ML Interest Tag: personal-growth

Register Now! 15 Summer Day Camps That Fill Up Fast

by Mary Martha Aubry

It may still be chilly outside, but summer is just around the corner. Here are all the best summer camps near Washington, DC with a huge variety of adventures. If your kids love outdoor exploration, check out bicycling, horseback riding, kayaking, and rock climbing-themed camps. To enrich creative minds, try arts, crafts, and theater camps. We haven’t ditched COVID yet, but the following camps are working hard to make sure your little ones (and teens) have fun while staying safe. Scroll down to find the best match for your camper.

In the City

Mr. Tony's Adventure Camp

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Let's face it: as much as D.C. has to offer, finding affordable summer camps that are also educational and fun is a big challenge. At Mr. Tony's Adventure Camp, kids get out into the city to experience all that the city has to offer. Boasting an 8-to-1 ratio of staff to campers which keeps kids engaged and safe while exploring the city. Mr. Tony's is a great place to let your camper have some hands-on fun: spend the day in natural areas like Kingman Island, RFK Fields, or Langdon Park or visit one of the Smithsonians, taking a simple short city bus path to museums.

When: June 27 - Aug. 12
Cost: $250-$300/week
Where: Varies
Online: dcadventurecamp.com

Rock Creek Park Horse Center Camp

Kelly Forrister via Unsplash

Have your campers always dreamed of owning their own horse? This summer is the perfect opportunity for them to spend a week learning all the different aspects of horse ownership. Campers will bond with their horses as they take on the role of rider, but also groomer, a feeder, a waterer, and even a stall mucker.

When: June 13 - Aug. 12
Cost: $570 half day; $850 full day
Where: 5100 Glover Road, NW, Washington, DC
Online: rockcreekhorsecenter.com

DC Way's Summer Soccer Camp

DC Way

Spend summer on the fields with this soccer camp geared towards kids 5-13. Daily mini sessions (3 hrs.) are dedicated to learning a new skill designed to turn your little player into a pro. Want to send your kid off for the day? Fill their afternoon with scrimmages, fun competitions and free play at this outdoor-only camp. Campers must bring their own water bottles and must wear a mask at all times. 

When: June 27-July 1, July 5-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12, Aug. 15-19, Aug. 22-26
Cost: $220/3 hr. mini sessions for 5 days; $375/full day for 5 days; $510/extended full day for 5 days
Where: Tyler Elementary School (ages 5-13), 1001 G St. SE, Capitol Hill; The RFK Fields (ages 7 & up) 401 Oklahoma Ave NE, RFK Campus
Online: dcway.com

Pedalheads Bike Camp

Pedalheads

One of the more unique summer camps that you will find – this week-long day camp specializes in helping kids as young as 3 get-off-training wheels and ride on their own – often times in as short as one week. Helping even the most tentative of kids, they focus on safety, fun, and skills and more than anything want to build confidence and a love of biking for the campers in their program. For those with kids who can ride already, Pedalheads also offers road preparation levels. 

Editor's Note: At the time of publishing, summer camp dates had not yet been released. 

When: July-Aug.
Cost: Starting at $239/week 
Where: Capitol Hill, Western DC, Bethesda 
Online: pedalheads.com

DPR Summer Camps

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Held at recreation centers in each of DC's wards, these camps run by DC"s Department of Parks and Recreation Kids are geared towards kids 3-16. There are various camp offerings, like Sports Camps and Aqua Camps that fill each day sports, games and arts and crafts with lessons highlighting personal growth and environmental stewardship. DPR also offers a Camp-at-Home activity packet for kids 3-13 for free. 

When: June 27-July 8, July 11-22, July 25-Aug. 5, Aug. 8-19
Cost: $135/week for most sessions; $185/aqua camps
Where: DPR Recreation Centers; varies by ward 
Online: dpr.dc.gov

Home Run Baseball Camp

Pixabay via Pexels

Girls and boys ages 4-12 will knock it out of the park at this baseball-themed camp. This day camp is designed to get your little slugger improving their batting average FAST! Coaches here believe in repetition to build technical skills, so expect your camper to get 150 ground balls a day and over a 100 swings in batting practice! 

