A decade or two ago, it would have seemed absurd for a child to want to spend their summer in school. Summer school was a place children dreaded going because it often meant sitting through a regular school day when they could be out enjoying the sunshine.

Nowadays schools are trying to encourage students to extend their education in to the summer. Cameron Middle School, for example, provides a summer school program called Summer Journey. “Summer Journey is the opportunity for students to extend the learning that takes place during the school year,” says Coordinator Mrs. Thogmartin. Mrs. Thogmartin is also the sixth grade reading teacher at CMS.

Summer Journey, while educational, is not a typical school environment. Mrs. Thogmartin explains, “It is a hands-on, exciting, fun way for students to engage in academics. Students are also usually excited to hear that there is no homework involved!”

Summer Journey also differs from traditional school because students are rewarded not with good grades, but with prizes. “There are also many incentives offered to students such as a $100 bonus for perfect attendance, plus the chance to win a Wii entertainment system. There are also prizes given randomly during Summer Journey. Some of the prizes in the past have been iPods, Stereo systems, camping equipment, DVD players, and much more,” says Mrs. Thogmartin.

While Summer Journey offers courses in core classes such as Communication Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, Mrs. Thogmartin, says, “The material taught is presented in themed style classes that give a new spin to the learning process.”

Summer Journey is June 2-July 3, but registration forms must be turned in no later than March 27. Parents looking for ways to keep their child off the couch this summer will be pleased to hear Summer Journey is a free program. "Breakfast and lunch are also served at the same price as the regular school year,” Mrs. Thogmartin says.

Mrs. Thogmartin truly believes middle school students will enjoy their experience at Summer Journey. “Students who sign-up will have a great time learning and being with their friends,” she says.

Parents who are considering enrolling their students in summer school will also be pleased with the program. “Students are provided a safe, fun, and enriching experience,” Mrs. Thogmartin says. “Parents will enjoy the satisfaction that their students are learning and having fun.”

For more information, contact the CMS office at 632-2185.