***Disclosure:  I received a free week of Soccer Camp for my daughter thanks to the USFamilyGuide.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.***

Chloe loved soccer camp again this summer. She enjoyed the program and that it was slightly different but still similar enough that she felt comfortable. It’s awesome to watch all the kids grow and develop through the skill building at Challenger International Soccer Camp. This year instead of competing in the World Cup the kids competed as premier league teams. My daughter enjoyed this since her dad is a soccer nut (self proclaimed) – he was sad that she was on Arsenal and not Liverpool though!

It’s amazing to see the changes in Chloe as both a player with her skills but also with her confidence in general. This year we would arrive at camp – check-in and she would take off without even saying bye! Four years of Challenger soccer camps has really made a huge difference for her.

The only thing that was disappointing this year was the weather on Friday. It poured buckets – I had planned to go to watch the final game and the awards but we got a call saying camp was cancelled and to come pick up our kiddos. They didn’t get to play the final game and they did the awards crammed into a baseball dugout. Then we headed home for the day.

Register for Challenger International Soccer Camps

Register for Challenger’s International Soccer camp & get a free international ball, t-shirt, poster, skills evaluation, new downloadable coaching app & 20 skills videos! Register 30 days before camp and qualify for a free International Game Jersey! https://bit.ly/2T6K5jK @usfgeve

Why Challenger Sports? Challenger Sports, the leading camp company in the US has launched a brand new, soccer camp that combines the most popular elements of their two camp programs, British Soccer and TetraBrazil. The all new Challenger International Soccer Camp will offer instructional camp programs for each age/ability level!

Don’t miss our past reviews as well!

• 1/2 day camp
• Full Day camp
• Full Day camp

The post Skill Building at Challenger International Soccer Camp appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Do you have a kiddo that just loves soccer? If so you should definitely look into Challenger International Soccer Camp. Chloe loves soccer and has attended British Soccer Camps the last three summers. She is really excited to hear that this summer it will change to include elements of the TetraBrazil camp as she has never been.

Chloe has struggled a bit with her confidence both on the field and off and soccer camp has been a huge help with building her up. The coaches are amazing at all ages and levels!

Register for Challenger’s International Soccer camp & get a free international ball, t-shirt, poster, skills evaluation, new downloadable coaching app & 20 skills videos! Register 30 days before camp and qualify for a free International Game Jersey! https://bit.ly/2T6K5jK @usfgeve

Why Challenger Sports? Challenger Sports, the leading camp company in the US has launched a brand new, soccer camp that combines the most popular elements of their two camp programs, British Soccer and TetraBrazil. The all new Challenger International Soccer Camp will offer instructional camp programs for each age/ability level!

The TinyTykes program will provide 3-5 year olds with fundamental soccer activities, games, and stories, designed to enhance technical skills along with physical and social development. The Half Day Camp for 6-16 year olds is the most popular program and will provide 3 hours of skill development, games, challenges and competition each day.

Register now for Challenger’s International Soccer camp and get a free international ball, t-shirt, poster, skills evaluation and new downloadable coaching app & 20 skills videos!! Register 30 days before camp and qualify for a free International Game Jersey! Register here:
https://www.challengersports.com/international_soccer/

Click here for my reviews of the past three years that Chloe has attended soccer camp: https://www.craftymama-in-me.com/confidence-building-at-british-soccer-camp-sponsored/

The post Challenger International Soccer Camps appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Celebrate Root Beer Float Day with A&W Root Beer

Do you love celebrating quirky holidays with your families?  Well today (August 6th) is a fun day!  Celebrate Root Beer Float Day with A&W Root Beer and have a fun family night!  We love any reason to celebrate and had a lot of fun making our Root Beer Floats together as a family .

You’ve seen me post before about on our our families favorite activities – dinner movie picnics.  A&W Root Beer floats would be the perfect addition to your dinner movie picnic.  They would also be great served pool side or when you are out camping.  That’s the great thing about A&W Root Beer floats – you don’t need many supplies to make them but they are always great!  We like the original Root Beer Float but check out some other fun ideas here: www.rootbeer.com.

What Makes A&W Root Beer Great?!

• A&W Root Beer has a long history of creating family memories.
• The unique, creamy taste of A&W Root Beer is a simple treat that creates fun, care-free experiences for families and can help make any moment special.
• A&W Root Beer helps create the perfect timeless family night treat: an A&W Root Beer Float!
• For “float how-tos” and recipe inspiration visit, www.rootbeer.com.

