Do you have a child getting ready to enter kindergarten? It’s a big step for both the student and their families, so now is the time to make sure they are ready for the classroom! For years, First 5 Permian Basin has helped prepare West Texas families for the transition through an in-person Kinder Camp. First 5 is excited to announce Kinder Camp will still happen this summer, it will just look a little different due to COVID-19.
To keep families healthy, Kinder Camp will be offered virtually this year. Karla Juarez, First 5 Permian Basin’s Community Engagement and Data Coordinator, said Kinder Camp is about more than just getting future students ready. It’s also about preparing parents.
“Though camp traditionally focuses on the children’s transition, we are utilizing this virtual experience to place focus on the family engagement aspect and include skills for parents to utilize once their children enter school.”
The weeklong camp is free to anyone in the community and supplies will be provided for all the activities. Registration is currently open for both the Midland and Odessa camps. Odessa’s virtual camp will be July 13-17 and Midland’s virtual camp will be held July 27-31. First 5 will be using Google classrooms, which both ECISD and MISD use, to get parents familiar with the setting. 100 families from each city will be accepted to attend virtually. At the end of camp, the student will receive a graduate shirt and a backpack with school supplies.
“Engaging in camp helps expose children to a variety of kindergarten readiness skills and gives parents the opportunity to build skills using positive parenting strategies. This helps both child and parent find success in the school transition,” added Juarez.
To register, click the link below for the city you live in. The link will take you to a Facebook event. Click “find ticket” and then you’ll be given access to an application that needs to be completed.
