This week Rage Against The Machine surprised us with the digital version of an album that was only released in Japan, way back in 1997. Live & Rare is a collection of live tracks that includes a few demos you might never have heard. “Clear The Lane,” is a fantastic song that leaves me wondering why they never polished this one up for their debut album, it’s that good. “Darkness” starts off slow, and turns into a raucous affair that works well for the end of this compilation.

Available for the first time on vinyl, this double album contains gems like, ”Take The Power Back,” ”Bombtrack,” and a mosh-pit-inducing cover of N.W.A.’s ”Fuck Tha Police.” I remember them opening with this track at the Aragon Ballroom in 1995. It was a moment I’ll never forget. They quickly worked the crowd into a frenzy that they never came down from.

Public Enemy’s ”Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” is another great listen that you’ll want to turn to time and time again. Chuck D drops a freestyle before breaking into that “I got a letter from the government…” line while Zach is chanting in the background. Live & Rare is a must for Rage Against The Machine fans, and those who want to add some spice to a tame camping playlist.

Interpol has released their 7th album, The Other Side of Make-Believe. “Toni” is a great way to start the album, proving this band still has much to say. So far it feels more groove-oriented than past records, which I like.

Super excited for the latest Trashcan Sinatras single, “Lay Of The Land.” After releasing their two-song single last year, Ways, they are teasing fans with this electric, beat-driven single that sees the band pushing new boundaries.

I give these guys credit for trying to reinvent their sound and creating something that sounds fresh and relevant. Their new four-song EP is due in December and can be ordered right now at Last Night From Glasgow.

It’s always great to hear Jerry’s voice, high-pitched and so original. This version of “Feel Like A Stranger” is an eight-minute jam that you don’t want to end. So, I put it on your #RADAR.

“Shit River” brings Barney Cortez and Rayland Baxter together for a race around the go-kart track. This is a sing-songy number ripe for your summer playlist.

I love this cut by the one-time American Idol (Season 13) candidate, Briston Maroney. “Paradise” is a fun, upbeat tune, that delivers on the lyrics. “Let me tell you something when you get to my age/Loving is the only thing that’s never gonna change.” There’s a hint of Arctic Monkees, even Felly in his vocal delivery. It looks like he’s found a cast of characters to perform his dream, and I can’t wait till they hit Chicago again.

There’s something so special about “Redemption Song.” Bob Marley wrote so many iconic songs, but this one is at the top of that totem pole. “Old pirates yes they rob I/Sold I to the merchant ships,” is a line that will go down in infamy, and he sounds right at home with the Chineke! Orchestra. You’re probably wondering how this project got off the ground?

Sheku Kanneh-Mason rearranged Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, and Redemption Song for his debut album, Inspiration in 2018, and caught the ear of Marley’s recording label Tuff Gong, which led to the recording of Bob Marley & The Chineke! Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. These ten songs reimagined give Marley new life and give some of his classic songs new legs.

Abhi The Nomad is creating a style all his own, with each and every release. I mentioned this last week, yet here we are again with, “My Band.” If he continues to make more music like this, I’m going to be in attendance at his next Chi-Town show.

Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is more of that HipJazz (it hints at jazz, it hints at hiphop) by Cooking Soul and Jinseng. “Boat Keys” is a subdued smoker’s session that will have you reminiscing about the Cypress Hill days.

Put your email in da box and click: “Create Subscription!”

This past month, my friends and I ran our own programming: Mom Camp. We planned activities, went on excursions, and let our kids run around in our backyards. If you’re thinking that this just sounds like your own childhood, well…yeah. That’s pretty much what it was: an organized version of a 1970’s / 80’s Midwest summer.

Two thirds of our mom squad’s job is year round CEO-of-the-house. One of our mom squad has the month of July off every summer. Our time frame became that month, with camp taking place in the afternoon hours. Between the three of us, we have seven kids (all boys), ages 4-11.

