Pine Mountain Settlement School and the Christ Church of Harlan, in a joint mission for the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, will hold Reading Camp 2004 for third- and fourth-graders July 18-24 at the settlement school.

The reading camp's goal is to help children who are reluctant and struggling readers improve literacy skills and become more confident students.

The Reading Camp does not look or feel like school the setting is the great outdoors with the materials being new to the children.

Each child is helped to read books of their choosing, encouraged to develop a love of learning and given tools for reading proficiency.

The children will receive personal attention in a "failure-free" setting.

The students will experience writing, pleasure reading, phonics, encoding and decoding, reading comprehension and reading strategies which accommodate various learning styles. The camp staff includes professional educators, recreation coordinators and counselors.

Students will go through six-30 minute learning classes in small groups of two to five students, depending on attendance, according to liaison Clara Atkins-Pope.

After the three hours of classes, representatives from Pine Mountain Settlement School will teach the environmental education program given by instructors Ben and Pat Begley.

Students will learn about reptiles, birds and mammals, streams, plants and ecology, Native American studies and early settlers.

Students will also be working with clay, making masks that will be fired, which they can keep.

"The students will take nature walks and afterwards will write a story describing the walk," said Atkins-Pope.

Special speakers will encourage the children and build their enthusiasm.

At the end of the week, they (students) will have gained confidence and enthusiasm about reading due to the enjoyment and success they experience at camp.

"This is a great opportunity for the students," said liaison Janet Nantz.

The camp will offer fresh reading material, a relaxed and fun setting, a low adult to child ratio, a creative approach to reading and literacy skill development.

"Children learn best when in a comfortable environment," said Atkins-Pope.

Activities will include hiking, swimming, games, storytelling, arts and crafts along with music.

"Harlan County and surrounding counties are invited to become involved with wonderful opportunity of teaching our children to love to learn to read," Atkins-Pope said.

"Teachers are invited to sign up, expenses paid. We are looking for 30 adult chaperones; teachers, counselors age 16 and up are able to sign up also."

An application fee of $25 is asked.