It is a time for learning, a time for building self-confidence, a time for fun. All that and much more is what South Fulton youngsters will get at the Summer Reading and Mathematics Camp beginning in early June at Campbell Elementary School in Fairburn.

Shoot The Hoop, Inc. and camp founder Jesse Hill said the unique camp provides a wide range of learning experiences and activities designed to motivate minds and strengthen bodies and spark a creative spirit that will last a lifetime. Open to children from kindergarten age through 5th grade, Summer Reading and Mathematics provides just that. Hill stressed the importance of academic excellence, noting that the instructors are certified teachers aided by local college students.

“Good instructors are key to helping improve CRCT scores and we know that instruction helps kids get on the right track and stay on the right track,” Hill explained. “We want to help kids improve their academic performance and develop good study habits before they get to middle school. That’s important for their future.”

But is not only academics that fill the day-long camp experience. Hill said the full program at the eight-week camp is one that provides a well-rounded list of opportunities, including activities that help develop young bodies and expand horizons. A sample of the offerings include soccer, karate, golf, basketball, cheerleading, dance and music.

“We’re offering sports like golf and soccer to give the kids exposure to something that they can parlay into something other than just football and basketball,” Hill said.

An important feature of the camp experience is dance and other arts-related activities. The physical, mental and emotional experience gained by the young students, explained Dance Instructor Shay Somerville, is something that is built in to the various types of dance styles offered.

“We focus on technical aspects like movement, flexibility, balance and choreography,” Somerville said with a smile. “We emphasize these things because they are important for fitness and stress release. And they will fit into the dance recital we’ll be having at the end of camp.”

Hill said the academic, recreation and arts-related activities are complimented by the camp’s filed trip component. That component, he said, will feature excursions to area historical sites and a variety of venues designed to provide exposure to local points of learning and interest that some youngsters might not otherwise be able to readily access.

The total camp experience is also one that holds safety and security as a primary feature.

“One of the benefits of camp is to provide a safe and healthy, supervised environment during the summer,” said Hill. “With safety and learning in mind, the camp goes far beyond the idea of sitting at home. It provides a way for there to be no gap in the learning process.”

Summer Reading and Mathematics Camp begins June 5 and runs through July 28 at Campbell Elementary School on Elder Street in Fairburn. The camp fee is $75 per week, with free registration and no charge for early drop-off between 7:15-8:30 AM or after camp care between 3:00-6:00 PM. The maximum number of camp participants is limited to 225, Hill said.

As with so many non-profit organizations that work on limited budgets, Hill said any contributions by individuals or companies would be appreciated.

For more information on Summer Reading and Mathematics Camp contact Jesse Hill at (404) 753-8485.

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