Camps = Summer Solutions

“Yes! We both work from home, so we don’t have to sign her up, but she loves camp and wants to go. I sign her up so she can have fun and stay busy!”

Shannon

Wemple

“Yes. Just signed my two up for Camp Ocoee. They love it because they make new friends outside of their school zone. They enjoy all of the activities that they get to do as well.”

Tracy Lacey

“I absolutely sign both of my boys up for day camps. It’s a great way to keep them active and learning. The hours are 912 and 1 - 4, so it’s kind of like a school schedule. I try to do full days and now that my youngest is going into first grade in the fall, there are camps he and my older one (rising fourth grader) can do together which they are excited about. There are two weeks where no camps are offered, so that’s when we’ll work on summer school work. My kids have to stay busy or else we all go crazy. Yes, it’s expensive, but that is how we choose to spend our money.”

Lauren Claytor

“Yes. Gives them independence and time with friends.”

Monica Dukes Lovell

“We look for less expensive options. Cub Scout camp, 4H day camp, and a fine arts camp in Lebanon were all $100 or less for the week. We splurge on one more week, but that’s it.”

Katie Long

“No, unfortunately, both of our boys would have a meltdown if they had to go and stay overnight. Day camps are OK, but hard to get them to and from due to our work schedules.”

Kimberly Keltner Pullen

“We do some of them. But never full summer. It gets expensive. He will do a basketball camp, a half-day camp (like Lego), and then a week at church camp.”

Alexis

Carver

“My nephew wants to go to summer camp this year. He really loves doing outdoorsy things, so maybe he can develop some new skills.”

Ivy

Baker

“I never went to camp as a child, but both of my boys are going to camp this summer. They will spend three weeks at an overnight camp and then three weeks at their grandparents’ house, 3,000 miles away. I send them because 1) they want to go; 2) I get some free time; 3) The time they spend with their grandparents doesn’t cost me anything.”

Ellen

Wood

“When my girl was little, I always signed her up for day camp with a friend. When they were older, we found an overnight camp for them both to attend. This summer, since they’re in high school now, they will be CITs together at the overnight camp they went to. Just great experience.”

Tom Staglio

Fun Runs, Kid Dashes & Ks with the Kids in Mind

SAT., MARCH 4

FIRST ANNUAL JOEY 5K Park at Harlinsdale Farm

239 Franklin Road Franklin racemob.com

Run or walk. Proceeds go to Discovery Place, a nonprofit that provides drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs. Event begins at 8 a.m.

GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR

5K RUN/WALK + KIDS FUN RUN Richland Creek Greenway

100 White Bridge Road Nashville donate.coloncancercoalition.org

Join the fight to end colon cancer. Includes kid’s area with inflatable, games, crafts and more at 8:30 a.m.

SAT., MARCH 11

GALLATIN SHAMROCK RUN

5K/10K

Gallatin City Hall

132 W. Main St. Gallatin racemob.com

Dress up for St. Paddy’s and run a primarily flat course for all ages and abilities; 7 a.m.

NASHVILLE ST. PADDY’S 5K & 1/2 MARATHON + KIDS DASH

2320 Two Rivers Pkwy. Nashville tennesseeruns.com

Dress up for St. Paddy’s Day. The Kids Dash starts at 8:15 a.m. The Half Marathon and 5K start at 8:30 a.m.

SPECIAL KIDS

15K/10K/5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN

Murfreesboro Med. Clinic

1272 Garrison Dr., Murfreesboro racemob.com

For dedicated and casual runners plus families who want to walk, run or roll. Mostly flat course. Entertainment, a family fun zone, refreshments and more. “K” races start at 7 a.m.; Fun Run starts at 8:45 a.m.

SAT., MARCH 18

ST. PATRICK’S MUSIC CITY HALF MARATHON

10K/5K

Shelby Park

1900 Shelby Bottoms Nashville team-magic.com

For racers of all level; supports Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms; 8 a.m.

TIME TO PADDY

5K/10K & Lucky 13.1 + KIDS DASH

Murfreesboro Med. Clinic 1272 Garrison Dr. Murfreesboro racemob.com

Swag, live results and awards, free photos, post-race food and more. Kids Dash starts at 8:55 a.m.

SUN., MARCH 26

RUN FOR MISSIONS 2023 FUMC

Mack Hatcher Campus 120 Aldersgate Way Franklin racemob.com

Proceeds benefit Project Transformation Tennessee, a nonprofit based in Nashville that strives to improve children’s literacy. Day-of registration 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.