Graduation Money Lei

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Directions

1. Fold a bill accordion-style back and forth, about 1/2 an inch wide.

2. Secure a small rubber band around the center.

3. Fan out of the bill and place glue dots or double-sided tape on the sides, and secure both ends together to form a circle or “flower”.

4. Thread a piece of ribbon through the middle of the “flower” and tie it to the necklace.

5. Tie “flowers” all around the necklace as desired.

10+ Summer Reading Programs For Kids

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1. Kids can earn a FREE book from the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.

Through August 31st, Barnes & Noble is hosting a Summer Reading Program, where kids in grades 1-6 can earn a completely FREE book by following these easy steps:

  1. Download the summer reading journal in English or Spanish, or pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store.

  2. Have your child read ANY eight books this summer and record them in the journal. They’ll need to share the book’s title and author, along with their favorite part of each book.

  3. Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and turn in the completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2025. Find a location near you.

  4. Choose a free book from the titles listed in the reading journal!

2. OR turn reading into rewards with Play Points from Chuck E. Cheese!

Chuck E. Cheese has a Reading Rewards Calendar that kids can complete over the summer. Just read every day for two weeks, track your progress on the calendar, and then trade it in for 10 FREE play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese.

Even better, your child can start working on a new calendar every two weeks for multiple redemptions all summer long! Your offer for free play points is valid until December 31, 2025.

3. Join the Books & Bundts program to score sweet treats for reading.

Did you know Nothing Bundt Cakes has a reading program for kids? The Books & Bundts program (also found under their FAQ section). You’ll pair with your child’s school and use an easy tracker to log your kiddos’ progress. When they reach a goal, celebrate with a FREE Bundlet! Note that participation depends on location, so be sure to reach out to your local Nothing Bundt Cakes for more information!

4. Celebrate your child’s reading success with a FREE kids T-shirt from Mensa. 

The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading program is open to all readers under the age of 18, and it will keep your kids reading high-quality literature all summer long!

To participate, kids can select one of these reading lists based on their grade level or reading ability. Then, print the appropriate list and have your child read all the books on it. Your child can track their progress by checking off each book and recording the date it was read, along with a rating.

After both the reader and an adult have signed the completed list, it can be sent to the Mensa Foundation at the address provided. Once the list is received, your child will get a commemorative certificate and an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!

5. Start a reading streak that lasts beyond summer with Scholastic’s Reading Program!

Now through September 12th, kids can participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Program. Participants will get access to the Scholastic Home Base, a free digital community full of books, live events, and games in a kid-safe environment that is moderated for safety 24/7.

Readers will be encouraged to track their reading streaks to earn rewards, unlock fun digital experiences, and donate books to communities in need. Head on over to their website to learn more!

6. Books-A-Million has fun freebies that are worth waiting for! 

Kids can participate in the Books A Million reading program and possibly earn a FREE Wings of Fire hat when they read just four books! Simply record the title/ author, favorite character, and best part in this free printable journal, then head to a local Books A Million to claim your prize.

7. Nothing goes better than pizza & reading – except FREE pizza! Get ready for Pizza Hut BOOK It!

Kids can earn one pizza per month in June, July, and August with the BOOK IT! mobile app from the Apple App Store. To participate in the new Summer of Stories program, just search “Pizza Hut BOOK IT!” to get started and register early for the new program. The app isn’t available on Google Play just yet, but it will be before the program officially begins on June 1st—we’ll update you as soon as it goes live!

8. Reward the entire class with Panda Express’ Read With Me program! 

Did you know you can get a FREE bookmark for everyone with Panda Express Read With Me program? Plus, kids can also score a free meal coupon when they read five books!

How to enroll: Parents or teachers can create a free Panda Express Read With Me account. You will be asked to first ‘create an enrollment‘ which includes the child’s school, address, principal’s email, and approximate school size. Once verified, Panda Express will send bookmarks and free meal coupons to everyone!

7+ Free and Cheap Summer Movie Options For Kids

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Stop by the Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Theaters.

From June 19 – August 10, participating Cinemark Theaters will be hosting an 8-Week Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse event every Wednesday. See kid-friendly movies for just $1.50 per ticket, and save on snacks, too, with $1 off kids’ snack packs and popcorn and drink combos during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Head here for more details and showtimes, and to find a participating theater near you.


Regal Theaters Summer Movies for Kids Just $2!

Regal Theaters has announced that during their Summer Movies for Kids, their pricing will be $2, and Regal Crown Club members will get half-off popcorn on chosen dates! While there isn’t much information if we look at patterns from previous years, this promo will last longer than many others, with extended dates going all the way to September.

Visit their site for more details and to find a participating theater near you.


Summer Movie Camp Only $3 at AMC Theaters

Starting June 24th, AMC Theaters will kick off its own deal for families with its Summer Movie Camp. This sequence of films will run through Aug. 14th and tickets will cost $3!

Visit here for movie selection.


Catch a $2 movie at Classic Cinemas every Wednesday.

From June 5 through August 7, Classic Cinemas will show family-friendly movies for just $2 per ticket. You can get reserved seating tickets online with no convenience fee or buy tickets at the theatre. Doors open at 9 AM for entertainment and games, and the movie begins at 10 AM.

All locations will have a Wednesday morning showtime for guests with special sensory needs. Moviegoers can talk and move around with the lights turned up and the sound turned down.

Visit the Classic Cinemas site for the 2024 lineup and more details.


Take the kids for some inexpensive Harkins Summer Movie Fun.

