Creating your Summer Vision: A Trick to Make Summer Adventures Easier!

Creating Your Summer Vision: Make it Easy

Can you feel it? Those longer days, warmer breezes, and that whisper of summer just around the corner. Whether you're an experienced homeschooler or just considering taking the leap, summer offers a special opportunity to create intention and connection with your family. Today, I'm sharing one of our cherished family traditions that might just become yours too!

The Magic of May Planning

Every early May, our family sits down for what has become one of our most anticipated traditions – creating our Summer Vision. There's something so powerful about intentionally designing your summer rather than just letting it happen to you. And trust me, as someone who's juggled work, kids, and the constant question of "what should we do today?" – this practice has been a game-changer.

Our Summer Vision Process

Step 1: The Calendar Snapshot

First, my partner and I take stock of our summer landscape. We note when camps are scheduled, work commitments, family reunions, and our summer trip. This gives us the "bones" of our summer – showing us exactly what pockets of time we have to fill with magic.

Pro tip: During this step, we also assess how many structured activities each child can reasonably handle without our summer becoming a frantic rush from one thing to the next. For us, two activities per child feel just right – enough to explore interests without overscheduling.

Step 2: The Anything-Is-Possible Brainstorm

This is where it gets fun! We gather around our dining table with colorful markers and a big sheet of paper, and everyone contributes ideas for what would make this summer amazing. Nothing is off-limits at this point – going to Disney? Sure! Camping on Mars? Why not! The point isn't practicality yet; it's about dreaming big and hearing what matters to each family member.

I still smile thinking about last summer when our youngest insisted we add "find real fairy houses" to the list. While we didn't find actual fairies, we did spend a magical afternoon building fairy houses in our local woods – an activity that never would have happened without this process as I wouldn't have known to prioritize it.

Step 3: The Thoughtful Curation

After sleeping on our wild and wonderful list, we come back together for a family vote. Everyone gets to champion their top ideas, and we collaborate to create our final Summer Bucket List. This isn't about crushing dreams but helping everyone understand that while we can't do everything, we can prioritize what matters most.

Step 4: The Two Jars

Here's where our system really shines. We create two separate jars:

• The Family Jar holds activities we'll do together as a complete unit

• The One-on-One Jar contains special activities that can be done with just one parent and one child

Each week throughout summer, we draw one activity from the Family Jar. Additionally, each child gets to select one activity from the One-on-One Jar to enjoy with a parent that week.

Reduce the Mental Load of Summer Planning

There's something magical about this combination of structure and spontaneity. We know we'll have quality time together, but there's still an element of surprise each week when we draw from the jar.

Also, having the kids home so much without the structure of lessons and co-ops, plus working, my mom brain is too fried to think up new fun adventures each week. This really helps reduce my mental load and enables me to be more present.

And can I share something a bit vulnerable? Those one-on-one activities have become my absolute favorite part of summer. In our busy lives, having dedicated time set aside to connect with just one child at a time is precious beyond words. I've learned things about my children during these outings that never would have surfaced in our everyday family dynamics.

Define your Summer Values

Take some time and think about with your partner what you want the summer's overarching theme to be and your values. For us, our summer theme is being outside, and some of our values shift for the summer.

• Our Example: Summer Screen Time. We've found that changing our position on screen time during summer works for our family. Rather than seeing it as something to limit, we transform it into special events. Saturday movie nights move outside with a projector against the fence, and the kids can invite friends over. The combination of fresh air, community, and movies creates memories that far outshine regular indoor screen time.

Creating Your Own Summer Vision

Your family's version of this tradition might look completely different – and that's the beauty of it! The core elements to maintain are:

1. Intentionality – Consciously designing your summer rather than just letting it happen

2. Inclusivity – Making sure everyone's voice is heard in the planning

3. Balance – Creating a mix of structure and spontaneity

4. Connection – Prioritizing time to deeply connect with each family member

Your Turn: Create a Simple Summer Vision Board

Ready to try your own version? Here's a simple exercise to get started:

Materials needed:

• Canva or Google doc for the digital version, or good old large paper for the physical version

• Magazines for cutting out images or the internet

• Photos from previous summers

• Markers, stickers, and other decorative items

• Index cards or colorful paper

The Process:

1. Gather your family in a comfortable space with snacks and relaxed conversation

2. Each person shares 3-5 things they hope to do, learn, or experience this summer

3. Cut out or draw images that represent these hopes

4. Arrange them on your board, grouping similar themes together

5. Write your family's "summer motto" at the top (like "Summer 2025: Adventure Awaits!" or "Our Summer of Curiosity")

6. Display your vision board somewhere visible to reference throughout the season

This vision board serves as both a planning tool and a visual reminder of your family's shared dreams for the months ahead. When August rolls around, you'll love looking back at what you created together and celebrating all you experienced.

Remember This Truth

Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just considering the journey, summer offers a beautiful opportunity to practice intentional family time. Our children will only have so many summers under our roofs – 18 if we're lucky.

Creating a Summer Vision isn't about cramming in every possible activity or creating Instagram-perfect moments. It's about listening to each other, honoring what matters to everyone in your family, and creating a season that reflects your unique values and dreams.

Also, you matter, too. Take some time to determine what you want to do this summer that is just for you. Each summer, I sign up for some fun classes that I want to try. I will try spinning for the first time this summer and more advanced weaving techniques. This guarantees I will get some time to fill my own buckets this summer.

I'd love to hear: What's one thing you hope to experience with your family this summer? Share in the comments below, and let's inspire each other!