Volunteers combating ‘summer slide’ at Boys & Girls Clubs

Originally published on CBS Denver

By: Libby Smith

DENVER (CBS4) – Reading is an essential part of learning, which is why the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is piloting a summer reading program in conjunction with Reading Partners, a national non-profit focused on childhood literacy. The goal is not only to battle summer slide, but to improve the skills of kids who’ve fallen behind.

“We’ve been working on letter sounds and sounding out words,” said Cheryl McCain, a volunteer with Reading Partners, of her work with one of the club members.

McCain is among dozens of volunteers who show up at the Cope Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs. The program runs one hour, three mornings a week, for eight weeks. The volunteers get partnered with one child and continue to work with that child each week.

“I love to read with kids. It’s one of my absolute favorite things. This gives me that opportunity and hopefully you feel like you’re making a difference as well,” McCain said.

Ruby is one of the students in the program. She’s 6-years old and preparing for the first grade. She told CBS4 that she likes working with McCain because she’s always nice to her. But it’s the one-on-one time that’s make a difference in Ruby’s reading skills.

“I like when we read together,” Ruby said.

You can support the academic efforts at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver by making a donation to our Care 4 Colorado School Supply Drive. We’re collecting everything that would make a child successful in school.

Collection bins are located at:

CBS4 Studio, 1044 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203

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