david, Author at Destination Website

A Complete Guide to Planning a Birthday Party at Home

Posted on May 19, 2022June 2, 2022 by david

All birthdays are special, whether your child is celebrating another year older or reaching a milestone. And hosting a birthday bash is one of the best ways to bring everyone together. But planning a birthday party at home can feel overwhelming without the proper checklist.

From organizing the supplies to keeping track of the guest list, there are lots of details to consider along the way. Luckily, we’ve combined all of the essential tasks into this step-by-step guide to help everything run smoothly as the big day arrives.

Let’s get planning!

APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS BEFORE

The first step to planning a birthday party at home begins with a few basics:

Create a party budget to help with different expenses like decorations, entertainment, food, and gifts
Think of a super fun theme that your child will love
Make a guest list to determine how many people will attend and whether it’ll only be friends, family, or both
Save the date! When choosing a date and time, you may want to consider a few options to accommodate the guests
(Optional) Depending on your budget, book any birthday performers and/or photographers

Psst! Want to make it an Our Generation party theme? Decorate your home with balloons, streamers, ribbons, and tablecloths in pink and yellow colors. Your child’s friends can also RSVP with their dolls!

1 MONTH BEFORE THE PARTY

Once you’ve created the guest list, set aside some time to prepare the invitations and other activities:

Order or craft the invitations. For added fun, decorate the invitations with supplies that match your party’s theme
Include the party’s start and end time, phone number, and directions
Plan which types of activities and games the kids will participate in. You can also print out coloring sheets to include as a party favor
Purchase the party supplies and decorations needed to turn your home into the perfect party space

2 TO 3 WEEKS AWAY

Plan your party menu (if you’re staying true to the OG party theme, how cute would it be to bring their favorite doll’s food to life! Take inspiration from the Party is Served set, Party Time desserts table, or the Oh So Sweet Cart. You can also add pies, cupcakes, and other baked goods to the mix)
Place your order for the birthday cake (ordering in advance will help you avoid any potential hiccups down the road)
Scoop up the birthday gifts (if shopping online, make sure your item(s) will arrive on time)

THE WEEK OF THE PARTY

With the big day around the corner, give yourself enough time to complete any remaining to-dos.

Confirm with the guests and send out any last-minute details
Go grocery shopping for finger foods, drinks, and yummy munchies you plan on serving
Complete any baked goods (if baking)
Wrap the birthday presents (make sure there’s no peeking!)
Buy necessary supplies like plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery (opt for plastic dinnerware to make cleaning up much easier)
Double-check for candles
Create a party playlist to dance to

ON THE EVE OF THE PARTY

One more day!

Pick up the cake if ordered and remember to check if everything is perfect
Decorate your home by hanging banners, streamers, balloons, and the rest of the supplies
Set up the activities, games, and party favors
Prep the dining area with plates, napkins, and utensils.
Create a mini space where the dolls can sit and join the party

MORNING OF THE PARTY

Hooray! You made it!

Finish up any last-minute decorating
Complete the serving table with the finger foods, drinks, and other munchies
Tye balloons to the front door to welcome guests
Start the music playlist
Take photos of the party scene and cake to create lasting memories (and to celebrate your hard work!)

We hope this planning guide will help make your next birthday party a spectacular celebration!

5 Benefits of Stuffed Animal Toys for Kids

Posted on April 14, 2022June 10, 2022 by david

Like dolls, stuffed animal toys play an important role in a child’s development. These soft, playful pets become much more than a toy to them, and they provide several skills both at an early age and throughout their growth.

So, what are the benefits of stuffed animal toys? Let’s take a look!

1. EARLY SELF-DEVELOPMENT

For younger children, they will already start acquiring the benefits even before the playing begins.

When they meet their stuffed animal for the first time, they’ll learn common animal names like dog or cat, the types of sounds each animal makes, practice holding and grasping, and explore different textures like its soft fur. They will also give their new pet a name as they begin to build a friendship with them. And it won’t be long until they imagine fun stories for their new companion.

