Co-Parenting and Camps: Designing a Summer That Works for Everyone

Summer can bring a sense of freedom, but for co-parents, it often brings added complexity. Between juggling custody schedules, coordinating vacations, and signing kids up for camps, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? With a little forethought and grounded communication, you can co-create a summer that supports your children’s growth, your sanity, and everyone’s sense of stability.

At Origin Coaching, we believe summer doesn’t have to be chaotic. It can be an opportunity to practice peaceful co-parenting, model flexibility for your children, and create memories that feel both anchored and free.

Here are a few key tips to make this season smoother:

1. Start With the Schedule, Then Layer the Fun
Before choosing camps, revisit your custody agreement and summer schedule. Who has the kids during which weeks? Are there any pre-planned vacations? Once those anchor points are in place, you can begin to fill in the blanks with camp options and activities. This helps prevent costly double bookings or logistical mix-ups.

2. Communicate Early, Even If It's Hard
It’s not always easy to reach out to a co-parent, especially if communication has been strained. But a brief, clear message about summer planning can go a long way. Use email or a co-parenting app to keep things factual and collaborative. Focus on what’s best for the kids, not what feels fair for the parents.

3. Let the Kids Have a Say
Depending on their age, involve your children in selecting camps or activities. This gives them a sense of agency and creates excitement. If your co-parent disagrees with your choice, you can say, “This is something our child is really looking forward to. Can we support that together?”

4. Build in Breaks, For You and for Them
Not every week needs to be packed with programming. Leave room for down days. Let your kids rest. Let yourself rest. Summer is also an invitation to slow down.

5. Use a Shared Calendar to Avoid Surprises
Whether it’s Google Calendar, Our Family Wizard, or a simple spreadsheet, having a shared view of the summer helps everyone stay aligned. Include drop-off and pick-up times, payment responsibilities, and any transportation logistics.

A Coaching Note

Summer transitions are a powerful time to revisit your own inner rhythm too. Are you giving yourself space to enjoy this season? Are you outsourcing joy, or co-creating it with intention?

At Origin, we guide you not just in the logistics of life after divorce, but in how to reclaim your clarity, freedom, and inner peace in every season.

Need Support With Summer Strategy?
If camp coordination and co-parenting conversations are feeling heavy, you’re not alone. Book a summer clarity session with me. Together, we’ll make a plan that honors your values and supports your family’s needs with less stress and more soul.