A season pass for the 2024 Harkins Summer Movie Fun program costs just $8. This price grants admission to eight movies during the eight-week program.

The SMF Program is exclusively for children 13 and under, but adults can purchase season passes for the same price as long as they’re accompanying a child to each movie.

Harkins Summer Movie Fun runs from June 5th through July 28th with 9:45 AM showtimes. Check the Harkins Summer Movie Fun 2024 page for all the details!


See 10 movies for $25 at Megaplex Theatres.

Megaplex Theatres are showing one kids’ movie a week for 10 weeks and offering passes to see all 10 of the movies for just $25! Passes may be purchased online or at any participating Megaplex Theatres Box Office. Head on over to their website to see the summer movie schedule based on your location.


Take the whole family to Phoenix Theatres for FREE movies all summer long!

This summer, Phoenix Theatres will be showing family-friendly movies for FREE at 10 AM every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning. Doors open at 9 AM, and all age groups are welcome. Plus, they’ll have a special Kiddie Meal available! Find a location near you.

10+ Free Summer Reading Programs For Kids

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1. Get a free book with Barnes & Noble’s Reading Program.

The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program welcomes children in grades 1 – 6 to join in the fun. Encourage your child to select eight books from their personal collection, borrowed from a library, or purchased from Barnes & Noble. They can then complete the provided printable reading journal. Once your child finishes reading, simply return the journal to your nearby Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2024. As a reward, your child will be able to choose a free book.

2. Participate in the Chuck E. Cheese Reading Challenge to get 10 free Play Points.

When your child reads every day for two weeks, they’ll earn 10 play points in the Chuck E. Cheese Reading Challenge! This one takes place year-round. It’s worth noting that you must make a food purchase to redeem your reading challenge worksheet for the 10 free points.

3. Earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks when you join the Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Camp.

Have your kids read and record their minutes with a reading log from Half Price Books’ website. After 300 minutes of reading, they’ll earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks that work just like gift cards. This one is open to all kids 18 and under. The program starts June 1 and reading logs must be in by July 31 to earn the $5 Bookworm Bucks.

4. Earn digital rewards through Scholastic’s Summer Reading Program.

From now until September 12, children can join the Scholastic Summer Reading Program. They’ll get exclusive access to Scholastic Home Base, filled with books, live events, and entertaining games designed specifically for kids.

As part of this program, young readers will be motivated to keep track of their reading streaks. The more they read (and the longer their reading streak) the more digital fun they can unlock and access. This program also helps donate books to kids who don’t have access to books in rural America.

Parents can download Scholastic Home Base or get the free app for iOS or Android.

5. Get a free baseball cap during the annual Books-A-Million summer reading program.

This year, kids can earn a free water bottle by reading four of the selected Summer Reading Adventure books from Books-A-Million. Choose four books from their pre-selected collection, fill out the printable log book, and return the log to your local BAM! store for your free baseball cap.

6. Local public libraries offer reading programs and prizes.

Most public libraries offer summer reading programs for kids and even activities like storytime.

7. Turn in a book report to Showcase Cinemas and watch a movie for free.

Bookworm Wednesdays is a reading program designed to inspire young children to read books throughout the summer. Kids receive free movie admission to a designated children’s film of their choice each week. All they have to do is present a printable book report at a participating box office of Cinema de Lux, Showcase, or Multiplex Cinemas.

Bookwork Wednesdays will return in July

Parents or guardians who accompany their children, as well as children under six years old, can enjoy free admission without the requirement of submitting a book report.

8. Tell your teachers about reading programs like Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT!

Pizza Hut’s Camp BOOK IT! is open to all families with PreK-6th grade students (ages 4-12). This parent-lead reading camp allows you to set goals, track reading, and reward your students, in a digital dashboard. When your child reaches their goal, they will receive a certificate for a free Personal Pan Pizza at participating Pizza Hut locations. Find out more information about the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program, which starts October 1, 2024.

9. Teachers, enroll your students in the Panda Express Read With Me program.

Enroll your students in the Panda Express Read With Me reading program online. Each student will have a goal of reading five books. Once each child reaches their goal, they’ll get a coupon they can redeem (in the past we've seen free meal coupons) for freebies at Panda Express. This reading program is recommended for elementary school students who are reading, typically grades Pre-K/TK – 5th grade (ages 5-11).

10. Earn a free T-shirt with the Mensa reading program.

Mensa offers a free t-shirt when your child takes part in the Mensa Excellence in Reading Program. Your child can print the list that best meets the level of their ability or interest, regardless of age or grade level. Once printed, be sure to record the date the books were read and their rating by hand. Electronic logs will not be accepted. Once your child has read the entire list of books in their list, the reader and an adult will need to sign it and return it and the t-shirt order form to the Mensa Foundation at the address provided.

11. Choose a free book to keep or donate with Kellogg’s Feeding Reading Program.

From now until October 30, 2024 kids can earn a free book for every eligible Kellogg’s product you purchase with the Kellogg’s Feeding Reading program. Just purchase any participating product, upload each separate receipt (up to 10), and select a book of your child’s choice to keep or donate. Receipts must be uploaded by Oct. 30, 2024, and free books must be selected no later than Nov. 15, 2024.

15+ Free Summer Programs For Kids

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National Geographic's Summer Programs

 The Planet Possible Family Challenge is a great way to make sure there's minimal summer brain drain. This series of projects and crafts from National Geographic hopes to inspire families to get outside, explore the habitats that surround us, and empower kids to understand why it's so important to protect them. Each challenge has three steps: 

  1. MAKE IT! A step-by-step DIY for a tool or craft that will help kids explore the microhabitat

  2. TRY IT! Prompts or activities to encourage kids to explore and learn about biodiversity, using the Make It! craft

  3. SAVE IT! Kid-friendly tips on protecting the microhabitat

Cost: National Geographic Premium With Disney+ is $10.99 a month. You get access to Disney+ in addition to a digital subscription to National Geographic. 

