Julia Sims: Summer learning

If you're like us, every time summer rolls around there's a sweet sigh of relief at our house. No dreaded homework assignments! No tests to take! But, that doesn't mean there isn't a whole lot of learning taking place.

Summer is an opportunity to try new things.Have you seen the camps they offer? You can find everything from theater to parkour to Colonial America and Harry Potter-themed camps.

Will loves anything to do with sports and so that's where our summer path tends to lead. Through experimenting with different camps, Will has discovered a love for tennis. To see that look of excitement in your child's eyes when they talk about learning a new skill or to hear that sense of pride when they master a difficult move ... well, you can't beat it.

Summer art classes have also been a hit. Of course, this time has also been helpful in weeding out things Will thought he might like, but ultimately didn't.

When Will first started doing summer day camps, I conferred with other moms to make sure he was always in a program with one of his friends. Now, we go with what works for us and if it includes friends, that's great! If it doesn't, that's OK too. You see, we've learned summer is also a great time to make new friends too.

Soon enough, Will will be back in the classroom and we will be back to the business of homework and school projects. So for now, we're enjoying all that summer has to offer ... and the learning that goes along with it.