By the time a struggling reader reaches middle school, summer reading loss can add up to a two-year lag in reading achievement. Research shows that as much as 85% of the reading gap between lower-income students and their middle- and upper-income peers can be attributed to the “summer slide.”

The reality is simple: lower-income students often have fewer resources and less access to books and enrichment opportunities. Over the summer, that gap widens. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin, we’re helping bridge that gap through our Summer Camps. Across our 14 Camps, we incorporate daily reading time for all Campers with age-appropriate books and engaging literacy activities.

Lucas is one of those Campers who struggled with reading throughout the school year and often avoided books because they felt like homework. But during Camp, something changed. A book about deep‑sea creatures caught his eye, and suddenly, reading became an adventure. He powered through every ocean-themed book in the Club’s library and proudly shared what he learned during a Camp trip to Doran Beach.

For kids like Lucas, a love of reading can be sparked by something as simple as access to books that reflect their interests. With 97% of our Campers attending at no cost, it’s because of generous supporters like you that so many children have the opportunity to explore their interests and discover what’s possible.

Whether it’s a first visit to the ocean or the first time a child feels the joy of reading, our Summer Camps create Moments That Matter.

We invite you to be part of creating those moments for every child this summer.