Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

Project Name: Summer Book Worms Literacy Program – Communities in Schools

Project Start/End Dates: June 14th-August 6th, 2010

Initial Project Description: The Book Worms Literacy Program is a summer literacy based activity program for children ages 5 – 12, located out of schools in Southwestern Newfoundland. Book Worms was developed by Communities in Schools (CIS) and has been running for the past six years. Organized group activities are offered daily at all sites and promote family literacy, healthy social development and cooperation while learning. Each camp has a specific theme that is selected from areas such as science, geology, geography, history, the arts, etc.

The goal of this program is to give young children the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills.

Project Outcomes: This program had approximately 220 participants, and was offered in the communities of Stephenville, Burgeo, Lourdes, Port aux Basques, Isle aux Morts and Codroy Valley. In total there were 12 camps that promoted literacy and learning, with themes such as Dinosaur Adventure Camp, Explore the Great Outdoors, Ocean Adventure Camp, Go Green, Everything Munsch, Camp Clue, Bookworms Summer Reading Camp, and Creative Hands. Letters written by participants, parents and summer staff identified successes of the program:

Child participant letter to Robert Munch: “Hello Robert munsh what are you doing more stories. My favourite book is hmmm cookies. You’re a good writer too.”

Parent: “As a parent, I am thoroughly pleased that there has been a program such as this one available to the children during the summer months. It gives them an opportunity to keep in touch with their friends, which they would not get the chance to do otherwise, and keeps their little souls still interested in reading and doing summer activities during summer vacation.”

Summer staffer: “In the end, it is the kids that really make this job so special. It is amazing to see where their imaginations can take them and how creative they can be.”

Developed and hosted by NALD in collaboration with Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.