It was clear that after eight months of school and school work, and after cold, wet and gray weather that kept you indoors for too long, you are ready to enjoy the warmth of summer. Let No Child be Left Inside this summer!
What would you like to do this summer -- alone or with others? Have weekly, informal family gatherings to choose activities and plan your outings. You have 60 to 90 days depending on your location. You may choose to experience these activities either alone, with friends and siblings or the whole family. Here are a few ideas to play with.
Skipping Stones Stew
Waiting
Once,
Or maybe twice,
I was waiting,
I was nervous.
I felt
butterflies in my stomach,
A box closing in on me,
And the world waiting.
I saw
Only one way to go,
Back,
To turn around.
I heard
The drum of anticipation,
And everyone waiting,
Just for me.
I tasted
Bitter air,
All around me,
It was overpowering
I smelled
Nothing,
No encouragement,
Just the blank air of nervousness.
But,
That was long ago,
And now I realize,
I never needed to be nervous.
—Zach Robertson, 10, grade 5, Colorado
Nature
A gorgeous cycle
What a pretty sight to see
The purpose of life.
It happens each day
It’s right in front of your eyes
It gives the world life.
It gives the world hope
It created all of these things
Flowers, trees, animals.
I admire it
What is this thing we speak of?
Its called nature.
—Susana Chavez Morales, grade 8, Oregon.
Star Burst
I wished upon a wishing star,
And all I got was air.
I wished upon a shooting star,
And that night I lost my tooth.
I gained a buck, but that’s not what I wished.
I wished again and had a smile.
I prayed to God for the wish to reach the star.
Then, I woke the next day
Heard the door open
And found my dad home from the war.
—Samantha Schaefer, 13, grade 8, Pennsylvania.
“Since I grew up with the war, I never understood why our families had to risk their lives. When I picture the kids with parents who serve in the army, navy, coast guard, etc. I picture them sitting right by the door hoping that today will be the day they see them again.
“You can never let any kid forget about magic, even a simple whispered wish to a shooting star. It’s a key that sparks their inspiration and imagination, which guides them through their life. With every wish there is hope, and with every ounce of hope, there is reason to wake up to another day.”
