Summer camp for life skills

A mom in Utah recently made headlines after creating what she calls “How to Be a Person” camp for her children. She curated a wide-ranging list of things she’d like her kids to learn this summer — everything from blowdrying hair to how to wash and cut produce.

I’m a list-maker by nature, so the concept was instantly appealing. (I did, however, balk at the name. I know a lot of neurodivergent folks, and I don’t want to imply that there’s only one way to be a person or that not possessing these skills makes one an inferior person.)

So I sat down with my 8-year-old son, Everest, and we created a list of things to learn this summer.

I highly recommend collaborating on the list, because I was shocked by how many things Everest wanted to know, I simply haven’t given him the opportunity to learn yet. Things like following a recipe or putting clothes in the dryer.

Other items on the list address things E has tried but hasn’t mastered, like double-knotting his shoelaces. This is his chance to practice.

We’re calling it Everest’s Life Skills Summer Camp, and he’s really looking forward to tackling each item. So I think I found a way to successfully pawn off the laundry on my kid? *fist pumps the air*

Here’s what’s on our list

I’m curious what else you might add? (Keep in mind that something like this is going to vary wildly by the child, their environment, and their family, so I don’t think this is a one-size-fits-all situation.)

Double-knot shoelaces

Address an envelope

Make a simple meal 

Memorize social security number

Use a screwdriver

Hammer a nail

Load the dishwasher

Wash and dry a load of clothes

Use a sharp knife 

Follow a recipe

Memorize mommy’s phone number

Call for help

Simple first aid 

Floss well 

Order politely at a restaurant

Figure out a tip  

Clean the bathroom

Microwave food without blowing anything up

Change batteries 

Change a lightbulb 

Use leftover food/transform leftovers 

Write a grocery list 

Offer a genuine compliment 

Graciously accept a compliment 

Make a sincere apology

So tell me: What do you consider to be essential life skills?