Here is the 3 – 2 – 1 on how we ran Mom Camp:

3 – We three met last November and blocked out the month of July for Mom Camp. We decided that leaving the afternoons open would be best. This allowed for individual families the choice of activities in the A.M., or the option of slow summer mornings. Having three families was key, because if one was unavailable, there were still two families present. Usually, we moms hung out, but occasionally, one of us would have another commitment. Mom Camp gave us the security that our kids were being cared for by two other moms in a fun, familiar environment.

2 – Having two plans and being flexible kept us all on the same page for Mom Camp. The need for two plans arose if the weather turned crummy, or if one mom had another place to be. The formula we used was generally 25% structured activity and 75% free time. This free time was mostly outside, and we had a no-screens policy. When we discussed our values, and what we wanted camp to be, we kept going back to memories of our childhoods, where we simply played.

1 – One big highlight to our Mom Camp was season passes to Six Flags Great America. (Talk about bang for your buck: the cost was $70 per person, and one of my boys has already visited 10 times this summer!) A membership takes the pressure off of spending an entire day somewhere. The theme park was really exciting for the kids, and again: we moms were all on the same page. We said “yes” to one treat per visit and “no” to all the extras (souvenirs, rip-off games). In terms of mealtimes, we only shared one meal during all the weeks of Mom Camp (our *finale!), which greatly simplified things.

*Mom Camp Finale: When we reflected on our budget, we realized that Mom Camp cost about $100 per child for the entire month. That gave us reason to celebrate, so we did. We did an overnight in Milwaukee that also cost $100 per child and included: UrbanAir Adventure Park ($35), one dinner and one lunch ($30), hotel sleepover including pool, movie, and breakfast ($35), Sprecher Brewery root beer / pop tasting ($1), and a hike to the beach (free).

While our three families participated in varying activities during the summer (sports camp 9am-3pm, YMCA day camp 9am-12pm, summer school 9:30am-12:30pm), the boys concluded that Mom Camp was their favorite part of summer. When asked why, the response was, “Because we get to play with our friends!” When you consider that many kids these days go from a seven hour school day to extra-curricular activities, it’s no wonder that simply playing with friends is (somewhat sadly) what becomes the novelty.

As I’m typing this, my seven year old is asking me, “Why can’t we do Mom Camp ourselves?” To say this July was a smashing success would be the understatement of the summer. In her book, “The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again,” author Catherine Price explains the three components to True Fun as playfulness, connection, and flow. Mom Camp was all of those things, not just between kids or between moms, but from moms to kids (their own and others’). It’s telling that on the night of our finale, my four year old asked if he could snuggle with one of the other moms. 🙂

It’s never too early to find those like-minded moms and plan your own camp. I’m pretty sure that all seven of our boys will be receiving Great America passes for Hanukkah/Christmas. Here are the other (FREE!) activities that we did this summer: Iron Chef competition, game day, 7/11 slurpees, football/tag/Gaga ball/play at parks, photo scavenger hunt, Camp Mom (build-a-fort & create a Mom Camp logo), sprinkler, basketball, local pool (additional cost).

When I listen to Pence, former Veep,

I get drowsy and feel I could sleep.

So if restless in bed

I’d replay him instead

And not bother to count any sheep.

This week Rage Against The Machine surprised us with the digital version of an album that was only released in Japan, way back in 1997. Live & Rare is a collection of live tracks that includes a few demos you might never have heard. “Clear The Lane,” is a fantastic song that leaves me wondering why they never polished this one up for their debut album, it’s that good. “Darkness” starts off slow, and turns into a raucous affair that works well for the end of this compilation.

Available for the first time on vinyl, this double album contains gems like, ”Take The Power Back,” ”Bombtrack,” and a mosh-pit-inducing cover of N.W.A.’s ”Fuck Tha Police.” I remember them opening with this track at the Aragon Ballroom in 1995. It was a moment I’ll never forget. They quickly worked the crowd into a frenzy that they never came down from.

Public Enemy’s ”Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” is another great listen that you’ll want to turn to time and time again. Chuck D drops a freestyle before breaking into that “I got a letter from the government…” line while Zach is chanting in the background. Live & Rare is a must for Rage Against The Machine fans, and those who want to add some spice to a tame camping playlist.

