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A teacher helps a student with a volcano project. (KIMIERA LOCKE | CONTRIBUTED)

Camp participants enjoyed brushing the horse. (KIMIERA LOCKE | CONTRIBUTED)

Students color a mask. (JOYANNA LOVE | ADVERTISER)

Students planted watermelon seeds as a part of the CES learning camp. (JOYANNA LOVE | ADVERTISER)

By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Clanton Elementary School hosted its summer learning camp in June.

This year’s theme was Super Summer Sizzle. It was the second year the camp was offered for students in kindergarten through third grade.

Academically, the camp focused on phonics, comprehension, writing and technology in small groups. Students also enjoyed character education, art, steam, physical

education, fitness/nutrition and library activities.

Teachers from CES and other CCS schools led the program using fun activities to get students excited about learning.

“Teachers, parents and students have sacrificed their summer to do this, but we have made it fun and put some enhancements in place,” Monique Harton, reading specialist, said.

This has created a program that students want to come to.

“Because of this sacrifice, we have seen some growth,” Harton said.

This academic growth has been measured through weekly progress monitoring and tests at the end of the program.

“During Peachy Farm Week, coach Marlon Harton, the CCHS AgriScience teacher/FFA advisor, demonstrated how watermelons, cucumbers, and okra grow. The students were able to view the raised beds and plant their own watermelon seeds in cups. Catherine Cleckler, one of Harton’s former students, discussed the life cycle of peaches. Jana Petty brought ponies to share with the students. The children were able to pet and groom the animals. This enabled the students to have hands-on experiences in farm and animal life,” according to program leaders.

High school and college students volunteered to assist Chilton County Schools teachers with the activities each day.

“They are a huge asset,” reading specialist Kimiera Locke said. “They are involved. They are one-on-one for them (the student campers).”

Harton said the paraprofessionals have also stepped up to make the program a success.

“It’s just an outstanding program,” media specialist Sonja Jones said. “I am very, very pleased to see the growth. It is just amazing to me to see that growth.”

Harton and Locke said everyone has enjoyed the program. The leaders commented that the program gets better each year.

Many students said they have enjoyed the entire program with some favorite activities being PE and the bouncy house obstacle course.

Donations from ALFA Insurance-David Locke, Wal-Mart, Clanton Country Club,

and Headley’s Food Mart made some treats possible throughout the program.

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