Here at the Alaska Afterschool Network, we know that summer learning programs play an integral role in supporting Alaska’s children and youth, providing space for them to grow, play, and develop new friendships. Summer learning programs also interact with children and youth as students – though the ‘classroom’ is a bit different during summer! Programs across Alaska provide opportunities for Alaska’s kids to learn in new and different ways, preventing “learning loss” throughout the summer and encouraging space to take advantage of unrealized potential. Summer Learning Week (July 11th – 15th) gives us all a chance to recognize the incredible work being done for Alaska’s kids. The week is a national celebration that highlights programs that contribute to the holistic development of youth. All throughout Alaska, thousands of our youth are participating in dynamic, meaningful, and empowering summer learning opportunities. To celebrate this, we are highlighting a few OST programs!

Camp Bear Valley (Bear Valley Community Association)

This summer is one of Alaska’s most beautiful summers, and Camp Bear Valley is taking advantage of it! Located in Anchorage, Camp Bear Valley serves youth ages 5-13. Youth take part in outdoor activities such as bike-riding, hiking, and playing collaborative games. In addition to integrating these outdoor activities, Camp Bear Valley also has students engage in hands-on learning experiences at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, botanical gardens, and during lessons on science, cooking, and art. By prioritizing outdoor learning and collaborative activities, Camp Bear Valley’s youth are developing healthy lifestyles alongside lasting, positive relationships. Openings for camp are available until July 29th. For more information, or to register your child for Bear Camp Valley, visit their website at alaskabvca.org.

OPT-In Kiana

OPT-In Kiana, which serves youth from ages 5-17, is located in the Northwest Artic Borough of Alaska. With a strong focus on active, cultural, and meaningful activities, OPT-In Kiana has positively shaped the lives of young people in Kiana for almost a decade. Youth activities include: fishing, running, bike-hikes, plucking and making duck soup, painting rocks with positive messages for the community, and sharing ‘reasons-for-living’ video clips. OPT-In Kiana not only provides support for families through engaging youth in active and cultural activities, but they also support Kiana’s community through free rentals of fishing poles . Currently, because of the strong impact OPT-In Kiana has on Alaskan youth, 4 out of 5 current staff are former youth members! Staff now enjoy working to further OPT-In Kiana’s mission of promoting youth voice and continuing the cycle of positive change. Hours of operation are from 3:30 – 10pm, depending on youth age. For more information about this organization, please visit OPT-In Kiana’s Facebook page, or email optinkiana@gmail.com.

S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy

From science to literacy to social-emotional learning skills, S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, technology, reading, engineering, art, & math) Academy has it all! Located in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy supports students in grades 1-3 from both Anne Wien and Joy Elementary schools. Each morning, students at S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy begin their day with breakfast and reading, and end their day with science, tech, engineering, art, or math projects. Small group learning also allows for stronger relationship-building and focused learning. Along with creating rich learning experiences, S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy also maintains a strong focus on developing social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as accepting responsibility, self-management, optimistic thinking, and relationship skills. Each learning experience is paired with a SEL objective, and SEL objectives are also transferred across multiple environments on field trip days. For more information, please visit S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy’s website at https://www.k12northstar.org/Page/10798.

Ketchikan Afterschool Program

On any given day in Ketchikan Afterschool Program’s (KAP) facility, you’ll see youth climbing on bouldering walls, cooking in the kitchen, playing musical instruments in the café, working on STEAM and art projects, engaging in hydroponic gardening, or grabbing their gear rain or shine and heading outside to engage in various outdoor activities! Based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, KAP works to build confidence and resilience in Ketchikan’s youth (primarily grades 5-8) through fostering strong connections to land and teaching youth valuable skillsets year-round. KAP’s summer program includes an outdoor day camp focused on fitness and developing outdoor skills, in addition to backpacking and camping trips.

Onward & Upward

Self-efficacy and empowerment is a priority at Onward & Upward, a Mat-Su Valley based non-profit organization. Youth at Onward & Upward are encouraged to choose their own level of participation, as all activities are ‘challenge by choice’. Focusing on adventure-based education and social-emotional learning, Onward & Upward strives to create a positive learning environment for students to achieve personal growth. This summer, Onward & Upward is hosting multiple expedition courses, including two 4-day rock climbing courses and two 8-day backpacking courses. Both courses take youth ages 12-18 through progressions of skills and challenges, and include team-building activities, games, and lessons on how to recreate outside safely and responsibly. For more information, please visit Onward & Upwards’ website at https://www.onwardandupward.org/.

Interested in bringing the joy of summer learning to your afterschool program? Check out the resources below and learn about the daily themes of Summer Learning Week: