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Summer campers at Schmidt Playground select their take-home library books from Tree House Books.
In the summer of 2017, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) staff assisted many students in avoiding summer reading loss by participating in literacy programs specifically designed for their campers’ needs. Staff had the choice of using the Read by 4th (RB4) traditional reading level package, KEYSPOT computerized literacy programs, drama class with a literacy infusion, and (most popular!), the Tree House Books giveaway, with over 21,000 books donated. Those campers that participated in the Tree House Books initiative took home five to eight books to enhance their at-home libraries. Some sites furthered their programs by completing book reports composed by PPR. To date, over 400 reports were turned into PPR’s RB4 Coordinator, Meka Perez.
A selection of campers’ book reports!
Quotes from KEYSPOT instructors:
From Sarah at Lee Cultural Center: “Read by 4th is an awesome program that I love hosting. I loved having so many books available for students to take home. It made it easy having them organized by reading level. While I did not have any book reports returned, I was able to have many valuable conversations with young people about what they like to read and why. I also held a few impromptu “story times" with young readers, which was really fun. I was successful in implementing a mandatory one hour a week Reading Eggs [literacy software program] rule during summer lab hours. I was able to get 30 students enrolled.”
From Audri at Rumph Recreation Center: “Working with Read by 4th was a wonderful way to introduce lots of the children to reading and the fundamentals of reading. They were very excited and always willing to learn.”
Kids at Shot Tower Playground build their reading skills!
This summer, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) campers are building their home libraries and their reading skills, with help from Tree House Books and Read by 4th! Thanks to this partnership, campers will resist the “summer slide” – loss in educational attainment over out-of-school time – with a donated take-home library of engaging, age-appropriate books, as well as programs to help track their reading progress.
This initiative kicked off on May 19, when recreation leaders from across the city came together at Gustine Recreation Center for the distribution of a whopping 21,000 books, provided by Tree House Books. Rec leaders received training in distributing the books to maximize campers’ engagement: supporting self-selection by kids, asking questions about young readers’ interests, and more.
The big takeaway of the day? “These books need to go home!” Rec leaders were directed to get the thousands of books out of their boxes and onto the shelves of campers and other kids in rec center programs. They’ve been working to do just that at playgrounds and rec centers citywide…
At Schmidt Playground’s Summer Camp, kids were very excited to explore their boxes of books! With help from Recreation Leader Tammy Harrity, campers looked through the wide selection, including stories about everything from arts to animals, sports to science, and beyond. Each was able to find at least a few books that caught their eye, and kids were soon flipping through and reading their choices.
From Fox Chase Recreation Center, Recreation Specialty Instructor Samantha Greenberg shares how staff helps campers get the most out of their book selections:
“Fox Chase Recreation Center’s Day Camp has a dynamic reading program that is part of the camper’s daily schedule. The program uses the books that were donated by Tree House Books. Campers are encouraged to read during a 45-minute period each day, take home books each week, and complete the book report provided by the book distribution program. I read a book or two each day to the younger campers, while the older children read independently. Occasionally, campers also read out loud to their groups during reading period.”
“In addition to books, the reading program at Fox Chase consists of many games that promote learning and creativity. Throughout the summer, campers have enjoyed playing games such as Trivial Pursuit, Heads Up, Mad Libs, and Charades.”
Finally, Frank Glavin Playground made a full-on celebration out of their summer reading program, with a Literacy Night on July 24! Young readers picked out their books, created reading-themed crafts, and enjoyed water ice.
Kids also enjoyed storytime with some very special guest readers, including Deputy Commissioner of the Program Division Orlando Rendon! Bianca Briglio of the Philadelphia Youth Network led “Read With a Teenager.”
Thanks to our partners at Tree House Books and Read by 4th, and to our dedicated staff for helping spark a love of reading among our young campers!
Katrina Smith, lead Tot Recreation teacher at Lackman Playground, has been working hard to get students ready for February– a month when so many wonderful things are happening for the tots.
Children are celebrating Black History Month with books donated from the Free Library, Healthy Heart Month with nutrition supplies from the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), the Eagles Super Bowl victory as seen in the pictures above and below, and continued literacy.
Most of these beautiful children are from Asia, and English is not their first language. Katrina works hard to teach students sign language, as well as sight words to help build vocabulary. Library books are a huge help to her class as students learn firsthand about English through vibrant pictures and images.
