Camp Connection started as a means of doing outreach without going out.
Summers at the library were extremely busy--numerous well-attended programs and scores of children stopping by the help desk eager to tell us how much reading they have been doing. When not in the library, children were scattered at numerous locations throughout the community. During the school year, this meant 12 public elementary schools, three Catholic schools, and numerous preschool and child care programs. During the summer, the situation was even worse, as the elementary school aged children dispersed to various camps and summer school programs. The staff was already quite busy handling the number of children who did come into the library on a given day--it just wasn't possible to schedule visits to multiple locations.
The solution? Create a program to assist camps in weaving literacy activities into their camp programs and to support the summer schools' language arts curricula. The children would complete the majority of the literacy work at camp\school under the guidance and supervision of their counselors\teachers, but would still forge a connection with the library.
How the program works: At the beginning of the summer, each program is given a tally sheet for each class\group. Each tally sheet has 20 icons--the group colors in one icon when they complete a literacy activity. They are working towards the reward of a library visit during which they receive a certificate and prizes for their participation, take a tour of the children's area, and participate in special activities.
Summers at the library were extremely busy--numerous well-attended programs and scores of children stopping by the help desk eager to tell us how much reading they have been doing. When not in the library, children were scattered at numerous locations throughout the community. During the school year, this meant 12 public elementary schools, three Catholic schools, and numerous preschool and child care programs. During the summer, the situation was even worse, as the elementary school aged children dispersed to various camps and summer school programs. The staff was already quite busy handling the number of children who did come into the library on a given day--it just wasn't possible to schedule visits to multiple locations.
The solution? Create a program to assist camps in weaving literacy activities into their camp programs and to support the summer schools' language arts curricula. The children would complete the majority of the literacy work at camp\school under the guidance and supervision of their counselors\teachers, but would still forge a connection with the library.
How the program works: At the beginning of the summer, each program is given a tally sheet for each class\group. Each tally sheet has 20 icons--the group colors in one icon when they complete a literacy activity. They are working towards the reward of a library visit during which they receive a certificate and prizes for their participation, take a tour of the children's area, and participate in special activities.