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​Our summer program exists to support students with disabilities and their families during the summer months by providing activities to maintain academic, social, behavioral and therapeutic gains made during the prior school year.

Summer 2023 Camp

SUMMER CAMP THEMES:
  • Starts June 12 - Animals and Pets
  • Starts June 26 - Beach and Swim

**Note: Each week provides fun, easy and engaging activities you can do at home and within the community using common household items. Activities are designed to be flexible so any parent, caregiver or babysitter can complete them at the student's own pace and around other summer plans. Plus, activities can be individualized for your student based on their personal goals and needs. 

DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR EACH THEME:
  • Motor Monday - Activities will focus on gross and fine motor skills.
  • Teaching Tuesday - Activities will focus on reading, written expression and/or math.
  • Water Wednesday - Activities will focus on using water for sensory exploration.
  • Out-On-The-Town Thursday - Activities will focus on practicing life & social skills in the community.
  • Foodie Friday - Activities will focus on following visual, written and/or verbal directions while creating healthy and fun snacks or meals.
  • Social Saturday - Activities will focus on opportunities for students and families to meet and socialize at different places in the community.
  • Self Care Sunday - Activities will focus on self care for parents and caregivers.
​
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
  • Provide a FREE online summer program for students with disabilities to maintain academic, social, behavioral and therapeutic gains during the prior school year.
  • Support students with disabilities in maintaining and learning skills that are essential for daily activities, independent living and success in the classroom and community.
  • Equip parents with activities and resources to support their students with disabilities.
  • Provide free and low-cost activities to maximize student and family participation.
  • Encourage whole family engagement and participation through specially designed activities.
  • Plan social opportunities for peer interaction at different locations in the community.

BACKGROUND:
Currently, there are over 12,000 students with disabilities in the Greenville County School system.(1) Throughout  the school year, federal law mandates that students be provided with a free, appropriate, individualized educational program. However, as the school year comes to an end, students with disabilities and their families face challenges as they seek to find programs and services during the summer months since summer programs are not federally mandated. As a result, students with disabilities are likely to lose academic gains, social and behavioral skills, occupational and speech therapy progress and are more likely to gain weight during the summer.(2) The State Education Standard states that “students in special education need support over the summer months.”(3) 

BRIDGED will be developing and distributing a two-part online summer program for students with disabilities. Each part, or module, will include a daily choice board of activities that focus on one or more skills to reduce the loss of academic, social, behavioral and therapeutic progress gained during the prior school year. The program will be designed to engage and equip parents with resources and activities for their students, since studies show that parental engagement can lead to greater success of students.(4) The program will also be designed with flexibility to support individual student goals and family schedules.

Historically, programs for students with disabilities are more expensive than programs available for non-disabled peers.(5) To reach as many students as possible, this program would be available at no cost to students with disabilities and their families. In addition, all activities are designed using common household items in order to prevent any possible barriers to success. Suggested activities outside of the home will be low or no cost to the family as well.

(1)https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/files/CP24JC0BC36A/$file/2023.02.14%20Special%20Education%20in%20GCS.pdf
(2)https://www.ameridisability.com/smart-ways-to-keep-kids-with-disabilities-off-the-summer-slide/; 
https://www.brighthubeducation.com/parents-and-special-ed/75880-effect-of-summer-break-on-students-with-disabilities/?utm_content=expand_article; https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2011-jul-07-la-me-summer-20110707-story.html
(3)https://nasbe.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/2022/01/Standard_Jan-2022-Final.pdf
(4)https://www.waterford.org/education/how-parent-involvment-leads-to-student-success/
(5)https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/18/parenting/special-needs-summer-camp.html​
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The BRIDGED Summer 2023 Camp is funded by the Barbara Stone Foundation Community Innovations Grant. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with an organization that has been improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities for over 50 years!
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​​Bridged, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your support allows our organization to promote  awareness, connection and inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities.
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  • Home
  • About
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Our Team
    • Our Story
  • Expo
    • Info
    • Registration
    • Be A Sponsor
    • Be An Exhibitor
    • Be A Volunteer
  • Disability Resource Guide
  • Training
    • Building a Bridge to Special Education
  • School Programs
    • Public School
    • Private School
    • Pilot Leadership Program Outcomes
    • Professional Development
  • Media
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Blog