Jenga, Connect 4, and Bean Bag Tosses may seem like games to some, but all require critical thinking/STEAM strategies employed by volunteer mentors and Summer Spark participants.
Reigniting opportunities to serve, learn and play are key components to the sessions and aspects that director of teaching and learning Taryn MIley and Summer Spark coordinator Kelly Kahmann emphasize as they plan sessions.
Springfield Local Schools introduced Summer Spark in 2021. The program provides students entering grades kindergarten through eight with engaging, experiential learning opportunities that challenge and entertain them.
District officials said getting the community involved is critical to the program’s success, and they expressed appreciation to sponsors from area churches who offered volunteers for all sessions over the nineweek period and to businesses that stepped up, underwriting elements of the teaching and learning, and providing rewards and prizes. In addition, sponsors supported Connecting Kids to Meals, which was on site at each session offering hot, nutritional meals for anyone 18 years and younger.
