Reading Camp

Reading Camp Harford

Reading Camp Harford is a week-long, full day summer camp for elementary school age children entering 2nd through 5th grades who are struggling with reading (no more than one grade level behind) or do not choose to read for pleasure. Using a summer day camp model, its goals are to strengthen basic reading skills, build self-confidence, stem summer learning loss and encourage their reading. Each morning, certified teachers lead small group learning sessions that provide practice and skills refreshment primarily focused on reading comprehension, phonics and writing. Afternoons are full of fun and spent participating in typical camp activities, including visits from guest speakers, crafts and games, a carnival featuring magic, face painting and more, and a field trip to a local swimming pool. Our 2024 camp theme is “Arctic Blast” so we will be reading books, playing games and making crafts related to The Arctic. Afternoons also include special Read & Relax opportunities for campers to explore our book collection to find just the right story to spark their imagination and interest, and a chance to relax and have fun with new friends. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are served throughout the day. All adult volunteers have completed legal background checks and are certified in child safety best practices through the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. In addition, a licensed nurse is always available on site. The camp is funded with local donations; therefore, there is NO cost to families.

 

The Reading Camp Program was launched in Harford County in 2018 by the late Reverend Joan H. Kelly and we are very proud to continue the camp in her legacy. The first two camps were held at Emmanuel Church in Bel Air and were a tremendous success, but we quickly outgrew the space. The camp’s operation was moved in 2022 and is now held annually at the Community Center at St. Mary’s Church in Abingdon in early August. The success of this program through 2023 has been due to a tremendous partnership between Holy Trinity Church in Churchville, Reverend Joan’s home congregation, Emmanuel Church and St. Mary’s Church. In 2024 the program grew to include volunteers from St. John’s Church in Havre de Grace. For more information, please send an email to Bonnie Montalvo at ReadingCampHarfordMD@gmail.com.