2. BOOSTS CREATIVITY

It’s no secret that kids can see beyond the ordinary. And they hardly ever set limits when they’re engaged in a fun playtime session. To them, their stuffed animal isn’t only a pet; they can evolve into so much more. Today, their pals can patrol the beach as a lifeguard, travel the world, and receive a round of appaws after a dance recital.

The more kids engage in imaginative play, they learn to explore their creativity and develop problem-solving skills that will come in handy at school and in the future.

3. THEY GROW INTO A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER

Before kids get the chance to adopt a real-life pet, stuffed animals are the perfect tool for giving them an idea of what they can expect.

Through role-play, activities like feeding, grooming, walking, and training help them play out every step and teach them to approach challenges more effectively.

4. IMPROVES SOCIAL SKILLS

Can stuffed animal toys really develop social skills? Absolutely!

Playtime gives them the platform to practice new words they hear during the day and creates a safe space to express different emotions. They’re encouraged to talk to their stuffed animals and have them communicate with other characters (toys) in the story they’ve created. This back-and-forth conversation can also improve interactions with family, friends, and others.

5. PROVIDES COMFORT

Stuffed animal toys may be a child’s first best friend. And just like real pets, they can also help kids during times of discomfort.

Cuddling or having their stuffed animals nearby can ease their fears during doctor’s appointments, their first day of daycare, bedtime, or other uncomfortable situations. A small stuffed animal also lets kids easily take them around to feel safe and calm. And they can even provide a much-needed confidence boost.

The benefits of stuffed animal toys can be achieved through any play pattern, especially when paired with Our Generation dolls and accessories! We hope our collection of plush pets will help create lots of playful adventures. And check out more fun and excitement in the OG Neighborhood on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

Bunny-Approved Easter Basket Gift Ideas for Kids

Posted on April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 by david

Finding the perfect combination of Easter basket gifts can be a tough egg to crack. But we know the best baskets include something colorful, something incredibly cuddly, and all things fun!

Explore our Easter basket gift ideas below and discover a collection of thoughtful items that kids will love to open, including an activity that adds a mystery twist to a classic egg scavenger hunt. Plus, if you’re looking for items to hide inside your Easter eggs, we’ve selected a few special surprises that will make the perfect prize!

Let’s hop to it!

PRINTABLE COLORING SHEETS

For artsy little bunnies, take your Easter basket one hop further by treating them to a non-messy art activity with 3 coloring sheets, each with a fun theme to let their creativity shine!

Happy Bunny Coloring Sheet

Egg Hunt Coloring Sheet

Springtime Coloring Sheet

ADORABLE BASKET STUFFERS

Filling up Easter baskets is almost as fun as watching kids open them—especially when they include soft, cuddly pets!

Loyal pals like kittens and puppies bring extra cheer to an Easter basket. And because these furry friends have posable legs with breed-specific details, the playtime possibilities will have them jumping for joy!

Meet our fan-favorite pets, featuring an American Shorthair Kitten, American Eskimo Pup, Golden Poodle Pup, Pomeranian Pup, and Scottish Terrier Pup.

MINI DOLLS & STORYBOOKS

Open up worlds of storytelling with 6-inch mini dolls and their very own storybook! From ballet to slumber parties, kids can explore fun themes while discovering new passions. And the illustrated chapters let them recreate their favorite scenes for more engaging play moments.

Start baking with Jenny. Ice Skate with Katelyn. Care for Keisha. Twirl with Sydney Lee. Plan a Slumber Party with Willow!

MYSTERY SOLVED: PLAY OUR SCAVENGER HUNT EGG-STRAVAGANZA

Planning the ultimate egg hunt challenge? Turn it into a super fun mystery game with our Scavenger Hunt Clues and make this year’s tradition more exciting!

