By Paige Gurgainers
School may be out, but learning is just getting started at your Webster Parish Libraries. Although their annual Discovery Camp kicked off in May – it’s not too late to get your kiddos registered. The four-week summer program is still accepting participants.
Children ages 0 to 11 will have an opportunity to read, explore and grow through hands-on educational activities with this Discovery Camp specifically designed to keep young minds active and engaged throughout the summer months.
“The goal is to encourage learning outside the classroom,” said Savannah Jones, Director of Webster Parish Libraries. “We want kids to fall in love with reading while gaining skills that will help them succeed inside and outside of school.”
With a focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – “campers” will participate in themed weekly activities with literature at the heart of the experience while building critical life skills like confidence, independence and teamwork, all in a safe and supportive environment.
Along the way children earn ‘library bucks’ for every book they read or special event they attend, and they can redeem those bucks for prizes—making reading both fun and rewarding.
All books must be logged through the library’s online Beanstack portal, and logs must be submitted by Friday, June 28 at 5:00 PM to qualify for end-of-camp awards. Campers ages 0–11 who read five or more books will receive a certificate of participation and be invited to a special end-of-camp celebration. Those who go the extra mile and read 30 books will receive a certificate of completion and an official award medal.
Two award ceremonies will be held in July to honor the young readers and their accomplishments.
Thursday, July 10 at noon – Minden Community House (for the southern parts of
the parish)
Friday, July 11 at noon – Springhill Library Branch (for northern parish communities)
Each event will include a special appearance by Smokey the Bear, who will help present the awards. The library kindly reminds families that photos will be taken during the ceremony by staff, and additional photo opportunities will be available afterward. To ensure a smooth event, children will be called in alphabetical order by last name, and families are asked to help their camper be ready when their name is called.
“There’s still time to register for Discovery Camp at your Webster Parish Libraries”, said Cassidy Duck, Youth Services Coordinator for Webster Parish Libraries. “You can visit your local branch or sign up online through websterparishlibraries.beanstack.com to get started. Every program and book are an adventure filled with fun, friends, and fantastic new things to learn. Smokey the Bear will be on-site for completion events at both ceremonies.”
For more information, visit www.websterpl.org or contact your nearest Webster Parish Libraries branch. It’s not too late to discover something great.