NEGAUNEE — A local organization helps kids stay sharp over the summer and retain what have learned last school year.

The Hop the Gap program at the Negaunee YMCA is a free week long camp for kids ages four to five. YMCA representatives say that studies show that after the summer kids could start to lose up to two months of things they have already learned. Instructors focus on literacy, math, science and social skills to prepare them for the upcoming school year.

YMCA West End Leader, Rachel Berglund says, “They’re going to be doing on science experiments, they’re going to be learning math skills, they’re going to be doing literacy, working on their alphabet, fine motor, gross motor, and they’re going to tour the library across the street and get introduced to the Negaunee Library as well and lots of fun outdoor activities.”

Kids don’t just sit in classroom though, they get to participate in physical activities and outdoor fun. They even get a free healthy snack to help learn about nutrition and give them energy for the day. Berglund says she thinks it’s a way to get kids ready for school in a fun, day–camp sort of way. The program is every morning this week from nine to noon until Friday.

For more information about Hop the Gap click here.

To find out how to participate click here.