A travel and adventure journal is a cherished memory

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Children
Claire Hanlon

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School’s out for summer!

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A travel and adventure journal is a way to cherish memories.

Whether you have big travel plans, a cottage or trailer, summer sports and swimming lessons, or you will simply enjoy the beauty and carefree sunny days at home here in the valley, your children will no doubt have a summer full of fun!

Although I am not a particularly creative and crafty Mommy, I love giving my girls little projects to work on during the summer months. One of our favourites is creating travel and adventure journals. These journals can be as simple or as detailed as their ages and imaginations allow.

A travel and adventure journal is wonderful for a child of any age! The benefits of creating this type of book include documenting memories, helping with printing and drawing skills, celebrating joyful moments and looking for the greatness in every day … just to name a few.

Here are some ideas to get your children started on their very own summer journals.

First, select what type of book you will use for the journal. You can buy a simple notebook from the dollar store or grocery store. If you are looking for something fancier, you could visit your favourite bookstore or craft supply store to find a book made specifically for scrapbooking or journaling. If you prefer to start from scratch, you can create a template on the computer including spaces for pictures and writing. Print multiple copies of the template, and put them all together in a file folder that your child can decorate. Ultimately, any book will do!

Next, have your children fill out a page every day, every week or during special weeks (such as camp week, vacation week, etc.). Encourage your child to draw about her favourite activity and to express why she enjoyed the activity or experience so much. You can add photos, stickers, pamphlets, receipts, tickets or any other item that reminds your child of her special time.

Finally, at the end of the summer, plan a book party as a family! Put aside a special afternoon or evening to sit together as a family to present your books to each other. Make it special with favourite foods and treats. Give each family member a chance to show off his or her book and talk about all of the favourite summer activities and memories. Moms and Dads, you can put together your own books too, or you can organize all of the photos from your family summer fun to present at this memory book party.

Have a wonderful, safe, and fun summer in our beautiful Kennebecasis Valley! With so much to do, so many lovely beaches and parks, activities and events, your children’s summer travel and adventure journals will be sure to be filled with fabulous memories in the making!

Claire Hanlon is a family consultant with a background in child development, education and counselling. She specializes in the positive and holistic development of parents and young children. Contact her at celebratingchildren@hotmail.com.