By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

Both Pelham and Alabaster YMCAs are gearing up for Summer Adventure In Learning programs beginning June 5.

SAIL works with children grades 3-5 that need additional help in math and reading activities beginning June 5 through July 14.

“Campers will have a great time gaining skills in reading and math that will help them when school begins again in August,” according to the YMCA’s website. “Better Basic’s expert teachers work with small groups of students on reading and math activities that are proven to stop summer slide. These fun, hands-on activities feel like summer camp and not like summer school.”

Rhonda Elmore, association youth development director with the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, said this will be the fourth year for the YMCA to offer the program.

“This is a summer learning program that provides academic support to rising third through sixth graders who are most at risk for summer learning loss,” Elmore said. “Through a fund hand’s on curriculum, students engage in math and literacy in the morning with enrichment in the afternoon.”

The five-week program is offered to individuals living in both the Pelham and Alabaster communities and costs $50 per week with the hours of the camp being 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Elmore said space is limited so parents are encouraged to register their children early, but children do not have to be a member of the YMCA to attend the programs.

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham was one of 32 non-profit organizations that received grants to help prevent learning loss, offer chances to explore new interests and skills and close the achievement gap for low-income children, according to the YMCA website.

SAIL was developed as part of an action plan to respond to a survey of 37 Birmingham area summer programs, conducted by the National Summer Learning Association in 2011.

“Through the partnership, funders committed to use a joint application process for non-profit organizations wishing to receive grant support to enhance or add consistent academic components to summer youth programs,” the website adds.

To register for the Alabaster camp, contact Briana Williams at 358-9738, and to register for the Pelham camp contact Sydney Fant at 664-9622.

Additional information can be found by visiting ymcabham.org/sail.