Moms Talk: The Challenge of Summer Family Planning

Jennifer Bargerstock greets February and summer planning each year with trepidation and excitement.

Working full-time, and for many years as a single mom, summer planning takes careful consideration and logistical mapping to ensure both a happy family experience, ability to continue working, and summer pleasures for my boys and step-daughter. Taking visitation schedules, grandparents and vacation plans into account; as well as the changing needs as my boys become older teens, summer planning can be a formidable challenge.

Some of the kid’s favorites in the past have included overnight camp at the YMCA’s Camp Letts,  local sports camps through Fairfax’s Partakes, MYS soccer, and Enshin Karate in Falls Church as they grew and their interests changed.

 My stepdaughter has benefitted from Kent Gardens Elementary School summer offerings, allowing her to participate in science classes half the day, and finish up with sports camp for a well rounded week. Recently, her favorites have included dance at Falls Church Community Center, play camp, and tennis. This summer, she wants to try a fashion design camp and cheerleading. Having the kid’s interests guide the choices for summer camps makes the process happier for everyone – if they get into the right camps before they fill up.

As my boys became more independent and began to “age-out” of many local camps, I chose to change careers to better accommodate their needs and schedules, working from a home office. At 17 and 15 this summer, both boys are looking for freedom and time with their friends. Both have started looking for summer employment; registration has just started for lifeguard training, and they have considered whether to apply at local businesses or to work as camp counselors.

Thankfully, the coaches at McLean HS organize many opportunities for the kids to continue strength training, operate skills camps, and let the kids know of the local opportunities to play in summer leagues. Early morning workouts help keep my teens from playing video games all hours of the night most of the time!