Spring Forward

In the September edition of the Spring Forward eNewsletter, we highlight our Summer Camp Impact Report?? , staff spotlight ??, and the love we felt after a special fundraiser at Kelso's Corner on August 18 ???? ?? Read the latest newsletter edition >> https://lnkd.in/gA3tTr6Z ?? Better yet, SUBSCRIBE and don't miss a thing! https://eepurl.com/dvvok5

WE ARE SUPER HONORED that Kelso's Corner in the Village of East Davenport is hosting a fundraiser for Spring Forward on Sunday, August 18th 1-5PM!! There will be auctions, raffles, 50/50 and food as well as live music by Cameron Avery at 3PM!! All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Spring Forward Out-of-School programs in Rock Island, East Moline, Moline and Bettendorf - tutoring, activities, transportation and off-campus excursions! Can’t make the event?! Donate here: https://lnkd.in/guEeYgAY

?? SUMMER SUCCESS ?? ?? A huge THANK YOU to all our incredible partners who made this year’s Spring Forward Summer Camp a resounding success! Your unwavering support, dedication, and enthusiasm helped create an unforgettable experience for all our campers! ? The theme this year, "Our River," encompassed lessons on ecology, conservation, and the historical significance of waterways. By combining science, environmental stewardship, and local history, Our "River Captain" and RIMSD teacher Alannah created a dynamic educational content that encouraged students to connect with nature and understand the importance of preserving their natural surroundings. ?? ?? Our organizational partners WQPT, Putnam Museum, Figge Art Museum, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Iowa State Extension Office, QC Botanical Center, Common Chord, Living Lands and Waters and Ballet Quad Cities! Our Field Trip Fridays partners QCCA Wetlands, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Celebration Belle, and the National River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque helped us also incorporated the river theme activities! We are also thankful for organizations such as QC Canines, Junior Chefs, Junior Achievement. Rock Island Library, QC Symphony, Common Chord and QC Animal Welfare Center for providing programming to our campers as well! From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to many more amazing summers together! ?? #summercamp #InspireYoungMinds #environmentaleducation

?? Our River, Our Community, Our Kids ?? Spring Forward's Summer Camp theme this year, "Our River," was meant to educate and inspire campers about the importance of river ecosystems, nature, water safety and more! This amazing summer program, funded by the Quad Cities Community Foundation QC River Connections Grant, showed 600 campers from Rock Island, Moline, Bettendorf and East Moline the wonders of living in a river community. Read the article in the Dispatch/Argus >> https://lnkd.in/gnipvrbe

?? Keeping those brains sharp in the summertime! ?? Not only does Spring Forward offer a fun-filled summer packed with outdoor adventures and creative activities, but we also prioritize academic growth! ?? Our dedicated staff ensure that campers stay engaged in learning through interactive lessons and hands-on projects. From science experiments to creative writing workshops, we make learning FUN and exciting! No summer learning slide here! ?? #summerlearning #staysharp #learningisfunwithSpringForward

?? Outdoor Adventures for Spring Forward Campers! ?? Our adventurous Spring Forward campers recently explored the stunning QCCA Wetlands, diving into a hands-on learning experiences about the vibrant wildlife and diverse fish species that call this unique ecosystem home. ?? Our young explorers also had a blast kayaking and connecting with nature to understand the importance of wetland conservation. ?? A huge shoutout to staff and volunteers from the Quad Cities Conservation Alliance for making this trip unforgettable and educational. Here's to more adventures and discoveries ahead! ??

?? Our Spring Forward campers had a fantastic day at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Camp Liberty! ?? From casting lines and catching fish to learning to ride on horseback, our campers from Thomas Jefferson, Eugene Field and Ridgewood had a blast embracing new experiences. Laughter, new friendships and unforgettable memories filled the air! ?? Here's to more adventures and fun times ahead! ? ??

??Spring Forward is going to give 575 campers an unforgettable summer! ?? This year’s summer enrichment camp theme, "Our River," is set to provide an unforgettable experience. Centered around the iconic Mississippi River, the camp offers a variety of river-themed activities designed to educate and inspire children about the natural world and the importance of river ecosystems. ?? The five-week camp promises a blend of fun and learning, where campers can make new friends, gain new skills, and create lasting memories. ????? Read more >>> https://lnkd.in/ea-6fq3c

? EXCITING TIMES AHEAD! ? On Monday, June 10, our amazing Spring Forward staff gathered at the Figge Art Museum to kick off preparations for this summer's camp season! With 600 energetic campers on the way, we're ready to make this summer the best one yet! ? From planning fun activities to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment, Spring Forward is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and building memorable relationships. Staff want to make sure that campers have a safe summer and also show them how learning can be fun! This year's theme is "Our River" and aims to enhance the connection between campers and our largest natural resource, the Mississippi River. By combining fun and learning, Spring Forward hopes to instill a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for the river and instill ways they can be good stewards of their surroundings. ?? Let's get ready for an incredible summer! ??

Spring Forward is one of several community organizations participating in United Way Quad Cities Community Schools partnership at Washington Elementary School in Moline! As a part of the partnership, Spring Forward spearheaded a six-week after school soccer club on Thursdays and asked QC Rush coach and play Willa Samuelson to help. The first half of the sessions were dedicated to drills and skills; the second half was putting those skills into action in a game! There were 12 outstanding fifth graders who participated and everyone had a great time! Thanks to QC United Way for supporting this endeavor!