Summer BLAST! Brings 125 Participants and Families Together for a Summer of Learning and Adventure

Mani Rubio

06-17-2026

Approximately 125 participants and family members joined SRA Ministries during June for Summer BLAST!, an innovative summer experience combining English-language learning, family literacy, children’s education, and community adventures throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Around 25 children ages 5–13 participated in Summer Kids while adults strengthened their English skills, creating opportunities for entire families—and even multiple generations—to learn together. From discovering White Rock Lake to seeing three generations of the Wu family participate side by side, Summer BLAST! demonstrated SRA Ministries’ vision of making education an experience for the whole family.

Throughout the month of June, approximately 125 participants and family members came together for an unforgettable summer with SRA Ministries’ Summer BLAST! The program combined English-language learning, family literacy, and community experiences to create what we called a “Verano al CIEN!” Adults continued developing their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while children participated in activities designed especially for them. But learning did not stay inside the classroom. Families explored different places throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, spent time together, and discovered new ways to enjoy their community while practicing English in real-life situations.

For many families, Summer BLAST! opened the door to experiences they had never had before. “My family and I had never been to White Rock Lake, and it really is a beautiful place to spend the day, grill, walk, ride bicycles, and do so much more. I even saw that they have a dog park! Through Summer BLAST!, SRA Ministries has shown me places I didn’t know existed or that my family could enjoy,” said Juliana Gomez, an Intermediate English participant. Juliana attended the program alongside her husband, Marcos, while their children, Edwin and Isabel, participated in Summer Kids. Their experience reflected one of the central ideas behind Summer BLAST!: when parents learn, their children should have opportunities to learn and grow alongside them.

Approximately 25 children between the ages of 5 and 13 participated in Summer Kids, divided into two groups so activities, lessons, and assignments could be adapted to their ages and learning needs. The result was a program where children were not simply waiting while their parents attended English classes—they were active participants in the Summer BLAST! experience. One of the most inspiring examples was the Wu family, who came to the United States from China 15 years ago. Three generations of the family participated together: grandmother Moon Wu; Mr. and Mrs. Wu; their teenage daughter, Gin Wu; and five-year-old Jr. Wu. From grandmother to grandchild, each generation had an opportunity to learn, participate, and belong.

“Seeing three generations of one family participating in the same program is something wonderful and unique,” said Angel Del Rio, Founder of SRA Ministries. “That is exactly what we want to accomplish: for the entire family to feel involved and to learn together. That is why we designed Summer BLAST!” The program reflects SRA Ministries’ growing commitment to family literacy—creating opportunities where education becomes a shared family experience rather than something that happens to only one member of the household.

Following an exciting month of learning, field experiences, family activities, and new friendships, SRA Ministries will take a summer break during July before returning to its regular activities in August. A new year of English and Citizenship classes will begin in September, welcoming returning students as well as new families ready to take the next step in their journey. Summer BLAST! may have lasted only one month, but for the families who participated, the experiences, relationships, and discoveries made throughout June will continue long after summer ends.