Fairview Lake YMCA Camps Launches New Summer Camp Program for Kids with Dyslexia

By: Mollie Shauger | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | Summer Camp

Girl lying on the grass, reading a book. Credit: iStock

NEWTON, NJ - Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is offering a new summer camp program this year to help students with dyslexia boost their reading skills. B.E.A.R. Camp, which stands for Bringing Enjoyment to All Readers, is geared specifically toward middle and high-school aged children with dyslexia who are below grade level in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and oral reading fluency. The camp will run June 26 through July 7, 2023 in conjunction with the Y’s Lake in the Woods sleepaway camp at Blair Academy in Blairstown. 

“After last year’s successful pilot program, we are thrilled to open this program to a larger population and reach more kids who want to attend camp but also need that extra academic support. Campers get to use the modern instructional resources that Blair Academy provides while also experiencing the incredible social, emotional, and health benefits of summer camp,” said Marc Koch, Executive Director at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps.

The program is designed for students entering grades 6-11 who are reading at a level between grades 4-7. The program uses New Century Noah Text Lessons for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Participants should have an Individualized Education Plan for reading difficulties and suspected dyslexia. Those who have been diagnosed should supply a neuropsych report for review.

B.E.A.R. Camp is fully integrated into the schedule of Lake in the Woods. During a typical day at camp, students use the state-of-the-art computer labs and classrooms for instruction and tutoring in the morning and then join the other campers for lunch and afternoon programs like swimming, archery, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Evening activities include all camp games, special events, and campfires. Campers stay on campus during the week and go home on the weekends. Transportation and weekend-holdover options are available.

Research has shown that high-quality, engaging programs like summer camp can help prevent summer learning loss or what’s known as the “summer slide,” when students regress in the skills and knowledge gained during the school year. For students who experience learning difficulties or disabilities, the risk of learning loss can be even greater.

Fairview Lake ran a pilot program in 2022 and all participants showed improvement in their reading skills, with one student moving from a third to seventh grade reading level in just two weeks. The participants also gained confidence that lasted into the school year and allowed them to improve in other aspects of their education. Some of the key outcomes were improved ability to read out loud in front of peers; improved overall comprehension, improved vocabulary, and found confidence and enjoyment in reading.

For more information about the program or to enroll, visit fairviewlakeymca.org or call 973-383-9282.

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About the Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston, New Milford, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.