HOW TO bbq with the kids

With summer in full swing, most of us have probably spent some time outside grilling. But have you let your kids join in on the fun? With these quick tips, you and your kids can add grilling together to your list of fun summer activities. 

1. Give your kids a short grill tutorial while the grill is off.

2. Teach them Stop, Drop, and Roll if their clothing were to catch on fire.

3. Mark sharp edges with masking tape to prevent bumps and scrapes.

4. Allow the kids to arrange charcoal briquettes if using a charcoal grill.

5. Let the kids help prepare the food for grilling by showing them how to marinate meat, skewer kebabs, and wrap potatoes or corn in aluminum foil. 

6. Once the grill is on, let the kids draw a chalk line around the grill that outlines the "adults only zone." 

And the last and most important tip?? Round up the whole family and chow down! 

Image from Essence 

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools 

SUMMER week 6 at turtle reef

Summer camp is full of adventures, from zip lining at the Irvine Outdoor Education Center to face painting for our preschool campers! 

Highlights From This Week

We can't believe it's already Week 6 of summer! Time flies when you're having fun right? This week our campers set off for Turtle Reef. They made bubbling blue blobs in science, cheered the Angels on to victory, crafted turtle photo-holder sculptures--and it's only Thursday! We love seeing our campers making memories and having fun. 

Today is Thursday Theme Day, and our theme is Sports Fan Day! We can't wait to see all of our campers representing their favorite teams with their jerseys, hats, and team color gear. 

On Friday, we will be taking an adventure to Corona Del Mar Beach for our weekly field trip. Campers will enjoy some fun in the sun as they play in the water, build sandcastles, picnic on the sand, and play beach games. Be sure to wear sunscreen and check out your campus' newsletter below for details on what to bring. 

Weekly Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Summer Orientation Videos 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE outdoor fun

Studies show children spend less than seven minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play while they spend about seven hours a day in front of a screen. There’s nothing wrong with technology, but a glut of electronic stimulation at the expense of time spent running, playing and exploring in the great outdoors amounts to trouble. 

Studies link excessive screen time to childhood obesity, diabetes, attention deficit disorders, depression and nearsightedness. By contrast, time spent in nature has been shown to reduce children’s stress levels, improve their performance on standardized test scores and foster their emotional intelligence.

Knowing that outdoor play is important and having the tools to make a change in your family’s lifestyle are two different things. Luckily, you don’t have to blaze your own trail. The National Wildlife Federation has a helpful guide for parents that helps provide solutions to common challenges like not having enough time or concerns over safety and weather. Here are a few ideas you can begin implementing this summer:

1. Start small by encouraging your kids to spend 15 minutes a day playing outside.  The NWF recommends building up to at least an hour of outdoor fun each day.  An impromptu picnic on the lawn, a few rounds of hopscotch, running through the sprinklers—it all counts.
2. Develop a family policy to limit excessive screen time. Some parents suggest an equation of equal time for electronic play and outdoor activities.  If your kids want to play video games for 30 minutes they must earn this time by playing outside for 30 minutes.
3. Make parks, trails, the beach, etc. extensions of your own backyard. Instead of an outing to the mall or movie theatre, research all the great outdoor entertainment options in your community.
4. Go stargazing. Too hot to play outside during the day? Spend some time outdoors at night. Check out these resources and guidance on studying the moon, stars, and other celestial sights. If you want to head out to a stargazing event, here’s an app for your mobile phone from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific for finding one near you.
5. Camp in your own backyard.  Re-create a camping experience at home by pitching the tent just outside your back door. Light up the fire-pit (if it's safe) and sing Cum bi ya--your kids will love "roughing it" and you can retire to air conditioned comfort if things get a little too rustic.

For more information about bringing the outdoors home, visit www.beoutthere.org.

Photo from parenting.com's article on backyard camping

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

SUMMER off to neverland for week 5

Preschool campers ready their squirt guns for a fun-filled water fight!
Don't let the ruffles deceive you, these kiddos mean business.

Highlights From This Week

Inspired by the beloved tale Peter Pan, this week's Neverland theme is just perfect. Fairmont Summer Camp really is a magical place where no one ever has to grow up! From making message in a bottle necklaces to learning how to use a compass to making ice cream during science class, the adventures here are endless! 

Today is Thursday Theme Day, and our theme is Crazy Hair. No need to worry about creating crazy hair in the morning, we will style each camper's hair CRAZY in the afternoon.

On Friday, we will be taking an adventure to Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center for our weekly field trip. While at the IOEC, campers will participate in many fun activities depending on their age. Some of the activities will include: mining, arts and crafts, lawn games, and hiking.  Waiver forms signed by a parent are required for some activities. Check out your campus' weekly newsletter below for  the waiver forms and tips about what your child needs to bring and wear for the day. 