Online: nationalgeographic.com/family/topic/planet-possible-family-challenges 


Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

If you need an incentive to get the kids to go screen-free every once in a while, check out the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Print out the Summer Reading Journal and have your kids write down which books they've read and why they liked them. Once they’ve read eight books, bring the completed journal to your local Barnes & Noble between July 1 and August 31 to get a free book.

Cost: Free

Online: barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading



National Inventors Hall of Fame: Camp Invention

A new national summer program for kids in 2024, Camp Invention is for kids grades K-6. It's a week-long STEM camp where kids will build thinking skills with hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures, enjoy mind-teasing games, and meet new friends. 

There are over 1,000 locations nationwide and there's even an at-home camp experience that can be mailed to your doorstep. 

Cost: $270 a week

Online: invent.org/camp-invention



Outschool Programs for Kids

Outschool offers dozens of classes and courses for ages ranging from toddler to tween. Do they want to learn another language? There's a class for that. How about beginning hip-hop or even wilderness skills? You can find that too. 

Cost: varies (some start as low as $14) 

Online: outschool.com



Family Maker Camp

Get your whole crew involved with Family Maker Camp—it’s a great way to flex your imagination and create something new. Join in on one of their live streams or pick something that sounds interesting out of their project library. Before you know it, you’ll have built a hovercraft or a musical instrument.

Cost: Free

Online: makercamp.com

Numerade

If you’re worried about getting your middle or high school kids up to speed in the new school year, Numerade has a fabulous (and free) solution. They’re offering free STEM summer camps covering SAT test prep, pre-calculus, physics, and more. 

Cost: Free

Online: numerade.com/summer-camp

Walk & Talk from Marathon Kids

Research shows that kids connect when they're participating in an activity with you whether it's cooking, playing outside or being creative. The non-profit organization Marathon Kids, which works to ignite the joy of physical activity in kids, is launching a free summer program in hopes of making this easier for parents. Simply walk a mile and talk while doing it. Each day you'll receive a new prompt, there's a special mileage tracker, and by the end, you'll have walked the length of a marathon (26 miles) while getting to know your child better. 

Cost: Free 

Get registered and get your daily prompts here. 


Microsoft Kids Camp

Microsoft normally offers free kids' camps at their stores during the summer, but they've moved online for now. Kids can sign up for free online workshops to tour the Smithsonian, plan a virtual road trip, put their Minecraft skills to the test, and more. Ages range from 6 to 14, and while the camps are free, advance registration is required.

Cost: Free

Online: microsoft.com/store/eventsforkids

Brain Chase

Give your kids an exciting and engaging adventure this summer with one of Brain Chase's 2024 treasure hunt programs. How does it work? Kids will race against other teams in a week-long competition of escape room puzzles and adventures. Each interactive escape room is filled with hidden clues, and there are physical challenges as well. The fun starts on June 3. 

Cost: $129 and up. Click here for more information.

Online: brainchase.com

Scholastic's Read-a-Palooza

From May 9 - Sept. 12, 2024, as kids track their reading streaks, they’ll unlock fun videos, book excerpts, and other exclusive summer content when you download Scholastic's free Home Base app. Kids can play games, meet their favorite book characters, write fiction, and upload art,  You can register here, and check out the info for parents here.

Cost: Free

Online: scholastic.com/summer

Ranger Rick Photo Contest

If you’ve got a budding Ansel Adams at home, the Ranger Rick photo contest is a great way to keep them busy over the summer. First, head for the great outdoors (or your backyard) and have them take nature photos. Then, select their favorite and send it in with proper sizing (2 MB or smaller, JPG format, at least 600 pixels wide or 600 pixels tall). If your kid doesn’t have a digital camera, no worries! Phone images are also accepted.

Recent winners (this is an ongoing contest) are entered into the running for Ranger Rick’s "Your Best Shots" Magazine Award and are selected three times a year. Each winner receives a certificate of achievement and copies of the magazine featuring the winning image!

Cost: Free

Online: rangerrick.org/photo-contest


Kids That Do Good Volunteer Program

It's never too early to instill the habit of giving to others. Have your little philanthropists sign up with Kids That Do Good this summer to spend time giving back to their local community. The online (kid-founded!) resource allows kids to get involved with a cause or charity of their choosing—or, if you’ve got real go-getters at home—create their own! Once you’ve created an account and found an organization, kids can track their service hours via social profiles and certificates. 

Cost: Free

Online: kidsthatdogood.com

Apple Camp

Designed to help spark the imaginations of kiddos ages 8-12, this three-day workshop allows kids to explore and expand on their digital creativity. They’ll choose one of three tracks and spend 90 minutes of each day working on their project. Be sure to sign up here to get an email announcing open registration for the summer program for kids (it usually starts in June)—spots fill up quickly!

Cost: Free

Online: apple.com/retail/camp

Home Depot Maker Classes

The Home Depot offers workshops that are perfect for mini-makers. Simply pre-register online, and then show up on the selected Saturday to build fun projects like a picket fence planter. At the end of the two-hour workshop, kids receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Cost: Free

Online: homedepot.com/workshops


Camp Creatology at Michael's

Does your artist dream of paint, paper, glitter, and glue? If so, Michael’s Camp Creatolgy is the perfect way to beat the summer brain drain. Information for Summer 2024 will drop in late May, but camps usually run from mid-June to mid-July and are for ages 6 & up. If you don't want to sign up for the in-store classes, online programs are also available. 

