Registration is now open for the Estevan and Area Literacy Group's annual Summer Smarts program, formerly known as Nature Smarts. This year, the program introduces several changes, offering a condensed four-week schedule compared to the previous seven-week duration.

Grace Caputo-English, the Literacy Coordinator of the Estevan and Area Literacy Group, highlighted the alterations during a recent interview on Sun 102. The program, scheduled to run from July 15 to August 8, will feature a themed curriculum each week, providing children with engaging and educational experiences.

Week one, titled Nature Rocks, will immerse participants in outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring the wonders of nature. Storytelling, crafts, scavenger hunts, and STEM projects, all rooted in literacy, promise an enriching experience for the young learners.

Following the nature-themed kickoff, Week two will transport children back in time with Prehistoric Week, where dinosaurs take center stage. Week three, Out of This World, will venture into space exploration, captivating young minds with celestial wonders. The final week, Around the World, will celebrate cultural diversity, offering insights into different traditions and customs from across the globe.

Parents interested in enrolling their children have the flexibility to sign up for individual weeks or the entire four-week program. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with morning sessions available from 10 to noon and afternoon sessions from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.

To accommodate varying schedules and commitments, the program's condensed format aims to provide families with a convenient option for summer enrichment. Interested participants can register by contacting the Estevan and Area Literacy Group at 306-634-4711 or leaving a message on their Facebook page.

Last year, the program saw significant participation, with 604 children taking part in the literacy-focused activities. With the revamped Summer Smarts program, organizers hope to continue fostering a love for learning among local youth while offering a diverse range of educational experiences.