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Igniting Young Hearts: The Power of Summer Volunteerism Imagine this, a world where our students not only excel academically but also become compassionate, engaged citizens. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's not just a dream; it's the potential of summer volunteer opportunities. Summer break is often seen as a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, but it's also a golden chance to instill in our students the importance of giving back. By encouraging volunteerism, we're not just filling their schedules; we're nurturing their souls. Volunteering can spark empathy, build character, and create a sense of belonging. It's a powerful way to teach students the value of helping others while developing essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. So, let's make this summer count. Let's inspire our students to become agents of change, one act of kindness at a time. How can we empower our students to make a difference this summer through volunteerism? Share in the comment section. Do you find this post useful? Kindly: 🍀 Repost/Share this to your network 👍 Hit the notification 🔔 + Follow Najoud Alharthi

Do you like to host summertime get-togethers? If you said yes, then we’ve got the post for you. Your outdoor space should bring the feeling of home outside, and there’s no better way to do that than these top 6 tips. From the classy and timeless to the fun and surprising, these ideas will take your outdoor entertainment space to the next level. Check it out, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g4jGRKEz

Do you like to host summertime get-togethers? If you said yes, then we’ve got the post for you. Your outdoor space should bring the feeling of home outside, and there’s no better way to do that than these top 6 tips. From the classy and timeless to the fun and surprising, these ideas will take your outdoor entertainment space to the next level. Check it out, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/euBtwDds

As a working parent of two elementary age kids, I both love and hate summer. I love it for all the obvious reasons, the warm weather, and the time spent outdoors. But the logistical nightmare of managing summer is the number one reason I hate it. I started planning for almost 5 months ago In January, I started researching camps, reaching out to my kids' friends' parents to figure out how I was going to fill up 9 weeks of summer for 2 kids (the 10th week is vacation). While we have some weeks at the same camp, combined my two kids are going to twelve different camps. My kids, like most kids, have different interests from their siblings and I want to make sure they are in appropriate camps where they will at least survive and hopefully thrive (and many camps repeat content). Starting in early February, I, like many other parents planned to be online at 6:55 am making sure I was ready to hit go to sign up for extremely popular summer camps when registration opened at 7:00 am ... some of which were booked at 7:00:30 am. Last weekend, I spent another two hours planning at the start and end times for each camp for each kid in my beautiful google sheet. And of course there are few weeks where camps each for the kid end at the same time across town from each other ... oops! All of this to say this article nailed it. Summer hasn't started and this mom is already tired of the logistics!

I love reading about these different approaches to summer parenting from around the world. The first thing that strikes me is the degree to which we (Americans) seem to be out of touch with these other cultures in terms of how capable and independent our children can be. This is relatively new. When I was a kid (and I’m not that old yet) my experience was much more like what’s described in this article. Long summer days roaming, wandering, exploring... rarely with much adult supervision. If anything the world is safer now than it was then so I think we have some self-reflection to do in thinking about whether we’re really doing our kids any favors by not allowing them these experiences. The second thing is that I think this is an area where business needs to lead. The forward-thinking business will recognize the value of affording parents this flexibility and win in the end by attracting and retaining talented people that otherwise would go elsewhere or leave the workforce. It’s a wonderful synergy of “doing the right thing” also being good for business. It’s baffling to me that more don’t see it. Here’s the “American” way to approach this, in my mind: - Keep the long summer breaks. Kids are already in school too much, sitting in classrooms learning(?) a curriculum ill-suited to most of their future endeavors. - Let them run free. The wild and adventurous summer exploring playgrounds, fields, forests, and sidewalks is an American icon. Our culture is built on fierce independence and freedom... we should embrace this and let kids learn it early. - Bring them in. We’re workaholics, right? So what better time to get the kids involved with what we’re doing? Bring them to the office, the job site, sales call, or meeting. Business leaders should encourage and embrace this (obviously with the expectation of respectful and appropriate behavior). These kids are tomorrow’s employees and executives. Maybe a summer of field trips to mom or dad’s workplace sparks something that will stick with them down the road. - Embrace innovation in work expectations. American business has always been about innovation. Why should that stop at the product or the service? The best businesses should compete to also provide the best working environment and that should include the flexibility and grace needed for employees to live a full life with their families intact and thriving. The last two points are particularly salient to me as a business owner. Businesses, especially in America, have an incredible power to move the ball forward and do good. This is one of those ways. We have the power to make life better right now for all of the people that work for and around our businesses. You don’t need to wait for new laws, new programs. You can start today and you don’t need anyone’s permission.

