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You and your child have just finished a long baseball season. Here comes summer, and you know what that means: time for more baseball! Starting in June or July, your child can have the unmitigated pleasure of fielding ground balls and swinging at countless pitches during baseball camp, as the sun sits seemingly motionless high in the sky. Or, some travel coach has decided to do some fundraising and take his team not to a convenient tournament in Southern California, but to a long weekend of ballgames in…New York! Or not. As much as you and I would like to perfect our child’s game in the offseason, it’s probably a good idea to think about a change of activity. Too much time spent playing baseball (or softball) can lead to overuse injuries or complete disgust with the idea of ever playing again. It might be better to spend summer doing something different, like attending an invigorating camp. Here’s the sneaky part: If you choose a summer activity carefully, your child will still be getting a workout, while having a whole lot of fun and learning something new to boot. Below are ideas for summer that are not related to America’s pastime. For specifics, go to our Summer Camp Guide for guidance on activities for both the body and the mind. Surfing. The sport combines the best of the outdoors, the beach and a really difficult sport (and you thought hitting a curveball was difficult). For ages 10 and older. Academics. This might not thrill your youngster. But weeklong programs abound that are both stimulating and fun. Summer day camps. These are geared for children who need a chance to run around and often are built around a specific program. Need reading help? More math? This is a fun way to invigorate and educate. Art and music. Now that public schools have largely abandoned these subjects, summertime is a good time to test your child’s interests. Other activities. Consider sailing, rock climbing, the YMCA camp at Catalina Island. Summer planning works best when parents expand their minds to the possibilities, so that their children can experience things that may become lifelong pursuits. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with baseball camp (or softball camp) for a player who truly loves to play ball and wants to continue to do so during the summer months. If your child has the drive to work over the summer, then go for it. Just consider whether your schedule for your son or daughter is leaving their desires out of the loop. Summer activities are a good place, in a good time, to pursue your child’s interests. You never know who will turn in a baseball glove for, say, a guitar. David Kries writes from Mission Viejo. |
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