Go Camping (in your own backyard)
Most kids love sleeping outside—even the older ones will want to get in on this. Set up a tent for the kids and a tent for the adults, then it stock with sleeping bags and flashlights. Build a campfire at twilight and don’t forget the marshmallows. “Drive-in” Movie (also in your backyard) Technology can help you with this one. Hang a white bed sheet between two trees and project a favorite family movie. Projectors are available at many big box stores (or Amazon for home delivery) for as little as $89. Serve up some popcorn and enjoy.
Disc Golf at Lucerne Park
Take the whole family to this lakeside disc golf course and practice throwing discs into nine different holes. You can use official rules and bring regulation discs, or simply teach the kiddos using frisbee discs from home.
Get Crafty
Yes, make happy wooden wind chimes! You don’t have to be an artist to get crafty with nature and your own backyard offers a plethora of materials. How do sticks and paint sound?
You’ll Need: »» Sticks from the yard »» Sandpaper »» Craft paint and brushes »» Sealant »» Small eye screws »» Twine Step 1: Take the kids outside to collect thick, medium-sized sticks. You’ll want them to be thick enough to “clank” together when hung in a row. Break or cut them at 8-10 inches. Step 2: Peel any bark off and then sand with sandpaper. Tip: Younger children find sanding easier with a sanding block. Step 3: Paint your sticks. The more colorful the better. Two coats is best. Then, seal with a coat of Mod Podge or other sealant and allow enough time for the sealant to set. Step 4: Screw small eye screws into the tops of your sticks, then string twine through the holes and tie. Step 5: Hang your wind chimes! This is the best part. Hang individual sticks close together on a low tree branch or other handy spot in your yard. Done! Little ones will love running their hands through the “chimes” to hear the sound.
Summer Camps 2020
You can’t beat the classic summer camp experience for outdoor fun. Here’s a listing of local offerings still planned as scheduled as of June LakeLife’s publication date. Camp Crosley YMCA Waterfront overnight and day camps for boys and girls featuring tubing, sailing, archery, horseback riding, and lots of other activities. Ages: 6-15, plus family camps Dates: June 7 - August 9 Location: on the shores of Lake Tippecanoe Cost: $150-$900 campcrosley.org Camp Ella J. Logan A camp just for Girl Scouts and their families on Dewart Lake, offering traditional camp activities, plus a special horse camp and single adventure days. Ages: 6-15, plus family camps Dates: June 14 - July 28 Location: Dewart Lake, Syracuse Cost: $237-$490 girlscoutsnorthernindiana-michiana.org C.O. Mollenhour Conservation Camp Separate sleepaway camps for boys and girls that promote teamwork and outdoorsmanship. Activities include archery, fishing, and canoeing. Ages: 9-14 Dates: July 12-17 (Boys Camp), July 19-24 (Girls Camp) Location: McClures Lake, west of Silver Lake Cost: $225 conservationcamp.org
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Baker Youth Club Warsaw Summer Camp Day camp focused on health, education, and building social skills. Days are filled with field trips, STEM projects, reading, and fun physical activities. Ages: Grades K-8 Dates: July 12-17 (Boys Camp), July 19-24 (Girls Camp) Location: Warsaw Cost: $90/week; $30/day; $100/afternoons only bakeryouthclub.com
LakeLife Magazine June 2020
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