Cost: The classes are free, but the required materials cost $40 for the entire summer. 

Online: michaels.com/campcreatology

Kids Bowl Free

Budding bowlers can perfect their technique all summer long thanks to Kids Bowl Free, which allows them to play up to two games a day free of charge. All that's missing is a pair of those sweet bowling shoes. To find a participating bowling alley near you, click here.

Cost: Free

Online: kidsbowlfree.com

Kids Summer Movie Programs

Sometimes a dark and cool movie theater is the only way to beat the heat. Your kids can sign up for a punch card or show up at participating Megaplex, Cinemark, and Regal theaters to catch a fun, kid-friendly flick for just $1-$2. Even better, most movies show before noon, making it easy to catch a flick and head home for nap time.

Cost: $1-$2 per movie.

Online: megaplextheatres.com/i/kidsmovies, regmovies.com/movies/summer-movie-express (not updated for 2024) and cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse

Kids Skate Free

Whether your kids like to skate or rollerblade, a few laps will get their blood pumping, and the cool, A/C-induced temps are a total bonus. The Kids Skate Free program allows families to take advantage of this offer once a week (during the summer months). Click here to find out if it’s happening at your local rink.

Cost: Free

Online: kidsskatefree.com

National Park Jr. Ranger Program

If you’ve got a National Park nearby, be sure to sign up your mini explorers for the NPS Junior Ranger Program. Each kiddo will be outfitted with a handy Junior Ranger guidebook that's filled with historical facts and cool tips about all the National Parks. Every adventurer also gets the chance to complete a series of activities, share answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate. Click here to learn more. 

Insider Tip: Kids can earn badges at home by downloading activity books and information packets. Click here for more info. 

Cost: Free

Online: nps.gov/kids/become-a-junior-ranger.htm


Museums on Us

If you are a Bank of America or a Merrill Lynch cardholder, you can snag free admission at more than 150 museums, science centers, and botanical gardens across the country on two days every month just by showing your card. Find out if your favorite museum is participating, and on what days, by clicking here.

Cost: Free

Online: museums.bankofamerica.com

MarcoPolo World School

Keep the summer boredom away with this fun digital learning platform. Kids ages three to seven can learn STEAM concepts while watching videos and participating in interactive online activities. You can try it out with a seven-day free trial; after that, it’s $7.99 a month.

Cost: $7.99/month

Online: marcopololearning.com

Camp Bonkers

From the creative minds behind Angry Birds, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Ice Age comes a free, interactive camp-style YouTube summer experience for kids. Every day is new, and activities include making food, doing science experiments, singing songs, and more. Counselors will be on hand to lead extra content and be on the lookout for special guest stars including Sparkles and Beaver and Scribbles the Cat. 

Dates: Anytime on YouTube

Online: youtube.com/channel/UCezC6uWpNz8Mcx-DV7OO7SQ












DIY Watermelon Drink Dispenser

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This is cool! 

Materials
1 large watermelon
Paper towels
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board 
Large spoon or ice cream scoop 
Apple corer 
Power drill and paring knife (optional) 
Tap kit (includes a shank and faucet — available at many hardware stores)
Waterproof plate

Instructions

  1. Wash the watermelon and wipe it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, cut approximately 1/2 inch off the bottom to keep the watermelon standing straight. Cut off the top of the watermelon, about 3/4 of an inch

  2. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, hollow out the watermelon. Reserve the fruit for use in your favorite summer recipe

  3. Using an apple corer, cut a circle through the rind about 2 1/2 inches above the bottom of the watermelon. (Choose the prettiest side for a party-worthy presentation.) Don’t have an apple corer? Drill a small hole, then use a small knife to widen the hole until it’s slightly smaller than the shank of the tap

  4. Insert the shank into the hole; tighten hardware inside the melon. Attach the faucet to the shank

  5. Place the watermelon keg on a clean, waterproof plate at the end of a table. Fill it with ice, then your favorite lemonade, punch or tropical drink recipe

Tip: Avoid beverages with pulp; they can clog the spout.

Tasty Summer Treats 
Not sure what to do with the leftover watermelon? Try these fresh, fruity ideas:

Assemble Fruit Kebabs: Thread watermelon chunks, fresh strawberries, grapes and pineapple chunks on bamboo skewers to create kebabs. This is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit!

Make a Spritzer: Puree watermelon pieces in a blender, and then mix the pureed fruit with lemonade or sparkling water. Serve over ice. 

Blend up a Smoothie: Cut watermelon into chunks and freeze. Mix in a blender with other fresh and frozen fruits — and a splash of juice — to create a tasty smoothie. 

Chill Summer Drinks: Freeze small chunks or balls of watermelon to use as ice cubes in your favorite summer beverages.

Graduation Freebies 2022

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Baked by Melissa

Celebrate your newest grad with a pack of mini cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. There are a variety of Congratulations Gift Boxes that range from 25 to 50 cupcakes. You can choose packs that have “Congrats” or “You’re Doing Great” messages written on them. They also offer gift cards as well. 

Plus, through June 30, you can snag 9% cash back when shopping Baked by Melissa via RetailMeNot.

Baskin Robbins

A classic treat, Baskin Robbins has graduation-themed ice cream cake. They offer a customizable School Spirit Photo Cake and a Diploma Roll Cake that’s topped off with a red ribbon. If you pre-order your cakes online or through the Baskin-Robbins app, you can use the code CELEBRATE to receive a free pre-packed quart of ice cream with your purchase of $30 or more. 

