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parenting

Be a Better Example If You Want to be a Better Parent

December 3, 2020

Being a better parent is something we all try to be for our kids.  There are lots of ways we can do so, but one of the most effective and … Read more

Categories General, Parent Up Tags advice on parenting, kidventure, parenting, summer camps in texas

Pandemic – Lonely Kids – and the Power of Camp

October 30, 2020

Undoubtedly, the pandemic has altered our lives like no other event in recent history.  Its impact on the health and well being of people near and far is well documented.  … Read more

Categories Austin, Dallas, General, Houston, Parent Up Tags advice on parenting, children's mental health, parenting, summer camps, texas summer camps
5 things you can do to support our kids mental health

5 Things We Can Do To Support Our Kids Emotionally Right Now

September 22, 2020

With each passing day during this pandemic, it can be hard to maintain a positive outlook.  Our desire to return to a ‘normal’ life gets questioned and hope and faith … Read more

Categories Austin, Dallas, General, Houston, Parent Up Tags children's mental health, mental health, parenting

Energizers: ‘Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup’ and ‘The Peel Song’

April 6, 2020

Come one kids and parents, it’s time to get yourself up and moving with Kidventure’s weekly Energizers. This week it’s two timeless camp favorites. First, get your hips into this one as we present ‘Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup’. Then it’s ‘The Peel Song’. Peel away everyone and lets have fun!

Categories Basecamp, Energizers Tags activities for kids during coronavirus, kidventure camp, parenting

Tissue Paper Painting Art Project

April 1, 2020

For this activity, your camper will create their own masterpiece with paper, tissue paper, and white crayons!  A fun activity where they will be able to admire their artwork for days to come…maybe even frame it!

Categories Basecamp, Projects Tags activities for kids, activities for kids at home, activities for kids during coronavirus, art, camp, kidventure camp, painting, parenting

The Power Of Summer Camps To Alleviate Stress, Anxiety And Depression In Generation-Z

December 28, 2023July 22, 2019

Special thanks to guest writer, Emma Johnson Gen-Zers are a complicated bunch living in an even more complicated world. Not only are they the first generation born into an already-mobile … Read more

Categories General Tags health and well being, parenting

Child Behavior Tips: Think Smarter not Harder

December 28, 2023September 28, 2018

We are proud to have Katie Casey as a Guest Blogger this week.  Katie is a Fifth Grade teacher, serves as a Summer Camps Manager for Kidventure and provides workshops … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags child behavior, child development, family issues, parenting

P e r s p e c t i v e

September 13, 2018

June 7, 2018 My son, Michael Bennett was wheeled in to the Pre-Op room at about 8:30 AM.  His nervous excitement and uneasy playfulness was on glorious display for all … Read more

Categories Parent Up, Peanut's Story Tags adoption, kidventure, kidventure camp, Michael Bennett, parenting, special needs

24 Years, Kids, and the Power to Change

December 28, 2023February 7, 2018

    24 years of running camp programs has taught us a lot.  Don’t invite raccoons into the cabins with open containers of Oreos, always make sure the bus driver … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags austin summer camps, child development, kidventure camp, parenting

Parenting the Injustice League

November 20, 2017

So here is my dire situation… I am heading into the wee hours of my 40’s.  I’m not going to say my exact age, but I might have only months … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags children, parenting, raising kids, summer camps in austin, summer camps in dallas, texas summer camps

Talking to Your Kids About Tragedy

October 6, 2017

Recent tragedies like the Las Vegas shootings and hurricanes cause anxiety and unrest in all of us to one degree or another.  As adults,  it can be difficult for us … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags kidventure camp, parenting, tragedy

Adopting a New Perspective

March 31, 2017

“To adopt a child is to broaden the life of everyone who is touched by the experience.” Almost three years ago, lives were changed forever.  In a nine-story institutional highrise, in … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags adoption, china adoption, Family Matters, kidventure, parenting

The 10 Essential Skills For Raising Your Child: Part 2

January 9, 2024April 12, 2016

Imagine for a moment if we left the teaching of character and kindness up to our presidential candidates, reality TV shows, and video games. Would the example those outlets demonstrate … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags character, kidventure camp, parenting, raising your child

A Simple Stick and the Downfall of Western Civilization

September 30, 2015

I had an epiphany at the elementary school near our house just the other day. It happened as my feet landed oh so softly on the modern playground surface at the … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags kidventure, parenting, playgrounds

Yeah, I Love It

January 9, 2024July 24, 2015

I really love overnight camp. Yeah, I know I’m the camp owner and have done this sort of thing for 21 summers in a row now, but having just returned … Read more

Categories Austin, Houston, Parent Up Tags kids, overnight camp, parenting

Barton Creek to New York

May 12, 2015

My boy Michael Bennett has the most infectious smile I have ever seen. His will and his persistence at simple common tasks is unflapable and inspiring.  Not to mention, he is quite … Read more

