‘Really built to make it fun’: Shadow Project’s Summer Goal Setting Program helps kids with learning challenges

(Update: Adding video, comments from executive director)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Portland-area nonprofit helps students in kindergarten through eighth grade with learning challenges, such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism, and it's offering its services in Bend for the first time this summer. 

It's the Shadow Project, and its Summer Goal Setting Program is designed to support a child's positive behavior.

 The free program makes sure kids stay on course during the summer. 

"The program is really built to make it fun, make it not difficult," Executive Director Sharon Juenemann said Thursday.

The Shadow Project offers a four-week summer goal setting program.

"Kids set goals like like brushing their teeth independently every night, or or not arguing with siblings -- or even academic goals like reading for 10 minutes a day or practicing their math worksheets," Juenemann said.

Parents and caregivers use goal-setting worksheets to help children set and track their progress. 

It's geared towards boosting confidence, positive behavior and motivation.. 

Children in the program earn "Shadow Bucks" for making progress for their goals each week. They can be spent on the shadow store --  to get books, art supplies and Legos. 

Parents also get a weekly email containing all the materials needed, along with videos and one-on-one support from staff.  

"The program is really built to be very flexible for the families too, and the kids to decide themselves what what are their kids own goals," Juenemann added.

There are two sessions available. The first begins on June 25th, and the second session begins July 23rd. Families can register online.

Here is the press release:

It’s a question that has challenged parents of school-aged children for as long as there’s been a school year: how do we best strike the balance between fun and learning until they head back to the classroom in the fall? For kids with learning differences, that summertime equilibrium can be crucial in maintaining the growth they’ve already made, while sustaining momentum for the years ahead.

Enter The Shadow Project, and its Summer Goal Setting Program, a free service for Central Oregon-area K-8 students with learning challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism to support kids’ confidence, motivation and behavior during the long days of summer. 

The Shadow Project is an Oregon nonprofit founded 25 years ago by a parent of a child who struggled with reading. Working with special education teachers, the organization developed a highly successful program that helps special needs students build skills for school and life success.

The four-week goal setting program is available in two sessions: the first runs June 20 to July 17; the second from July 25 to August 21. The basic components of the sessions include:

• Parents/caregivers help their child set and work toward weekly goals                    
• Children earn “Shadow Bucks” for making progress and reflecting on goals
• Weekly emails containing all the materials needed, video resources, and one-on-one support for parents
• After the session, kids can pick out fun items from the “Shadow Store” filled with books, art supplies, and more

“Our summer program empowers parents to create a supportive, engaging summer for their child who learns differently,” said Sharon Juenemann, The Shadow Project’s executive director. When completed, kids will be equipped with the tools they need to continue making progress in reading, comprehension, paying attention, and behavioral development. It’s a huge help for families trying to keep their kids motivated to work toward their goals and practice positive behaviors year-round.”

Juenemann shared a particularly heart-warming story about one of the students who participated in the 2022 summer program:

Rishi is a student who participated in our 2022 Goal Setting program. Learning and attention challenges meant Rishi struggled in school. But with the help of The Shadow Project, Rishi started meeting goals he set for himself—including going to bed on time, starting a new morning routine, and reading 15 minutes every day. He even devised his own strategies for meeting these goals when it seemed he might stray off course, like going for an evening walk to help him “get tired,” and setting an alarm so his mom wouldn’t have to remind him to do things.

“I feel good,” Rishi told us. “I’m starting to read every night—not because I have to, but because I want to.”

Additional information about The Shadow Project is available by calling (971) 373-3457, or emailing info@shadow-project.org. To register and find out what past summer program parents have to say about this unique summer opportunity, visit  https://www.shadow-project.org/summer/.