Summer break is winding down, and families across St. Louis County are getting ready for a new school year. Backpacks are being packed, routines are being reestablished, and students are preparing to return to the classroom. For students served by the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD), that transition can be especially important—and the experiences they have during summer can help set the stage for a successful return to school.

For many students, summer camp is a chance to make friends, try new activities, and enjoy a break from the classroom. For students served by SSD, camp can offer even more: opportunities to build independence, strengthen social skills, and practice skills that support success at school and beyond.

Thanks to generous donor support, the Special Education Foundation (SEF) helped 30 students attend camp during the 2025–2026 school year through its Kid-to-Camp Program. These opportunities were made possible through SEF’s commitment to supporting students during winter, spring, and summer academic breaks.

“My child loved getting to ride the bus, go on field trips, and swim at camp. Going on field trips was a new experience that he especially enjoyed.

The campership was so beneficial because he had his own counselor who could support him throughout the day. He absolutely loved the experience! Thank you, SEF!”

~Happy Mom

Camp provides a different kind of learning environment—one where students can practice communication, problem-solving, cooperation, and independence through hands-on experiences. Whether participating in an activity with peers, following a daily schedule, trying something new, or learning to navigate a new environment, students are building skills that can carry over into the classroom.

The benefits can continue long after camp ends. As students prepare to return to school, the routines and experiences they gained at camp can help them feel more comfortable transitioning back into a structured environment. Practicing social interactions, following directions, making choices, and managing changes in routine can all help students approach the new school year with greater confidence.

“My child loved being around others with similar challenges while participating in fun and interesting activities. One of his favorite new experiences was learning how to adapt toys for individuals with physical challenges.

I love seeing how the camp helps him grow, build confidence, and better understand his own challenges as well as those faced by other children.” ~Grateful Parent

SEF believes learning and growth don’t stop when the school bell rings. By helping provide camp experiences during academic breaks, donors give students opportunities to learn, connect, and develop important life skills in settings beyond the classroom.

And the opportunities continue throughout the school year. SEF’s Kid-to-Camp Program supports camps during winter, spring, and summer breaks, helping students stay engaged and connected while school is out.

Families interested in camp opportunities can find applications and additional information on the Special Education Foundation website.

Every camp experience represents an opportunity for a student to learn something new—and donor support helps make those opportunities possible.