Raisinville School mixed s’mores and stories at the Cozy Reading Camp Thursday night. Students and staff came together outside the school for a night of tents and tales in an event aimed at getting the school community reading over the summer.

“We wanted to get them started on reading in the summer now,” Kelly Davis, Raisinville School Improvement Coach said. “We have all this beautiful land here and we thought it was a great way to bring the community in and get kids excited about reading over the summer.”

Roadrunners and their families had many great opportunities to interact with reading in different ways. In the field next to the school, families could borrow books to read together, after grabbing a hot dog expertly cooked by school staff. The International Baccalaureate Candidate school also set up reading tents based on the learner profile traits, so students could read with their families and friends. A photo booth with reading theme props was the next stop before making crafts and finishing off with a freshly-cooked s’more.

Community partners were also present to help kick off the summer reading mood. The Monroe County Library System had books to borrow and the YMCA offered more summer reading fun. The Monroe County Humane Society, along with a couple canine companions, signed students up to share their reading to furry friends throughout the summer. Major Muskrat also reported for duty, representing the River Raisin Battlefield, to encourage kids to continue reading over the summer.

“It’s been a great night,” Raisinville principal Scott Hoppert said. “It’s heartwarming to see so many families interacting with each other, reading with the kids. People are taking advantage of it and I love it. I am so lucky to have suck a talented group of people to work with who are dedicated to kids and families and that’s what is all about; kids and families.”