Kenny Lake Library Hosts Week-Long Book Camp

The Kenny Lake Public Library celebrates another successful year of Book Camp, our traditional summer literacy program. The camp was held July 6-10 and welcomed a group of 40 people, including 28 campers, 8 youth counselors and 4 adults. One of our biggest camps yet and the busiest week of the year for our small library! This year’s theme, "Plant a seed, read a book," focused around farm-to-table food growth and nourishing the mind through stories and ideas. 

Fostering a love of reading and promoting summer reading in children are our true educational goal, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What makes this camp truly special is that all ages (6 and up) get to learn together, not behind a desk but focusing on crafts, sharing ideas, reading or playing altogether. A multi-age group is a powerful learning tool as older children naturally step into mentor roles, build patience, confidence and responsibility. Youngest campers benefit from reading and interacting with older children. It’s a win-win all around with many children asking us at the end of the week why book camp is so short!  

Highlights of this year’s camp were our traditional shared reading time, preparing and presenting skits to parents and friends at the end of the week, the Reading Café, gardening activities, a hike to the Tonsina River Bluff, and a memorable music jam session. 

Book Camp wouldn’t exist without the collaboration of many! Special thank you to our sponsors: Alaska Community Foundation, Copper Valley Electric Association, and Wenger’s Country Store. Also thank you to our local partners: Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment for the use of a van and dedicated driver to transport children daily from Chitina and back; summer intern Grace Rogers; Wrangell St Elias National Park Service, with Ranger Diane Elsworth assisting all week and Hope Courtney and her YCC (Youth Conservation Corps) group who joined camp for activities focused on local plants and invasive plants. Thank you to local musicians Sarah, Cutler and Stetson Heiser for sharing their love of music with the group. Thank you to Lesli Hawkins, new Kenny Lake resident and new member of the KLPL family, joining as camp assistant for the first time. Finally, thank you to our volunteer youth counselors for their dedication and efforts in leading the group.