Summer Craft Ideas for Kids

Believe it or not, sometimes the summer sun can get a tad too warm. When that happens at Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, we give our campers some incredible arts and crafts to beat the heat! If you’re looking to escape the powerful UV rays at home, then here are some crafts that you can try with your little one in the spirit of summer!

Beautiful Butterflies
Love to hang your child’s artwork on the fridge? If that’s the case, then you’ll love these beautiful butterfly magnets! Simple to make, this craft will be as simple as a summer breeze! To start, you’ll need the following supplies:

• A pack of multi-color construction paper
• Clothespins
• Magnets
• Pipe Cleaners
• Non-toxic glue

First and foremost, you’ll want to pre-cut the butterfly wings for your child out of construction paper. If you’re not sure that you’ll make the perfect wing shape, it’s okay: since many butterflies in nature have an abstract wing shape!

Next, lay out the supplies for your child to complete the craft. Make sure that they have at least one set of wings, a clothespin, the magnet, a pipe cleaner, and glue.

From there, you’ll want to instruct your child to place some glue on the back of the clothespin. Once that step is complete, tell them to put the clothespin in the middle of the wings. After that, ask them to take the pipe cleaner and feed it through the hole at the top of the clothespin.

Finally, have them glue the magnet to the back of the wings (right in the center) and let it dry for a few minutes. After the drying is complete, then you can place the butterfly on the fridge and watch it soar to new, magnetic heights!

Silly Shark
Lurking in the depths of the water swims the Silly Shark! This friendly lil’ guy will be the perfect addition to any summer crafting — and he’s very simple to make! Before you start this craft, parents, you’ll need to acquire these materials:

• Blue construction paper
• A white paper plate
• Non-toxic glue stick
• Googly eyes
• Safety scissors 

First, take the blue construction paper and cut it into a shark shape, as if the shark were standing on his fin! This will give your child enough room to glue the paper plate to the template, for the shark’s mouth!

Next, give your child the paper plate and instruct them to cut some teeth-like edges around the entire dish. Please make sure you supervise your child during this step since they will be using their safety scissors.

Once this step is complete, you can then instruct them to fold the plate in half to create the mouth of the Silly Shark. From there, your child will then take their non-toxic glue stick and only glue the back of one lower half of the plate (not the whole plate). After this is completed, they’ll want to paste it in the center of the shark cut-out to form the mouth!

Finally, it’s time to apply the googly eyes on the Silly Shark! Your child can then glue the eyes above the mouth and then the Silly Shark will be complete! You and your child will love this Silly Shark and how friendly he’ll look!

If you want to add some more flair to the Silly Shark, you can take some additional construction paper and cut out accessories for your shark to wear, such as a hat or suitcase!

When you choose Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, you can rest assured knowing that your child is safely having fun in the sun, while also building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to have a successful future. To learn more about the program, give us a call at 516-366-5623.

Ways to Protect Your Child from the Sun

Summer is only a hop and a skip away — and what better way to prepare for the sunniest three months than with some sun-safety tips! At Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, we keep a close eye on our campers at all times, making sure that they’re protected from the sun and are hydrated all day long. If you’re looking for some ways to protect your child from the sun’s powerful rays, then here are some helpful tips to follow:

Hats are a Must

Looking for one of the best ways to protect your child from harmful UV rays? Invest in a fun summer hat! Of course, there is the possibility that your little one won’t want to wear this accessory — but it does host a series of benefits!

One of the most significant benefits of wearing a hat is that it protects your child’s scalp. Since sunscreen can’t be applied within the hair, a cap will provide full-coverage, putting you at ease, knowing that your child won’t sustain a potential scalp-burn. Finally, hats are an excellent way for you to spot your little one in the distance when supervising play!

Soak up the Sunscreen

Known to be the most helpful way to protect skin from the sun, sunscreen will help prevent burns from happening. One of the best tips to understand is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that parents should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, UVA and UVB on their child.

When applying sunscreen, the CDCP also states that you should generously apply it at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. This will not only help protect your child’s skin more effectively, but it will also let the sunscreen absorb into the skin, creating the protective barrier that’s needed.

Additionally, the CDCP also states that you should apply sunscreen to your child’s nose, tops of their feet, ears, and lips since these areas are usually prone to be forgotten (and burn quite quickly).

Always Look for Shade

Here at Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, we know that the summer sun can be more powerful over time. While supervising our campers, we’ll take them to a shaded area (or indoors) when the rays are too intense. This will not only help prevent burns, but it will also keep your child cool and comfortable.

If you plan on going to the beach this summer or have a picnic in the park, then it’s essential to bring some shade with you. The most helpful of items? An umbrella, of course! If you’re looking to provide even more shade, then it may be wise to invest in a canopy tent, which will provide the perfect protection from the sun!

When you choose Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, you can rest assured knowing that your child is safely having fun in the sun, while also building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to have a successful future. To learn more about the program, give us a call at 516-366-5623.

What to Carry in Your Summer Bag for Your Kids

Summer is here, and it’s time to go on a family vacation! From the Grand Canyon to the Walt Disney World, the possibilities are endless when it comes to spending time with your family and making memories! One of the most critical aspects of any vacation or trip to the local pool? A summer bag, filled with essentials! Parents, here’s what you’ll need:

Sunscreen

Looking for the staple of all summer bags? A bottle of sunscreen. Of course, this goes without saying, but sometimes the sun can play tricks on you, shining a UV index much higher than what was stated on the morning weather forecast.

If you’re looking for the best solution, then it would be best to invest in sport coverage sunscreen. Not only will this protect your child from the harsh rays, but it will stay put on their skin if they begin to swim.

You can purchase a sport coverage sunscreen at any local convenience store in either a lotion or spray-on.

Snacks

Another essential for any summer bag are snacks. Coming in a variety of sizes, usually, any full-sized version of your child’s full-sized snack can be found in a travel size. One of the best bets is to find snack pack versions to bring with you on the go.

Not only will bringing snacks help in those hungry situations, but you’ll feel much better when you know you have something to “munch” on for your child -- especially on those long car rides to your destination.

First-Aid Kit

Not sure what you’ll need next? Well, that’s simple: a first-aid kid. Of course, you won’t want to carry around the large version of this staple, but it will undoubtedly come in handy if you or your child sustains an injury while out and about.

From bandages to a triple antibiotic ointment, you can create your kit with a clean cosmetics pouch. This will not only bring safety with you on the go, but it will also be one of the best investments this summer -- and all year round, too!

Water

Of course, you won’t be able to carry a pitcher or gallon around, but water is an absolute must! When the temperatures begin to rise, so does the risk of possible dehydration. One of the best ways to bring water with you is to find snack-pack versions of it! Not only will these be small enough to fit in your bag, but they’ll be perfect for when your child needs a drink of water!

When you choose Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, you can rest assured knowing that your child is safely having fun in the sun, while also building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to have a successful future. To learn more about the program, give us a call at 516-366-5623.