First session of Beacon’s summer reading program ends
Friday marked the conclusion of the first two-week session of a free summer reading camp that is open to recent graduates of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes on the island.
The program is made possible through the Beacon of H.O.P.E’s Students Achieving Success program.
Rebecca Rose said this is the first summer the reading program has been held by the Beacon for youngsters of the community. She shared that she was excited about the outcome, along with the enjoyment she saw from the kids during camp.
The camp is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pine Island Elementary School Monday through Friday for two-week intervals. A free lunch is provided to the kids courtesy of the Lee County free lunch program.
Rose said the Beacon can pick up and drop off students, so they can participate in the summer camp if the hours do not coincide with their parents’ working schedule.
Seven kids participated in the first of the three sessions, each a recent graduate of 3rd grade or 4th grade students in the fall.
They did such activities as writing in their own journal with a creative writing prompt, as well as on a secret writing page that allowed them the freedom to write about whatever they chose.
Rose said the kids also read stories out loud, along with participating in narrative reading through a play.
“It doesn’t have to be lifeless and boring,” she said about reading.
Rose said they are currently looking for storytellers who wish to participate during the camp to increase personal relationships the youngsters have with adults.
Trista Makin, 8, said she thought the camp was cool.
“I like it so much because you can have fun,” she said smiling.
The camp was exciting for the youngster because she enjoys reading books, one of the many activities that they do during camp. Trista said she enjoys reading because she learns things from the books.
The youngsters read the book “Chomp!” by Melvin Berger during camp, a chapter book that the library recommended.
Kaylee Proulx, 9, said she really enjoyed reading “Chomp!” because it is a really nice book.
When asked what her favorite activity was during camp, she said reading.
The youngsters also made crafts during the 10-day summer camp.
Kaylee said they made an alligator out of an egg carton and a paper towel roll, which highlighted what their chapter book was about.
Friday, marking the last day of the summer camp, the seven kids were treated to “Story Book of Dreams,” a magic show at the Pine Island Library.
“I like how we take field trips to the library and learn at the library,” Kaylee said.
Once the magic show concluded, the kids enjoyed lunch at the park and a cold treat from Dairy Queen for desert thanks to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Rose said each child will receive a book of his or her own at the conclusion of the session.
The second session began Monday for recent graduates of 4th grade, which will end on June 29. The youngsters will read “Precious Bones” by Mika Ashley-Hollinger.
The third and final session of the reading camp begins on July 2 and ends on July 13 for recent 5th grade graduates who are entering 6th grade in August. The campers will read “Lost in the River in Grass” by Ginny Rorby.
Any parents interested in signing their child(ren) up for the camp are encouraged to call the Beacon at 239-283-5123.