Making the Most of Summer: Fun, Inclusive Activities in a Sevita Host Home

If you’re still thinking about becoming a Mentor with Sevita Host Home, this post is for you.

Summer is a season full of sunshine, energy, and opportunity—and in a Sevita Host Home, it’s the perfect time to create meaningful experiences that support connection, independence, and joy. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), summer activities can be both fun and enriching when they are thoughtfully planned with each person’s interests, abilities, and goals in mind.

Here are some ideas to help you make the most of the season together:

1. Explore the Outdoors
Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for overall well-being. Whether it’s a stroll through a local park, a nature trail, or simply relaxing in the backyard, outdoor time encourages movement and sensory engagement. Activities like gardening, visiting a local nursery, birdwatching, or even a picnic can be adapted to meet different ability levels while fostering independence and curiosity.

2. Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
Summer-themed crafts are a great way to encourage self-expression and build fine motor skills. Painting, tie-dye, making friendship bracelets, or decorating flower pots can be both calming and rewarding. Consider incorporating colors, textures, and materials that align with the individual’s preferences.

3. Attend Community Events
Summer often brings festivals, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and fairs. These events provide opportunities for social interaction and community inclusion. Before attending, it can help to review what to expect, bring comfort items if needed, and plan for breaks to ensure a positive experience.

4. Cook and Share Seasonal Meals
Cooking together is a valuable life skill and a fun way to engage the senses. Try preparing simple summer recipes like fruit salads, smoothies, or grilled favorites. Involving individuals in meal planning, shopping, and preparation builds confidence and promotes independence.

5. Create a Summer Routine with Flexibility
While summer can bring a more relaxed schedule, maintaining some structure can be helpful. A simple weekly plan that includes favorite activities, outings, and downtime can provide a sense of stability while still allowing for spontaneity.

6. Celebrate Achievements—Big and Small
Every new experience, skill, or step toward independence is worth celebrating. Whether it’s trying a new activity, meeting someone new, or mastering a daily task, recognizing these moments builds confidence and encourages continued growth.

A Season of Possibility
At its heart, summer in a Sevita Host Home is about creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive. By focusing on personalized, inclusive activities, we call our caring providers Mentors- Mentors can help turn everyday moments into meaningful memories. With a little creativity and planning, summer becomes more than just a season—it becomes a time of growth, connection, and joy for everyone involved.

Depending on the state, you may hear different terms for Host Home services. While the titles vary, each one reflects the same core idea: safe, supportive living in a family environment. Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas all use the name Host Home. Other states use a different name:

• • California: Family Home Agency
  • Kansas: Shared Living
  • Kentucky: Family Homes
  • Massachusetts: Adult Foster Care Provider
  • Nevada: Shared Living
  • New Mexico: Family Living Supports
  • Ohio: Shared Living
  • Pennsylvania: Life Sharing Provider
  • Tennessee: Family Model Homes
  • Virginia: Sponsored Home Provider

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Mentor in your area, we’d love to connect with you.

Mentors receive a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of care.