When: Sessions run June 6- Sept. 1
Cost: $475/session (50% off sibling discount)
Where: Capitol Hill & AU Park 
Online: homerunbaseballcamp.com

All Sports & Games Summer Camps

Hooped Nation

This outdoor-only camp offers boys and girls in grades 1-8 an opportunity to build on their b-ball skills with the experts from HoopED. In addition to dribbling and dunking their way through these 2 hr. clinic, they will get time to play other games on the courts (and the playground). Let your kid run off some energy while making new friends during spring break!

When: June 13 - Aug. 26
Cost: $210-295
Where: Various locations
Online: hoopeducation.com

Virginia

 

 

Virginia Outside Camps

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Does your camper love to be outdoors exploring nature and wild places? Look no further than Virginia Outside. Each camp explores a different aspect of the great outdoors: fishing camp teaches campers to fish from baiting a hook to eating their catch. Campers cap off the week on a charter boat in the Chesapeake. Kids that want to learn outdoor survival skills can try a week-long session that teaches campers to build a shelter, build a fire, and put their skills to the test on an overnight adventure.

When: June 27 - Aug. 15
Cost: $495 - $595
Where: Varies
Online: virginiaoutside.com

 

Summer Camp with The Magic After-School Bus

Austin Pacheco via Unsplash

Back by popular demand, the Learning Adventure Bus will once again be transporting little learners on adventures throughout Loudoun County in the form of weekly summer camps. Meeting every morning at the Foxridge Park “bus hub,” elementary-aged learners will be whisked away to ice cream tastings (to experience the tasty scientific benefits of different states of matter firsthand), historic gardens (to collect inspiration and supplies for planting personalized miniature gardens), hiking trails (to practice practical and fun outdoor survival skills), and many more exciting destinations. Planned around weekly themes, camps will keep little ones grounded in K-5 Virginia Standards of Learning while ensuring they are happily engaged through authentic, hands-on projects and exciting meetings with local experts and community helpers. Save your seat soon, because Harold the magic school-bus-turned-makerspace only has spots for 12 little explorers each week. Happy adventuring!

When: July-Aug.
Cost: $595/week (Book before April 1 and receive $100 off)
Where: Fox Ridge Park, 525 Catoctin Circle SW, Leesburg, VA
Online: magicafterschoolbus.com

Traveling Players Ensemble Camp

Traveling Players Ensemble

For 18 years, Traveling Players Ensemble, a professional theatre company based in Great Falls, VA, has been sharing their craft with rising fourth graders to twelfth graders over summer break. The company has performed at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Colonial Williamsburg, the International Children's Festival at Wolf Trap, as well as numerous parks and summer camps throughout Fairfax County. Their mission is to enhance problem-solving skills, self-reliance, self-expression, and a heightened appreciation of both challenges and beauty by bringing great theatre into the great outdoors. At the end of each session, campers produce a professionally staged and designed performance. Sessions run two-six weeks. New this year: Camp sessions are now a sleepover experience! 


When: June  – August
Cost: $435/week Day Camp
Where: Day Camp: Tysons Corner Center (Tysons-1 Mall); Residential: 13951 Freedom Center Dr, Leesburg, VA 20176
Online: travelingplayers.org

Sportrock Climbing Summer Camp

Partrick via Flickr

Does your camper love to climb? Give them a day or a week of climbing adventure with Sport Rock. Their Indoor Base Camp (IBC) introduces kids to rock climbing at indoor facilities. From climb time to large-scale obstacle courses, the week is jam-packed with activities. If your climber is already belay-certified with Sport Rock and looking to put their skills to the test, consider Outdoor Adventure Camp. Campers will spend three days inside and weather permitting, two days climbing out side. Outdoor Climbing days will be spent at Great Falls, VA or Carderock, MD.

