Tyler

By ASHLIE OSBURN
Staff Writer

Elementary school children stood in rows, punching and kicking to oriental-style music, on Monday morning following the instruction of their Summer Reading Camp teachers.

From 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, the Junior League of Tyler is hosting its 13th annual Summer Reading Camp at Andy Woods Elementary School.

This free, weeklong camp provides students, who have completed the second grade and been identified by teachers as needing additional encouragement to read, the chance to experience the fun and imagination created through reading.

“It’s more of a camp experience than anything for them,” said Chasity Dunham, media liaison for the Junior League.

Monday’s book of the day was “Karate Hour” by Carol Nevius. Facilitators featured elements of martial arts as a teaching tool to inspire children to read.

Ms. Dunham said more than 100 Tyler Independent School District students from Austin, Bell, Birdwell, Bonner, Caldwell, Clarkston, Douglas, Griffin, Jones, Orr, Ramey, Rice and Andy Woods schools are scheduled to attend the camp.

Program coordinators are providing transportation, lunch and a snack to participating students. Campers also receive at least 25 new books, a T-shirt and a book bag.

Through purchases of Scholastic books by the Junior League of Tyler, along with 400 books donated by Pearson Education Inc., they are planning to give more than 2,500 books to participating students, said JLT co-chair Elizabeth Murphy.

By participating in various camp activities, students can earn “Camp Bucks” that are used to buy more books and prizes in the camp bookstore to further their excitement for reading and increase their personal library.

“They don’t have to have money to buy books. Everybody gets to choose,” said JLT co-chair Stephanie Cotton.

Students get hands-on experience in art, drama, listening and writing lessons as they enjoy their “Book of the Day,” read by a special guest.

Guest readers include Brandon Jones from Tyler Kung Fu and Fitness; Rice Elementary School counselor Diane Carnes; Tyler Junior College Assistant Baseball Coach Doug Wren; Dr. Steve Wilson and Linda Kunze from Caldwell Zoo; and Evelyn James from the Tyler Public Library.

Coordinators anticipate not only campers, but other children within their households to have a higher self-esteem and confidence in all aspects of reading through the selections of books provided.

The program earned the JLT the Daily Points of Light award for May 30. Former President George Bush started The Daily Points of Light program in 1989, which honors recipients who epitomize “the best volunteerism, a sense of caring and responsibility for others that connects citizens and solves community problems.”

For more information, call 903-595-5426.

Natalie Blalock, 8, of Tyler blocks a punch from Daniel Hoce of Tyler Kung Foo and Fitness during the Junior League of Tyler Summer Reading Camp Monday.
(Staff photo by Tom Turner)