UNITY — Summer sunshine experienced July 19 in Unity was perfect for Unity families to experience the annual summer literacy camp that popped up at St. Peter’s School. Another event will be held at the same location Aug. 2.
The Light of Christ Catholic School Division facilitates the activity as part of its pop-up summer literacy program. The program is in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
July 19 facilitators were Terra Karp and Kahra Price. The duo encouraged attendees to engage in sidewalk chalk, colouring, reading and overall enjoyment of a gorgeous summer day outdoors.
Children could sign up for summer reading bingo which could be part of a child’s or family’s summer events. The bingo card encourages reading in designated locations to check off in a bingo-style activity. Entries could be shared with photos on the LOCCSD Pages in the Park Pop Up Tents Facebook page or shared with staff when they come to your community. Prizes were offered for the first 20 completed entries.
Literacy co-ordinators lead games which encourage reading and math skills and, best of all, they provided free books for children to take home.
The blue tent offered a selection of reading material for children to read on site or select as one of the books to take home. Literacy kits were available for families to spur children’s creativity and curiosity to develop a love of reading, writing and exploration.
The event is hosted come and go style, making it easy to join. The pop-up mini literacy camps are offered in North Battleford and other communities through July and August.
Just a couple of hours into Unity’s event on July 19, facilitators said they had already had more than 20 participants come through the program.
Some children headed up to the closest branch in the large tree in front of St. Peter’s to read their book, while others took advantage of the tent’s shade. Beautiful chalk work art lined the sidewalks as children enjoyed the creative freedom to design and decorate. Others happily skipped around the site, stopping intermittently to colour or read. Moms and caregivers enjoyed the opportunity offered by the leisurely outdoor activity while socializing with others in attendance.
Adults in attendance said they appreciated the low-key environment and were happy to see their children excited about reading, especially after receiving a free book.
One parent in attendance said of their experience, “It was free, it was fun, it offered a leisurely experience, and my kids were excited about reading which makes for an all-round winning situation.”
The goal of the pop-up event is to encourage a lifelong love of reading as well as maintain, or perhaps enhance, literacy skills over the summer keeping children ready for school again in the fall.
