EDITORIAL: Summer programs a vital for youth

Published 11:00 am Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Summer vacation is approaching for many local students and while we’re not quite there yet, it’s time to start planning for summer programs and activities. Although we are three summers out of the COVID-19 peak, many students are still catching up both socially and academically largely due to time at home during the pandemic, according to education leaders both locally and nationwide. 

Eighty-seven percent of public schools surveyed reported that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted student socio-emotional development during the 2021–22 school year, according to 2022 data released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Additionally, educators also reported increased incidents of classroom disruptions and prohibited use of electronic devices to the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects.

It spills over academically as well. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 9-year-olds lost ground in math, and scores in reading fell by the largest margin in more than 30 years on national testing post-pandemic.

These kinds of findings make the emphasis on avoiding student brain-drain during the summer all the more important in helping get students back on track both socially and academically and prepare them for the coming school year.

There are several of local camps and summer activities that can keep young people actively engaged as they learn and have fun. While there is a cost involved with a several of the camps, other programs, such as the Summer Reading Club at the local library, are offered free of charge.

The Baldwin County School District is once again hosting its Summer Adventure program Mondays through Thursdays, June 5-29. Registration is underway at district primary schools and the board office. The weekly activities are STEAM-focused and there is no cost involved but registration is required. 

Milledgeville Allied Arts is also hosting summer enrichment camps with registration details on the website, https://www.milledgevillealliedarts.com/. Additionally, the Georgia College Office of Continuing Education has several weekly athletic camps as well as Kid’s University camps and a STEM camp for older elementary students. Details are available at https://www.gcsu.edu/cpe/camps . Be sure to look for Lockerly Arboretum’s summer programs for youth on social media at https://www.facebook.com/lockerly.arboretum . Camps are also available through Elite Gymnastics and Lake Country Gymnastics. 

Be sure to also check with local churches on Vacation Bible School and other summer activities.

There are several local options out there to help ensure that young people are engaged and learning in safe environments while also gaining social and interpersonal skills. 

Please take advantage of the summer programs and activities that are available for local youth. And if you know of an organization hosting an event, particularly any that are free for area young people, please let us know. Email nlinder@unionrecorder.com so that we can publicize them. 

Keeping young people’s minds active as they have fun during the summer promotes continued learning outside the confines of a classroom, and may go a long way in contributing to their success during the school year.