An Open Letter to the Kids of Central MN

Subject: An Open Letter to the Kids of Central MN
From: Happy Dancing Turtle
Date: 27 Oct 2015

Dear Kids,

School is coming to an end for another year. I know you're exited to run and play and discover tons of new things on your own. Out from underneath the downward glare of your teach Mrs. Williams, you're sure to find plenty to do. It's summer! However, that doesn't necessarily mean that your freedom is guaranteed. I'm not talking about the freedom to pick your own book for story time, or the freedom to choose between apple or grape juice for snack time. No, I'm talking about your ability to go where you like for vacation time.

That's right. While you've got your summer all planned out (full of frog-catching, grass-stem-chewing, overalls-wearing fun, I'm sure!), your parents are planning out their very own use of your time. I'm afraid I have to tell you about the great national nightmare that is called the family vacation.

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This could be in your future
Vacation is such a wonderful word, right? Visions of sandy beaches and sunny rays and days full of adventure come to mind. Well, I've got to break it to you. You've got to deal with the qualifier, "family". This changes everything. Gone are the open days full of wonder and adventure. Limited is the time in which to partake in these adventures. You're going on a family vacation.

Welcome to the back seat of the family van, where you'll be sitting for the next three days before your week-long visit with Great Aunt Pearl in Alabama. Now, there's nothing wrong with catching up with family, but you need to realize that there are only twelve weeks in your summer. Twelve short weeks, with only the cold autumn and Mrs. Williams to look forward to. This is why you need to maximize your summer; make sure that you bring your A game to your free time.

Well, I've got a tip for you. Happy Dancing Turtle holds these "Eco Camps". They make sure that at least one of your weeks is full of fun and activity.

Look, going to Eco Camp will not get you out of your day long car trips to see the largest ball of twine/largest free-standing turkey/upright corn on the cob. But, you'll have the memories of the time you went hunting for your dinner in the 2 acre garden. You'll be comforted by the time you were able to milk a goat. Plus, you'll have something to give to your parents during one of the many crafting periods. So, there's that.

So, here's what you can tell your parents. There's no way you're getting out of your family obligations, but we can help you mitigate the damage - help you get to a middle ground. You just tell that that you'll go quietly without complaint on their "vacation." However, they need to sign you up for the fun-filled week of Eco Camp. Tell them these dates and they'll be able to plan their family vacation around your time.

June 15-19 --> Grades 1-2 Cost:$75

July 6-10 --> Grades 3-4 Cost:$75

July 20-24 --> Grades 5-6 Cost $75

Aug. 3-7 --> Pre-K (Ages 4&5) Cost $35

Tell them these dates and you're golden. If you slip them the online registration link, you'll be even more golden. So, what are you waiting for? Consider this your gilded invitation to a summer that doesn't have to stink.

Yours Truly,

Happy Dancing Turtle

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