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Summer brings with it certain energy, and parents often find this energy is best controlled, or at least directed, into fun summer activities. For pre-teens and teens, summer can mean longer daytime hours and more free time to spend with friends or engaging in relaxing summer activities. So, with summer creeping over most of Canada, we’ve taken this opportunity to collect a few suggestions, that are budget-friendly, to keep your family busy.

• Summer camp – many a fond memory is made at summer camp. Bunk beds, bug catching, and crafts are highlights of the stories that children arrive home with each year. If you are looking for budget-friendly alternatives, consider having your children apply for scholarships for sports, music or cadet camps. Hard work and dedication to one’s sport, instrument, or hobby can pay off in reduced camp fees, or transportation costs. Many faith-based groups will sponsor children to go for a few days at a local religious camp. Consider sending your child with a friend to not only make sure they have a great week but also you can benefit if you split the travel cost with other families from your area. Last, if a week away is too costly, consider day camps at your local YMCA, University, College or other community organizations. Not sure your child would enjoy that much time away? Consider some of the community-based programs where your child could enjoy an afternoon making a craft, and you can enjoy watching them work together with others, while you take some time to visit with other parents.
• Travel – we understand that not everyone’s budget includes plane tickets and Disneyland, but even a road trip to a local beach can give you a chance to bond as a family. Does your family include a 4-legged friend? Consider day trips to pet-friendly destinations, such as hiking trails, dog parks, or overnight stays that can accommodate your furry friend.
• <span style="text-align:justify;color:var(--color-text);">Camp – many families have access to an RV, a tent, or a cabin, even if they don’t own one. Consider taking your family or friends up on their offer to ‘join us at the lake’. If you don’t have a tent, check out local yard sales in advance of your trip and collect a few supplies. Camping is always more fun with more people…the kids tend to entertain themselves and travel in packs around a campground. Friendships are made, sandcastles built, and bikes raced. If it’s been years since you camped, note that most provincial campgrounds reservations can be made online now, and some even allow you to preview the site prior to selecting. Don’t forget you may need a parking pass – but watch as some locations have certain weekends or months where they waive the park entry fee.</span>
• <span style="text-align:justify;color:var(--color-text);">Staycation – too difficult to get out of town this year? Work schedule or family schedule just doesn’t allow the flexibility? Be a tourist in your own town! Drop in on the museum you drive past every day, take your kids to the local spray park, or have a bonfire at a local park. There are many amazing sights to be seen in your own hometown. Visit your local theatre, buy tickets to a play, or make a point to visit with friends you haven’t been able to fit into your schedule. Camp out on your own deck and stay up late to count the stars. The possibilities are endless!</span>
• <span style="text-align:justify;color:var(--color-text);">Volunteer – perhaps ‘relaxation’ is a hard concept for you to fathom. If staying busy is more your speed, or you prefer the structure of having a ‘plan’, consider volunteering at a local community organization with your family! Perhaps taking dogs for walks at the local pet shelter or packing hampers at the local food bank will spark something in your family that may help them chose a future career! Do you have a budding builder in your family, but you don’t know which end of a hammer to use? Consider volunteering with Habitat for Humanity – they’ll show you what to do and would be grateful for your assistance. Take an afternoon to play board games with a local seniors’ group, or perhaps volunteer at a car wash. Your time will be well spent, and your community will appreciate your generosity.</span>

Summer doesn’t have to involve expensive hotels and plane tickets, or going into debt to spend family time. Summer fun can happen in your own backyard, and without the stress of credit card bills as a souvenir.

Blog provided by Crystal Buhler, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, and President of C. Buhler & Associates Ltd., who provides assistance to those in debt living in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. Learn more at www.debtfreenorth.com.