Dallas ISD Talks Summer Camps And Enrichment Next Week

Students check out summer camps at last year’s Dallas ISD PREP U Discover Summer Resource Fair. This year’s fair will be held next Saturday, at Conrad High (photo courtesy Dallas ISD).

If you’re like most parents, June is looming large on your calendar. Choosing summer activities for a school-aged child can be a difficult needle to thread — there’s timing involved, financial commitments and well, your work schedule, too.

Dallas ISD began offering summer camp offerings — in addition to the usual summer school fare we’re all familiar with — a couple of years ago. All manner of STEM, art, and other activities are offered as way for students to not only get some enrichment activities in to help bridge over the summer, but also to help them find new interests and hobbies.

On Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Conrad High School, 7502 Fair Oaks Ave., the district will hold its PREP U Discover Summer Resource Fair, giving parents and students a chance to review all the options the district offers, and have a little fun, too.

“It allows parents to really take a glimpse into what the district offers when it comes to camps,” said Dallas ISD news and information director Robyn Harris. “And most of them are free or have very nominal fees involved.”

Harris said that this year, the district has also taken pains to look at gaps in what is offered to certain populations within its boundaries, including special needs students. “We’ve added some offerings with a special ed component — especially some camps for our students with autism or other needs like that,” she said.

“There was a real focus to boost up those types of camps this year.”

At next weekend’s fair, a variety of programs offered by the district and Dallas City of Learning will be featured. Exhibitors will be available to explain their programs and give a small taste of what their camp would be like. And in between, students can enjoy face painting and jumping in inflatables.

In addition, families can also get free blood pressure and glucose screenings, free immunizations for children two months to 18 years of age, free vision screenings; and free books and resources. The first 500 families will also get a special gift bag, and there will be chances to win an iPad or bike.

For more information about PREP U Discover Summer, call (972) 925-3916 or send an e-mail to [email protected].