Picnic Memories
The weather has been crazy all across the land. Places are hot as fire, others are soaked with rain, while others are cool and suffering drought. Still, summer is an amazing time of year.
It’s wonderful to be able to get outside and take a walk, go wading, stroll through the park, take a dip in the pool, lake or ocean (depending on where you are!) or riding a bike, in a convertible with the top down, or even on a motorcycle!
Children often seem oblivious of the weather patterns. They only want to be outside! It’s awesome to see them running through a sprinkler or bobbing in a pool. Little ones love to chase bubbles blown through a magic bubble blower, just playing in the dirt in the sand box, or swinging; and chasing fire flies at night is a delight. Older ones may try their hand at photography or water colors or going down to the pond to fish.
Of course with weather conditions, all these ideas must be customized and instead of outdoor fun there are puzzles to conquer, monopoly and other board games to master, or videos and movies to watch.
The COVID pandemic played havoc with gatherings of any kind because of social distancing! It’s been a real boon to relationships to see many people coming together again for face to face celebrations and fellowship. Even outdoor picnics seemed to have taken a backseat to all the hysteria of the ‘germ’. Thankfully, the ‘germ’ has been contained, at least to a degree and we can enjoy the adventure of an outdoor picnic again!
Summer’s end seems to be the perfect time to join forces with the community, extended family or close friends, to create an adventure called a picnic! Tables filled with fresh vegetables from the garden, and fruit fresh off the vine, along with burgers and hot dogs, pasta salads and a hundred other wonderful items that seem to be summer favorites, tantalize our taste buds. And of course there is watermelon to finish off the celebration, until evening comes and a campfire that begs of s’mores!
Along with all the food to enjoy and devour, there are games, races, possibly a jump in the pond or lake to cool off; volleyball or badminton challenges and more!
Picnics and activities are not only designed for the non-disabled, but wonderful for the disabled, although there is likely some customizing necessary. Those in wheelchairs or otherwise disabled should not be denied a fun time of fellowship, friendship and the pure joy of interacting with others, playing games or partaking of other adventures!
Encourage youngsters, disabled or not to help with prepping the food to carry, which helps teach independent living skills. Discuss the kinds of games everyone might enjoy. There are games which highlights balancing, throwing and other kinds of customized sports activities which can include the disabled child, as well as others.
Another customization idea to help make your picnic be a success for those with disabilities is to make available picnic tables which accommodate wheelchairs. There are guidelines to help with that if you are interested in creating one. https://www.theparkcatalog.com/nsearch/?q=ada+picnic+tables
Learning and thriving together is the greatest goal for all children. As summer comes to a close, making available a designated time for interaction for all children, regardless of abilities is a wonderful platform for deepening friendships, a time for learning and understanding differences, and pure joy for everyone involved. Take the time to make special memories with your… end of summer picnic.
Photo credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/picnic-table-food.html
Photo credit: https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-sports-for-kids-with-autism-260157