Collaboration between BTSD and Lower Bucks YMCA Keeps Students Motivated & Thinking during Summer Months

Summertime. The magical season when school is out, the days are long, and children have pushed reading, writing, and math to the bottom of their priority list. Fortunately, that is not the case in the Bristol Township School District. The District has partnered with the Lower Bucks YMCA to engage students in fun, academically enriching activities for six weeks each summer in an effort to prevent summer learning loss.

2015 marks the fourth summer in which academic enrichment opportunities and programs such as cooking, drama, robotics, art, and fitness camps have been offered thanks to 21st Century Funding Grants. All camps are staffed by certified teachers and coaches, mostly from Bristol Township School District, and breakfast and lunch are provided through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the 220-300 students who attend these camps each day.

Elementary students participate in 21st Century’s REACH (Responsibility, Education, & Action for Community Harmony) program which allows young children to have access to Language Arts, Math, and Science learning opportunities while also participating in recreation, fitness, and art activities as well as service projects.

Middle and High school students participate in Science and Art Camps which feature STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), robotics & technologies; art & fitness; cooking & drama; or PAWS (providing academics with sports) which is a program evenly divided between sports, reading and math activities.

Once summer is over, after-school learning centers are available for elementary, middle, and high school students. Programs for middle and high school students will begin the first week of October and run from 2:45 PM to 5:00 PM each day. Offerings include academic enrichment; clubs such as cooking, art, and math; SAT preparation; and career awareness.

Elementary students are also provided with enrichment opportunities from 3:30 PM-6:30 PM each school day. Programs focus on fitness, nutrition, drug and alcohol prevention, family engagement, and homework help.

Middle and high school students can sign up for these programs at any time but elementary students are referred to the program by teachers, principals, and parents. To qualify for these programs, students must be residents of Bristol Township. Space is limited. Interested families can find information about these programs in their school’s office or by calling the Lower Bucks YMCA office at 215-949-3400 extensions 67 or 69.

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