It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is nearing, and summer is almost here! And, while every student (and parent) looks forward to a much-deserved summer break, unequal access to summer learning opportunities accounts for more than half of the achievement gaps between lower-income and higher-income youth. It also contributes to what is known as the summer slide –a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn’t in session.
The excellent news for families is that Baltimore has fantastic opportunities for students to participate in summer programs and camps for free, or with the help of scholarships and financial aid. Some programs offer summer educational enrichment opportunities, while others provide unique and fun skills development programs. Read on to learn about some of the summer camps and resources available to Baltimore City residents.
Academic Camps
Higher Achievement Baltimore offers a free four-year program for middle school students to develop academic habits, behaviors, and skills. The program provides small-group literacy tutoring, homework support, and mentoring. Enrollment runs from June through August and can continue into the fall.
SAFE Alternative Summer Camps offers summer camps for youth that provide field trips, career exploration, museum visits, academic tutoring, and mentoring. The program also includes career technical education camps focusing on construction, healthcare, and STEAM. Enrollment is limited and registration is first come, first served.
SuperKids Camp is a free six-week academic enrichment program designed to help elementary school-aged students in Baltimore City improve or maintain their academic skills during the summer months. The camp focuses on reading, environmental literacy, character development, and fostering an appreciation of the environment through hands-on learning and virtual field trips. It is open to any rising 1st through 5th graders who will attend a Baltimore City school (public, charter, private, or parochial) in the Fall of 2024.
Camp St. Vincent’s unique curriculum mitigates summer learning loss and is the only free summer camp dedicated to serving children experiencing homelessness in the Baltimore region.
Summer Break Baltimore is a fun, free program offered by The Enoch Pratt Free Library for all ages that encourages literacy and learning in our community all summer. Participants can receive a free Summer Break t-shirt upon registration and a free book to add to their home library in June, July, and August.
Day camps for all interests
Remember that camps don’t have to be academically focused to be impactful. Having students engage in meaningful, fun, or new learning experiences can also combat the summer slide.
The Downtown Sailing Center Summer Camp is a FUN camp focusing on sailing, teamwork, and independence, instilling a love for sailing for all. Scholarships are available.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum is committed to giving every child the opportunity to experience summer camp. The museum has a limited number of scholarships. Families may be eligible if they qualify to participate in Port Discovery’s PlayMakers program. Please email camps@portdiscovery.org for more information.
The YMCA’s open doors savings offsets and lowers costs to help make Y membership, camp, preschool, or before & after school enrichment programs more affordable and accessible. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore also offers summer programs at no cost to families to ensure kids of all backgrounds have access to a safe and enriching summer.
For the more creative campers, there are scholarship opportunities at Baltimore Center Stage where young people build creative confidence and self-awareness through intensive theater exploration. Classes include acting, dance, circus arts, and theater production.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach to learning, Baltimore Clayworks is accepting applications for summer 2024 camps until May 13, 2024.
If your child is interested in a camp that seems out of your price range, there are various ways to make it more affordable. Here are some things to consider:
- Financial aid. Many camps offer financial assistance and scholarships for families and campers in need. Parents interested in receiving support should contact the camps directly as early as possible.
- Special discounts and payment plans: Most camps also offer special deals on early registration, full-season sign-up, sibling discounts, and late registration to fill an empty spot.
Whatever your child’s interest, we hope these resources offer some help in finding opportunities to allow your children some daily fun this summer!
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—Erica Jensen
Executive Director
Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore