LOUISVILLE, Ky--There are a lot of camps in our state. But Summerbridge Louisville which started in the early 90's has a unique feel from the moment you walk in.

"I think what makes it special is not only do you get to learn like you meet new friends kind it's like your family,"  Lajuan Odom said. 

Lajuan Odom has spent  three summers at Summerbridge. He  tells me he feels emotional knowing this will be his last.

The free six week program for rising Jefferson County Public School 6th, 7th and 8th graders focuses all of its time and attention on  kids who are sometimes left behind in the classroom.

"For some reason it doesn’t feel like school feels like home," Odom said. 

Mornings are spent doing math and language arts.

But afternoons offer a chance for the campers to let loose a little.

Today's activities include cooking, a career survey, and a special presentation about how to handle conflict.

The instructor facilitate an open space to brainstorm the issues these young students may be facing – using different coping strategies.

"Sometimes during the course of the moment they just can't stop and think straight so we are going to be doing activities on how you can just stop look and listen and move on peacefully," Durk Davidson said.

And for some, Summerbridge has become a family affair.

"My brother was here last year I was a different camp last year and I always use to see my brother and he would always be happy when he came home and i was wondering wow I wish I go could there and now that I’m here it's way more exciting than I ever thought it would be,"  Kennedi Wathen said. 

"Like at school you just learn but at Summerbridge they teach you and they make it fun for you," Joshua Wathen said.

80 percent of the students who  attend are on free and reduced lunch.

And the application process is rigorous.

The director says it includes teacher recommendations, an overview of their grades, and an essay written by each camper who is trying to participate.

"These are kids we are trying to catch before they fall even further behind and if they don't do anything in the summer than they are three months behind their peers who are all in camps or their own summer schools that you know they can afford," Kate Lindsay said. 

In the end Summerbridge is 29 days full of ups and down but everyone including the teachers learn something that challenges them in a new way.