When: June 13 - Aug. 19
Cost: $90/day - $475/week
Where: 5308 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria; 45935 Maries Rd. Sterling, VA 
Online: sportrock.com

Art House Seven Summer Camps

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At Art House Seven, campers can engage their artistic side in a variety of themed, week-long classes. Come trot across the globe learning about the fine arts and crafts of new countries featuring art activities of all sorts! Or unearth a variety of art materials in an archeology-focused exploration making arts and crafts inspired by dinosaurs, whales, elephants and other truly gigantic animals. Perhaps you have a fiber artist in your midst? Children will have a week of creative exploration of weaving, wet felting, tie-dying, and more!

When: June 21 - July 22
Cost: Starting at $300
Where: 5537 Langston Blvd, Arlington, VA 
Online: arthouseseven.com

Maryland

 

KID Museum Summer Camps

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The KID Museum in Bethesda is opening again to offer kids hands-on maker fun all summer long! Campers will be a KID and invent, explore, and make their way through the summer! Designed and led by professional maker educators, these camps develop real-world skills through fun, hands-on projects. Wizardry, Arcade Games, and Transformers are just a sampling of the weekly themes campers may explore at the KID Museum summer camps.

When: June 20 - Aug. 26
Cost: $490
Where: Davis Library 6400 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda; 3 Bethesda Metro Center Suite 140, Bethesda
Online: kid-museum.org

Calleva Summer Camp

Anny Patterson via Pexels

A definite DC favorite, Calleva Summer Camp runs from June to Aug. for ages 5 to 16 in both Maryland and Virginia. Transportation is provided at no additional cost, and buses pick up Walt Whitman High School, Glen Echo Parking Lot, Chevy Chase Elementary School and Eastern Middle School in MD and at Arlington Planetarium, Guy Mason Rec Center and the Madeira School in VA. Camp days are filled with rock climbing, fishing, boating, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. 

When: June - August
Cost: Starting at $600/week 
Where: Various locations 
Online: calleva.org

Sidewell Friends Summer Camps

Sidewell Friends

Children 3-18 can enroll in camps that cover the arts, fashion, robotics, business tennis  and more. Let your kids play all day, or opt for half-day sessions to fill their mornings with fun. 

Editor's Note: At the time of publishing, Sidwell Friend's camp line up was not yet released. This story will be updated when we receive additional information. 

Cost: Varies
Where: DC Campus, 3825 Wisconsin Ave NW; Bethesda Campus, 5100 Edgemoor Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814
When: June - August
Online: sidwellsummer.org

—Mary Martha Aubry and Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured photo: Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

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Becoming a Big Sib Isn’t Easy but This Book Can Help

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

Becoming a big brother or sister is an exciting time for firstborns. Days of solo playtime can now be replaced with magical adventures with a lifelong companion. While a new baby coming into the picture is indeed a joyous moment, it’s also a transitional period for the entire household. Schedules, routines and family outings all begin to change, which can be overwhelming for kids to process.

If you’re struggling to ease your youngster into this life-altering milestone, a relatable book may do the trick–and we have just the one for you! HarperCollins’ newly released Just Harriet introduces a precocious young girl named Harriet who is having trouble accepting a new baby that’s coming into the picture. Though she was promised that everything would stay the same, life is starting to feel different, especially since she’s sent to stay with her grandmother during the summer.

Written by Elana K. Arnold, the award-winning author of A Boy Called Bat, this young middle-grade story helps readers seven years and up understand and work through change. With some adventure along the way and a mystery that Harriet stumbles upon (and sets out to solve), kids will enjoy this transformative book.

The Story

Meet Harriet Wermer. A rising fourth-grader who enjoys adventure, playing with her orange Tabby cat named Matzo Ball, and spending time with her mom and dad. She doesn't like change and is known for telling a little white lie every now and then.

Although Harriet would much rather be alongside her parents during summer break, she learns that her parents won’t be able to spend time with her. Since her dad has to work and her mom is ordered to stay on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy, Harriet must stay with her grandmother and her grumpy old basset hound named Moneypenny.

Fortunately for Harriet, her Nanu (as she calls her) runs a cozy bed and breakfast on a small island off the coast of California. There, she makes new and interesting friends, finds a summer of adventure and may even unveil a surprise–one that involves her dad, a secret key and a treasure hunt. Can Harriet solve the mystery, and most importantly, come to terms with her new role of becoming a big sis?

