Summer Learning at Camp Skillz: Education Edition
This summer, The Academy for GOD hosted Camp Skillz: Education Edition, a dynamic day camp designed to bridge the gap between school years with purpose and play. We recognize that the summer months can be a time to maintain momentum, deepen understanding, and prepare students for the next school year. That’s why we created Camp Skillz: Education Edition, a summer program designed to carry children forward in both academic content and personal development through an engaging, project-based approach.
Each week featured a unique theme and academic focus, inviting campers into hands-on learning experiences that sharpened skills, built character, and made summer memories!
Week 1: Born to Be Bold
Academic Focus: Language Arts
Inspired by The Descendants, Week One focused on identity, character, and the power of good choices. Through storytelling, journaling, dramatic play, and debate, campers explored what it means to be persons of integrity while strengthening essential language arts skills like reading comprehension, descriptive writing, and public speaking. The week culminated in song, skits, and debates performed in front of the entire camp!
Week 2: Builders of the Blockverse
Academic Focus: Science
The second week took inspiration from the creativity of Minecraft and launched campers into a world of design, engineering, and exploration. With a strong emphasis on the scientific method, students tested hypotheses, built models, and designed imaginative "block worlds" using real-world science principles.
From learning about force and motion to exploring simple machines, campers engaged in age-appropriate STEM activities that taught them to observe, question, test, and revise. Group collaboration was essential, with each team creating either catapults or creepers for the end of the week challenge. Don’t miss the photos below!
Week 3: Game On! Level Up!
Academic Focus: Math
Our final week of camp brought the energy of a MrBeast-style challenge arena to life! Campers dove into high-paced contests and games that required logic, pattern recognition, probability, and strategy. Week 3 ended with an epic obstacle course math challenge for all campers!
Learning with Purpose and Play
Across all three weeks, Camp Skillz was designed to develop not only academic skills but also confidence, creativity, collaboration, and character. Our Academy teaching staff created a fun and structured environment that allowed students to embrace summer learning with positivity.
Thank You for an Incredible Summer
Thank you to the families who entrusted us with their children’s summer camp experience. We believe our campers developed friendships, academic skillz, and memories to hold!
To all our campers: thank you for showing up, trying hard, being kind, and having fun. We can’t wait to see what next summer holds.
Until then—stay bold, keep building, and never stop leveling up!
Check out the photos below highlighting some of our favorite camp moments!
Academy Faculty Professional Development in New York: Trip Review
This spring, a team of 17 teachers and administrators from the Academy for GOD had the incredible opportunity to attend the ResearchEd conference in New York. This professional development experience was more than just an educational event; it was a moment of collective growth, reflection, and energizing focus for our instructional team.
Written by Craig Duffy, Director of Education
This spring, a team of 17 teachers and administrators from the Academy for GOD had the incredible opportunity to attend the ResearchEd conference in New York. This professional development experience was more than just an educational event; it was a moment of collective growth, reflection, and energizing focus for our instructional team.
Research Ed is internationally renowned, with a focus on bridging the gap between research and practice in the field of education. As their name implies, each session topic was based on carefully executed research, providing a strong body of evidence to support strategies for age-old teaching challenges like memory recall, distraction, cognitive overload, and more. ResearchEd was a great fit for our mission at the Academy, allowing us to dive into research-based practices that align with both academic rigor and the deeper calling we have as Christian educators.
Academy Headmaster Corey Foster, who spearheaded the whole trip, carefully organized the team to be partnered up and spread out amongst the most relevant sessions, to maximize the benefits of this rich opportunity. Teachers at Kindergarten and lower elementary levels dove into topics like learning through play, whole body learning, and how to empower students to refocus themselves when they become distracted. Jr. High and High teachers examined research related to blocking (teaching a new concept and focusing on one thing at a time) and incorporating that with memory retrieval practices to build a strong knowledge base.
Surrounding the sessions, teachers and administrators met up for discussion on how to apply content to our Academy classrooms. Teachers shared ideas related to skill acquisition activities, while administrators discussed how our school evaluates and uses educational research. It was a wonderful and energizing moment to pause, reflect, learn and share ideas!
