Activity Director Ideas for July

July provides plenty of opportunities for memorable activities.

July's warm weather, sunny days and holiday traditions combine to make this month the time to plan outdoor activities and traditional celebrations. Participants will relish the opportunity to enjoy some of summer's classic activities. With a little planning, clear instructions and some friendly guidance, activity directors can make July a month to remember for everyone involved.

Picnic

July is National Picnic Month.

July is National Picnic Month. Take advantage of lovely summer weather to plan and participate in one of summertime's great traditions. Pick the lawn of your organization's facility or a public park for a free location, invite clients to include their families and set up long tables for the food. Rent portable picnic tables or set up facility tables and chairs on the lawn for guests to eat at and socialize. Order food like sandwiches, fruit, potato salad, coleslaw, chicken, burgers and hot dogs from a local supplier or ask everyone to bring a food item for a potluck picnic. Include summertime music for an extra-festive atmosphere.

Parade

Parades are popular in July.

Participate in your town's Independence Day or summer celebration by planning a float for the parade. Center the theme around your facility's function. If you work at a nursing home, honor military veterans or celebrate centenarians. If you work at a summer camp, focus your float on the camp's goal or specialty; band camp participants can perform as they march in the parade, adventure camp kids can create a float with a small climbing wall, kayaks and other adventure gear. Ask activity participants to help construct, decorate or ride on the float.

Ice Cream Outing

The ice cream cone was introduced to America in July.

The ice cream cone was popularized in America on July 23, 1904, at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. July is a perfect time to enjoy this cool, summertime treat. Take activity participants to a local ice cream parlor for a tasty outing or have an ice cream party at your facility. Provide classic ice cream toppings like chocolate, nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream and fruit toppings, along with a variety of cones, and let participants create their own concoctions. Provide bowls and spoons for those who prefer a sundae to a cone.

Independence Day

Every American can celebrate Independence Day.

Celebrate the Fourth of July by instructing activity participants to craft a patriotic collage. Participants can create individual collages or cooperate on one large, collective collage. Provide newspapers, magazines, colored pencils, blank paper, scissors and glue sticks. Creators can clip pictures, letters and symbols or draw their own, then paste them on paperboard for a one-of-a-kind work of Independence Art. Hang the finished poster(s) in a prominent place for all to enjoy.

References

• The Activity Director's Office Presents Activity Ideas That Work: July Activities
• The New York Times: Archives