Editor’s note: This article was initially published at Freep.com.
By Micah Walker
Summer is on the horizon, and with it, comes kids being out of school for summer vacation.
While the warmer months are usually the time where kids can sit back and relax, several programs across metro Detroit are keeping their minds and bodies active, through activities involving science, technology, art and yoga.
And most of them are offered for free or low cost.
According to the National Summer Learning Association, disadvantaged children often see a summer slide over the warmer months, losing two months of math skills, and two to three months in reading skills.
Meanwhile, higher-income students build their skills over the summer months and are more likely be enrolled in enrichment programs.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Youth Development Resource Center are attempting to beat the “summer slide” by offering Summer Spark, an online tool designed to help parents and caregivers find educational and affordable programs to keep their children learning. Programs are available in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, and are geared for children from preschool to 12th grade.
Launched last year, the tool has moved from a page on United Way’s website to its own online platform, summersparksem.org.
“Summer is a great time for children and youth to find and ignite their passions, have new experiences, get connected to caring adults and develop the confidence and skills to be lifelong learners,” said Tammie Jones, vice president of education for United Way in a news release. “Summer Spark is about parents and caregivers having access to summer learning programs that help elevate the skills youth need to return to school in the fall ready to succeed in the year.”
“Family was home a little bit more, there might have been someone at home to watch the kids, a lot of kids grew up playing in the neighborhood, and that’s not as common now as more families have to work to make ends meet,” she said. “They were really appreciative to start Summer Spark and find different camps they wouldn’t have known about.”
Parents can go to the Summer Spark website and click, “Find a program.” Hundreds of programs and camps will pop up, but users can narrow their search by filling in categories such as county, zip code, grade, focus area, days and cost.
The list of programs continues to grow and is expected to include more than 300 programs, nearly double the opportunities available last year, said the organization in a news release.
There is a wide range of areas parents can choose from when selecting a program, such as STEAM, college and career prep, community engagement and leadership, fine arts and sports and wellness. Programs can be as short as three days, or as long as eight weeks.
“There’s a yoga studio in Birmingham called Born Yoga and they have a bunch of fun, summer camps, like a yoga and karate themed one,” said Elliott.
In addition, there is, “Project Aviation: The Sky is Not the Limit,” a four-day program hosted by the Black United Fund of Michigan, and Pioneer Camp, where third-graders can learn how life was for pioneer children.
“Summer is a time to get creative and for kids to do learning, but do it in a really fun, hands-on way; out of the classroom and into the real world,” said Elliot. “Our purpose of Summer Spark is to really promote the notion that learning happens all day, all year and in all different places, not just in school.”
More than 40 programs and camps shown on the website are free or low cost, such as a tech camp presented by nonprofit, Accelerate 4 Kids, and various camps from the Boys and Girls Club. Scholarships and financial assistance are also available for some programs.
For parents in Detroit, the city’s parks and recreation department will host free summer programs at 12 schools across the city, said Elliot. The camps will be offered Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
For those interested in posting their summer program to the Summer Spark website, send an email to info@detroitydrc.org.
Here are examples of classes and camps across metro Detroit that are included in the program:
2019 Accelerate4KIDS Summer of Tech Camp
Date: Aug. 19-30
Days: Monday-Friday
Where: Ford Resource & Engagement Center, 2826 Bagley Street, Detroit
Grades: 3-8
Cost: Free
About: The Summer of Tech Camp offers youth in grades 3-8 opportunities to explore computer science and game design while applying 21st century skills like teamwork, critical thinking and public speaking.
Black United Fund of Michigan Project Aviation: The Sky is Not the Limit
Date: July 8-12
Days: Monday-Friday
Where: Wayne State University College of Engineering, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit
Grades: 8-11
Cost: Free
About: The Sky is Not the Limit exposes youth in grades 8 thru 11 to the numerous careers available in the exciting field of aviation and aerospace.
Environmental Leadership Experience
Date: Aug. 26-30
Days: Monday-Friday
Where: Farmington Hills Nature Center, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
Grades: 9-12
Cost: $130 for residents, $140 for non-residents. Full scholarships are available.
About: Campers will spend a week exploring the rivers and forest of Heritage Park.
Youth-Led Research Program
Date: July 8-August 16
Days: Monday-Friday
Where: Wayne State University Library, 5155 Gullen Mall, Detroit
Grades: 9-12
Cost: Free
About: The program offers high schoolers a paid position to find out what issues face young Detroiters. They must choose a topic, conduct the research and find ways to share their research with the community.
Acting and Improv for Teens Class
Date: July 11-Aug. 8
Day: Thursdays
Where: Hunter Community Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $50
About: Participants will develop performing skills through improv, monologues, and scene work. The classes work for both new and experienced teen actors.
Summer Art Camp
Date: July 8-Aug. 16
Days: Monday-Friday
Where: Art in Motion, 19452 Livernois, Detroit
Grades: 3-10
Cost: $40-$125
About: The camp will have participants working on six types of art each week, such as sculpture, painting and drawing and wheel throwing.
Aerial Yoga Summer Camp
Date: July 8-12
Days: Monday-Wednesday
Where: Born Yoga, 2121 Cole Street, Birmingham
Grades: 1-4
Cost: $215
About: The camp will teach children multiple aerial yoga poses as well as simple flows in the hammock. Each session will include aerial yoga games, group & team building activities, arts & crafts, and healthy, nut-free snacks. Multiple sessions will be offered throughout the summer.
Beginning Archery
Date: June 18-21
Days: Tuesday-Friday
Where: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township
Grades: 4-6
Cost: $59 for residents, $66 for non-residents