When I think of summer, I recall it in events, feelings, sights, sounds and smells. I remember the magic of summer as a child, the feeling as though the day may never end, that anything is possible, that life just cannot get any better than that moment in time- swimming in the river for hours, floating- with my ears just under the cool water of the Severn, listening to the fish, and crabs tick ticking at each other, watching the clouds above me swirl in and out of different shapes as though performing, just for me. I remember the feeling of independence as I walked along the path at night, in the pitch black, giggling with my friends- bubble gum, sunburn, the smell of Solarcain, the sound of crickets, the fireflies, the feeling that I was on my own, going into new territory, on a long sweet night. I remember the beach and the endless hours building elaborate castles, with windows and trees, and motes. I remember trying to sleep with a simple sheet, sticky listening to the tree's leaves as though they were talking and soothing me to sleep. There were no cell phones, no email, no internet, no air conditioners, no DVD players and barely television. It was pure, simple, magic, with daring days on boats with storms rolling down the river, night-time swims, meetings on the fifth tee of the golf course, and long summer dances- barefoot, always. I feel like summer is when I learned about who I am, I tested my boundaries, and dared myself to push further than I knew, further than I thought I could.

I have spent a significant amount of time considering how I could possibly bring my children the magic experienced in my summers. Now that three out of four can swim, I feel as though my brain capacity has opened up a little to fill that former stress void that I had, being constantly afraid of drowning- one of my greatest fears. I feel that now, suddenly, making sure my children have a special, magical summer has become very relevant. I analyzed how it came to pass that I had these experiences...and this is my best solution, right now, today.

Here are ten ideas that I have come up with to help bring some of the magic to my childrens' summer:
1. Let Go of The Competition
Some people consider summer a chance to get their child "a step ahead of the competition". Relax. I can attest that my sense of adventure is more valuable than any extra lacrosse camp I ever would have received.
2. Stay Up Late
Night time is magical to children. It's a time they don't get to experience very much. Taking your children for a walk at night (some place safe), going for ice cream at night, taking them to a ball game at night, going to see the frogs in the river- these are all things that will give them a sense of excitement they do not normally experience.
3. Sleep In
Let the schedule go and relax.
4. Live Your Former 10 Year-Old Self
Remember when you were 10? What was exciting to you? Choose adventures and do them as a family. Going deep in the woods to find 'bones' may be the perfect adventure. Take out a canoe. Go paddle boating in Washington D.C. Go biking on the Eastern Shore. We go swimming in the evening. Tonight they went in their clothes. It's okay, it's a wet car, it'll dry.
5. Appreciate the Moment
There is no greater gift to a child than when his parents are able to give him love and be present with him in the moment. Train yourself to Live The Moment. We went boating recently, and I took it all in. My second son in his oversized life jacket, my baby boy with his dimpled fingers, my two little ones who still let me strip them bare naked in public out of wet bathing suits...the fact that they still want to curl up next to me like little kittens, and I know it will be over in flash, and they will just want the keys to my car.
6. Love, Love, And Love the Outdoors
Love your spouse, love your kids, love yourself. Take care of yourself at all times, and always bring healthy snacks, drinks, dry clothes, baby powder, sunblock, bug spray, lots and lots of towels, and always always exercise. Every day. Outside. Be outside as much as possible. I equate connecting to nature like to connecting to God, it's an immeasurable gift that will always give back, and your children can always access. When there is nothing left in the world (because the boyfriend is gone, the test score is low, the bank account is empty etc. etc.), there is and always will be, God and nature.
7. Give Them a Little Independence
As I walked along the path at night with my friends, I felt like I was flying solo across the Atlantic! I felt I had arrived! It was about a quarter of mile from my house to the 'clubhouse', and my grandmother's house was about half that distance. I had 5 siblings, about 15 or so cousins, and at least 4 uncles watching me at all times, I just didn't know it. So now, I let my 10 year old go with his cousins, for half hour increments. I let him walk home from the beach. I let him decide a few things that he hadn't in the past. I let him feel empowered.
8. Double Down the Downtime
Having 'nothing' to do is good for children in our overscheduled era. Let them come up with the 'something', even if its laying in the grass studying the clouds or digging for worms.
9. Bring On the Friends
Summertime was a very social time for me. Studies show that children who have a higher aptitude for socialization generally make more money, and consider themselves 'happier' in life as adults. Do what you can to integrate your children's friends into your life.
10. Share and Share Alike
Do you have a pool, a boat, a swing set, homemade lemonade? What do you have to share? What do you have that will bring joy to your children? I had an "Ice Cream Social" last week, just to kick off the summer. It couldnt' have been easier. We put out a bunch of toppings in disposable bowls, lots of ice cream and cones in my backyard and invited everyone over. We put on dance music, and the adults came with cocktails. The kids had an amazing time, and the adults had good time too. It was easy. Have punch and cookies with a blow-up pool. It's a party.

I recognize how incredibly fortunate I was a child to have what I had. But I think even without many of the privileges, the beauty of summer lies in these very simple things that anyone can do, living in any neighborhood, anywhere in the United States. Good luck and I wish each of you a magical summer with endless days and nights of happiness and wonder.

Colleen Shields is a writer, producer and host, and mother of 4 children. To read more blogs see her website at http://themomtastics.com or follow her on twitter @momtastic.