Summer by Design

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Summer by Design is WebbSprout’s flexible, small-group summer learning program for students in Grade 3 and up. Each program is designed from the ground up, based on the needs and dynamics of the students in each group, whether that is an existing group that signs up together or an intentionally curated group.

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The theme, schedule, structure, activities, and learning goals are all shaped through the cooperative planning process, so each Summer by Design program becomes its own unique learning experience rather than a standard camp with students fitted into it.

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 How Does It Work? 

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Summer by Design flips the expectations of a typical summer camp, allowing families more input into their child’s summer learning experience.

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Families start by reaching out and letting me know they are interested. I’ll share a short Google Form in the coming days you can use as a planning document, which helps me get a sense of your needs and a calendar of available dates and times so families can look at their summer plans and find the gaps where WebbSprout programming fits best.

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A typical program generally starts by deciding how much time you want to spend. It might be three or four consecutive afternoons, alternating mornings over a week, a few longer days, or another structure that works around other summer commitments. Shorter days are best for summer learning, unless we plan for excursions or ways to break up the day. This is part of how WebbSprout is able to maintain a regulated learning environment; we try not to push kids to do so much that they can’t get the most out of the time they are able to show up. Keeping activities fun and engaging is easier if kids aren’t wishing they were somewhere else for half the time, and kids deserve and need less structured free time to decompress and process in their safest spaces.

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  Finding the Right Group 

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The biggest challenge is forming a compatible group. That’s where the invitation flyer can help. I’m still working on the design, but it will be something your child can print or you can forward to other families that might be a good fit for the program.

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Because of safety, fit, and administrative limitations, WebbSprout has chosen to expand through deliberate word of mouth rather than broad advertising, so your thoughtful outreach to families who may be a good fit is appreciated. I’m hoping that with some collaborative communication and a little bit of serendipity, we can make some groups happen!

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If you can think of a pre-existing group your child could invite, that makes things even easier. If kids already know each other, they are going to feel comfortable and safe, and we will be able to practice our friendship skills in real situations with our real friends.

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 Planning the Program

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Once a group and timeframe are identified, we schedule a preliminary intake and planning session, ideally before summer break. We ask that all the students attend along with at least one parent representative for the group. We’ll get to know each other and work together to plan a program that fits. Parents are part of the planning process and are welcome to participate in the program itself.

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Another benefit of the initial session is that kids can know what to expect, which can help with anxiety and ensure that your child is prepared to have the best experience from the first day!

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The program is developed through a digital planner and collaborative conversation. We’ll choose an overarching theme to ground us in a shared exploration. This may be a science topic, social issue, activity, or cultural phenomenon. Anything the students are curious about and willing to explore together can become a good foundation for a program.

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 Themes, Goals, and Activities

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Learning goals are then decided, and activities that will help us achieve those goals are discussed. Will we focus on literacy, mathematics, writing, or general skill development? What kind of academic skills do the kids need to work on and what challenges need to be overcome?

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I also take into consideration the students’ social-emotional learning needs. While these are not usually the explicit curriculum, they are embedded throughout the program in teachable moments and in the practical strategies students use to move through the day. We learn how the brain works to empower kids to understand their own needs. An important premise for WebbSprout is that regulation comes before learning, and we model the tools they can use in everything we do.

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I’ll plan activities the kids enjoy, whether that’s drama, arts & crafts, science experiments, projects, games, outdoor exploration… after a lifetime of teaching, I’ve got plenty of ideas up my sleeve and can’t wait to see which ones they’ll love.

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We can also include excursions! Transportation and logistics may require additional parental support, but every Saskatoon attraction and resource is a possible location for a WebbSprout field trip. We try to align excursions with learning goals and ensure it’s realistic, but there are so many wonderful options to explore beyond the WebbSprout classroom. Let’s see what might work for your group. We can even discuss overnight options like sleepovers or backyard camping!

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 Timing, Extras, and Budget

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Most programs are designed around approximately 12–16 hours of actual programming time, spread out in a way that works for the group. Longer programs will include more unstructured time for kids to connect and explore freely. Shorter experiences are also possible for families who want a smaller commitment. These may not reach the same depth of learning, but they can provide a starting point for ongoing support in the fall.

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Families may also choose any specific supplies or activities, snacks, shared meals, and whether additional supervision or support will be required. Your input in this process will ensure that your children are comfortable while they are in WebbSprout’s care. We work with you to make this experience something you and your children will want to repeat.

After we meet, the WebbSprout team will put together a plan with a budget and the necessary logistics explained, and we go from there!

 

Think of it like planning a wedding or an event: the cost will depend on the choices you make. The goal of every WebbSprout program is a meaningful opportunity for growth in a safe and supportive environment; it’s not just supervision, it’s summer enrichment.

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 Quick Summary

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Summer by Design may include:

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• A small, compatible group of students

• A schedule designed around family availability

• A June intake and planning session

• A theme based on student interests

• Academic, social, emotional, regulation, and life-skill goals

• Activities chosen to match the students and the theme

• Optional extras such as supplies, snacks, meals, excursions, or overnight formats

• Parent involvement in planning, with optional participation in the program itself

• A final program plan balanced with the group’s budget, needs, and capacity

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Who Is This For?

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Summer by Design is best suited for students in Grades 3–12 who are able to:

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• Communicate their needs in some way

• Want to participate, even if they are hesitant, skeptical, or nervous

• Be open to working with others

• Participate safely in a small-group learning environment

 

WebbSprout students are often:

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• Neurodivergent and unconventional

• Struggling with school, relationships, or identity

• Navigating social and life challenges

• Experiencing stress, grief, or disconnection

• Needing something more flexible than traditional environments allow for

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 Group Fit and Consent

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• Ideal group size: 4–8 students

• Mixed ages are welcome when the fit makes sense

• All groups depend on consent, safety, compatibility, and realistic support needs

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The goal is not to fill spots. The goal is to build a group kids actually want to be part of.

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 What to Start Thinking About

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• Are you looking for something smaller, more intentional, and less standardized?

• Do you have potential kids in mind that your child would enjoy attending with?

• What themes, interests, skills, or experiences might make summer more meaningful for them?

• Could you help find other students through social media or networking connections?

• How involved would you like to be in the design and setup of a program?

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Whether you already have a group in mind or you’re hoping to find one, I hope we can create a place for your child at WebbSprout this summer. WebbSprout exists because families like yours believed kids like yours deserved something different, and I hope to see you this summer.