Now in the second half of a busy and fulfilling school year, parents face the question: How will my child(ren) spend their summer months? Will they catch up or challenge themselves academically, build new skills, socialize with peers, or train competitively in sports? Enrolling your child(ren) in summer programs with flexible scheduling and a wide variety of offerings allows them to experience all the possibilities of summer in one place.
Throughout my years of directing summer programs, I have seen the benefits firsthand. Here are the top 3:
Time to Unplug
Whether hiking a local trail, sliding down a giant water slide, baking a favorite treat, or discovering a new hobby, summer programs encourage children to unplug. At Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool, we believe leaving the screens at home activates creativity, cultivates new friendships, and allows children to be fully present while experiencing the joy of summer.
Social and Emotional Learning
With the support of enthusiastic, caring, and supportive summer staff, children’s interpersonal skills grow. At Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool, children make new friends, take risks, face challenges together, and process their emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
Lasting Life Skills
Compared with a typical school day, summer programs are less structured. Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool encourages children to embrace new physical and social challenges through both indoor and outdoor activities. Children develop strength and coordination while exploring the structures on the Outdoor Campus Center and playing sports on the turf field. They learn to think creatively while whipping up snacks in the kitchen lab, and develop active listening, reading comprehension, time management, and critical thinking skills while learning academic strategies in the library. The strategies and skills children acquire during a summer at Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool help prepare them for the next academic year ahead.
Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool offers a wide variety of summer programs for ages 2-14. Visit rasummercamps.org to learn more and register.
