YMCA summer camp helps close the COVID learning gap

The best summer ever is underway at the YMCA of Delaware as thousands of young people are having a summer they will never forget.

YMCA full- and half-day camps are filled with learning, fun and adventure for campers of all ages, preschoolers through teens, and are offered locally in Rehoboth.

Summer camps are more important than ever, serving as a recovery opportunity to close the COVID learning gap. Camps also help get children and families adjusted to a new normal. The pandemic’s effects on student learning were profound, keeping kids inside, stuck on screens and away from classmates and friends. Educators across the country report significant learning loss and disruption to social-emotional learning when comparing current students to those in previous years. Typically, more than half of students lose nearly 40 percent of the year’s learning during the summer.

“After the most challenging year in our collective memory, we know that children and families need summer camp more than ever before, and we are working hard to ensure an educational, safe and fun summer for all of our campers,” said Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, YMCA of Delaware CEO. “We are excited to deliver that magical camp experience where children can learn, explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.”

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing youth potential, the Y’ has been providing summer camp for more than 100 years. YMCA summer camps nurture and enrich development, spark curiosity and inspire creativity by providing a safe place to learn fundamental skills, build self-reliance and confidence, and establish healthy, trusting relationships. Language arts, reading, science and math are incorporated into activities to support students academically during the summer months. Camp activities include arts and crafts, nature and STEM, drama, field games, sports and movement, water play, swim lessons, theme-related activities and virtual field trips, all designed to educate and engage.

Last year, more than 650 children were able to attend summer camp thanks to donors. To donate to help send kids to camp this summer, go to ymcade.org.

For more information about summer camp at the YMCA, go to ysummercamp.org.