 

Just Harriet is a wonderful addition to your child’s bookshelf that focuses on family life, personal growth and life changes. Purchase the book now and join Harriet in her exciting adventures!

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Books That Inspire Fresh Beginnings & Positive Habits

By Keira Pride

Nearly thirty years ago, at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, poet Maya Angelou read her composition On the Pulse of Morning, a poem that encouraged fresh beginnings and positive habits even while lamenting the failings of our past, notably those related to the environment. On the Pulse of Morning is about nature, but like all fine poems, it speaks to larger themes, imparting wisdom between the lines and new insights with each re-read. Among this poem’s broad messages are that humans, by virtue of their intellects, do have the capacity to change, and that Hope is a motivator. Hope for a better future can be the basis for fresh beginnings and new habits.

The sentence that I love most is, “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” I love it because the “horizon leaning forward” is figurative language that could represent the mission of any good school. We want our schools to be places where all our students have the space and the resources to reach their potential as scholars and problem-solvers, where they are free to stumble and then start over, where they develop positive and lasting habits of mind, among them empathy and remaining open to continuous learning.

It is in this spirit—and at the onset of the new horizon of 2022—we recommend some stories that speak to fresh beginnings and feature personal growth themes and amplify ideas we promote in our schools.

Preschool

Because Amelia Smiled Written and Illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Amelia’s smile and her general happiness go on to cause a chain reaction of goodwill and inspiration that continues across several other countries and eventually back to Amelia. The message here is strong: one person’s action can make a difference, like ripples in the ocean. When we do kind things for other people, they are more likely to do kind things themselves. Stein’s bright pencil, crayon and watercolor illustrations make this book a treasure.

Kindergarten

The Longest Storm Written by Dan Yaccarino
A beautifully illustrated picture book about the importance of having coping skills. This author/illustrator places a metaphor moment where the storm forces the family into total darkness and isolation. “There was nothing to do and too much time to do it.” Once the family realizes that they can work together, they find forgiveness and comfort in each other. The importance of saying sorry, as well as healing and moving on as a family are clearly portrayed on the pages of this book. A great conversation starter for some tough topics.

Grades One & Two

Manjhi Moves a Mountain Written by Nancy Churnin, Illustrated by Danny Popovici
This incredible true story is about a man so determined, he spent 22 years chiseling through a mountain. The breathtaking double-page watercolor illustrations capture the decades-long timeline and determination of Manjhi. In a small village deep in India the townspeople at first ridiculed him. He was eventually joined by his community, transforming him to a legend. The book includes a way for readers to share their own experiences and celebrates kids who do acts of kindness, good deeds, and encouraging kindness to spread.

The Bad Mood and the Stick Written by Lemony Snicket and Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
This brilliant and unique story tells the tale of a bad mood and a stick, and ponders the cause and effect of each of them. They travel around the town, poking brothers, falling in mud puddles, and missing out on ice cream. When the stick has a cocoon on it, the ice cream store owner displays it for all to see. What becomes of the bad mood? The striking gouache, ink, and pencil illustrations, show us where the bad mood travels, and how a bad mood can be cured. This personification of a bad mood gives children a tool through which they can gain understanding about the way moods work and impact our lives.

Grades Three to Five

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia Written by Miranda Paul, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunan
This inspiring true story is about Isatou Ceesay, who began a movement to do something about the plastic bags that were polluting her community. The bags were being discarded everywhere, which led to dirty water, mosquitoes, and eventually sickening the goats who began eating them. With unique art and native words interspersed throughout, the story follows persistent Isatou who thinks outside the box and ignores the laughter to solve this town’s problem.

Middle School

Stuntboy, In the Meantime Written by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raul the Third
Newbery Medal honoree and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds and graphic novel artist Raul the Third collaborated on this hilarious, hopeful, and action-packed illustrated chapter book about the greatest young superhero you’ve never heard of. The main character, Portico Reeves, creates a superhero persona to help himself deal with bullies, his family issues, and his own anxiety. Stuntboy is a hero with determination and a true heart of gold, even when his problems make life hard. This book is full of comics but has a deep and meaningful story that many middle schoolers will appreciate.

