We're Getting Ready!

We're Getting Ready!

This morning (July 2nd) at 7:30 AM, Rotary Summer Literacy Staff 2015 began preparing for a wonderful summer!

We have many familiar faces joining us, as well as some wonderful new friends that we can't wait for you to meet! This summer, our focus is on building a strong, inclusive, and amazing team! What are some of the key discussions that took place today?

Some Important Tips from Training:

1. Respect - It is given and it is granted in return,

2. Leader styles: The 'front person' and 'behind the scenes' role,

3. Safety, knowledge, and being aware,

4. Communication is key,

5. Remaining focussed, 

6. Making positive connections, and

7.Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!

Training will continue on site tomorrow! What do YOU look for in a leader?

REGISTRATION UPDATE

One more day to secure your spot at Rotary Summer Literacy! As of tomorrow (June 25th / 2015) applications will be placed onto a waiting list to await information regarding acceptance. 

Online registration can be found here: http://goo.gl/forms/QZ34KovtUf 

Location, Location, Location!

Cathy Wever Elementary School:

The Home of Rotary Summer Literacy!

The countdown is on: fifteen days until Rotary Summer Literacy 2015! Staff is working hard finalising registration confirmation, practicing silly songs, and organising books to guide us through this summer!

Where does the magic of Rotary Summer Literacy take place?

HERE at Cathy Wever Elementary School in Hamilton! 

In need of directions? 

Use THIS link! (The example address is Lime Ridge Mall, type in your address for more accurate results).

Want to review Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) schedules and options?

Use THIS link!

We love being a part of the community in this area of Hamilton, and we are proud to have campers, volunteers, supporters, and staff from various areas of Hamilton. We all come together in the name of literacy to ensure that each and every person has a wonderful summer.

Want to register? Quick, it's almost time to begin!

Register here: http://goo.gl/forms/QZ34KovtUf 

Get Connected with the RSL 2015 Staff: Beth Hone

Beth can't believe we are only 18 days from the best RSL summer ever!

Beth Hone: Rotary Summer Literacy Senior Staff Member

This will be Beth's 5th year working with the Rotary Summer Literacy Program. For two consecutive summers, Beth worked as a camp counsellor through the Focus on Youth Program at Rotary Summer Literacy. In 2013, Beth was hired back as a Senior Staff Member by the Rotary Club of Hamilton and has continued to be a charismatic member of the RSL team ever since! Beth believes in the Rotary Summer Literacy program because it delivers FREE programming to children in her hometown. She especially enjoys the academic emphasis of the camp's programming, but the athletic and dramatic aspects also interest her immensely. When not working with the Rotary Summer Literacy Program, Beth enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, camping, and playing hockey and floorball! Beth is looking forward to graduation in June of 2016, where the culmination of her studies at Brock University will provide her with a BSc Honours degree in the Biological Sciences & a BEd at the Intermediate/Senior level. Following teacher's college in Hamilton this fall, Beth hopes to end up in HWDSB schools throughout the city, where she can continue to learn alongside those campers she has met over the years. 

Want fun facts on Beth? Hmm ... 

1. Beth loves to play floorball! She has represented Canada on four occasions at the international level and has attended two world championships in Slovakia and the Czech Republic! 

2. Beth has been best friends with Naomi for 6 years.... and guess where they met... RSL! 

Want to get to know Beth better? Be sure to register for Rotary Summer Literacy 2015!

Register here: http://goo.gl/forms/QZ34KovtUf 

Stay tuned for more staff biographies! 

Get Connected with RSL Staff 2015: Naomi Downer

Naomi Downer: Rotary Summer Literacy Assistance Programer / Senior Staff Member

This will be Naomi's 6th year working with the Rotary Summer Literacy Program. For two consecutive summer's, Naomi worked as a camp counsellor through the Focus on Youth Program at Rotary Summer Literacy. In 2012, Naomi was hired as a Senior Staff Member by the Rotary Club of Hamilton, and has continued to be an energetic asset to the team! Naomi believes in the Rotary Summer Literacy program, as it provides opportunities and adventure for many kids in her hometown. When not working with the Rotary Summer Literacy Program, Naomi enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, hiking, cycling, and climbing! Naomi is looking forward to graduation in December of 2015, where her studies at McMaster University will provide her with a B.A in Communication Studies, and a Minor in History.

Want fun facts on Naomi? Hmm ... 

1. Naomi loves to travel! Naomi spent her third year of university studying in England, at the University of Leeds! 

2. Naomi is a BIG fan of The Beatles, and collects vinyl records!

Want to get to know Naomi better? Be sure to register for Rotary Summer Literacy 2015!

Register here: http://goo.gl/forms/QZ34KovtUf 

Stay tuned for more staff biographies! 

Get Connected with RSL 2015 Staff: Mr. Blunsdon!

Mr. Robert Blunsdon: Rotary Summer Literacy Program Director 

         Mr. Blunsdon ('Mr. B' to campers) has been a part of the Rotary Summer Literacy Program for sixteen years! Through his compassion, Mr. Blunsdon's leadership is immeasurable and vital to the structure and success of Rotary Summer Literacy. Teaching grade 3 at Pauline Johnson Elementary School, Mr. Blunsdon is well aware of the requirements and importance of not only practicing, but improving one's literacy skills. When Mr. Blunsdon isn't teaching or hanging out at Rotary Summer Literacy, he spends time working with the Rotary Club of Hamilton on various events and outreach programs. Activity is a key variable for Mr. Blunsdon, staying active by: riding his bike to work, swimming with his wife and kids, playing guitar, and planning Wake-Up Workout for camp each day! 

Want fun facts on Mr. B? Hmm... 

Mr. B is a HUGE fan of Comic Books AND Neil Diamond! 

Want to get to know Mr. B better? Be sure to register for Rotary Summer Literacy 2015!

Register here:  http://goo.gl/forms/QZ34KovtUf 

Stay tuned for more staff biographies!
       

Introduction: Learning through Literacy

We have already selected books for morning read-aloud! Here is one we are very excited about, Olivia - A Guide to Life by Natalie Shaw.  With a basic quest to create life rules to live buy, this book will inspire campers and staff to continue to be their best! Inclusive rules and ideas to share are what make Rotary Summer Literacy an amazing place to be.

Olivia has decided on the following life rules to live by:

1. Be Colourful,

2. Always say the magic words,

3. Don't be afraid to fall down,

4. Be yourself,

5. Dream big, and

6. Be nice!

What rules can we add on to our list? We will find out together starting July 6th, 2015!

Get ready for adventure, challenge, and learning through literacy this summer!