How much structure should kids have when school is out?

The last day of school, when little Dick and Jane come galloping home, means decision time for parents.

With each start of summer, moms and dads have to choose what exactly their children will do with all that free time.

There are pros and cons to camps, classes and staying at home, and some experts even say it’s not a bad idea to mix a bit of both throughout the summer.

The decision is a little easier when there are plenty of options; all a parent has to do is decide what will benefit their child most.

Here is a look at some of the options:

STRUCTURED SUMMER

For some, a predetermined schedule works best in the summer once the structure of a school year ends.

Sometimes it works best for some children to have a day-to-day plan as opposed to more free time.

“The kids do summer camps, reading programs, sports and classes,” said James Hess of Crystal Lake about his sons’ activities. “It keeps them occupied and keeps them going. Plus, they stay out of mischief.”

Structured summer activities can range from the typical team sports, hiking and macrame-crafting sleep-away camps to biology, sculpting or other topic-specific classes. Whether the child is a future Andy Warhol or Rachel Carson, there probably is something available for him or her.

“Camps and classes are a quick and easy way to experiment with different topics kids don’t normally get to do during the regular school year,” said Marie Frostman, coordinator of educational opportunities at McHenry County College.

With an American Camp Association-estimated 12,000 day and resident camps in the United States, even the most obscure interest is bound to be covered by a camp or class somewhere.

“These kinds of classes are exciting for kids because it’s very hands-on,” Frostman said. “There are no tests or homework. It’s meant to be a positive experience in a classroom setting.”

UNSTRUCTURED SUMMER

“Summer is totally unstructured for us,” said Nancy Buckingham, a Crystal Lake resident and mother. “Who needs structure in the summer?”

For some parents, it doesn’t matter how many different class and camp options are available, they’d rather let the children be free. The summer, to them, is for letting creativity run wild alongside the children.

“Some students are really stressed during the school year with all the activities they’re involved in,” said Michelle La Spata, school psychologist at Mackeben Elementary in Algonquin.

She said the free time in the summer was a nice release for them.

“A lot of kids have too much stuff and not enough time to be creative or learn how to keep themselves busy,” Frostman said, acknowledging that unstructured time teaches children valuable lessons that no class or camp can teach.

OR BOTH?

No one said parents had to offer their children only a structured or unstructured summer – why not do a little of both? A little bit of structure lets children continue to learn while not at school, but allowing some time to roam freely and just be a kid is good for them, too.

Just be careful not too turn the tables too quickly, Frostman said. A child used to a lot of structure might be confused with none, and vice versa – so try to keep a good balance.

“I think it’s good to have a healthy mix of structure and unstructured time,” Frostman said. “There should be time for them to explore new things and time for them to be creative, too.”

Thea Morris, a mother of three from Island Lake, is a strong supporter of mixing it up a bit during the summer. She said her children were at home playing with one another some days, but they also participated in Girl Scout and zoo camps.

“My kids enjoy the downtime of free play; it’s good for them,” she said. “And the structured time is good for my peace of mind.”