Summer Camp at Home Themes, Schedules, and Tips

Themes and Activities for Summer Camp at Home

Want to give kids the experience of a great summer camp? Whether you do summer camp for your neighborhood, for a church youth group, or your local community, these summer camp at home themes, schedules, and tips will help you create the best, most fun summer camp for kids from six to sixteen! 

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Work in a retirement village or nursing home? Activity directors can adapt the activities for any age group. The objective is fun! Our website is full of fun, free camp activities, circle time activities, and group games. If you want everything at your fingertips (or on your clipboard) grab a copy of any of the books in our companion book series. These books are designed to help you organize and create an amazing youth group program or a simple, summer camp at home. 

Each books stands alone or get all 3 books for an organized summer camp, after-school program, or extra activities for vacation bible school. 

Our latest book, "Summer Camp at Home Handbook" has a total of five weeks of camp themes and activities. Each week includes: songs to sing, science experiments, group games, art activities, and fun themed snacks. It also includes a welcome pledge, icebreaker game, filler activities, planning calendars, printable today's birthday poster, activity schedule, daily menu poster, registration forms with allergy and photo permission features, and sample letters and forms to create a professional, organized camp program. If you want to do a full-on community summer camp, the only thing you'll need to add is insurance. Some small programs forego insurance for waivers and good luck. It's a good idea to get a short-term summer insurance policy if you plan to include your neighborhood or others outside of your close circle of friends and family.

Do you need a license to operate summer camp? That depends on your city and state. Check with your local government agencies, especially the board of health. Many churches (depending on state laws) are exempt and do not require visits from board of health or other agencies. Often, if the campers are participating in the prep of food it falls under different rules than if you are providing snacks. This is why the Summer Camp at Home Handbook includes theme snack activities and edible art. An easy way to avoid any trouble is to only provide prepackaged snacks and beverages (stay away from milk.) At the least, always have parents sign waivers, waivers, waivers. They won't completely protect you if someone decides to sue, but they do give everyone a heads up and let everyone know you are thinking ahead. Always have parents sign field trip waivers (you can make one for the entirety of camp and list out all pre-planned activities.) Also, be sure you have records of food allergies, immunizations, and authorized pick up persons. Finally, be aware of your state's childcare laws which vary based on the age of children in your care. To play it safe (when doing summer camp at home,) don't have more than five children that are not related to you in each camp session and always have another adult or camp counselor 18+ at your side.

Another thing to consider is first aid and safety training. Staff should be trained to recognize child predators in all childcare, summer camp, youth group, and school settings. In today's world, you can never be too safe or too prepared. That being said, if you are simply doing summer camp at home for your family, close friends, or homeschool group, not all of these steps may be required. However, it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you run background checks on anyone that will be regularly helping with your program. That includes your parents, aunts, and older children! This is a safety precaution designed to protect you in case something comes up. In your letter to parents, mention that all adults working with children have undergone a background check. Your local government probably has a background check option on their website.

A big safety consideration is water. Children may find pools and nearby bodies of water enticing. Always, always, keep count of the children in your immediate care. A good rule of thumb is to count kids every 20 minutes. If you are on a field trip or involved in a hectic group game, count them every 15 minutes. If you plan to include swimming in your camp activities or have a pool in your backyard, be aware that special precautions are needed and insurance rates will be higher.

Are you ready to get started hosting your own summer camp at home? Great! You'll want to start with our book, Summer Camp Handbook. This book is full of everything you need for five weeks of awesome summer camp.

Summer Camp Weekly Themes:

• It's all Rainbows: Rainbow Trails Song, Rainbow Snacks, Leprechaun Rainbow Skit, Rainbow Science Activities (Color and Prisms), and Get Moving Games.

• Silly Spaghetti: On Top of Spaghetti Song, Crunchy Spaghetti Recipe, Spaghetti Strength Science, Spaghetti Relays, and lots more.

• Eat Worms: Herman the Worm Song, Worm Theme Snacks, Snakes vs. Worms Game, How to Build a Worm Farm, Slurpin' for Worms, and lots more Worm Theme Games and Activities.

• Do Monkey Around: The Monkey Song, Banana Snacks, Banana Experiments, and Get Moving Games for Monkeys.

• Sharks vs Chickens: Baby Shark Song, Chicken Feed Snack, Egg Science Experiments, Shark and Chicken Hats, and lots of Games to Play as Sharks and Chickens.

