Unlocking the Magic: Free Literacy Camp Comes to FC

              Franklin County is about to turn up the volume on summer learning with an exciting weeklong literacy camp.  Packed with books, storytelling, and creative writing adventures, this camp is every young reader’s dream—and the best part? It’s completely free! No fees, no barriers—just pure literary fun and a chance for kids to dive into the magic of words all summer long.

              Ages for the camp will range from 3-13.  The ages will be broken down into smaller groups with one group being for ages 3-5, one group being for ages 6-9, and the third group being for ages 10-13.  Each group will come for two hours each day, with the youngest attending camp from 8:00-10:00 a.m., the middle-aged group attending from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and the oldest kids attending from 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

              The camp blends engaging activities with early literacy training, ensuring that learning is both fun and effective. For younger participants, the focus will be on building a strong foundation in fundamental literacy skills. Older children will expand on their existing knowledge, developing more advanced reading and writing abilities through thoughtfully structured lessons. The program is designed to nurture growth at every level, making literacy an exciting journey for all involved.

              The literacy camp will also serve to introduce the SARA nonprofit to the community and will allow them to do the kind of work they are wanting to do on a more full-time basis. 

              To see these camps through to fruition, the SARA nonprofit has partnered with three different libraries.  The first camp will take place at the Franklin County Library from June 2-June 6.  The second camp will take place at the Manchester Public Library from June 23-June 27.  The last session will take place from June 30-July 3 at the Coffee County Library in Tullahoma. 

              Daily schedules for the camp will be tailormade for the kids based on critical skill level and ages.  By the end of the camp, each group will have written their own personalized book that they will be able to take home.

              Enrollment is open through the month of May for the first session camp and enrollment will be open for the last two sessions until mid-June.  However, if the enrollment date is missed, the nonprofit is open to same-day enrollment, pending capacity. 

              The Southern Association for Reading Advancement or, the SARA nonprofit, who is primarily responsible for bringing the camps to the community is a new nonprofit that is focused on bridging the gap in education.  

SARA provides a diverse range of educational opportunities, from afterschool tutoring to American Sign Language classes, along with the literacy-focused summer camps this upcoming season. In collaboration with homeschool co-ops, they offer affordable learning resources, expanding access to quality education. Committed to fostering creativity, SARA also partners with dedicated music educators to inspire children and help them discover their unique musical talents.

“SARA is attempting to offer a foundational alternative to early education.”, stated Hannah Davis, one of the co-founders of the nonprofit.  “And we’re doing that through offering literacy forward education.  Essentially, what we’re offering is a three-tier process to provide literacy enrichment, as well as just overall academic enrichment for students in the area.”

            Davis explained that the first pillar focuses on expanding early learning opportunities by establishing centers in Winchester, Tullahoma, and Manchester. These centers will provide structured, literacy-focused education at an affordable cost, creating a strong foundation for young learners.

The second tier aims to support homeschooled students by offering enrichment and community-based resources. Acknowledging that not every homeschooling parent is an educator, this initiative seeks to provide curriculum guidance, access to valuable learning materials, and a sense of connection and support within the homeschool community.

The third tier, envisioned for the future, will introduce afterschool programs and free tutoring services for students throughout the community. Designed to nurture a well-rounded education, this phase will include opportunities for music enrichment, American Sign Language classes, and additional academic support to ensure students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

The free literacy camp is intended to be more than just an educational initiative—it’s a gateway to opportunity, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning. By providing accessible resources and fostering a supportive environment, the program ensures that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to strengthen their skills and embrace the power of literacy. As the camp and nonprofit continue to grow, its impact will ripple through the community, inspiring young minds and laying the foundation for a brighter future.