Can ChatGPT help you plan summer routines for your kids?

After two weeks of juggling work and parenting, I finally have a kid-free workday ahead.

Well, my mother helped out on some days, but let’s not split hairs: Working with kids as your makeshift coworkers isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s especially challenging when they’re eager to go play Marco Polo at the Druid Hill Aquatic Center, while I’m here trying to draft articles on Baltimore’s exceptional connectors, revitalized rowhomes or even children’s books about AI (which I still believe would be a great addition to their collection).

But today, Blair, my soon-to-be sixth-grader, and Harper, my unicorn-loving nine-year-old, have returned to their familiar campgrounds. They’ve been attending this camp since we moved to the Remington neighborhood a couple of years ago. Hearing the sound of their feet scampering on the wooden floors of our rowhome this morning brought back memories of the daily routine of getting ready for school. For a brief moment, I thought, “Oh no, here we go again.” Getting kids of any age up, prepared and out the door — even for something as simple as a trip to the pool or camp — can sometimes feel like a monumental task. However, at least it’s something we’re familiar with. We have a routine in place, and we’ve been attending the same camp since they were younger.

On Tuesday evening, my mother joined us at the kitchen table, singing the camp songs she used to sing during her own sleepaway camp days. It was a grounding experience to realize that camp isn’t a new challenge for either the child or the parent. I can even recall not so long ago when I was getting ready for performance art camp in New York.

Of course, some parents might’ve struggled to find a suitable camp or maybe had to switch camps due to reasons like moving, divorce or a simple change of preference. Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. I could give you all my tips, like getting your parents or friends to help with dropoff or pickup or putting the kids in bed at a reasonable time, but I figured we could use generative AI to help us this summer. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say, with responses edited for length and clarity.

What are some camps or programs in Baltimore that are still open and available for children during the summer?

It’s important to note that availability and schedules can change, so it’s recommended to contact the respective organizations directly for the most up-to-date information. Here are some well-known camps and programs in Baltimore:

• Parks and People Foundation: Provides nature-based camps and programs in Baltimore that focus on environmental education and outdoor activities. Visit their website or contact them for more information.
• Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: The zoo may have summer camps and educational programs where children can learn about animals and conservation. Check their website or contact them for more details.
• Local Community Centers: Various community centers in Baltimore, such as the Y in Central Maryland or the Boys and Girls Clubs, often organize summer camps and programs for children. Contact your local community center for information on their offerings.

Are there any drop-in programs for parents who may not have planned ahead for summer camps?

• Baltimore City Recreation and Parks: The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks may offer drop-in programs or activities for children during the summer. Contact them to inquire about any available options.
• Public Libraries: Baltimore’s public libraries often have summer reading programs and special events for children. While these may not be drop-in programs in the traditional sense, they typically have flexible schedules, and you can bring your child to participate as and when convenient.
• Museums: Engaging with a museum over the summer can be an enriching and educational experience for a child. Museums offer a variety of interactive and hands-on activities that can spark curiosity, foster creativity, and promote learning. Some museums organize workshops and classes during the summer, where children can learn various skills such as painting, sculpting, science experiments, or historical reenactments.

What strategies can you suggest for helping kids get up in the morning and establish a morning routine during the summer?

• Set consistent wake-up times and create a morning schedule.
• Allow natural light to flow through your rooms.
• Make breakfast fun: Prepare a nutritious and appealing breakfast for your child. Encourage them to participate in meal planning and preparation, making it an enjoyable part of their morning routine.
• Limit screen time before bed: Establish a screen-free period before bedtime to promote better sleep quality. Blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns, making it harder to wake up in the morning.
• Be a role model: Set a good example by demonstrating a consistent morning routine yourself. When children see their parents or caregivers following a routine, they are more likely to adopt similar habits.

Are there any additional tips or advice you can provide for working parents who are managing summer camp schedules and their children’s activities during the break?

• Prioritize quality time: While managing work and summer camp schedules can be demanding, make an effort to spend quality time with your child during evenings, weekends, or other free periods. Engage in activities and create memorable experiences to make the most of your time together.
• Communicate with your child: Talk to your child about the upcoming field trips and explain your work commitments. Help them understand the situation and reassure them that you are doing your best to support their camp experience.
• Explore extended care options: Inquire if the summer camp offers extended care services before or after field trips. Some camps may have options for early drop-off or late pick-up, allowing you to align the camp schedule with your work hours.