2014-2015 JLSA Summer Reading Camp

July 13, 2014, by Amanda Shippey

Service to the community does not stop over the summer for the Junior League of San Antonio. In fact, this is the season where one of our life changing projects, Reading Camp, is put on. Reading Camp is an event hosted by the Junior League of San Antonio. This two-week event is dedicated to improving the academic skills of students in San Antonio. "Giggles fill the air as wide-eyed children stare at the reader with a sense of wonder. Students find a new found joy in reading and writing.  They blossom with curiosity!” Elizabeth Kreager, Reading Camp Volunteer explains the atmosphere for this remarkable event.

Holding this camp is crucial to developing the skills of students over the summer. “Studies show that children experience a decline in their reading level over the summer months.  The Junior League tries to help bridge that gap by providing books to these children." Reading Camp chair, Samantha Beyer tells us. Leading us to believe that implementation of this camp is crucial to improving the lives of San Antonio area children.

Students that attended camp this year were immersed in a curriculum full of reading, science, arts and crafts. The two week course focused on a central theme, habitats. When the camp concluded, students were able to take home a bag full of goodies, a t-shirt, and 9 books to help them continue building their literacy skills.

Happy Holidays Contest!

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Kala Christouyenna, and Froehliche Weihnachten!

Around the world and in just a few hours we will be celebrating Christmas. What a wonderful time to participate in deep-rooted family traditions as well as create some new traditions along the way!  Being half-German, our family has a tradition where we hide a glass pickle ornament on the tree! On Christmas Day whoever finds the pickle first is given an extra present from St. Nick and good luck for the next year. The whole family loves to participate and it has been a tradition we have continued for years.

I recently created a new tradition that I was able to share with my kids. The Sunshine Singers invited fellow Junior League members to come caroling with them at area retirement homes.  I took a fellow friend and Leaguer, Crystal Fuller, along our kiddos.  Singing to the seniors, we saw a sea of smiles beaming holiday cheer back at us. Some seniors evens sang along with us, and at the end of our performance we were able to visit with the residents.  I thought we would be blessing them with good tidings but instead they touched our hearts.  We have now decided as a family to make this an annual tradition.

This time of year I just love hearing about traditions so we are running our first blog contest from now until January 3! All you have to do is:

1) Post one of your family traditions in the comments; or,
2) Share a link to our blog on your facebook page (then leave a comment letting us know you've shared)

Each tradition or Facebook link entered will count as a submission into our blog contest! On January 3, we will have a drawing for one lucky winner to receive a "Holiday Grab Bag"....so join in on the holiday fun and let's us know something special you do each and every holiday! We would love to hear about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa traditions as well!

Happy Holidays Junior League of San Antonio Members! We will see you in the new year!

Here's a quick snapshot of caroling on December 14!