Free Online Summer Learning Camp for Kids and Families

Author: National Center for Families Learning - Contact: Camp.Wonderopolis.org
Published: 2016/06/13
Topic: Recreation and Entertainment - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: National Center for Families Learning and Better World Books unveil new edition of Camp Wonderopolis learning website at Camp.Wonderopolis.org.

Introduction

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), with support from Better World Books, launched a new edition of Camp Wonderopolis(TM), the free online summer-learning destination, at Camp.Wonderopolis.org

Main Item

The virtual camp provides families with 42 interactive learning modules. Questions like "How Much Blood Is in Your Body?" and "Why Do Bananas Bruise?" come equipped with explanations, vocabulary words, and easy at-home experiments that allow for imaginative conversations and deeper exploration designed to improve background knowledge, reading comprehension, and vocabulary skills.

Online features such as collectible Wonder Cards(R), dashboards to track progress, digital diaries, and the Pinterest-style Wonder Wall attract and hold Campers' interest. Hands-on experiments, field trip suggestions, recommended reading lists, and low-cost Maker activities provide opportunities for children and families to extend their learning offline.

This year's theme of Camp Wonderopolis, Flex Your Wonder, explores real-world topics related to health and fitness, and aligns with the Collaborative Summer Library Program's summer reading theme of Wellness, Fitness, and Sports. Camp Wonderopolis also features a special track that explores the Olympics, connecting with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Since 2014, Camp Wonderopolis attracted more than 300,000 online users - resulting in 80,000 vocabulary words mastered and 33,000 informational text and vocabulary quizzes passed.

Libraries, schools, and community-based organizations across the country use Camp Wonderopolis in summer programming. New this year, libraries have contributed learning content for Camp online and to materials available for purchase called Campsite Kits.

To enhance Campers' experience, NCFL has created Campsite Kits available for purchase by families and programs. Youth and Family Kits are packed with recreational gear, learning tips, and fun ways for families to learn together. Program Kits provide online training and support materials to implement Camp Wonderopolis programming. Campsite Kits can be purchased at the newly launched Wonder Store, Store.Wonderopolis.org

Students, parents, and program staff can register to participate in Camp Wonderopolis for free at Camp.Wonderopolis.org

Each summer, NCFL creates a new edition of Camp Wonderopolis that remains available year round. Its evergreen content makes Camp Wonderopolis ideal for not only use during the summer months, but also afterschool programming, school breaks, and classroom instruction.

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating innovative programs and strategies that support families learning together, literacy, and family engagement in education. From the classroom to the community to the digital frontier, NCFL collaborates with educators, advocates, and policy-makers to help families construct hotspots for learning wherever they go. For more information on NCFL, visit www.familieslearning.org

Better World Books (www.BetterWorldBooks.com) is a for-profit social enterprise and a global e-retailer providing products and information to socially conscious consumers. Better World Books collects and sells new and used books online matching each purchase with a donation, book for book, and with each sale generating funds for literacy initiatives in the U.S. and around the world. Since its founding in 2003, the Mishawaka, Indiana-based company has raised more than $23 million for libraries and literacy, donated 20 million books; reused or recycled over 229 million books and achieved 54,000 tons of carbon offsets through carbon balanced shipping.