The following text and photos were contributed by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. If you would like to share stories, resources, photos etc. from your Summer Learning Program, contact us here.
This year Camp Discovery was held at St. John Fisher, and it was an incredible learning experience for both staff and students. Students and staff had three weeks together which allowed them to create new relationships, memories and experiences.
Students were given direct instruction, both small group and one-on-one, which helped to close learning gaps in their literacy and numeracy skills. Since we had an incredible teacher-to-student ratio, teachers were given the opportunity to closely work on students’ individual needs, academically and socially.
Throughout Camp Discovery, there were a variety of workshops/activities that students engaged in such as: Brave Education, Onkwehonwe Games, Scientist in the School, an Author Visit (Primary: “Stay Strong, Say No!” Junior: “Dinosaur Encounter”), and Coding and Positivity Lives Here. Students immensely enjoyed partaking in these workshops, as they were able to learn from different perspectives and continue to connect with their Catholic faith journey.
A big thank you to our High School Student volunteers from St. Thomas Aquinas CSS who assisted with Christian meditation, painting, crafts, sport activities and much more throughout the three weeks. Students had a great time taking part in many activities: creating their own art masterpieces; learning different obstacle course drills; and practicing their mindfulness and well-being.
The activities that occurred throughout the three weeks at Camp Discovery aligned with Dufferin-Peel Catholic School boards goals (equity, virtues, wellness, Indigenous learning, and the new math curriculum). It was evident that at the end of the three weeks, not only did students improve in their literacy and numeracy skills but we all received the opportunity to create memorable experiences.
Staff and Students were sad when the three weeks came to an end as it flew by with the positive energy the camp brought. Parents and students both asked if it could be extended. Parents had wonderful things to say throughout the three weeks, below are just a few snippets of parent emails:
“XXX is enjoying it! He was hesitant at the beginning but once school started, he jumps out of bed because he enjoys it so much.”
“Thank you, Ms. Persad, this been the most fun my kids have had in a long time.”
“Is this the first time we had this? I would want XXX to be in it every summer because she wakes up on her own and wants to go to school.”
“This is the best program!”
“XXX is so happy because he says he can read now.”
“My girls love their teachers and you; we can’t thank you all enough.”
