How might we improve literacy skills in first and second graders?
Open Book Adventures (OBA) is One Stone’s longest-running Project Good program. First and second graders around the Treasure Valley come to One Stone to partner one-on-one with high school students, “Adventure Guides”, for three days of building connections and diving into activities that encourage a love of learning. Young buddies gain a fun and caring near-peer mentor while high school students expand their skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and empathy.
OBA successfully implemented another year of summer camp with 26 campers and 26 high school guides. For health and safety during COVID-19, camp took place outdoors at Kristin Armstrong Park. Many campers brought their own supplies to reduce the sharing of materials and visually represented their personal space with a blanket or towel to sit on.
In addition to reading and writing activities, campers took a walk to MK Nature Center, crafted socks to participate in puppet theater, listened to The BFG by Roald Dahl during group story time, and had a stomp rocket contest. Feedback from parents, guides, and buddies was very positive, and they all indicated that One Stone had done a great job following safety protocols.
Fast Facts Sheet
Year(s): Summer 2020
Focus: Literacy in 1st and 2nd graders
Recipients: 1st and 2nd graders
Community partner: sponsored by Whittenberger Foundation
Number of recipients: 26
Number of One Stone members involved in planning: 6 (1 in school, 4 out of school, one OS grad)
Number of weeks of planning: 4
How many hours it took to prepare for implementation: 5
How many hours it took to implement: 20
Quotes:
From an OBA parent, “My daughter has always loved reading and writing, but I think having a high school student as a partner helped her see that "cool" kids do it, too, not just teachers and parents.”
From another parent, “My daughter’s favorite part was having a buddy. After the last day of camp, she came home and napped, and when she woke up was just in tears that she wouldn't have another day of camp with her guide. So impactful to have those relationships and one-on-one time, however brief. Please pass along our thanks to her guide.”
From a high school Adventure Guide, “I learned that being a leader is hard work but the work is worth the reward of seeing how happy we made the kids and that we gave them an experience they could never forget.”
