Immersing your children in supervised summertime activities or enrolling them in day camp offers opportunities for new social interactions and learning skills to keep their minds engaged when school isn’t in session.
Although it might be daunting for preschool-aged children, summer camp programs can build a foundation for school readiness, helping them get acquainted with school day routines to ensure they thrive when they take their first steps on the path of becoming life-long learners. Summer activities give a preview of school, allowing preschoolers a low-key transition time so they can better adjust to a structured school day in the fall.
Camp or day activities teach preschoolers what it’s like to spend several hours away from home and their parents or caregivers. Children have opportunities to learn new skills, from sports to developing teamwork concepts, self-confidence and how to follow rules.
As stress-free social time, summer activities teach youngsters how to make friends and be comfortable in a group setting.
Best of all, it’s a chance to have fun in the sun!
Boulder Valley School District
BVSD’s PreSchool Enrichment program offers pre-literacy and pre-math activities supporting learning for three- and four-year-olds. Combined with summer day camps led by BVSD’s experienced staff, your child’s summer days are filled with organized games, crafts, outside fun and field trips. > childcare.bvsd.org/summercamp
St. Vrain Valley Schools
Wraparound Pre-K Summer Camps for kids ages 3 to 5 years old who are enrolled in a SVVSD school offer children new friendships, confidence, independence and a sense of belonging in a safe, structured environment. Creative learning is exciting and energizing with time and freedom for spontaneous play. > svvsd.org/departments/community-schools/summer-and-non-school-days
TLC Learning Center
TLC Learning Center in Longmont offers year-round therapeutic early learning designed to nurture success in children of all abilities. Children with special needs learn alongside their typically developing peers to increase academic and social-emotional outcomes for all children that helps set them on a course for success in school and beyond. > ttlc.org/summer-programs
Pathways Learning Academy
Following a STEAM-centered curriculum, Pathways Learning Academy in Boulder provides hands-on experiences for 3- and 4-year-old campers, including a peek into the world of farming, creating a sculpture, exploring exercise and fitness, and provides kindergarten readiness programs that develop math and literacy skills while discovering school day routines. > pathwayslearningacademy.com/educational-programs/summer-camp
New Horizon Academy
The SciKids summer preschool program provides children opportunities to engage in STEAM activities, including engineering challenges and exploring motion, gravity and energy. Exploring nature, water day adventures, and working on school-readiness skills will help your child be ready for kindergarten. > newhorizonacademy.net/learning-programs/camp-discovery-summer-program
Shining Mountain Waldorf School
Experience summer through playful, creative and purposeful activity, crafting and exploring the beauty of the natural world on Shining Mountain Waldorf School’s 12-acre campus. Bluebell Preschool Camp is for ages 2.5 to 3. Summer Glen Camp offers experiences for children ages 4 to 7. > shiningmountainwaldorf.org/programs/summer-camps
Friends School
Designed for preschoolers, Friends School’s Backyard Camp offers opportunities to explore our great backyard. Young children can enjoy time in the sun, water play, games, crafts, making new friends and more. > friendsschoolboulder.org/programs/summer-programs
By Emily Kemme
