HUB Summer Camp Keeps Children in the Books
6/18/25, 4:00 PM
The Harris Literacy Center, RISE Augusta, and the Jessye Norman School bring learning to summer camp at the HUB
Originally from https://www.wrdw.com/2025/06/18/finding-solutions-students-set-perform-alphabet-thief-local-camp/
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Summer camps are taking place all around us, and many kids are finding ways to stay active while out of school.
This week at the HUB for Community Innovation, 30 kids are taking part in an arts and literacy camp.
The Harris Literacy Center, Rise Augusta and the Jessye Norman School of the Arts have made this free camp possible for the last three years.
“A couple of years ago, there was a community survey that was done in the area, and one of the things we noticed was that parents were looking for some low- or no-cost options for the kids in the summer,” said Betsy VanDeusen, director at the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center.
Vandeusen says thanks to a donation from the Community Foundation of the CSRA, this has been made possible for families at no cost.
“At times like this, when all organizations are feeling strapped, funds might be being cut, our clients need us more,” said VanDeusen. “It’s just so wonderful we have these funds available to make this free to the public.”
The kids, aged 6 to 13 years old, are preparing for a performance of the book, The Alphabet Thief, on June 27.
The camp is also centered around activities involving literacy, so students will participate in stations that incorporate reading, writing, games, movement and play.
“We all know about the summer slide, it makes sense if you are not actively doing the same level of work in school during the summer, there’s going to be some drop off in your skill,” said Vandeusen. “We know that it’s important to get books in the hands of kids, every learner will walk away with three books from camp that they study while they are here.”
Volunteers say they want the kids to build a lot of memories during these two weeks.
“We want them to realize reading isn’t just for school, and it is not boring, and something that can be fun and empowering for them,” said Angel Smith and Alexandra Smith, volunteers. “We want them to take away happiness, joy, friendship, all the good things.”
The Harris Literacy Center offers resources and learning opportunities for adults and kids throughout the year at no cost to you.