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Trauma-Informed Summer Survival Guide

Summer is an exciting season, but it can also feel overwhelming for our children who have experienced trauma. Changes in routine, new environments, loud activities, and increased transitions may create stress or anxiety. Small adjustments can help our children feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

Trauma-Informed Summer Tips

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Alliance Support Groups

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Summer Fun & Resources for Families

Explore Activities

Prepare Before Transitions:

Unexpected changes can increase anxiety and dysregulation.

Helpful strategies:

  • Talk about plans ahead of time
  • Use visual schedules or calendars
  • Give countdown reminders:
    • “We leave in 15 minutes.”
    • “Two more slides, then we head home.”
  • Explain what to expect:
    • Where you are going,
    • Who will be there,
    • How long you’ll stay

Offer Choices Whenever Possible:

Trauma often involves a loss of control. Small choices can help our children feel empowered and connected.

Simple choices:

  • “Do you want the blue towel or the green towel?”
  • “Would you rather go to the splash pad or the library?”
  • “Do you want to sit in the front or back seat?”
  • “Do you want your snack now or later?”
     

Keep choices manageable:

Too many options can feel overwhelming. Offer 2–3 choices instead of open-ended questions.

Keep Expectations Flexible:

Summer schedules are different, and our children may struggle more with regulation, transitions, sleep, or behavior.

Remember:

  • Behavior is communication
  • Overstimulation can look like defiance
  • Children may need more support during unstructured time

Try:

  • Shorter outings
  • Earlier bedtimes after busy days
  • Lower-pressure activities
  • Adjusting plans when needed

Remember it is okay if everything does not go perfectly.

Build in Downtime:

Our children need time to recover after busy or stimulating activities. Build in a rhythm for downtime each day.

Downtime ideas:

  • Quiet reading
  • Audiobooks
  • Coloring
  • Sensory bins
  • Puzzles
  • Calm music
  • Blanket forts
  • Independent play
  • Screen-free quiet time

Helpful tip:

Avoid overscheduling every day. Rest and connection are just as important as activities.

Watch for Overstimulation:

Summer activities can quickly become overwhelming for our children.

Signs our child may need a break:

  • Increased irritability
  • Clinginess
  • Withdrawal
  • Hyperactivity
  • Meltdowns
  • Trouble listening
  • Complaining of headaches or stomachaches

Try:

  • Taking water/snack breaks
  • Finding shade or quiet spaces
  • Leaving early when needed
  • Offering calming activities before behavior escalates

Focus on Connection Over Perfection:Watch for Overstimulation:

Our children will remember how they feel more than perfectly planned activities.

Meaningful connection can look like:

  • Eating popsicles together
  • Reading before bed
  • Laughing during a water balloon fight
  • Talking during a drive
  • Watching a movie together

Simple moments build trust and attachment.

Keep Calm-Down Tools Nearby:

Having regulation tools available can help prevent escalation.

Helpful items:

  • Headphones
  • Fidget toys
  • Snacks
  • Water bottles
  • Favorite comfort items
  • Sunglasses or hats
  • Small sensory toys

Care for yourself too:

Give Yourself Grace.

Caregiving during the Summer WILL BE EXHAUSTING.

You MUST schedule times for you to recharge and unwind to make it through Summer!

You do not need to create a perfect summer to create a meaningful one.

Small moments of safety, consistency, and connection matter most.

Prepare Before Transitions:

Unexpected changes can increase anxiety and dysregulation.

Helpful strategies:

  • Talk about plans ahead of time
  • Use visual schedules or calendars
  • Give countdown reminders:
    • “We leave in 15 minutes.”
    • “Two more slides, then we head home.”
  • Explain what to expect:
    • Where you are going,
    • Who will be there,
    • How long you’ll stay
Offer Choices Whenever Possible:

Trauma often involves a loss of control. Small choices can help our children feel empowered and connected.

Simple choices:

  • “Do you want the blue towel or the green towel?”
  • “Would you rather go to the splash pad or the library?”
  • “Do you want to sit in the front or back seat?”
  • “Do you want your snack now or later?”

Keep choices manageable:

Too many options can feel overwhelming. Offer 2–3 choices instead of open-ended questions.