Pony Written by RJ Palacio
The Author of Wonder brings us this historical fiction story which takes place in 1860 Ohio. Twelve-year-old Silas witnesses his Scottish immigrant father’s abduction, and must push himself past all his fears while on a mission to rescue him. It becomes a hero’s journey, on which Silas feels like Telemachus from Greek mythology. The other star of the book is the Arabian pony with a white skull on his face that seemingly understands how to help his travel partner. This is a story about resilience and bravery, companionship, and family bonds. Included as illustrations are daguerreotype portraits, which are fun and help to visualize the characters in their era.

Photo: Stratford School

 

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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A Remarkable Education Comes from the Heart

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

As parents, we highly value education. While on the hunt for a school with exceptional academics it can be easy to forget one crucial component: emotional learning, otherwise known as “EQ”. For 145 years, Sacred Heart Schools has been instilling a love of learning in students, while shaping them to achieve their best and be their best selves. With the support of exceptional teachers and staff, their approach to education combines a challenging curriculum within a nurturing environment.

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet virtually with the leaders of their grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

All Faiths Are Welcome

Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, PK-8 school that welcomes students of all faiths, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. In fact, 40% of the students are not Catholic; all major faiths are represented in a wide range of learners. As an independent school, Sacred Heart benefits from their relationship with the Chicago Archdiocese, but is self-governing and free to craft their own unique vision and innovative curriculum. As one parent says, “The school does an excellent job, regardless of your religious affiliation, of teaching children how to create and navigate their own moral compass.”

Sacred Heart Education Is Accessible to All Students

The tuition assistance program helps make Sacred Heart education accessible to children from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial means. Varying awards are made based upon demonstrated need, up to 95% of tuition. Nearly 30% of Sacred Heart students receive some level of tuition assistance.

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet virtually with the leaders of their grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

 

Students of All Ages Thrive

In this welcoming, diverse school community, students feel valued, cared for, respected, and celebrated. Sacred Heart Schools serves children in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in three academic groups: Primary School (grades PK-2), Lower School (grades 3-5) and Middle School (grades 6-8). Preschool and senior kindergarten are coed, and grade level classrooms are organized by gender—giving children an opportunity to develop their own voice and build confidence within themselves. However, many elements of campus life are coeducational. 

Students Are Enriched Beyond the Classroom

With 40 different after-school clubs and classes and 50 competitive sports teams, there’s no shortage of extracurricular activities to pique your child’s interests and continue their learning when the school day is done. (FYI: It’s one of the largest elementary school athletic programs in Illinois!) From dance to music lessons, Science Olympiad to basketball, students can choose from a range of offerings to solidify friendships and be involved. Families can also choose to enroll their children in Before and After School Care. (Before School Care is free for students in PK-8 and After School Care is free for SK-8 students.)

Students Are Committed to Social Justice and Making the World a Better Place

Sacred Heart is guided by five principles— faith, intellect, service, community, and personal growth. Social justice is woven into the curriculum at Sacred Heart Schools—providing students the chance to give back and see the meaningful impact of their actions. Instilling strong values shapes students into active and informed members of the local community and responsible global citizens. 

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet virtually with the leaders of their grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

 

Graduates Attend Chicago’s Best High Schools

Approximately 95% of Sacred Heart’s students are accepted to their first-choice high school. Students are thoughtfully guided through a high school counseling program where emphasis is placed on helping students find a secondary school that’s the best fit for their learning styles and interests. 8th graders leave well prepared for high school—quickly becoming leaders in academics, extracurriculars, and their new school community.  

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet online the leaders of each grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

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4 Ways Parents Can Hit the Reset Button in the New Year

By Deanna Pope-Toth

Are you one of those people who makes a New Year’s resolution, stays at it for a couple weeks and fall off the bandwagon? Every day of the year could be a day to start a new routine, kick a bad habit or to start something you’ve always wanted. Despite these facts,  the start of a New Year is a recurring date that reminds us we can make new goals and with the right help, we can follow through. 

