Summer entertainment and education for the kids

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Summer break is almost here for students in St. Joseph schools, but summer break can bring some unsure feelings when it comes to planning activities and keeping the kids busy.

The Remington Nature Center and the St. Joseph Public Library have programs to keep children entertained and engaged in the summer months.

According to a study conducted by Sage Journals, on average, "student achievement declined by an entire month's worth of learning over summer break." Parents can help combat this loss by ensuring their kids stay engaged over break rather than scrolling through their phones.

"Kids tend to be bored, especially when there's nobody at the same age as them," Tricia Reyes, a local parent, said. "Then they tend to go get their gadgets...It's important to have this kind of physical activities, like going to the park, just to prevent boredom and the sedentary lifestyle."

The St. Joseph Public Library is hosting the annual Summer Reading Challenge for young "bookworms in training". Kids, teens and even babies are rewarded for reading their favorite books every summer.

"There's been research that shows a summer slide if they don't keep their skills up," Program Librarian for the East Hills Library, Elizabeth Murray said. "The teachers really appreciate if we have them reading in the summer so that they don't have to start two months behind at the beginning of the next school year."

This year's prizes include books, toys and bracelets with grand prizes of memberships to inspireU and day passes to Ricky Dean's.

Kids are encouraged to read at least 12 hours over the summer, or 20 minutes a day for 36 days. Every hour they read over the 12 minimum gets them extra grand prize entries.

For kids who want to experience hands-on fun, the Remington Nature Center will host monthly scavenger hunts, Insect-o-Rama on July 12, Herb-o-Rama Sept. 6 and more.

"Having that engagement of coming out, looking at displays, having a scavenger hunt that they're looking for something and it's a goal, it helps with observational skills, maybe a little bit of critical thinking skills," Remington Nature Center Manager Sarah Elder said. "It gives them a chance to slow down and kind of pay attention."

To learn more about upcoming events at the St. Joseph Public Library, visit the organization's website at sjpl.librarymarket.com. For information on the Remington Nature Center's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RemingtonNatureCenter.