BUFFALO, N.Y. — Upstairs at Dog Ears Bookstore and Cafe, children in Erie County schools took advantage of the summer literacy program making the often, dreaded summer reading something to look forward to.
With funding from the Erie County Youth Bureau and City of Buffalo South District Councilman Christopher Scanlon, the bookstore offered a free two-month-long summer reading program for students entering grades two through eight.
Each week-long camp session is designed by New York State-Certified educators to help build reading and writing skills through fun, interactive, and hands-on lessons.
Tom McDonnell, Dog Ears Bookstore and Café Executive Director says community involvement is one of the most important factors at the camp.
"This is our 16th year for this program so we started it year one, we've been open for sixteen years, I just started it with the idea of not wanting a traditional classroom," said McDonnell.
Campers at the program spoke with Channel Two about their favorite part.
"In dog ears, I get to do fun stuff like I get to do projects, I get to learn about stuff, I get to make friends," said Joe Fulton.
The summer program has the support of businesses around the community and Tom says the support is what makes the program the best that it can be.
Although the summer literacy portion of the camps end this week, the fun continues next week with Camp Kindness.
From Aug. 19-23, kids entering grades 4-8 will participate in fun service projects and then journal about their experiences. It's also an opportunity to meet community service hour requirements.
Pre-registration is required and participants are expected to attend the entire week that they are signed up for. Parents can register their children by stopping in the bookstore to fill out registration paperwork. No sign-ups will be taken over the phone.