With a blank, printable monthly calendar included in each weekly camp theme chapter and extra filler activities in case of a time emergency, the Summer Camp at Home Handbook is an essential tool whether it's your very first summer camp program or you are a seasoned camp director. Don't wait any longer, get on your way to the best summer camp ever today!

Our companion books are also available on Amazon in 8 x 10 paperback book format. These books give you extra credit as a camp director or activities director. Get organized with our 365 Planner. This handbook includes printable planning calendars, daily journal space with shareable quote of the day for note taking and planning, printable lesson/activity planning sheets, birthday logs, printable today's birthday poster, menu and activity schedules, and more. 

The 365 Activity Planner Journal, is a great companion handbook to Summer Camp at Home. It's also a great classroom resource planning tool for teachers. Whether you make copies of the printables to reuse again and again, or cuddle up on the sofa with the book to journal your activities, this handbook will help keep all of your thoughts and ideas organized with the added benefit of motivational quotes to keep you going strong. Get your 365 Activity Planner Journal now by clicking on the image.

And, if you are looking for fun games to play in a circle setting check out our Circle Time Handbook. This book includes 39 of the best ever games kids love. Tried and true, we played all of these games in our camp and after-school programs. This book is ideal for teachers who need to fill in some transitional time, afterschoolers who want to have a daily group rap sessions, preschool programs who realize the importance of circle time group activities, and summer camp programs who need filler material for rest breaks and other down time.

Ready, Get Set, Go! You can get all 3 books for under $40 on Amazon. 

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Circle Time Activities on the Blog

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Caregivers and Educators, check out Lora's Recommendations on Amazon 

and Follow us on Instagram for more fun ideas for children.

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Traditional Yule Log Recipe

Easy Yule Log Recipe

Ahh, Ye olde Yule Log. What's a Yule Log, you ask? Depends who you ask. Are you hungry or do you want to keep warm for the holidays? Find out the history of the Yule Log. Is it food - yes and also no! Apparently, the dessert cake, Chocolate Yule Log, was created after the one you place in your fireplace. This traditional Yule Log recipe is delicious, but it also serves as a great family tradition when you make it with your children. Watch the Yule Log video below while you bake. Enjoy!

How to Make a Yule Log

This spongy, oil-less Yule Log cake comes from Taste of Home as part of its Chocolate Cherry Cream-Filled Log Recipe. We made a few adjustments. Instead of the whipped cream filling, we used a Cherry Almond Buttercream with chopped Chocolate Covered Cherries folded in. Top your cake roll with chocolate ganache, melted milk chocolate chips, or just dust with some powdered sugar. We made our Yule Log festive by adding green paper leaves that adorn the cherries. You can also make the leaves with edible ganache.

Hallmark's Yule Log Video You Tube

Yule Log Cake:

Ingredients:
4 eggs, separated
1/3 c. plus 1/2 c. sugar, divided
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. baking cocoa
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. water
Confectioner's sugar

Directions:
1.  Place egg whites in a small bowl and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. Line a greased 15 in. x 10 in. x 1 in. baking pan with waxed paper.  Grease the paper and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.  In a large bowl, beat egg yolks on high for 5 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually beat in 1/3 c. sugar. Beat in vanilla.
3. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together twice.  Gradually add to the yolk mixture alternately with 1/3 c. water. Beat well after each addition.
4.  In a small bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1/2 c. sugar, 1 T. at a time, on high speed until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold egg whites into batter. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes. Dust a kitchen towel completely with confectioner's sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel. Carefully peel off the waxed paper. Roll up the cake in the towel, starting with the short side.  Cool completely on a wire rack.
6.  Prepare Cherry Almond Buttercream.
7.  Unroll cake. Spread filling evenly over the cake to within 1/2 in. of the edges. Roll the cake again, without the towel. Place seam side down on a serving platter. Top as desired. Slice off the uneven ends of the cake before serving.


Cherry Almond Buttercream with Chocolate Covered Cherries:

Ingredients:
3 c. Confectioner's sugar
1 stick butter, softened
3 t. almond extract
2 T. milk
2 T. maraschino cherry juice
6 chocolate covered cherries, coarsely chopped

Directions:
1.  Beat butter until creamy.
2.  Add confectioner's sugar and beat until combined. Add almond extract and cherry juice and beat until combined. Add milk, if necessary, for consistency.  Beat until smooth.
3.  Gently fold in chopped candy.



