Summer Kid’s Camp: Summer Reading for Kids

It can sometimes seem impossible to get children excited about reading, especially in the summer. But, the importance of books goes beyond what’s on the pages. Reading helps children stimulate their imagination, understand the written word and when done aloud, develop valuable verbal and listening skills.

Plus, it’s a great way to get kids to interact and learn while still enjoying the sunshine. That’s why the next theme in our Summer Kid’s Camp series is Summer Reading for Kids.

Summer Reading for Kid’s Activities

We know what you’re thinking, how are you supposed to get the kids at your summer camp excited about reading? It doesn’t have to be all about reading, but getting children interested in writing, using their imagination and thinking outside the box is just as important.

Use a combination of outdoor and indoor activities to get children excited about summer reading:

• Walk to the library
• Choose a favorite story to act out as a group
• Rewrite the ending to a book
• Read a book out loud and then watch the movie together
• Draw pictures of what the children envision characters from the book to look like
• Bake a recipe that coordinates with the theme of a book
• Have each child write one page of an original story and read it out loud

Summer Reading Craft Project for Kids

(Photos courtesy of Jen Goode. Learn how to make her book bags.)

While reading is fun on its own, its way more fun if you’re also getting crafty. So, when you’re reading together as a group, coordinate a fun craft project that will enhance the experience and give children a lasting keepsake to take home at the end of the day.

Inspire them to use their creativity and imagination to create a tote bag they can take on their next trip to the library.

What you’ll need:

• White tote bags
• Fabric spray paint
• Fabric markers
• Fabric rhinestones
• Acrylic craft paint
• Fabric glue

Directions:

1. Prepare your work area by covering tables with plastic and making sure kids are wearing aprons or old clothing.
2. Have kids make a sketch of their design. Since they’ll only have one chance to get it right, it’s best to do a little planning.
3. To leave an area white for text, cover it with packing tape, then spray the bag using different colors of fabric spray paint.
4. Once the paint is dry, remove the tape and use fabric markers to write children’s names, favorite books titles or to draw pictures.
5. Use fabric glue to paste rhinestones and other embellishments to the fabric tote.
6. Let dry, and enjoy!

Summer Reading List for Kids

Looking for a summer reading list that will inspire the kids in your summer camp? The best books are going to depend on the age group of your children, but there are some classics that will inspire even your hard-to-please campers.

Here’s just a few to kid’s books to get you started:

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Ages 4-7)
• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (Ages 4-7)
• Charlotte’s Web by E.B Williams (Ages 8-10)
• Matilda by Roald Dahl (Ages 8-10)
• Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (Ages 8-10)
• Holes by Louis Sachar (11+)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Ages 11+)

Keep children engaged with reading all summer long by giving out a reading list and telling campers to trade books. When they are all reading the same books, they’ll be more excited about reading and discussing afterwards.

Be sure to check back next week for another brand new theme in our Summer Kid’s Camp Series.

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