The Eskimos support educational initiatives all year long, so getting involved with the Edmonton Public Library’s Summer Starts program is a win-win situation.
Summer Starts is designed to encourage children of all ages to read, create and explore various types of programs during the summer months through games, prizes and activities. It runs from June 23-Aug. 25.
The summer program also incorporates the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national public libraries’ program for children.
According to the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), research shows that reading over the summer months helps children when they return to school and strong literacy skills helps everyone through life.
The Eskimos Cheer Team kicked off a press conference at the EPL’s Highlands branch at 6710 118th Avenue on Wednesday, July 4, to not only promote the Summer Starts program, but also the Eskimos value-added “Kids Get In Free” program for youth up to 17 years old at a CFL game against the Calgary Stampeders on Sept. 8 at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium.
The Eskimos Cheer Team helped with a special story time for families, sang songs, read stories and even taught the children a special cheer.
Children in the Summer Starts program received a Kids Get In Free bookmark with their registration package.
The Eskimos are also involved in a summer reading completion milestone in the children’s activity book. The Esks Kids Club Learners Membership is available for approximately 6,000 children ages 12 and under and includes an Eskimos poster and sticker.
Completing the summer reading program will result in a child being entered into a draw for Eskimos Family Season Seats (two youth, two adult bronze) for the 2019 season and entering a contest to win a Toes on the Turf experience for 10 people at the Sept. 8th game. In addition, a draw for one of four crested Eskimos jerseys (ballot boxes are available at EPL branches) will be made before the Sept. 8th game.
Also, four Eskimos players will make appearances during the summer for a reading session. Watch to see who comes out to the following EPL sessions:
During the academic school calendar year, the Eskimos send players out to visit hundreds of students in the Edmonton area, helping to deliver the message that reading is the key to success while sharing their love of books and reading with the children during Read-In Week at the beginning of October in support of literacy awareness.
The Eskimos are also involved as community ambassadors with the TELUS WISE programs, including the free educational programs and workshops that focus on Internet and Smartphone safety and security to help keep students safer from online criminal activity and cyber-bullying. Eskimos players also visit schools throughout the Edmonton area to help educate students about digital citizenship.
The TELUS WISE Footprint program is designed to help elementary school students learn how to be good digital citizens and keep their digital footprint clean while the TELUS WISE In Control workshops engage middle school, junior high and senior high school students in a discussion about cyber-bullying, identity theft, protecting and positively growing their online reputation.