Learning Through Summer Play: Engaging Summer Programs for Your Centre 

Ages: Infant to 2 Years

1. Sensory Play Stations: Create various sensory stations with water, sand, and safe, tactile toys to stimulate exploration.
2. Nature Walks: Schedule short, guided walks around the centre with frequent stops to observe flowers, trees, and birds.
3. Baby Yoga: Introduce gentle movements and stretches that engage infants and toddlers, promoting physical development.
4. Story Time in the Garden: Plan outdoor storytelling sessions with picture books about nature and animals.
5. Music and Movement: Introduce musical instruments and dance activities to encourage rhythm and coordination.

Ages: 2 to 4 Years

1. Mini Gardeners: Plant easy-to-grow flowers or vegetables in small pots, teaching kids about plant life cycles.
2. Water Play Activities: Provide water tables with toys and tools for pouring, scooping, and splashing, enhancing motor skills.
3. Nature Art Projects: Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to create beautiful nature collages and art pieces. Children can even create dynamic collages within a defined space in grassy areas or on the pavement, using an assortment of objects from nature.
4. Animal Exploration: Learn about different animals each week with themed activities, songs, and crafts.
5. Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course to develop physical skills like crawling, jumping, and balancing.

Ages: 4 to 6 Years

1. Bug Hunts: Explore the outdoors using magnifying glasses and bug catchers to learn about insects.
2. Storybook Theatre: Encourage children to act out favourite stories, fostering imagination and language skills.
3. DIY Bird Feeders: Craft simple bird feeders and discuss the types of birds they might attract.
4. Science Experiments: Encourage wonder and curiosity with simple, safe experiments, like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, colour mixing, magnetism, etc.
5. Creative Art Time: Offer a variety of art supplies and let children create their own masterpieces inspired by nature. Demonstrate specific materials and techniques for children to explore.

Ages: 6 to 9 Years

1. Nature Journals: Encourage children to keep a journal of their observations and drawings from nature walks.
2. Scavenger Hunts: Organize themed scavenger hunts to teach children about different plants, animals, and ecosystems.
3. Outdoor Sports: Structure sports activities like soccer, relay races, and Frisbee to build teamwork and physical fitness.
4. Cultural Explorations: Create weekly themes exploring different cultures through food, music, dance, and crafts.
5. STEM Challenges: Provide engineering and science challenges, like building bridges with craft sticks or launching homemade rockets.

Ages: 9 to 12 Years

1. Eco-Projects: Engage in projects like creating a butterfly garden or building a compost bin to learn about environmental stewardship.
2. Outdoor Survival Skills: Teach basic survival skills, like knot tying, shelter building, and first aid.
3. Creative Writing: Inspire creative writing with prompts and encourage children to share their stories with the group.
4. Photography Club: Introduce photography basics and let children document their summer experiences in pictures, perhaps creating a Summer 2024 Photo Album.
5. Community Service Projects: Plan small community service activities, like litter clean-ups or helping in a community garden.

We hope this guide sparks new ideas and helps you craft a summer program filled with discovery, learning, and joy. Here is to a summer of adventure and growth for the children in your care!