Here are some of my tips to help you get started off in the right direction in 2019. The clarity gained by hitting “reset” can have transformative effects to our minds, our health and our families.

De-clutter.

Clutter has a way of making us feel overwhelmed. So many people I know have a tendency to accumulate things. Is there really a point on hanging on to your child’s entire newborn wardrobe? 

Pick a couple items that are really near to you and hang on to them. We tend to place tremendous value on things and fret letting go of them. The relief accompanied by purging things is clarifying. Here are some suggestions of what you can toss:

  • Ttoys not used in a really long time? Toss ’em—donate to second-hand store or try to reclaim some money by consigning them. 
  • Food in your cupboards contributing to making you feel meh? Toss ’em±unopened dry goods can go to your local food bank. 
  • Do you spend most days thinking, “I wish I looked great, but instead I feel meh? Donate your clothes and if you’re environmentally-conscious like me, thrift for new ones! You’ll save money and you won’t feel so bad getting light wear out of them and re-donating them for a fresh st‌yle.  
  • If you’re holding on to lots of family heirlooms or memories, consider taking pictures of these items, filing them and donating the rest of the stuff. Letting go of some of the old things in our lives helps make way for the new.

Schedule a meeting—a very important meeting—with your partner.

Talk about what’s most important to you as a family. Set a family “mission statement” to discuss the most important feature of your family. Is it eating clean? Is it more quality time with family? Is it personal growth? 

Define what your unique mission is and then work to achieve it. Is the piano lesson that your daughter dreads going to giving her life and meaning? Is it helping you achieve your mission statement? If the answer to these questions is no, then pull her out of it and explore something that gives meaning to the mission. 

Don’t do things just because you think you ought to.

Read something that helps “reset” your mindset.

The self-help aisle at the book store might be something you’ve avoided for a while, yet there’s nothing like reading a book from start to finish to help reframe your perspective. 

I think many would agree with me when I say the effect of reading a book is much more beneficial for self-improvement than just skimming random articles on the internet. (Check out goodreads.com for personalized suggestions about what books are up your alley.)

Incorporate small, daily affirmations or meditation.

As a parent, I’m (fairly) certain you’ve heard of The Little Engine Who Could: “I think I can, I think I can.” As a parent, you can either repeat the same words (without relating too much to a train) or you can be more specific. 

Mantras are often really effective when we push out our negative self-talk with an affirmation. For example, sometimes I doubt myself as a parent, I’m too rigid, I’m not fun enough, my kids can’t just be kids and while sometimes realizations can help prompt change, sometimes these thoughts invade our space and prevent us from being the best we can be. 

To counteract some of my “bad-parent” negative self-talk, I repeat to myself, “I’m an amazing parent,” “I am doing all that I can,” “My kids are so lucky to have me and my care for them.” Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

To be effective, set aside at least 10 minutes a day to sit quietly and boost yourself up with positive affirmations.

It’s time to set your New Year on fire and make this the best year yet with clarity, vision and purpose. 

 

This post originally appeared on MomsCandidConversations.

Hi, I'm Deanna. Mom and step-parent and I'm dedicated to positively contributing to the parenting community! 

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6 Dream Family Cruises That Set Sail from San Diego

by Kerry Cushman

Ready to turn your 2020 vacation plans way, way up? Picture your family on a two-week Aloha cruise to Hawaii, sailing through the Panama Canal over Thanksgiving, on a dazzling Disney ship or a luxury yacht in the Sea of Cortez. Yep, these incredible family cruises sailing out of San Diego are seriously next-level. It’s a whole new decade and time to make some travel memories. Read on to check out these dream family cruises and make plans to set sail on a vacation your family will never forget.