Weekly Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Summer Orientation Videos 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

SNACK TIME make-your-own popsicles

The summer heat is finally here! But before you reach for the ice cream to cool off, try these healthier, budget-friendly Capri Sun Fruit Punch Pops. And remember to let the kids help out!

Capri Sun Fruit Punch Pops

Ingredients

• 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved lengthwise
• 1 cup strawberries, finely chopped
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 6-ounce Capri Sun pouches or 1 1/2 cups fruit punch

Directions

• Gather these tools: cutting board, chef's knife, dry and wet measuring cups, mixing bowl, spoon, popsicle molds
• 
  
• Combine the fruit in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the mixture into 8 popsicle molds. Fill each mold with enough punch to reach the fill line. Add the popsicle stick and place in the freezer.
• 
  
• Freeze for at least 4 hours up to overnight, or until the popsicles are frozen solid. Allow the molds to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes or place under warm running water for 10-20 seconds to remove popsicles.
• Serve immediately.
• 
  
• Get creative with your kids and see what other fun popsicle recipes you can come up with!
• 
  

Recipe and Photo from Kitchen Daily 

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools 

SUMMER going on a treasure hunt for week 4

 Jason B. found Captain Feathers' long lost twin at the Long Beach Aquarium!  

Highlights From This Week

Can you believe we are four weeks into summer? We're having a blast with our summer school students and campers so far! This week we've enjoyed swimming to cool down from the heat, making our own treasure chests, and then searching for buried treasure.  

Today is Thursday Theme Day, and our theme is Pixie and Pirate Dress Up. We can't wait to see what creative costumes a little sprinkle of pixie dust helped you come up with! 

On Friday, we will be taking an adventure to Castle Park for our weekly field trip. Castle Park has a variety of rides for all ages, and they recently added a water area featuring water slides, fountains, water tunnels and more! Check out your campus' weekly newsletter below for tips about what your child needs to bring and wear for the day. 

Weekly Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Summer Orientation Videos 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FAIRMONT FIVE family movie night

Summertime for moms and dads isn't nearly as much fun as it is for our kids.  We still have to work, pay bills, and tend to all the grown-up responsibilities of life, even when it's a hot, sunny, absolutely perfect summer day.  What I have discovered this summer, is that I can relive the summers of my childhood and enjoy a little downtime with my kids by watching some of my favorite family movies together.  So far our movie festival has included classic Disney films Pollyanna (1960) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960) and my all-time favorite Born Free (1966) which I first saw filmstrip style at my local library as part of their summer reading program.

We've rounded up a few oldies but goodies for your viewing pleasure. Who's bringing the popcorn?!

1. The Parent Trap (1968)
2. The Sandlot (1993)
3. Gidget (1959)
4. South Pacific (1958)
5. Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

Want to plan an Outdoor Movie night party?  We loved the inspiration provided by Connie Smith on her Pinterest Board Backyard Movie Party.

Photo from the blog Southern Exposure

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

SUMMER under the sea enjoying week 3

Myra shows us her winning Olympic dive on Swim Day! 

Lions, tigers, and parrots, oh my!
Our campers learned all about animals last week at the LA Zoo

Highlights From This Week

Week 3 was full of celebration! We prepared for Independence Day with some U.S. history in summer school and some festive crafts during camp. We hope your family enjoyed celebrating the holiday together yesterday. We're thrilled to be back in action for the rest of the week! 

Today is Thursday Theme Day, and in honor of the 4th of July our theme is Red, White, and Blue. We can't wait to see all of our campers sporting their patriotic gear!

On Friday, we will be going under the sea for our field trip to the Long Beach Aquarium. Our campers will have the opportunity to discover the life aquatic, including some hands-on experiences with a variety of beautiful fish. Check out your campus' weekly newsletter below for tips about what your child needs to bring and wear for the day. 

Weekly Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Summer Orientation Videos 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

BULLETIN BOARD american celebration

Summer has arrived, and it's time once again to celebrate our beautiful Land of the Free! Throw a neighborhood parade, run in the sprinklers with the kids, win a watermelon eating contest--no matter how you plan to spend 4th of July, we hope you find some inspiration in these patriotic picks. 

1. Berry Delicious Cupcake Flag  2. Neighborhood Parade Bike Decor 3. Firecracker Place Cards 4. Red, White, and Blue Porch Accessories 5. Patriotic Simple Snack 6. Appetizer Caprese Pops

Contributed by Alyssa & Danyelle