Mail A Hug:

If you live far from relatives or friends it is often hard to spend time in person. However, everyone still enjoys receiving something in the mail. One way for youth of all ages to brighten someone’s day or make them feel valued is to “Mail a Hug”.

Supplies:

-White construction paper (roll or sheets of paper taped together)

-Scissors

-Tape

-Washable paint or markers

-Pencil

-Larger envelope

Steps:

-Lay out paper roll or tape together sheets of paper long enough to match the youth’s wingspan.

-Have them lay down on the paper face up and spread their arms out straight away from their body.

-Draw an outline of their head, arms, and hands.

-Have youth draw in their facial features (ears, eyes, mouth, and hair).

-Have them paint or color in the picture of themselves. *Let the drawing dry out for a couple of hours before folding.

-Write a little note about “mailing a hug” since you can’t be there in person and fold and mail.

*If sending multiple pictures of youth-make sure to label each one for the recipient.

*Make sure to check with your parents or guardians before sending items in the mail.

Picnics:

Book Picnics:

As the temperature begins to increase take advantage of the nice weather. One way to enjoy the outside is to take a blanket outside and have a “book picnic” by reading books or reading books to others a few times a week. This lets you enjoy the outdoors and keep your reading skills sharp over the summer.

Food Picnics:

Pack up an easy sandwich lunch or grab a few snacks and encourage friends or family to have a picnic with you in the backyard or the local park.

Monthly Reader

“One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them .” By Loree Griffin Burns