may be wondering how they are going to afford to keep their children occupied for the next several weeks.

The economy is down, unemployment is up and parents are discovering they may have to say no to the many requests for summer activities.

Having to repeatedly say no to requests from children – even reasonable requests – can be difficult for parents. It’s no secret the summer camps and activities can take a chunk out of a family’s budget. If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained and still have money in the bank, just think back to your own childhood. Even just as few as 25 years ago there were more stay-at-home moms. Those moms took their children to the local library, went on walks and simply played outside. These activities not only don’t cost anything, they also will help build a lifetime of memories for children. Families didn’t have expensive ‘gadgets’ such as computers and video games to keep children occupied.

Remember that it is OK, and even beneficial, to let children entertain themselves. Parents can encourage children to draw, read or listen to music. Get other children in the neighborhood together and have them write a play and perform it for parents. Cards and board games also are great alternatives to sitting around and watching movies all day.

Activities in which children can be creative have so many benefits. They learn to expand their thinking and also can enhance their social skills if they’re involved in a group project. Coloring books, crayons, paints and even sidewalk chalk give children many opportunities to express themselves.

If your children have an over abundance of toys, box up about a third of them and store them for a month or more. When your children say they are bored, bring out the box of “new” old toys. It is likely your children had forgotten about these toys and will be excited to play with them again.

With today’s economy, some parents may feel bad about having to say no to certain requests from their children. It’s important to keep in mind the quality of the time you spend with your children as opposed to the amount of money you spend to keep them entertained.

Don’t forget about the many activities offered through the OSU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program. Cloverbud Day Camp for children age 5-8 years of age will be held at the OSU Extension Office on Thursday, June 4th from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Please RSVP at 332-2153.

Youth Quilting Class open to youth age 12 and older will be held June 16 and 22 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Youth must have some experience using the sewing machine. Registration is $10 and is limited to the first 10 participants. Call today to make reservations at 332-2153.

Kids in the Kitchen Cooking School will be held in late July. This one day cooking school will provide a learning opportunity for youth age 9 – 19. Youth will learn to prepare homemade dishes and have fun doing it. Remember, RSVP by July 16th at 332-2153.