Every parent knows the value of summer camps, and free camps that truly impact a child’s life are even more valuable. That is why the summer camps offered by St. Louis Public Library are receiving national recognition.
SLPL’s Summer Camp program was selected as one of only four recipients of the prestigious 2024 New York Life Foundation’s Excellence in Summer Learning Awards presented by the National Summer Learning Association.
This recognition presents honorees with a $15,000 grant provided by the New York Life Foundation, a long-time partner of NSLA, and national acknowledgment during the 2024 National Summer Learning Summit, which will be held in Washington, D.C. from November 11-13, 2024.
The percentage of students reading on grade level in the City of St. Louis lags behind both state and national averages. Students with the most need are less likely to be involved in structured, high-quality summer options.
“Our summer camp program was specifically designed for children who may have limited opportunities during the summer, " said Waller McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Public Library. "It aims to provide the children of St. Louis with exposure to new experiences that they might not otherwise have, with the goal of igniting a passion and inspiring them to think big and pursue their dreams."
SLPL began offering free camps on a small scale in 2015. In 2024, due to demand and need, 80 weeklong camps, both in-person and virtual, were offered to about 900 kids and teens throughout the city.
“We typically partner with about 30 external organizations with talented instructors to provide diverse camp experiences ranging from robotics, dance, infant music, Minecraft and biking,” said Jenny Song, SLPL’s Youth Services Program Coordinator. “By partnering with qualified camp organizations it allows us to bring in a wide variety of high quality camps for all ages and keeps camps fresh and relevant every season.”
Camper feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 99% of campers saying they learned something new and would attend another library camp. Campers appreciate the free and high quality options available and many campers leave the camp week with new friends or a new favorite library location.
“At SLPL, we work incredibly hard every day to be the place in our community where all kids feel safe, welcomed and valued. Summer camps help us open up the world to kids throughout the city through rich and engaging learning experiences,” Song said.
Since 2005, the New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award, defined by its rigorous application and selection process, has recognized enrollment-based programs that keep children and youth safe, healthy and learning during the critical summer months.
The other three recipients of the 2024 New York Life Foundation’s Excellence in Summer Learning Awards are Portland Public Schools, Summer Acceleration Academy (Portland, OR); Newark Board of Education, Summer Achieve, Summer Quest; and High School Enrichment (Newark, NJ) and Partnership of Summer School Education Summer Learning Program (Durant, OK).
