Camp Read 2024

Camp Read for KIDS, 2024, was held at Gateway Church in Visalia, August 5th through August 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. It was a fabulous week! The students who attended ranged in grades from first through sixth in the upcoming school year. Each day included lessons in Reading Application, Bible Reading, Phonics and Word Work, and Fluency in Poetry and Reader’s Theater. These lessons were taught in three tracks: Track A for students entering first and second grades; Track B for students entering third and fourth grades and Track C for students entering fifth and sixth grades.

There were a total of 103 students registered with an average attendance of 95. There were approximately 35 retired and current teachers/school employees helping teach the lessons to the students as well as 8 mature high school aides. In addition to teaching curriculum our Home Room Teachers focused on creating an atmosphere wherein all students felt they belonged and were valued. Additional volunteers were involved with providing a secure check-in procedure, providing nutritious snacks, security, and organized games during Recreation.

Our week’s theme capitalized on the Olympic fervor of late July and early August and was “Winning With Godly Character”. Our essential sentence for each day was “When you run the race that God has planned for you, you are a winner.” Students read books and stories relating to Godly character traits that supported this theme. Daily Bible stories centered the traits of honesty, self-control, forgiveness, respect, responsibility, patience, diligence, kindness, and caring. Students read about those character traits exemplified in the stories of Daniel, Joseph, David, Naaman and the Little Jewish girl, and the Good Samaritan.

Other facets of the camp included music, skits, and Bible verse memorization. On Thursday we had a Book Give Away for the students and their younger brothers and sisters as well. All students were able to self-select books that encompassed fiction and nonfiction genres. The parents and students were thrilled with this opportunity to receive such quality books!

We are grateful to God for the opportunity to serve Him and our community in this way. Camp Read for KIDS is unique in its focus and approach to help students get ready for a new school year, and review and reinforce skills which have been previously taught. This is critical for students who have been on summer break, and helps families more successfully launch into the upcoming school year. We are grateful to the many volunteers who willingly gave generously of their time and talents, and to the Leadership and Staff of GateWay Church to make this week possible.