Kids are splashing away at the kinesiology pool at Boise State University while participating in the annual Summer Academy. This is the 17th year students have had the opportunity to improve swimming skills, learn about environmental awareness and technology. Nearly 70 students in grades 2-9 are participating this year. The camp is facilitated by the Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies, in the College of Education at Boise State University.

“This camp is an affordable way for kids to have fun in the summer and we provide a way for kids to have structure,” said Scott Willison, director of the Summer Academy. “We engage the academic side of things and also the fun side of being a kid.”

Students get the chance to learn computer skills, and engage in outdoor activities, including swimming and biking.

“We have no movies, TV’s or cell phones – we are just having a fun time and learning,” Willison said.

Swim lessons and coding on the computer has been the best part for Hector Price, a sixth grader at Shadow Hills Elementary School.

“I enjoy learning about the different swimming strokes,” Price said. “I have gotten to do a lot of fun activities while making a lot of new friends.”

Note: Idaho Education News is housed at Boise State University under the Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies.