Summer LitCamps
2014
The 5 week LitCampprogram offers a variety of activities for youth with a variety of interests, and the reading and writing support needed to help them continue to succeed throughout the summer.
SUMMER LITCAMP PROGRAM
OVERVIEW:
The LitCamp program was developed by LitWorld to provide Department of Youth and Community Development(DYCD) middle school summer camps with the resources and skills necessary tosupport targeted and effective literacy development through social emotional and collaborative learning. LitCamps aim to close the achievement gap by reinventing the summer camp model with innovation. Unlike summer camps that lock students inside in front of chalk boards memorizing vocabulary, the LitCamp program builds onaconfidence-building, friendship-focused model of learning and combines the best of what campers love about camp, into a high-quality experiential literacy learning experience spanning 5 weeks.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
If you would like to implement the LitCamp program in your middle school summer camp this summer 2014, complete thisTASC/LitWorld Application form and submit it to or via mail to:
Sabrina Gomez
TASC
1440 Broadway
16th Floor
New York, 10018
no later than Tuesday, April 1st, 2014.
Fifteen middle school programs will be selected. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to the LitCamp program model and a clear interest in incorporating literacy and social emotional growth into their ongoing practice. The application must be completed by the Program Director or Education Specialist. Successful applicants will be notified on, or before, May 1st, 2014.
EXPECTATIONS AND OUTCOMES:
LitCamp is a 5 week program for middle school summer camp students. Only staff trained by LitWorld andTASC canimplement the LitCamp curriculum. Training will be facilitated by LitWorld and TASC in two sessions during May 2014 and June 2014. One staff trained must be an Education Specialist whowill be responsible for supervising summer camp staff as they facilitate theLitCamp curriculum. The LitCamp curriculumpacket will beprovided, as well as access to an ongoing Help Desk throughout the summer.
During the program, students will attend fun,engaging classesfrom 9.30am to 3.30pm,Monday to Thursday with Fridays free for field trips. Each week targets one or more of the LitCamp “7 Strengths” through a variety of reading and literacy activities.Students will complete theprogram with a renewed interest and appreciation forreading and writing, as well as a positive, memorable summer experience.
Application Form: TASC/ LitWorld Summer LitCamps.
*Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 1st2014
This application must be completed by either the Education Specialist or Program Director, one of whom is required to attend training sessions with staff who will implement the LitCamp curriculum.
Personal Information
Last Name: ______First Name: ______
Email: ______Cell Phone: ______
Day time phone: ______Job Title: ______
Program Site Information
Program/ Site Name: ______Organization: ______
Program Director’s Nameif not indicated above: ______
Site Address: ______Borough: ______
State: ______Zip: ______Site Phone: ______
DYCD Program Manager: ______DYCD Contract Number: ______
LitCamp Requirements. Check boxes to indicate you agree to the following:
Commit to implementing LitCamp program for consecutive weeks with complete fidelity to its model and curriculum.
Either theEducation Specialist or Program Director will attend both training sessions with staff.
Participating DYCD middle school summer camps will adhere to LitCamp’s staffing ratio, which is 1 facilitator for every 15 students.
Provide adequate space for campers to move around, read and fully participate in activities that support the LitCamp curriculum.
Students will have regular access to either a varied, leveled school library or a public library.
Students will be allowed to take books home either from the neighborhood public library or program or school library.
Weekly field trips in and around New York City will be provided(e.g. public libraries, museums, art exhibits, parks, etc…)
Signature: ______Date: ______
LitCamps: Self Assessment
- Describe your program/site. What specific literacy activities/classes do you offer? How many students do you serve? What are the demographics? How many middle school youth do you expect in your summer 2014 camp?
- Briefly discuss the challenges your students face in terms of literacy (reading, writing, listening, speaking; please address all components of literacy).
- Why do you think your site would be ideal to implement the TASC/LitWorld Summer LitCamp program? Why would your program be a good match with the work that LitWorld is doing around literacy? Please provide specific reasons/details.
- What inspired you to apply for the LitCamp program? What does your program hope to gain from the experience?
- Are student trips in and around New York (i.e. library, museums, exhibits, parks) a regular part of your program/site?Yes ____ or No ____
If you answered Yes to question 5, describe the last student trip. What was the location? What was the purpose? Why was it selected? How did it enhance students’ learning experiences?
If you answered No to question 5, why not?
- Describe your expectations for line staff who will work with you to implement the TASC/LitWorld Summer LitCamp program. What qualities and characteristics will staff possess?Please provide specific details.
- Will you have access to computers for your summer campers? (Check) Yes ____ No ____