A day outdoors and a craft
June is the month when children are freed from the classes and hallways of school.
They’re ready to roam about outside, maybe stick tiny toes in warm streams to get swept away toward long, summer days. Parents aren’t immune to the call of freedom, the cycle of school breaks bringing up memories of our own past adventures. Whether in elementary, high school or college, one of the most popular books to celebrate the end of school with is Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”
Defying Gravity
On theme with a sense of burgeoning adventure, our craft for this month is a hot air balloon: a fantastic vessel that can take one anywhere in this world or another (according to Oz). To make your own, all you need is a balloon, newspaper, glue, string and some paint.
Start by inflating a balloon, then, in a bucket, mix a 1:1 ratio of glue and warm water to make papier mâché. Rip your recycled paper (we used an old Burg magazine) into about 1-inch-thick strips. Dip a strip in the papier mâché, then apply it to the balloon. Continue this process until the balloon is fully covered in papier mâché, leaving a small hole at the bottom of the balloon where the tie is. Let your creation dry for about 24 hours.
Once dry, use a needle to pop the balloon at the bottom, where the tie is. The balloon will deflate, leaving a fragile but perfectly shaped papier mâché hot air balloon. Paint your balloon—we chose rainbow for Pride Month. Next, create your basket. We used half a walnut shell for an earthy vibe, but you can repurpose a can, Jello container, cornbread box, etc. Create some clay figurines for your basket to add an extra touch. Finally, take a piece of string and tie it around the bottom of your basket then hot glue the strings to the inside of the hot air balloon. Viola! You have a tiny hot air balloon ready to (figuratively) fly away.
Market Munch
More than anyone, parents know that adventures need snacks and there’s no better place to get them than a farmers market. The Market on Market is open for the season on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. at 2000 Chestnut St. (Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot) in Camp Hill. Featuring local bakeries, farm fresh fruits and veggies, food trucks and more, this is a perfect way to spend a warm early summer night. If weekends are more your style, the Box Lunch Review is happening June 12 and 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. These midday extravaganzas take place at Willow Park and feature local musicians. There are lunch options for purchase, or you can pack your own picnic with spoils from the farmers market.
Events like these don’t happen on their own, and Camp Hill borough is always seeking volunteers to help make them happen. Volunteers can help with set up, tear down, ticketing, information and other services. It’s a fantastic way to get your family involved in local events this summer. To learn more, fill out the community volunteer interest form on the Camp Hill borough website.
Run Wild
Just when I think I’ve uncovered all there is to discover around Harrisburg, another gem presents itself.
For a recent playdate, my family ventured to Adams-Ricci Park. This goliath of an open space boasts 82 acres for the community to play on. There are sports fields, batting cages, pavilions, a stage area for events, and an outdoor butterfly garden. Multiple playgrounds pepper the landscape, with the Panther Play Station designed specifically for children under 4 years old. The fun doesn’t end topside though, as there’s a pathway down to the Conodoguinet Creek where kids can splash and play in the water, search for crayfish, or observe growing tadpoles. To fish or boat the creek, you can haul your equipment down the incline at Adams-Ricci or there’s drive-up access at the next park down the road, Oyster Mill.
With so many natural places and incredible events happening along the banks of the Susquehanna, it seems the hardest part of the next few months may be finding free time. In my opinion, some of the best parts of summer are the unplanned moments, when real adventures happen.
Wherever you and your family find yourselves this summer, enjoy it. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go!”
Market on Market is located at 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Box Lunch Review takes place at Willow Park, N. 24th/25th and Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, visit Camp Hill’s website, below.
To volunteer with Camp Hill borough, visit their website www.camphillborough.com.
Adams-Ricci Park is located at 100 E. Penn Dr., Enola.
Oyster Mill Park is located at 1150 Oyster Mill Rd., Camp Hill.
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