reading camp cleveland

This summer my husband and I traveled to South Africa to volunteer at Reading Camp. Reading Camp is for 3rd and 4th graders who are struggling with reading and come from low-income families. There were 18 kids at camp from the township of Grahamstown, South Africa. I taught reading comprehension and my husband was a camp counsellor for 3 boys. We also did a lot of fun things like.....

Hike through the bush with South Africa's Crocodile Hunter, Basil!

Go on a game drive and see giraffes, zebras, ostriches, baboons, and more!

You are probably wondering why I titled this Reading Camp Cleveland when its all about South Africa. Well, Reading Camp has been on our hearts for a long time, even before we went to South Africa. I had the opportunity the summer before to experience Reading Camp in Kentucky where I also volunteered as a reading comprehension teacher. I fell in love with the ministry that week and South Africa sold Carl on it as well! Reading Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children, at no cost to their parents, to gain confidence in their reading and to experience all the fun and adventures of overnight camp. It is an opportunity the children wouldn't otherwise have because their families can't afford expensive reading tutors and overnight camps.

So, why Reading Camp Cleveland? After Carl and I returned from South Africa we met with the Minister for Christian Formation at our church and told her we want to direct a Reading Camp in Cleveland! Our church has been talking about starting one for a little over a year but no one had stepped up to lead the process. After South Africa, Carl and I felt called to be the leaders.

So here we are! Reading Camp Cleveland is scheduled for June 20-26, 2010. It will be an overnight camp for 3rd and 4th graders from Cleveland. We have a camp scheduled and schools on board to send kids. The planning is just beginning though and there is still so much to do! Fundraising, volunteer recruitment, camper recruitment, planning of camp activities..... We can't wait though! We love Reading Camp!