Summer slide may sound like an exciting activity, but in reality it’s no fun. The term refers to the learning loss many children experience over the summer. Research shows that without access to learning activities throughout the summer, kids fall behind academically. For students who are already behind in school, summer learning loss pushes them even farther behind their peers. Repeat this year after year, and major consequences develop, as one in six children who do not read proficiently by third grade fail to graduate high school in time—four times the rate for third graders with proficient skills.

“We want children to have the best summer ever, and of course that means time for play, but it’s also important that children continue to engage and learn,” said Sarah Lutiger, Youth Development Director, Gallatin Valley YMCA. “A child’s development is never on vacation, and organizations like the Y offer opportunities to exercise the body as well as the mind.”

In the Gallatin Valley the YMCA helps prevent the summer slide by providing learning loss prevention camps in partnership with both the Bozeman and Belgrade School Districts. This is the 3rd year Y Achievers has been offered to incoming 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in Bozeman and the 2nd year for 2nd and 3rd graders in Belgrade.  During the past summers, Y-Achievers has demonstrated significant success with a majority of students gaining six months or more of reading literacy in the 6-week summer program. “We are thankful for our partnership with both the Bozeman and Belgrade School District allowing us to utilize space at Saddle Peak Elementary in Belgrade and Whittier Elementary in Bozeman”, said Andrea Stevenson, CEO, Gallatin Valley YMCA. “It takes many partners to help us provide this critical reading program for our community. Not only are we thankful for our school partners, but also U.S. Bank, Mtn. Sky Guest Ranch, Y-USA and the Greater Gallatin United Way that helped provide funding in order that no child would be turned away due to inability to pay”, said Stevenson.

Parents and caregivers can help by keeping their children reading and engaged in learning throughout the summer. Here are a few tips from the Y to help parents get started:

Foster an Early and Ongoing Passion for Books—Read to and with your kids. Start a book series together and read each night as a family. Reading at night keeps the brain buzzing and young minds active!
Visit Your Local Library—Explore new books you and your kids may have missed to keep your mind sharp during the summer. Be sure to check out special programming while you’re there; many libraries offer classes, storytime or programs throughout the summer.

Cut Screen Time—With smartphones, tablets, video games, television and movies there are more options than ever for your child to entertain themselves with screens, but children should spend no more than two hours per day in front of a screen.

Enroll Your Kids in Camp—Camps like those offered at the Y provide well-rounded programming, make learning fun and provide a social outlet for your children throughout the summer.

To learn more about camps offered at the Gallatin Valley YMCA visit www.gallatinvalleyymca.org or call 994-9622.