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A Summer Full of Learning, Adventure & Discovery
Our five-week Summer Readers & Leaders Camp has been one of our busiest—and most exciting—yet! Throughout the summer, our students have explored new places, built new skills, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Our partnership with Eagle Eye Institute has taken learning far beyond the classroom. Campers have ventured into nature to explore local ecosystems, learn about wildlife, try their hand at fishing, hike the beautiful trails at Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, and even climb to new heights at Central Rock Gym in Hadley, where students challenged themselves on the climbing walls while building confidence and teamwork.
Each week, our students visit the Holyoke Public Library, where they discover the many resources available to them while developing a lifelong love of reading. Many campers proudly received their very first library card, an exciting milestone that opens the door to countless opportunities for learning.
No Homework House summer would be complete without our friend, "Nature Nancy," Nancy Condon from Heritage State Park! Through her engaging lessons, students discovered why Holyoke earned the nickname "The Paper City," explored our community's rich history, and even made their own paper. Of course, no visit would be complete without cooling off at the splash pad after a day of learning and hard work!
Music, rhythm, and creativity also played an important role in our summer. We were thrilled to welcome Aimee Gelinas from the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center for interactive percussion sessions that had students learning through music while building confidence, cooperation, and joy.
Our students have also enjoyed exploring their artistic talents with local artist Jean Minuchin, who has led a five-week clay sculpture workshop. Throughout the series, campers have learned how to sculpt, mold, and design their very own clay face masks, allowing each student to express their creativity through hands-on art. The project has encouraged imagination, patience, and confidence as students transform a simple block of clay into a unique work of art they can proudly call their own.
Summer also means staying safe in and around the water. Thanks to our friends at the YMCA of Greater Holyoke, campers participated in swimming and water safety lessons, gaining valuable life skills while enjoying a refreshing way to end a fun-filled week.
At Homework House, summer is about more than keeping students engaged—it's about inspiring curiosity, encouraging exploration, building confidence, and creating experiences that help every child continue learning long after the school year ends.
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