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Students in grades kindergarten through sixth are enjoying the Dreamers Camp hosted by Troup County School System, according to a TCSS press release.

Students in the program engage in reading, math, and art to prevent the summer slide.

“After the shutdown from the pandemic and many of our students participating virtually this past school year, we wanted to make learning fun and enticing to encourage attendance,” Nicole Kennedy, TCSS parent and family engagement coordinator said.

“A summer learning committee was formed with Deana Brown, Elementary Curriculum Director, and TCSS employees to create a fun, robust learning experience. We didn’t want it to be like a typical summer school. We wanted it to be more of a camp setting so we had campers (students)involved in the learning experience.”

Accompanied by community guests, teachers and staff, students sing songs or read lines in a storybook during “campfire time.”

They have also enjoyed storytelling by Debbie Burdette as Mamma Jama, Connie Askew, Jack Morman, Carol Cain, Kim Myers, Jo Beth Lanier, Gail Gordon and Nicole Kennedy.

“We are so appreciative to these volunteers for spending time with our children this summer,” Kennedy said.

“This was the first time some of children have come back to school since COVID-19 started, and we want our families to see that kids are safe in an environment that is socially, academically and emotionally strong for their children.”

The Jungle Bus, a mobile library that visits schools and other educational centers, recently visited Franklin Forest Elementary School for a group activity.

Students sat around a pretend campfire, learned reading facts, sang The Jungle Bus song, and read the children’s book, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

After the group reading activity, each student went into The Jungle Bus and chose a book to take home and read.

Reading Ranger and Jungle Jama, reading ambassadors who travel with the Jungle Bus, told Franklin Forest students, “For future success in school and life, keep reading books.”

The Dreamers Camp runs until the end of July. Over 500 students are enrolled throughout the county at each elementary school except Hollis Hand. Due to a recent paving project, Hollis Hand students are housed at Hillcrest Elementary School. The camp is held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Transportation is provided, and a free breakfast and lunch are served daily.