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.

Ways to Keep Your Child Cool this Summer

Summer is just around the corner and that only means one thing: the temperature is about to rise! Here at Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, we understand this and do everything to keep our campers cool and comfortable. If you’re looking for ways to keep your camper cool at home, then here are some great tips to know:

Indoors Aren’t off Limits

When the temperature becomes quite hot, it’s important to weigh out the odds and bring your child indoors. Believe it or not, as enjoyable as it is to play outdoors during the summer, playing in sweltering weather could lead to sunburns and dehydration, just to name a few instances.

If you’re looking for the perfect solution, then it’s best to bring the activities indoors. From arts and crafts to board games, the possibilities are entirely endless (and fun)!

If you’re not sold on this idea, then you can search for other indoor activities in your area, such as an arcade, laser tag and so much more!

Go for a Swim

Looking for a way to keep your child cool? If that’s the case, then it’s important to take a trip to the pool! Whether this aquatic feature is in your backyard or down the block, it’s the best way to keep your little one cool and comfortable.

At Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, in addition to sports crafting and more, we offer a large variety of water activities! From swimming to windsurfing, your child will stay cool all summer long, while having fun!

Additionally, besides keeping cool, swimming also hosts a variety of other benefits that will help your child, such as exercise!

Create a Cool Atmosphere

Still looking for a way to cool your little ones down? One of the best ways to do this (besides using an air conditioner) is to use a fan and a cool, damp sheet! To start, take a standard fan and place it in the corner of the room. Next, take a thin, cotton sheet and place it in some water.

Once you have wet the sheet, you’ll want to remove the excess water from it (wring out the sheet). After this step is complete, you can then hang the sheet up in front of the fan to create an energy saving air conditioner. Not only will this keep your child cool, but they’ll be amazed at how this works!

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.

Learning to Swim at Camp

Splish, splash: it’s pool season again! From the pool at Miss Sue’s Summer Fun to the one in your backyard, your child’s summer will be filled with this aquatic staple on a daily basis. However, if your little one is still in the process of learning how to swim, well, they’re in luck: especially when they attend Miss Sue’s Summer Fun -- and here’s why:

Great Source of Exercise

When your child learns the art of swimming, they’ll soon find this to be an excellent source of exercise! Whether you’re a child or an adult, swimming can help strengthen muscles, corrects posture and even has heart benefits, too. Not only will your child love to swim, but they’ll be taking advantage of these hidden benefits when doing so! It’s the perfect summer activity and life skill to pick up! Your child will be so proud when they can swim in any water they enter!

New Form of Play

Another great benefit of swimming is that it will give your child a new form of play. Whether they’re swimming laps with friends or playing a game of Marco Polo, the possibilities are endless when it comes to this aquatic hobby. At Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, not only do we offer swimming lessons, but we also Pool parties, water sports, a water slide, “water skiing,” windsurfing, paddle boats, rafts and more! Your child will undoubtedly be more inclined to take up swimming as a new hobby, for sure!

Preparation for Safety

One of the most important benefits of learning how to swim is that it will prepare your child for water safety. People between the ages of 5 and 24, as stated by KidsHealth.org, are prone to drowning-related incidents. At Miss Sue’s Summer Fun, our pools are supervised by Nassau County certified/WSI lifeguards, while our instructors teach campers everything about the art of swimming. Not only will your child grasp the concept quickly, but their confidence will grow as the summer progresses!

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.

The Importance of Cooperative Play

Fact: play time is highly significant for children -- but it’s also how they play that makes a difference, too. Children often learn some vital skills through play and having cooperative play can be crucial in their long-term development.

You may notice early on that your child likes to play alone, but the more you encourage cooperative play, the more they will be able to learn from the activities in which they participate. When your child attends Miss Sue's Summer Fun, they will continue to develop their cooperative play skills, quickly, by being around other children their age!

Strengthening Decision-Making Skills

Whether your child is playing sports, a non-competitive color war, or putting together an arts and crafts project, working with others can help improve their decision-making and social skills. At Miss Sue's Summer Fun, they’ll work together and provide each other with the best options to reach their goals!

Nurturing Cooperative Behavior

Learning how to work and play with others is essential for any child. It builds on a robust attitude and kindness in your child, allowing them to work well in team settings ultimately. They will appreciate the help of others and often choose that route rather than working alone on things.

Building Communication Abilities

Typically, at younger ages, children are hesitant to communicate because they’re not used to being in various situations. The more you encourage cooperative play, the more often they’ll be around other children and communication will become more comfortable.

Your child will go through six stages of play, including unoccupied play, solitary play, onlooker play, parallel play, associate play, and cooperative play. You don’t want to push your child towards cooperative play until he or she is ready. However, once it’s possible, cooperative play can be a great developmental tool!

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.

How Your Child Benefits from Playing Sports

For many parents, the idea of their child playing sports can be a bit intimidating. However, it’s important to know that there are various benefits that can help your child when playing sports. If you have been debating whether or not your child should play sports, here are some of the benefits.

Building Social Skills

Most sports involve putting your child on a team of other children their own age. This helps build social skills as your child grows and develops. Sports can encourage teamwork, cooperation with others, communication skills, and most important, friendship. Your child can work as part of a group to reach success; a valuable life lesson.

Improving Self-Esteem

Regardless of age, it’s always nice to have a sense of accomplishment and sports are a great way to improve on self-esteem. Sports help build confidence, as well as encourage praise from coaches, other players, and parents to help your child feel good about themselves.

Understanding Winning and Losing

We all know how difficult it is to be on the losing side of things, but for many children, the score doesn’t necessarily matter; they enjoy being with their new friends playing something they love. While your child may be competitive, learning how to be a gracious winner and accepting losses is essential. They’ll learn never to quit, no matter the initial result.

Discipline

Sports are full of rules to follow, and it takes a great deal of discipline. Mental, physical, and tactical discipline are all traits learned through sports, and it helps children reach their full potential throughout their early developmental stages.

Allow your child to address any questions they may have and show desire in specific sports. They’ll choose the sport they’ll enjoy the most so they not only have fun, but they’ll get the most out of the benefits.

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.