• If you’re still trying to line up affordable and creative options to keep you children engaged this summer, here are a few activities for you to consider
City of Wichita Summer Activity Camps
Registration is already underway for the Wichita Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Camps. Again this year, the City is offering both their Summer of Discovery Camps and the lower budget version Summer Activity Camps.
The camps begin May 28 and run through Aug. 2. Besides a few more activities and longer hours, both camps offer basically the same services, with field trips, an array of onsite activities and quality supervision. The camps are open to youth ages 6-12.
Summer Activity Camps are offered at Colvin, Evergreen and Lynette Woodard Recreation Centers. The camp ends July 26 at Woodard. The fee per week for Colvin and Evergreen is $40 per week and $30 per week for Woodard. Colvin and Evergreen hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Woodard hours are Noon to 5 p.m.
Space is limited so contact the center you want to attend soon to schedule an enrollment appointment.
This year, Summer of Discovery locations are at Edgemoor, Lindwood and Orchard Recreation Centers. Hours are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday and the registration fee is $115. Space for these full-day camps go quickly, so sign up soon to guarantee your child’s spot.
Women at Work Magic Camp
This camp for teen girls ages 14-18 will be held June 17-21. A hands on learning camp, participants will Participants in MAGIC Camp will gain greater self-confidence, self-esteem and a “can-do” attitude as they are exposed to various industry opportunities. They will meet and interact with women business owners and construction workers; as well as participate in a number of hands-on activities & supervised field trips. Registration is open through May 15. To register or for more information call (316) 303-8057 or email jathomas@wichita.gov.
Griots Cultural Arts Camp
The Wichita Griots – the storytellers – are back this year with their one week cultural arts camp July 8-13. At the camp, students explore cultural and creative arts including dancing, drumming, poetry, African dance, and arts and crafts. The camp runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily at Urban Preparatory Academy, 2821 E. 24th St. N., Wichita. Registration is $30 per child, and $20 for each additional sibling. For more information, go to wichitagriots.org or call 641-4488 or 682-1909. Registration is open through June 15.
Camp Destination Innovation Program For Teens Explores STEM & Entrepreneurship
Camp Destination Innovation is a summer camp dedicated to showing high school students career paths in STEM and entrepreneurship. With an incredible partner network, we are exposing young people to Wichita’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, mentors and companies so these teens can learn how to create their own scalable businesses.
This year, the camp for teens ages 14 to 18 will be held June 4-28, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3p.m. all for just $25.00. The camp meets on the Wichita State University campus. To register, go to campdestinationinnovation.com.
Wichita Public Schools Offers Many Programs To Support Students Over the Summer
Wichita Public Schools offers many programs during the summer some by open enrollment, others by invitation for students who need help bridging the summer learning gap. Open programs include original and recovery high school credit, summer latchkey programs and summer food program.
High school summer school enrollment, which allows high school students to make up credit or take original credit for P.E., financial literacy and government, will start April 15. The classes can be taken in person at North, or online, with the exception of P.E. This popular program has been offered for many years.
There are other opportunities for students to make up credits in order to graduate or continue with their classmates during the summer. New this year WPS will have a Summer Learning Center offered in July at West High School and Chester Lewis Learning Academy for students who need a little more time completing their credits.
The summer food program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to any child 18 or younger, will be available starting May 29. More information will be posted at www.usd259.org/summerfood.
USD 259 Latchkey Offers Affordable Summer Camp Option
The Wichita Public Schools Summer Latchkey Program offers an affordable full or part summer camp options with hours based on your need. Parents can contract for from three to five days per week, six plus, or four to six hours per day, however priority is given to families requesting the most days and hours. The cost is $12 per day for 4-6 hours, $10/day reduced pay, and $16/day for 6plus hours, $14/day reduced pay. Camp runs May 28 – July 26. Starting hours vary by location, but are between 6:30 and 7 a.m. All locations close at 6 p.m.
The camps are directed by certified teachers and provide an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities ranging from arts and crafts, outdoor play, free choice activity time, organized game time and field trips.
The Latchkey program is offered at 20 Wichita Schools. North and east locations include: Riverside, Jackson, college Hill, and Horace Mann. For a complete list of locations
The WPS summer latchkey has begun registration at elementary schools that host the program. Parents can find out more information at their elementary school or at www.usd259.org/latchkey.
Summer Camp Promotes Literacy and Entrepreneurship for Elementary Students
Storytime Village Inc. will host a four-week summer camp, title LEAP, which stands for literacy, entrepreneurship, and the arts project. LEAP is a rigorous program that teaches 3rd and 4th –grade students to become self-published authors. The program will take place June 3- 28, 2019.
Storytime Village’s LEAP Summer Camp provides students with an opportunity to write and sell their own “best-selling” children’s books, practice their writing and literacy skills while exploring the book-selling and self-publishing industries. Through a partnership with Arts Partners and the Wichita State University Creative Writing program, the summer camp guides students through all phases of book development: writing, illustration, publishing, marketing, and selling. Students are also inspired by community speakers and a variety of learning field trips.
Each student will complete the program with an original children’s picture book to sell. All proceeds from student book sales go directly to the youth participants.
What: LEAP Summer Camp- An adventure in reading, writing, illustration, and book publishing.
When: June 3-28, 2019. 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday.
Where: Urban Preparatory Academy, 2821 E 24th Street N., Wichita, KS 67214
Cost: $200 (include light breakfast, lunch, and snack daily). Visit www.storytimevillage.org to register.
summer school classes at
Urban Preparatory Academy
Urban Preparatory Academy, 2821 E. 24th N. will hold summer classes for area youth, K-8. Classes will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday. For more information on enrollment and start date contact Mrs. Williams at (316) 361-2469.