Learning, Laughter, and Opportunity All Summer Long

On a recent visit to Montclair Summer Fun Camp at Northeast Elementary School, a fourth grade Montclair Public Schools teacher joined a group of students for a spirited game of basketball on the blacktop. There were good moves and serious defense, plus lots of laughter.

Inside the gym, an MPS dance teacher was leading a zombie-inspired movement game. The kids were having a monstrous amount of fun. 

On the same day at the Summer Sports Camp at Watchung Elementary School, MPS coaches rallied students in a bowling game involving hula hoops and rubber cones. It’s likely the kids’ cheers could be heard over at Central Office. 

Meanwhile, at Hillside elementary school, students took part in a figure-drawing exercise with live models, led by MPS art teachers as part of the Art-O-Rama camp. 

These are snapshots of what makes the MPS summer enrichment camps, serving hundreds of students in kindergarten through eighth grade, so special: joyful learning, caring educators, and opportunities for students to explore, play, and connect. Days are filled with arts and crafts, books and games, outdoor play, visits to the Mountainside and Nishuane pools, themed activities, and hands-on learning.

Watch this video for some of the fun!

MFEE believes every student deserves an excellent education—and an enriching summer, too. That's why the organization proudly funded 60 camp scholarships this year for students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

“Summer camp scholarships are crucial because they bridge the financial gap for low-income families, ensuring that all children, regardless of economic status, can access programs that foster summer enrichment experiences,” said Valerie Hampton, coordinator of the MPS summer enrichment camps. “The children have been joyful and engaged throughout the summer as they’ve created meaningful camp memories.” 

One parent shared: “I just want to thank you for the opportunity that you gave [my child] to attend summer camp. Today was his first day, and he was so excited. He is especially excited to be able to go to the pool!”

Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director, knows first-hand how wonderful these camps are. Her now-grown children attended when they were students in the Montclair schools. 

“I’m so happy MFEE is able to give more Montclair kids a fun-filled week of growth and discovery. That spirit is at the heart of our mission–to make sure every student has equitable access to enriching experiences.”

Thank you to the amazing teachers who make summer learning come alive. If you'd like to help more students access these opportunities, please donate to MFEE to support summer scholarships.