The
Cumming Library hosted the third annual Literacy Forsyth Digital Storytelling
Camp the week of July 21st. Since its inception the camp has gone
from nine campers to this year’s thirty attendees. Each year with the help of
library computers, iPads, other technologies, and eResources, the students are
taught to create a Digital Story.
The
students were born in eight different countries and spoke many different
languages including English, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Ukrainian, Russian, Thai,
Lao Language, Taiwanese, and Chinese. These students represented all four high
schools in the county plus three middle schools. There was even one 5th grader from
Cumming Elementary. Another young camper has been in the United States for a
month but was already excited about starting school this fall.
On
Monday morning, Denise Leeson and Julie Boyd participated in ice breaker party
games to help everyone learn names and to feel comfortable with staff. The
class began with each student designing his or her own personal atlas which
showed place of birth and provided information about each student. One young man
went home and brought his back the next day with a 3-D house including a
battery operated garage door and lights. Having a family home was the most
important thing to him.
Each
student wrote personal narratives, took and gathered photos, made videos, and
collected music to incorporate into their own personal stories. The Cumming
Library Youth Services staff also presented book talks, gave a tour of the
library, held eResource scavenger hunts, and played games with the students
during the day. One budding graffiti artist painted a mural out by the
dumpsters.
On
Thursday evening a preview party was held for the students and their families
and many of the stories were shared while enjoying a lovely dinner together. On
Friday all the stories were finished and the students hosted a viewing party
for library staff members as well as Literacy Forsyth Board members, and
representatives from the United Way and the press. This year we had repeat
campers and one young lady from the first year of camp (who graduated high
school in May) was back as a translator and volunteer. She also provided all
the students with a goodie bag of supplies for school. The group had such a
great time this year that Literacy Forsyth is considering holding monthly
meetings so the students can all stay in touch as they are all still learning
English this year.
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