Camp Read-A-Lot Finale

August 15, 2003

On July 29, Bryant Will of the Colorado Division of Wildlife presented a "Bear Aware" program for a crowd of 31 summer readers. Bryant is always entertaining and informative and a good sport about presenting programs for us. The "Bear Aware" program was a great addition to our camping theme as those of us who travel in the mountains on vacations need to know how to keep bears and other predators out of our campsites. Bryant also gave us good information on how to avoid bear and lion attacks when hiking or camping, and what to do if they are encountered. The kids were treated to prizes for answering questions about human and wildlife interaction.

Our grand finale occurred on Thursday, July 31, at 1:00 PM. Forty-nine summer readers and several adults attended the big bash and enjoyed two reader’s theater productions under the direction of Jennifer Crow, our very capable young adult leader. The Story of Running Deer featured an actual water fountain (in the form of Calvin Ullman) and a falling rock (played to the hilt by Cory Miller). The Brutal Miner had a couple of unshaven gentlemen (compliments of coffee grounds) played by Kyle Crow and Weston Crow along with several lovely lasses. All of the performers did an outstanding job. You should all try to attend a performance next summer.

Certificates of Participation were presented to each summer reader before the presentation of the grand prizes. The two Barnes and Noble Gift Certificates were won by Calvin Ullman and Kacy Segers. Kyle Crow won the backpack filled with camping gear. And, Jeni Weber won the grand prize, 4 Colorado Rockies Baseball tickets. She was one ecstatic kid! Each reader present was allowed to choose a prize from the camp prize box or a book donated by the Arkansas Valley Regional Library Service System in Pueblo. Everyone was a winner.

We had a great turnout for our summer reading program and we had a lot of fun. The 55 readers read 556 books (or chapters). By reading through the summer, the kids should have maintained or improved their reading skills. That should serve them well when they begin school next week. Now we will begin thinking and planning for next year’s summer reading theme and program. Suggestions and volunteers are always welcome.

Encourage your children to read and bring them to the Kiowa County Public Library Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM. Our extended hours will begin in October when we will be open until 5:30 PM on Monday evenings. You can always call us at 719-438-5581 or email us at kcpld@eads.lib.co.us.