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
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Get creative with your kids and see what other fun popsicle recipes you can come up with!
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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 

SUMMER anchors away for week 2

Argghh...Little Pirates at Fairmont Summer Camp

Highlights From This Week

Week Two of summer is well underway. This week kicked off our six-week summer school program. Students attend summer school from 9am-12pm Monday-Thursday. Then many students continue on to join the summer camp program after lunch. Participating in summer school is the most effective way for kids to beat summer brain drain and ensure that they remember all the fascinating  things they learning this year. 

Today is the second Thursday Theme Day, and today's theme is Animal Face Painting. When you pick the kids up from camp today, they'll be transformed into their favorite animals. They just might start responding to you with a "grrr" or a "meow." 

Speaking of animals, this week's field trip is the Los Angeles Zoo! The zoo is always one of our campers' favorite field trips of the summer. 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 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE unique powers of camp

We all know that kids benefit in many ways from participating in summer camp programs. They develop leadership and teamwork skills, make friendships, and explore their interests. 

But what is the "secret sauce" of summer camp? What really makes camp such a special time for kids? At Fairmont, we know that it's moments like these...throwing your head back to fully experience the misting Rainforest exhibit at the Zoo or catching some Z's on your Camp Counselor's shoulder during the bus ride home. These moments are magical and memory-making for kids (and they just happen to be our favorite moments too!) 

We also loved this Top 5 list of the "unique powers of camp" compiled by educator/author Michael Brandwein. He credits the magic of camp to these things: 

1. Camp leads the way in using the best methods to help children learn and grow. For almost 150 years, camps have been the leader in using the number one secret to teaching: children learn most from doing. 
2. Camp communities remove the typical pressures from school and support children in a positive atmosphere that cherishes effort and persistence. One fast way to explain the incredible power of camping is in two words: "no grades." 
3. Camp has distinctive value in preparing children for future success. Camp creates communities where kids make daily decisions about activities and learn how to get along with others. 
4. Camp offers an unequaled variety of opportunities to develop well-rounded children. Camps cut like a laser through the negative expectations and beliefs that can stick to children and hold them back. 
5. Camp combats youth isolation by offering positive and accepting communities. Camp is all about belonging - belonging to a group that respects and values each member. 

What makes camp special for you? While that definition might be slightly different for each person, the "super power" of summer camp is undeniable.

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools