Summer Camp

80% of M.A.S.T.R. Kids avoid the summer slide

During the summer months, students typically lose 8 to 12 weeks of learning, unless they are provided with academic enrichment. Summer learning loss disproportionately impacts children in at-risk communities like South St. Petersburg. Our primary goal, during the summer, is to help students avoid this learning loss. Instead, we promote continued learning which helps students to close the achievement gap. In fact, during each summer since 2016, 80% of M.A.ST.R. Kids students avoided the summer slide. 63% of Students attending the M.A.S.T.R. Kids Summer Program in 2019 posted gains in Reading, 56% posted gains in Math.

Have a look at this video to understand the potential impact this has on students over time.

Students engage in a full day of broad ranging activities. Mornings, after breakfast, are designed to provide instruction in reading, math and STEM that meets students where they are. Each student attends Reading, Math, Intervention and STEM classes. In addition, some have small group and/or one on one sessions with teachers to target specific skill areas. Afternoons are loaded with fun arts and technology classes, visits to community museums, zoo or other community sites of interest. There is swimming every week and a field trip on most Fridays.

6 Ways Summer Day Camps Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Just because summer is a break from school, it doesn’t have to be a break from learning. By signing your child up for a summer day camp, you can give them a chance to immerse themselves in an activity that interests them, while keeping their brain engaged. This blog post on the site of the Whitby School offers great insight as to the importance of academic enrichment during the summer out-of-school time period.

Camp FAQ’s

Where is the summer camp held?

Our summer camps are held at:

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church – 3300 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Johns Hopkins Middle School – 701 16th St S, Building 7 St. Petersburg, FL 33705

What age range do you serve?

Your child must be 5 years old as of the first day they begin the program. We have programs for students who will enter Kindergarten in August through those in 10th grade.

What grades are eligible to attend?

We serve students K-8th grade with a focus on struggling readers living in South St. Petersburg.

What is the daily M.A.S.T.R. Kids Summer Schedule?

7:00am to 8:00am – Drop-off, Breakfast, Manipulatives (Board Games, Puzzles, etc.)
8:30am to 1:00pm – Rotate between four academic classes; one snack break
1:00 to 2:00 – Lunch and Outdoor Play
2:00 to 5:00 – Rotate among arts and tech enrichment classes
Wednesdays – Swimming is a big part of our summer program. We strive to have our students swim daily. Schedule will vary depending upon the availability of instructors with St. Pete Parks and Recreation.
Fridays –Half day or full day field trips

What ages are eligible to participate?

We accept students who will be attending Kindergarten through 8th grade the following fall. Typically 5 years to 14 years of age.

Isn’t this too much “school?” Why should child have so much “school” in the summer?

We find that our students are eager to attend the M.A.S.T.R. Kids Program. It’s a very different experience than “school” so they don’t think of it that way. They often describe the program as “Camp.” There is plenty of time for students to play and engage with friends. There are lots of creative and physical activities that stretch and grow students in different ways.

What is the cost of the program?

The REAL COST of the M.A.S.T.R. Kids Summer Program is approximately $3,500 per student. We understand that families in our community are not able to pay this type of fee for their students to attend. We normally ask parents to pay $200 per child for the summer program. For 2023, we are excited to announce a partnership with United Way Suncoast that allows us to offer the following substantially reduced fees:

$25 for one child
$50 for two children from one family
$75 for three children or more from one family

Do I have to pay all at once or can I pay the fee over time?

We try very hard to accommodate the needs of ALL families. We ask that fees are completely paid in full no later than the first day of camp. If you have concerns about being able to pay the fee, please reach out to us via email or phone 727-490-8687.

Are scholarships available to families who cannot afford to pay?

Scholarships are available, both full and partial, based upon proven need. Please contact us either via email bridgette.heller@sppf.org or phone 727-490-8687.

What if my child does not swim? Or does not want to swim?

64% of African American children cannot swim as compared to only 40% of caucasian children. We believe swimming is a life skill, especially for Florida residents. We provide swimming lessons for those who cannot swim. We do ask that all children swim as scheduled unless there is a physical disability or doctor’s orders which prevent them from doing so.