Sunshine, STEM, and Second Chances: Summer at Phelps

As another school year comes to a close, Phelps Helps is shifting gears from its regular programming to a full schedule of summer opportunities designed to keep local youth learning, growing, and connected throughout the break.

Supporting Academic Growth Through Second Chance

One of the cornerstone programs of the summer is Second Chance, which runs throughout the month of July.

The program is designed to combat the "summer slide"—the learning loss that can occur when students are away from the classroom for extended periods of time. Research has shown that students can lose some of the academic progress they made during the school year if they do not continue practicing key skills over the summer months.

Second Chance helps students stay on track by providing individualized, one-on-one tutoring sessions with trained staff and volunteers. Each tutoring plan is developed with teachers' support and tailored to the student's specific needs—whether they are working to catch up to their peers, strengthen problem areas, build confidence in a subject, or prepare for exam retakes.

The program ensures that students return to school in the fall feeling prepared and ready to succeed.

Exploring STEM Through Summer Discovery

In August, the focus shifts to exploration and discovery with Phelps' free STEM Day Camp.

This year's theme is Zoology, giving participants the opportunity to learn about careers involving animals and the natural world through hands-on activities, experiments, outdoor adventures, and STEM challenges.

The camp combines educational experiences with plenty of summer fun, helping children stay engaged while school is out.

The camp also serves as an important employment opportunity for local youth.

This year, ten young people will gain valuable work experience as camp animators. Through specialized training and mentorship, these youth develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while making a positive impact on younger participants.

A Safe and Welcoming Space All Summer Long

Meanwhile, the Phelps Youth Club remains active throughout the summer.

Friday programming continues to provide a welcoming space where young people can spend time with friends, play games and sports, watch movies, participate in activities, and simply enjoy a safe place to belong during the summer months.

Reducing Barriers and Supporting Equity for Youth

Like all Phelps programs, these summer initiatives play an important role in ensuring that local youth have equitable access to opportunities that support their academic, social, and emotional development.

In a rural community where access to services, transportation, and affordable programming can be limited, these programs help remove barriers to participation while providing nutritious food, positive mentorship, and meaningful experiences.

By investing in young people during the summer months, these initiatives help strengthen not only individual outcomes but the health and vitality of the community as a whole.

Community Support That Makes It Possible

These programs are made possible through the support of numerous funders and community partners.

This year, the Canada Summer Jobs Program has played a particularly important role by enabling Phelps to hire three summer employees to help coordinate and deliver these initiatives.

Programs like Canada Summer Jobs not only make summer programming financially possible, but also bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the organization. The energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of young employees help strengthen programs while providing valuable work experience that benefits the broader community.

More Than a Summer Program

Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout the summer for more exciting updates and community events!

This includes the return of our Stanstead Home Run Tournament in July, which is expanding this year to include a full Family Day of activities in partnership with local organizations, as well as two special youth games in addition to our traditional ten-team tournament.

We’ll also be launching our annual Worth Reading s

ocial media campaign, featuring local community members sharing their favourite summer reads. This year’s theme: Epic Outdoor Adventures!

While school may be out for the summer, learning, growth, and friendship continue at Phelps through programs that help youth explore new interests, develop confidence, and stay connected to their community.