Wise Choices for You & Your Family
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Many parents are concerned that
over the summer, their kids will
experience a setback in academic
skills, often referred to as ‘summer
learning loss.’ Finding a variety
of summer camp programs that
involve both recreation and academic
learning opportunities disguised as
fun can help prevent the ‘summer slide’
in math and reading skills. In addition,
summer camp programs provide valuable,
real-world experiences that your child is not likely
to encounter in a classroom setting.
Create a balanced summer camp schedule
Summer camp is an opportunity for your child
to learn about several areas of interest in depth.
Schedule your child for a variety of camps that
match his interests, while at the same time
challenge him to expand his knowledge and
skills even further. For example, your child
could focus on his improving his technique at
soccer camp one week and then explore his new
interest in robotics and computer programming
the next week. A week-long camp that focuses
on a particular area of interest provides an
exploration of a topic to a degree that your child
is unlikely to experience during the school year.
In addition, the topic of a camp your child attends
and enjoys is likely to become one of his favorite
reading subjects for the summer as well as a new
hobby that keeps him engaged in learning while
school is out.
Even if your child loves the outdoors and could
live outside all summer hiking, swimming and
fishing, consider signing him up for at least one
camp that includes STEAM skills. In today’s world,
STEAM skills have become crucial life skills. Your
child will have so much fun with the handson
activities like ‘mad science’ experiments
or building a new gaming app, that he will
not realize he is using math and science skills.
Some outdoor camps even include activities like
geocaching or orienteering that use STEAM skills.
Get Set for
ACTIVITiES!
Do encourage your child to leave
his comfort zone
Although you may get some opposition from your
child, do not base his summer camp schedule on
that of his best friend. As a compromise, perhaps
schedule one camp that your child and his
friend(s) can do together but base the rest of his
schedule on targeted topics and environments
that will expand his knowledge and explore his
interests. Summer camp is an opportunity for
your child to grow his social circle and build his
independence and confidence. The confidence
your child gains from learning a new skill and
forming new relationships can even help improve
his performance in the upcoming school year.
Visit the “Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair”
to start your search
The 9th Annual “Kids Camp & Summer Fun
Fair” is the perfect opportunity to search for
a balanced camp itinerary for your child. Over
50 kids’ activity providers from around the
Chattahoochee Valley will be at the National
Infantry Museum in Columbus on March 17 from
noon to 4pm to provide information on camps,
activities, programs and attractions. Take your
child with you. Your child can help identify which
programs match his interests and he may even
spot something new he would like to try. The
event is free and will also feature special guests,
games and giveaways. For more info, visit our
website: familyandkidsga.com/kids-camp-fair.
HOO’s Fun
/kids-camp-fair