Happy faces, excited laughter and an eagerness to learn new things are characteristics of all 150 campers enrolled in the St. Thomas-St. John District's Kinder Camp this summer. It's probabaly safe to say that these boys and girls are attending one of the most exciting summer camps in the district! Well, you be the judge. There were the trips to Coral World, the Post Office's main branch, and to local businesses. Not to mention the huge island-wide tour coming next week. Exciting stuff, right? No doubt, these young learners are having the summer of our their dreams!
According to Kalamis Maduro, STTJ elementary programs coordinator and Kinder Camp director, the group consists of 100 incoming kindergartners and about 50 big boys and girls on their way to first grade in the fall. A dedicated staff of 16 educators and 11 volunteers help with the operation of the camp. Ms. Maduro said each week the camp focuses on a specific theme that informs camp activities and instruction. For example, this week, July 11-15, the theme is "Animals Around Us," which brought students to Coral World to explore fascinating marine life and other really cool animals living on the island.
After the trip to Coral World on July 13, the group--decked out in matching red Kinder Camp t-shirts--descended on the Insular Superintendent's Office at the Curriculum Center to say hello to the district's leader, Dionne Wells-Hedrington, and Deputy Superintendents Racquel Berry-Benjamin and Michael Harrigan. It's a tradition the Superintendent's Office looks forward to each year. As part of their annual visit, the youngsters receive a cool drink of water and a little snack from the staffers at the Curriculum Center.
During the week of July 18-22, Kinder Camp will explore everything St. Thomas has to offer in what is expected to be an epic island-wide tour. Oh, the joys of Kinder Camp!
For more information on fun family activities and tips for kindergartners, download this calendar from the United Way.
| Kinder Camp enjoys a day of exploration at Coral World on July 13. |
| Kinder Camp visits the Superintendent's Office on July 13. |
| A visit to the U.S. Post Office main branch in Estate Thomas. |
| Learning to read and write at Kinder Camp. |
| Phys Ed fun at Kinder Camp. |
