Dallas ISD summer camps make learning fun

It’s a Tuesday morning in June, and a group of young students are making their very own “Bubble Blasters,” complete with flashing lights, an enormous cardboard castle and “snowball” throwers.

The Bubble Blaster is just one of the students’ creations from Camp Invention, a weeklong camp that reinforces STEM learning with fun hands-on activities. Camp Invention is one of 40 Dallas ISD STEM summer camps and part of a larger summer learning initiative to keep kids active and engaged over the break.

“Our goal is to offer a summer camp or program that is a perfect fit for every different student, regardless of their interests or abilities,” said Crystal Rentz, director of summer learning for Dallas ISD. “Whether a student wants to play sports, learn about space or get hands-on experience with mechanical engineering concepts, we have a summer camp that is right for them.”

In an effort to help students be as successful as possible, Dallas ISD has partnered with the Dallas City of Learning and Big Thought to create many of these summer learning opportunities. The summer camps and programs range from topics such as crime scene investigation and industrial engineering to dance and theatre.

The programs enrich and reinforce learning that has taken place over the previous school year while preparing students for the year ahead. Visit www.dallasisd.org/summerlearning to learn more about the summer learning opportunities.

Meanwhile, all Dallas ISD students can participate in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge. Students who read and track their progress can win great prizes such as a pancake breakfast with Mayor Mike Rawlings or a behind-the-scenes tour with the penguins at the Dallas Zoo. Go to www.dallaslibrary.org/msrc to sign up and learn more.