How it works: Hide the eggs indoors or outdoors (or both!) using the places in each clue. Then place the clues inside their basket and watch them scramble to find each one. Happy hunting!

HATCH ME IF YOU CAN – EASTER EGG SURPRISES

What’s better than finding a hidden egg? Finding a surprise inside!

Instead of filling all your eggs with treats and candy, add something extra special that encourages interactive play. Small accessories like the Rock N’ Sweet hairstyling set or mini, realistically detailed pets let kids share the excitement with their dolls!

From furry critters to a friendly reptile, create an assortment of surprise animal-filled Easter eggs with a bunny, kitten, guinea pig, birdie, and turtle!

We hope our Easter basket gift ideas will help make this year’s holiday a hoppy celebration filled with love and laughter. And check out our Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls) for more fun and adventure!

Gift Guide: 10 Fun Easter Gifts for Kids

Posted on March 31, 2022May 10, 2022 by david

Surprising kids with the perfect gift can be tons of fun, especially when you know they’ll be full of excitement! From decorating and exploring dress-up to creating magical stories, our list of Easter Gifts for Kids opens up worlds of pretend-play possibilities for those who can’t wait to let their imagination spring into action. And whether you’re searching for toys that stay true to the Easter theme or ones that will maximize their playtime, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So hop into our Easter gift guide and discover how you can make this year’s holiday all the more memorable!

An All-New Fashion Reveal Doll

Kids can explore the fun of decorating with Nova! Her dress features pattern-changing designs that appear with water, and her inspiring styling guide includes 3 colorful hair tutorials to create extra bright looks.

Tooth Fairy Outfit

For those who love to play out fairy tales, this enchanting outfit turns any Our Generation doll into a wonderful tooth fairy (as long as they believe in the power of magic, hehe!). Featuring a pair of wings and a tooth box that holds a child’s real baby tooth, kids can enjoy the tooth fairy journey just as much as their dolls. All it takes is a wave of the wand, and voila!

Rabbits & Carrots

Hippity, hoppity, poof! Dressed in their Easter best, this adorable rabbit-themed baking outfit lets your dolls join in the festivities as an ear-esistible bunny who bakes cupcakes for friends!

Baker’s Kitchen Set

Missing the accessories you need to start baking? Take sweet treats to the next cute level with a kitchen set that includes a pop-up toaster, a whistling tea kettle, and a donut-making machine to craft the ultimate dessert menu!

Rainbow Unicorn

Shake up their bedtime wardrobe with a cute and colorful pajama dress! This outfit features a 3D unicorn horn and mini ears on the hood to make slumber parties and dress-up a dream come true.

Oh So Sweet

Surprise them after the egg hunt with the perfect prize! This rolling dessert cart invites their favorite dolls to share in the candy-filled fun with 25 colorfully charming treats and 3 balloons to prep for the grand opening!

Party Pups

What’s the best thing about a party? Everybody can participate in the celebration! The Party Pups set includes decorations, tasty treats, and a birthday hat and scarf that fits all Our Generation plush pets. So their loyal pals and stuffed animal friends can gather and wag their tails with joy.

Palomino Party Foal

Room for one more party guest? This beautiful baby horse comes with a saddle blanket decorated in a rainbow sprinkle print, a bag of heart-shaped treats, and a mini carrot cupcake!

Patio Treats Trolley

The perfect furniture set to welcome outdoor parties, kids can prep for big events by rolling out a colorful combination of detailed fruit, drinks, and treats! The Patio Treats Trolley also features a marble-like countertop with storage shelves that make transporting goodies fun and easy.

Butterfly Fashion Starter Cambi

Celebrate friendship while discovering fun styles with Cambi and her mix-and-match outfits! She’s part of the OG Fashion Starter Collection that features 5 friends who love to express their personalities and passions through their one-of-a-kind accessories.

Meet all 5 fashion dolls and explore each theme together!

