Phoenix Summer Camp in Coconino County: A Legacy of Endurance at Camp Colley

Phoenix Summer Camp in Coconino County: A Legacy of Endurance at Camp Colley

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A Phoenix Program for Kids to Escape the City's Summer Heat and Get Outdoors

A summer program in Phoenix that helps kids escape the city's scorching heat and enjoy the outdoors has returned for its second year after a recent hiatus. This initiative, known as Camp Colley, is part of the city’s efforts to provide children with meaningful outdoor experiences. Over the past two decades, the camp has faced financial challenges but has continually adapted its programming to meet the needs of the community.

Camp Colley is located in a remote area north of Payson, nestled within dense forests. The camp was founded by James A. Colley, a former director of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. His vision was to create an accessible space where children from underserved communities could benefit from outdoor recreation. According to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, Colley dedicated his career to expanding programs that catered to children of all backgrounds.

In 2023, the H.E.A.R.T. Center, a nonprofit organization focused on providing equestrian recreational therapy to disabled and neurodivergent youth, took over operations of Camp Colley. The center brought its expertise in creating inclusive learning environments and refined the program's commitment to serving underrepresented populations.

“We know wholeheartedly what the mission of this place is, what it stands for, why it exists,” said Chelsea Harden, founder and executive director of the H.E.A.R.T. Center. “It is really important that we make sure that camp is cost-effective and that cost is not a barrier for people to attend.”

The partnership between Phoenix and the H.E.A.R.T. Center reflects the camp’s long history of collaborating with local organizations to ensure its continued operation. Claire Miller, a park supervisor for Phoenix, emphasized the importance of experiential learning opportunities like Camp Colley.

“You can bring a lot of information and stuff to the kids down in the community centers, but there's nothing like having this kind of an experiential opportunity to really be in the pines,” said Miller.

Who Can Attend Camp Colley?

Camp Colley is open to children aged 7 to 15 who are residents of Phoenix or have a parent with a Phoenix Parks and Recreation account, as well as students of the H.E.A.R.T. Center. The camp runs from mid-June to late July, with fees ranging from $175 for a three-day session to $275 for a five-day session. Leadership roles are also available for teens aged 16 to 17, with fees from $100 for a three-day camp to $150 for a five-day camp. Young adults with disabilities aged 18 to 22 can participate in leadership roles at no cost.

Fees include transportation from Phoenix to the campgrounds, meals, and lodging. Additionally, Phoenix offers scholarships so that families can attend at no cost.

Despite facing financial crises and the impact of the global pandemic, Camp Colley has remained a vital resource for the community. In 2001, Phoenix purchased the land for the camp for $1.38 million and opened the campgrounds the following year. Throughout the 2000s, the camp expanded its facilities to include stables for an equestrian program, solar panels for off-grid power, and a bathhouse for hot showers.

A History of Challenges and Adaptations

In 2008, during the Great Recession, the Parks and Recreation Department faced staff reductions and budget cuts that threatened the camp’s existence. At that time, the Camp Colley Foundation stepped in to help raise funds for lower-income youth. However, the camp faced further challenges, including a Coconino County permit noncompliance issue in 2012, which led to its closure for the summer. In 2017, the Arizona Parks and Recreation Fellowship ended its relationship with the camp, resulting in another lost year.

Tonto Creek Camp took over operations for two years before handing it back to the Camp Colley Foundation in 2020. The program was closed again in 2020 due to the pandemic and in 2021 because of wildfires. For the next two years, Camp Colley had no operator until the H.E.A.R.T. Center decided to step in and revitalize the program.

Expanding Upon Camp Colley’s Framework

Harden, who previously worked as a counselor at Camp Colley, recognized the potential for the camp to focus more on therapeutic activities. She became a certified recreational therapist and established the H.E.A.R.T. Center in 2014 to provide therapeutic horsemanship to students with developmental disabilities.

“By having recreation therapists on staff, we’re able to adapt the activity to support the physical-cognitive needs of all the students that attend camp,” said Harden.

Campers spend three to five days at Camp Colley, engaging in activities such as horse care, crawdad fishing, and hiking. These activities aim to foster social and emotional learning, with group games designed to teach communication and teamwork skills. Other activities, like archery, help improve hand-eye coordination.

A Popular Equestrian Program

One of the most popular aspects of the camp is the equestrian instruction. Alex Halping, a horse riding instructor for the H.E.A.R.T. Center, noted that horses are particularly effective in helping neurodivergent children manage their emotions.

“The biggest thing with these animals is that they're incredible at mirroring and regulating emotions,” said Halping. “The horses get them, and they get the horses in a way that I can't explain.”

Neurodivergent campers benefit from mixed-ability environments, where they learn alongside neurotypical peers. This approach allows for smaller group sizes and specialized support, making it easier for children who might struggle in larger settings to integrate and build friendships.

Leadership Opportunities for Teens and Young Adults

As campers grow older, they can return to Camp Colley in leadership roles. These positions offer work experience and help build resumes while allowing participants to develop skills in counseling and other areas. Young adults with disabilities can also return to the camp to gain essential work skills in a safe environment.

Employing young adults has helped address staffing challenges that the camp has faced in the past. “It is so great to see it up and running,” said Miller, “and have kids experience the benefits of being out in nature.”

Ultimate Dad and Son Escapes: 25 Unforgettable Florida Getaways Beyond Orlando

Ultimate Dad and Son Escapes: 25 Unforgettable Florida Getaways Beyond Orlando

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Launch Into Wonder at Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center offers a unique opportunity for fathers and sons to explore the wonders of space exploration. This is not just a museum; it's a place where real rockets launch astronauts into orbit, making every visit an inspiring experience for both generations. The center features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience astronaut training simulators, touch actual moon rocks, and walk beneath the massive Saturn V rocket that took humans to the moon.

What makes Kennedy Space Center especially meaningful for father-son visits is its ability to connect past achievements with future possibilities. Teenage sons often find themselves inspired by the stories of courage and innovation, while fathers appreciate the engineering marvels and historical significance. The center also offers behind-the-scenes bus tours that provide access to active launch facilities, where you might witness actual rocket preparations.

According to educators, the hands-on experiences are highly rated among young visitors, making complex space science accessible through interactive learning. The nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers additional exploration opportunities, where space technology coexists with pristine natural habitats.

Navigate Ancient Waterways in the Everglades

The Everglades provides fathers and sons with authentic wilderness experiences that few other places in America can match. Airboat tours through this "River of Grass" reveal an ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, where massive alligators, colorful birds, and elusive panthers thrive in their natural habitat.

Expert guides share fascinating insights about this unique ecosystem, teaching patience and observation skills that resonate particularly well with young men learning to appreciate nature's complexity. The park's anhinga trail offers easy walking access to guaranteed wildlife viewing, while more adventurous families can explore by kayak through mangrove tunnels that feel like traveling back in time.

For fathers and teenage sons interested in conservation, the Everglades tells powerful stories about environmental protection and restoration efforts. The nearby Miccosukee Indian Village provides cultural education about the Seminole people who have called these wetlands home for centuries, adding historical depth to the natural experience.

Swim with Gentle Giants at Crystal River

Crystal River offers fathers and sons the rare opportunity to swim alongside wild manatees in their natural habitat during the official season from November 15 to March 31, creating unforgettable memories while learning about marine conservation. These gentle giants gather in the warm spring waters during cooler months, providing reliable wildlife encounters that feel truly magical for visitors of all ages.

Licensed tour operators ensure respectful interaction with these endangered marine mammals while teaching participants about manatee biology and conservation efforts. The new Three Sisters Springs visitor center, opened in 2023, provides enhanced educational experiences, though stricter in-water access limits now protect this critical manatee sanctuary. During peak sanctuary periods, kayaks and swimmers may be prohibited, with land-based boardwalk viewing as the primary option.

