Summer Camp Spotlight: Goddard School Infuses Learning with Fun

Many students might moan or groan at the suggestion that they do something "academic" during their summer vacation.  

But that isn't the case at the where students, ages 5-7, greet the chance to learn new things with delight and enthusiasm.

The summer camp program revolves around themed weeks that provide their campers with opportunities to explore a variety of different subjects including literature and language, music and movement, science and nature, and arts and crafts. 

"Who says learning can't be fun?" said Jackie Kaller, the school's director.  "Learning doesn't stop because summer is here."

"Fairy Tales & Supeheroes," is among the activities this summer. The program includes a day where students made masks and created fairy wands.  

In August, one of the weekly themes will be "Mystery Week" where campers will learn about fingerprints and play an interactive game called where campers must solve a mystery.

Teacher Katerina Lopez enjoys encouraging children to express their creativity.  

"The campers love to create their own puppet shows and recreate endings to stories that we've read in class," she said.

Goddard does not do field trips during its camp, however they do bring in a variety of guest speakers with a wide variety of occupations and hobbies.  

"We had military personnel come in and show children how to fold the flag, policemen to talk about safety, the Hula Hoop lady and even a bag piper," Lorri Frankel, who owns Westchase's Goddard School.

"The bag piper got a little loud so we had to take that one outside," Frankel said.

The camp operates from 9am-6pm and the cost is $200 per week.  The Goddard School website, www.goddardschool.com, provides a video for parents to see on the focus of the summer program.