Wow!
What a incredible week it has been! We had an awesome group of students to work with, an absolutely terrific staff (the BEST!), and wonderful weather! All translated into a fabulous and exhilarating week of our first Reading Carnival Camp!
Want to know what our week was all about? Check out these reflections of our camp week written by various staff members, youth counselors, and students:
* "I loved being able to feel like I was making a positive impression in these kids' lives; it was great seeing their eyes light up when they knew they were learning." (Youth Counselor)
* "I can truthfully say that these amazing children have made me become a more positive person. This camp was a great idea and a great success. Reading ROCKS!!!" (Youth Counselor)
* "It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with this magnificent group of children. Their delight in all that was in store for them during camp was infectious! I believe that I received far more than I gave this week. These precious children reminded me of why I decided to become a teacher in the first place. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP ME AWAY FROM READING CAMP NEXT YEAR! (Teacher)
* "I liked the writing and upstairs centers. I also liked the field trips, the farm, Ida Lee and riding the donkey!" (Student)
* "I liked everything about camp! I liked the reading centers as much as the afternoon activities!" (Student)
* "I liked our cheer, "Uno, dos, tres! Ole, ole, ole!" (Student)
* "While I was practicing the sounds with a little boy, he told me he has now started using flashcards with his 4 year old brother and now he is teaching him the sounds." (Youth Counselor)
* "I got to help kids and then at the end of the day I was so tired!" (Junior Girl Scout Volunteer)
* "This has been a fantastic experience and wonderful program. This looks like it has been in operation for years--a true testament to all those involved with all the planning. This has truly been the best week of my summer! Thanks to the kids and staff." (Adult Volunteer)
* "I liked riding the donkey and swimming in the pool at Ida Lee." (Student)
* I liked the Reading Comprehension center and Mrs. Richardson's center." (Student)
* "As I walked through to repair decorations during the week, I heard so much excitement from remarks such as, 'This is so cool!' to 'The best pizza I've ever eaten!' to 'I love this camp!' (Adult Volunteer)
* "Variety is the spice of life--we had cheers, snacks, games, reading skills, remembering names....from trips, tennis, swimming, art, creating books, keeping journals--smiles galore; lots of fun! This was a group of 2nd graders who were eager to discover what's next!" (Adult Volunteer)
* "I like playing games with Mrs. Richardson." (Student)
* "I liked meeting lots of different animals at the farm." (Student)
* "I liked Mrs. Jones' center, writing, Mrs. Richardson's center, tennis, and swimming." (Student)
* "Such a great camp to improve confidence and self-esteem through reading. It was clear that the kids enjoyed everything the camp offered. The changes in the kids' reading ability in just 1 week was unbelievable; fantastic week!" (Volunteer)
* "I liked going to the Ida Lee pool and when we went to the field trip and rode the donkey, Eeyore, even though it was scary." (Student)
* "I liked playing tennis because it's fun!" (Student)
* "A great camp for kids to build their self-esteem and become more confident readers. I have never seen more smiling faces before!" (Volunteer)
There you have it! I couldn't have said it better myself!
- Laura Young visited the Mission House Reading Camp in Lexington June 2009. She is the director of the St. James’ Literacy Program at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Virginia. She is part of team at that parish working on Reading Camp in Leesburg. Laura sent this update a few months ago and has encouraged everyone interested in the new Reading Carnival Camp to check out their new camp website here.
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More of the back story about how the the Reading Camp ministry spread to St. James', Leesburg, Virginia to become "Reading Carnival Camp" is available here.
