The learning objectives for students at a reading camp will vary greatly depending on the camp selected. Before you enroll your child, it is best to look at the camp curriculum to make sure the program fits your child's needs. Some camps will simply focus on the child's ability to interpret and sound out letters, words, sentences and paragraphs with increasing ease. Others focus on literacy as a complete idea, including reading, writing and interpretation of text. Many camps will use interactive activities along with reading materials, helping students who learn better through hands-on experience. Others will supplement the reading curriculum with positive additions such as using reading as a way to deal with emotional problems and tough situations in life.
Reading camps have requirements for attendees because literacy varies greatly between age groups and circumstance. To be eligible for a reading camp, your child may have to be in a certain school grade or age group, be from a certain city, town, school district or county or be above or below a certain literacy level. Reading camps may be co-ed or single-sex, affiliated with a certain religion, private or public and free or requiring tuition.
Reading camps occur on both local and national levels. At the national level, PBS has created a reading camp called "Super Why" that can be attended in multiple states across the U.S. This reading camp uses cartoon superheroes and interactive adventures to help children between the ages of 3 and 6 learn to read, write and interpret written information. The "Super Why" reading camp creators pride themselves on using a multimedia and interactive approach. Some of the starter materials for this camp are offered for free on the "Super Why" website. If you are looking for something local, reading camps are most likely offered at multiple locations in your city. "Summer at Delphi," a reading camp offered in Sheridan, Oregon, is a co-ed camp for students ages 5 to 18. This camp is overnight, having students sleep in dormitories on-site. The location allows campers to hike, swim, camp and explore the outdoors in between reading-related activities.
Reading camps are offered through multiple organizations and institutions. A good place to begin searching for a reading camp to meet your needs and the needs of your child is through your child's current school and teacher. Reading camps may advertise through elementary schools and teachers, and even collaborate or develop a partnership. Next, you can call local private and public colleges in your area. Often, colleges will open during the summer months to house younger students for reading, math, science and other academic camps. You can also use online reading camp locators. After you enter your zip code, these locators will generate a list of local reading camps.