Don’t let the ‘summer slide’ slow down learning; experts share fun options to fuel young minds

Summer break has arrived for kids. A time for fun, freedom and family vacation. It can also be a time when academic skills fade away. 

With nearly 3 million students enrolled in Florida public schools, University of Florida experts at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say keeping youth engaged during the summer is key to preventing the summer slide – a term defined by the U.S. Department of Education as summer learning loss.

“When youth are engaged in meaningful learning opportunities, their minds grow stronger, more curious and are better prepared for the future,” said David Hafner, Florida 4-H agent at UF/IFAS Extension Martin County. “It is why it is important for kids to spend their summer break discovering new passions, building confidence and developing skills through hands-on experiences.” 

Whether you are looking for backyard science experiments, tasty cooking lessons, gardening projects or outdoor adventures for youth, summer can be one of the most powerful learning seasons of the year. Here are summer camp options hosted by UF/IFAS experts. 

UF/IFAS Extension Martin County 4-H camps 
UF/IFAS Martin County 4-H is offering five one-day camps and are open to Martin County youth ages 8 to 18. Participants are not required to be 4-H members to register.

Not a Martin County resident? Check on availability by contacting David Hafner by email, dhafner@ufl.edu. Registration is required for the following camps: 

•    Poultry Camp – June 30:
 Join fellow poultry enthusiasts as we learn about poultry care, showmanship and the fun contests 4-H offers to poultry project participants. 
Register on this website. 

•    Science Camp – July 2:
Come discover science with our hands-on camp. We plan to dive into chemistry and physics topics – and you know it's not 4-H unless it's messy! 
Register on this website.

•    Videography/Photography Camp – July 7:
Campers will learn videography and photography tips and tricks as well as how to create a story board. They will leave camp with a completed video project.
Register on this website.

•    Insect Camp – July 20:
Let's discover the insects that live all around us. We will learn about insect biology, pinning and more through this hands-on camp!
Register on this website.

•    Marine Camp – July 23:
Let's explore the aquatic life living in the Indian River Lagoon. We will learn about marine biology, fishing skills and habitat preservation.
Register on this website.

“Through camps, clubs, projects and service, 4-H turns summer into a season of exploration and possibility. In 4-H, learning doesn't take a break; it comes to life,” said Hafner.

Become a Master Naturalist 
UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County invites youth ages 10 to 13 to become scientists, explorers and environmental stewards through the Youth Master Naturalist Adventure & Certification Camp. From July 15 to 17, participants will journey through Florida’s diverse natural landscapes by exploring wetlands, uplands and coastal habitats.

Campers will learn how naturalists observe, document and understand the world around them while discovering the unique plants, animals and ecological processes that make each habitat special. Through hands-on activities, field experiences and guided exploration, youth will investigate wildlife, identify native species and gain a deeper understanding of how Florida’s ecosystems function and why they need to be protected.

At the end of the program, participants will earn their Youth Master Naturalist Certification through UF, recognizing their knowledge and commitment to understanding Florida’s natural resources. Campers will leave with a greater appreciation for nature, a sense of responsibility for conservation and memories of an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Cost for the camp is $200. Register here.

"When youth connect with nature, they begin to understand why it matters,” said Bonnie Wells, UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County director and natural resources agent.
“Through hands-on exploration of Florida's wetlands, uplands and coastal habitats, we're helping young people discover the wonders of the natural world while empowering them to become future leaders in conservation.” 

Partner programs that cook up science and more
Check for these programs led by Lynsey Occenac, a 4-H education training specialist at UF/IFAS Extension Broward at the following partnering summer camps. To participate, youth must be registered for the weekly session camps:

Cooking Matters 
Youth will learn how to shop smart, use nutrition labels and prepare healthy, delicious snacks. This program is offered at these local summer camps on the following dates and locations: 

•    Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, 5803 NW 94th Ave., Tamarac, Florida, on June 16, 23, 30 and July 7 and 14. Call 954-401-1136 to register.
•     William Dandy Middle School, 2400 NW 26th St., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 17, 24, and July 1, 8 and 15. Call 954-401-1136 to register.
•    Jack & Jill Center, 1315 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 16 and July 2
•    Boys and Girls Club of Lauderhill, 5455 NW 19th St, Lauderhill, Florida, on July 9, 16, and 23

I Can Be a Scientist! 
This program, held at these Firewall Centers’ summer camps will encourage elementary-age students to pursue science by demonstrating how scientists come from all backgrounds.
•    Innovation Charter School, 600 SW 3rd St #1400, Pompano Beach, Florida, June 11, 30 and July 21
•    Imagine North Lauderdale, 1395 S State Road 7, North Lauderdale, Florida, June 18, 25 and July 22

Check out Florida 4-H in your county.
There are plenty of activities to keep youth ages 5 to 18 busy with Florida 4-H. As the nation’s largest youth development organization of Florida Cooperative Extension and a part of UF/IFAS, it reaches both boys and girls through clubs, special-interest groups and short-term projects. 

Are you familiar with the program and website CLOVER? This program, provided by the National 4-H Council is filled with interactive activities and content in collaboration with universities throughout the United States, providing parents and guardians options to choose from more than 190 activities that explore STEM, healthy living, citizenship, leadership and agriculture. 

To access the CLOVER website, families will create a free account providing access to this resource supported by partnerships with one hundred top-tier universities.

Activate the citizen scientist young minds anywhere. 
Mobile devices can help spark curiosity and transform kids into scientists. The next time your family spots an unusual bird, plant, insect or reptile while on vacation or at a park, use the free iNaturalist app to identify what you see and contribute to real scientific research by snapping a picture and submitting it to the app.

“You are making important contributions to scientific data researchers need to support wildlife conservation and much more,” said Corey Callaghan, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. “It brings together scientific discovery, technology and family time while helping kids learn more about the plants and animals they observe.”

Check out your local UF/IFAS Extension.
With offices in all 67 Florida counties, UF/IFAS Extension is never far away. You can locate your Extension from this website and check out what’s on tap for the week. Each UF/IFAS Extension is buzzing with activities and programs throughout the year for everyone to enjoy.