 Find more information about A&W Root Beer by visiting them at their sites below:

A&W website / A&W Instagram

The post Celebrate Root Beer Float Day with A&W Root Beer appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Multigenerational Family Trip to Story Land

This year we experienced a first at Story Land!  We enjoyed a day at the park with not just our kids but also my parents!  Lets talk ratios – 2 adults to 1 kid – man on man was it nice!  My parents hadn’t been to Story Land since my childhood back in the middle 80’s.  My mom was impressed with how many new attractions there were but also with how many were still there from our previous visit.  I would definitely recommend a Multigenerational Family Trip to Story Land!

Story Land opened for business is 1954 and continues to thrill children of all ages each season.  They are open for the season in late May and close in early October.  Make sure you check the calendar for open hours and dates.  Check for pricing on day passes and season passes here.

I’m really exited to be able to offer a special discount to my readers!  Click here and save $6 off a regular day pass!!  You can also enter the Promo Code: blogger18.

Our kids have come to expect our visits and it is so fun to see them get excited.  They talk about all of their old favorite rides and what they are going to do.  After our first visit we realized we should come with the kids bathing suits so they could fully enjoy Oceans of Fun Sprayground.  They love getting sprayed and having a chance to cool off on hot summer days.

Our  Families 2018 Top 5 Rides at Story Land

1. Bamboo Chutes
2. Dr. Geysers Remarkable Raft Ride
3. Polar Coaster
4. Flying Fish
5. The Pirate Ship

For fun I left the list from last year here so you can see how things varied for us from year to year.  (disclaimer – this year it was colder so the kids didn’t do the Splash Battle and the Swan Boats were closed during our visit)

Our  Families 2017 Top 5 Rides at Story Land

1. Bamboo Chutes
2. Dr. Geysers Remarkable Raft Ride
3. Splash Battle: Pharaoh’s Reign
4. Swan Boats
5. Polar Coaster

Even though Chloe said she wouldn’t ride Roar-O-Saurus again after last year she decided to give it another go this year with her Gramie.  Since my dad was there as well he stayed with Buddy and hubby got to ride as well.  I love the picture we got of the four of us on the ride!

I would definitely recommend the Digital Picture Pass – we got it this time and for $29.99 I feel like it was well worth it.  I love the memories we captured and will be able to share with future generations.  My absolute favorite is of the kids and my parents on the Bamboo Chutes.  While Chloe may look terrified in the pictures you should know that she loved the rides!!

If you are in New England and looking for a fun family day make sure you check out Story Land and plan a visit.  Before you know it you will have started a new family tradition!

Save $6 on your One Day Ticket Today!

The post Multigenerational Family Trip to Story Land appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Confidence Building at British Soccer Camp 

Do you have a child that loves soccer?  My daughter definitely has a great love for soccer.  This was her third summer attending British Soccer Camp and her skills have improved drastically which has been great for her confidence.   This year Chloe really enjoyed herself – she was no longer one of the youngest or least experienced children at the camp and that in itself helped her feel more confident in herself.  She loves everything at soccer camp from the drills, to the practices and games.  She loved the coaches and the silly challenges and themed days.  She is already looking forward to going again next summer!

I love the feedback sheets given to the kiddos on their last day of camp – they highlight areas that they can improve as well as positive feedback on things they are doing well.  As long as Chloe still loves soccer she will be attending British Soccer Camp each summer.  Each year the kids get broken up into teams to compete in the “World Cup” – this year Chloe’s team came in second and she was so excited!  She went from scoring only 1 goal last year all week to more than I could count this week.  It’s such a pleasure as a parent to watch your child improve and to see coaches that really support them along their journey.  One of the best point for Chloe this year was that their was a female coach and that she was who Chloe’s group was assigned to.  It was exciting for her to have a female role model when all of her past coaches have been male.

Find my past reviews for both the half day and full day camps below:

Half Day Camp

Full Day Camp

More information about British Soccer Camps

British Soccer Camps are the most popular soccer camp in the US. With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, The British Soccer Camp provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert’s right in the heart of their own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!

Special Offer!

Register for Camp and get a Jersey, Ball, T-shirt, New Skills App and 20 Free Videos!!

Enroll in the most popular soccer camp in North America! British Soccer Camps have programs for all ages and abilities and feature an innovative curriculum full of skills, drills, and thrills! Register now and you will not only get your free British Soccer game jersey (value $34.95) shipped to you for free immediately, but you will also get our brand new skill development App and 20 videos to help your child practice at home. Your soccer ball, T-shirt & poster will be given out at camp.

USE CODE BSC18 at check out to get free shipping.

To Enroll: https://www.challengersports.com/british-soccer/

The post Confidence Building at British Soccer Camp – Sponsored appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

British Soccer Camp

Do you have a child that loves soccer?  My daughter definitely has a great love for soccer.  The past two summers she has attended British Soccer Camp and has really enjoyed her time.  Her skills have improved drastically which has been great for her confidence.   She has participated in the half day and full day camps – see my reviews below:

Half Day Camp

Full Day Camp

More information about British Soccer Camps

British Soccer Camps are the most popular soccer camp in the US. With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, The British Soccer Camp provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert’s right in the heart of their own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!

Special Offer!

Register for Camp and get a Jersey, Ball, T-shirt, New Skills App and 20 Free Videos!!

Enroll in the most popular soccer camp in North America! British Soccer Camps have programs for all ages and abilities and feature an innovative curriculum full of skills, drills, and thrills! Register now and you will not only get your free British Soccer game jersey (value $34.95) shipped to you for free immediately, but you will also get our brand new skill development App and 20 videos to help your child practice at home. Your soccer ball, T-shirt & poster will be given out at camp.

USE CODE BSC18 at check out to get free shipping.

To Enroll: https://www.challengersports.com/british-soccer/

The post British Soccer Camp Promotion #Sponsored appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

School may be in session in most places but don’t forget, it is still summer!  Soak up the rest of these sunshine filled days and try some new ideas.  An amazing group of SoFab bloggers has pulled together an awesome collection of summertime food, activities and beauty tips that is sure to inspire.  SoFab is sizzling with fun ideas to help you make the most of the rest of the summer!

Food

Hawaiian Acai Bowl by Wanderzest

Margarita Bark recipe by Mom on the Side

Black Raspberry Frappé by (a)Musing Foodie

Strawberry Cheesecake Puffs by Moore or Less Cooking

Stay Hydrated during Migraines {Natural Pineapple Lime Electrolyte Drink} by Great Contradictions

ICED COCONUT MOCHA WITH STARBUCKS® by One Artsy Mama

Easy Oreo S’mores Ice Pops by Creative Cynchronicity

Spiked S’Mores Milkshakes by Sweet Lil You

Tropical Flavored Popsicles Forever Green Mom

Blueberry Microwave Mug Cake by LoveJaime

Cinnamon Roll Peach Bake by Julie Measures

Copycat Girl Scout S’mores Cookies by Honest & Truly!

London Broil Marinade Recipe by Saving You Dinero

Blueberry Pie recipe by Chaos Is Bliss

Crafts and Activities

5 Ways to Prepare for a Road Trip with a Toddler by Nesheaholic.com

How to make a Flip Flop Welcome Sign by My UnEntitled Life

Make DIY Slime by Inspiring Momma

Top 10 Things to Pack for a Picnic by Finding Sanity In Our Crazy Life

Summer Travel Essentials by A Tiny Traveler Blog

Summer Fun Tie Dye Playdate by Crafty Mama in ME

DIY Patriotic Centerpieces by Happy Family Blog

Kool-Aid Dyed Yarn DIY Plant Pot by Organized 31

Summer Bucket List ideas for families by The Momma Diaries

Homemade Handprint Garden Stones by Ava’s Alphabet

DIY Industrial Cooler Five Marigolds

Sip Back and Relax Wine Glasses by Happy Go Lucky

Family Pickle Canning — Sharing is Caring by Beauty Brite

Privacy Planters with Lattice DIYDanielle 

Entertaining

Outdoor family game night by My Life Homemade

The Perfect Tournament Pairing-Modelo and Elotes by Southern Mom Loves

Pink flamingos Birthday Party by Five Marigolds

Chillin’ and Grillin’ Backyard Barbecue by Five Marigolds

Beauty and Fashion

The post #SoFabSizzles Soak up the Summer Inspiration appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Review of British Soccer Camps 

Do you have a soccer loving child?  My daughter’s favorite sport is soccer and it is something she truly enjoys.  Last year was her first time attending soccer camp and we started out with a half day British Soccer Camp.  This year she attended a local half day camp right after school got out and then moved up to the full day British Soccer Camp a few weeks later.  Read on for my review of British Soccer Camps.

Brief Overview

• Upon arrival parents would sign their children in and write the name of the person picking them up at the end of the day.
• The kids would head down to the field to warm up – the coaches led various exercises.  
• The first day the kids were split into 4 groups based on their ages.  The half day kids were in with the full day kids for the morning session and departed at lunch time.  The kids were assigned colors to wear for the rest of the week and told about the theme for the next day.
• The full day kids had a break from 12pm-1pm for lunch.
• At 1pm the kids started back up working on more advanced skills and scrimmaging more.
• Parents signed their kids out and picked them out.

Our Experience

My daughter is seven and still struggles with confidence.  She gets easily frustrated when she can’t complete tasks and can shut down or burst into tears.  This year it was amazing to see the difference in both her skills and her confidence from last year.  We were lucky and she ended up with two of the same coaches from last year at her half day program.  They remembered her and I  think that helped make her feel more comfortable.  