One teacher shared, “I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you all for the opportunity to attend ResearchEd. It was an incredibly valuable experience, and I truly appreciate the investment in my professional growth.” Another added, “This PD weekend strengthened our staff as a team and energized us to give all we have to serve our students with intentionality.”
Outside of the conference sessions, Academy Founder Gregg Garner put great care into coordinating moments of conversation and unifying experiences. From table fellowship to Creative and Performing Arts outings, to weaving through New York traffic together on bicycles, the intentional time together was unifying and energizing! The team returned refreshed and excited about finishing the year with excellence, and continuing to refine our educational endeavors.
As we reflect on this trip, I am reminded of Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” This experience reaffirmed that our work in education is not just about information—it’s about transformation. We left New York equipped, encouraged, and excited to bring that transformation back to our classrooms.
We’re grateful for what this trip has meant to us as a team and to the future of our Academy students. May this be just one of many steps in our continued journey toward excellence in Christ.
How to Achieve Excellent Made from Scratch Meals
One of the distinct characteristics of the Academy’s meal program since it began in 2015 has been made from scratch meals. Learn from our meal program coordinator, Ms. Chigumira, how this endeavor is made possible and the extraordinary benefits for our students.
Since 2015, when the Academy School Nutrition Program was launched, we have made it a priority to incorporate made-from-scratch meals. At that time, there was no additional funding, legislation, or push by the USDA or other non-profits to encourage scratch-made meals. However, we recognized that preparing meals from scratch would be the best way to provide nutritionally dense and healthy options for our students. A decade later, there is growing momentum within school nutrition to achieve healthier meals, along with additional resources to train staff and transition kitchens from processed foods to more complex systems of cooking and baking meals.
We have maintained our menu quality and ensured our meals remain minimally processed through three key strategies:
1. Trained Chefs
We have had the privilege of working with a variety of professional-level chefs, which has greatly contributed to our ability to produce high-quality, healthy meals. Staff training is one of the biggest challenges in executing meals from scratch. Having a team with a background in culinary arts helps overcome these hurdles. Our program has been fortunate to bring on executive-level chefs. Our current Executive Chef, John Edmondson, has spent over 20 years in high-end dining, catering for movie sets, and serving as the executive chef for Dodger Stadium. Not only is he a fantastic chef, but he has also trained numerous staff members to prepare meals for our cafeteria with consistency and excellence.
2. Menu Development
Each year, our school nutrition supervisor establishes guidelines and goals for menu development, ensuring our team stays aligned with our vision. For example, our recent menu planning emphasized "made-from-scratch, minimally processed, globally conscious meals and whole foods." We also set clear objectives regarding items to avoid, such as deep-fried proteins, high-sugar foods, cured meats, and highly processed entrées. These menu development goals keep our program on track and aligned with our mission of providing nutritious, high-quality meals.
3. Continual Feedback
Ongoing feedback from students allows us to make adjustments and refine our menu throughout the year to maintain student satisfaction. We conduct formal feedback sessions at the end of each school year, providing valuable data for menu planning. Additionally, we implement informal listening surveys throughout the year to check in with students and determine if any menu items need to be modified. This year, based on feedback from various age groups, we made several changes to our recipes and menu during winter break. Without continual feedback, even made-from-scratch meals may not meet students' preferences.
Ensuring that meals are made from scratch while maintaining excellent taste and quality is a high standard in the world of school nutrition. However, we believe that with skilled personnel, thoughtful menu development, and continual feedback, any program can achieve these results.
The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism and Tardiness on K-12 Students
Chronic absenteeism is an issue that many schools face. Here are ways that the Academy is addressing chronic absenteeism and how parents can show their support.
Consistent attendance is crucial for student success in K-12 education. However, chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—and frequent tardiness can significantly impact a child's academic performance, social development, and future opportunities.
Academic Consequences
Students who frequently miss school or arrive late often struggle to keep up with lessons. Learning builds on itself, and missing key foundational concepts can create gaps that make it difficult to understand new material. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in early grades are less likely to be proficient in reading by third grade (age 8-9), a critical milestone for academic success. In middle and high school, chronic absenteeism increases the risk of failing courses and dropping out.
Social and Emotional Impact
Beyond academics, chronic absenteeism and tardiness can hinder a student’s ability to form relationships with peers and teachers. School is not only a place for learning but also for developing social skills, teamwork, and confidence, and the Academy values these components to our holistic education paradigm. Students who are frequently absent or late may struggle with feelings of isolation, lower self-esteem, and difficulty adjusting to structured environments. These challenges can have long-term effects on emotional well-being and social development.
Future Consequences
The negative effects of chronic absenteeism extend beyond school. Poor attendance habits in childhood can lead to difficulties in the workforce, as punctuality and responsibility are essential life skills. Additionally, students who fall behind academically due to missed school time may face limited career and college opportunities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. We truly believe we are setting our students up for success into adulthood and the workforce by implementing a strict absentee policy.
Tips for Parents to Encourage School Attendance
Establish a Consistent Routine – Set a regular bedtime and morning schedule to ensure your child gets enough rest and is ready for school each day. A predictable routine minimizes morning chaos and helps students feel prepared to start their day on time.
Communicate the Importance of Attendance – Talk to your child about why going to school every day matters. Help them understand how attendance impacts their learning, friendships, and future opportunities. Reinforce the idea that school is a priority.
Address Barriers to Attendance – If your child is struggling with issues such as anxiety, learning challenges or transportation, please reach out to the Academy to find solutions. Schools often have resources and support systems in place to help students overcome attendance obstacles.
By prioritizing attendance, parents can help set their children up for success, ensuring they receive the full benefits of their educational experience. Small, consistent efforts to encourage punctuality and daily attendance can make a lasting difference in a student’s academic and personal growth. A student’s presence at school each day is a partnership between parents and school staff, and at the Academy, we’re willing to ensure students are excited and prepared to come on campus each day!
School Meals: A Key to Reducing Chronic Disease
Proper nutrition during childhood and adolescence plays a vital role in shaping lifelong health outcomes. One of the most effective ways to support children’s health is by ensuring they participate in school nutrition programs, which guarantee access to a full serving of fruits and vegetables every school day. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of consuming adequate fruits and vegetables in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
The Importance of Fruits and Vegetables for Growing Students
Health experts recommend that children aged 8 to 18 consume between 1.5 and 4 cups of vegetables and 1 to 2.5 cups of fruit daily, depending on their age, sex, and weight (1). However, meeting these nutritional goals can be challenging. School meal programs help bridge this gap by offering a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables, enabling students to choose options they enjoy while meeting their daily nutritional needs (2). In fact, students who participate in these programs can receive up to half—or even all—of their daily vegetable requirements during the school day.
This level of access benefits not only the students but also their families. Parents can rest assured knowing their children are getting a significant portion of their daily nutrient intake at school, reducing the pressure to prepare nutritionally complete meals at home. Additionally, the variety of produce offered in school meals exposes students to a broader range of nutrients, fostering better overall health.
How Fruits and Vegetables Combat Chronic Disease
Numerous studies have demonstrated the critical role of fruits and vegetables in preventing chronic illnesses. For instance, consuming adequate amounts is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular diseases and enhanced bone health. Furthermore, certain vegetables, particularly leafy greens, have been shown to offer protective effects against lung cancer. High-fiber foods, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, also aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, contributing to obesity prevention and overall metabolic health.
Additional evidence links fruit and vegetable consumption to a reduced risk of various cancers, including intestinal, pancreatic, bowel, thyroid, and lung cancers. These nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the body’s natural defense systems (3).
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
Participation in school nutrition programs does more than support physical health—it also serves as an educational tool. By regularly eating balanced meals that include full servings of fruits and vegetables, students learn what a healthy plate should look like. These habits can set the foundation for better dietary choices in adulthood, contributing to long-term disease prevention.
Incorporating school meals into a child’s daily routine is a simple yet powerful step toward improving health outcomes. By ensuring that students consume their recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, school nutrition programs not only reduce the risk of chronic disease but also foster healthier generations to come. Eating school meals is an investment in children’s current and future well-being—a step toward a healthier, brighter future.
(1) https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/vegetables