Interpol has released their 7th album, The Other Side of Make-Believe. “Toni” is a great way to start the album, proving this band still has much to say. So far it feels more groove-oriented than past records, which I like.

Super excited for the latest Trashcan Sinatras single, “Lay Of The Land.” After releasing their two-song single last year, Ways, they are teasing fans with this electric, beat-driven single that sees the band pushing new boundaries.

I give these guys credit for trying to reinvent their sound and creating something that sounds fresh and relevant. Their new four-song EP is due in December and can be ordered right now at Last Night From Glasgow.

It’s always great to hear Jerry’s voice, high-pitched and so original. This version of “Feel Like A Stranger” is an eight-minute jam that you don’t want to end. So, I put it on your #RADAR.

“Shit River” brings Barney Cortez and Rayland Baxter together for a race around the go-kart track. This is a sing-songy number ripe for your summer playlist.

I love this cut by the one-time American Idol (Season 13) candidate, Briston Maroney. “Paradise” is a fun, upbeat tune, that delivers on the lyrics. “Let me tell you something when you get to my age/Loving is the only thing that’s never gonna change.” There’s a hint of Arctic Monkees, even Felly in his vocal delivery. It looks like he’s found a cast of characters to perform his dream, and I can’t wait till they hit Chicago again.

There’s something so special about “Redemption Song.” Bob Marley wrote so many iconic songs, but this one is at the top of that totem pole. “Old pirates yes they rob I/Sold I to the merchant ships,” is a line that will go down in infamy, and he sounds right at home with the Chineke! Orchestra. You’re probably wondering how this project got off the ground?

Sheku Kanneh-Mason rearranged Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, and Redemption Song for his debut album, Inspiration in 2018, and caught the ear of Marley’s recording label Tuff Gong, which led to the recording of Bob Marley & The Chineke! Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. These ten songs reimagined give Marley new life and give some of his classic songs new legs.

Abhi The Nomad is creating a style all his own, with each and every release. I mentioned this last week, yet here we are again with, “My Band.” If he continues to make more music like this, I’m going to be in attendance at his next Chi-Town show.

Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is more of that HipJazz (it hints at jazz, it hints at hiphop) by Cooking Soul and Jinseng. “Boat Keys” is a subdued smoker’s session that will have you reminiscing about the Cypress Hill days.

Put your email in da box and click: “Create Subscription!”

This past month, my friends and I ran our own programming: Mom Camp. We planned activities, went on excursions, and let our kids run around in our backyards. If you’re thinking that this just sounds like your own childhood, well…yeah. That’s pretty much what it was: an organized version of a 1970’s / 80’s Midwest summer.

Two thirds of our mom squad’s job is year round CEO-of-the-house. One of our mom squad has the month of July off every summer. Our time frame became that month, with camp taking place in the afternoon hours. Between the three of us, we have seven kids (all boys), ages 4-11.

Here is the 3 – 2 – 1 on how we ran Mom Camp:

3 – We three met last November and blocked out the month of July for Mom Camp. We decided that leaving the afternoons open would be best. This allowed for individual families the choice of activities in the A.M., or the option of slow summer mornings. Having three families was key, because if one was unavailable, there were still two families present. Usually, we moms hung out, but occasionally, one of us would have another commitment. Mom Camp gave us the security that our kids were being cared for by two other moms in a fun, familiar environment.

2 – Having two plans and being flexible kept us all on the same page for Mom Camp. The need for two plans arose if the weather turned crummy, or if one mom had another place to be. The formula we used was generally 25% structured activity and 75% free time. This free time was mostly outside, and we had a no-screens policy. When we discussed our values, and what we wanted camp to be, we kept going back to memories of our childhoods, where we simply played.