Categories Peanut's Story Tags adoption, children, parenting

Risk Should be Child’s Play

October 28, 2014

Just last week, I was invited by a local middle school to speak to 8th graders on the topic of risk. A fitting audience, since I consider the middle school … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags building confidence, parenting, parenting advice, risk taking
Online Cyberbullying

Online Cyberbullying Just Got Way Easier

January 9, 2024September 25, 2014

My kids’ school district brought to our attention a specific social media app that has filtered down from college campuses to our High School and making its way to Middle … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags bullying, cyberbullying, high school, parenting, social media, teens

For Better or Worse: 5 Things Your Kids Will Probably Never Do That You Did

March 6, 2014

The other day the phone book was delivered to my doorstep. Remember the phone book? It used to be an essential repository of information when looking up a phone number … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags camping, family road trip, featured, kidventure, parenting

Ping Pong, Humility and Bigger Life Lessons

January 17, 2014

Sunday evening I was beaten by my 13 year old boy at ping pong.  He has never beaten me at ping pong. He beat me four games in a row. … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags competition, parenting, sons

Give Your Kid the Greatest Gift This Holiday…Your Time

December 18, 2013

Time. It seems like we have less of it with every passing year.  As a parent, time can be our best friend or our worst nemesis and too often we … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags holidays, parenting

The Demise of Play

December 28, 2023September 25, 2013

Okay, maybe I’m old fashioned. Maybe I am not as progressive as others. Nevertheless, the term ‘play date’ has got to be one of the most frustrating and confusing word … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags featured, health and well being, parenting, play

A Case for Why Everyone Benefits from Special Needs Kids

January 9, 2024March 14, 2013

                  This coming summer my organization,Kidventure, will initiate a summer camp pilot program called Voyager that provides a mainstreamed camp for kids with … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags education, kidventure, parenting, special needs, voyager

Serve Your Kids Some Humble Pie and Teach Them to Be Thankful

January 9, 2024November 21, 2012

Let’s face it, for most of us reading this blog, we’ve got it good.  Even when we think we might not, the overwhelming majority of the world faces far greater … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags empathy, parenting, poverty

Four for Four Years: Parenting Lessons For Our Elected Officials

October 30, 2012

Whether you are Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal, being a parent trumps everything Washington can offer up.  And if you are like me, as much as you are proud … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags elected officials, lessons, parenting

Are We Tending To Our Kids’ Roots?

July 31, 2012

An old man hired a young man to come and help him build an orchard on a mountain. They divided the land into halves, each responsible for growing and caring … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags advice on parenting, Family Matters, parenting

Big Challenges, Small Solutions

May 15, 2012

I think often that some of the most important lessons in life come not from inspirational speakers, therapists and yoga instructors, but from kids.  Perhaps it is the way they … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags juvenile cancer, parent lessons, parenting

Life Without Sportscenter and Phineas and Ferb: The Update

March 7, 2012

                          It has been one month since we pulled the plug on cable TV in the McDonell home.  … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags parenting, raising children, television

We Did It. Goodbye Snooki

February 7, 2012

                          My wife and I made a decision to cut the ties of cable television.  Beginning today the … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags child development, connecting with your kids, family life, Family Matters, parenting, television

What if We Ate All Our Kids’ Halloween Candy

November 4, 2011

I don’t know about you, but I have been guilty of sneaking some of the kid’s candy after Halloween. Personally, I am partial to the Kit-Kats and peanut M&M’s. What … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags crying kids, Halloween, parenting

7 Connections with Your Kid

October 10, 2011

I have three kids, ages 6, 11 and 14.  Each is a unique and individual representation of their mother and father’s DNA.  Moreover, each of my kids possesses their own … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags connecting with your kids, family life, parenting, parenting ideas

Old School Lessons in a Texting Age

October 12, 2010

In our humble home we have succumb to the trappings of the mobile phone for our 13 year old.  I admit, I fought it at first, holding that the phone … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags advice on parenting, mobile phones, parenting, teens

Jaime Oliver: Teaching Kids to Cook/Fighting Obesity

January 9, 2024October 1, 2010

Jamie Oliver has been drawn to the restaurant kitchen since he was seven or eight. First working in his father’s pub-restaurant and then training in England and France, he not … Read more

Categories Parent Up Tags child obesity, cooking, jaime oliver, parenting

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  • Programs
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    • Houston Day Camps 14 Locations Across Houston
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    • Specialty Programs
    • After School Ages 5-12 – Year Round
    • Overnight Camps Ages 8-16 – Texas Hill Country
  • About Us
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    • Refund And Billing Policies
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    • SCHOLARSHIPS
    • Frequently Asked Questions
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