How a Camp-Themed Family Literacy Night Idea Created Community Impact

Hi readers,

While scrolling through Instagram, I came across a heartwarming post that instantly caught my attention. It featured a creative and engaging event called Camp Learn-A-Lot, hosted by pre-service teachers from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). This post is focused around family literacy night ideas that you can do this semester with your group! I reached out to Hannah Conklin, one of the organizers, and she graciously agreed to share the story behind this inspiring event.

Family Literacy Night Ideas That Build Community

This semester, the Education Division at UPJ partnered with the Alternative Community Resource Program (ACRP) to host a family literacy night with a fun camping theme. The event, called Camp Learn-A-Lot, welcomed local families for an evening of learning, laughter, and connection.

Each family received:

• A free dinner

• A book for every child

• A pamphlet of take-home activities

• A themed treat bag

Thanks to generous community donors and dedicated professors, this event was a

huge success.

Learning Through Collaboration

As a cohort of Early Childhood and Special Education pre-service educators, the students spent the semester planning and executing this interactive workshop that was centered around Camp-Themed Family Literacy Night. Here’s what they learned:

• Community Engagement: How to seek donations and collaborate with local organizations like ACRP.

• Family Involvement: How to observe and support family dynamics during learning activities.

• Teamwork: How to plan, make decisions, and incorporate diverse ideas into one cohesive event.

Interactive Learning Stations

The event featured four themed learning stations—literacy, science, social studies, and math—each tailored to two age groups: K–1st grade and 2nd–4th grade.

• Literacy Station: A fishing vocabulary game with upper and lowercase letters.

• Science Station: A five senses activity using natural materials like pine and burnt wood.

• Social Studies Station: A map-making activity with a mini-lesson on geography.

• Math Station: A fire-building game using math equations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).

The stations were color-coded and decorated to guide students and create a welcoming, camp-like atmosphere. Details like “Don’t feed the bears” signs and a light-up campfire added to the immersive experience.

Reflecting on the Experience

Although the event has ended, the impact continues. These future educators are already brainstorming ideas for future workshops and reflecting on how they can continue to serve their communities.

“Now that’s creating some EduMagic in the community!”

What’s Next? Choose Your Own Adventure!

• Want to plan your own family literacy night? Use this post as inspiration and start small—partner with local organizations and get creative with themes!

• Looking for more ideas? Check out EduMagic: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers, especially the chapter on community engagement and virtual co-ops.

• How do you impact your community through your teacher prep program? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Remember, friends: You have the EduMagic in YOU! Let it shine in your classroom and your community.

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