1 – One big highlight to our Mom Camp was season passes to Six Flags Great America. (Talk about bang for your buck: the cost was $70 per person, and one of my boys has already visited 10 times this summer!) A membership takes the pressure off of spending an entire day somewhere. The theme park was really exciting for the kids, and again: we moms were all on the same page. We said “yes” to one treat per visit and “no” to all the extras (souvenirs, rip-off games). In terms of mealtimes, we only shared one meal during all the weeks of Mom Camp (our *finale!), which greatly simplified things.

*Mom Camp Finale: When we reflected on our budget, we realized that Mom Camp cost about $100 per child for the entire month. That gave us reason to celebrate, so we did. We did an overnight in Milwaukee that also cost $100 per child and included: UrbanAir Adventure Park ($35), one dinner and one lunch ($30), hotel sleepover including pool, movie, and breakfast ($35), Sprecher Brewery root beer / pop tasting ($1), and a hike to the beach (free).

While our three families participated in varying activities during the summer (sports camp 9am-3pm, YMCA day camp 9am-12pm, summer school 9:30am-12:30pm), the boys concluded that Mom Camp was their favorite part of summer. When asked why, the response was, “Because we get to play with our friends!” When you consider that many kids these days go from a seven hour school day to extra-curricular activities, it’s no wonder that simply playing with friends is (somewhat sadly) what becomes the novelty.

As I’m typing this, my seven year old is asking me, “Why can’t we do Mom Camp ourselves?” To say this July was a smashing success would be the understatement of the summer. In her book, “The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again,” author Catherine Price explains the three components to True Fun as playfulness, connection, and flow. Mom Camp was all of those things, not just between kids or between moms, but from moms to kids (their own and others’). It’s telling that on the night of our finale, my four year old asked if he could snuggle with one of the other moms. 🙂

It’s never too early to find those like-minded moms and plan your own camp. I’m pretty sure that all seven of our boys will be receiving Great America passes for Hanukkah/Christmas. Here are the other (FREE!) activities that we did this summer: Iron Chef competition, game day, 7/11 slurpees, football/tag/Gaga ball/play at parks, photo scavenger hunt, Camp Mom (build-a-fort & create a Mom Camp logo), sprinkler, basketball, local pool (additional cost).

When I listen to Pence, former Veep,

I get drowsy and feel I could sleep.

So if restless in bed

I’d replay him instead

And not bother to count any sheep.

This week Rage Against The Machine surprised us with the digital version of an album that was only released in Japan, way back in 1997. Live & Rare is a collection of live tracks that includes a few demos you might never have heard. “Clear The Lane,” is a fantastic song that leaves me wondering why they never polished this one up for their debut album, it’s that good. “Darkness” starts off slow, and turns into a raucous affair that works well for the end of this compilation.

Available for the first time on vinyl, this double album contains gems like, ”Take The Power Back,” ”Bombtrack,” and a mosh-pit-inducing cover of N.W.A.’s ”Fuck Tha Police.” I remember them opening with this track at the Aragon Ballroom in 1995. It was a moment I’ll never forget. They quickly worked the crowd into a frenzy that they never came down from.

Public Enemy’s ”Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” is another great listen that you’ll want to turn to time and time again. Chuck D drops a freestyle before breaking into that “I got a letter from the government…” line while Zach is chanting in the background. Live & Rare is a must for Rage Against The Machine fans, and those who want to add some spice to a tame camping playlist.

Interpol has released their 7th album, The Other Side of Make-Believe. “Toni” is a great way to start the album, proving this band still has much to say. So far it feels more groove-oriented than past records, which I like.

Super excited for the latest Trashcan Sinatras single, “Lay Of The Land.” After releasing their two-song single last year, Ways, they are teasing fans with this electric, beat-driven single that sees the band pushing new boundaries.

I give these guys credit for trying to reinvent their sound and creating something that sounds fresh and relevant. Their new four-song EP is due in December and can be ordered right now at Last Night From Glasgow.

It’s always great to hear Jerry’s voice, high-pitched and so original. This version of “Feel Like A Stranger” is an eight-minute jam that you don’t want to end. So, I put it on your #RADAR.

“Shit River” brings Barney Cortez and Rayland Baxter together for a race around the go-kart track. This is a sing-songy number ripe for your summer playlist.

