Story Time Adventures Camp--Update

So, here are a few of the happy campers who participated in my Story Time Adventures Mini Reading Camp. We had a busy day. The "Campers" and their parents/guardians, arrived at 'headquarters' at about 9 a.m. and we talked about reading, books and what they, and the adults, liked to read. I then read them a book about being a firefighter, then we were off to Fire Station 2 in Hollister, California.

The firemen were SO very nice, and funny, too! They took us through the kitchen, the day room, and their sleeping quarters, then we went to see the engines! Very impressive. The kids even had a chance to go inside the rigs to see what it would be like to ride up high in one of the trucks.

The best part was when one of the moms was 'volunteered' to dress in the turn out gear--the gear they wear to a fire. She was a great sport, and hopefully I'll have some photos to share once I receive them.

During our visit to the fire department, I asked the firemen why it is important for them to know how to read. They told us so they can find their way to a fire, but the captain said they also need to be good at reading, and spelling and grammar, because they have many reports to fill out after they go to a fire or accident. I'd never thought about that, but it does make sense.

After our visit to the fire station, we headed back to camp headquarters and had a visits from American Medical Response where EMTs and an ambulance came to visit us. The kids were able to get inside the rig and see a lot of the equipment they use on calls.

If you would like to find out more about Story Time Adventures Camps, check my web site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. I'm located in Hollister, California, which is near Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Mini Reading Camp

During the past 18 months I've been able to share my experiences with you about my program, my business, called Story Time Adventures. What started out as a small experiment to see if anyone would be interested in listening to me read children's books, has grown into a wonderful and exhilarating part time career.

I am still visiting schools, libraries, and other venues to present my story time program. This past November and December, 2011, I appeared as Mrs. Claus in a number of places, including the Northern Nevada Children's Museum in Carson City, Nevada; with the Watsonville Community Band in Northern California, reading 'The Night Before Christmas,' and at the California Welcome Center in Salinas, California.

It is now February 2012 and I have new plans on the horizon. I am working on putting together a Mini Reading Camp for April 9-11 while my son and I are on Spring Break. It's called 'Rescue Me From Boredom--Read a Good Book!' This will focus on police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics. I will be reading stories about these different people, and we will be visitng a fire station, and have visits from a police officer and an ambulance driver. The cost is $20 per child with a $7 materials fee. It's designed for children in grades K-2, but if those who are a little older, or a little younger, want to participate, then that's okay with me! Moms/dads or a responsible adult must stay with the child at all times.

If you want more information, email me at Jengelha@aol.com. This is in Hollister, California. I will also be offering Skype story times for schools throughout the country. I hope to hear from you! Julie Engelhardt, Story Time Adventures

Story Time Programs for May

There are many things in my life that I am thankful for, and one of them is that there are 'holidays' and observances that I can use to create programs for Story Time Adventures.

The month of May comes with two observances: Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day. Because of these two holidays, a birthday, and a standing gig with Santana Row Mall in San Jose, I have 7 performances occurring within 8 days. I have three with the YMCA in San Benito County, one at the San Juan Bautista Library, one at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, a birthday party in Hollister, and story time at Santana Row which will be about Cat in the Hat.

I started thinking about May story time program ideas last month and knew that I could score a couple with Mother's Day, which I did, but then someone suggested Cinco de Mayo. That's how I scored three more programs for the week, with the YMCA. I'm very fortunate that they have liked my programs, and I think they want to try to incorporate something 'cultural' into their after school program. Again, my main thing is I like to wear costumes of some sort while I do my program, so I was able to purchase two straw sombreros from a local thrift store, and a friend was able to lend me a sarape that she said I could use.

I also received some exciting news that our local library wants me to do a story time program June 30. This year's summer reading theme has to do with world travel, and my program is "Around the World in 60 Minutes!" During my program I will don four or five different costumes and read books that relate to that costume. So far I have the costume for Mexico, one for the Pacific Islands/Polynesia, and one for Asia.

I'm hoping that I can book several programs for the summer to help supplement my income while school's out (I'm a substitute teacher.) If you know of any groups that would like a story teller, you can contact me via my site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. Thank you! Julie Engelhardt