What Makes a Great Summer Program for Kids?
Ah, summer. The season of sunshine melted popsicles, and kids who, if left to their own devices, would probably play Minecraft for 12 hours straight. A well-structured summer program offers a much better alternative—helping kids put down their screens, stay active, and gain valuable life skills while having the time of their lives. One example is Scribesand Scribblers, a program that embodies what an enriching summer experience should be.
A great summer program isn’t just about keeping kids busy—it’s about fostering independence, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether kids are leading a group challenge, helping a friend build a craft, or strategizing on the kickball field, they are developing confidence and resilience along the way. At Scribes and Scribblers, this approach is woven into every activity, ensuring kids walk away with skills such as leadership, communication, and adaptability that benefit them far beyond the summer months.
“Teaching kids responsibility in a way that feels natural is key,” explains a staff member. “By mentoring younger campers, teens gain real-world leadership experience without even realizing it.” This mentorship model helps bridge the gap between younger and older campers, fostering a sense of community and continuity.
A successful summer program balances structure with flexibility. At Scribes and Scribblers, each day starts with a flag-raising ceremony that sets the tone for a day packed with engaging activities. Campers participate in a variety of options—swimming, science experiments, team-building games, and creative crafts—all carefully designed to be both fun and educational. Themed weeks keep things exciting, with campers diving into pirate adventures one week and exploring the Wild West the next. “We make sure every child finds something they love,” says an experienced counselor. “The key is to let them try new things, challenge themselves, and discover hidden talents.”
One of the biggest benefits of a quality summer program is preventing the “summer slide”—the loss of academic skills over the break. Research suggests that students can lose up to two months’ worth of learning during the summer if they aren’t engaged in educational activities. Scribes and Scribblers combat this by seamlessly integrating learning into daily play. “Kids don’t even realize they’re learning,” says a teacher. “Whether they’re experimenting with a STEM project, measuring materials for a craft, or organizing a fundraiser, they’re building math, science, and social skills in ways that feel completely natural.” The camp also encourages social-emotional growth, teaching patience, communication, and teamwork through hands-on activities.
A safe environment is crucial to helping kids explore and grow. Scribes and Scribblers prioritizes safety by ensuring all staff members are CPR and first-aid certified. Additionally, strict check-in and check-out procedures guarantee that each child is accounted for at all times.
“Counselors are always engaged with their groups,” a program leader explains. “Kids should know they’re in a place where they’re supported and valued.”
By the end of a great summer program, kids walk away with more than just fun memories—they gain new skills, form lasting friendships, and develop a sense of accomplishment. Scribes and Scribblers excel at fostering this growth, with many campers returning year after year, some even transitioning into counselor roles themselves.
“There are always tears on the last day,” one counselor admits. “But they’re happy tears. The kids grow so much over the summer, and it’s incredible to see how excited they are to return next year.”
A well-designed summer program offers kids the best of both worlds—structured fun, meaningful learning, and just the right amount of adventure. Scribes and Scribblers is a shining example of how a summer camp can blend education, play, and personal growth, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a truly enriching experience.