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Corn on the Cob Recipe with Cheese

Easy Recipes: Cheesy Corn on the Cob

This cheesy corn on the cob recipe is so simple, it's ridiculous! Inspired by a menu picture at a steak restaurant, I knew it'd taste yummy. The picture showed corn on the cob with red and black seasoning oozing with what looked like cheese. It turned out to be butter, but I decided to try to recreate what I thought I saw: corn on the cob with cheese. Enjoy!

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How to Make Cheesy Corn on the Cob Recipe

Ingredients:

4 fresh ears of corn

1/2 t. salt

Salt, red pepper, and black pepper to taste

4 slices Havarti cheese

2 T butter, divided

Directions:

1. Shuck the corn, and clear away the silks. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the ears. Remove the corn. Add 1/2 t. salt and 1 T butter. Heat the water to boiling. Add the ears of corn. Boil 6 minutes. Remove the ears and let them cool 5 minutes.  

2. Season the corn with salt, red pepper, and black pepper to taste. Melt 1 T butter. Coat the ears with the melted butter. Top with the Havarti cheese slices, tearing each slice so that the entire length of corn is covered in cheese.

3. Broil the ears on high approx. 2 minutes, or until the cheese browns slightly.

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What is FFA? Future Farmers of America_ Get Involved

Get Involved with National FFA

This is a sponsored post for Mom it Forward. All opinions are my own.

What is FFA? Growing up in the Midwest, I was very familiar with the corduroy navy blue FFA jackets. Not a lot of kids at my school wore them, but attend an event at a rural school and everyone seemed to have one. What did they mean? How was I not a member of this elite club? I felt left out. Flash forward thirty years later, and head to downtown Indianapolis during the National FFA convention and you'll wonder what you're missing too!

FFA Jacket from FFA.org

Every fall, the Indiana Convention Center is filled to the brim with navy jacket wearing youth from all over the country. So, what is FFA? FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. You might already know that, but do you know what they do?

The letters “FFA”  are a part of their heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture.

The National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. National FFA Convention is held at the Indiana Convention Center.

Farmland, a leading brand of bacon, sausage, and ham, is proud to partner with the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, to support the future of agriculture by donating $0.10 to FFA for every Farmland item purchased now through September 30, 2017, up to $75,000.

These donations will help FFA continue to further its mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students and shine a light on the agricultural industry.

In addition to the donation, Farmland will provide grants to select Midwestern FFA chapters later this year, providing financial support to high school students working on animal care projects.

Participating Farmland products include everything from Farmland bacon and breakfast sausage to boneless ham and lunch meats.

FarmlandFoods.com, Facebook.com/FarmlandFoods or @FarmlandFoods on Twitter.

Support the Future Farmers of America by going to Kroger and
purchasing Farmland products now through Sept. 30, 2017.


With every Farmland item purchased now through September 30, Farmland will donate $0.10 to FFA, up to $75,000.

Since 1959, Farmland has been passionate about making high-quality foods, working alongside American farm families to offer the best quality products such as bacon, ham, and sausage. So, it makes sense that they support FFA.

More than 50 years later, Farmland’s unsurpassed passion and pride are stronger than ever, serving retail and foodservice customers across the United States. Farmland’s great tasting products – bacon, sausage, specialty cut ham, and more – are tender, flavorful, and made with quality ingredients. All Farmland products are products of the USA and are free of hormones and MSG.

For more product information or recipe inspiration, visit FarmlandFoods.

As hobby farmers, my kids have been active members of 4H and now, as they move into middle school and high school, they are interested in the FFA. So, we've been looking into options for homeschoolers. Want to join? Find out more here: How to join FFA.



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Easy Biscuit Sausage Casserole Recipe

Biscuit Casserole with Sausage Recipe

This is a simple and inexpensive breakfast casserole that uses refrigerator biscuits. Need to feed the family or unexpected guests in pinch? This easy biscuit sausage casserole recipe will do the trick. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

How to Make Easy Biscuit Sausage Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground sausage
2 T flour
1 c. milk, divided
Salt and pepper
6 eggs, beaten
1 can refrigerator biscuits

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2.  In a large skillet, brown sausage. Reserve 2 T grease. Drain sausage; rinse with warm water.
3.  Return reserved sausage grease to skillet. Add flour; stir well. With stirring, add 3/4 c. milk. Cook over medium heat until gravy thickens. Stir in sausage. Season with salt and pepper.
4.  Add beaten eggs and remaining 1/4 c. milk to a clean skillet. Scramble eggs until done. Season with salt and pepper.
5.  Place scrambled eggs in a 8 x 8 in. baking dish. Cover with sausage gravy. Top with uncooked biscuits.
6. Bake at 400 degrees until biscuits are golden, approx. 10 min.

