Summer Moments That Stay With Us

June

As the school year comes to a close, many of the lessons that matter most continue outside the classroom. Summer offers opportunities for connection, creativity, kindness, and helping children feel heard, respected, and supported. The small moments we share every day often help build the confidence, empathy, and communication skills that stay with children long after summer ends.

Prevention Starts Early

At Project SAGE, we know prevention doesn’t begin only in moments of crisis. It also grows through everyday experiences that help young people build empathy, confidence, self-expression, and an understanding of healthy relationships.

Research shows that helping children develop communication skills, emotional awareness, empathy, and respect for boundaries at an early age can help support healthier relationships and safer communities over time.

With that in mind, we’re sharing a few simple books, activities, games, and ideas for summer that encourage connection, creativity, communication, and confidence.

A Few Summer Thoughts from Rebekah Jordan

Rebekah Jordan, M.Ed., is a longtime partner in Project SAGE's Early Years Program and co-author of the program curriculum. We asked Rebekah to share a few thoughts on the small everyday experiences that help children build confidence, communication skills, empathy, and resilience throughout the summer months. Watch her video below.

Creative Summer Ideas
for Connection + Confidence

Creative activities and shared experiences can help children practice important life skills — communication, empathy, self-expression, problem-solving, and kindness. These everyday moments may seem small, but they help build the foundation for healthy relationships and safer communities over time.

Make a Summer Encouragement Jar

Decorate a jar inspired by something someone loves — books, coffee, music, art, sports, favorite colors, or hobbies — and fill it throughout the summer with encouraging notes, favorite memories, or simple things that make you smile. It can become a meaningful keepsake or a thoughtful handmade gift to share with someone else.

Other Fun Ways to Get Creative

Paint outside on large paper, cardboard, or an old shower curtain and let creativity get messy
Visit the library and let children choose a new book each week
Build something imaginative together using boxes, blankets, or recycled materials
Let children help plan a meal, picnic, or summer outing together
Write postcards or handmade thank-you notes
Let children photograph small moments from summer and create a mini photo album
Visit a local farmers market and let children pick out something new to try

A Thought from our Executive Director

“The small moments children experience every day — feeling listened to, encouraged, respected, and supported — often become the foundation for how they understand themselves and their relationships with others."

Kristen van Ginhoven