Summer Learning Program

What is the Summer Learning Program?

The Summer Learning Program (SLP) engages K-12 students from afterschool programs and community organizations which offer programming specifically for disadvantaged student populations during the summer months. Students have the opportunity to visit a participating California state park for a day or overnight immersive program exploring the outdoors and cultural and natural resources of the park. 

Ide Adobe programThe stimulating interpretive programs and activities that are presented in the SLP help the students advance academically and physically. These programs introduce them to the excitement of being in natural environments and cultural settings. Students also come away with insights and appreciation for their important role as stewards of the environment. For many of the students, these programs provide them with their first experience outside of an urban setting.

The California State Parks Summer Learning Program is a good model for other programs that address this gap. The annual reports give information on the groups, locations, activities, successes, and challenges of the year's Summer Learning Program. The 2019 final report is currently available. 

 

 

Parks which host or have hosted Summer Learning Programs:camping at San Clemente

  • Mount Tamalpais State Park
  • Shasta State Historic Park
  • Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
  • William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
  • Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
  • San Clemente State Park
  • Fort Tejon State Historic Park
  • Caswell Memorial State Park
  • Olompali State Historic Park

 

Past participating parks:bird watching on Lake Perris

  • China Camp State Historic Park
  • Lake Perris State Recreation Area
  • California Citrus State Historic Park
  • South Carlbad State Beach
  • Henry Coe State Park
  • Samuel P. Taylor State Park
  • Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

 

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, some parks have had to discontinue their Summer Learning Programs for a couple of years. Some of these parks are hoping to renew their programs in summer of 2023.