Yuma parents can sign children up for free summer camps

FOX 9's Adam Klepp spoke with the AZ On Track Director about how the state is trying to tackle pandemic learning loss

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Thanks to a 100 million dollar grant from the State Government, families across Arizona will be able to enroll their children in free eight-week camps this summer.

“We would love to see about 25% of students, which is about 250 thousand kids in camp,” Lisa Graham Keegan said.

Graham Keegan is the director of the initiative coming from the Governor’s office as the state tries to catch kids up in school.

She says due to virtual learning, many students across the state fell behind, academically and socially.

"What we know about learning loss is that it has been extreme, kids could have lost anywhere from 8 months to 2 years of learning.” Graham Keegan said.

One of the AZ on Track Summer Camps is going to be held at the Yuma Family YMCA and the director says the demand for the program is already through the roof.

"We’re at 100 students for 3 or 4 of the weeks, but we do have openings still,” Annie Clary said.

While the 'Y' is planning on a lot of fun activities for students, they will also be getting back to basics in the classroom.

“Enforcing that math, the reading skills, making sure students are going to be ready for the next school year," Clary said.

With the registration deadline for camp locations approachin on April 18th, teachers will also need to be hired for the camps.

"Teachers are exhausted, they probably need a nap. But they are coming back to teach this camp. And we’re so grateful, so we really want them to be paid well for that,” Graham Keegan said,

Clary says local teachers can apply on their website and even expect a raise.

"The governor has announced there will be pay incentives, for certified teachers to come and work with us this summer,” Clary said.

You can follow this link for a full list of camps available in Yuma.