Thank you to the Free Library and Tree House Books for your continued support of our Read by 4th program at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Summer is the perfect time of year to exercise your mind and body! To encourage year round reading and support summer learning, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is actively including literacy based activities into summer camps & programs as part of the “READ! by 4th” summer reading program! A citywide initiative lead by the Free Library of Philadelphia, “READ! by 4th” is aimed at drastically increasing the number students entering the 4th grade at reading level and can be found at the following recreation centers: Pelbano, Vogt, Feltonville, Happy Hollow, Dorothy Emanuel, Francisville, Gathers, Vare, Rizzo, Chew, Christy, Wright, Tustin, and Francis Meyers! #findyourpath #readby4th #summerbooklist @freelibrary
Looking for fun ways your kids can spend those summer days? Look no further: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation offers specialty camps at sites across the city, focused on visual and performing arts, sports, and outdoor experiences! Read on for a selection of specialty camps that still have openings – and if you’re looking for a day camp experience for kids under 12, be sure to check out our list of neighborhood camps.
Be Outside Teen Adventure Camp (two locations: see below) The Be Outside Teen Adventure Program is a multi-dimensional experience for teens! Youth will be introduced to a variety of outdoor programs and activities – like kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining, and hiking – that will improve their skills, determination, and self-confidence. They’ll also enjoy knowledge enrichment focused on career exploration, social responsibility, and physical activity, all with an outdoor theme. * NOTE: Mandatory parent meetings on June 12 at 7pm (Chalfont campers) and June 13 at 7pm (Gustine campers).
Ages: 12-14
Dates: June 26-August 3 (Mondays through Thursdays)
Times: 9am-3pm
Cost: $300/six weeks
Locations:
Chalfont Playground (4336 Deerpath Ln, 19154) and Gustine Recreation Center (4868 Ridge Ave, 19129)
Contact: Email katie.a.wimsey@phila.gov
Coed Instructional Basketball Camp at Russo Park Playground (7301 Torresdale Ave, 19136) This is an affordable, community-based instructional camp with an emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship. Fee includes camp shirt, lunch, and more.
Ages: 6-12
Dates: June 26-30
Times: 10am-1pm
Cost: $25/one week
Contact: Call 215-685-8747 or 215-685-0596
Fire Safety Summer Camp at Hunting Park (1101 W Hunting Park Ave, 19140) This August, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation teams up with the Fire Department to offer the First Annual Lieutenant Joyce M. Craig Memorial Fire Safety Summer Camp! The camp is targeted to teens to inform them about careers as first responders. Activities will include First Aid and CPR training, trying out firefighter gear, guest speakers, and excursions to the Fire Museum, Fire Academy, and Marine Unit. Campers receive breakfast & lunch.
Ages: 14-18
Dates: August 21-25 (coed)
Times: 9am-3pm
Cost: Free
Contact: Email kwaja.matthews@phila.gov or call 215-686-1382; registration forms available online (Girls Camp / Coed Camp)
Holmesburg Playground Summer Art Camp (4500 Rhawn St, 19136) This summer at Holmesburg Playground, enjoy basic arts and crafts projects, as well as board games and indoor/outdoor play! Camp fee includes breakfast and lunch. * NOTE: Full payment due by June 1.
Ages: 6-10
Dates: July 3-14, July 17-28, July 31-August 11
Times: 9am-2pm (after care available through 5pm for an additional fee)
Cost: $100/two weeks
Contact: Call Site Supervisor Alice Dignam at 214-685-8714
Mt. Airy Playground Summer Sports and Activities Day Camp (7001 Germantown Ave, 19119) Kick off the summer with great activities, games, and lots of fun. Our sports and activities camp includes a mix of instruction, team building, and skill development.
Ages: 5-12
Dates: Session 1 - July 5-21 (basketball, kickball, soccer, tennis), Session 2 - July 24-August 11 (baseball, flag football, field hockey, tennis), Session 3 - July 5-August 18 (all sports)
Contact: Email themtairyplayground@gmail.com or call 215-685-9297
Soccer Start Camp at Shepard Recreation Center (5700 Haverford Ave, 19131) Soccer Start Camp is designed to instill a spirit of cooperation, build self-esteem, encourage healthy competition, and develop athletic abilities. Instruction will consist of skills training, drills, and small-sided games with an emphasis on fun and learning the fundamentals of soccer.
