It’s not too late to participate in a summer literacy activity sponsored by Woods Cross City. You don’t even have to be from Woods Cross to participate. Mark your calendars for the final day of fun on July 28 at 10 a.m. at Mills Park in Wood Cross. The Woods Cross Police Department will also be there to promote their drug and alcohol prevention program. Huge versions of favorite family games will be available. “Unplug and Play,” as the event is called, offers a way for families to spend time together which, LaCee Bartholomew, Community Services Coordinator says, “helps kids say no to drugs and alcohol.” The strengthening “family time” can continue as kids take home a free book. Many books are available for preschoolers up to Junior High children Bartholomew said. “It is like a book fair where kids can choose what looks good to them.” The Hanley Foundation, an organization whose mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention and advocacy, agrees that quality family time is important for drug prevention stating, “Keep yourself in the picture. Doing things together as a family (preparing a meal, discussing a TV show, playing sports together, etc.) gives you a chance to spend time together and to get closer. Finding time for your children is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile.”

A few summers ago, some Wood Cross mothers decided to start a summer literacy program to help prevent the summer slide in reading skills. The Wood Cross City Council jumped on board offering additional funding augmenting Rocky Mountain Power’s $2,000 grant. Typically, the program has four dates during the summer at either Hogan or Mills Park. This year, they had Hawk Watch International come to let the families view a  live owl and read an on-topic book. Other literacy days may include a children’s author or illustrator to come share some of their more popular books and get the kids excited about reading. Businesses are also invited that can help kids with STEM and literacy skills in a fun interactive manner. On July 14, for example, Staker Parson came and taught kids how rocks can rock our world and offered a fun, hands-on learning experience. What kid doesn’t love rocks and books and activities about them?

In addition to a new book, kids can also choose a used book to take home. The program is growing every year and typically they give out 150-200 new books during each event. “A thousand books a summer,” says Bartholomew, “can really make a difference for kids keeping their reading skills up during the summer.”