Read for fun,

read to learn. That's the motto of the Shoot the Hoop Reading Camp, Fairburn's

newest youth summer camp.

It's not your

ordinary summer vacation program, either. It's a blend of activities for

the camper's minds and bodies. Program Director Jesse Hill challenges

his kids to improve both their reading and school work while giving them

plenty of time for recreation. It's all fun, games and learning.

Reading class

starts the camper's day. Students may be assigned to write a composition

and learn to present it to the class properly. Music class is next on

deck. Then it's lunch and out to shoot some hoops.

They're not

finished yet. There's still a drama class before heading home. What do

the kids think of all this work? It must be fun. The campers smile through

all of it.

Hill has learned

He has been working with kids for most of his adult live. He started the

Shoot the Hoop program in Albany while living in the Atlanta area. The

camp was a success but the commute was grueling.

After two summers

there, he wanted to find a spot closer to home to continue his work. He

decided that Fairburn was perfect.

"There's

a need," said Hill. "Fairburn is growing quickly and there's

not much in the area for the kids."

Pastor Aaron

Lackey of The Temple of Prayer offered the church's facilities to help

get Hill started. "We're so happy they're here. We hope they come

back next year," said Lackey.

The church

is really hopping, too. Fifty-one kindergarten through fifth-graders are

there every camp day. Hill has a second location, too. Palmetto Elementary

has 30 campers taking advantage of this unique program. That makes 81

campers in the first year of the program. It's a great start but Hill

is aiming much higher.

"This

is our first year so we have no funds. My goal, though, is 300 kids,"

he said. "We'd also like to make it a year-round program."

Will he stop

there? No, he has set even higher goals. He'd like to work with the Hispanic

community and start an English for Adults program. To complete the circle,

he'd like to teach his campers spanish.

How much does

a camp like this cost? You would think hundreds. Surprisingly, it costs

only $20 for a week of camp. There's a catch, of course. A very important

catch to Hill.

All parents

must attend a mandatory workshop at the end of the camp. This is their

chance to learn how to follow through with all their chidren have learned.

It's also a chance to learn themselves. The workshop teaches communication

skills, how to help their children develop ideas and encourages them to

get involved with their kids reading. Parents may find that learning is

fun just as their children did during their summer camp.

To check for

openings or to register call 770-463-3602.