While summer should be full of fun and sunny adventures, there’s one kind of “slide” we try to avoid—the Summer Slide, or summer learning loss. According to the American Educational Research Association, students can lose over a third of their academic progress in reading and math during the break. The impact is even more significant for students from high-poverty, urban school districts.
That’s why Communities In Schools of Jacksonville offers free summer camps that do more than just fill the days with fun. They provide enriching, academic-focused experiences that help students stay on track and be ready for the new school year.
Brains and Breaks
Twilla Washington, Director of Case Management at CIS of Jacksonville, has seen the effects of Summer Slide firsthand and notes that it’s not the same for every student.
“Some students experience deeper setbacks than others, which only widens existing achievement gaps,” Washington explains. “Our CIS summer programs are designed to help prevent that by blending academics in the morning with engaging, enrichment activities in the afternoon.”
She also encourages parents to keep learning alive at home through simple, family-friendly activities. Even small moments can help keep students’ minds active.
Easy & Fun Summer Learning Ideas for Families:
- Cook a meal together – Practice math and literacy through measuring and reading recipes.
- Play card games – Boost memory and strategy skills.
- Break out the board games – Encourage critical thinking and teamwork.
- Have daily story time – Build vocabulary and spark imagination.
- Create a family dance – Mix movement and creativity while following a rhythm.
About CIS Jax Summer Camps
This summer, more than 1,300 students are attending our six-week, Monday–Friday summer camps across 18 Duval County school sites. Each day starts with academic support and transitions into exciting enrichment activities, from roller-skating and hiking to yoga, workforce development guest speakers, and hands-on craft projects.
Students also get to connect with inspiring community partners, including Coach, JTA, Bank of America, local colleges, and more.
How You Can Help
Support our summer camp and back-to-school efforts by donating to one of our supply drives, happening now. Your donations help us provide students with the tools they need to express creativity, stay engaged, and start the new school year strong and prepared.
Craft Supply Wishlist: https://a.co/16lwlq8
Back-to-School Supply Wishlist: https://a.co/7dreyvU
Hygiene Supply Wishlist: https://a.co/1fshvok
With your help, we’re not just preventing learning loss—we’re making sure students slide into the school year with confidence, ready to succeed.