I love this cut by the one-time American Idol (Season 13) candidate, Briston Maroney. “Paradise” is a fun, upbeat tune, that delivers on the lyrics. “Let me tell you something when you get to my age/Loving is the only thing that’s never gonna change.” There’s a hint of Arctic Monkees, even Felly in his vocal delivery. It looks like he’s found a cast of characters to perform his dream, and I can’t wait till they hit Chicago again.

There’s something so special about “Redemption Song.” Bob Marley wrote so many iconic songs, but this one is at the top of that totem pole. “Old pirates yes they rob I/Sold I to the merchant ships,” is a line that will go down in infamy, and he sounds right at home with the Chineke! Orchestra. You’re probably wondering how this project got off the ground?

Sheku Kanneh-Mason rearranged Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, and Redemption Song for his debut album, Inspiration in 2018, and caught the ear of Marley’s recording label Tuff Gong, which led to the recording of Bob Marley & The Chineke! Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. These ten songs reimagined give Marley new life and give some of his classic songs new legs.

Abhi The Nomad is creating a style all his own, with each and every release. I mentioned this last week, yet here we are again with, “My Band.” If he continues to make more music like this, I’m going to be in attendance at his next Chi-Town show.

Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is more of that HipJazz (it hints at jazz, it hints at hiphop) by Cooking Soul and Jinseng. “Boat Keys” is a subdued smoker’s session that will have you reminiscing about the Cypress Hill days.

Put your email in da box and click: “Create Subscription!”

This past month, my friends and I ran our own programming: Mom Camp. We planned activities, went on excursions, and let our kids run around in our backyards. If you’re thinking that this just sounds like your own childhood, well…yeah. That’s pretty much what it was: an organized version of a 1970’s / 80’s Midwest summer.

Two thirds of our mom squad’s job is year round CEO-of-the-house. One of our mom squad has the month of July off every summer. Our time frame became that month, with camp taking place in the afternoon hours. Between the three of us, we have seven kids (all boys), ages 4-11.

Here is the 3 – 2 – 1 on how we ran Mom Camp:

3 – We three met last November and blocked out the month of July for Mom Camp. We decided that leaving the afternoons open would be best. This allowed for individual families the choice of activities in the A.M., or the option of slow summer mornings. Having three families was key, because if one was unavailable, there were still two families present. Usually, we moms hung out, but occasionally, one of us would have another commitment. Mom Camp gave us the security that our kids were being cared for by two other moms in a fun, familiar environment.

2 – Having two plans and being flexible kept us all on the same page for Mom Camp. The need for two plans arose if the weather turned crummy, or if one mom had another place to be. The formula we used was generally 25% structured activity and 75% free time. This free time was mostly outside, and we had a no-screens policy. When we discussed our values, and what we wanted camp to be, we kept going back to memories of our childhoods, where we simply played.

1 – One big highlight to our Mom Camp was season passes to Six Flags Great America. (Talk about bang for your buck: the cost was $70 per person, and one of my boys has already visited 10 times this summer!) A membership takes the pressure off of spending an entire day somewhere. The theme park was really exciting for the kids, and again: we moms were all on the same page. We said “yes” to one treat per visit and “no” to all the extras (souvenirs, rip-off games). In terms of mealtimes, we only shared one meal during all the weeks of Mom Camp (our *finale!), which greatly simplified things.

*Mom Camp Finale: When we reflected on our budget, we realized that Mom Camp cost about $100 per child for the entire month. That gave us reason to celebrate, so we did. We did an overnight in Milwaukee that also cost $100 per child and included: UrbanAir Adventure Park ($35), one dinner and one lunch ($30), hotel sleepover including pool, movie, and breakfast ($35), Sprecher Brewery root beer / pop tasting ($1), and a hike to the beach (free).

While our three families participated in varying activities during the summer (sports camp 9am-3pm, YMCA day camp 9am-12pm, summer school 9:30am-12:30pm), the boys concluded that Mom Camp was their favorite part of summer. When asked why, the response was, “Because we get to play with our friends!” When you consider that many kids these days go from a seven hour school day to extra-curricular activities, it’s no wonder that simply playing with friends is (somewhat sadly) what becomes the novelty.

