EDITORIAL: Keep learning during summer

Published 9:51 am Saturday, April 20, 2024

Just a few more weeks remain in the local school year, which means summer break is not too far away. But just because there’s a break in the school calendar, it doesn’t mean the learning opportunities have to break too. 

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

While summer is a time to vacation and wind down, it still provides opportunities for parents to allow their children to interact with their peers in learning activities. And though these activities are fun and engaging, they still promote education and learning — in settings outside the traditional classroom.

These sorts of camps and activities bridge the gap between one school year to the next and demonstrate that learning is a continuous process that doesn’t shut off and on just because school is not in session. They help to promote and encourage learning as an opportunity to stimulate the mind and help youth develop skills in social engagement in positive environments. 

Here are a few organizations hosting summer youth programming and camps. Check out the following links for updates and registration information: 

• Milledgeville Allied Arts – https://www.milledgevillealliedarts.com/
• Lockerly Arboretum – https://lockerly.org/summer-camps/
• Georgia College Continuing Education – https://www.gcsu.edu/cpe/camps
• Milledgeville Players theatre camp – https://www.facebook.com/TheMilledgevillePlayers
• Baldwin County School District summer programs – https://www.baldwincountyschoolsga.org/
• Summer Reading Program – https://www.facebook.com/twinlakesmgrl

Camps are also available through Elite Gymnastics and Lake Country Gymnastics. 

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.