Beating the Summer Slump is tough but we’ve compiled a list of go-to’s to start your Summer off on the right foot and carry you through those tough dog days of the heat. We hope this will help give you some ideas about what you can do this summer to keep your kids engaged and help them retain social skills.
Summer Work Opportunities
Students ages 16-21 were able to apply through Goodwill and receive paid employment through the Summer Work Program called SWEAP.
This program provides supported summer employment. Students must be recommended for SWEAP by their teachers and job coaches. They are assessed and asked to fill out an extensive application and partake in the Goodwill interview process. If accepted they will work 6 weeks in the summer through various pre-approved designated work sites with a job coach.
Four of our students have applied and been accepted as SWEAP employees. They will be able to work throughout the summer and report back to us about their awesome summer work experiences when school is back in session this coming August! Congrats to all of them!
STARS Program
Another awesome summer program offered through Abilities in Motion is the STARS Program. We currently have two Secondary students planning on attending this wonderful program as well.
This unique, six week Summer Program allows students with disabilities the opportunity to explore their communities through a wide range of activities including:
- Expanded vocational opportunities
- Volunteer work experience in the community
- Community integration
- Travel training
- Communication, social skills and networking
Abilities in Motion’s STARS Program is a free program that gives students with disabilities, ages 16-21, the opportunity to expand their social networks and obtain job readiness skills throughout the summertime.
STARS is held Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Program dates are July 8 – August 16, 2019. Students must participate in all six weeks.
To begin the intake process, please find contact information by clicking here.
Past and current business partners include:
DoubleTree by Hilton, the Reading Fightin’ Phils, BARTA, Freedom Auto Group, Ozzy’s Fun Zone, IM ABLE, Boscov’s, Pepsi, Sweet Street Desserts, and more!
Other Berks County Summer Programs
There are many other awesome offerings for summer activities and programs throughout Berks County!
“The goals at All Abilities Fitness Center are to deliver inclusive fitness, sensory accessibility and social bonding for people with all variations of disabilities, without the apprehension and judgment that can be associated within a typical gym setting.”
https://allabilitiesfitnesscenter.com/
Easter Seals offers many awesome activities throughout the summer!
http://www.easterseals.com/esep/our-programs/play.html
Aaron’s Acres offers summer fun as well. Check out their website and talk to your SAM supports coordinator for more information and summer planning.
Like animals and looking for something new and exciting? Check out Shady Hallow Assisted Riding! They offer a half day horse therapy camp!
Prevent the Summer Slide
Don’t fall behind on the Summer Reading Slide! Did you ever hear the old saying, “If you don’t use it you lose it!”? The facts are in the research! If you don’t continue reading throughout the summer your reading skills and strategies can become rusty! There Is a way to prevent the Summer Reading Slide! Check out this website with helpful tips and ideas to continue reading throughout the summer.
Library and Book Orders
Don’t forget your local library offers Summer Reading Programs with awesome incentives and prizes! They have once a week activities and hands on learning planned throughout the summer. Bonus: it is free!
You can place your book orders online at scholastic.com/bookclubs.
Class Code – HG6HC
Happy Reading,
Mrs. Berkhammer
The Market and the Movies
Why not check out your local farmer’s market or catch a movie?
If you have never explored your local farmer’s market, you are missing out. Not only do they have great, fresh, locally grown food, but you get to experience some of the culture behind the food! Plan a new dish for dinner, list out your ingredients, and hit the market!
On the movie side of things, Fox Theaters has you covered all summer long.
The Family Film Series at Fox East is back with nine weeks of your favorite family movies! See a different movie each week at 10AM on Tuesday and Wednesday from June 11 – August 7, 2019.
Admission is $1 per person ages 2+. Children under 2 are free.