Bertucci’s

Bertucci’s is offering a unique graduation party menu (available for pickup, curbside or delivery)  for friends and family. There are two different Graduation Packages that feature fresh-baked rolls, salad, an entree or pizza, dessert and an extra dessert just for the grad. 

Chili’s 

Gift cards are always a safe and practical gift. Order a gift card at Chili’s online between through June 26 and receive a free bonus $10 card.

Edible Arrangements

If you’d rather show up with a bouquet of fruit than flowers, Edible Arrangements has an expansive list of graduation-themed gifts you can choose from. They even have gifts that aren’t solely fruits, like the Strawberry Cheesecake Indulgence Box or the Cupcake and Dipped Fruit Boxes. Of course, you can never go wrong with their vibrant fruit arrangements. Customize your gift by adding edible numbers to note the graduation year, too. 

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies has helped carry college students through thick and thin: especially through late nights. From now until June 29, high school, college and graduate school grads can get one free six-pack of Classic cookies with any $5 in-store purchase. All you have to do is show up to an Insomnia Cookie store in your cap and gown and mention the deal. If you don’t have the graduation attire, though, just show any proof of graduation!

Krispy Kreme Donuts

Last year, Krispy Kreme gave high school or senior graduates a free “Graduate Dozen” for students who visited a store dressed in their graduation cap and gown or a class year shirt. Let’s see if they offer the special deal again for the Class of 2022. Meanwhile, use the code BESWEET until May 22 to buy any dozen and get a $1 Original Glazed dozen to share!

Long John Silver’s 

Who wants free cake? Head to Long John Silver’s. If you purchase a 10-piece family meal or larger, they’ll top it off with either their new lemon cake or their triple chocolate fudge cake. 

McAlister’s Deli

This graduation season, get a $5 eReward online or a physical reward voucher for every $25 worth of gift cards you purchase. You can get this deal until June 19 and the $5 eReward can be used from June 30 to August 31. 

Miller’s Ale House

Miller’s Ale House will be running a gift card promotion to treat grads until June 26. Purchase a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card, which is valid from July 1 to Aug. 31. If you’re heading to Miller’s for a sit-down meal (or delivery), they’re also offering three new chipotle BBQ pork specials for a limited time: Backyard BBQ Mountain Melt, BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos and BBQ Pork Nachos. 

Minted

Use the code 2022GRAD (expires May 16) for 15% off graduation announcements. They’ll come with free custom envelopes and recipient addressing too. 

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe Reward members will receive $50 More Rewards for catering orders over $300 using the code GRAD22. The deal is available until June 30. There’s also a gift card deal where for every $25 in gift cards purchased, you’ll receive $5 Moe Rewards through June 19. So if you aren’t a reward member, sign up today!

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Celebrate your grad with Potbelly Sandwiches. Order from the Grad Bundle for six or for 10. The bundles come with different types of sandwiches, soups and salads, an assortment of chips and fresh-baked cookies. You can also get 10% off catering with the code GRAD22. 

Red Lobster

From now until June 26, for every $50 spent on purchasing Red Lobster gift cards, you will get a bonus coupon of $10 off an order of $30. The coupons are redeemable from June 27 to August 31. 

Schlotzsky’s

At Schlotzsky’s, you can get $5 for every $25 from now until June 20. Use it to try their new calzones or go for their classic sourdough-bun sandwiches. 

Smashburger

Until June 19, buy $25 in gift cards to get $5 in Smash Cash in participating locations. Sign up for their rewards program online or through the app!

Source: Retailmenot

25+ Graduation Gift Ideas

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First, in the kit shown above, is the health/beauty kit. It includes Crest, Secret, Pantene, and more, all packaged in a carry tote, which all students need! You’ll want to customize your health/beauty kit to your student’s favorite products.

SWEETS KIT:

Your homemade cookies or the bakery, a care package isn’t complete without a sweet treat. Pack items tightly in a plastic container (fill in extra space with clean paper towels) and then wrap with bubble wrap. Boxed.com is also great for sending must-have snacks and more.

Consider snacks, like granola bars, microwave popcorn, and hot chocolate mixes, as well as more substantial mini-meals — such as instant oatmeal and soup — for rushed mornings and missed dining hall dinners. Mints and gum are always welcome in a care package too. Boxed.com is also great for sending must-have snacks and more.

Canva source

TOY/HOBBY KIT:

Pack up fun board games and cards, and they’ll be the life of the party at their dorm.

GIFT CARD KIT:

Send gift cards to stores and restaurants in a care package or email. Choose big-box retailers like Target or Walmart, coffee or sandwich chains like Starbucks, Subway, and Panera, and local establishments like the college bookstore.

HOLIDAY KIT:

Festive accessories are surprisingly welcome and uplifting for a kid away from home for the first time; this care package idea is also nice to send in anticipation of your kid coming home for the holidays. Keep items small, like a desktop Christmas tree, a mini-menorah, and Easter baskets or Halloween pumpkins filled with candy. Seasonally-themed lights, like orange for Halloween or green for St. Patrick’s Day, are also fun.

