Preventing Summer Learning Loss through Recreation

Summer Learning Loss. It happens to students between June and September. This is the academic regression and loss of motivation seen in kids after the school year ends.

I've seen it more profoundly in children with learning challenges. Research has shown that summer learning loss occurs when children don't have access to camps, recreation and other summer activities.

During the school year, students learn at relatively similar rates. More than 1/2 of the achievement gaps that occur over summer break can be attributed to unequal access to educational (and fun) activities due to economics, disability or traveling distance.

We as parents and educators, can prevent summer learning loss, by exposing kids to a variety of fun, interactive enrichment activities over the summer:

• Outdoor activities (plant a garden, go fishing, playground, etc.)

• Play group activities

• Nature center programs
• Library reading programs
• Museums
• Festivals
• Sports (organized and neighborhood)
• 4H / Scouts
• Hobbies (science, art, music, yoga, dance, karate, cooking, model building, etc.)
• Summer enrichment camps (see links below)

Below are some links to directories of summer camps and activities in PA and beyond. Many are free or low-cost.

Camps:

Camppage.com  (US / Canada )

Kidscamps.com  (PA-Includes special needs camps)

Campresource.com  (PA)


Family Activities/Things to do:

Attractionsuptake.com  (2896 things for families to do in PA)

Playgroundbuzz.com  (Indoor & Outdoor activities for kids in PA)

4Kids in PA: (Things to see and do in PA)

Mama's Little Helper (Free and low cost events and activities in PA & NJ)


*Do you have a personal recommendation for a camp or activity? (Especially activities for children with special needs.) List it below in the comments box. Please include the city and state where the activity is located!