READ Foundation Celebrates Empowering Kids for 12 Years

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A group of students in Houston County are wasting no time on the couch this summer. They’re using the break to learn through the READ Foundation, which stands for Renew, Empower, Action, and Determination.

“When you’re in shape, you can do a lot more,” said camp goer Devon Ivory.

Ivory wasn’t sold on the idea of summer camp when his mom signed him up, but after one day with the READ Foundation, he’s had a change of heart.

“I’m loving it,” he said.

The foundation has spent the last 12 years proving to kids like Ivory that they’re more than just a camp, with the help of teachers like Vetris Lewis.

“Throughout my childhood I had the best teachers and best youth leaders so I’ve just tried to give back what I’ve received,” said Lewis.

The basis for the camp starts with reading.

“Once we’re able to read and understand then we can go places because literally that takes you educationally to higher heights,” said instructor Rodney Johnson.

The kids are exposed to non-traditional camp activities like learning the Waltz.

Rodney added, “Everyone knows the hip hop, the street dance, we want to finesse their skills and let them know there’s the European style, the ballet style, there’s technique which is so important to dance itself.”

Camp goer JoyNaya Foster said, “It’s not just your normal summer camp where you go outside and play, you actually learn things and then you get to go outside and play.”

Guest speakers also make regular appearances each day of camp as a way to introduce the group to various careers.

“I like them because they’re giving us life lessons,” said Ivory.

It’s life lessons that take them beyond comfort, to being challenged, all while learning at camp.

The summer academy is open to students in grades 8 through 11. For more information on the program, call (478) 923-3036.