Bilingual summer camp boosts academics, cultural connections

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) was thrilled to expand its vibrant summer program, welcoming even more elementary school students eager to dive into a bicultural and bilingual experience.  

This summer marked the third year of Oruguitas de Verano (Summer Caterpillars) – and it was the most magical yet! The program, which ran July 7 - 25, offered bilingual exposure for 31 students entering Kindergarten through fifth grade. Each day was packed with exciting activities, with instruction in both English and Spanish, helping every child take flight in a second language.

The program was led by certified teachers including Montclair parent and reading specialist Jennifer Chaladoff, retired Montclair High School science teacher Susan Eckert, and Edgemont Elementary School teacher Jacquie Antinoro. Additionally, it blended the energy and expertise of MFEE after-school programming staff Jennifer Contreras and Rosario Tula, with the enthusiasm of Montclair High School and college volunteer tutors. Together, they created a joyful, nurturing space where learning blossomed over three unforgettable weeks.

It boosted literacy and English-Language Arts skills essential to students’ academic success, through activities including vocabulary, phonics and creative writing. For example, on a recent day students were busy making story cubes and learning about characters and story arcs. At another learning station, students engaged in hands-on science experiments. 

“We had the perfect setting for an outdoor classroom—The Avis-Campbell Garden,” Eckert said. “The children learned how to ID different bees, birds, many insects, and developed green thumbs by growing their own bean plant from seed. Their enthusiastic expressions of wonder and joy echoed every day throughout the garden and the Learning Center. And I was learning right along with them!” 

Antinoro added: “It was an honor, privilege and pleasure to work with MFEE and Oruguitas this summer. It’s always so rewarding as a teacher to be presented with a new group of students. My groups at Oruguitas were so happy to be there and enthusiastic about learning! It was great fun to see them engaging and preparing for the upcoming school year.” 

Students also enjoyed art and movement lessons, including Salsa and Merengue dances, and creating Frida Kahlo-inspired self-portraits. 

“I will tell you what I really loved - how genuinely warm and kind all of [the] counselors are and the happy vibes from the kids,” one parent told MFEE. “It showed my girls the true essence of our Latin culture—be loving and good to others and that happiness is contagious!” 

Each week culminated with a field trip to a local institution, including the Montclair Art Museum, Montclair Film, Lackawanna Station, and the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. Check out the video above for a glimpse of the action.

“What truly made this summer special were the connections,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “We watched children laugh, learn, and lean into new friendships—using language to connect and grow. We are deeply grateful to all of our supporters who make summer Oruguitas possible—thank you for helping us build a community where every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.”

MFEE’s summer sessions are truly a community effort. Volunteer drivers help transport students to and from our learning center each day, and Toni’s Kitchen provides healthy lunches and snacks for the children.   

MFEE is also hosting two summer programs aimed at teens. Matléticos, running now through Aug. 14, is a bilingual math program focused on supporting students in middle school math, Algebra I and II, and geometry. And new this year, MFEE is collaborating with Vanguard Theater Company, from Aug. 4 - 22, on a program that focuses on writing and the performing arts. 

In keeping with its mission to remove barriers to learning and create equitable access for all Montclair students, MFEE serves 125 families and 150 children through the Navegadores Escolares program, helping them navigate the Montclair Public Schools, and provides after-school tutoring through our Oruguitas and Entrenadores Escolares programs during the school year. Donations to support this work are greatly appreciated.