I was wondering what parents did with their child(ren) for the Summer Months when school lets out.

I’ve noticed there is really nothing for those children that have begun Middle School. Do you let your son/daughter stay home alone or do you know of a program or camp that the older children can attend in and around Sebring? I could be wrong on there being nothing for the older children and I’d be happy if corrected on this one. I just hate the thought of our communities children left at home alone all day with no supervision. God forbid that something went wrong not to mention how boring this could be for them.

My kid is coming to work with me all summer to help me in the office.  I’ve set up a desk and a computer and put him in charge of inventory and meeting set-ups.  He’s going to learn about par levels and reordering supplies.  Should be fun and educational for him.

He’s going to see an increase in his allowance while he helps around the office this summer, and it should keep him busy. 

You’re right though, there really isn’t anything for kids to do during the summer, other than paintball ( http://www.adpgames.com ).

There’s plenty to do here if an adult would get involved.  When I was a kid growing up here we did all kinds of things.  Camping, swimming, hunting, jeeping, bike rides at the hammock, campfires with marshmellows, made our own toys (kites, parachutes, forts), played in the rain (no lightening).  We had a ball but only because my neighbor (who had 9 kids) would invite me and my sister to go on outings with them. 

Now, many of the lands we used as kids are closed off to Sanctuaries, wildlife management areas, development, and private owners.  It’s a little sad for today’s youth but still, it’s possible even if a drive is necessary.

You don’t have to go to Disney World (plastic world) to have fun.

I spent most of my summers riding my horse and/or in band camp which I pretty much rode my horse to. Those days are gone. I have 2 grown children and they spent their summers between grandparents, boy scouts, band camp, the summer rec program in Avon Park.

Now again I’ve been blessed with a lovely child now seven. I ask parents what they are doing with their children for summer and the prospect looks rather bleak.

I also take her to work with me (some times) and have utilized the schools summer camp program but have found in general the hours of operation do not work for many working families. Since this primarly is a Service Industry Community, most parents I’ve visited with are talking on leaving their kids at home for the summer.

Day Camps are half days or day care doesn’t open in time for many parents to get to work when required and with good jobs scarce, parents can’t afford to loose their jobs or take a cut in pay for the summer.

Assuming that most persons taking the time to post their thoughts, opinions and expertise on this forum, I just felt I had to ask the question.

I wonder how many things are out there and wished to compile a list to share with younger co-workers and those I meet to help them make a more informed descision on what is available for the summer while garnering some measure of safety for all of our children over the summer months.

For the past few years we have watched all of the neighborhood children wondering around all summer unsupervised while their parent(s) work. I am sure it will be the same this summer. These kids do nothing but get into trouble and it sickens me. The kids have little self control and when confronted the parent(s) either do not care or deny perfect Johnny/Jane would do such a thing.

We have a child/tween and she goes to work with me, no question about it. Have been doing that for 4 years now, when school was out, she went to work with mom. We homeschool year round now, so we are not tied down or subject to any schedule.

I do wish there was something affordable/free other than the YMCA or girls and boys club for these kids. When we were kids times were so much different, camp was the norm and a parent could afford to stay home… now we must work just to fuel our cars and feed our kids.

daisy22loca - 29 April 2008 03:22 PM

For the past few years we have watched all of the neighborhood children wondering around all summer unsupervised while their parent(s) work. I am sure it will be the same this summer. These kids do nothing but get into trouble and it sickens me. The kids have little self control and when confronted the parent(s) either do not care or deny perfect Johnny/Jane would do such a thing.

I agree.  It sickens me too.

I am hearing from a lot of “good parents” that they can’t afford day care this summer due to the rising cost of fuel, food, etc. I know we have those who appear to let their kids run wild and some who just do let them run wild. What’s going to happen when those that care and can’t afford care meets up over the summer with the other?

It’s a frightening thought!

Bad situation. Maybe someone could start a support group with daycare for free.

Been_There_Done_That - 30 April 2008 07:11 AM

Bad situation. Maybe someone could start a support group with daycare for free.

That wouldn’t be a bad idea.  I would consider the Boys and Girls Club, if they were funded heavier and were able to expand their services.

No offense TheHorseMan, but Camping, swimming, hunting, jeeping, bike rides at the hammock, campfires with marsh mellows, making your own toys would be fun “when you were growing up,” But now and days kids want something like a Chuck’ E ‘ Cheese or something to that extent. Yes some of those activities kids may want to do but Highlands county needs a place that you would find that there is fun for all ages with go-karts, put put, arcade, etc…