Hawaiian Islands on Carnival Miracle

Kerry Cushman

The anticipated return of Carnival to the Port of San Diego means families can set sail in 2020 with an affordable price tag. While a weekend cruise to Ensenada or weeklong trip to Mexico is always a good idea, Carnival’s 15-day dream cruise to Hawaii is a top pick. Hop aboard the Carnival Miracle for a round-trip sailing from San Diego to Hawaii with stops in Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona and Hilo.

While you’ll love catching the aloha spirit exploring the Hawaiian Islands, life onboard is also pretty sweet. The whole family can get into the groove with karaoke, onboard pools, mini-golf and a waterslide. You'll also love Seuss at Sea, where the pages of the beloved books come to life in a Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast, story time and parade. When you’re ready to hit the adults-only pool or spa, kids ages 2-11 will have a blast at the complimentary kids camp, Camp Ocean. With age-based groups and activities, they’ll play games, dance, explore science and even share a kid-time meal together under the watchful eye of experienced counselors. Throw in 24-hour pizza and ice cream and your little ones will surely believe in miracles.

Sailing: Carnival Miracle

South Pacific on Holland America's Oosterdam

Alexander P.F. Stijlaart via flickr

Go all-in on vacation with an epic 28-day cruise to Hawaii and the South Pacific on Holland America’s Oosterdam. This dream-come-true cruise departs San Diego and heads west exploring Hawaii before it crosses the equator to the magical islands of the South Pacific. Here, you'll stop to explore Christmas Island, Bora Bora, Papeete and Moorea before returning nearly a month later to San Diego.

While it’ll be hard to pull yourself away from the stunning aqua waters, onboard you’ll want to explore Holland America’s BBC Earth Experiences, which brings the ocean and natural world closer through concerts and film. Or, catch a live performance on the Lincoln Center Stage. Kids and teens have a space of their own to explore at Club Hal, a supervised spot with age-appropriate games and activities such as LEGO's, Xbox, scavenger hunts and karaoke disco parties. While they’re having fun, parents can relax by the pool, order room service or work on their personal growth with Holland America’s partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine, which brings to life the magazine’s commitment to wellness and the inspirational power of travel.

Sailing: Holland America's Oosterdam

Panama Canal on Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Cruises

Thanksgiving just went from frazzled to care-free on a holiday cruise aboard Celebrity Summit. Celebrity Cruises is known for elevated dining options, modern decor and world-class entertainment, which means you can leave the gourmet cooking to them while you take in the American Ballet Theatre or a musical show. Kids and teens will love Camp at Sea with more than 500 activities designed just for them.

This 15-night dream cruise departs San Diego and stops in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica before it heads through the Panama Canal to Columbia and Fort Lauderdale. Take your vacay up a notch further and book a suite-class room, which includes 24-hour personal butler service, menus by a Michelin-starred chef and exclusive access to The Retreat, a posh sundeck with modern design and dedicated attendants.

Sailing: Celebrity Summit

Sea of Cortez on Ponant L'Austral

Filippo Vinardi via Ponant

If you prefer a more intimate experience, consider an expedition ship aboard French luxury cruise line, Ponant. This 12-night sailing aboard mega-yacht L'Austral departs San Diego and ends in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Along the way, families will marvel and experience the Sea of Cortez, an area known for its aquarium-like marine life. Here, families can take a Zodiac inflatable to shore with an experienced naturalist guide who provides an expert insight into the land, sea, animals and culture. Families will also have the opportunity to get up close & personal to sea lions in Los Islotes or discover marine wildlife with an experienced instructor. With only 132 staterooms, guests will be treated to a luxury experience typically not available on a larger ship, including personal service, gastronomic cuisine and the priceless feeling of being on your own private yacht.

Sailing: Ponant's L'Austral

Mexican Riviera on Disney Cruise Lines

Disney

Disney fans will flip for an epic spring vacation or holiday cruise with their favorite Disney pals. Onboard you’ll not only find your little one’s favorite Disney characters, but fireworks at sea, pools, deck parties and broadway-quality shows. Choose a 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise in March or April and you'll cruise round-trip from San Diego with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Or make it the merriest Christmas of all time with a 14-night holiday cruise from San Diego through Mexico, the Panama Canal and ending in Galveston, Texas.