Summer is the perfect time to dive into new creative ventures or rekindle old passions. Engaging in creative activities during this season can bring joy, fulfillment, and personal growth unique to this time of year. Creativity and innovation are bound together, and summer is a perfect season for thinking outside the box and exploring actions to enrich your life. Here are some ideas: * Explore art mediums like watercolors and sketching * Listen to new music styles * Read an unfamiliar genre * Hike and explore new trails * Sit still and observe * Try new restaurants * Go to festivals * Travel to new places * Take workshops or classes and learn new skills * Volunteer Engaging the creative part of your mind purely for enjoyment holds power, nourishes your soul, and supports your innovation journey. In the past, I've focused on improvisation, which taught me the importance of staying fully present in the moment. Improv has also become an integral part of my professional life, as I now incorporate improv exercises and games to help the groups I collaborate with unlock their innate creativity. Now, I continue with my weekly singing lessons, and according to my teacher, I can sing mostly in pitch, something I would never have dreamed of two years ago. For the second year, I just volunteered at the Painted Turtle, where I was a camp counselor at this unique camp for children with serious diseases. Check them out in California: they always need more volunteers. How will you find inspiration this summer, foster creativity, and bring joy to your life? Share your plans and ideas to inspire each other to make this summer a season of creativity and innovation! #Creativity #Innovation #FireUpInnovation

Graduation is behind us, and it's time to get our homes back in order! This summer, let's make organizing a fun, family-friendly activity. In my latest blog, I share how to get everyone involved in creating an organized home. Dive into the full blog post for in-depth ideas and inspiration - https://lnkd.in/ghmT_Gmz

Excluding Thanksgiving weekend, more families celebrate reunions at the end of summer than any other time of the year. Warm weather prevails, more outdoor locations and activities are available, and the kids are out of school – all of which makes summertime travel easier for most families. If family is visiting this summer and conversations turn to the possibility of a move that brings them closer, feel comfortable giving my time and expertise to them. Whether it’s weighing the options of a summer and holiday retreat, or exploring the best possibilities for a permanent relocation, I am here to assist. Imagine being able to choose your next neighbor, and it’s someone you already know and love. It could be a sibling, a close friend, or even a favorite cousin. Having someone familiar and valued nearby can make a world of difference, turning everyday moments into cherished memories. If this idea resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can provide valuable insights and support to help make this vision a reality.

Excluding Thanksgiving weekend, more families celebrate reunions at the end of summer than any other time of the year. Warm weather prevails, more outdoor locations and activities are available, and the kids are out of school – all of which makes summertime travel easier for most families. If family is visiting this summer and conversations turn to the possibility of a move that brings them closer, feel comfortable giving my time and expertise to them. Whether it’s weighing the options of a summer and holiday retreat, or exploring the best possibilities for a permanent relocation, I am here to assist. Imagine being able to choose your next neighbor, and it’s someone you already know and love. It could be a sibling, a close friend, or even a favorite cousin. Having someone familiar and valued nearby can make a world of difference, turning everyday moments into cherished memories. If this idea resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can provide valuable insights and support to help make this vision a reality.

More Than a Social Butterfly 🦋: Celebrating 60 Years of Connections! They say I'm a social butterfly, flitting between friend groups. But there's another side: I'm the ‘glue’ that connects them. From childhood friends in Scotland and South Africa, to friends and colleagues in London, my network spans decades and continents. Turning 60 later this week, I reflect on what truly matters: the incredible people who've shaped my journey – family, friends, employers, clients, and strangers-turned-acquaintances. What lights me up: * Connecting people: Matching clients with valuable connections, or simply planning outings with loved ones. * Building relationships: Walks with my husband, catching up over dinners, fostering genuine connections. I may flit, but I also bring people together. Hence, I'm not just a butterfly, but "butterfly glue." My personal definition of ‘butterfly glue’* is, ‘A person who strengthens the bonds within their social circles by facilitating connections and interactions.’ P.S. If we haven't connected in a while, reach out! I'd love to reconnect.