How It All Started . . .
After many years working in the child summer learning field, George Starks finally put his finger on what was missing in the books youngsters were relying on to retain knowledge while enjoying summer vacation. Missing were the lessons on core values, physical fitness, and healthy living that are critical to teaching the whole child.
In 2010, George collaborated with teachers, physical fitness educators, and established authors to develop Summer Fit Activities—a book series unlike any other. George looked to his own childhood summers for inspiration: playing basketball until sunset, volunteering in the community with his family, reading under a shady tree, keeping a daily journal, and fishing for perch with his Grandpa in Wisconsin.
Using his own personal and professional experience, alongside professional studies and research, George developed the Summer Fit series with his sister, Kelly, an elementary school educator and mother of seven. They developed the unique series with a passion for serving children and families emphasizing three main components: academics, physical activity, and core values.
George passed away in 2017 after a brave battle with cancer, leaving Kelly to carry on his vision of summer workbooks that kept children’s brains and bodies active over the summer months while encouraging reading, exploring, spending time with family and friends, and community service.
Every page of the Summer Fit books bears George’s mark of embracing ideals of compassion, education, and overall wellbeing. Our goal at Summer Fit is to provide your child with George’s vision of education and life: they never stop, but they should always be full of compassion, joy and, purpose. We are confident that your child’s education will be enriched with knowledge, values, and healthy living practices. We thank you for your interest and are always open to your thoughts and input in continuing the growth of our company and our partnership with your child’s education.
Continuing George’s Inspiration . . .
After George Starks, the founder of Summer Fit Activities, passed away from cancer in September 2017, we decided to honor his legacy by creating the George bobbleheads- big-headed cartoons of George doing his favorite activities. George was the heart of Summer Fit Activities and a central force in the lives of those who knew him. We want to continue his inspiration by keeping George’s spirit of childlike joy and curiosity alive. Throughout the Summerfit website and social media pages, you will find George popping in with words of encouragement, reminding the reader to live life with enthusiasm for community and love life with a passion for knowledge.