Summer break is officially here. While that means freedom and family vacations for nearly 3 million public school students across Florida, it also brings the risk of losing hard-earned academic skills—a problem the U.S. Department of Education calls the summer slide.
To keep kids sharp while they are out of the classroom, experts at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have rolled out a massive slate of hands-on camps and digital tools across the state. The goal is simple: blend serious education with outdoor fun so kids don’t even realize they are learning.
“When youth are engaged in meaningful learning opportunities, their minds grow stronger, more curious and are better prepared for the future,” said David Hafner, a Florida 4-H agent with the UF/IFAS Extension in Martin County. “It is why it is important for kids to spend their summer break discovering new passions, building confidence and developing skills through hands-on experiences.”
“Through camps, clubs, projects and service, 4-H turns summer into a season of exploration and possibility. In 4-H, learning doesn’t take a break; it comes to life,” Hafner said…