Summer Camp 2022

This morning Spring Forward welcomed more than 600 children to summer enrichment camps at eleven elementary schools in Rock Island, Milan and East Moline.

The five-week camps are offered for students first through sixth grade, led by a team of teachers, camp counselors, social workers, and supported by community-based organizations and Read United volunteers.  

Part of the camp’s goal is to fill in the learning gaps and equip children with new skills when they head back to school. Children typically lose some academic skills during the summer, but the pandemic created an even greater need for summer learning. "Summer learning programs have always been important for our students but in the last couple of years, they have become essential. Quality summer learning and enrichment programs are key to recovering from the pandemic," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

Spring Forward has offered camps since 2016 and understands that a combination of academics with fun and engaging activities is the foundation of any effective summer learning program.  Camp days combine academic support with enrichment activities that keep students excited to come back. The Monday – Thursday schedule includes math and reading in the morning led by teachers, with support from more than 60 Read United volunteers. Afternoons are filled with games and activities led by more than thirty community-based organizations.

Fridays are for field trips.

This year Spring Forward campers will explore destinations throughout the Quad Cities’ region, including  the Putnam Museum, Figge Art Museum, Bettendorf Family Museum, Maquoketa Caves, Camp Abe Lincoln, White Water Junction, Niabi Zoo, QC Botanical Center, Circa 21, QCCA Wetlands, and Nahant Marsh Education Center.

Rock Island- Milan School District teacher Christine McDonald, who is working at Thomas Jefferson Elementary this summer, also helped shape the curriculum when the program started.

“It’s been great to see the academic outcomes. Every year, more than 90% of campers maintain or gain in reading levels over the summer,” said Christine.

“It’s also exciting to see how many partners come in and the field trips that are planned.” Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning in the Rock Island-Milan School District, Dr. Kathy Ruggeberg, celebrates the strong partnership between the school district and Spring Forward. “Spring Forward and the Rock Island Milan School Distirct work very closely to align programs. The strong partnership between Spring Forward and RIMSD staff is key to continued success. We meet on a regular basis to review and refine our work as partners. This enhances the success for each and every student in the program.”

Spring Forward’s 2022 camp theme is “Be the Light” in memory of former Ascentra Credit Union CEO Dale Owen. Dale was a champion of summer learning and inspired all to get involved and pay it forward, leaving us with a simple message of inspiration to “Be the Light”.

The “Be the Light” message will be shared throughout the summer with staff, campers, and families. The logo and message will be weaved into camp activities, pay it forward inspiration shared in family newsletters, and on Spring Forward’s Facebook page.

National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) Exec Director Aaron Dworkin said, 

"The need for summer learning and enrichment opportunities has never been greater and Spring Forward has a proven model that has buy-in and results. Every young person should have access to a quality summer learning experience that helps them learn, grow and thrive – not only in school, but in life.”

Camps are made possible through American Rescue Plan (ARP) provided by the Rock Island Island-Milan School District, a lead gift from the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, a memorial gift from the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation, and other private support. Meals are provided by Two Rivers YMCA’s Nourish program.