CULLMAN, Ala. – The Link of Cullman County is gearing up to host another year of kindergarten readiness camps, this year in seven different locations to better serve those incoming students who may not have had the opportunity of attending a preschool or Head Start program.
Dakota Trammell, literacy coordinator at The Link, said that while those “hard” skills such as potty training, colors and counting are usually well developed for incoming students, there are certain soft skills some students may not have learned yet.
“The kindergarten readiness camp was designed to help with some skills that some students may be lacking on that first day of school,” she explained, “like pencil grip, opening packaged food, even sitting for a book to be read.”
Trammell said that for many children of stay-at-home parents or those who do not attend formalized daycare or preschool, the simple shock of being away from their grownups can be a challenge; the camp gently eases these children into that experience.
“Sometimes, kids have never been away from mom or dad or guardians, so it can leave them shell-shocked!” she said.
The camp has steadily grown over the last near-decade of serving students; with seven locations, The Link expects to see a great turnout. Enrollment depends on the camp location, with each location having 30 spots allotted.
“We usually get at least 20 at each site, but some will max out for sure,” Trammell shared.
The camp is equal parts work and play, with students homing in on those soft skills, building friendships and even receiving books to build up their home libraries.
Kindergarten readiness camps will take place July 17-21, from 10 a.m.-noon, at Cold Springs Elementary School, Cullman First Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Fairview, Good Hope Baptist Church, Longview Church of God, Parkside School and Welti Elementary School.
To sign up, or for more information, contact Dakota Trammell at dakotatrammell@linkingcullman.org.
Copyright 2023 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
