Happy August!
Summer Camp Dreams (for myself and my baby)
My baby’s a little too small to head off to summer camp just yet and let’s be honest, summer camps aren’t really a big thing back home in the UK. But now that we’re living in Belgium, I’ve noticed how much of a tradition they are here! They’re such an important part of summer for many families, and I found myself feeling a bit nostalgic… so I decided to live out my own summer camp dreams, baby-style! That’s exactly why I created our camp-themed sensory guide and activity bundle, so we could bring a little summer camp magic into our everyday play.
Ugly Bug Ball Sensory Tray
We’ve already jumped straight in, literally, with a bug-themed sensory tray. And yes, it got messy.
✨ Sensory Tip: Reuse your sensory trays! (We put this in the fridge after so we could use it in the afternoon)
A friend recently asked how I always seem to have one ready to go easy! I just keep reusing them until they’ve really had their moment.
This green rice mix was definitely on its last legs (it had hair in it… and some unidentifiable bits 😬), so we gave it one final hoorah by mixing it with some out-of-date chocolate pudding. Because if there’s one thing I really hate, it’s waste, especially food waste!
Due to keeping my little ones face hidden you don’t get to see the amount of rice and pudding in their hair. At least they smelt like chocolate the rest of the day.
So what did our little one learn from all that sensory goo?
They explored a brand-new texture with the pudding,
Discovered how mixing it with the rice made it firmer and easier to scoop,
Practiced fine and gross motor skills through scooping, pouring, and sitting independently,
Worked on language with words like bug, insect, mini-beast, scoop, pour,
And of course, danced to the Ugly Bug Ball, our current family favourite! 🐛🎶
Campfire Fun (With Toilet Rolls, Obviously)
Speaking of reusing, my poor partner is constantly being asked to “please save that” for one project or another. This month? Toilet rolls.
Using a few rolls and some creativity, we made our very own pretend campfire. We snuggled up around it and told stories, it was all very cosy until baby decided it was now their toy. RIP campfire. 😂 We have recently developed a corner of our living room, which is basically our little ones playroom, into a cosy corner which I 100% recommend!
Do you have any special campfire memories from your childhood or with your kids? Share them in the comments, I’d love to hear!
New (and Improved!) Resources This Month:
We’ve continued building on the theme with brand-new and updated sensory resources for you and your little ones. This month we’ve released:
🐞 Sensory guides (Camp + Nature)
🔤 First words posters
🎵 Affirmation cards
🧠 3-part flashcards
🚶♀️ Movement cards
We've also updated many of our sensory guides to have a white background, thanks to feedback from some lovely customers who were looking for more printer-friendly options. If there’s anything you would like to see added, whether for home or your classroom, just drop me a message or comment below. I’d love to help!
🎁 Freebie Time!
Want to try before you buy? I’ve created a free Montessori inspired 3 part word card just for you! It’s part of our summer collection and perfect for a calming moment on your next buggy walk or picnic.
🧡 [Click here to download your free printable card!]
📚 Bug & Camp-Themed Favourites
Here are a few of our go-to books and songs for keeping the campfire vibes going:
Books we’ve loved this month:
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – classic adventure fun
Bug Hotel by Libby Walden – beautiful lift-the-flap nature exploration
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle – simple and engaging for tiny hands
Buggy Beats Playlist:
🎶 The Ugly Bug Ball – an absolute hit here
🐛 There’s a Worm at the Bottom of the Garden
🕷️ Incy Wincy Spider – because it never gets old!
Got your own favourites? I’d love to hear them, comment below or tag me on Instagram so I can add them to our list!
Here’s to a magical (and slightly messy) summer 🌲🌞