Ages: 6-12
Dates: June 26-June 30
Times: 8:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $35/week (money order only)
Contact: Email michael.grubb@phila.gov or call 215-685-1572
Young Performers Theater Camp: Senior Musical Theater @ Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center (7 Lock St, 19127)
Housed at Venice Island Performing Arts Recreation Center in our state-of-the-art theatre, this specialty camp caters to young adults and offers an immersive performing arts experience, from performance to learning about the production and staging opportunities available as a career path. There is an audition process to enter these camps. For an additional $150, campers can use the bus service provided by the Performing Arts Office.
Learn more about Young Performers Theater Camp!
At our first day of summer camp, Susan Weaver from the Tacony Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia read Mary Had A Little Lamb, Dogzilla, and Belching Hill to the campers. With Susan’s excellent reading skills, the characters were bought to life, and the children were entertained for almost an hour.
Susan made her second camp visit two weeks later and read Get Out of Bed, How Chipmunk Got His Stripes, and Leave Bed in Back of Classroom to the campers.
While Chipmunk was the favorite, the kids seemed to enjoy the silliness of Leave Bed in Back of Classroom. Amy, the main character of the story, decides not to leave her bed and go to school. Her parents decide to take her and her bed into the classroom.
Following Amy’s example, her fellow classmates come to school in bunk beds, hammocks, and sleeping bags making their teacher very unhappy. The camp thought this more relaxed approach to school was great, far-fetched or not.
Many thanks to Susan Weaver, our staff, and the campers for using their listening skills!
Sign Language & Art Class:
On an overcast summer day, a unique activity took place at Roosevelt Playground’s summer camp.
The campers participated in a sign language class where they learned the sign language alphabet, the various signs for colors, fish, and animals, and how to sign the letters of their name. Some favorite signs included the shark, eagle, and dolphin.
After the sign class, the campers used what they learned to make the sign for “I love you” as part of their arts and crafts project. Finally, the children were shown a braille reader and each child had their name typed out on the reader.
The project was developed and taught by Mary Ann Robertta and her three children: Sophie, Mei Lee, and Vincent.
Our campers showed great interest and exemplified near perfect behavior. Our staff did an excellent job helping the campers and also participating in the sign class.
Many thanks to Mary Ann, her children, our staff, and our campers for their successful roles in creating a great experience at our summer camp.
Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Maria Ortiz-Rodriguez and officers from the 19th Police District stopped by Summer Art Camp at Parkside Evans on August 9. They brought pretzels and answered campers’ questions, then stayed to make dreamcatchers with the campers.
On August 8, Officers Robinson and Osborne of Philadelphia’s Mounted Patrol Unit came to the Lackman Day Camp with their horses. The children had a great time learning about the mounted police in Philly and got to pet some adorable horses.
The 6th Man Project, a program spearheaded by Mike Gibson that has been chronicled in the Philadelphia Inquirer, paid a visit to the Disston Recreation Center and donated several basketballs to the Summer Day Camp program. Disston was one of the first gyms Mr. Gibson ever played in, so it was a special visit on his pay-it-back/pay-it-forward campaign. Pictured below: members of the camp enjoying their new basketballs!
By Frances Piller Operations District Manager, Street Tree Management Division
It is estimated that there are 118,000 street trees in Philadelphia. In 2018, Parks & Rec began a process to document each of these trees. The department’s Street Tree Management Division has been leading the inventory. Four seasonal interns have assisted with the project: Rebecca Kane, Ben Rohr, Kirk Wattles, and Ethan Leatherbarrow. On January 10, 2020, the group surpassed an inventory milestone. They recorded more than 100,000 street trees. 100,117 to be exact.
Street Tree Management Division’s tree inventory interns
The interns are recording the street tree species and diameter (size). They are working on foot, walking from tree to tree, measuring and identifying each one. This is no small feat! The data they collect will be input into the new Cityworks tree asset management system.
We are proud of the interns and this milestone. Kudos and congratulations to each intern for their hard work! Rebecca and Kirk completed their nine-month seasonal time with us in January. Ben and Ethan will continue to inventory street trees until the end of March. We look forward to seeing how many more trees they can visit in the remaining weeks.
One final shout out to the Street Tree Management Division’s Ben Stanko,
Park Grounds Maintenance
Supervisor - Arboriculture. Ben’s coordination and management of the interns and the inventory project have helped make it a success. Thank you, Ben!
