Children build a love of reading and find joy in writing, while getting their hands dirty in urban gardens. We make connections between books and real life activities like gardening, cooking and eating to help children see the power of reading and writing in their own lives.
The beauty of this program is that it is literacy embedded in hands-on garden science and connected to enrichment activities in the afternoon. Children develop reading and writing skills that help prevent "summer slide" through authentic, meaningful activities and exploring fiction and non-fiction books. Hesitant readers and writers especially thrive in this environment, developing literacy skills and love of learning. Campers make connections between books and real life activities like gardening, cooking and eating to see the power of reading and writing in their own lives (rising first graders).
During the afternoon campers will participate in games, enrichment classes and other outdoor and indoor activities Campers will exercise their bodies as well as their brains on the SPES playground and in Lake Merritt's wide open fields.
Camp Hours of Operation
- Camp Hours - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
- Before Care - 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
- Aftercare - 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Drop-off at Veterans Green - 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.
- Pick-up at Veterans Green - 2:55 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.