Opinion: The importance of free summer programs for children

The joy of summer makes you think of long days, backyard cookouts and carefree vacations. Many of us still hold on to the childlike thrill of no school and few responsibilities. But for countless Mississippi parents, summer brings something far less relaxing: stress. When resources are scarce and support systems are limited, the season quickly becomes a logistical and financial burden.

While it’s widely understood that daycare for infants and toddlers is both expensive and competitive, far less attention is paid to the seasonal childcare gap faced by parents of school-aged children — a gap marked by limited options and persistent inconsistencies.

Public schools do more than teach math, science and reading. They are central to the complete development of children mentally, emotionally and physically. That need doesn’t disappear when the school year ends. Children benefit from continuous enrichment, whether through structured learning or free play. Just as important, parents need continuous support — from extended family, churches or community-based childcare programs.

For families unable to afford private summer camps or programs, federally funded initiatives can help bridge the gap. But access to these programs, and how they’re funded, varies widely based on location, income and eligibility requirements.

In Mississippi, summer support programs take many forms. For example, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta operate across seven locations, providing what they describe as “a safe and nurturing environment where children and teenagers, aged 6–18, can thrive.” Their programs range from career and leadership development to life skills, fitness, recreation, and the arts. These clubs receive support through government grants, philanthropic foundations and community contributions. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, they offer a secure space for young people to grow year-round, including those critical summer months.

Other summer programs may be less structured but place nutrition at the center of their mission. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 30 percent of Mississippi residents live in a food desert, the highest rate in the nation. For some children, school meals are their most consistent and nutritious source of food. To address this need during the more than 60 days without school meal service, many communities rely on the Summer Food Service Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Established in the late 1960s as an expansion of the National School Lunch Act, the program continues to play a vital role in helping families battle food insecurity.

Upon signing the National School Lunch Act, President Harry S. Truman stated, “In the long view, no nation is any healthier than its children.” Nearly 80 years later, that truth remains. America’s children and families need strong systems of support through public investment and community action.

Debates over funding and policy design often dominate headlines, yet the fundamental goal must remain clear: ensuring that every child in every family has the opportunity to thrive. The call to action for us is two-fold: demand that our elected officials create and maintain effective programs to adequately support families and children, and uplift families in our communities through financial contributions and sincere mentorship.

Robust systems of care for families should not be subject to political debate — for many, they’re a necessity. And in a nation founded on ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, making those ideals accessible to all is not just compassionate policy — it’s an act of patriotism.

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Image: Summer camp participants (via Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta)