Summer in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, isn’t just about snow cones and splash pads. It’s also about stories, sentences, and success—thanks to the Readers and Writers Challenge Camp. This exciting, free summer reading program is transforming how kids spend their summer break—and it’s making a real difference, one book at a time.
Forget boring worksheets and test drills. This camp is all about maintaining a balance between fun and productivity. Organized by SPAR (Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation) and Caddo Parish Public Schools’ Title 1 Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department, the program takes place across six SPAR recreation centers. Certified teachers and skilled paraprofessionals lead the charge, helping kids strengthen their reading and writing in ways that feel more like play than school.
Stopping the Summer Slide Before It Starts
You’ve probably heard of summer break, but have you heard of summer slide? That’s when kids lose the academic progress they’ve made during the school year because they stop practicing what they’ve learned. According to the National Summer Learning Association, this slide can leave students years behind their peers. That’s where the Readers and Writers Challenge Camp steps in.
This camp isn’t just babysitting in disguise. It’s designed to help kids avoid learning loss while having fun. From phonics to fluency, vocabulary to comprehension, students explore the joy of learning through books, discussions, creative writing, and storytelling. And it’s not all pencils and paper—music, art, and hands-on activities round out the experience to keep every child engaged.
From Apartment Roots to Citywide Reach
This program began humbly six years ago in a local apartment complex. Teachers and volunteers came together to help neighborhood kids keep up with reading during summer vacation. It was simple but powerful: caring adults, motivated kids, and a shared belief in the importance of literacy.
Fast forward to today, and the camp has grown into a citywide initiative involving hundreds of children and volunteers. What hasn’t changed is the heart behind the mission. It’s still about helping every child feel confident in their reading, writing, and communication before heading back to school.
Bringing the Community Together
One of the best parts? Parents, guardians, and community members are all invited to join the fun. Just like Emilie Buchwald once said, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Volunteers read aloud to kids, helping model what reading should feel like—joyful, shared, and part of everyday life.
This year’s theme is inspired by Pete the Cat, the cool blue feline who reminds kids to stay positive and keep going—even when things don’t go perfectly. The camp ends with a celebration that includes Pete-themed goodies and free Scholastic books to build home libraries.
Real Results That Speak Volumes
Let’s talk about impact. One story from a camp teacher says it all: A local grandmother raising five grandchildren enrolled one of them in the program. That child was falling behind, and the family couldn’t afford a tutor. But after just one month in the camp, the child went from struggling to reading at a second-grade level. “He read the entire book back to me,” the teacher said proudly.
Stories like this aren’t rare. They’re happening each summer—and they’re proof that programs like this one can change lives.
Why Shreveport-Bossier Is a Great Place for Families
If you’re thinking about moving to Shreveport-Bossier or simply looking for reasons to love where you live, programs like the Readers and Writers Challenge Camp show the community’s commitment to education, family, and connection. It’s not just about offering services—it’s about creating real opportunities for kids to grow.
Parents don’t have to stress about summer setbacks. Kids don’t have to fall behind. With support from SPAR, Caddo Parish Schools, and dedicated local volunteers, families in this Louisiana community have a meaningful, educational, and free option each summer.
Want your child to fall in love with reading? Want to be part of a community that shows up for its kids? Shreveport-Bossier is making that possible—one book, one camp, and one child at a time.
More Than Just Summer Fun: Why It Matters All Year Long
The Readers and Writers Challenge Camp is proof that summer doesn’t have to be a pause on learning. It can be a chance to leap forward, with the right tools and people in place. If you value education, community, and creative growth, Shreveport-Bossier isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to live, learn, and grow.
Source: myspar.org
Header Image Source: myspar.org
