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We firmly believe all kids deserve access to high-quality, fun, and engaging out-of-school programming. Blueprint4 exists to connect kids and families with programs that meet their needs. Kids enrolled in after-school activities get to attend programs that are fun, meaningful and engaging. After-school programs provide a unique opportunity for kids to dive deeper into interests […]

Are you familiar with the “summer slide”? It’s the tendency for children to lose some of the achievement gains they made in the previous school year. Children can sometimes lose a whole grade-level’s worth of skills over the summer, putting them at a disadvantage when the next school year starts in fall. While it can […]

First, you may be wondering, “What is a STEAM camp?” STEM is an acronym that is used to describe science, technology, engineering, and math. These four fields share an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking—all important skills for kids to practice in their day-to-day lives! Recently, the National Bureau of Economic Research found that there is […]

In today’s post, we’re exploring some of the ways kids’ mental health can benefit from time spent at summer camp. Time Away from Technology Many summer programs, especially adventure camps or sleepaway camps, make a point to get kids away from their devices and out into nature. When children get a break from phones, iPads, […]

If your child has gone to summer camp before, you may have heard them enthusiastically tell stories about their “camp friends.” You might even have camp friends yourself if you’ve been to a summer program before! Many of these friendships will transcend childhood and last well into adult years. Why do camp friends stand the […]

In many ways, the benefits of summer camp for homeschooled children are the same benefits any kid experiences from summer learning and fun. Summer camp gives kids, homeschooled or not, a place to discover new interests, hone a skill, make friendships, and help prevent the “summer slide.” But homeschooled kids especially benefit from some of […]

Are you familiar with the “summer slide”? It’s the tendency for children to lose some of the achievement gains they made in the previous school year. Children can sometimes lose a whole grade-level’s worth of skills over the summer, putting them at a disadvantage when the next school year starts in fall. While it can […]

Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, popsicles, and boundless fun. If you’re a St. Louis parent, you might be wondering how to keep your child engaged and entertained during those long weeks away from school. The answer lies in the timeless tradition of summer camp. Let’s dive into the top reasons why you should send […]

With thousands of summer camp opportunities listed on Blueprint4, choosing the perfect program for your child can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help! Keep these important steps in mind as you search and get ready for your child to have a fun and fulfilling summer experience! 1. Consider you and your child’s needs vs. wants […]

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning experiences are available for children in preschool through high school. Let’s look at how to find the best STEM camp for your child based on age and interests. The benefits of introducing and developing an interest in STEM from an early age are endless.  Research shows that children […]

As summer grows closer, you and your child may be wondering what they’re going to do over summer break. There is no better way to spend summer than to attend a summer camp. Each year, thousands of St. Louis area kids participate in summer programs where they learn new things, participate in fun activities, make […]

St Louis summer camps provide children with diverse opportunities to develop important life skills that are difficult to achieve in any other environment. So let’s take a closer look and explore four significant benefits of summer camp programs. Summer camp holds a special place in our hearts. It represents a time in a child’s life […]