A Note from the Founder – Summer Learning Without the Stress
Kerry Cordy – Founder
Summer always reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
When my daughters were little, I loved watching them explore freely during the summer months—climbing trees, painting rocks, playing in dirt piles. Learning didn’t stop when the school books closed; it just changed shape. That freedom to follow curiosity, without pressure or structure, led to some of our most meaningful moments together.
That’s what Curiosity Untamed is all about. Learning that fits real life. Learning that lasts.
This month, I encourage you to let go of the idea that summer has to be “productive” to be valuable. Let it be joyful. Let it be messy. Let it be real. And if you’re looking for ways to sneak in a little structure without spoiling the fun—we’ve got you covered.
New Badges Posted
Icebergs and Sea Ice Badge, Fast Food Badge, Disney World Outside the Parks Badge
Mini Masterpieces: Make Your Own Artist Trading Cards
Summer is the perfect time to relax, get creative, and try something new—like making your own Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)! These mini works of art, each just 2.5 x 3.5 inches, are a fun and low-pressure way to experiment with new techniques and styles while working toward your Artist Trading Cards badge.
To get started, cut several cards to size from cardstock or watercolor paper. Choose a theme—nature, emotions, fantasy, famous people, summer fun—and decorate each card in your chosen style. Make a set that tells a story or create a series exploring a single subject. Be sure to sign the back of each one and include the date and title of your piece.
Once you’ve made a few, gather friends or family for a trading event, or start a mail exchange with kids from other clubs or states. Trading encourages kids to share their creativity, develop presentation skills, and learn to appreciate different artistic perspectives.
Artist Trading Cards are ideal for summer because they’re quick to make, easy to store, and perfect for travel, camping, or quiet afternoons at home. Whether you’re new to art or a seasoned sketcher, ATCs offer a creative outlet that’s both meaningful and fun. And best of all—each tiny card brings you one step closer to earning your badge.
Backyard Adventures: Camp, Explore, and Discover
You don’t need to head into the wilderness to gain outdoor skills—your own backyard is full of discovery and adventure! Planning a backyard campout is the perfect way to work on not just one, but three badges at once: Camping, Backyard Camping, and Backyard Buddies.
Start by setting up a tent or blanket fort outside. Bring sleeping bags, a flashlight, bug spray, snacks, and a sense of adventure. Practice basic skills like packing your gear, building a (safe and supervised) campfire or learning to use a camp stove. Cook simple meals like foil packet dinners or roast marshmallows for s’mores. These activities help fulfill Camping and Backyard Camping badge requirements.
But don’t stop there—explore your backyard ecosystem! Work on your Backyard Buddies badge by observing the animals, birds, and insects that share your space. Can you spot a spider spinning its web? Hear a bird singing? Use a flashlight to go on a nighttime bug hunt or listen for owl calls. Keep a journal or sketchbook to document what you find.
This at-home adventure helps kids of all ages develop real-world skills, deepen their appreciation for nature, and build confidence—all while staying close to home. Whether it’s your first night sleeping outside or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover just beyond your back door.
Game: Backyard Bingo
Objective:
Explore your backyard or nearby nature space to find and observe items from your bingo card. Great for building observation skills, curiosity, and knowledge of your local environment.
Supplies Needed:
- Printable Backyard Bingo Cards (or make your own 5×5 grids on paper)
- Pencil, crayon, or nature sticker to mark items
- Optional: clipboard or piece of cardboard to write on
- Optional: small prize or treat for the winner
How to Play:
- Create or Print Your Bingo Cards
Fill each square with items kids might find during the day in a backyard or park. Here are some sample items to include:- Ant trail
- Bird feather
- Squirrel
- Flower in bloom
- Butterfly
- Bee
- Tree bark
- Cloud that looks like an animal
- Spider web
- Pinecone
- Animal track or footprint
- Something smooth
- Something rough
- Dandelion
- Worm
- Leaf with holes
- Rock with spots
- Bird chirping
- Acorn or nut
- Ladybug
- Something yellow in nature
- Lizard or insect
- Snail
- Spider
- Animal scat (for the brave!)
- Distribute Materials and Set Rules
Give each camper a bingo card and marking tool. Explain boundaries and safety rules. Players may work alone or in small teams. - Go Explore
Set a time limit—usually 30–45 minutes is plenty. As players find or hear items from their cards, they mark them off. - How to Win
First to complete a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) calls out “BINGO!” You can also play for blackout (entire card) or let everyone try to fill theirs at their own pace.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve been feeling behind, remember: no child was ever enriched by rushing to keep up.
This month, give yourself and your kids permission to slow down. Follow wonder. Laugh more. Fail boldly. Build forts. Chase fireflies. Mess up dinner because you were too busy painting.
Learning doesn’t need to look like school to count as growth.
Wishing you a July full of memory-making,
Kerry Cordy