As I’m typing this, my seven year old is asking me, “Why can’t we do Mom Camp ourselves?” To say this July was a smashing success would be the understatement of the summer. In her book, “The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again,” author Catherine Price explains the three components to True Fun as playfulness, connection, and flow. Mom Camp was all of those things, not just between kids or between moms, but from moms to kids (their own and others’). It’s telling that on the night of our finale, my four year old asked if he could snuggle with one of the other moms. 🙂

It’s never too early to find those like-minded moms and plan your own camp. I’m pretty sure that all seven of our boys will be receiving Great America passes for Hanukkah/Christmas. Here are the other (FREE!) activities that we did this summer: Iron Chef competition, game day, 7/11 slurpees, football/tag/Gaga ball/play at parks, photo scavenger hunt, Camp Mom (build-a-fort & create a Mom Camp logo), sprinkler, basketball, local pool (additional cost).

This week Rage Against The Machine surprised us with the digital version of an album that was only released in Japan, way back in 1997. Live & Rare is a collection of live tracks that includes a few demos you might never have heard. “Clear The Lane,” is a fantastic song that leaves me wondering why they never polished this one up for their debut album, it’s that good. “Darkness” starts off slow, and turns into a raucous affair that works well for the end of this compilation.

Available for the first time on vinyl, this double album contains gems like, ”Take The Power Back,” ”Bombtrack,” and a mosh-pit-inducing cover of N.W.A.’s ”Fuck Tha Police.” I remember them opening with this track at the Aragon Ballroom in 1995. It was a moment I’ll never forget. They quickly worked the crowd into a frenzy that they never came down from.

Public Enemy’s ”Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” is another great listen that you’ll want to turn to time and time again. Chuck D drops a freestyle before breaking into that “I got a letter from the government…” line while Zach is chanting in the background. Live & Rare is a must for Rage Against The Machine fans, and those who want to add some spice to a tame camping playlist.

Interpol has released their 7th album, The Other Side of Make-Believe. “Toni” is a great way to start the album, proving this band still has much to say. So far it feels more groove-oriented than past records, which I like.

Super excited for the latest Trashcan Sinatras single, “Lay Of The Land.” After releasing their two-song single last year, Ways, they are teasing fans with this electric, beat-driven single that sees the band pushing new boundaries.

I give these guys credit for trying to reinvent their sound and creating something that sounds fresh and relevant. Their new four-song EP is due in December and can be ordered right now at Last Night From Glasgow.

It’s always great to hear Jerry’s voice, high-pitched and so original. This version of “Feel Like A Stranger” is an eight-minute jam that you don’t want to end. So, I put it on your #RADAR.

“Shit River” brings Barney Cortez and Rayland Baxter together for a race around the go-kart track. This is a sing-songy number ripe for your summer playlist.

I love this cut by the one-time American Idol (Season 13) candidate, Briston Maroney. “Paradise” is a fun, upbeat tune, that delivers on the lyrics. “Let me tell you something when you get to my age/Loving is the only thing that’s never gonna change.” There’s a hint of Arctic Monkees, even Felly in his vocal delivery. It looks like he’s found a cast of characters to perform his dream, and I can’t wait till they hit Chicago again.

There’s something so special about “Redemption Song.” Bob Marley wrote so many iconic songs, but this one is at the top of that totem pole. “Old pirates yes they rob I/Sold I to the merchant ships,” is a line that will go down in infamy, and he sounds right at home with the Chineke! Orchestra. You’re probably wondering how this project got off the ground?

Sheku Kanneh-Mason rearranged Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, and Redemption Song for his debut album, Inspiration in 2018, and caught the ear of Marley’s recording label Tuff Gong, which led to the recording of Bob Marley & The Chineke! Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. These ten songs reimagined give Marley new life and give some of his classic songs new legs.