Author photo

GET WELL/ FIRST AID KIT:

Make a mini first-aid care package by filling a container with:

  • Band-aids

  • Antibiotic ointment

  • Advil

  • Gas X {dorm food makes this one essential}

  • Benadryl

  • Thermometer

  • Covid test kits

  • Instant ice pack

  • Pulse ox

  • Pepto

  • Throat lozenges

  • Cold medicine

  • Q-Tips

  • Nail clippers

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

  • An ace bandage

  • Cotton balls

  • Small pair scissors

  • Small pair of tweezers

Author photo

CLEANING KIT:

Dorms need to be clean. Pack some multi-surface spray, paper towels, dusting cloths, and electronics cleaner, and throw in a bottle of air freshener for good measure.

Plus, here are more ideas!


Apple Camp for Kids

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two boys in class working on iPads

 

Apple stores are once again hosting their very popular Apple Kids Camps throughout this summer for kids ages 8-12!

These free camps will be a little different than past years. Instead of 1.5-hour sessions over three separate days, camps this year are one day only and last for two hours. Spots are very limited so you’ll want to check your store soon. Registration just opened on July 1st so we’re hopeful that you can grab a spot.

If you’re wanting to remain contact-free or can’t find an available time, Apple is also offering an at-home downloadable guide with 30 creative activities!

Mom's Favorite Scrambled Eggs

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The snack-heavy months of summer vacation can be a challenge. That’s why serving up a healthy breakfast is so important!

So between camp and a busy summer schedule, protein is a great way to start the day. I started out with Jimmy Dean products, you can't go wrong! Hearty and delicious, the sausage patties, stuffed hash browns and sandwiches are the perfect complement to scrambled eggs and more.

Here is my fave go-to scrambled egg recipe:

  • 8 eggs

  • 2 heaping tablespoons sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

In a medium size bowl, beat eggs, sour cream, water, and salt and pepper until fluffy. Using a nonstick frying pan, melt butter and cook eggs over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cheese. Cook until you reach desired consistency.

I made Cam a big plate of scrambled eggs, Jimmy Dean sausage and a cup of strawberries and kiwi fruit. Cam said this had to be one of his favorite breakfasts ever!

For quick, healthy breakfast ideas include setting up a back to school breakfast bar. This makes breakfast a little more fun and makes sure the kiddos eat well before school:

  • Fruit on a Stick (Fruit Kabobs) – Try strawberries, blueberries & pineapple but any fruit would work

  • Waffle on a Stick – you could cook up some waffles in a waffle maker or use frozen waffles & then take half of it & wrap it around a stick with a bowl of syrup to dip their waffle into.

  • Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick – buy the prepackaged cinnamon rolls and cook those quickly in the morning & then put the cinnamon roll on a stick with a little bowl for frosting to dip their cinnamon roll in

Be sure to stop by Kroger and stock up before the school bell rings!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jimmy Dean. All opinions are my own

15+ Free National Summer Programs For Kids

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MOCA Art Camp

MOCA North Miami is offering a contemporary art experience with virtual art camps this summer. Kids ages six to 13 will be introduced to mixed media, painting, drawing and textile arts during Zoom workshops, and their final projects will be featured in a virtual exhibition on MOCA’s website. There will be five two-week sessions, starting on Jun. 14 and running through Aug. 20. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cost: $10 a day, $50 for a week, or $90 per full two-week session.

Online: mocanomi.org/2021/04/virtual-summer-art-camp-2021/ 

 

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

If you need an incentive to get the kids to go screen-free every once in a while, check out the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Download a reading journal from the Barnes & Noble website, then have your little bookworm log each book as it’s completed. Once they’ve read eight books, bring the completed journal to your local Barnes & Noble between July 1 and Aug. 31 to get a free book.*** Score!

Cost: Free

Online: barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-rs9

***Due to COVID-19, Check with your local store for updates on in-store activities.

Varsity Tutors 

Get learning time in this summer with Varsity Tutors’ weeklong, totally free virtual summer camps. Running Jun. 7 through Aug., kids can sign up to make their own LEGO movie, crack detective cases and create their own worlds in Minecraft. Space is limited, so grab your spot soon.

Cost: $150 a week

Online: varsitytutors.com/virtual-summer-camps

Family Maker Camp 

Get your whole crew involved with Family Maker Camp—it’s a great way to flex your imagination and create something new. Join in on one of their live streams or pick something that sounds interesting out of their project library. Before you know it, you’ll have built a hovercraft or a musical instrument.

Cost: Free

Online: makercamp.com

Numerade 

If you’re worried about getting your middle or high school kids up to speed in the new school year, Numerade has a fabulous (and free) solution. They’re offering free STEM summer camps covering SAT test prep, precalculus, physics and more. 

Cost: Free

Online: numerade.com/summer-camp

Gigi’s At Home 

With the onset of Covid-19, GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers were forced to temporarily close, but they were able to bring a ton of content to their website tailored for families with Down Syndrome. Browse more than 28 national programs for all ages, covering everything from math to cooking. 

Cost: Free

Online: gigisplayhouse.org/gigisathome/

 

Walk & Talk from Marathon Kids 

Research shows that kids connect when they're participating in an activity with you whether it's cooking, playing outside or being creative. Non-profit organization Marathon Kids, which works to ignite the joy of physical activity in kids, is launching a free summer program in hopes of making this easier for parents. Simply walk a mile and talk while doing it. Each day you'll receive a new prompt, there's a special mileage tracker, and by the end, you'll have walked the length of a marathon (26 miles) while getting to know your child better. 

Cost: Free 

Get registered and get your daily prompts here. 

 

LEGO Magazine

Your master builder can receive a free magazine as part of the LEGO life program. There are stories, activities and news updates for kids ages 5-9.

