(PENSACOLA) --- Schools out for summer.
That means more time for students to run free and a need for activities.
Escambia County Public Schools Public Information Officer Cody Strother agrees.
"It's critical we engage with our community partners to help provide out-of-school programming for our families," Strother said.
Engage they do, beginning with the Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) summer programs, which Director Lindsey Cannon saying they are critical for children and families.
(Photo: Escambia Children's Trust)
"Without access to structured programs, many students can experience learning loss, social isolation, food insecurity, and lack of safe supervision during the day," Cannon said. "High-quality summer and out-of-school programs help keep children engaged academically, socially, and emotionally while also providing safe environments where they can continue learning."
ECT-funded programs offer a wide range of services to support Escambia County youth, including academic enrichment, reading, and math support. Not to mention STEM activities, arts and creative programming, mentorship, social-emotional learning, mental health support, sports and recreation, career exploration, leadership development, and life skills programming.
"Many programs also provide meals, transportation assistance, and opportunities for students to participate in field trips and community engagement activities," Canon said.
(Photo: Escambia County Play, Learn, Grow)
Escambia County Play, Learn, Grow Summer Camp also offers seasonal fun at community centers in Brownsville, Ebonwood, Lexington, and Wedgewood.
The low-cost package includes lunch and supplies for many programs, including STEM, Language & Visual Arts, Reading, Writing, Math, and sports.
Pensacola Mess Hall is all about summer fun for students in grades 1-6.
(Photo: Pensacola Mess Hall)
Various themes, including Lego Builders, CSI Mystery, Space Out, Wild World, Games Unplugged, and more, make learning extra fun over the break.
While every student needs summer attention, some do more than others.
"These programs are incredibly important for single-parent households," Cannon said. "For many families, summer break creates major challenges related to childcare, transportation, work schedules, and affordability."
Families would face difficult decisions between maintaining employment and finding adequate care for their children if these programs did not exist, according to Cannon, specifically noting the importance of mentorship.
"Mentors and youth development professionals often serve as a key component in a child's life outside of the classroom setting," Cannon said.
Strother said, "It is so very important we all collaborate to use every asset at our disposal to ensure positive outcomes for all of our students," hence, a seasonal friend makes a difference.
"During the summer months, those relationships become especially important because they help provide structure and positive guidance when school is not in session," Cannon said.
Speaking of mentors, Kid's College at Penscola State College offers mentorship opportunities in summer programs.
(Photo: Pensacola State College)
The "Kid's College Family Handbook," a guide to activities and programs for ages 6-12, details the program expectations and provides a weekly course description.
The college offers an extra lunch perk, allowing campers to enjoy Subway between classes, including African Art, Tumble and Twist. Digital Discovery, Athletics, and Innovation. PSC is not the only higher education institution educating adolescents; the University of West Florida offers a full summer schedule on campus for students in grades 1 through 12.
(Photo: University of West Florida)
Citing "unparalleled interest in science, develop potential career interests and experience academic success in a low-pressure setting," the college website reports, "Explore Camps provide an opportunity for kids to explore their creativity, challenge their minds and build new friendships."
No matter which camp a family chooses, any time a student remains engaged over the summer, it benefits the child, family, and community.
Who can ask for a better summer than that?
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