STEP Summer Literacy Camp in August was a huge success! It is truly a multi-dimensional learning program! For two weeks from 9 a.m. – noon, neighborhood children are provided each day with one-on-one tutoring in reading, along with an engaging bible story lesson, breakfast, lunch, a praiseworthy character trait focus, AND games to get some energy out in the middle.

STEP has excellent tutors – some are current and retired teachers – all led by Juli Atkinson, our Literacy and Tutoring Coordinator as well as gifted teacher, Kathy Rogers. Partner churches and key volunteers recruit the needed tutors by raising awareness and inviting God’s people to invest in the lives of these young people needing help with reading skills.

The tutor evaluations were filled with glowing feedback, as usual! Many shared that it exceeded their expectations in how highly organized and engaging it was with easy-to-understand Bible stories and creative and fun crafts in addition to the structured reading times.

And it was obvious that the children were happy to be in the program! One tutor commented, “You could see the excitement in the children’s eyes showing how much they enjoyed the program!” Another shared, “(My student) never once complained when I asked him to do something, and he was always eager to learn. During camp, his spelling and confidence improved.”

One student, DonArieal, is going into 5th grade and has been a part of Literacy Camp in past years as well. DonArieal’s personal goal for Literacy Camp this year was to get to the “Z” book, the last book in the literacy series. Her tutor worked diligently with her, and…she made it! How wonderful for her to have a goal and work hard to achieve it!

DonArieal is just one of the many children who experienced Christ’s love through one-on-one assistance in reading and other activities here at STEP.

Do YOU have a heart for assisting children in reading? Consider signing up one or two hours a week for STEP’s After-School Tutoring OR start or join an in-school Encouragers Program!