We all look forward to summer—no school, long days, and endless fun, right? But here’s a secret: while you're chilling by the pool or mastering video games, your brain might be taking a little vacation too. Ever heard of the summer slide? Nope, not the water kind—this is the kind of slide that happens when students do little to no academics during the summer. Let me break it down and show you why keeping your brain in shape can be just as fun as those summer activities!
What’s the Summer Slide?
The summer slide is when students lose some of the knowledge they gained during the school year because they’re not engaging in academic activities over the break. Research has shown that students who don’t practice what they’ve learned can lose up to two months' worth of reading skills and two-and-a-half months' worth of math skills! That means you might need to play catch-up when school starts again in the fall. (Yikes, right?)
A study from the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) highlights that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests taken at the beginning of summer. Imagine leveling up in a game only to be sent back two levels just because you didn’t play for a while! Not so fun.
Why Summer Learning is a Game-Changer
Now, before you panic about losing all your hard-earned skills, there’s good news: extended year programs, like our LVA Summer Camp, are designed to help you stay ahead of the game while still having a blast! Think of it as your secret summer power-up—a way to keep your brain sharp, so you're ready to hit the ground running when school starts back up.
Harvard Graduate School of Education even emphasizes that students who participate in summer learning programs are better prepared for the upcoming school year. You’ll walk into the new year feeling confident, while others might still be dusting off the cobwebs!
How Can LVA Summer Camp Help?
Our LVA Summer Camp is built with YOU in mind. Here’s how it works:
- Fun Learning Activities: We mix academics with exciting projects that you’ll actually enjoy! Think STEM challenges, art-infused math, and reading adventures where you choose the story’s direction.
- Engaging Teachers: You’ll have access to some of the coolest teachers who make learning feel less like work and more like play.
- Friends & Fun: It’s not just about books and math problems—there will be plenty of time for games, outdoor activities, and even some field trips to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Weekly Field Trips: That’s right! Every week, we take off for fun-filled adventures that will have you talking all summer long.
- Food Tasting Events: Every week, we also try out different foods from around the world. Whether it’s spicy, sweet, or a little surprising, these tastings will take your taste buds on a summer vacation!
- Themed Weeks to Keep Things Exciting: Each summer, we create fun and exciting themes that change year to year, so there's always something new to explore. For example, we’ve had themes like:
- Nature Explorers: Discover the wonders of the outdoors through nature hikes and hands-on learning.
- Time Travelers: Journey through different historical eras, from the past to the future!
- Water Wonders: Dive into water-based activities, from experiments to splash-tastic fun.
While these are just examples of past themes, rest assured that our themes are always exciting and loved by students!
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Instead of returning to school feeling rusty, our summer camp helps you keep your skills sharp while having a blast with friends. You’ll be ready to tackle any subject in the fall, no sweat!
So, why not make this summer your smartest one yet? Beat the summer slide, stay ahead of the curve, and sign up for the LVA Summer Camp today!
Don’t let your brain take a vacation—level up this summer!
Sign Up Here!