"Around the World in a Summer" (ATWAS) Summer Camp
More Than a Summer Camp - A Passport to Possibility
Around the World in a Summer (ATWAS) is One Village Alliance’s signature evidence-based summer enrichment program designed to combat summer learning loss while exposing youth to a world
of possibility through literacy, culture, travel, leadership, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, urban greening, and hands-on learning experiences.
Now entering its 16th consecutive summer, ATWAS helps youth grow academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively through culturally immersive experiences that inspire confidence, curiosity, and leadership.
Throughout the summer, youth “travel” across all 7 continents while learning about cultures, food, arts, traditions, money, and languages from around the world. Through literacy-rich activities, field trips, storytelling, culinary adventures, gardening, multimedia arts, and leadership development, students broaden their perspectives while strengthening critical academic and social-emotional skills.
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WILMINGTON, DE
A Proven Model | 16 Years Strong
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ATWAS is rooted in literacy, exposure, and experiential learning. Our evidence-based model is intentionally designed to reduce summer learning loss while strengthening academic confidence, social-emotional wellness, leadership skills, and creative expression.
Youth participate in engaging hands-on experiences that strengthen:
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Reading fluency
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Vocabulary development
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Writing confidence
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Comprehension skills
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Critical thinking
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Leadership development
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Communication skills
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Social-emotional growth
ATWAS combines education, exposure, culture, and fun through exciting real-world learning experiences including:
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Weekly field trips throughout the Delaware Valley
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Farm-to-table culinary adventures
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Community gardening and urban greening projects
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Storytelling, multimedia arts, and creative expression
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College and career exposure opportunities
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Leadership and service-learning experiences
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Daily literacy enrichment activities
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Building personal in-home libraries
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Becoming a published author by summer’s end
Youth also gain increased exposure to:
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Literacy-rich learning environments
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Museums, colleges, and creative spaces
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Urban farms, gardens, and wellness spaces
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New friendships and mentors from across the region
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Diverse cultures, traditions, and communities
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ATWAS is hosted at our global headquarters located in Wilmington, De OVA Freedom, an inspiring state-of-the-art
green space sanctuary and one of the region’s first
community-based Urban Wellness Centers of its kind.
Youth engage in dynamic learning experiences within a safe, nurturing, and culturally affirming environment designed to inspire creativity, healing, leadership, and growth.
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SALEM, NJ
Thanks to the generous support of the Forman Acton Foundation, Summer 2026 marks an exciting new chapter for ATWAS. This year, we will provide daily transportation youth from Salem, New Jersey to OVA Freedom in Wilmington, Delaware, allowing them to participate in a truly unique regional learning experience.
Many youth have limited opportunities to venture beyond their immediate surroundings. ATWAS intentionally creates opportunities for young people to explore new environments, cultures, communities, and experiences.
Through the daily journey across the Delaware Memorial Bridge, both literally and symbolically, youth expand not only what they know and who they know, but what they believe is possible for their own lives. By learning alongside peers from different communities, exploring new spaces, and engaging in hands-on educational experiences, participants gain valuable exposure that broadens their horizons and inspires future success.
Youth return home each day with:
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Increased confidence and independence
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A broader vision of the world
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Stronger literacy and communication skills
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Greater awareness of college and career pathways
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New friendships and mentors
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Excitement for reading, learning, and leadership
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A deeper belief in their own greatness and potential
Through this fun journey, we address the summer learning loss that contributes to the achievement gap between children from economically disadvantaged communities and wealthier, more advantaged youth with greater access to learning supports. With curriculum developed by OVA's, enhanced with evidence-based literacy interventions, ATWAS is designed to improve reading proficiency and foster a love of learning that lasts year round!