The crystal-clear spring water maintains a constant 72 degrees year-round, making swimming comfortable even during Florida's winter months. This experience often becomes a defining moment for young people, fostering lifelong appreciation for marine life protection. The surrounding Crystal River area offers additional adventures including kayaking through pristine spring systems, fishing for tarpon and snook, and exploring historic downtown districts that showcase old Florida charm.

Experience "Old Florida" at Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Springs State Park preserves authentic Florida wilderness that predates theme parks and development, offering fathers and sons glimpses of the state's natural heritage. The park's main spring produces 400 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily, creating perfect conditions for glass-bottom boat tours that reveal ancient limestone formations and diverse aquatic life.

The park's wildlife viewing opportunities rival any zoo, with wild alligators, manatees, turtles, and numerous bird species living in their natural environment. The historic Wakulla Springs Lodge, built in 1937, provides authentic Florida atmosphere where families can stay overnight in rooms that have hosted celebrities and dignitaries for decades. Note that the lodge's elevator is currently undergoing modernization, which may affect accessibility for guests with mobility needs.

Educational programs at Wakulla Springs teach visitors about Florida's geological history, explaining how underground rivers and limestone formations create the state's unique spring systems. The park's location near Tallahassee makes it an excellent stopover for families exploring Florida's capital region, where state history and natural wonder intersect.

Casting Lines and Maritime Memories in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys provide fathers and sons with world-class fishing opportunities in one of America's most unique destinations. This chain of tropical islands offers a diverse range of activities, from shallow-water flats fishing for bonefish and tarpon to deep-sea adventures targeting mahi-mahi and sailfish, catering to every skill level and age group.

Local fishing guides specialize in teaching young anglers the patience and technique required for successful Keys fishing, often sharing stories and local knowledge that span generations. The clear, warm waters make learning easier and more enjoyable, while the stunning scenery provides perfect backdrops for father-son bonding conversations.

Beyond fishing, the Keys offer snorkeling and diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, glass-bottom boat tours, and visits to unique attractions like the Ernest Hemingway House with its famous six-toed cats. For fathers and adult sons, the Keys' laid-back atmosphere and spectacular sunsets create perfect environments for meaningful conversations about life, goals, and family values.

Set Sail from South Florida: Everglades and Cruise Adventures

South Florida perfectly combines authentic wilderness experiences with luxury cruise adventures, creating ideal father-son itineraries. Start your journey with early morning Everglades airboat tours from Miami or Fort Lauderdale - like we did a few years ago with Wootens Airboats - experiencing Florida's wild side before boarding afternoon cruise departures to the Caribbean or Bahamas.

Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC cruise lines offer family-friendly departures from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, providing opportunities for fathers and sons to experience international travel together while enjoying shipboard activities like rock climbing walls, go-kart tracks, and educational programs. For fathers with adult sons (18+), Virgin Voyages offers adult-only cruise experiences departing from Miami, creating sophisticated environments perfect for meaningful conversations without the distractions of family-focused programming.

The cruise experience teaches young men about navigation, cultural exploration, and international travel while providing relaxation time for meaningful father-son conversations. Pre-cruise, explore South Beach's art deco architecture, visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, or take airboat tours through the Everglades. Post-cruise extensions might include snorkeling at Biscayne National Park or exploring the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys, extending the adventure beyond the typical cruise experience.

