As an ELA teacher, summer learning loss is something I think about constantly. Camp Activate has been a genuine solution. When my students come back in the fall, I can tell immediately which ones attended — their reading stamina is stronger, and they actually want to talk about books. The program keeps literacy engaging in a way that doesn’t feel like school, and for 5th and 6th graders, that matters more than anything.
After 13 years in the classroom — from Maryland all the way to Michigan — I’ve seen a lot of summer programs come and go. Camp Activate is different because it actually bridges the gap between school years. The kids aren’t just being babysat; they’re being challenged and supported at the same time. I recommended it to my own colleagues this past spring without hesitation.
As a parent myself — my two kids are in the East Lansing schools — I understand the struggle of keeping children academically motivated once summer hits. Camp Activate gave me peace of mind both as a teacher and a mom. The structure is there, but so is the fun. My students come back in September energized rather than checked out, and that kind of momentum is priceless for the whole school year.