Valley organizations offering educational activities to kids to prevent summer learning loss

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It is the start of summer vacation and plenty of places in Fresno are providing parents academic amusement for the kids.

The Chaffee Zoo kicked off their first day of weeklong summer camps Monday and say they still have openings for kids ages three through 11, with prices ranging from $125 to $230 for the week.

"I like to say it is fun with a side of education, so they spend the day having fun but they learn a lot while they're here. They just may not know it at the time," said Elizabeth Sayles, camp coordinator.

The camp coordinator said each week of camp has a different theme-- from animated animals to wacky wildlife.

"They do arts and crafts; we'll be tie-dying shirts this year too-- which is a lot of fun. They'll be out and about in the zoo feeding the giraffes, meeting the sting rays, and checking out all the different animals," said Sayles.

If you are looking to get creative with some free summer fun, some local libraries formally started their summer challenge at the Betty Rodriguez Library.

"People can pick up their log and on the log it has different activities for kids to do over the summer, read for 20 minutes, design a paper plane, make art, volunteer," said Nicole Settle, Children's Programming Librarian.

After completing their activities, kids can enter for raffle prizes and get a free book. Participating libraries are also serving free lunch for anyone 18 and under, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday's through Friday's.

Jasmin Torres, 10, is rallying for reading this summer and just began her first full week of summer break.

"It's starting to get really fun and exciting and I'm enjoying it, and I hope there's more activities like this because I don't want to be home over the summer."

Both the Zoo Camp and Summer Library Challenge will be running throughout the summer so kids will have plenty of time to participate by August.