Outdoor activities for 7 year old boy
Hello, I am a 100% single mom of a 7 year old boy who is really feeling lonely being an only child and fatherless. I would love to find a group of kids who do outdoor stuff together but don't require my presence every time. I looked into the Cub Scout but they require the parent to be there for meetings and outings/camping trips. Me and my son spend so much time together, I think it would be beneficial for him to be away from me sometimes (and I also need to be alone sometimes ;) Is there anything like this beside Boy Scouts ? I'm looking forward to your suggestions !
Sep 24, 2018
Parent Replies
I was just reading about these weekend programs through Trackers that sounds pretty cool. At age 7, it's one weekend day per month and no parents. Maybe you could check that out? https://trackersbay.com/youth/weekend-mentoring.php
Have you looked at Trackers, near the Ashby BART station? They have great outdoor, drop-off programs. Both of my kids have had a great time with them.
My father volunteered with the Boys and Girls Clubs for many years. You might want to look into that. I might also suggest joining an outdoor social/hiking club (an alpine club or Sierra Club, for example) where he can meet other kids his age and hang out with kids and families who are engaged in hiking and other outdoor activities. There's a NatureFriends Tourist Club in the East Bay. It's not a mentorship program, but there are people with cultural and professional skills who might engage with your son. It's not a place you could leave him unsupervised, but there's a community feel amongst the organization's members, which are part of a larger institution across Europe and other territories/countries. Berkeley Family Camp also provides opportunities for parents and children to get together and socialize in the outdoors.
I believe Trackers (in S Berkeley) has an all-day apprentice program that meets once a month on Saturdays. I was considering it for my son too, esp since he’s loved all his Trackers experiences. Good luck!
I suggest you look into Trackers. I think they have one Saturday a month without the parent.