More Awesome Florida Father-Son Destinations

Here's a comprehensive list of additional Sunshine State gems perfect for fathers and sons seeking memorable adventures together:

• Dry Tortugas National Park – Ferry adventure to remote fort with world-class snorkeling and Civil War history
• Rainbow Springs and Blue Springs State Parks – Crystal-clear spring swimming, tubing, and manatee viewing combined
• Sanibel and Captiva Islands – World-famous shelling beaches with lighthouse tours and wildlife refuges
• St. Augustine Historic District – America's oldest city with Spanish colonial fort tours, ghost walks, and centuries of history
• Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring – Unique underground cavern snorkeling and cave diving experiences
• Weeki Wachee Springs – Historic mermaid shows and pristine river kayaking adventures
• Canaveral National Seashore and New Smyrna Beach – Undeveloped coastline perfect for surfing lessons and sea turtle nesting tours
• Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs – Freshwater tube floating and cave diving in North Florida's spring country
• Big Cypress National Preserve – Backcountry camping, wildlife photography, and Seminole cultural experiences
• Tampa's Busch Gardens and Adventure Island – Thrilling roller coasters combined with African wildlife experiences
• Punta Gorda Tarpon Fishing – World-renowned destination for catching "silver kings" with expert guides teaching techniques for landing these 100+ pound giants
• Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park – Walk-through wildlife encounters including black bears, bobcats, and manatees
• Blue Angels Practice at NAS Pensacola – Watch America's elite flight demonstration squadron practice their precision aerobatics during free public viewing sessions
• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – Wild bison and horse viewing plus hiking trails through diverse ecosystems
• Cedar Key Historic Seaport – Authentic fishing village with fresh seafood, kayak tours, and old Florida charm
• Apalachicola Bay Area – Oyster harvesting tours, historic lighthouse climbing, and pristine barrier island exploration
• Chassahowitzka, Homosassa River Systems, and Blue Springs – Manatee kayaking, boardwalk viewing, and fishing in pristine spring-fed rivers throughout the Nature Coast
• Blackwater River State Park – Some of the world's clearest rivers for canoeing, camping, and freshwater fishing
• Marathon and Key Largo – Dolphin encounters, coral reef snorkeling, and authentic Keys fishing experiences
• Myakka River State Park – Airboat tours, canopy walks, and wildlife viewing in South Florida's largest park

Your Florida Father-Son Adventure Awaits

Florida's incredible diversity ensures that every father-son duo can find experiences that match their interests, energy levels, and sense of adventure. From swimming with manatees in crystal-clear springs to launching rockets into space, the Sunshine State provides endless opportunities for learning, bonding, and creating memories that last a lifetime. With numerous world-class state parks, pristine springs, and coastal ecosystems, it's genuinely difficult to choose among so many exceptional outdoor destinations - each offering unique opportunities for father-son exploration and discovery.

The beauty of Florida father-son travel lies not just in its famous attractions, but in the countless moments of wonder that happen when you step off the beaten path - watching your son's amazement when a manatee surfaces beside your kayak, sharing excitement as a rocket thunders toward space, or feeling pride as he successfully lands his first tarpon in the Keys. These experiences don't just create vacation memories; they build confidence, foster environmental stewardship, and strengthen the bonds that will endure long after the teenage years have passed.

Sailing Club Unites People Through Learning and Shared Journeys

Sailing Club Unites People Through Learning and Shared Journeys

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A Hub of Community and Education at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC) is more than just a place for sailing enthusiasts. It serves as a vibrant community hub that fosters inclusivity, education, and civic engagement. While it may appear to be a traditional waterfront sailing center, the club has evolved into a space that welcomes people from all walks of life. Through a variety of programs and events, the CGSC goes beyond the dock to make a meaningful impact on the local community.

Hosting Community-Centered Activities

The club offers its facilities to recognized civic organizations, allowing them to use meeting rooms or other areas for their gatherings. This commitment to service extends to various groups, including city departments, firefighters, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and many others. These partnerships help strengthen the club’s role as a central gathering point for community activities.

All guest speaking events and seminars hosted by the CGSC are open to the public and free of charge. This accessibility ensures that anyone interested in learning more about sailing, safety, sustainability, or the local environment can participate without barriers.

