Reading is a big part of a long day of learning for the children in Clayton County who attend day camp at the Jonesboro Salvation Army.
For nine weeks, from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., reading makes the days fun for 30 campers. While there are lots of fun activities just like any summer day camp-field trips to the zoo and roller skating-The Salvation Army program, funded by United Way, focuses on improving reading skills and teaching children the value of working together.
That spirit of community building is illustrated in the camp's new practice of blending children of all ages and reading levels in each small group.
"The older children help the younger children—it makes them feel useful," said Melissa Cordova, director of the after-school program and summer camp. The younger children learn from the older ones, giving them older friends who are positive role models.
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Older teens who are "graduates" of the after-school program or summer day camp program volunteer as group leaders. They provide oversight and encourage the children, passing down their experience and enthusiasm for learning.
Most camps group campers by age for activities, but at the Jonesboro Salvation Army camp, ages range from 5 to 12 in small groups that work together to help one another learn.
Fostering a love for learning is just one of the ways United Way makes our community safer and stronger.
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