This post does contain some affiliate links, which means if you purchase through my links, I get a small percentage of your purchase price (does not affect your price at all).
NEW
Free Kids Writing Workshop online through Brooklyn Public Library!
Tomorrow, Friday, July 24th at 2pm, workshop participants will write their own modern version of a classic fairytale or create an entirely new one. Registration is open until an hour before the event and they will send you the link via email.
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/princess-saves-herself-%E2%80%93-virtual-20200724
So, right now we’re around 67 or 76 (I’ve lost count) or so days into quarantine for Covid-19. My part of New York State is not open yet, but we’re hoping that it will be soon. However, summer camps for my kids have been cancelled and my kids have less than a month left of school. Which leads to “What the heck am I going to do with my kid all summer while I work?” conversation. Going outside, if possible, should definitely be part of this – we’ve been fortunate that we have a park nearby and we go almost everyday, but when it gets really hot out, we’ll have to figure out what time it works to go there. Even though my schedule is a lot more flexible than my spouse’s, I still cannot spend all day outside or at a park or beach (even if they are open). We’ll have to figure out what we can do in regards to screen time and things we’d like them to work. I do try to limit my kids playing their Nintendo Switch and watching Prime Video. I put together a working list of online activities and virtual camps that might work for your family. As with anything, these are only suggestions and I am not responsible for this information.
Virtual Educational Summer Camps
Camp Mave
This online educational summer camp just launched and sounds really cool. Camp MAVE was created by middle school teachers during the COVID-19 school closures in anticipation of summer camp cancellations. Their goal is to provide a virtual alternative to keep kids structured, active, educated, and most of all safe and healthy all while having fun over the summer months! The schedule sounds so fun and I may sign up my 12 year old for this. 10% of all proceeds will be donated directly to COVID-19 relief and research efforts.
Exclusive Discount: Get 10% off at Camp Mave with my code: nancyj2020
For more info: https://www.campmave.com/
The Great Courses Plus
Got older kids that are complaining they’re bored this summer? The Great Courses Plus offers a cornucopia of online courses to keep them busy…from Spanish and other languages courses, to travel courses that can take them all over the world (Venice, anyone?) to courses that can teach them study skills, The Great Courses Plus has something for everyone. We tried Latin and it was very manageable and easy to follow. A nominal fee gives you access to unlimited courses so take advantage of this opportunity to make summer both fun and educational.
Storyline Online
Storyline Online® Summer Camp runs from July 6 through August 31 and seeks to create a virtual collaborative atmosphere of young storytellers sharing their favorite books—that they’ve read or written themselves—and letting the world know what the stories mean to them personally.
Storyline Online® continues to add stories to its bookverse and currently provides 60 video read alouds by some of the world’s most beloved storytellers who engage young viewers with their animated interpretations of historic, adventurous and fantastical tales that promote imagination and inclusion. The Storyline Online® cast of readers includes Kristen Bell, Jaime Camil, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Rami Malek, Chrissy Metz, Chris O’Dowd, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh and more, who have volunteered their time and talent to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading in children. The program also provides supplemental teaching materials for many stories, which means that whether they’re in a classroom with a teacher or at home with a parent or caregiver, every young reader has access to a full range of educational possibilities.
To watch all of the Storyline Online® videos, visit storylineonline.net. Keep up with new videos in 2020 by subscribing to Storyline Online® on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Culinary Classes
Bakers and Shakers
We’re longtime fans of Bakers and Shakers. Want your kid to learn how to make their OWN lunch? Their 6 week Summer Zoom session sounds amazing.
Either go to https://www.bakersandshakers.com/book-online and use coupon code is maven15 for $15 off or email info@bakersandshakers.com and mention me for $15 off.
Math
New York City’s National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), the only math Museum in North America, is offering free educational online summer programs for New York City students and families during Covid-19 school closures. The Museum’s unique digital educational programming, designed by expert mathematicians and math educators, engages students of all ages with fun mathematics.
MoMath’s free online programs use mathematical games, puzzles, and crafts to connect math to other subjects like sports, music, visual art, card games, astronomy, and engineering. The Museum’s activities are designed to captivate students’ interests in math through problem solving, logical reasoning, strategizing, and creative thinking.
Among MoMath’s free online programs are:
Math Encounters
Selected day of every month at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. EDT (New York)
Math Encounters is MoMath’s most popular program, featuring topics like mind-bending paradoxes, astrophysics, and the correlation between dance and mathematics. Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.
Family Fridays
Selected Friday of every month at 6:30 p.m. EDT (New York)
Family Fridays is designed to bring families together to enjoy a diverse array of engaging mathematical activities, promoting interest and enthusiasm among kids and adults alike. The activities are designed so that all attendees, regardless of age, can participate on an equal footing. Learn more and register at familyfridays.momath.org.
Ask A Mathematician
First Thursday of every month at 4:00 p.m. EDT (New York)
Ever wanted to ask a mathematician something, maybe about a curious new idea you have, or a concept you’d like to understand better? Don’t know whom to ask? Here’s your chance! MoMath’s Dean of Academic Content and Rutgers Math Professor Alex Kontorovich will host a free one-hour online session the first Thursday of each month starting at 4:00 pm EDT (New York). Come with your own questions, or just join to listen in. All are welcome, and no question is too basic (although plenty may be too hard!). This event is free, but registration is required and the number of participants is limited. Learn more and register at askmath.momath.org.
MOMTRENDS Camp Mom
Doing the DIY Camp Mom thing? Our friends at Momtrends have great ideas.
https://www.momtrends.com/kids/welcome-to-the-summer-of-camp-mom
This list will continue to be updated. Tell me, what are you looking for?
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