Reading Camp 2024

This July 15-19 saw another week of Reading Camp at St. John’s, a week full of listening, speaking, reading, writing, eating, singing, visiting places, crafting together—all in the support of literacy around a theme, animals this year.  Imagine 17 campers coming from six different schools, supported by 6 center leaders, 6 teen counselors, 5 small group guides, staff to provide food, transportation, music, and general support. 

The goal is to boost 2nd-4th graders who have struggled or been reluctant readers.  Mornings are devoted to rotations through 6 literacy centers, interspersed with physical activities between each center.  Afternoons are for music, crafts, and field trips.  For more photos of camp, visit our facebook page WV Reading Camp Saint Johns Charleston.

Reading Camp is NOT school; it is camp!  Our center leaders are teachers who are focusing on skills, but our campers don’t think about that.  We focus on being kind to each other, trying new things, being brave, being curious, and having fun.  Campers’ favorite experiences are usually one of our field trips.  This year, we:

·      Walked downtown to Taylor Books and chose a book to buy

·      Visited the Clay Center

·      Helped make dog toys and visited animals at the KCHA Shelter

·      Met the animals at Dr. Sarah Stevenson’s farm

Many people gave of their gifts to make Reading Camp happen.  Thank you to all, especially our sister church St. Christopher’s and the donors of fabric for the dog toys.