Summer is upon us. For kids, that means an opportunity to get active, learn new things, and spend time with friends. For parents, however, arranging a well-rounded schedule can be a lot of work.

Luckily, there are plenty of community resources that have you covered. The City of Los Angeles, LA County, the City of Long Beach, and the YMCA all provide engaging summertime programs with physical and educational activities. These programs not only promote healthy habits and prevent learning loss, but also provide a supportive and inclusive environment for children to thrive. Here’s the health benefits they offer, and where you can find them.  

The Health Benefits of Summer Programs

• Room to Run — Regular physical activity is essential for children's overall health and development. It promotes cardiovascular fitness, enhances motor skills, improves mental well-being, and helps maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. 
• Preventing Learning Loss — Summer break can often lead to learning loss, where children may experience a decline in academic skills. To combat this, many summer programs incorporate educational activities to keep children engaged and prevent regression. They focus on reinforcing foundational knowledge, encouraging reading, and providing hands-on learning experiences. 
• Access to Activities — Summer programs allow kids to participate in activities designed to help them develop important social skills, build friendships, and foster a sense of community.
• Nutritious Meals for Healthy Growth — Many summertime programs prioritize providing healthy meals to children, as proper nutrition is vital for their growth and development. These programs often offer breakfast, lunch, and snacks that meet the nutritional guidelines, ensuring that children have access to nourishing meals even during the summer months. 

Find the Right Program for Them, and You 

Several programs in Los Angeles and LA County focus on promoting physical activity, preventing learning loss, and providing nutritious meals for children during the summer. Here are a few notable initiatives:

• LA's Best — LA's Best is an after-school enrichment program that extends its services to summer camps. It offers a variety of activities such as sports, arts, and STEM programs, ensuring children stay active, engaged, and intellectually stimulated. 
• Parks and Recreation Programs — The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parksorganizes summer programs in local parks, community centers, and pools. They offer a range of activities including sports, arts and crafts, music, and nature exploration. 
• YMCA Orange County Summer Camps — The YMCA is hosting summer camps for children at locations throughout Orange County. Families can choose between specialty programs like Esports, swim, STEM, and outdoor experiences, or traditional day camps that provide learning and activity clubs.
• City of Long Beach BE S.A.F.E. Program — The Be S.A.F.E. (Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment) program offers free child supervision from 5 to 8 p.m. across nearly a dozen city parks, with activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and science lessons. Families can also enjoy outdoor movie screenings on Thursday nights.
• Summer Lunch Programs — LA County sponsors the Summer Lunch and Snack Program, which provides free meals to children and teens during the summer break. The 47 LA County Parks and 15 LA County Libraries serve lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and the County Parks serve snacks from 3 to 4 p.m. The lunches and snacks include vegetables, fruits, seeds, and healthy dairy products like milk, string cheese, and yogurt. Families in Orange County can access a database of Summer Meal Sites that offer breakfast, lunch, supper, or a combination. Parents should call to verify participation.

There are numerous public and private resources for you to tap into this summer to keep your kids busy, engaged, and learning. This is important for their overall health and well-being. You can always contact AltaMed at (888) 499-9303 if you need a little inspiration. To find additional community resources, including food pantries, housing, or mental health services, visit AltaMed Helps. Please note, AltaMed makes no guarantees about third-party agencies.