Camp REACH opened on June 10th to a substantial crowd of students and ended on July 17th with an assembly to celebrate student accomplishments. “We are thrilled with the turnout at Camp REACH.” commented Beth Chandler, Principal of Glanton-Hindsman Elementary. Camp REACH served 138 students over a period of 10 weeks providing opportunities for students to engage in a variety of literacy, art, math, and technology activities. Camp REACH was open to all students of Glanton Hindsman, free of charge. A snack and lunch were provided daily through the Summer Lunch Program. Monetary donations from the Fairfield Plantation Kiwanis Club and teachers helped to sponsor both Camp REACH and our STEM clubs held this summer.

“Our vision was to prevent academic loss over the summer months, but in addition to that, we wanted to provide an enjoyable, safe summertime experience for our students.” said teacher Julie Hursey, Camp REACH Director. “Fortunately, we had a generous staff of teachers and some very dedicated parents who were committed enough to student enrichment that they were willing to give some of their summer to serve our students.” Over the course of the summer, thirty-six teachers, parents, and others volunteered as guest readers and leaders at the camp. Student BETA club members also volunteered by helping to shelve books, read with students, and to assist with activities.

Students at the camp were treated to guest readers, thematic art activities, computer-based learning games, and the opportunity to read and take Accelerated Reading tests to gain points toward reading goals for the 2014-15 school year. Students earned from two to thirty AR points over the course of the summer. Most books are worth .5 points, so a student would have to read and test on up to sixty books to earn thirty points.

Reading themes at Camp REACH included Dive into Summer Reading, Camping and Nature, Pirates, Horses, Mad Scientist, and Braves Baseball. Teacher, Christina Gilham, even brought her horse to school and read aloud to students while mounted on her horse. For some students, it was the first time they had seen a horse up close. On another camp day, teachers Tanika Thompson and Jenna Blair dressed as pirates and read aloud the hilarious book, “Pirates Don’t Change Diapers”, written by Melinda Long and David Shannon. The culminating activity of the camp was an assembly to give awards to students for participation and achievement. High point earners Jeffery Johnson and Danielle More won BMX bicycles. Other awards included t-shirts, water bottles, bracelets, and reading achievement pins. Students were also treated to Kona Ice treats. The smiles on winning students faces are proof there is nothing like authentic accomplishment. What a wonderful summer at Camp REACH.