We have to move centers," announced Lisa Eckert, director of early learning with Pequea Valley School District (PVSD). The 14 boys and girls spread out in three different areas of the Braves Learning Center snapped to attention and began switching places. The students, who attended Pequea Valley Kindergarten Ready Camp during the week of June 24, were preparing to become kindergartners at either Paradise or Salisbury Elementary School in the fall.

The June 24 campers were the second group to meet under Eckert's watchful eyes. The first group of 14 met the week of June 10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day from Monday through Thursday. Camp was open to any PVSD student who will enter kindergarten in the fall. Parents were invited to register their children, who then participated in a variety of activities designed to prepare them to attend school.

"They practice writing their (first) names," said Karla Beiler, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy, who assists Eckert with camp. Beiler explained that being able to write half of his or her first name is a benchmark for each child to reach by the first day of school.

"(Camp activities are) based on practicing what they will be doing in kindergarten," explained Beiler, who added that those activities include practicing sitting in a circle, listening, and following directions. Each day of camp has a different academic theme, including topics such as letters, numbers, shapes, and beginning sounds. Three centers coordinate with the theme of the day. Two of the three centers are academic based, and the third offers free play, but based on the theme of the day. A STEM activity and gym time are also included in each day's schedule. Beiler explained that during gym time, students learn to share toys or find a friend to play with.

Eckert believes that 75 to 80 youngsters will enter kindergarten in PVSD this fall. Three classes will meet at Paradise Elementary, and two will meet at Salisbury. Being dropped off by a parent or caregiver on that first day of school can be upsetting to a child, and camp helps prepare future kindergartners for that milestone too. "A big component of camp is practicing separating from Mom and Dad or whoever drops them off," noted Beiler. "It's huge, but (these campers) are doing great."

"Around 11 a.m., we go to Paradise Elementary, and they provide a free lunch," shared Beiler, who noted PVSD has an invitation-only summer camp for older students going on the during the two weeks of kindergarten camp. Even eating lunch constitutes a learning experience for the campers. "At lunchtime, they practice walking through the cafeteria, carrying a tray, getting milk, and making fruit or vegetable choices," said Beiler.

In addition, Eckert takes the opportunity to be sure parents of campers are aware of other resources available in PVSD, such as the Lunch & Learns she and Beiler hold in a local park. Readers who would like to learn more about the Braves Learning Center, located in The Factory Ministries, 3293 E. Lincoln Highway, Paradise, may visit https://thefactoryministries.com.