Summer is here, and though families have a break from daily homework assignments, some parents may worry their children will fall behind academically. Fortunately, Anne Arundel County has some great options to keep students sharp while accommodating busy schedules.
STEM Summer Camps
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities are very popular with today’s youth. Club Scikidz offers Tech Scientific camps in schools all over the state with a huge variety of topics; our son chose natural disasters and weather and enjoyed it very much. Annapolis Moms community supporter, iCode, offers STEM and coding camps all summer. Scikidz is also great for last-minute registrations!
Private Academic Resources
Peak Academic Solutions offers four- to six-week sessions to help with summer packets, filling in learning gaps, or math and science review. Kumon uses self paced virtual work and in-person sessions for math and reading help.
Anne Arundel County Public Library Resources (AACPL)
The AACPL generates a summer reading list organized by grade, and they have “gamified” it by creating an annual quest with prizes. This will certainly get the attention of children who are competitive and enjoy games.
Homeschool Facebook Groups
Many new homeschooling groups were formed during the pandemic. These are great for socializing, finding field trips, and fitness activities. Our family belongs to Maryland Nature Play & Learning, which is an exceptionally inclusive and active, year-round group.
Visit a Nature Center
The Robinson Nature Center in Columbia has a room of animals and educational toys as well as static displays, trails, a planetarium, and a natural playground. The Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills has a large indoor display with animals plus outdoor trails. Fountain Rock Nature Center in Walkersville has animals, a lake, trails, and ruins to explore.
Visit a History Museum
The Museum of Historic Annapolis is more than an exhibition: it has a scavenger hunt that helps children enjoy their visit while learning. The Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis is free for all ages and has terrific educational displays. And while not a traditional museum, the Maryland State House is free to visit and has many rooms of displays to explore.
Visit a Maritime Museum
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island are two of my favorite places to take my children. You can spend hours exploring lighthouses, witnessing sea otters, climbing on boats, and learning all about what makes the Chesapeake Bay special.
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