What’s Your Traveling Snack Food

Do you have a “go-to” snack food while traveling on the road?

I do love the meme that talks about eating like an 8-year-old with the snacks one buys when traveling by car.

We were on the road last weekend, down south of Orlando, so it was a bit of a lengthy drive.

In my younger days, I hated stopping on long drives.  I would relent for bathroom stops, but not for eating….” let’s go thru the drive-thru”.  As I’ve gotten older, I’m not a fan of “breaking up the drive” by stopping and sitting for lunch.  That’s not to say, we still don’t stop for road snacks…we do

We don’t always get the same thing, the only consistent thing is that it’s never healthy.  There are the times we try to be halfway health conscious…but that’s really hard to do on the road.  When we’re thinking about “being better” that means nuts, peanuts, cashews, trail mix, etc.  Otherwise, it’s straight for the CHEEZ-IT bags…or a candy bar…I tried last weekend to mix it when I found a CHEEZ-IT Trail Mix bag….it was OK.

We, like everyone else excuse it by saying, “Well, we’re traveling, it’s not like we eat like this all the time, it’ll be fine, for this trip.  We’re not making another road trip for a while.”

Now, having said all of that, on this trip, because the timing worked out, that we would be passing a Buc-ee’s around lunchtime, I decided I’d be getting one of their brisket sandwiches.  I remember the first time, stopping and getting the brisket, I got two, thinking, they weren’t going to be big enough.  That second sandwich was never eaten.  One is plenty…so because of Buc-ee’s and the timing, I did at least have something a little more than a cheese snack.

What about you?  What are your “go-to’s” on the road?  Healthy?  Yeah, right.  What do you get?

School is wrapping up, and that means summer is on the way. Are you hoping to keep your kids active and learning this summer? There are various summer camps in the CSRA that offer a variety of activities to stimulate their minds and keep them moving this year.

For working parents, summer camp can be a solution for finding childcare during the summer. But not only does it provide a safe space for your child, it can be a great opportunity for your child to make new friends and learn new things.

Many summer camps offer a variety of activities throughout the summer. These can range from arts and crafts, sports, science, swimming, and more. Some camps host themed weeks throughout the summer to focus on different areas. This can include dress up days or field trips to learn more about the weekly topic.

There are many great benefits for kids going to summer camp, including building new friendships, fostering independence, learning life skills, and more.

Most camps are day camps, but there are a few overnight camp options around the CSRA. You can see the different camp options below. Be aware that summer camps in the CSRA can fill up fast, so you'll want to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that some day camps are not open for early drop off or late pick up. This could be a determining factor when you're planning which camp you choose. Most camps are closed on holidays that fall within the camp calendar (Memorial Day, 4th of July).

Also, some camp costs include lunch and snacks for campers, while others require you to send lunch and snacks with your child each day. Keep this in mind when looking into camps to fit your budget.

Costs vary by camp, and some may include additional costs for field trips or days where campers can purchase special treats (ice cream, snacks, etc.).

See some upcoming camp options here in the CSRA, and remember to reserve your spot before they book up!

The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta offers a range of summer camps, including overnight and day camp.

Overnight camp is hosted at Camp Lakeside in Lincolnton, GA, and runs Sunday through Friday. This is for ages 8 to 12. Sessions start on May 26th and runs through July 25th. Get details HERE.

Day camps are hosted at nine of the YMCA locations across the CSRA. These camps offer a variety of experiences for your child with arts and crafts, swimming, sports, and S.T.E.A.M. activities. Camps are divided by age groups starting at 5 years old and going up to 12 years old. Learn more about day camps HERE.

The Salvation Army Kroc center hosts Kroc Camp, which is an ACA accredited day camp program. Kids can enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, group games, sports, and more. Camps begin on Tuesday, May 28th, and are available on a first come, first served basis. Camp is available for ages 5 to 12, and are divided by age group.

Campers need to bring snacks and lunch each day. Camp runs through August 2nd. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn more about Camp Kroc HERE.

Episcopal Day School offers a variety of camp options. Their day camp is an 8 week camp for children ages 3-12. Campers will participate in games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and more.

Day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half days end at 1 p.m. They also have extended day options running until 5 p.m. and early care that starts at 8 a.m.

Camps are held at Episcopal Day School's Flowing Wells Campus (1337 Flowing Wells Road) or their Walton Way Campus (2248 Walton Way).

In addition to themed summer camps, EDS also offers football, soccer, baseball, nature adventure, math & reading, baking & decorating, art camps, and more.

Learn more about all the camps at EDS HERE.

Summer camp for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta kicks off June 3rd and runs through July 19th. The camps will be closed July 1st-July 5th). Camps are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lunch and snacks are provided.

Summer camp with the Boys & Girls Clubs includes S.T.E.A.M., performing arts, sports and fitness, water science, wildlife, and more. These weekly themes each have special activities and some field trips.

Camps are hosted at various locations. Learn more HERE.

Odell Weeks Activities Center hosts summer camp session for kids ages 5 to 12 years old. They have weekly themes, field trips, outdoor activities, swimming, arts and crafts, and more.

The Odell Weeks Activities Center is located at 1700 Whiskey Road in Aiken. Camp runs from June 3rd through July 19th. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 30 minutes early drop-off and late pickup period available.

Learn more HERE.

Augusta Parks and Recreation have a number of day camps with most beginning on Monday, June 3. Camps are available for kids ages 5 to 12 years old at various locations, starting at $50 per week.

Learn more about Augusta Parks and Recreation summer camps HERE.