Keep Expectations Flexible:
Summer schedules are different, and our children may struggle more with regulation, transitions, sleep, or behavior. Remember:
  • Behavior is communication
  • Overstimulation can look like defiance
  • Children may need more support during unstructured time
Try:
  • Shorter outings
  • Earlier bedtimes after busy days
  • Lower-pressure activities
  • Adjusting plans when needed
Remember it is okay if everything does not go perfectly.
Build in Downtime:
Our children need time to recover after busy or stimulating activities. Build in a rhythm for downtime each day. Downtime ideas:
  • Quiet reading
  • Audiobooks
  • Coloring
  • Sensory bins
  • Puzzles
  • Calm music
  • Blanket forts
  • Independent play
  • Screen-free quiet time
Helpful tip: Avoid overscheduling every day. Rest and connection are just as important as activities.
Watch for Overstimulation:
Summer activities can quickly become overwhelming for our children. Signs our child may need a break:
  • Increased irritability
  • Clinginess
  • Withdrawal
  • Hyperactivity
  • Meltdowns
  • Trouble listening
  • Complaining of headaches or stomachaches 
Try:
  • Taking water/snack breaks
  • Finding shade or quiet spaces
  • Leaving early when needed
  • Offering calming activities before behavior escalates
Focus on Connection Over Perfection:
Our children will remember how they feel more than perfectly planned activities. Meaningful connection can look like:
  • Eating popsicles together
  • Reading before bed
  • Laughing during a water balloon fight
  • Talking during a drive
  • Watching a movie together 
Simple moments build trust and attachment.
Keep Calm-Down Tools Nearby:
Having regulation tools available can help prevent escalation. Helpful items:
  • Headphones
  • Fidget toys
  • Snacks
  • Water bottles
  • Favorite comfort items
  • Sunglasses or hats
  • Small sensory toys
Care for yourself too:
Give Yourself Grace. Caregiving during the Summer WILL BE EXHAUSTING.  You MUST schedule times for you to recharge and unwind to make it through Summer! You do not need to create a perfect summer to create a meaningful one. Small moments of safety, consistency, and connection matter most.

Alliance Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Support Groups

The group leader email is provided. Please contact the leader for information and to join the group.

Great Oaks Fellowship

Northwest SA
Leader: Delayna Wilkins
delaynawilkins@hotmail.com

Gateway Fellowship

Northwest SA
Leader: Marleyna Davis mdavis4610@gmail.com

Northeast Bible Church

Northeast SA
Leader: Janai Kane janaikane@gmail.com

Northside Church of Christ

North Central
Leader: Rebecca Light rebeccalight@outlook.com

First Baptist Boerne

Boerne/Hill Country
Leader: Rachel Russo rachel@vaultfosteringcommunity.org

Crossbridge Church

Bulverde/Spring Branch
Leader: Alex Wallendorff fosteradopt@crossbridgecommunitychurch.com

Summer Fun & Resources for Families

Vacation Bible Schools (Alliance Church Partners)

  • The Bridge Fellowship — July 20–24
  • Castle Hills Christian Church — June 7–10 — Register Here
  • Christ Community Church of San Antonio — June 15–18 — Register Here
  • Cibolo Creek Community Church — June 9–11 — Register Here
  • Community Bible Church — July 20–23 or July 27–30 — Register Here
  • Concordia Lutheran Church — June 8–12 — Register Here
  • CrossBridge Community Church — July 13–17 — Register Here
  • First Baptist Church — Boerne
  • First Baptist Church — San Antonio — June 7–11 — Register Here
  • First Presbyterian Church — June 15–18 — Register Here
  • Grace Point Church — June 9–11 — Register Here
  • Great Oaks Fellowship — July 20–23 — Register Here
  • Lackland Baptist Church — July 14–16 — Register Here
  • Life House San Antonio — June 15–17
  • Redeemer Presbyterian Church — June 1–4 — Register Here
  • University Methodist Church — June 16–19 — Register Here
  • Wayside Chapel — June 8–12 — Register Here

Parents Nights Out

  • University Methodist Church — July 10 and July 24 — Register Here
  • First Baptist Church of San Antonio
  • Outer West Community Church — June 5 — Register Here
  • Grace Point Church — June 26, July 24, August 7 — Register Here

Community Activities

  • San Antonio Public Library Summer Reading Fun — Visit Here
  • CBC — Emmitt Park: Splash pad, playground, basketball courts, pickleball court — Visit Here
  • City of San Antonio Pool Directory — Visit Here
  • City of San Antonio Splash Pads — Free — Visit Here
  • City of San Antonio Parks and Facilities — Visit Here

Movie Theatre Deals

Museums

  • Doseum — Visit Here
    $5.00 admission to individuals and families presenting a SNAP or WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and matching ID. Rate is offered for up to four guests per EBT card.
    Free Family Nights are held on the FIRST Monday of every month June, July, and August 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
  • The Witte Museum — Visit Here
    Free Museum Hours for Bexar County Residents, Every Tuesday from 3 – 6 p.m.
    $3 Admission presenting a SNAP or WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and matching ID.
  • The McNay — Visit Here
    Free general admission every Thursday from 4–9 p.m, and on the first Sunday of every month from Noon to 5 p.m.
  • The Alamo — Visit Here
    Free admission with reservations.
  • Japanese Tea Garden — Visit Here
    Free admission.
  • San Antonio Aquarium — Visit Here
    Foster children are free.

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