06/02/2026
2026 Reading Camp South County Volunteers and Donations Needed! 2026 Reading Camp, which will be held August 3-7, is for students going into grades 2-5 who live in South County. We serve students who hate reading or have reading difficulties. Each year we ask the school reading teachers to identify potential students for us and do the recruitment. We serve students from Lothian, Tracey’s, Deale, and Shady Side elementary schools. After the families return our registration forms to the schools, we are then able to reach out and finalize the registration process.
At camp, teachers teach instructional groups all morning, i.e., comprehension, vocabulary, visualization, and writing. Students rotate through each subject. We have Book Buddy volunteers who travel with the students as they go through their scheduled activities. Afternoons are for fun activities, such as author visits, guest speakers, field trips, arts/crafts, and music.
On the last day of camp, every student will go home with a bag of books and a backpack of school supplies. School supplies correspond to the public school lists. Finally, we feed each child breakfast, lunch, and two snacks.
To make all this happen, we need you! It costs about $200 per student to provide this program, and we are aiming to host 30 students. Donations of any amount can be given to the Parish office. We appreciate the way the St. James’ parishioners have supported us for many years and helped us help our community.
If you have art experience, we would welcome your thoughts and ideas for activities. We would also welcome your help at camp! Book Buddy volunteers are needed to be with the students as they move through the day (no teaching experience needed). Our arts/crafts team can use helpers on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. We are always looking for people with teaching experience to help in the mornings.
For more information, to volunteer, or to make a financial donation of support, please contact Paula Davis, Reading Camp Coordinator, at [email protected]
