Reading Camp 2023: Follow the Drinking Gourd
We are excited to confirm that (God willing and the creek don’t rise) we will be able to host Reading Camp at St. John’s again this year, after a hiatus for Covid. We are hard at work with our preparations and are once again thrilled with the cooperation we are receiving from our community. The week selected begins July 17, 2023.
Our theme for this session is entitled “Follow the drinking gourd” and is centered around Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Because most of the slaves could not read, they needed something other than a map to find their way North towards freedom and their travelling had to be undertaken at night. They learned to identify the drinking gourd – their name for the Big Dipper. From this constellation they were able to locate the North star, which gave them their direction.
If you are not familiar with Reading Camp, it is a worthwhile project and worthy of your support. Our campers are in the second through fourth grades and are recommended to us by their elementary school teachers. Most of them live in difficult situations and reading is only one of many challenges most of them face daily. They attend camp for one full week, Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. The camp is completely free and we provide breakfast, lunch and transportation to the church. During the morning hours, the campers rotate through six reading activity centers, with usually no more than three children in a room, engaging with a leader (teacher) and a helper. This results in the campers having more adult assistance than they have ever experienced. In the afternoons we accompany them on field trips that enrich their understanding. Between each learning session they have physical exercises designed to stimulate the areas of the brain that influence reading.
We always need volunteer help – leaders (teachers), leader helpers, drivers, assistance with crafts and drivers. If you feel drawn towards this ministry, or have questions about the program, please talk to any one of the three co-directors, Jeannine Booth, Melinda DiCarlo or Margaret Lieberman through the Church Office. Financial contributions are also helpful. If you want to assist in this way, please send your check to the church with “Reading Camp” on the memo line.
