Evaluation of a literacy camp to counter summer learning loss

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Quebec introduced a measure to fight the summer learning loss referred to as the “summer slide”. From 2021 onwards, the creation of summer programs or devices has thus been financially encouraged to support students and their learning during the school vacations. This article focuses on the evaluation of a camp called “Literacy for Fun” offered at a School Service Center. The aim of this article is to determine the extent to which such a program is likely to stem summer learning loss, in other words, to promote learning retention during the summer. A mixed methodology was used. The qualitative approach is based on semi-structured interviews, while the quantitative approach is based on pre- and post-tests. The results of the study of this literacy camp are positive and significant: they show that participation in the camp enables children to maintain and even improve their literacy skills over the summer.