First 5 Permian Basin’s Kinder Camp runs July 17-21 and will feature hybrid activities for children heading into kindergarten this fall.
The camp is a free, parent-led kindergarten activity camp for children in Ector and Midland counties. Friday will feature a free “shopping” event where families can walk with their child to choose school supplies together.
Books also will be given throughout the activities.
LeAnna Valle, HIPPY coordinator, said the activities are parent-led and they will have one guided activity a day. “We want to stay true to our mission as an agency in supporting the parent in being their child’s first teacher,” Valle said.
HIPPY stands for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters.
Community and Family Health Assistant Director Mercedes Ojeda said the format for this year evolved from feedback they have received over the last few years.
“One of the benefits of having entirely virtual (format) is that we were able to reach more families, so by providing hybrid you still get that reach. You’re able to help more people, but by having this in-person, optional component they can still get that interaction … with the safety of their caregiver. They can feel free to explore. They can get some social-emotional skills through interacting with other families during that time,” Ojeda said.
If a family isn’t able to attend during that hour of in-person activity, they have all the content at home to complete the activities and reach out to First 5 for help.
Valle said they are adding a parent resource form that goes with them. It is meant to give parents or caregivers tips and advice on how to do home routines, suggest ways to be involved in their child’s education and tips on how to talk to their child’s teacher and ask the questions they need to ask.
That includes the best way to contact the teacher.
“A lot of times we forget to ask what’s the best way to contact you, whether it be email, phone, text message or even just sending a note through the backpack with the child,” Valle said.
There also is information on helping your child with homework and dealing with separation to let parents and caregivers know that it is typical for a child to feel anxious when they’re starting school, especially if they’re not used to being away from mom or dad.
Ojeda said they have great partners in Ector County and Midland ISD.
She said she thinks they will probably keep the same format or something similar going forward.
“It’s been really positive feedback getting to do this, and like LeAnna mentioned, we’re really getting to stay true to our mission as an agency and really just hearing the positive feedback that comes from supporting the family and the caregivers,” Ojeda said.
