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Summer learning programs available for Flint area kids and families

Flint Area

Revitalizing the Education Continuum

Three boys sit at a table working on Lego projects.
Young people create designs with Lego blocks in Sloan Museum of Discovery’s makerspace. Photo: Courtesy of Sloan Museum of Discovery

Summer programs play a crucial role in fostering children’s development and well-being. They keep children engaged and safe, and they help to maintain academic progress made during the school year.

Preventing the “summer slide” — a term describing the loss of approximately two months of grade-level equivalency in math and reading skills — is essential for the long-term development of children’s learning abilities. Summer learning can play a significant role in mitigating this effect.

For nearly 100 years, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has supported organizations and agencies offering free and low-cost summer programs for children and families in Flint and Genesee County. Many of these programs emphasize academic success, personal development, and opportunities for physical activity and fun.

Here are some of the wonderful programs being offered this summer:

  • The Flint Public Library offers events including story time on the lawn, book clubs, podcast training, family yoga, urban beekeeping, “Thursdays with For-Mar” and family-friendly movies. Learn more about upcoming events.
  • University of Michigan-Flint Summer Camps offer enriching programs for K-12 students. Several camps hosted by UM-Flint faculty cater to young people aspiring to become nurses, tech innovators or vocal performers. In addition, the UM-Flint Early Childhood Development Center will host a Discovery Camp for students who will be entering first through third grades.
  • The Sloan Museum of Discovery provides engaging summer-long science and social studies experiences through 50 camps and workshops. Programs are organized by age groups, ranging from 4-year-olds to 12th graders. Learn more and register.
  • Throughout the summer, the Flint Institute of Music will offer music and dance lessons, ballet intensives, music therapy and camps for young musicians. View the catalog and register.
  • From June 24-Aug. 1, the Latinx Technology & Community Center will host a free summer camp from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. This year’s theme is “Travelers in Latin America.” Students will explore various Latin American countries and immerse themselves in each one’s culture, music, dance and cuisine. For more information and registration, call LTCC at 810-715-5050.
  • Interested in behind-the-scenes animal care or going on a nature quest? Genesee County Parks is offering youth programs every Wednesday from June 26-Aug. 28. See the Summer 2024 Parks Playbook for information about programs and special events that will be hosted at various parks across the county.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint offers a summer program that runs Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., from June 1-Aug. 16. Available through a free membership, the program offers daily activities focused on sports and fitness, arts and crafts, and mindfulness exercises. Participants also will have opportunities to attend field trips. Lunch and snacks will be provided for all program members. Learn more, including how to register.

In addition, our friends at the Ruth Mott Foundation offer Storytime at Applewood at 11:30 a.m. every Friday. Children and their families are invited to explore the world through books and fun activities. The events are free, and registration is not required. Learn more.

The Mott Foundation hopes the diverse and exciting activities available throughout Flint and Genesee County can help you plan a safe and fun summer for your children.