Summer Learning Sets Kids Up for Success!

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

Did you know that children who are reading proficiently by 3rd grade are three times more likely to graduate from high school? Sadly, many children do not have access to books during the summer. In middle and upper income communities, there are 13 books per one child, but in lower income communities there is only one book for every 300 children. Because of this, children from low-income households lose 2+ months of reading achievement every summer.

So, what can parents do to help prevent learning loss in their children? Here are a couple of options:

  • Start early! 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three, so anything a parent can do to introduce words, colors, and numbers to a child, no matter how young, will build the foundation for them to be successful! (United Way of Horry County)
  • Check your local libraries for STEM workshops and books for your children! In Georgetown and Horry Counties combined there are over 15 public libraries, many of which have children’s sections for those k-12, along with STEM activity sessions. Librarians are happy to help finding the perfect book for your child, no matter their age or interests!
  • Use online resources! Many websites, such as www.sciencebuddies.org and www.thestemlaboratory.com, offer free STEM activities or worksheets that your children can do from home! YMCA360 is another online resource that can be used; YMCA360 is an app that features over 30 videos of instructors reading books to children of all ages!

Summer STEAM Activities

At the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, we engage the children in our AfterSchool, Jumpstart Preschool, ChildWatch, and Summer Camps in STEM and literacy learning activities that will lead to positive academic outcomes in later years. The success of our children is the success of our future, and we strive to support the wellbeing of all in our community. By participating in summer learning loss prevention tactics, we, and you, can help our children grow and prosper!

YMCA360 Membership

YMCA360 has content for kids, in addition to hundreds of fitness classes!

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July 4th Hours 

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Delayed Opening on Friday, Sept. 27th

 

Due to the impending Tropical Storm and potential weather conditions overnight, in order to keep our members and staff safe, all YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will delay opening hours on Friday, September 27th, 2024.

  • Friday, September 27, 2024: All three YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will open at 10 a.m. 
     

Please stay safe and check our website for updates.

 

Updated Hours Today

We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today. 

  • Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
  • Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
 24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.