By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Hundreds of students in Santa Cruz County are attending free summer camps this season, but the opportunity was nearly taken away when the Department of Education froze $118 million in funding for Arizona last year.
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A camp that almost didn’t happen
Eighth grader Elias Pacheco is attending a free summer storytelling camp at the Nogales Public Library — for the fourth time. He says he struggles during the regular school year.
“I’m not much of a good student because I might have ADHD. I haven’t gotten tested, but I might, so I can’t really pay attention,” Elias said.
Educators say free camps like the storytelling program keep students engaged over the summer. Santa Cruz County Elected Superintendent Maya Donnelly said parents face challenges keeping children in educational activities during the break.
“Parents try their best to keep them active and educational activities and reading and all of that, but it’s tough,” said Supt. Donnelly who’s office runs the program.
There are now about 32 free camp options across the county. For some students, the camps offer more than academic support.
“Well it’s something that I like, so when it’s something that I like, I can focus,” Elias said.
Funding restored, but staffing remains a challenge
When federal funding was frozen last year, storytelling teacher Joseph Paul Wright said he feared the program would not survive.
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“I was brokenhearted. I was devastated honestly,” Wright said.
The money was ultimately restored, but Supt. Donnelly said there is still not enough funding to hire staff to expand the program.
“We’re like running around like crazy people with our heads cut off to manage these camps,” Supt. Donnelly said.
Wright said the impact on students makes the effort worthwhile.
“I have students they come in reserved and quiet, and by the end of the first week, they’re best friends with everyone else around them,” said Wright, who is a published author and also teaches storytelling in schools year-round.
A few Santa Cruz County summer camps still have spots available. Follow this link to sign up.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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