School's out and the kids are home. Do they have too much time on their hands? Mine are managing to stay quite busy -- and keep me the same --  but the season is young. I have come across some ideas for filling some of the lazy days of summer if they get too lethargic:

Missoula Children's Theatre visits many military installations each summer. The program provides a one-week, start to finish production, including tryouts, rehearsals and costumes. Check with your youth programs office to see if MCT is coming to your neighborhood. See the July 19 Spouse Calls column about the MCT production of "The Princess and the Pea" here at my base. The MCT website has more about the organization.

Maria Murphy, a therapist, life coach and mom, has developed a program called Camp Curiosity, a summer learning program that she says can help stop the "summer brain drain" of three months out of the classroom. There is a $20 fee for the six-week online program, but there is a nice military discount. For no charge at all, check out some ideas for summer activities on Maria's blog site Mentoring Simply Put. There you can also contribute your own experiences and suggestions. More information about Camp Curiosity and Maria's other programs and publications are available at her web site, Simplyputtogether.com. Maria also is a regular contributor to Army Wife Talk Radio, where she hosts the "Me Minute."

Tell your aspiring rockers to forget Simon and American Idol. USAA is sponsoring a contest for "The Next Great American Road Song." Open to songwriters and musicians ages 13 to 21, at least one member of the band must be a member of the United Services Automobile Association. Judges are looking for songs that celebrate "cars, driving and the freedom of the open road." Prizes include $2,500, and all songs must be original. For all the details, see U-TURN@usaa.com.