Good News - June 2019

GoodNewsFL.org www.goodnewsfl.org 39 JUNE 2019 FAMILY Summer is here. At this point, you may already have your days fully planned out hour-by-hour to ensure that your children arrive in August bursting with joy and grati- tude for the life-giving experiences youplanned for them. Or…if you’re like most, you may have little or nothingplannedandarehungry for some good ideas. There is hope, and I’mexcited to share some suggestions for shaping a meaningful summer. As you read through this article, my hope is you will walk away with some great ideas, enthusiasm about the possibilities that lie ahead, and peace in knowing that you have what you need to create amemorable summer experience. Summer Camps For some, summer camp is a great way tomakenew friends and learn additional skills. The April issue of the Good News offered a variety of summer campopportuni- ties in South Florida. If youmissed it, I encourageyoucheckout at dig- ital.goodnewsfl.org/2019/April/28/. There is likely at least one that alignswith your family’s values and your child’s interests. Whenasked for recommenda- tions for choosing the best summer camp, Stacey Cost of Bethany Christian School said, “Summer camp can be a God-send for work- ing parents. My top recommenda- tion is to find a camp where your child is comfortable that has caring staffwhoarecredible instructorsand Christian role-models.” Additionally, shenoted, “Signingupwithabuddy is a good idea to helpwith jitters.” Creating the Experience Thereareendless possibilities for summer experiences that are low-cost or even free. As you think about which activities and venues best fit your family’s interests, think about what the outcome of the ex- perience might be for all involved. Consider these questions: • Who might you invite to join you? This might include an adult with whom you hope to deepen your relationship (i.e. friend, parent, grandparent), apeer that your child enjoysbeingaround, or achildwho needs a little extra love or support. • What would make the expe- rience memorable? Might you spring for icecreamafterwards, see how many people you can make smile with a kind gesture or com- ment, or take funphotos throughout the experience to document your time together. One fun idea is to pick a fruit of the spirit and take pic- tures of moments or symbols of that particular fruit (i.e. kindness). • What might you intentionally not include? What might happen relationally, if you asked everyone to leave their phones and other electronic devices at home for two hours or you instituted blocks of time during your time together that were “tech-free”? • Consider creating a summer journal that eachperson in the fam- ily can decorate prior to your first adventure. At the end of each ex- perience, plan in 10 minutes for each person to reflect or draw pic- tures about what was most mean- ingful. Good prompting questions might be include: A moment that stood out tome today is…; I was at my best when…; One example of someone else at their best is…; What I lovedmost about this expe- rience was… Witha littleplanningand inten- tion – andmaybe a trip to the dollar store for journal supplies – you will have a treasured momento of Summer 2019. JulieBrasington, author of The Kindness Antennae and blog host of the Happy Home Fairy notes, “Someof our other favoritesummer experiences have been when we planned little ways to share kind- ness with others.” Some of her favorites arewrit- ing inspiring Bible verses in chalk around the neighborhood and put- ting her son’s favoritemuffins in the mailbox for themail carrier. “If I can find away to helpmy kids focus on others insteadof ascreen this sum- mer, then that is a win!” Brasington, offers a variety of creative ideas and printable re- sources on her site to inspire and equip you for the journey. You may also check out your local community events calendar for free or low-cost events and ac- tivities for families including movie nights, bowling, museums, water- parks and library events. As you plan, remember, the activity itself is not what’s most important; it is the experience you create around the activity that will make it memo- rable…and even transformational. Here’s toanunforgettableSummer 2019! TerryMorrowNelson, Ph.D. is an assistant dean and associate professor at Nova Southeastern University. She is also president of the Partnership for Leadership and Transformation. Terry is happily married with two small children. Create Fun Family Experiences This Summer Terry Morrow Nelson Good News