There are so many ways to enjoy the Easter holiday and spring season with Our Generation dolls and accessories. We hope our list of Easter Gifts for Kids will help you make them smile from ear to ear. And we know that each item will open up a world of playful adventures! Check out our Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls) for more fun and excitement in the OG Neighborhood!

What Can Dentist Toys Teach Kids?

Posted on March 8, 2022June 10, 2022 by david

Whether you’re looking to help teach your child about proper dental hygiene, reduce their fears about dentist visits, or just looking for fun-filled sets, dentist toys can bring lots of benefits and excitement to playtime. Which is why choosing the right kind of toys is just as important as playing with them. Dentist playsets and accessories should provide fun solutions to your challenges, and they should give kids the chance to explore any storytelling possibility that they can imagine.

So, what can dentist toys teach children? Aside from leaving every doll patient and child dentist filling happy (hehe), let’s find out!

DENTIST TOYS EXPAND THEIR KNOWLEDGE

What is a dentist? What do they do? And what exactly is that tool used for?

For kids, the answers to these questions might be better explained through play. In other words, showing rather than telling. The Absotoothly Awesome accessory set lets kids explore routine procedures with realistic tools like a dental scaler and air/water syringe, see what a tooth looks like on the inside, and learn how to care for their teeth. By demonstrating how to use each tool on their dolls first, they will know which checkup the dentist will perform. And it might also give them an idea of what they want to pursue when they grow up!

THEY MAKE DENTIST VISITS MORE RELAXED – AND FUN

If they feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, allowing them to role play in the comfort of their own home is a great way to ease their fears, especially since they’re in control.

When kids are in the patient’s chair, not knowing what to expect can be an uncomfortable situation. And this can make their imagination wander in the wrong direction. But the more they engage in play and conversation, they will also improve their vocabulary and communication skills. Which will help them be more expressive and interested in finding out more information from a real dentist.

ENCOURAGE A HEALTHY SENSE OF CONFIDENCE

Most children have or might require getting braces in the future, which can be a challenging time. But getting ahead of it and showing them how common it actually is can help relieve their discomfort. Camila and Imani are the first two Our Generation dolls to get matching braces, and they can help build kids’ self-esteem, enforce a sense of normalcy, and prepare them for what’s to come.

Another situation that kids may find difficult is when they lose their baby tooth for the first time. Dolls like Tooth Fairy Twinkle and the Tooth Fairy Stories set help kids understand that it’s a natural process and can turn the experience into a magical journey.

PROMOTE DENTAL HYGIENE

Unfortunately, cavities are common in children (boo!). But teaching them how to maintain their dental hygiene can go a long way in preventing those uncomfortable dentist visits. Having their dolls perform the same routines is a fun approach to establishing good brushing habits, and animal lovers will also love teaching their pets with the Canine Care set!

DEVELOPS EMPATHY

You may have heard the word empathy a lot, but why exactly is it so important? Well, empathy is all about understanding what others are feeling. And understanding what others are feeling allows us to act in a more kind-hearted way with those around us.

As kids play the dentist’s role to treat their doll patients, they will learn how to be more sympathetic toward others since they know what it feels like to be in the patient’s shoes. In turn, this also helps them practice being gentle and show compassion, which will carry over to how they treat others outside their world of play.

There are so many ways to play with Our Generation dolls and accessories. We hope our dentist toys will help create lots of playful adventures! And check out more fun and excitement in the OG Neighborhood on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

Gift Guide: 14 Valentine’s Day Gifts Kids Will Like Like

Posted on February 1, 2022February 1, 2022 by david

Whether it’s red, pink, adorned with hearts, or expresses their favorite affections, there’s something for every child who loves to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Find a range of doll besties to explore friendship, themed outfits for any adventure, snuggly pets, and fun playsets that provide unlimited storytelling possibilities.

And for those who just can’t wait, our list of Valentine’s Day gifts begins with a super fun countdown activity!

