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More than 1,500 primary children across the country are taking part in Department of Education and Skills (DES) week long English literacy summer camps. A further 1,000 children attended Campaí Samhraidh, DES funded Irish language literacy courses.

The camps explore literacy, comprehension, reading and thinking skills through activities such as art, drama, music and dance. Most of the English camps are run in August as the impact of the literacy outcomes is more favourable for the child in preparation for the new school year.

The Department is providing funding of more than €380,000 to cover all costs associated with the English and Irish literacy camps for 2011. 42 English camps are taking place this summer catering for a total of 1,512 pupils. Of these camps, 30 are underway this week.

Since the scheme began in 2000, 9,612 primary school children have benefited from the English literacy camps, called “Exploring Pathways to Literacy through Arts Activities”. The Irish language Campaí Samhraidh has catered for 3,000 children since it was established in 2007 including some 1,000 this year.

The children who take part are from 4^th to 6^th classes in primary schools. The literacy camps are aimed at assisting children in literacy with an emphasis on fun learning.

Minister Ruairi Quinn said of the camps:

These literacy camps are very much in keeping with the Government’s commitment to make literacy a national cause. Children who may find the conventional classroom methods of learning difficult, can experience a real breakthrough when reading is approached through fun ways such as drama, movement, dance, art or music.

Read the full press release here.