Keeping it cool this summer

Dear River Families,
How is the summer treating you so far? After months of remote learning and quarantine, I and the kids very much welcome the change of pace and routines. However, summer is long and hot, and this one comes in the middle of a pandemic. So, before the thought of needing to keep my kids positively engaged and consistently enriched throughout the summer starts to overwhelm me, I am reminding myself that God cares for our children, and my inadequacy will not deter His/Her good plan for them. 
Meanwhile having fun is just as important as self-improvement! So I have gathered some resources that I hope can take the edge off a little bit for all of us parents this season:

 Going Outdoors

• Take a dip and swim in lakes near NYC
• Visit reopened beaches hours from NYC
• Ride a bike and tour NYC (a list of bike & gear rentals)
• Tour NYC favorite playgrounds
• If you have access to an outdoor space: Go backyard camping, grow your own food,  enjoy Science & Water experiments,  or play social distancing games with friends & neighbors

 Virtual camps/classes and Indoor activities

• Outschool is a great resource for finding the appropriate online class for children of any age, interest, and starting date. 
• A list of virtual summer camps offered by local (or NYC) organizations
• Free virtual summer camps worth checking out. 
• A list of indoor/rainy day activities

I Would Love to Connect With You!
 
Sometimes the hardest thing for me is not finding things to do, but gathering the energy to do them, especially after our routines are being turned upside down due to the pandemic. I find connecting with other people gives me just enough accountability to stay engaged and motivated. So, if you are feeling like you could use a 1-on-1 connection with a fellow parent during this interesting time, please email me. We can either chat online or outside. 

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Happy Summer!

Amelia Cunard | Riverkids Director