While many children look forward to summer as a break from school, youngsters attending Kids Kamp at Over the Rainbow Early Learning Center can expect a season filled with adventure, creativity, and hands-on learning.

The summer program, offered from June through August at Over the Rainbow’s locations at 6765 Brint Road and 1809 N. McCord Road, serves children entering kindergarten through age 12.

“Our philosophy is that children need a change from school readiness activities. Kids Kamp is just that. It is fun and adventure-filled, in true day camp fashion,” said owner Michelle Bieber.

The program features a wide variety of activities designed to keep children engaged throughout the summer months. Participants enjoy extended arts-and-crafts projects, carnival days, parades featuring handmade floats, visits from an ice cream truck, basketball games, picnics, and field trips.

Summer excursions include visits to Indian Creek Zoo, Forestview Lanes, Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Main Library, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Olander Park, Burnham Park, and swimming outings at Plummer Pool.

“Even though Kids Kamp is a change from our standard school-year curriculum and all of the school readiness activities offered during the year, children in Kids Kamp are still learning,” Bieber said. “This summer program offers the reliability and safety on which we have built our reputation.”

While summer activities are underway, enrollment is also open for the 2026-27 school year. Over the Rainbow serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years old and offers both full- and part-time schedules. The centers are open from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided daily.

The center’s educational approach is based on The Creative Curriculum, a developmentally appropriate program built around hands-on learning experiences. Children are grouped by age and participate in activities that incorporate art, music, literature, language development, science, mathematics, and technology.

“Children come eager and ready to learn, and our objective is to provide experiences in which all children can participate, learn, and meet with success,” Bieber said. “Our staff provides both hands-on and teacher-led activities. Learning is lots of fun.”

Outdoor play and physical activity are emphasized throughout the year, with scheduled morning and afternoon outdoor time, even during winter months when weather permits.

Over the Rainbow’s mission is to provide a warm, positive environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation for the world and its people.

Locally owned and family operated since 2002, Over the Rainbow has built its reputation on consistency, stability, and quality early childhood education. The center’s teachers participate in ongoing professional development, including coursework, training events, webinars, and certifications in First Aid, CPR, communicable diseases, and child abuse prevention.

Bieber joined Bieber Corporation in 1998 as assistant administrator, bringing experience in early childhood education and quality assurance. After the company purchased Over the Rainbow in 2002, she became administrator and introduced new educational initiatives while leading the center through Ohio’s Step Up To Quality rating process.

In 2013, Bieber assumed ownership of the business. Motivated by her belief in the positive impact quality child care can have on children’s futures, she expanded operations by purchasing a second location in Springfield Township in 2015.

A graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication and extensive coursework in education, Bieber continues to lead the family business alongside her husband, Adam. Their son, Will, attended Over the Rainbow and later worked for the company while studying education at the University of Cincinnati.

More than two decades after opening its doors, Over the Rainbow continues to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive, whether they are preparing for kindergarten or enjoying a summer filled with fun and discovery.