Cost: Free

Online: lego.com/life/magazine

Microsoft Kids Camp 

Microsoft normally offers free kids camp at their stores during the summer, but they've moved online for now. Kids can sign up for free online workshops to tour the Smithsonian, plan a virtual road trip, put their Minecraft skills to the test and more. Ages range from 6-14, and while the camps are free, advance registration is required.

Cost: Free

Online: microsoft.com/store/eventsforkids

Brain Chase 

Give your kids an exciting and engaging adventure this summer with one of Brain Chase's 2021 treasure hunt programs! How does it work? There are four programs, The Jungle Book, the Sunstone of Cortes, The Mask of Tomoe Gozen and The Globe of Magellan to choose from. Once your kiddo has picked which one (or maybe they want to do all four!), they'll choose three electives out of 15 (depending on which package you select), including math, engineering, cooking, typing and even yoga, to solve each weekly challenge. Once solved, an original webisode containing the next hidden clue will be unlocked. The first treasure hunter to solve the mystery will jet off to unearth the real buried treasure—$1,000 in gold! The fun starts on May 24th. 

Cost: $99 and up. Click here for more information.

Online: brainchase.com

Scholastic's Read-a-Palooza

Your avid reader can help underprivileged kids gain access to books by keeping track of his total minutes read this summer. Sign up on Scholastic's new Home Base to get started. As kids track their reading streaks, they’ll unlock fun videos, book excerpts and other exclusive summer content. For every two days in a row kids track their reading streaks, Scholastic, with the help of other sponsors, will donate a book (totaling up to 100,000 books) to underserved kids across the country. You can register here, and check out the info for parents here.

Cost: Free

Online: scholastic.com/summer

 

Ranger Rick Photo Contest 

If you’ve got a budding Ansel Adams at home, the Ranger Rick photo contest is a great way to keep her busy over the summer. First, head for the great outdoors (or your own backyard) and have her take nature photos. Then, select her favorite one and send it in with proper sizing (2 MB or smaller, JPG format, at least 600 pixels wide or 600 pixels tall). If your kid doesn’t have a digital camera, no worries! Phone images are also accepted. Recent winners (this is an ongoing contest) are entered into the running for Ranger Rick’s "Your Best Shots" Magazine Award and are selected three times a year. Each winner receives a certificate of achievement and copies of the magazine featuring the winning image!

Cost: Free

Online: rangerrick.org/photo-contest

 

Kids That Do Good Volunteer Program

It's never too early to instill the habit of giving to others. Have your little philanthropists sign up with Kids That Do Good this summer in order to spend time giving back to their local community. The online (kid-founded!) resource allows kids to get involved with a cause or charity of their choosing—or, if you’ve got real go-getters at home—create their own! Once you’ve created an account and found an organization, kids can track their service hours via social profiles and certificates. During Covid-19, they're highlighting ways that you can volunteer safely from home, including sewing masks, transcribing historic documents and more.

Cost: Free

Online: kidsthatdogood.com

Apple Camp 

It's possible that the very popular Apple Camp will return for Summer 2021. Designed to help spark the imaginations of kiddos ages 8-12, this three-day workshop allows kids to explore and expand on their digital creativity. They’ll choose one of three tracks, and spend 90 minutes of each day working on their project. Be sure to sign up here to get an email announcing open registration—spots fill up quickly!

Cost: Free

Online: apple.com/retail/camp

 

Home Depot Maker Classes

The Home Depot offers workshops that are perfect for mini-makers. Simply pre-register online, and then show up on the selected Saturday to build fun projects like a putting green. At the end of the two-hour workshop, kids receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Cost: Free

Online: homedepot.com/workshops

Camp Creativity at Michael's

Does your artist dream of paint, paper, glitter and glue? If so, Michael’s Camp Creativity is the perfect way to beat the summer brain drain. Running from Jul. 12-Aug 1. at 3 pm CT, your creative kid can log in for a new craft or art project. 

Cost: Free

Online: michaels.com/camp-creativity

Kids Bowl Free

Budding bowlers can perfect their technique all summer long thanks to Kids Bowl Free, which allows them to play up to two games a day free of charge. All that's missing is a pair of those sweet bowling shoes. To find a participating bowling alley near you, click here.

Cost: Free

Online: kidsbowlfree.com

 

Summer Movie Programs

Sometimes a dark and cool movie theater is the only way to beat the heat. Your kids can sign up for a punch card or show up at participating Megaplex and Regal theaters to catch a fun, kid-friendly flick for just $1. Even better, most movies show before noon, making it easy to catch a flick and head home for nap time.

Cost: $1 per movie at both locations.

Online: megaplextheatres.com/i/kidsmovies and regmovies.com/movies/summer-movie-express

 

Kids Skate Free

Xanadu your heart out and head for the local roller rink this summer. Whether your kids like to skate or rollerblade, a few laps will get their blood pumping, and the cool, A/C-induced temps are a total bonus. The Kids Skate Free program allows families to take advantage of this offer once a week (during summer months). Click here to find out if it’s happening at your local rink.

Cost: Free

Online: kidsskatefree.com

National Park Jr. Ranger Program

If you’ve got a National Park nearby, be sure to sign up your mini explorers for the NPS Junior Ranger Program. Each kiddo will be outfitted with a handy Junior Ranger guidebook that's filled with historical facts and cool tips about all the National Parks. Every adventurer also gets the chance to complete a series of activities, share answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate. Click here to learn more. 

Insider Tip: Kids can earn badges at home by downloading activity books and information packets. Click here for more info. 