Our Generation Sweetheart Surprise Countdown Calendar for 18-inch Dolls Packaging — **Sweetheart Surprise Countdown Calendar**

OG Sweetheart Surprise Calendar

Valentine’s Day enthusiasts can count down to the big day and receive special surprises along the way! From jewelry and sweet treats to playful Valentine’s Day cards, each door reveals a fun item that lets kids share the love with their dolls!

Explore the Calendar

Serenity

Wearing your heart on your sleeve means showing your emotions, and Serenity loves to spread kindness to everyone around her. She arrives in a matching pajama outfit with an all-over heart print and a pink, fluffy, heart plush pillow!

Our Generation Fashion Starter Kit & 18-inch Doll Amora — **Amora Hearts Theme Fashion Set**

Our Generation Fashion Starter Kit & 18-inch Doll Rosalind — **Rosalind Rose Theme Fashion Set**

Fashion Starter Sets

Explore friendship and stylish fun with Rosalind and Amora – 2 friends from the OG Fashion Starter Collection! Each doll includes changeable outfits, jewelry pieces, and themed accessories that bring personality and charm to every look.

And the sweetest part? They arrive beautifully packaged inside a ready-to-gift, heart-decorated box!

Meet all 5 fashion dolls and complete the collection!

Perfect Math School Outfit Accessories for 18-inch Dolls — **Dahlia in the Perfect Math Outfit** (Dolls sold separately)

Express Their Affections with Fun Outfits

Featuring a printed T-shirt with bright red accents, a preppy, plaid and pleated skirt, and realistic school supplies, the Perfect Math outfit gives doll students a clever and calculated look on their next trip to the classroom!

Fashion Goals

Score big points on and off the field with a sporty outfit that combines a touch of sparkle and playful style from the beautiful game.

The Fashion Goals outfit includes a tulle skirt, hooded top with a heart-themed soccer ball print, and mix-and-match accessories that bring athletic energy to any adventure!

Dream Bright Sleep Tight Dinosaur Pajama Stuffed Animal for 18-inch Dolls — **Jolene in the Dream Bright, Sleep Tight Outfit** (Dolls sold separately)

Dino-Snores Pajama Outfit Dinosaur Stuffed Animal for 18-inch Dolls — **Tyler in the Dino-Snores Outfit** (Dolls sold separately)

Stomp into Bedtime

For the doll girls and boys who have a GIGANTIC crush on dinosaurs!

Each outfit comes with its own snuggly soft Stegosaurus stuffed animal, making it the perfect bedtime pal to inspire big dreams!

Shop Dream Bright, Sleep Tight and Dino-Snores.

Pretty Pom Poms

Brighten up outfits and hairstyles with a parade of pom poms and cute styling pieces for year-round fun. And bonus – kids can share the look by accessorizing their own creative ‘dos for double the styles!

Our Generation 6-inch American Shorthair Kitten Cat Plush Posable Legs — **American Shorthair Kitten**

Our Generation American Eskimo 6-inch Dog Plush Stuffed Animal Pet — **American Eskimo Puppy**

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Animal Lovers

For those who are over-the-moon about pets, posable pals like the American Eskimo Pup and American Shorthair Kitten have bendable legs, so they can learn new tricks like shaking paws or how to sit, as well as tag along on their owner’s favorite journeys!

Discover the entire Loyal Pals Collection for more furry pals or friendly foals!

Our Generation Yay Spa Day Chair for 18-inch Dolls — **Yay, Spa Day Salon Chair Playset**

Extra Special Valentine’s Day Gifts

Water and bubble sounds, music, and cute spa accessories let kids pamper their favorite doll besties with days of relaxation and pretend mani-pedis – all while exploring self-care through interactive play. Shop the Yay, Spa Day playset!

Want even more fun? Our Deluxe Dolls have bendable knees and elbows to help kids easily seat them in the spa chair for a realistic storytelling experience!