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Blueberry Apple Yogurt Salad Recipe

Healthy Apple Recipe

Blueberries are in season in the summer in the midwest. We go blueberry picking every year! Fresh blueberries taste great in this blueberry apple yogurt salad recipe. This is a healthy apple dish that is also full of flavor. Enjoy!

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How to Make Apple Blueberry Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
  2 sweet apples, such as Gala
  1 c. blueberries
  1/2 c. sliced almonds
  2 T crumbled bleu cheese
  6 T plain yogurt
  1 T maple syrup

Directions:
  1.  Toast almonds in a small skillet over medium heat until you smell an almond aroma. Place the almonds in a container to cool.
  2.  Stir together the yogurt, maple syrup and bleu cheese.
  3.  Core and cube the apples.
  4.  Add the blueberries and almonds to the apples. Toss with the yogurt dressing.

You can also turn this recipe into a fruit dressing - with a blender - get details here: Recipe for Apple Blueberry Dressing with Yogurt.



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Shrimp Rustica Recipe

Rustica Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Shrimp Pasta Rustica Recipe is a kid pleaser because it tastes awesome (as my son put it). It's a mom pleaser because it is easy and healthy. In this easy weeknight dinner recipe, shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach are combined in a simple rustic sauce and served over pasta. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

How to Make Shrimp Rustica Recipe

Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 c. chopped tomatoes
1/2 c. white cooking wine (or water)
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1 T. butter
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. pasta, such as linguine or vermicelli
1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
1 t. Moroccan seasoning (Cajun seasoning would work)
1/2 c. frozen spinach, thawed

Directions:
1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic; stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and wine. Cover and cooking 15 min., stirring frequently. Add the mushrooms. Cook and additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add small amounts of additional water if necessary. Add the butter; season with salt and pepper.
2.  While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions.
3.  While the sauce and pasta are cooking, season the shrimp with Moroccan or Cajun seasoning.
4.  Add the shrimp and spinach to the sauce. Cook, stirring constantly until shrimp turns pink, approx. 5 minutes.
5.  Serve shrimp and sauce over prepared pasta.


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Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe

Sugar Free Smoothie Recipe: Salted Strawberry Banana

Are you a fan of the Salted Caramel Recipe Trend? Why should Caramel get all of the love? Sea Salt your smoothies for a delicious dish! This Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe is sugar free and gluten free. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a low cal dessert. Enjoy!

Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe.

This post contains affiliate links.

Tater Tot Nachos Recipe Parmesan Tatchos

Parmesan Tatchos Recipe = Tater Tot Nachos

Tatchos are trending. What are they? Tater tots dressed up like nachos. And, most important, they are really yummy. So, why not try an Italian spin on the Tater Tot Nachos theme with this Tatchos Parmesan Recipe, made from sweet potato tater tots. This Tater Tot Nachos Recipe is super easy. Enjoy!

Tater Tot Nachos Recipe Parmesan Tatchos.

Tandoori Chicken Recipe Easy

Indian Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Indian Tandoori chicken is traditionally colored dark red. Today, this is accomplished by adding large amounts of food coloring. In the spirit of healthy living, we have omitted the food coloring and focused on the taste. Control the heat by dialing the cayenne pepper up or down to taste. We hope you enjoy this easy Tandoori Chicken Recipe.

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Shredded Chicken Recipes: Easy Chicken Lasagna

Shredded Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Tired of hamburger casseroles? Are you craving Italian- try this easy shredded chicken lasagna recipe. It contains spinach and extra creaminess from an unexpected ingredient...spinach dip! Do you always have dip left over like we do? Tip: Instead of throwing you leftover dip away, add it to a casserole recipe in place of sour cream or ricotta cheese. Enjoy!

Share this image to Pinterest.