Cost: Free

Online: nps.gov/kids/become-a-junior-ranger.htm

 

Museums on Us

If you are a Bank of America or a Merrill Lynch cardholder, you can snag free admission at more than 150 museums, science centers and botanical gardens across the country on two days every month just by showing your card. Find out if your favorite museum is participating, and on what days, by clicking here.

Cost: Free

Covid-19 update: Be sure to check your local museum's website to see if they're open before you visit.

Online: museums.bankofamerica.com

Camp Tinkergarten

From the popular hands-on outdoor learning program for kids comes an 11-week summer course you can do at home. Filled with all sorts of fun like a printable "trail map," reading summer list, songs and rituals for camp, plus articles and resources for parents, each week focuses on a different core Tinkergarten skill: persistence, empathy, creativity, focus and more.

Cost: $149 per family

Online: tinkergarten.com/camp 

MarcoPolo World School

Keep the summer boredom away with this fun digital learning platform. Kids ages three to seven can learn STEAM concepts while watching videos and participating in interactive online activities. You can try it out with a seven-day free trial; after that, it’s $7.99 a month.

Cost: $7.99/month

Online: marcopololearning.com

Camp Bonkers

From the creative minds behind Angry Birds, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Ice Age comes a free, interactive camp-style YouTube summer experience for kids. Every day is new, and activities include making food, doing science experiments, singing songs and more. Counselors will be on hand to lead extra content, and be on the lookout for special guest stars including Sparkles and Beaver and Scribbles the Cat. 

Dates: Anytime on YouTube

Online: youtube.com/channel/UCezC6uWpNz8Mcx-DV7OO7SQ

BBQ Money-Saving Tips + Ideas

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Make your next BBQ a success with this check-list!

  1. First, go here to print off this helpful checklist
  2. Choose your venue! Will this be a backyard BBQ, a BBQ in the park or a beachside grilling session? If you’re holding your BBQ in a public space, be sure to reserve a grill ahead of time and check local Covid restrictions.
  3. Check out our Summer Pinterest board here
  4. Plan the guest list and maximize your available space. 
  5. Set up a DIY Hot Dog bar, here's how!
  6. Send out the invites to get the ball rolling. Facebook invites make it easy and free.
  7. Buy the basic supplies: get cheap, bright, and patriotic paper plates, napkins, and cutlery.
  8. Consider hosting a Clam Bake instead of the typical BBQ
  9. Plan your decor: will your BBQ be specifically patriotic, or will you go with a summer-theme? For a patriotic event, buy mini flags, star-spangled garlands, and plenty of other red, white, and blue goodies. For a summer-focused event, go for a tropical vibe with tiki torches, mini umbrellas, and other island-centered decor! Balloons and streamers are great for any event.
  10. Plan your main course. Make sure to have a couple of meat options–hamburgers, hotdogs, ribs, chicken are all great options!  Make sure to have vegetarian course as well. If you do choose to grill some veggies, make sure you grill them first, out of courtesy to the vegetarians.
  11. A Burger Bar with all the fixins is another fun idea
  12. Have some fun with side dishes. While some chips or crackers and cheese will do just fine, side dishes are your time to shine. Think potato salad or coleslaw, and help guests to remember your BBQ fare for years!
  13. Set up a condiment station with ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, pickles, and whatever else you think your guests might enjoy.
  14. Add a couple of ready made fruit platters and vegetable platters on the side.
  15. Fill your cooler with beer, soda and juice galore–but don’t forget the water bottles! We like filling those large plastic 
  16. Brownies, chocolate chip cookies and make your own ice cream sundaes are always winners for dessert.
  17. Plan your server station: find a couple of tables, tablecloths, serving dishes, and serving spoons. Arrange your station so that guests can move in and out in an orderly fashion; buffet style does the trick.
  18. On the day of, slather up in some sunscreen, set up the stereo outdoors, and enjoy!

See our BBQ Pinterest Board for More!

10+ Summer Reading Programs For Kids

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1. Your Public Library
Make this your first stop for summer reading. Most public libraries will be kicking their summer reading program in May. They will often have the chance to get free books or prizes–even with the strange times in which we live. Hopefully, your local library will be open for storytime and other activities.


2. Scholastic Summer Reading
From April 26 through September 3, visit the Scholastic summer zone for stories, games, and community. Keep track of your books. Read e-books. MEet favorite characters and authors. Print reading achievement reports. 


3. Barnes and Noble
Download and print a Reading Journal. Then, read eight books and record the titles in the printed journal. Once you’ve read the 8 books, take your journal to your local Barnes and Noble to get a free book. It couldn’t be easier. You can also find a printable parent’s guide with tips and fun literacy activities.


4. Amazon Summer Reading Challenge
This is a pretty lame reading challenge if you ask me– read 8 books, get a $1 coupon.


5. Half-Price Books Feed Your Brain
Read for at least 15 minutes each day. Download their free reading log to record your minutes. Once you’ve read 300 minutes, you can turn your completed log into your local HPB store and earn $5 Half-Price Books Bucks. You can also find tips and printable book lists.


6. KCEdventures Genre Challenge for Summer Reading
Challenge your kids to explore new areas of the library. KCEdventures has created a bingo-style printable that covers 15 different genres. Try to read at least one book from each and record them on the sheet.


7. Bookworm Wednesdays at Showcase Cinemas
Participating Multiplex, Cinema de Lux, and Showcase theaters will give kids free admission to a movie when they present a book report.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

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Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, stemmed and quartered
5 tablespoons sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Directions
Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Place mixture in an ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Remove shortcake from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and split each piece in half horizontally.

Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then the shortcake top. Spoon more strawberries over the top and serve.