There were three coaches and by the end of the session  they all knew my daughter’s name and had such great things to say.  The coaches at the British Soccer Camps have all been very great with the kids – they help challenge them in a safe environment and also help build them up. The kids in my daughter’s group were also great – she was one of the youngest and definitely not at the same level as some of the more advanced players but they helped and encouraged her and that really made a difference.  In the last game of the week they all helped her score a goal and it made her so happy.

I am thrilled with the total experience – the coaching staff, program, and other participants were all amazing.  I really enjoyed reading the feedback that Chloe’s coach provided at the end of the week.  My daughter’s confidence soared and she learned a lot of new skills that she will be able to apply in the soccer season this fall.  She can’t wait to attend another British Soccer Camp next summer!

More information about British Soccer Camps

British Soccer Camps are the most popular soccer camp in the US. With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, The British Soccer Camp provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert’s right in the heart of their own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!

Find more information about British Soccer Camps today!

Website

The post Review of British Soccer Camps – Sponsored appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

10 Books to Help Keep Kids Entertained this Summer

Are your kids off for summer vacation?  If so I bet you are just like me and looking for things to help keep them busy and doing constructive things instead of just watching TV or playing on their tablets.  My kids love to craft and build so I decided to work on a roundup of 10 Books to Help Keep Kids Entertained this Summer.  Read on to find some books that can help make the summer pass smoothly!

 1) Clay Lab for Kids by Cassie Stephens

***I received a complimentary copy of this book for inclusion in my roundup***

2) Paint Lab for Kids by Stephanie Corfee

3) My First Origami Kit by Joel Stern

4) 101 Kids Activities that are the Bestest, Funniest Ever! by Holly Homer

5) Martha Stewart’s Favorite Crafts for Kids by Editors at Martha Stewart Living

6) Project Kid: 100 Ingenious Crafts for Family Fun by Amanda Kingloff

7) 150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids by Asia Citro

8) The Curious Kid’s Science Book by Asia Citro

9) STEAM Kids by Anne Carey

10) Kitchen Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke

From arts to science these books should definitely help provide your children with plenty to do and learn this summer.  Let your child help pick the book and they are sure to be interested and excited to get started with some of the great activities provided.

The post 10 Books to Help Keep Kids Entertained this Summer appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

How to Throw a Patriotic 4th of July Celebration

Do you love the 4th of July?  I definitely do!  We spend the day with our family celebrating!  We eat a lot, play fun games, swim, and we always finish the day off with a fun fireworks display shot off over the pond.  Does that sound like fun to you?  If so read on to learn how to throw a Patriotic 4th of July Celebration for your own family.

The main elements to our family celebration each year include the decorations, the food, the games, sometime of craft, a fun outfit, and the fireworks!  Read on to here some of of our favorite traditions and some of the new fun I plan to introduce this year.

Patriotic Decor

We spend the day on the pond at our families camp (if you aren’t from Maine you may be wondering what I mean by camp – in other parts of the US I think it would be called a lake house).  Our decor is very simple yet still patriotic.  My mom hangs patriotic buntings off the deck railing – how cute is this Personalized Bunting?  You will also find these fun patriotic buntings and patriotic buntings dotting the flower pots.

A few years ago I also made my mom this awesome Patriotic Handprint Wreath that she hangs up each year.  See the image below.

Patriotic Family Friendly Games

Each year we make a patriotic pinata – see the image below from quite a few years ago!  This is a family favorite and something I think the kids would protest if we stopped.

We buy a bunch of small items to stuff inside for the kids to get when it breaks – find some examples of what we have used in the past below:

• Glow Necklaces
• Inflatable American Flag Beach Balls
• Metallic Star Necklaces
• Mini Bubbles
• Patriotic Rubber Duckies
• Tootsie Roll USA Flag Midgees

Now that the kids are getting bigger we are starting to find more games for them to play.  This year I picked up two new games – Patriotic Bean Bag Toss and Patriotic Potato Sacks for Sack Races.  My kids tested them out and definitely can’t wait to play with them with their cousins.

Patriotic Outfit

The kids always have some type of matching outfit for the holiday as well.  The Patriotic T-Shirts below were one of our last projects.

Craft Project

This year we decided to add another element to the day – a craft.  We bought two different kits to let the kids choose or they can make both if they want.  We got a Bead Necklace Craft Kit and a Patriotic Turtle Ornament Craft Kit.

Food & Fireworks

Our family works together for all of the food that is served on the 4th.  We all have assigned items to bring to make sure we have plenty of food for both lunch and dinner and plenty of snacking in between!  Our fireworks display is very similar – all of the families contribute by purchasing their own items that are all pooled together to be shot off when it is finally dark!

If you are looking for some inspiration to throw your own 4th of July Party take a look at all of the goodies at Oriental Trading!  Each year we find more and more goodies to add to our collection and add to our families fun!  

The post How to Throw a Patriotic 4th of July Celebration appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.