One of the most exciting developments in the Reading Camp world in the past year has been in the great interest about Reading Camp's ministry from outside the Diocese of Lexington. In the fall of 2008, the Executive Director of Reading Camp, Bungee Bynum, visited Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, KY to help share the mission of Reading Camp. An enthusiastic volunteer group from Grace plans to have their own Reading Camp this summer July 27-31, 2009 as well as visiting and staff other Reading Camps this summer in the Diocese of Lexington. In addition to the new Reading Camp in Paducah, there's also new energy for Reading Camp in Leesburg, VA. Check out their recent news here.
The rector of Grace Church in Paducah, Rev. Libby Wade, recently sent this update:
Excitement is building as plans come together for the first Reading Camp at Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, KY on July 27-31, 2009. We've been dreaming about this gift to the community for over a year now and can hardly wait until the children walk through the door this summer! Ideas abound for developing our "Water" theme through creatively preparing the environment (our parish hall), choosing books and reading activities, and planning afternoon field trips and activities. First Presbyterian Church is our full partner in this venture. Broadway United Methodist Church is also generously contributing the use of their indoor swimming pool and their church bus. How comforting it is to have the support and collaboration of our downtown ecumenical partners, as well as our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Lexington! Some staff has been identified and others soon will be recruited. Both the County and City School Superintendents have wholeheartedly endorsed this new venture, and our recruiters are in the process of visiting principals and teachers. One school has already identified students to invite to become campers. We are pleased with the progress made so far and the enthusiastic response received whenever we talk about Reading Camp. We believe that what we are attempting to do will have a major impact on the lives of both campers and staff. Our vision reaches beyond this year to encompass a future with more than one camp in Paducah and an overnight Reading Camp week at All Saints Center, our diocesan camp and conference center in Leitchfield. Thank you, Bungee and the Diocese of Lexington, for your generosity in sharing your expertise, materials, and love of children and reading!
More information about Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah can be found on their parish website.
