Summer Menu 2020
We created a summer program for our kiddos (ages 12 and 14) that would encourage them to try new activities or learn new concepts over these unusual weeks, rather than spend their summer in (self-perpetuating) solitary confinement hooked on screens all day while we worked from home. This summer is a tough one. Unable to play with friends, meet up at the movies, travel or otherwise have an enjoyable summer. Our hope is that this program helps them build positive memories, oh and use their brains, during the notorious summer of 2020.
The concept is simple — each week they are presented with a menu of options to choose from. There are 6 categories and they are to complete at least 2 boxes per day, and at least 2 for each category by the end of the week. Successful completion will earn them a paycheck! $$ (which is still substantially cheaper than any summer camp). They can do the minimum, but if they choose to take on more, they are rewarded with a higher paycheck at the end of the week. (Sometimes there are even surprise bonuses for hidden easter eggs or exceptional work!)
Guidelines:
Complete 2 blocks for each category (with at least 2+ blocks per day).
Each block should take at least 30 mins to complete. If you feel you are done in under 30 mins, work on it some more! Some boxes take hours.
For a job well done, completion of your weekly blocks will earn you a paycheck! Some blocks may earn a paycheck bonus! $$$
You are expected to be dressed and downstairs by 10am every weekday and through core hours from 10-4.
You are expected to clean up after your work and/or presentations.
Paycheck:
12 block minimum - $30
18 blocks! - $45
All 24 blocks!! - $60
NOTE: Some blocks earn a bonus!
WEEK 1
Alright this is the pilot week! They loved the concept and the idea of the Screenager category. Why fight it - they love screens. By somehow incorporating screens into the menu, we increased our probability of adoption.
WEEK 2
Well we received a good response by the kiddos from our pilot in week 1 and filled an entirely new grid of options for Week 2.
WEEK 3
To reduce the burden of coming up with 4 options per category (and to encourage them to select the few priority ones chosen), we went down to 3 options per category rather than 4. But the kiddos were not a fan of fewer options, so we went back to 4 options per category after this one week.
WEEK 4 - SpongeBob
Beginning this week, we decided to consolidate Reading and Writing into a single category called Literacy. This provided an opportunity to introduce a fun, themed category each week that would rotate, generate excitement and maintain enthusiasm with the kiddos. We started with a category everyone can enjoy — SpongeBob!
WEEK 5 - Random Holidays
The kids responded very well to the Mystery Category concept and began to eagerly await the next week’s menu to see what the new category (oh yeah, an options) might be. I stumbbled on so many obscure holidays for the kiddos to enjoy this week, so it became the theme.
WEEK 6 - Design
Ron added a few ‘secret activity’ boxes to help the kiddos prepare for my birthday. : )
WEEK 7 - Money
Hoping to help the kids with a few life lessons, we selected the mystery category of money!
WEEK 8 - Theme Parks
Tried something new this week, expanding the Mystery Category topic to a box under each of the other categories (all indicated in pink fill).
WEEK 9 - SHARK WEEK!
Well I loved carrying the Mystery Category theme into other boxes so much last week that we made the entire grid related to the Mystery Category! This week’s theme selected to coincide with the Discovery Channel’s tradition — SHARK WEEK!
WEEK 10 - Movies
By Week 10, the Mindcraft pun had run its course and I simply went with Summer Menu, as that’s what we’d been referring to it as for weeks.
We love movies in our home and have had a tradition of Friday Family Movie Night for years, where we rotate who picks the movie. Movie quotes are a part of our routine conversations and interaction and it seemed fitting for a week entirely inspired by movies!
WEEK 11 - The Great Outdoors
The kiddos really enjoyed last week’s movie theme — the videos they made were especially hilarious! Both kids noticed the Easter Egg elements hidden in last week’s menu, but only one saw it through to solve and received a bonus!
As summer winds down, we definitely needed a menu focused on the outdoors, to include a night in our tent in the backyard!
WEEK 12 - Mega Menu
The last week of summer! (sob sob) For funsies, we narrowed the menu down to just two challenges that required more time than a previous box. Liam’s writing took us by surprise and it felt like a nice way to wind down summer.