Guest Author - Pam Garlick

Summer’s here, at least it feels like it. With it come memories of when my boys were young. Not to mention some childhood memories of my own. It’s funny how the things I remember most were probably the things that cost the least. Blame it on my imagination.

With the rising cost of gas it is no wonder some people are reconsidering taking a vacation this year. Still, it’s been proven vacations are important. It’s even been proven to increase productivity when one returns from vacation.

But who said you have to travel far for a vacation. Some vacations can be right in your own back yard, or if you don’t have one, someplace in your own neighborhood. However, for those of you who suffer from imagination atrophy, it may take a little practice.

So, go to an expert. Go to a child!

If you are reading this, you have access to the Internet. That can be an added plus. I mean, it isn’t called the World Wide Web for nothing. Do the math: 1 child + access to the world = creativity at its finest.

First, lay some ground rules, like how far you really are willing to travel. (ie: your backyard, neighborhood playground, local park, etc.) Another thing to decide is how much time you will spend on the Web. If you are like me, sometimes you spend more time on research than you do actually planning, not to mention actually doing what it is you want to do.

Last, but certainly not least, you need a budget. Will you go purchase a pup tent to set up for your camping trip in the wilderness (ie: your living room), or will you turn chairs backward and put a sheet over them. It amounts to the same thing. However, with sheets you may have money to rent a few movies with jungle themes.

If you camp, remember you need songs to sing around the campfire. Oh, by the way, a great indoor camp fire can be made with red and yellow cellophane paper over a flashlight or other battery operated lighting device, surrounded by a circle of bricks or stones. While cooking over a campfire inside or out should be done with extreme care. I suggest those little Sterno tins for roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Do it outside your tent, on a firm, fireproof surface. And always with adult supervision.

Would you like to go to London to visit the queen? Again do your research. Go to your local thrift shop and find an inexpensive gown, or make one out of material or an old sheet. It doesn’t need to be sewn by a pro, it just needs to be created with use of one’s imagination. Of course, a little glue and glitter may help, especially for a crown.

Ah, and what of the Royal Guard? Well, cardboard covered with fake fur can be made into one of those familiar hats. Oh, and imagine creating a throne for your queen to be seated when you make your visit. If you are lucky you might even leave with a title.

Anyplace with sand can be a beach. Large cardboard boxes can be shops lining the boardwalk. You can find salt water taffy or candy corn at one, tie-dyed tee shirts at another. And think of the fun making these ahead of time.

As for the ocean waves, that may be a little more difficult to simulate, but I’m sure a hose set on low can certainly simulate the ocean spray. Or, a hose sprayed on a shower curtain with just a touch of dish soap can make a fun slip and slide. Maybe not as long a slide as the original version, but certainly suitable for little ones.

Also items with a theme can be purchased from Oriental Trading Company for a minimal expense. You and your kids can be anything from a pirate to a hula dancer and lots of things in between. Just check their site below to see the kinds of things they have.

Last, as a writer, I must add the value of also doing research at your local library. There is nothing like a book to take you anywhere you want to go. So pick up a summer read while your there and read it on the beach, aka: your local park sand box, or while you are lounging in a hammock after a day in the jungle.

I hope this has sparked your creative juices and that you will have a joyous summer vacation even if you do stay close to home.

Here's some great books to help you with ideas: