Sankofa Summer of Joy Program

A summer rooted in joy, culture, creativity, connection, and play.

The Sankofa Summer of Joy Program is a culturally affirming, play-based summer experience designed to support the whole child. Through structured activities, social play, movement, creativity, sensory exploration, and community-centered learning, children build communication, friendship, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and independence skills in an environment where they feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

Our program blends evidence-based developmental practices with culturally meaningful experiences that reflect the lived realities, traditions, creativity, and brilliance of the communities we serve.

Children participate in engaging weekly themes, collaborative activities, dramatic play, movement experiences, arts and crafts, sensory exploration, music, storytelling, and social learning opportunities throughout the summer.

What Makes Sankofa Different?

• Play-based and relationship-centered approach

• Social and communication skills embedded naturally throughout the day

• Culturally affirming activities and environments

• Sensory-friendly and neurodiversity-affirming supports

• Daily opportunities for movement, creativity, and emotional expression

• Structured and naturalistic learning experiences

• Warm, experienced staff focused on connection and growth

Weekly Themes

🌍 Taste of the World Week

Children explore foods, traditions, music, stories, and celebrations from cultures around the world through sensory play, cooking activities, storytelling, and creative exploration.

🎶 Music Through the Ages Week

Children experience how music connects generations through rhythm, dance, movement, instruments, and songs from different eras and cultures.

🧵 Threads & Textures Week

A creative week focused on fashion, fabric, self-expression, sensory exploration, and cultural immersion through art, design, dress-up, and hands-on activities.

✂️ Barbershop & Beauty Shop Week

Children explore confidence, conversation, self-care, waiting, storytelling, and community through dramatic play inspired by familiar grooming and beauty spaces.

🌿 Nature Week

Children connect with the outdoors through gardening, sensory exploration, water play, movement, science activities, and nature-based creativity.

🧠 Brilliant Minds Week

Children become inventors, creators, builders, and problem-solvers through STEM activities, collaborative projects, imagination-based play, and hands-on challenges.

🏡 Village Week / Cookout Week

A celebration of connection, family, teamwork, and community. Children engage in group games, storytelling, pretend play, music, cooking activities, and collaborative routines inspired by gathering together.

Activities Include:

• Group games and social play

• Arts and crafts

• Music and movement

• Sensory exploration

• Dramatic and pretend play

• Outdoor activities

• Collaborative building projects

• Storytelling and circle time

• Emotional regulation and mindfulness activities

• Cultural life skills experiences

📍 Program Information

Program Hours: Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Add-on Hours between 3-7 pm for $30.00 per hour.
Cost: $175 per week (9 am-3 pm)
Limited spots available.
Ages: 3-15