The theme of the 2016 Summer Reading Program was WILD! I had a lot of fun coordinating the program for the children this summer. There was a total of 74 children registered between the Swan River and Benito programs, along with many drop-ins. Some of the activities we did during the program included growing plants, tide bottles, bubble wands, jungle books, paper plate fish, and many others. The children seemed to enjoy the selected activities. Crafts were not the only activities done within the program. We also had two different workers from Prairie Mountain Health come in and do a Sun Sense Presentation. These presentations were done in both the Swan River and Benito libraries. The presentation reminded the children about the dangers of the sun, and taught them some important ways on how to stay protected. For the final day of the program the children got to finish off with a cupcake decorating party, which they seemed to enjoy!

The children also got to fill out reading logs, these reading logs promoted them to read. After each reading log was filled, they got to pick a prize. This helped keep the children engaged in reading over the summer.

The summer reading program being offered in both Swan River and Benito gives the children in both communities a chance to attend a fun program that is helping promote good reading habits for the future. This program is also great for children who aren’t going away on summer holidays and are looking for something fun to do around the community. It helps the children connect with other children their age around the community outside of school. Overall the reading program gives these children a chance to stay active with learning and reading throughout the summer months.

Thank you to everyone in the community who donated to the 2016 Summer Reading Program! All donations are appreciated and help make the program a success.

Haylee Woytkiw

Summer Reading Program Coordinator