Abhi The Nomad is creating a style all his own, with each and every release. I mentioned this last week, yet here we are again with, “My Band.” If he continues to make more music like this, I’m going to be in attendance at his next Chi-Town show.

Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is more of that HipJazz (it hints at jazz, it hints at hiphop) by Cooking Soul and Jinseng. “Boat Keys” is a subdued smoker’s session that will have you reminiscing about the Cypress Hill days.

Put your email in da box and click: “Create Subscription!”

This past month, my friends and I ran our own programming: Mom Camp. We planned activities, went on excursions, and let our kids run around in our backyards. If you’re thinking that this just sounds like your own childhood, well…yeah. That’s pretty much what it was: an organized version of a 1970’s / 80’s Midwest summer.

Two thirds of our mom squad’s job is year round CEO-of-the-house. One of our mom squad has the month of July off every summer. Our time frame became that month, with camp taking place in the afternoon hours. Between the three of us, we have seven kids (all boys), ages 4-11.

Here is the 3 – 2 – 1 on how we ran Mom Camp:

3 – We three met last November and blocked out the month of July for Mom Camp. We decided that leaving the afternoons open would be best. This allowed for individual families the choice of activities in the A.M., or the option of slow summer mornings. Having three families was key, because if one was unavailable, there were still two families present. Usually, we moms hung out, but occasionally, one of us would have another commitment. Mom Camp gave us the security that our kids were being cared for by two other moms in a fun, familiar environment.

2 – Having two plans and being flexible kept us all on the same page for Mom Camp. The need for two plans arose if the weather turned crummy, or if one mom had another place to be. The formula we used was generally 25% structured activity and 75% free time. This free time was mostly outside, and we had a no-screens policy. When we discussed our values, and what we wanted camp to be, we kept going back to memories of our childhoods, where we simply played.

1 – One big highlight to our Mom Camp was season passes to Six Flags Great America. (Talk about bang for your buck: the cost was $70 per person, and one of my boys has already visited 10 times this summer!) A membership takes the pressure off of spending an entire day somewhere. The theme park was really exciting for the kids, and again: we moms were all on the same page. We said “yes” to one treat per visit and “no” to all the extras (souvenirs, rip-off games). In terms of mealtimes, we only shared one meal during all the weeks of Mom Camp (our *finale!), which greatly simplified things.

*Mom Camp Finale: When we reflected on our budget, we realized that Mom Camp cost about $100 per child for the entire month. That gave us reason to celebrate, so we did. We did an overnight in Milwaukee that also cost $100 per child and included: UrbanAir Adventure Park ($35), one dinner and one lunch ($30), hotel sleepover including pool, movie, and breakfast ($35), Sprecher Brewery root beer / pop tasting ($1), and a hike to the beach (free).

While our three families participated in varying activities during the summer (sports camp 9am-3pm, YMCA day camp 9am-12pm, summer school 9:30am-12:30pm), the boys concluded that Mom Camp was their favorite part of summer. When asked why, the response was, “Because we get to play with our friends!” When you consider that many kids these days go from a seven hour school day to extra-curricular activities, it’s no wonder that simply playing with friends is (somewhat sadly) what becomes the novelty.

As I’m typing this, my seven year old is asking me, “Why can’t we do Mom Camp ourselves?” To say this July was a smashing success would be the understatement of the summer. In her book, “The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again,” author Catherine Price explains the three components to True Fun as playfulness, connection, and flow. Mom Camp was all of those things, not just between kids or between moms, but from moms to kids (their own and others’). It’s telling that on the night of our finale, my four year old asked if he could snuggle with one of the other moms. 🙂

It’s never too early to find those like-minded moms and plan your own camp. I’m pretty sure that all seven of our boys will be receiving Great America passes for Hanukkah/Christmas. Here are the other (FREE!) activities that we did this summer: Iron Chef competition, game day, 7/11 slurpees, football/tag/Gaga ball/play at parks, photo scavenger hunt, Camp Mom (build-a-fort & create a Mom Camp logo), sprinkler, basketball, local pool (additional cost).