Family service’s transition camps helps students prepare for the next school year
Family service's transition camps helps students prepare for the next school year.
The transition to different grade levels, especially fifth grade to sixth grade and eighth grade to ninth grade, is more than starting a new school. Changing grade levels, increasing responsibilities, and a change to the schedule impact the entire family.
At Family Service Transition Camps, campers and their families stay engaged throughout the year and have a chance to make new friends. Campers meet after school, during school breaks, at our Best Buy Teen Tech Center, and through the summer internship program to learn soft skills to help them progress to the next grade level.
Overview
A strong support system helps any transitional phase of life run smoother.
Family Service’s transitional program helps stabilize the family and students during the transition from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school as well as build relationships throughout grade progression. Our Transition Camps provide each camper an opportunity to engage with other young people who are in the same life phase through soft skills development and educational activities.
Each session incorporates:
- Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) projects
- Social-emotional learning activities
- Building and strengthening bonds using the Developmental Relationships Framework
We meet weekly during the school year and during the summer to help with things like selecting classes, how to make new friends, and setting a new routine. The program also highlights STEAM activities and life skills tailored to the students’ learning levels. The Transition Camps meet during school as well as on school breaks, such as spring break and summer, to ensure students stay engaged with learning and their friends.
The transitional programming offers a chance for the students to get to know different kids from their school and for the parents to become friends with other parents. It also connects the families with other programs offered by Family Service, such as the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, the paid summer internship program, and Family Service community partners that make sense for each student’s and family’s needs.
Build Relationships
Our facilitators work within the same schools and school districts throughout the year to build relationships with the families and students.
They meet with the parents to touch base on progression, their child’s school, and family life. Additional support is provided through family strengthening programs (link to family strengthening) with evidence-based curriculums including Strengthening Families, Families and Schools Together, Raising Highly Capable Kids, and Read and Rise.
Eligibility
Currently, our Transition Camps are in partnership with specific schools. Teachers, guidance counselors, and principals can refer students to the program.
We are currently working with participating schools within Edgewood Independent School District, Harlandale Independent School District, Northside Independent School District, San Antonio Independent School District, and South San Antonio Independent School District.
To get started, complete our intake form, and we will be in touch!
Locations and Time
Transition Camps meet weekly during the school year, throughout school breaks (including the summer), and at our Best Buy Teen Tech Center.
They are available at participating schools within Edgewood Independent School District, Harlandale Independent School District, Northside Independent School District, San Antonio Independent School District, and South San Antonio Independent School District.
- Edgewood ISD: Cisnero Elementary School, Gus Garcia Middle School, Kennedy High School
- Harlandale ISD: Harlandale High School, Kingsborough Middle School, Schulze Elementary, STEM Early College High School
- Northside ISD: Anson Jones Middle School, John Jay High School, Passmore Elementary School
- San Antonio ISD: Davis Middle School, Sam Houston High School, Washington Elementary School
- South San ISD: Carillo Elementary School, Dwight Middle School, South San High School
FAQS
Find the answers to your questions here
Where do the Transition Camps meet?
During the school year, we will strive to meet at the participating schools as small groups.
We want to ensure every family and every student feels comfortable and secure at Family Service. To accommodate every family, as we move forward, information about safety precautions and in-person or virtual meetings will be shared with families.
How often do the campers meet?
The campers and their families meet once a week after school for activities and a chance to meet with other students.
What is a typical Transition Camp day?
The transition camps have a different activity for each meeting. Typically, the session starts with the group meeting together. We then break up the students and the parents/family members into separate groups. The students participate in a STEAM or a soft skill activity. We end with the students and family eating lunch together.
How do I become eligible to attend?
Our main target is fifth and eighth-graders, but any students at the participating schools who are interested in joining are welcome!
Students are also chosen from those who participate in other Family Service youth programs or are referred by their schools (their teachers, guidance counselors, or principals).
Do the different grade levels meet together?
Each grade level meets on different days. To ensure the activities are tailored to age levels, and each student is getting information to help them, we want to meet with smaller groups.
