Looking Forward to Summer!

This picture was taken right after JUNO. Since then, we have had 2 more storms pile snow on us, and this weekend we are bracing for another Blizzard!

WE ARE SO OVER SNOW!!!! And we are really looking forward to Summer! Especially because of the return of the Summer Adventure Club. That's why, even though it may seem early to be planning your summer, I am opening registration TODAY. Just trying to keep our thoughts SUNNY!

I am so excited to read the books selected and lead the activities planned for the club, I can hardly stand to wait....But right now, we are also very excited about Valentine's Day and February Vacation and a trip to Florida. Woohoo! So, I should probably go get ready for tomorrow's celebration of LOVE.

I hope that you weather this storm well and have a terrific break from school!

Happy Love Day,

Ashley

Ode to Adventures in Ice Cream

Day 3: Today our "Adventure in Ice Cream" took us to Harbor's Point Ice Cream, Pavilion Beach, Salah's Scoops, Stage Fort Park, and West End Sweets.

After getting our first "kiddie-sized-cup" of ice cream from Harbor's Point, we headed over to the beach to look for shells, stones, and sea glass. We had fun finding crab husks and clam shells, throwing stones in the water, and chasing pigeons.

Summer of Adventure Book Club Member: Braden Kesterson

Then we went back to the house for lunch and a lesson on poetry. We learned about ode poems and read 3 different poems titled, "Ode to Ice Cream."  Here's our favorite:

“Ode to Ice Cream”

By: Michael Daily

I have a favorite treat

That I love so much to eat.

This treat is so delicious

When I’m done I lick the dishes.

It is a mouthwatering sensation

It should be the official food of our nation.

A reward at the end of the day

My favorite dessert I must say.

It satisfies me to the fullest delight,

It tastes best when eaten at night.

When I look in the freezer and it’s there

I hide it so I don’t have to share.

Cookies and Cream is my favorite flavor

A taste so good that I must savor.

The perfect invention it would seem

Is by far the delectable ice cream.

The kids were ready for round 2, so we stopped at Salah's Scoops for our next "tasting."  I explained that we were trying lots of ice cream today, so please give us the smallest portion, but alas, these "kiddie cones" weren't that small either. But, somehow, we all managed to finish!

I thought that we could use the "stored energy" that we had just inhaled to play at the park. So, we spent time running and climbing off some calories before visiting our final destination. West End Sweets was our last ice cream experience of the week.

The Vote: While we gave points to West End Sweets for their fetching pink-diner decor, we all agreed that Salah's Scoops was our favorite of the 3 ice cream shops. Not only was the ice cream delicious, but the store associate was extra sweet and helpful too. However, we all loved the Orange Leaf  frozen yogurt we tried on Tuesday. 

The Flavors: I tried the Coconut ice cream from Harbor Point, which was very tasty. Mint Chocolate Chip was tasted at all three locations by Braden. Gabriel tried Chocolate, Cookies n' Cream, and Mango slush! Alexandra's favorite was Salah's Scoop's Almond Joy.

Overall, Week 1 went really well. 3 days devoted to ice cream = a child's dream come true! 3 summer days spent at the beach, exercising, reading, playing, and learning with my kids = this mom's dream come true. 

From reading the book, Ice Cream: The Full Scoop, we learned about the origins of ice cream and how it's made now.  We learned how to make our own ice cream, about ode poems, how to stretch all our muscle groups, and most importantly, we played and had fun!

Gabe showing off a crab leg he found.

Looking forward to  Week 2: Patriotic Adventure!!!

So why do you want to do this summer club thing?

OK. I admit it. I am a little crazy. The idea of having a type of summer camp at my house almost every week of the summer, is a bit nuts.

So why do I want to do this? Well, for several reasons. 

1. For my children. We normally take road trip adventures during the summer. We leave Gloucester, Massachusetts and drive to Tampa, Florida, taking advantage of great destinations along our route. Our stops have included NYC and the Central Park Zoo; Washington DC and the monuments, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo; Holden Beach, NC; and Savannah, GA. But, this year we just can't afford to spend several thousand dollars on a road trip. The Summer Adventure Club allows me to create at-home learning experiences that my children can experience with their peers.

Alexandra, Gabe, and I at Central Park Zoo

2. For other children and their parents. I think that children need to keep learning and to have some structure during the summer. I also know how difficult it is to find an affordable, summer childcare program, where you feel that your children are staying active, having fun, are safe and well-supervised. Plus, I wanted to create a new and different camp experience for kids - a program that keeps them reading and learning and allows them to have a lot of fun too.

3. For me. I taught high school English for three years, and I really miss teaching and planning lessons. I also love taking kids to zoos, museums, aquariums, etc. I love teaching them new things about the world around them. And, I love to learn from them too!

My niece comparing her hand to a polar bear's paw

Boating in Holden Beach, NC

My monkey checking out a gorilla at the National Zoo in DC

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum - they also got to see the exact kind of plane
 their grandfather flew in the Vietnam War

General Information

Summer Adventure Club

A home-based learning camp for children 8-12 years 

Led by Ashley Gullett 

Location: 42 Commonwealth Ave., Gloucester

Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; early drop-off is available

Tuition Cost: $100 per week

A $25 non-refundable deposit reserves your child’s spot for the week/s of your choice. 

The program is designed to enhance literacy and experiential learning. As a small group of no more than 6 children per week, we will take field trips to museums, beaches, and more. Our reading selections will integrate science, history, geography, poetry, and art, and will be enhanced by hands-on activities and local adventures. The goal of this camp is to keep your child actively learning & reading all summer. We will read books, write poems and stories, exercise, learn about plants and animals, do art projects, listen to music and…TAKE FIELD TRIPS!!!

Other Important Information: 

• A healthy snack will be provided each day, but please send your child with lunch and a refillable water bottle. 
• Send a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen; we will spend a lot of time outside and in the water. 
• Have your child dress in play clothes and wear comfortable shoes. We will be walking a lot! 
• Books – The cost of the books is not included in the tuition. All of the books are available on Amazon. If you would prefer not to purchase the books, we will be taking a trip to the library our first week, so your child may be able to check them out. 
• Field Trips: There may be additional costs for field trips. Parents and siblings are welcome to join us. You only need to pay (in advance) for the cost of the field trip. 

For More Information or To Register:

Call Ashley Gullett at 978-325-0956 or email me at agullett@outlook.com

Payment and Registration Forms are due one week prior to the week your child will attend. A $25 deposit will reserve your child's spot for any week and is deducted from the total tuition owed.

I aim to make the program as flexible and affordable for parents as possible. So, please let me know if you need special arrangements. Early drop-offs, late pick-ups, and transportation options are available. 2 and 3 day weeks may be