Sailing: Disney Cruises

World Cruise on Holland America's Maasdam

Boris Kasimov via flickr

If you’re ready to flip the switch on regular life, a world cruise on Holland America will be a trip your family will never forget. Imagine world-schooling on a 63-night cruise departing San Diego and sailing through Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands before crossing the International Dateline. Next you'll stop in Tonga before circumnavigating Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. This epic trip is aboard Holland America’s Maasdam and includes experiences highlighting regional culture through programs such as Port to Table food demonstrations and live dance performances. Gain a greater appreciation of the world through BBC Earth Experiences or Explorations Central, which offers local port insights to make your epic trip even more meaningful.

Sailing: Holland America's Maasdam

—Kerry Cushman

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4 Ways to Introduce Mindfulness to Children

By Beverly Conyers

Photo: Pexels

We’ve all heard that mindfulness is great for de-stressing our life. But can mindfulness also be good for kids? Absolutely! In fact, many schools teach some version of mindfulness to help students of all ages cope with stress, build relationship skills, and improve self-worth. 

We can give kids the same benefits at home by incorporating mindfulness into their daily routine. Even if kids are too young to understand the word, they get the concept when they see us model mindful behavior. What’s more, by helping our kids learn valuable mindfulness skills, we inject some much-needed mindful relief into our own busy schedule! Here are four easy ways to get started.

1. Pay attention. The essence of mindfulness is learning to be where we actually are. When it comes to our kids, this means setting aside time every day to give them our undivided attention. Sure, we have to teach them to put away their toys, pick up their clothes, and do their homework. But we also need to let them know that we value them as human beings. We do this by finding uninterrupted time—maybe at the dinner table or during the bedtime routine—to actually see and listen to them. When we give our kids our undivided attention, we teach them how to focus, how to be respectful of others, and how to value themselves as worthwhile individuals.  

2. Cultivate compassion. Young children are naturally self-centered. It takes time to develop kindness, empathy, and compassion, important emotional skills that promote healthy relationships. We can use mindfulness to help kids develop those skills by encouraging them to pay attention to their feelings. We can say things like “How did that make you feel?” or “It’s okay to be sad (or angry or scared).” We can also open up about our own emotions, letting them know that we, too, have feelings. Finally, we can ask them to imagine what others are feeling. Role-playing with puppets and other favorite toys can help young children connect on an emotional level, while older kids enjoy exploring the feelings of characters in books, movies, and TV shows. By planting seeds of compassion, we help kids grow into caring, emotionally intelligent adults.

3. Spend time in nature. Kids are instinctively engaged by the natural world—whether it’s the sky, the sea, a city park, or even a bug on a blade of grass. Nature is the great sustainer and connector, tangible evidence of the interconnectedness of all things. Through the mindful practice of nurturing kids’ connection with the natural world, we give them a foundation for sorting out what’s real and lasting as opposed to what’s superficial and fleeting. What’s more, helping kids see themselves as part of a greater whole—a basic tenet of mindfulness—nurtures their mind and spirit and promotes personal growth.

4. Practice patience. If we had to express mindfulness in a single word, “breathe” would be a good choice. After all, focusing on the breath is a time-honored way to get out of an emotional spiral and focus on the present moment. It’s also a reminder of the importance of patience. Although we live in a world of instant gratification, kids—like all of us–need to learn patience in order to cope with adversity, interact successfully with others, and set and achieve goals. Something as simple as explaining that the cake in the oven takes time to bake can help kids appreciate the concept of patience. And when they insist that they want it now, we can give them a hug, remember that growing up takes time, and remind ourselves to “just breathe!” 

Finally, making mindfulness part of your parenting toolkit need not be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, it’s more of an attitude than a “to do” list. By incorporating mindful behaviors into your own life, you teach kids valuable skills that will pay big dividends for years to come.

Beverly Conyers is a mother of three grown children. As one of the most respected voices in wellness and recovery, she is the author of the upcoming book, Find Your Light. In the book, she shares how mindfulness can help anyone overcome habitual self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that prevent us from reaching our full potential.

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