Wake Summer Program An Adventure In Learning

Second-grade students in Julie Gadd's class dig for artifacts as they study ancient Egypt.

Students in grades 2 through 8 are participants in Wake County's

Voyager Summer Academy Program

.

"When they first got here, of course, they had no idea about what we were going to do. They just knew we were interrupting their summer somewhat," Gadd said.

The "interruption" is an enrichment program. Students are strengthening their basic reading and math skills as they explore destinations around the globe.

While second-graders study Egypt, fourth-graders learn about Greece. A good deal of the study is on language.

Teachers hope the four-week journey will have the students destined for success in school this fall.

"I've seen them every day come in more and more excited about the things we're doing and showing their interest and they're enjoying all the activities. They're taking more responsibility for their own learning," Gadd said.

One teacher said the best part about the program is that students do not want to go home at the end of the day.