Incentivizing Summer Reading Programs

It's not a secret to many of my family and friends that I have been frustrated getting my child to read. I still don't understand why reading is not something he enjoys when he comes from a family of fairly avid readers. Thankfully though I'm not against incentivizing his reading - In other words I'll use bribery when necessary.

That's a good thing too because on a recent shopping trip he begged for a toy, so in seizing the opportunity, I decided to buy it and hold onto it until he read a certain number of books to me. Now he been happily reading to me every evening without my nagging him. Now that the end of the school-year is coming close, I have begun to look for summer reading programs that offer incentives.

We participate in the summer reading programs at the Ypsilanti District Library. The kids love getting the free ice cream at the start of the program and don't realize they are working hard to reach their summer reading goal. This year I even signed them up with reading buddies for the summer. The Saline District Library, Dexter District Library, the Ann Arbor District Library, and the Chelsea District Library all have summer reading programs for kids and teens. Just head over to your local library and check it out. I have heard some of the programs offer some awesome give-away prizes if your child completes the program in time.

For parents looking at other summer reading programs, fear not. There are MANY free incentives out there to encourage your child to read this summer, just take a look!

• Barnes & Noble (3235 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) - Imagination Destination allows kids to earn a FREE book and reading kit after tracking their reading on a reading log.
• Chuck E. Cheese - Kids can earn 10 free tokens when they read every day for 2 weeks in a row. Print the reading rewards form, track their reading and take it into a participating location for free tokens! This incentive does require a food purchase for redemption.
• PBS Kids encourages Summer Reading - Get information for parents and youth to give your child a lifetime of reading.
• Pizza Hut - BookIt Summer Reading Program - Students in grade K-5 can spark their greatness reading books to be entered into a sweepstakes for great prizes!
• Scholastic Summer Challenge - May 5-September 5 kids can log reading minutes into the Scholastic site to earn digital prizes! 
• Sylvan Learning Centers - (1601 Briarwood Circle, AnnArbor) Participate in a free summer Book Adventure program where children (Grades K-8) read grade-level books then take a comprehension quiz. Kids earn points based on how much they remember from reading and can be entered to win many free prizes as they earn points! There are hundreds of books to choose from in all reading levels. 

These types of programs are a great way to encourage children to read throughout the summer months to help avoid summer learning loss. I will continue to add programs as I find them, or feel free to let me know when new ones become available!

Ann Arbor Skatepark Grand Opening

Save the date - The new Ann Arbor Skatepark will have it's grand opening on June 21! The 30,000-square-foot facility located at Veterans Memorial Park (2150 Jackson Road) will be free for the public to use. Skateboarders will enjoy features such as kidney pools from 5 to 9.5 feet deep, a snake run, clover and flow bowls, rock ride, and a slappy curb.

The grand opening celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, contests, demonstrations from pro skaters, music, vendors and more! For more information on this free event, be sure to stay tuned on www.a2gov.org/parkevents or on the Ann Arbor Parks Facebook Page.

Ann Arbor Skatepark Grand Opening
Saturday, June 21, 2014
 11:00 a.m., Ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks
Noon-6:00 p.m., Skateboarding contests, lessons, music, vendors and more
2:00 p.m., Professional Skateboard demonstration

Summer Camp Open House at Peachy Fitness

Here is a head's up on a summer camp open house from my friends at Peachy Fitness.Zaini is opening a new studio and the camp open house on June 14 will allow your kids (Ages 3-12 years) to try Zumba, Yoga & Dance for free. Be sure to stop by 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to check out the opportunity plus all of the fun and deals!


For more information be sure to visit the Peachy Fitness website!

Family Friendly Film Series: My Neighbor Totoro

The Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor) is hosting a free movies for kids 12 & under on May 18 at 1:30 p.m.

My Neighbor Totoro follows Satsuke and Mei, two young girls who find that their new country home is in a mystical forest inhabited by a menagerie of mystical creatures called Totoros. They befriend O Totoro, the biggest and eldest Totoro, who is also the king of the forest. As their girls’ mother lies sick in the hospital, O Totoro brings the sisters on a magical adventure but also helps them to understand the realities of life.


Tickets are free for children 12 & under, $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, older children and teens. This movie is rated G.

New Cub Scout Daycamp in Ypsilanti

Do you have a boy finishing kindergarten? Considering joining Cub Scouts next fall? Then  attending the NEW Cub Scout summer day camp would be an exceptional introduction to scouting.

This year, day camp is back for a week filled with fun as scouts enjoy a Knights of the Roundtable experience like no other. The camp is conveniently located too. On June 25-27, boys can join in the fun at the Washtenaw Sportsman's Club (Ypsilanti). Registration is now open so don't wait. Fees increase June 1!

• Fees are $50/participant & $10/Adult Walker until May 31st 
• Each participant & Adult Walker will receive a camp shirt & patch 
• Details/registration can be found at http://www.michiganscouting.org/Event.aspx?id=12017

I volunteered at the camp a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact I will be back this year leading the nature and weather stations! Your son will have a great time experiencing shooting sports (archery, BB Guns & wrist rockets), completing scout skills, skits & songs,making some fun craft projects and even experiencing a gigantic slingshot. Believe me you won't want to miss the sling-shot it's pretty cool.