Category Archives: Host Family Tips

Camp Au Pair – STEM/Science week

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to do some amazing experiments that are sure to keep the kids engaged. Our Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/camp-au-pair-science-stem/

Here are just a few samples of the kind of thing you’ll find:

DIY Solar Oven from a repurposed cardboard box 35 Magical Science Experiments. Make crystal words, fireworks in a jar... tons of ideas!

Erica Stolan (11-19-17). I think this is an interesting science activity. I also believe it could be STEM related because it has to do a little with science math and engineering. Since Students will have to know how to build a sturdy structure to hold the weight of someone and relate gravity and mass into the task. Overall I think it is a fun science lab to incorporate. How to Make Butter in a Jar. Super cool science for kids. And it's so easy! Just 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients.

Mad scientists – have fun!

Camp Au Pair – Princesses and Knights

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to all be royalty. Pretend play is an important part of child development, and fun to boot! Princess, knight, dragon, fairy – they’re all here!

Our Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/camp-au-pair-princesses-knights/

Here are just a few samples of the kind of thing you’ll find:

Ribbon Wands - A Fun And Easy DIY Craft To Do With Your Girls by Somewhat Simple   Knights tunic! Made from a pillow case.

Fairy playdough recipe - Laughing Kids Learn How to make a fire breathing dragon using a cardboard toilet roll

Have fun with their royal highnesses!

Camp Au Pair – Backyard Safari

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus big animals – lions, tigers, elephants. The coolest. Maybe on Friday you could all head over to Como Zoo, if it’s open by then…. Here’s our Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/camp-au-pair-backyard-safari/

Here are just a few samples of the kind of thing you’ll find:

Jungle themed rainsticks - a simple and easy jungle themed craft perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. A wonderful music craft Elephant Stomp Gross Motor Activity on FSPDT

FREE ANIMAL TRACKS PUZZLES (Instant Download!) Learn about zoo animals by reading zoo books and practicing zoo animal yoga poses for kids. Learn, be active, and have fun!

It’s going to be wild!

Camp Au Pair – Car and Truck Week

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus on learning about cars and trucks. Most kids have a little gearhead in them, right? The board has a ton of great ideas for playing with cars and trucks. Here’s a Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/camp-au-pair-cars-trucks/

Here are just a few samples of the kind of thing you’ll find:

15 ideias para guardar (ou reaproveitar) carrinhos Hot Wheels | Macetes de Mãe  Balloon Powered LEGO Car – Science Sparks

DIY road signs for car play that are interchangeable and great for fine motor development from And Next Comes L Race Car Treats made from healthy fruit and veggies: Clementine segment + grapes + toothpicks = Fruit Race Car Mini bell pepper + baby carrot + toothpicks = Veggie Race Car

Let’s get motoring!

Camp Au Pair – Art Experiences

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus on learning about art. The board has a ton of great ideas for kid-made art, and also some advice for taking kids to the museum. Here in Minneapolis, we have some amazing museums and when there’s a rainy day. it can be the perfect activity. MIA in particular is very family-friendly and free. Here’s a Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/camp-au-pair-art-experiences/

Here are just a few samples of the kind of thing you’ll find:

Rock Painting Ideas & Painted Rock Crafts! Learn how to paint rocks and explore the best rock painting ideas for kids with the easy ideas. Have you ever found a painted rock in nature? Come see what we found! | #RhythmsOfPlay #ArtOutside #Rocks #NaturalLe Learn how to make colorful suncatchers from leftover homemade slime.

Combine math and art for creative kids. { These totally make trips like this much more fun! } Great tips and fun games ot play at the art museum.

Now go be creative!

Camp Au Pair – Dinosaur Week

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus on learning about dinosaurs. I think kids really like dinosaurs because it fascinating to think of such gigantic animals roaming the same places they do themselves. Here’s a Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/apiaminnesota/camp-au-pair-dinosaur-week/

Some of the things you’ll see there:

Salt dough dinosaurs Make your own dinosaur eggs, fun preschool craft from Projects for Preschoolers

Dinosaur shape game Awesome Dinosaur themed snack

 

Have a roaring good time!

Camp Au Pair – Under the Sea

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus on learning about the ocean!  There are so many amazing things to study in the sea. Here’s a Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/apiaminnesota/camp-au-pair-under-the-sea-week/

Some of the things you’ll see there:

Jellyfish craft Magnifying waterscope craft

Clever clothespin crafts - big fish little fish Bathtub Fishing- Make your own fishing game!

Camp Au Pair – Cooking with Kids

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus on learning about cooking with kids!  Kids love making something themselves that they get to eat. Here’s a Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/apiaminnesota/camp-au-pair-cooking-with-kids/

Some of the things you’ll see there:

Recipes from Your Child's Favorite Books. "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". Green Eggs & Ham pretzel snacks. A perfect snack to go with the Dr. Seuss book.

Tasty Science - Make your own solar oven to cook s'mores Make your own ice cream

Now get in the kitchen! Have a tasty week!

Camp Au Pair – Outer Space

Thanks to COVID19, a lot of kids are going to miss out on day camp this year. Our au pairs can run a weekly camp for the kids that will be even more fun, since it’s designed just for them! Plus they don’t have to spend all that time on the bus going back and forth. Every week I’ll post some ideas from the Au Pair in America Pinterest, Camp Au Pair boards. But feel free to browse them on your own.

This week we are going to focus on learning about outer space!  All kids like to learn about space, about the sun, moon, stars, etc. Here’s a Pinterest board with a ton of ideas for kids of every age. Check it out and pick one or two for every day this week.

https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/camp-au-pair-outer-space/

A few samples:

If you really want to get creative... Make a Jet Pack (from 2 liter bottles) for your little astronaut.this would be a great craft for the kids to learn the moon phases Outer space snack ideas for kids channeling my inner space nerd and perfect since we live in Huntsville!

Have fun and happy exploring!

Social Distancing: Free Virtual Escape Rooms

Libraries may be closed due to COVID-19, but many librarians are coming up with creative ideas to keep people entertained and promote literacy. One of those creative ideas is free virtual escape rooms. With a variety of themes, some may be fun to do on your own, others as activities with the kids.

Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA created this Hogwarts Virtual Escape Room. She shared this tutorial on how to create your own virtual escape room, which seemed to spark the creativity of many other librarians.

Some amazing librarians all over the country have been busy creating virtual escape rooms with a variety of themes.

Special thanks to the Humboldt County Library in Winnemucca, Nevada for gathering info on many of these escape rooms. Follow them on Facebook for their storytimes and weekly Facebook Live Science Time on Fridays.

Image: Canva.com