• The 2011 Summer Dreamers Academy enrolled over 5,400 K-8th grade campers, and offered an engaging program of academics, activities, and special events such as book fairs and field trips. Check out some of the great work that our campers did at http://summerdreamers.org/, and click here to check out some photos of all the fun we had at camp!
• Program wide, campers participated in 63 unique activities facilitated by 38 community organizations. Activities covered a variety of subjects including creative and performing arts, music, physical fitness, health and nutrition, engineering, design, and more!
• Nearly 600 staff members helped campers at our 14 program sites to work hard, have fun, and be nice!

History and Background of the Summer Dreamers Academy

The Summer Dreamers Academy is a free, premier camp launched by the Pittsburgh Public Schools in July 2010 to engage students in learning and fun during the summer months. The first Summer Dreamers Academy was limited to rising 6th – 8th grade students in the District. An average of 1,200 campers participated – surpassing the previous year's summer program by 400%. Pittsburgh Public Schools proudly built on the success of the first summer and expanded the Summer Dreamers Academy to include all current K-8 students in the District for summer 2011.

Summer Dreamers Academy campers spend 5 weeks with friends, reading great books and participating in unique, fun activities. A fast-paced literacy block is designed to include fascinating literacy-based projects that support and challenge campers in the areas that will benefit them the most. High-caliber activities are provided through partnerships with some of the best organizations the city of Pittsburgh has to offer. During the registration process, middle grade campers have the opportunity to choose their activities from a wide variety of options. Exploratory excursions, guest speakers, book fairs, and visits from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are also part of the camper experience. At the end of the summer, campers showcase the development of their individual interests and their strengthened literacy skills through a culminating project, demonstration, or presentation.

Carnegie Magazine | Fall 2011| First Person: Summer Dreaming

POP City Features | August 31, 2011 | Exploring Downtown Pittsburgh in the best possible way: Summer Dreamers

Pittsburgh Post Gazette | June 13, 2011 | City schools' Summer Dreamers camp ranks high

2010 Preliminary Evaluation Results

RAND Education, Commissioned by the Wallace Foundation | June 2011 | Making Summer Count: How Summer Programs Can Boost Children's Learning

National Summer Learning Association - Research in Brief | November 2009 | Summer Can Set Kids on the Right—or Wrong—Course

National Summer Learning Association - Research in Brief | November 2009 | More Than a Hunch: Kids Lose Learning Skills Over the Summer Months

National Summer Learning Association – Research in Brief | November 2009 | Doesn't Every Child Deserve a Memorable Summer?