Hello Sunshine!
As the school year winds down and the first whispers of summer heat arrive, it’s impossible not to feel that tingle of excitement in the air. Australian summer holidays are a glorious mix of long days, salty skin, and moments of pure joy. For families, it is an excellent opportunity to slow down, connect, and create memories that will warm your heart long after the sunshine has faded.
Summer, Family, and the Gift of Time
Let’s be real: family life during the school year is often a whirlwind of drop-offs, pick-ups, and endless to-do lists which can sometimes be quite daunting. The summer holidays are a chance to press pause and reconnect with your loved ones. Whether it’s heading to the beach, camping under the stars, or simply having a BBQ in the backyard, these moments become the stories we tell and retell.
But, of course, with the kids home for weeks, you might hear the occasional “I’m bored!” echo through the house. That’s where a sprinkle of creativity comes in. Why not turn your days into mini adventures? Pack a picnic and explore a new walking trail or bring the outdoors inside with a family art session (hint: messy hands = happy hearts!).
Let’s Make Some Magic!
This summer, let’s swap “busy” for “present,” and “perfect” for “playful.” Dive into moments that make you laugh until your cheeks hurt and embrace the little messes along the way (because, let’s face it, those are usually the best parts). A great activity to do as a family is to create a time capsule, grab an old shoe box and fill it with photos of the summer holiday, drawings, any favourite items that are meaningful to you at the moment including a list of answered questions. These questions will help the family capture their personalities, interests, and dreams at the current moment, making it a meaningful keepsake to revisit in the future!
Preparing for a Fresh Chapter
When your summer holidays start to wind down, your focus inevitably shifts to the year ahead. A new school year and year in general feels like the start of a fresh sketchbook for me, with pages waiting to be filled with colour and potential. It’s a time where clear out and prepare, It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and think about what you would like to carry forward or leave behind.
One way to ease into the transition is to involve the whole family in some creative goal setting. How about making a vision board together? You can use magazines, printouts, or even your own drawings to map out hopes and dreams for the year. It’s fun, meaningful, and a great way to start the year feeling inspired.
So, here’s to long, sun-drenched days, starry nights, and the kind of family time that fills your cup for the year ahead. Happy holidays, friends! Let’s make it one to remember.
-written by Kerry Evitts
Kerry Evitts
Kerry is one of our key partners undertaking the judging of our Big Art Comp! Kerry is a British-born, Melbourne-based painter, psychotherapist and mum of three. She has a vibrant art studio in Melbourne where you’ll find her running group art activities to being up on a ladder painting murals!
As we celebrate 30 years of Camp Australia, we invite you to join us in looking back at our journey and imagining the future through the eyes of our young artists in the Big Art Summer Series.