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Easter Recipe: Hot Cross Buns & Song Lyrics

Hot Cross Buns Easter Recipe Ideas

You've probably heard the song, Hot Cross Buns- especially, if you've ever learned to play a musical instrument. But, have you ever eaten Hot Cross Buns?Hot Cross Buns are traditional Easter breads made with dried fruit, such as currants or raisins, with a sugar icing cross on top. So, if you are looking for recipe ideas for Easter, you might want to make Hot Cross Buns. If you don't like to bake, just you can play the song. We've included the song lyrics at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!

Easter Party Favors: Peeps Dirt Pudding Dessert Cups

Easter Peeps Dirt Dessert Place Setting Table Display

This post is sponsored by DollarTree.com. I received the products mentioned here for free from Dollar Tree. This post also contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

Planning an Easter Dinner? We love all things Edible Art for Easter, especially when they serve double duty as a decorative place setting display for the table. These Peeps Dirt Dessert Cups will brighten up your Easter Holiday table. Everything you need is available at the Dollar Tree online where you can buy Easter decor in bulk. So, make a bunch of Easter Dirt Pudding Cups Party Favors for the entire family. Scroll down for more Easter Activities and Ideas to make your Easter holiday get together unforgettable. Enjoy! 

How to Make Fluffy Pancakes from Scratch

Made from Scratch Fluffy Pancakes Recipe

Wondering how to make fluffy pancakes from scratch? This scratch pancake recipe is the best. We've made the homemade pancake recipe several times, and it always produces golden, delicious pancakes. The key to making these amazing pancakes is the vinegar used to "sour" the milk, so don't skimp on the quantity or souring time. Enjoy!

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Easy Cinnamon Scones Recipe

This Scone Recipe is Easy to Make

French Scones. They sound so fancy schmancy, don't they? Whether you eat them as dessert or for breakfast, these Easy Cinnamon Scones are a special treat. This yummy scone recipe is flavored with chopped dates, nuts, cinnamon, and cloves. They are perfectly paired with your favorite coffee on a cold winter morning. Enjoy!

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Easy Pesto Pork Chops Recipe

Easy Weeknight Dinner, Pesto Pork Chops

This is a super simple, super yummy pork chop recipe. In fact, the versatile pesto topping is good for chicken and fish, too! If you like pork and pesto, this easy Pesto Pork is an ideal easy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

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Easy Weeknight Dinner, Pesto Pork Chops.

50 Things to do for St. Patrick's Day

50 Saint Patrick's Day Activities for Kids and Seniors

Are you in charge of the Saint Patrick's Day festivities? Maybe you plan group activities for a church group, after-school program, nursing home, or a retirement home. If you are planning things to do for a St. Patrick's Day event, you've come to the right place. Whether you need nifty refreshments or fun food to make with the group, we've got a recipe. Play Leprechaun games, make a rainbow craft, or decorate with shamrocks- no matter what you choose be sure to make it fun with these 50 fun things to do. Enjoy!

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50 Things to do for St. Patrick's Day.

25 Valentine Activities for Kids and the Elderly too

25 Fun Activities for Valentine's Day

Whether you work with an after-school program, in a classroom, or at a retirement community for senior citizens, these 25 Valentine's Day activities are the bomb! We curated all of our heart crafts, recipes, and classroom Valentine projects in one place. Enjoy!

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Valentine activities for kids that work for the elderly too.

9 Kid Friendly Super Bowl Appetizer Recipes

Appetizer Ideas for Super Bowl Party

Planning a Super Bowl Party? Maybe you prefer to sit in with family while you watch? Either way, you'll want snacks. Yum, Super Bowl snacks and appetizers, aren't they the best? We've got your back with this simple Guacamole Dip and other easy snacks and kid friendly appetizers for the Super Bowl that are perfect to munch on during the big game. Happy Footballing! Enjoy!

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Super Bowl Recipes kids will eat!

Quotes About Maple Syrup: Pancakes Make it Socially Acceptable

Pancake Syrup Quote and Maple Syrup Recipes

Do you love pancake syrup? Without pancakes we have little excuse to eat it. Some people dip sausages in syrup, while others mix it in with their oatmeal, but let's face it, pancakes were invented to make eating gallons of maple syrup socially acceptable. We've designed this shareable quote for Facebook- just in time for Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday is February 28, 2017 and IHOP Pancake Day is March 7, 2017). Keep scrolling for related maple syrup breakfast recipes and things to do with maple syrup. Enjoy!

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