Summer break can be wonderful because it gives kids a break from stressful academic overload. However, some parents find that by the time kids start the new school year; they do not want to do their schoolwork and contribute this to laziness caused by the summer break.

Many parents try to fix that problem by putting kids in educational summer programs like science camps and tutoring classes. It is important to keep in mind though, that leisure camps that involve swimming, sports and crafts are a great way to socialize kids, and do promote physical and creative learning. We believe that a balance between the physical and intellectual should be attained year round.

For years there has been an endless debate on whether there should be year round school. The following information has been taken from About.com:

Arguments for Year Round Education

-Students tend to forget a lot during the summer, and shorter vacations might increase retention rates.
-Schools that are not being used in the summer are inefficient.
-Short breaks can provide time for students to receive enrichment education.
-Remediation can occur when it is most needed during the school year.
-Students get bored during the long break of summer.
-It’s easier to schedule vacations because not everyone wants to travel at the same time.
-Other countries around the world use this system.
-More students can be accommodated at one school through multi-tracking.

Arguments against Year Round Education

-Studies have been inconclusive to its academic benefits.
-Students are going to forget information whether they are out of school for three weeks or 10. Therefore, teachers will be performing four beginning of the year reviews instead of just one.
-Summer programs such as youth camps suffer.
-Student summer employment will be virtually impossible.
-Many schools are older and do not have air conditioning.
-Band and other extracurricular programs could be hurt because of problems scheduling out of school practices and competitions.
-If the entire school district does not go year round, parents could have students at different schools on different schedules.
-With multi-tracking, parents could have students at the same school on different schedules.

We will leave the final decision up to you as the parent. The purpose of this article is to get your to start thinking about the pros and cons of the decisions that you make for your children.

Here is a list of local summer camps. Let us know what you choose!