Union City, Tenn.–Things are still ROCK(ing) at Union City Elementary School.
Camp ROCK – in its fifth year and with 85 students in grades K thru 5 involved this month – has again provided Union City Schools young people in need with extra instruction in reading and math, as well as teaching life lessons, responsibilities and positive character traits.
Laney Rogers, the program coordinator and UCSS director of Special Populations, insists there are many benefits to Camp ROCK.
“It’s proven to be a program that kids want to be involved in and their parents want them to be involved in,” said Rogers, who noted a long waiting list for admittance to the month-long program. “Obviously, the continued attention to reading and math has proven beneficial to the students who need it, but the ownership the kids have taken with learning through several of our electives offered has been equally as meaningful.”
In addition to academics, students may choose from a list of electives that includes art, landscaping, cooking and technology to be involved in.
Students also get direction with several lasting social skills, including responsibility, integrity, respect and caring.
The Camp ROCK Oath is:
“We will strengthen our minds, our hearts, and our commitment to our community by reaching out and cultivating knowledge.”
Ten UC School System teachers are also involved and provide instruction in the program. Two students from Union City Middle School who previously participated in the camp are also helping out, as are a number of community volunteers.
The program begins at 9 each morning, Monday through Thursday, with students and teachers reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Camp ROCK Oath followed by the Character Trait Spotlight.
There are then periods of whole group exercise (kickball, yoga, dance-offs), intense classroom instruction, outside activities and lunch, Provided by Trudy’s Kids Café.
More academic and physical exercises follow in the afternoon until dismissal at 2 p.m. each day.
“The kids know to expect the unexpected with us,” Rogers laughed.
“We have a prize room with toys, food and treats for students who are rewarded at any time anf for students who are doing the right things. Basically, it’s just an example of positive reinforcement and a great motivator.”
Camp ROCK is actually the brainchild of former UC Director of Schools Gary Houston, who Rogers claimed wanted to institute a program to fix what he called a “summer slump,” she said.
“He (Houston) didn’t want it to be a typical summer school or have any type of negative connotation. He instead wanted it to be a fun program where students not only got what they needed to stay up to date with their academics, but also learn other things that were important as far as building character, developing a good work ethic and other important skills,” Rogers claimed.
“The really cool thing is that they have to ‘buy in,’ and they learn to take ownership of several things around campus with some of the things they learn in the program. They also get specialized attention from teachers at the same time as we have a teacher-to-student ratio of just a little over eight-to-one.”
Current Director of Schools Wes Kennedy has continued to fund Camp ROCK, which has grown considerably since its inception.
Participating students take an assessment test at the beginning of the program, then are given that same test on the second-to-last day of the month-long classes. If adequate progress is shown in that follow-up assessment, kids are rewarded with a trip to the waterpark on the last day.
The test is given again on Aug. 1, to determine if students retained that growth.
“It’s hard to tell sometimes if Camp ROCK is enjoyed more by the students or our teachers,” Rogers smiled. “It’s more personal and more meaningful… a little different from what ‘regular’ school is supposed to be.
“To see the growth of the students – in so many ways – is so rewarding. We have a big time, and by big time, I mean we incorporate continued learning with fun activities. The kids love it. The teachers love it. There’s no doubt that each and every one who participates in Camp ROCK leaves here at the end of the month having benefitted.”
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