Summer Jamming at UYI

Summer Jam is in full swing and not only are the kids going on fun field trips, but they are also participating in educational enrichment. Although a new component to Summer Jam this year, the program is already popular.  More than three-quarters of camp participants enrolled in the elective morning sessions that are dedicated for educational enrichment including math, science, social studies and reading. 

Last week, Mr. John's class learned how to balance a check book, purchase items in a budget, pay taxes and write a check.

"My goal is to take what they are learning in school and apply it to real life situations," said Mr. John. "I want them to see that knowledge is essential for success in life." 

The students are enjoying this approach to learning and it is keeping them focused.  Summer learning is critical, especially for inner-city youth.  Students, on average, lose 2.6 months of learning over the summer, and low-income youth tend to experience greater losses than their high-income peers.  The work John and his staff are doing will give students an advantage when school is back in session.

"I learned that if I bought more expensive things that my money went really fast!" said Tywan. “I learned that you have to save it.”

Summer Jam is a six-week camp here at UYI's Dream Center that offers outdoor games, arts and crafts, field trips, and educational and spiritual enrichment. We currently have 54 elementary and middle school students enrolled.  

Our theme this summer is “Around the World in Six Weeks”.  Students are learning about different cultures through science, arts and crafts, field trips, and from special visitors.  Next week students are “going” to Asia.  Their week will feature a tea tasting, a trip to the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach, and a karate demonstration.