Two Scoops Ice Cream Cart

Welcome in all seasons, this 34-piece ice cream cart features ice cream flavors that really scoop into the cones so your customers can create a variety of treat combinations!

Easy Cheesy Pizzeria

Serve up smiles to your little chefs with an engaging, fully stocked restaurant playset that includes a light-up oven and neon sign, a fire sound to “cook” pizzas, a foldable prepping counter, and 40+ detailed accessories!

There are so many ways to play with Our Generation dolls and accessories. We hope our list of Valentine’s Day gifts will help spread the joy and create lots of playful adventures! And check out more fun and excitement in the OG Neighborhood on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

Gift Guide: Pizza-Themed Our Generation Dolls and Accessories!

Posted on October 20, 2021October 20, 2021 by david

Get ready to cook, slice, and serve up delicious adventures this holiday with our Top 10 Pizza Toys! Find furniture sets, cute outfits, master chefs, and pizza-making playsets that will make every young cook imagine the pizza-bilities.

Psst! This list might make you crave a piece, hehe!

Get Baking with Our Master Chefs

Posable 18-inch Doll Pizza Chef Francesca — **Pizza Chef Francesca**

18-inch Chef Doll Chantel — **Pasta Chef Chantel**

Discover pizza-making magic with Francesca, 2 outfits, and an illustrated storybook to follow her adventures.

Like pizza and pasta, these creative chefs make the perfect team. Chantel loves to mix up the menu, and she can cook up delicious meals with just about any ingredient!

Deluxe Pizza Forever Fashion Outfit Clothes Accessories Skirt Glasses Play Food for 18-inch Dolls — **Maddie Dressed in the Pizza Forever Outfit** (Dolls sold separately)

A Slice of Fun Topped with Style

For the pizza fan who can’t go a day (or night) without their favorite food, add super cute outfits to their wardrobe for a taste of pizza fashion!

The Pizza Forever outfit includes a trendy ruffle skirt, tie-front top, and mix-and-match accessories to sprinkle a little extra cuteness on any activity!

Deluxe Pizza Party Dreams Pajama Outfit Pink Clothes Accessories for 18-inch Dolls — **Martha in the Pizza Party Dreams Outfit**
(Dolls sold separately)

Turn pizza days into slumber party play with the perfect pajama set and a comfy plush pillow! Shop Pizza Party Dreams.

Tasty Toppings Pizza Making Set for 18-inch Dolls — **Tasty Toppings Accessory Set**

Pizza Prep with Realistic Play Food Accessories

Learn how to bake homemade pizzas from start to finish with this complete pizza-making set that lets young chefs explore the joys of cooking!

Shop Tasty Toppings.

Pizza Maker Oven Playset Toy Food for 18-inch Dolls — **OG Pizza Oven Playset**

Little chefs-to-be can bake up the perfect pizza pies every time with this electronic Pizza Oven playset, featuring a light and fire sound for pretend-play cooking!

Deliver A Smile

Bring home delicious favorites and explore pizza delivery play, from neighborhood traveling to up-to-the-door greetings!

OG Delivery Bike for 18-inch Dolls — **OG Delivery Bicycle**

Order's Up Play Food Pizza Delivery Set for 18-inch Dolls — **Order’s Up Pizza Set**

Rolling wheels, movable handle bars, and a food basket makes the Delivery Bicycle our go-to mode of transportation!

Whether you’re planning fun movie nights or craving a tasty combo, the Order’s Up Pizza Set opens the door to delivery role play – from packing up food orders to completing transactions!

For the Ultimate Pizza Lover

Run the tastiest pizza shop in town or attend the grand opening with the OG Easy Cheesy Pizzeria, a fully stocked restaurant playset that includes 40+ realistic accessories to serve up smiles to every customer!

It features a light-up oven and neon sign, a fire sound to “cook” pizzas, 12 removable pizza pieces, and a foldable prep counter for an easy-cheesy cleanup!