Topics Covered in Educational Seminars

Over the years, the CGSC has organized a wide range of educational seminars and workshops. Some of the key topics include:

• Preserving the health of Biscayne Bay
• Invasive species like lionfish and their impact on marine ecosystems
• Sailing across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
• Safety checks for boat owners and essential provisions for safe sailing
• Practical skills such as splicing lines and CPR
• Updates on changes happening in Coconut Grove
• Lessons learned during a regatta from Newport to Bermuda
• Talks on classic boats, restoration stories, and boatbuilding
• Recycling efforts and keeping Biscayne Bay clean
• Hurricane preparedness for boaters
• Information on rising sea levels
• Protecting coral reefs
• Cleanup initiatives like Clarington Island Clean Up

These events aim to provide valuable knowledge and spark new interests among attendees.

The Importance of Knowledge and Community Engagement

Executive Director Lauren Simpson emphasizes the value of knowledge in empowering individuals. She believes that the seminars not only inform but also inspire people to take action. Whether it's learning a new skill, gaining a fresh perspective, or discovering a passion, the CGSC strives to create meaningful experiences for everyone who attends.

Simpson notes that events focused on safety and travel tend to draw the largest crowds. People are naturally curious about real-life sailing adventures and the challenges involved. These sessions offer practical insights that can be applied both on and off the water.

Free Wednesday Night Sailing Program

One of the club’s most popular initiatives is the free Wednesday night sailing program. Designed for the entire community, it welcomes both beginners and experienced sailors. No prior experience is required, making it an excellent opportunity for people to try sailing and discover a new hobby. Simpson highlights that many attendees have found a lifelong passion through this program.

Supporting Philanthropy and Youth Programs

The CGSC has long supported philanthropic efforts, particularly through its partnership with the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove. Together, they provide scholarships to children in the City of Miami. The club sets aside funds annually for this purpose and actively seeks additional support to expand its reach. Simpson explains that these opportunities help connect underprivileged youth with the water and foster a sense of belonging.

A Moment of Pride

Simpson recalls the Summer Camp as one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. With 80 to 85 children participating over nine weeks, the event is both challenging and fulfilling. Seeing the joy on the kids' faces and witnessing their growth makes it all worthwhile. She credits the instructional staff and members for their support, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the club.

A Warm and Inspiring Vibe

The atmosphere at the CGSC is consistently welcoming and inspiring. Events often feature fun themes, and members are eager to connect with newcomers. The club brings together people from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. For many, the CGSC is more than just a place to sail—it's a place where friendships are formed and lasting memories are made.

Beyond Sailing: A Sense of Belonging

When asked what the CGSC offers beyond sailing, Simpson often responds with "comradery." She describes it as a sense of belonging and connection that goes beyond the sport itself. While the club promotes sailing on Biscayne Bay, its true value lies in the relationships it builds and the opportunities it provides.

Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, Simpson hopes the CGSC will continue to grow its role in the community. She envisions expanding environmental protection efforts, promoting seamanship, and increasing awareness of Biscayne Bay. Additionally, the club remains committed to supporting underprivileged youth through scholarships and access to the water.

The CGSC continues to be a vital part of the Coconut Grove community, offering a unique blend of education, recreation, and civic engagement. Its mission is clear: to create a welcoming space where everyone can learn, grow, and connect.

24 Fun Ways to Keep Summer Learning Exciting and Beat the Summer Slide

24 Fun Ways to Keep Summer Learning Exciting and Beat the Summer Slide

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As the school year ends, it’s easy for kids to want to forget about school and learning but the loss of knowledge that comes from not being in school is real. Known as the summer slide , this academic loss can be prevented. There are plenty of ways to keep summer learning fun so kids stay engaged and don’t lose important knowledge.

24 Ways to Keep Summer Learning Fun to Prevent the Summer Slide

What is the Summer Slide?

Rather than one at a playground or a water park, the summer slide is when students can experience a decline in academic skills when not in school. It has consequences for both families and classrooms. After studying 800 American parents and 200 teachers, data from Prodigy Education showed that when learning was paused for summer, nearly half of students lost academic ground. Research from NWEA , a nonprofit providing educational assessments, found students can lose an average of 1-2 months of reading and math progress during summer months.

