Friends of Karen Summer Tips

Parents Guide

Summer is a season many families look forward to, but when you are caring for a child with a serious illness, the longer days and changing routines can bring unique challenges. Balancing medical appointments, treatments, and long hours at the clinic while trying to create joyful summer memories for all your children can feel overwhelming.

When school ends, parents may feel added pressure to maintain structure and find meaningful activities for siblings. At the same time, children with serious illnesses may feel disappointed or left out if they are unable to participate in certain summer traditions, camps, or gatherings because of health concerns or increased vulnerability to illness.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to create a summer filled with fun, connection, and special moments for the whole family. Here are some ideas and resources to help seriously ill children and their siblings enjoy the season together safely.

Summer Camps

There are many summer camp programs designed specifically for children with serious illnesses and their siblings. These camps often provide medical support on-site and understand the flexibility families need when health circumstances can change unexpectedly.

Many camps offer opportunities for children to build friendships, gain confidence, and enjoy activities that are adapted to their individual needs.

Here’s a link to our recently posted resource about summer camps!

Community Resources

Your community may offer free or low-cost opportunities for families to enjoy together. These activities can provide fun, flexibility, and opportunities for siblings to connect.

Libraries

Local libraries often offer a variety of free summer programs, including story times, crafts, STEM activities, and special events for children of all ages. Many libraries also provide free museum passes that families can borrow to visit museums, aquariums, zoos, and other local attractions.

Be sure to check with your local library or bookstore for summer reading programs. Many offer incentives, prizes, and fun challenges that can keep children engaged throughout the season.

Libraries

Local parks, state parks, and recreation departments often provide family-friendly activities such as nature walks, wildlife programs, outdoor crafts, and guided hikes. Many programs can be adapted to different ability levels, making them accessible for a variety of needs and energy levels.

Urban Park Rangers and State Parks – provide recreational activities for families including hikes and wildlife management

https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/rangers

Family Fun Nights

With the uncertainty that often accompanies a serious illness, creating opportunities to connect as a family can be especially meaningful. Here are a few simple ways to make lasting summer memories together.

A Good Old Fashioned Movie Night – Share a nostalgic classic from your childhood or even a movie marathon. Remember that show “Dinner and a movie?” Take some inspiration from the show and try out a theme. Does your child love Disney princesses or superheroes? Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Whip up a snack or meal to complement the film, dress up like the characters, duel with light sabers (or craft them) between movies,

Cooking Contest Night – Select three surprise ingredients and challenge each family member to incorporate them into a dish or snack. Taste-test together and award fun categories such as “Most Creative,” “Best Presentation,” or “Family Favorite”!

Get Creative – Sidewalk Chalk Painting: use old sidewalk chalk, crumble it up, place it in muffin tins, add water and you have sidewalk chalk paint! Paint on driveways and sidewalks! Make friendship bracelets, create family portraits together or come up with your own family crest or motto.

Camp Out at Home – Bring the adventure of camping to your backyard or living room. Set up a tent or build a blanket fort, read stories by flashlight, tell jokes, and enjoy favorite camping treats. The best part? Your own bed is only a few steps away.

Read Together – Snuggles and bedtime stories are some of the best moments of parenthood and childhood. Take it up a notch and form a family book club.

Family Photo Shoot – Gather old costumes, hats, and accessories and let everyone get creative. Have children style the adults and vice versa. Capture the fun with photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

Create a Summer Wish List – As a family, brainstorm activities and experiences everyone would enjoy. Some may be simple, like having a picnic in the backyard, watching a sunset, or making homemade popsicles. Creating a wish list together helps children focus on possibilities and gives everyone something to look forward to.

Energy-Friendly Activities for Children with Serious Illnesses

Summer fun doesn’t have to be high-energy to be meaningful. Many children living with serious illnesses experience fatigue, mobility challenges, treatment side effects, or restrictions that can make traditional summer activities difficult. The key is finding opportunities that allow children to participate at their own pace while still feeling included.

Here are a few low-energy, flexible activities that children and siblings can enjoy together:

Backyard Picnics: Spread out a blanket in the yard or even on the living room floor and enjoy lunch together in a new setting.
Water Play at Home: A small sprinkler, water table, bubbles, or even bowls of water and measuring cups can provide sensory fun without requiring a lot of energy.
Nature Scavenger Hunts: Create a simple list of things to spot from a porch, window, backyard, or short walk around the neighborhood.
Arts and Crafts: Painting, coloring, beading, scrapbooking, and other creative projects can be adapted to different ability levels and enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Virtual Adventures: Many museums, aquariums, zoos, and national parks offer virtual tours that allow children to explore the world from home.
Gardening Together: Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables in containers or small garden beds. Watching something grow can be a rewarding summer project for the whole family.
Memory-Making Projects: Create a family scrapbook, summer journal, or photo album together. Invite siblings to contribute stories, drawings, and favorite memories.
Game Time: Board games, card games, puzzles, and family trivia nights offer opportunities for connection and laughter while accommodating a wide range of energy levels.

Remember that participation may look different from day to day. Some days a child may feel up to joining an activity for hours; other days, a few minutes may be enough. Following your child’s lead and focusing on connection rather than expectations can help create positive experiences for everyone involved.

A Few Final Reminders

Be mindful of the heat, stay hydrated, and remember that some children undergoing treatment may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Check with your child’s medical team about any precautions that may be needed, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Most importantly, remember that meaningful summer memories don’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the moments children remember most are the simple ones—laughing together, sharing a favorite treat, catching fireflies, roasting marshmallows, or spending time with the people they love.

We hope your summer is filled with connection, comfort, joy, and plenty of opportunities for your family to make special memories together.