Our Generation Easy Cheesy Pizzeria Playset Foldable Counter for 18-inch Dolls — **Francesca & Rashida Dining with the Pizza with You Table & Chairs Set** (Dolls and Pizzeria sold separately)

Complete your dream restaurant or set the scene for at-home dining with the Pizza with You table and chairs furniture set to celebrate every pizza party in fun style!

There are so many ways to play with Our Generation dolls and accessories. We hope this special Pizza-Themed gift guide has delivered fun ideas to explore on your next pizza adventure!

And check out more fun and excitement in the Our Generation neighborhood on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

Johnny Preps for OG Camp

Posted on May 27, 2021 by david

This summer, Johnny will be attending OG Camp for the first time. He’s really excited because he’s never been to a summer camp before. And he hears so many great stories from his friends every time they return home! But there’s one thing Johnny is feeling nervous about…

Read Johnny’s journal entry to learn how he’s overcoming his jitters as the big day gets closer and closer.

My New Adventure

It will be my first time going to summer camp. I asked my friend Tyler what it would be like, and he sounded really excited. He’s gone to OG Camp three times, and whenever he shares his stories, he says, “You have to come next time. The games and activities are lots of fun. And we spend most of our time outside!”

This year, Tyler is getting his wish. My parents are letting me go with him. But even though I’m excited to try something new, I’m also a little nervous. Other friends and classmates will be there, so I’m not too worried about meeting campers. What makes me nervous is that it’s a sleepaway camp. Which means I’ll have to spend every night away from home.

Tyler told me that it feels strange at first. You have to get used to sleeping in a new room, and sometimes you can hear outside noises like crickets and other insects. So he invited me for a sleepover at his house the last two weekends to help me practice being away from home. At least now I know a little more about what to expect.

I remember how I felt when I first played volleyball. My biggest challenge was learning how to serve. At first, I couldn’t; it just wouldn’t go over the net. But I fixed my aim, made sure to hit just below the center of the ball, and used lots of power! I guess it’s just like any new experience. One of the most challenging things is that you never know how it’s going to go. But with a bit of practice and preparation, it usually turns out A-OK, and you can end up having fun along the way!

I made a list of things to pack that might help me feel more comfortable if I get homesick, like my favorite volleyball jersey to wear during games and my journal—to keep track of all the camp routines so I can show my family each activity.

So far, I think I have most of it covered. Well, except for those noisy crickets, hehe.

Reading stories and writing in your journal are great ways to build your vocabulary. Try using some of the words in Johnny’s journal to describe a time when you felt nervous about trying something new!

Overcoming: having success when facing a problem.

Strange: something that is different from what you expect.

Challenge: a hard/difficult task.

A-OK: a fun way to say OK; very good.

Homesick: feeling unhappy when you are away from home.

9 Fun Ways to Celebrate the End of the School Year

Posted on May 13, 2021May 13, 2021 by david

The end of the school year is near! That means it’s time to celebrate with fun activities and games before the final bell rings.

Take some inspiration from our Awesome Academy class with 9 fun ways to end the school year and celebrate your achievements with friends!

1. MAKE A TOP 10 LIST

What’s better than making a list? Filling it up with the best things ever!

Make a school-themed list of the top 10 things you learned over the semester, fun memories you had, or goals you achieved. Then get together with friends and share your selections!

2. SEND OUT COMPLIMENTS

Write a compliment for each student in your class and hand them out on your last day to help your classmates end the school year with a big smile!

Add crafts to the mix by using colors to personalize each note. That way, the other students can have a keepsake to remind them of your time together!

3. CREATE A YEARBOOK

Which of your friends is most likely to be a future Olympian? Or who loves to travel the most?

Play our OG Superlatives game by writing the names of your classmates under the activity that best describes them. You can also add your own special topics to grow the list and create a mini yearbook for an end-of-semester event!

4. SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Make your summer dreams come true by creating a list of activities to do or try for the first time. From camping and stargazing to tasting new foods or building a backyard splash park, kick off this summer with a blast!

5. BRING A STORY TO LIFE

Film a movie with Mienna, take pizza-baking lessons from Francesca, or put on a concert like Layla!

Recreate scenes from your favorite books that you read this year or bring new stories to life with OG Friends to discover fun adventures!

Psst: check out all our stories on the OG Bookshelf for more inspiration!

6. FILL UP YOUR DAYS WITH MEMORIES

Create the ultimate calendar month by filling up each day with activities and fun facts!

Write down things you learned or activities you performed and stick them to the days you accomplished them. At the end of the month, your calendar will be filled with knowledge, memories, and fun!

Here’s a fun fact to get you started: Today, I learned that 1 day on planet Venus is almost 8 months on Earth!

7. DANCE PARTY PLAYLIST

Make a playlist of your favorite songs that you heard this school year to celebrate a semester well done. Then have a dance party with friends and family to showcase your best dance moves!

8. SAY “CHEESE!”

Just like taking a picture to remember the first day of school, pose for a photo on the last day to include in a scrapbook and remember your journey. Then snap a few extra pictures with friends, family, and silly poses!

9. THANK YOU ART FOR TEACHERS

Dig into your creative skills and craft a thank you card to show your teachers how much you appreciated their help during the year! It was not an easy semester, and even a small, kind gesture will go a long way in supporting the ones who help us learn and achieve our dreams every day.

Congratulations on completing your school year!

7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Posted on April 15, 2021 by david

We’re getting ready to celebrate Earth Day! There are so many great ways to show how much we appreciate our planet—from little activities that help keep the earth healthy to fun habits we can perform every day.

Our OG Friends have thought of 7 awesome ideas for this year’s big day. So let’s join in the fun with their activities and tips below!  

WALK & ROLL

Headed somewhere?

Hop on your bicycle, grab your OG Scooter, or head out for a walk when visiting nearby areas to stay active. Use these fun transportation ways to explore your community and reduce the amount of pollution that motor vehicles leave behind.

SWITCH IT UP

One of the most popular and easiest ways everyone can help our planet is by using less electricity.

Trade TV for fun stories on our  OG Bookshelf  and form a book club with friends. You can talk about your favorite characters and let your imagination run wild by creating your own adventures. Or help conserve energy by turning off the lights during the daytime to use the sunshine instead.

SAVE WATER

The earth is made up of about 71% of water, but less than 1% of it is available for us to drink. That’s why it’s important for us not to waste large amounts of water every day.

Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shortening your shower by 1-2 minutes are simple ways that will help us save water for future generations. Complete our Energy Challenge Checklist to learn more ways to celebrate Earth Day!

USE REUSABLE BAGS

Plastic and paper bags can build up in landfills and end up in our oceans, causing problems for animals and marine life. Try switching to reusable bags when visiting your local markets and carry an eco-friendlier approach into your community. You can also use them for packing lunches, carrying items on a road trip, and much more!

GET DIGGING

You don’t have to go far to make an impact on Earth Day. Head to the backyard and fill your garden with plants, flowers, or a tree! Plants are important to the planet because they help clean the air and release oxygen for us to breathe.

Take an extra colorful step and plant your favorite fruits and veggies. This will help reduce pollution by using less transportation to pick them up in stores!

SPEND THE DAY OUTSIDE

Take advantage of being outdoors by reminding yourself how beautiful our planet can be. Plan picnics with friends or family, have a fun yoga session in the backyard, or pack for a camping trip and discover all the amazing things nature has to offer!

SPREAD THE MESSAGE

Help friends and family get involved with Earth Day by including them in your plans too.

Teach those around you how they can lend a helping hand by creating color cards, each with a task or activity written inside that you can give out to classmates or neighbors to share your ideas. When more people participate, it gives our planet a better chance to shine!

Psst:  Don’t forget to use recyclable materials when making cards!