Prodigy Education data also revealed:

• 45% of their students showed noticeable summer learning loss after the break
• 80% of teachers had to reteach previous material
• 67% of teachers stated the need for reteaching disrupted planned lessons

Ways to Keep Summer Learning Fun

The best way to prevent the summer slide is to find ways to keep summer learning fun. Below are 24 different ideas that keep kids motivated to learn when they’re not in school.

Make a Summer Bucket List

Summer in our house was always a balance of structured and unstructured time. Weeks with camp provided structure and other weeks where my kids were home, time was less structured.

During these weeks, we found ways to keep summer learning fun by crossing things off our summer bucket list. We went on outings to museums, spent afternoons at the pool, or met up with friends. We engaged in cooking or gardening projects and took public transit to explore museums in nearby Washington, D.C .

Creating a bucket list, provides structure to your unstructured time. By making a bucket wish list with your kids, you’re setting summer goals to achieve together.

Even though my daughter will be a college senior next year, she’s home working at an in-state internship for the first summer since starting college. Even before her school year ended, she was texting me fun things she wanted to do this summer.

Using Apple Notes app , I created a shared note for us to add things via our iPhones. It’s full of museums to visit, performances to see, trips to take, and new restaurants to try before she heads back to school for her senior year. I honestly love that she had the idea of making a bucket list for this summer just like she always did as a kid!

Do Something Learning Related Every Day

Kids thrive on accomplishment. Having a simple goal of doing something learning related every day makes the achievement visible and celebrated.

“Children need that sense of progress and achievement,” David Smith, CEO of Silicon Valley High School explains. “Without regular academic milestones, parents need to create alternative ways for kids to feel successful and engaged.”

Goals could include:

• Going to the library to choose a new book
• Learning a new word in a different language
• Listening to an audio book
• Planting something in the garden and observing its growth
• Use gross motor skills to play at the playground with a friend
• Visiting an amusement park and talking about the physics of roller coasters
• Completing a puzzle. Try Completing the Puzzle , a sustainable puzzle subscription that combines fun, learning, and eco-conscious living in one monthly delivery. A subscription includes a return-and-swap model so families can enjoy new puzzles each month without the clutter!

Use Screen Time as Learning Time

According to a study by Prodigy , 3 in 4 teachers recommend an online education platform for summer learning. Rather than unlimited device access, Smith suggests creating specific windows for educational content, creative apps, or video calls with distant relatives.

Use apps to track books read, learn about physics, journal daily, or master a foreign language. Free websites can be used to create personalized study plans for summer work or engage in interactive learning through online quizzes.

Here are 11 apps and websites that serve as great ways to keep summer learning fun.

Apps:

• Keeping track of books read with the BookIt! app . Kids in grades K-6 can work towards monthly reading goals set by parents and earn a free pizza from Pizza Hut each month in June, July, and August when they meet them.
• Using Duolingo to learn new words in a different language. Duolingo streaks are a fun way to keep users motivated to keep learning throughout the summer.
• Discovering physics in the real world using the Playground Physics app from the New York Hall of Science. For example, kids can record motion they see on a playground and watch the paths. Older kids can apply physics learned through class and perform calculations.

Online tools and websites:

• Engaging AI learning tools like Brainly to help middle and high schoolers create a personal study plan for summer work and upcoming SAT and ACT tests
• Watching BrainPop animated videos to learn about any number of topics in the most fun way thanks to Tim and robot Moby
• Fostering language development through word puzzles like Wordle , Spelling Bee , and the New York Times Mini Crossword . My college-age daughter and her friends engage in daily NYT mini crossword battles to see who can finish the fastest!
• Digital journaling using the Journal app on iPhone which encourages kids to write daily
• Interactive Kahoot or Quizlet quizzes. Kids are used to using these tools in the for classroom learning but they can continue to be used at home during the summer to test knowledge.
• Challenging your child with coding through Code.org where projects can be completed in as little as 15 minutes or can be multi-step, multi-day projects depending on their age and interest.
• Helping your child understand current events in an age-appropriate way through The Juice . I love that articles in The Juice are written by journalists and educators so they’re short, interesting, about things going on in the world kids are hearing about and tailored to different grade levels. The Juice also has videos, infographics, quotes, and games that not only aid in comprehension but keep content fun and engaging.
• An Outschool class can be a great way to use screen time as learning time. There are thousands of fun and unique, interest-based classes on Outschool so it’s easy to find something fun, affordable, and engaging for every child in your family.

