11th Annual Palomas Summer School: Building Skills & Community

Puerto Palomas Summer School 2025 gave structure, fun and food to children. In this circle they are guided in structured activity by an adult leader.

This July, Border Partners held its annual summer school program for local youth looking for educational fun during the summer heat wave. For three weeks, we hosted a packed afternoon program for around 100 kids aged 5 to 13. We provided a variety of educational activities. We aimed to foster personal development, creativity, and connection for these young participants.

Over the three weeks, nearly 300 children participated in Summer School 2025. They received snacks and refreshments daily. Sharing food created moments of joy and connection around the table as important as time spent in the classroom or outside on the playground.

Sharing nutritious food around the table promoted good friendships and was just as important as the summer school classes.

Summer School Week ONE

The first week opened with activities ranging from welcome games and simple cooking classes to more hands-on science experiments. The students also had plenty of fun. 

They enjoyed movie afternoons, water games, and outdoor play. All of this gave them plenty of physical activity alongside the learning.

Summer School Week TWO

In the second week, participants explored their artistic side. They enjoyed another cooking session. They also discovered the joy of science with projects like kinetic sand and bubble blowers.

A summer highlight was the evening bonfire, where children roasted chocolates together for a moment of connection and reflection.

Summer School Grand Finale

We closed the summer school with a special celebration. At this event we honored all the birthdays with a piñata, cake, and games.

The children also enjoyed a visit from the local fire department. The fire fighters taught them fire safety. This skill is especially important in our dry region which is prone to high temperatures.

Thanks to the dedication of our staff, this year’s program achieved its goals: fostering respect, creativity, and community. It provided the children a summer with their friends that they are not likely to soon forget.

The success of this year’s summer school strengthens our commitment to offering enriching opportunities. We believe that learning and play go hand in hand. Combining learning and fun is a goal we will continue to honor in the programming our newly opened Youth Center will provide.