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WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AUGUST 15, 2025) — As Kinder Camp neared the end of its second-to-last day Thursday morning, 5-year-old Kerron Dicks Jr. lit up talking about his favorite parts of the program: the snacks and recess, of course.

Slightly sweaty from playing outside, Kerron was preparing to cool down in the classroom by making a spider-themed treat from cookies and pretzels — an activity fitting for a boy who had spent much of the week fascinated by caterpillars, spiders and the webs they weave.

Now in its third year, Kinder Camp is a half-day summer program hosted by the Williamsport Area School District to help incoming kindergarten students transition smoothly into school. This year’s camp, with a running theme of “bugs,” ran Aug. 11-15 at each of the district’s primary schools. It welcomed a select group of students for activities designed to introduce them to classroom and building routines.

Each day included engaging lessons, snacks and time for students to practice the district’s Schoolwide Positive Behavior Initiative — Bee Amazing: Be Present, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe and Be Kind.

Kerron attended the camp at Cochran Primary School, where he will soon begin kindergarten in Lori Beiter’s classroom. He is already looking forward to re-joining his friend and fellow camper Nahmir back in Room 128 when the school year begins in just over a week.

“Kinder Camp is such a wonderful opportunity for our incoming kindergarten students,” Beiter said. “This is my third year teaching Kinder Camp and I love having this unique opportunity to get to know my new students. I enjoy watching them get acclimated to our classroom, learning more about each other and I love watching their confidence grow throughout each day. I am so thankful that the district sees the value in this incredible program.”

Participation has been by invitation only since the program began in 2023. Smaller groups allow staff to provide personalized attention and give students a warm introduction to the WASD community.

Dawn Reeder, a kindergarten teacher at Jackson Primary School who also is in her third year of teaching during the summer program, sees the benefit the camp experience offers.

“We have seen wonderful results in our students who have attended camps in the past, as it has helped to reduce some of their anxiety and eased some fears they may have had upon starting at a new school,” Reeder said.

“Kinder Camp is one of the most exciting events of our summer,” said Michele Kunkle, director of elementary curriculum. “It’s an opportunity for our youngest learners to feel confident, comfortable and connected before the school year even begins.”

The camp is part of the district’s investment in early childhood education, ensuring every student starts their academic journey with a strong foundation and a sense of belonging.

For students like Kerron, that foundation already includes the joy of new friendships, a love of discovery — and, fittingly, plenty of time for snacks and play. 

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