Camp Literacy Live 2023

For 10 years, some of our youngest students have been able to attend a free summer program, Camp Literacy Live (CLL), thanks to grants and donations from organizations such as Metro United Way, The Peyton Samuel Head Trust, Stockyards Bank, and the Oldham County Educational Foundation. This 3-week program is designed for rising 1st graders with priority literacy needs. CLL uses data to identify kindergarteners who are struggling with reading and provides an opportunity to catch up before the start of 1st grade. Students spend time with specialized teachers as they strengthen their literacy skills.

Of course, these campers don’t want to spend all their time with teachers. One of the highlights of CLL is when the campers get to share reading time with some of our high school athletes. Each camper gets to choose a book they have mastered and read it to student athlete volunteers. After reading, they can choose a prize from the treasure box. These interactions happen daily, and it is a great confidence booster.

It's important to note, this isn’t your typical “summer school.” This is a camp, and it includes fun activities like meeting with local authors, firefighters, ballerinas, and even members of Lou City Football Club. Students read books, make shapes with play-doh, throw water balloons at words, write on their desks (yes!), and learn with other students, community members, and heroes. These campers go home with increased confidence, unique experiences, and an excitement for learning.