Pop-Tarts Summertime Activity for Kids

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.

As school was winding down for the year, my two boys began to plan their activity wish list for the summer. Swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing were all at the top of the list, and my husband and I were excited to be invited along for the ride. However, we were also faced with the reality that we would not be able to fill each and every day with a novel activity. We suggested to the boys that they think of a project that they could do over the summer, preferably something that would help an individual or the community.

Over the past several months, the boys watched several news stories and videos about global warming, how the melting polar caps are effecting the polar bears, and what we can do to help. From this, they decided that they would like to do an environmentally-minded project. One of the concerns that we have with our city's recycling program is that they do not accept glass products. Instead, we have to collect the glass containers and drive them to a recycling bin that is about 25 minutes from our home. Not only does this negate the purpose of helping the environment (think: gas consumption), but most people will not bother to make the drive and, instead, throw the glass into the garbage.

Clipboard and fliers in hand, the boys approached a number of families in our neighborhood to sign them up for their own brand of recycling. Within 45 minutes, a dozen names were added to the list. These willing neighbors pledged to save their glass and put it on their front porch for pick-up each Monday morning. This Monday, the boys walked to each house, pulling their Radio Flyer wagon behind them and loaded up the glass to take down to the recycling bin.


After collecting 50 glass containers, the boys were bursting with pride and could not stop smiling at their accomplishment.


After a morning of hard work, they had earned some time to burn off energy at the park and a chance to sit down for a tasty treat. My younger son excitedly opened his box of Chocolate Banana Split Pop-Tarts...


while my older son couldn't wait to sink his teeth into his Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts.


And, of course, there was some sharing.



They would be happy to make a Pop-Tarts snack a weekly event following their recycling efforts.

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"What was your favorite summertime activity when you were a kid?"

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