Get Creative and Learn Real-World STEM Concepts

Fostering creativity through crafting is one of the best ways to keep summer learning fun while teaching real-world STEM concepts in hands-on ways. These 5 tools that can inspire young makers this summer but please note that they require adult supervision.

Chompsaw from Chompshop

When my kids were younger, cardboard was their building material of choice because it presented endless possibilities. The only tricky part of building with it was cutting. Cardboard is too thick for normal scissors and depending on the age of your child and your comfort level, a box cutter isn’t always a great idea. Chompsaw by Chompshop to the rescue!

Unlike scissors or box cutters that fall short when crafting with cardboard, the ChompSaw features a rapid hole-punching mechanism that cuts through cardboard easily but poses no risk to little hands. Its built-in metal guard and lack of exposed spinning parts ensure that fingers, hair, and clothes remain safe, so kids can build freely and parents can rest easily. I wish this existed when my kids were younger! It would have opened up young engineers’ ability to design and build the coolest projects out of cardboard!

xTool F1 Ultra Dual Laser Engraver

There are many benefits of using laser cutters as teaching tools , such as empowering kids to create through hands-on-learning while inspiring future entrepreneurs. The xTool F1 Ultra Dual Laser Engraver can help kids develop a wide range of STEM skills along with ones in art and design. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning through hands-on laser cutting, engraving, and coding. As kids engineer prototypes to engrave wood, acrylic, leather, or metal, they learn about material science and how the properties of the materials respond to laser cutting and engraving

Cricut Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 is a smart cutting machine that writes, scores, engraves, foils, embosses, and more. It can cut over 300 different kinds of materials so it can be used for a wide variety of projects, like simple stickers and cards to more complex items like personalized apparel, wood decor, and even jewelry.

Kids start by brainstorming design ideas, drawing shapes using the Cricut Design Space software, and learning to translate their ideas into digital designs. Experimenting with colors, fonts, layouts, and different materials like vinyl, paper, cardstock, leather, and wood keeps interest high as create unique and personalized projects. Using different materials and tools teaches basic design principles like balance, contrast, and scale and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing designs come to life.

Cricut EasyPress 3

The Cricut EasyPress 3 is a heat press machine that can be used with a Cricut cutting machine to create various iron-on projects. Working with iron-on vinyl, applying the base materials, and using the EasyPress 3 to apply an even amount of heat requires dexterity and hand eye coordination. It also helps foster creative thinking, imagination, ability to follow instruction, organizational skills, patience, and concentration. Save $120 on the EasyPress 2 – 12×10 for $119. Valid through 6/30

Clawlab

Clawlab combines textile art and technology to elevate the tufting experience for seasoned textile artists and newbies alike. As tufting rises from niche craft to a celebrated medium of self-expression, especially among Gen Z and young creators, Clawlab’s Tufting Gun and Tufting Frame are functional and thoughtfully designed for modern makers. These products aim to inspire, empower, and streamline the tufting experience across art, fashion, and interior design by empowering creators and eliminating common frustrations in the tufting process.

If you’re looking for more ways to keep summer learning fun with STEM, the USA Science & Engineering Festival Lesson Plan Library features lesson plans for teachers and free videos for students wanting to learn more about science topics.

Samples were received to facilitate this post but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post.

The post 24 Ways to Keep Summer Learning Fun to Prevent the Summer Slide appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama .