YMCA of Greater Brandywine and Kennett Consolidated School District Team Up to Address Challenges Students Face due to pandemic with 2021 Summer Academy

Kennett Square, PA – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of eight YMCA branches across Chester County, and the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) have teamed up to address the many challenges students are facing after months of isolation and virtual learning due to the pandemic. According to a recent report from McKinsey and Company, students have likely suffered up to nine months of learning loss. 

“We all know the pandemic has taken a toll, but at the YMCA, we’re excited to see our community beginning to emerge as more people are vaccinated. We’re thrilled to partner with KCSD and leverage the strengths of our organizations to help the children in our community begin to thrive again, while having a safe and fun-filled summer,” said Denise Day, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. 

Summer Academy Program

This summer, YGBW and KCSD are providing a fully funded program, known as Summer Academy, that will serve up to 300 students entering first through sixth grades. Summer Academy, which will be offered four full days per week for five weeks, will help students advance their academic achievement through small group activities, hands-on enrichment, service projects and more.

KCSD is providing transportation for students, whose day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with three hours of academic instruction led by KCSD. Next, they will enjoy lunch provided by KCSD. Their afternoon will be devoted to a myriad of activities developed and facilitated by the Kennett Area YMCA team—fitness, science and nature, arts and crafts, games, and more—providing the social enrichment and physical activity kids need. Each week will also provide a different theme such as the Wild West Frontier, A Pirate’s Life and Superheroes to ensure the kids have some much-needed fun!

After camp care from 3:30-6:00 PM, as well as care on Fridays, is available at YMCA Camp Kennett, for a small fee. Financial assistance is available to those who are in need thanks to many generous donors. Friday programming will include swimming and traditional camp activities.

For more information, contact the Kennett Consolidated School District.

How You Can Help

Camp counselors are currently being hired to support the social and emotional development of the students in the program. Visit https://ymcagbw.org/careers to apply. Starting rate is $12 per hour. Additionally, financial contributions are being solicited to help support students who want to attend the enrichment program on Friday. For more information, contact Mission Advancement or 610-643-9622, ext. 2153.

About the YMCA of Greater Brandywine

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of eight YMCAs including the Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, Octorara YMCA Program Center, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA is a leading non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Chester County community. We strive to nurture the potential of every child, promote healthy living and foster social responsibility through life-changing programs for all. YGBW raises funds to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the standard rates. To learn more, visit www.ymcagbw.org.

About the Kennett Consolidated School District

The Kennett Consolidated School District provides a quality education that increases the achievement of every student in order for all to become successful and thoughtful contributors to society. Visit www.kcsd.org to learn more.