SMART Camp was originally conceived as a back-to-school jumpstart to get kids back into learning before summer ends. Library programming and program attendance tends to slow down in August, plus many other summer camps in the city only run through July. The library saw an opportunity to fill that gap as well as provide deeper engagement in the topics we explored throughout the summer.

A large majority of library programs are drop-in — no sign up or registration, caregiver stays with you, over in about an hour, etc. SMART Camp is the first time we had a children’s program with advance registration that included a parental waiver. SMART Camp was also the first time staff organized and led four hours of non-stop programming. The relatively-small group size also allowed for different kinds of programs that could never be attempted in a drop-in program, like readers theater and stop motion animation.

Registration for SMART Camp was full within a half hour. Parents told us they were looking for an experience like it for years but could never afford it. Most of the kids were not regulars at library programs, so we were reaching new families. When parents came to pick them up, the kids were eager to show off their projects and explain them, e.g., “we’re making crystals” and “this is my bean. It’s going to grow into a plant.” One child told us the readers theater activity was the first time he ever read in English.