Weekly Media Roundup: June 10, 2020

Total Trek Quest Announces New Virtual Summer Program, ABC 13 (Michigan)

Total Trek Quest engages boys in third through fifth grades in Grand Rapids, Michigan with afterschool programming focused on goal setting, social-emotional learning, physical activity and health education. This summer, Total Trek Quest is hosting a two-month-long virtual summer learning program to help students stay engaged and healthy while social distancing. The program will feature weekly support forums, experiential social-emotional learning activities, and live and recorded runs. It will culminate in a virtual 5k. “In this time of physical distancing and potential isolation, it’s that much more important we connect with our youth and provide them and their families [with] an outlet for movement, learning and fun,” Leigh Moerdyke, prevention and advocacy program director at Arbor Circle, which developed the summer program for Total Trek Quest, told ABC 13.

County Schools to Offer Summer Programs for Students, The News Courier (Alabama)

Thanks to 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding, students in Limestone County, Alabama will benefit from a robust summer learning program in July. The program is taking extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic including regular temperature screenings, smaller class sizes and social distancing. Students will learn about technology, science, reading, art, ballet and more. “Limestone County Schools is working with area museums and organizations to bring field trips to the school instead of students traveling like they would during non-pandemic summers,” the News Courier reported.

Virtual Summer School Programs a Boon for Kids, Tahlequah Daily Press (Oklahoma)

This summer, students in Tahlequah, Oklahoma are learning to crochet, cooking health meals, exercising, making art, and more in virtual summer programs funded by 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants. The programs have been distributing packets with supplies for activities along with meals at school sites. “We have had a drive-thru line the last three days handing out summer school art supply materials to families,” Keys Public Schools Superintendent Vol Woods told the Tahlequah Daily Press. “The teachers have been making videos for our virtual summer school, and the community's response has been great.”

Camp Fire of Walla Walla Adapts and Continues Through Pandemic, Union Bulletin (Washington)

While in-person programming is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Camp Fire of Walla Walla in Washington has been reaching students and families with virtual programming based on a different theme each week. The virtual program is based on a “Thriveology” mindset, which encourages mental wellbeing and stress reduction. Activities have included making slime, answering trivia questions, sharing ideas for self-care and more. “I really want to recognize my staff. They’ve been patient, [providing] help whenever and wherever it’s needed,” Executive Director Shawniene Bingham told the Union Bulletin.