Supporting Out-of-School programs with the tools to succeed
PROGRAMS FOR SUCCESS
Research shows that children and youth learn best through a variety of activities and experiences. OST funded organizations are required to include recreational and educational activities, as well as cultural and intercultural experiences when planning their summer program.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Physical and recreational activity improves the participation, engagement, and development of children and youth academically, socially, physically, and mentally. Learning through recreation provides children and youth with transferable skills they can use in other contexts including home and school. Organizations that receive OST funding are encouraged to include a variety of physical and recreational activities in their summer program.
These activities resulted in children and youth:
- Experiencing new places
- Learning a new game/skill
- Increasing their fitness level
- Learning to be part of a team
- Enjoying being outdoors
- Making new friends
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Bridging the learning gap over the summer is critical to ensure that children and youth will start school in the fall ready to learn. Programs are encouraged to include academic activities to strengthen skills in math, science, and literacy over the summer. Programs are designed to provide fun, engaging, interactive, and safe learning environments.
These activities resulted in children and youth:
- Gaining knowledge on many different topics
- Developing new skills
- Participating in new activities that created a new interest/hobby
- Strengthening skills that can be used at school and at home
- Developing strong relationships and relationship building skills
- Learning to work as part of a team
BENEFITS TO ENGAGING WITH
THE OST COMMUNITY
Summer OST programs are encouraged to connect with other non-profit organizations, businesses, community agencies, and schools in order to improve their programs. By partnering with different organizations, summer programs reported they were better able to:
Enhance their program and improve outcomes for the children, youth, and families
Access appropriate space for all program activities
Learn from one another by sharing experiences and resources
Provide food/snacks during their program
Have guest speakers provide learning opportunities for children and youth
Find new and interesting field trip locations
GET IN ON TRAINING AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Running a program takes significant work and planning, and we know organizations and groups face many challenges including training and funding. Join our mailing list to learn about opportunities that are available to you through OST:
Sofia Alani, OST Project Manager
[email protected]
Brandy Basisty, OST Project Coordinator
[email protected]