Camp Mum; Summer 2025
The official start to the summer holidays came after a whirlwind week of illness, big emotions, and two of the four kids preparing to leave their schools and step into new adventures. With everyone still a little fragile and energy in short supply, I knew we needed a gentle start to the day, something low-prep but high-engagement.
Enter: the humble cardboard box.
We had a few boxes lying around (as you do when you’ve recently had deliveries or held onto “useful” things just in case), and they turned out to be the perfect creative outlet. The kids quickly decided they were building a pirate ship, complete with windows, a flag, and an onboard control system made from stickers.
Armed with our much-loved Makedo set, they could safely and independently cut and shape the boxes. Pipe cleaners were threaded through holes to connect sections, and Miss 8 proudly crafted a flag using straws and scrap paper. While space around the build zone was tight, Mr 11 and Mr 13 took on a side mission: designing LEGO treasure chests and gold coins for the younger ones to hunt for once the pirate ship was complete.
There were, of course, a few spirited debates, mostly about where to place the flag and whose turn it was with the ‘saw’, but honestly? It was an hour of screen-free play, teamwork, and creativity. A solid start to the summer.
Sometimes, the simplest setups bring the most joy and peace. And today, a cardboard box was all we needed to ease gently into holiday mode.
Camp Mum 