By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
On a muggy summer morning in West End, cicadas hum and children move between reading groups, garden beds and a church kitchen. There they whip up recipes with the ingredients plucked fresh from the garden.
It is all part of “Fun in the Son,” a free summer reading program at West End United Methodist Church. The program celebrates its fifth year this summer.
The program began in 2021 when the Rev. Jane Leechford, the church’s pastor, worked with member and educator Erin West to secure a grant for a literacy program through Congregations for Children, a statewide initiative of the United Methodist Church.
Starting with 16 participants and a “small but mighty” group of volunteers, the program grew to serve more than 60 children last summer and 25 volunteers. Dozens of children are already registered for this year.
The structure has evolved over the years, but the mission has remained the same: to help children strengthen literacy skills in a setting that feels welcoming, engaging and fun.
Each week, students rotate through four stations, three of which are focused on reading instruction led by two certified teachers and volunteers. But the fourth station stands out as a favorite. The children get hands-on time in the church’s expansive community garden and well-equipped kitchen.
“Two of the clear favorites are gardening and cooking,” West said. “On Mondays and Wednesdays, the kids go out to the garden, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they take what they’ve harvested and make something with it in the kitchen.”
The experience extends beyond the classroom. “I get really sweet pictures from parents,” she said. “They’ll say, ‘My child helped make dinner with the fresh salsa they made today.’ They feel really invested and connected.”
The program is open to students entering kindergarten through sixth grade and is offered free of charge, a priority West said is essential for families navigating the high cost of summer childcare and camps.
“Our goal is to make it as easy and affordable and safe and inclusive as possible,” she said. “We want kids who need a little extra support to be able to get it.”
Though the program is hosted by the church, it is strictly a community service initiative and does not include religious instruction.
The program draws a mix of public, private and homeschool students from Moore and surrounding counties including Lee, Chatham and Montgomery.
The volunteer base has grown to include educators, high school students, parents and even former campers. “We actually have a couple of kids who have aged out and now come back to help,” West said. “I love that it’s something they feel like they are a part of.”
The program is made possible through grant funding, including support this year from the Creating New Economies Fund which will cover the cost of two certified teachers. West credits Jennifer Forsman and Ellen Snow for their efforts to secure funding that allows the program to flourish.
As a longtime educator, West has worked as a teacher, principal and now as an assistant director for an educational research grant at Appalachian State University where she earned a specialist degree and doctorate. She has witnessed how the program has an impact lasting long after summer ends.
She recently attended a school awards assembly at West End Elementary School. “I’m always so proud when I stand there and listen to the principal read the names of the kids on the honor roll and distinguished list,” she said. “I’m always sort of secretly counting the number of kids who went to the reading program.”
West hopes the program continues to grow while reaching the students who need it most. “We do this because we really, truly love these kids,” she said. “We love the families, we love the community, and we just want them to thrive and succeed.”
The camp runs Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon during the weeks of June 15-18, June 22-25, July 6-9 and July 13-16. The invitations also extended to children to attend the church’s Vacation Bible School on Saturday, July 18.
Information and registration for this summer’s program is available through the West End United Methodist Church Facebook page or contact West at erinkate21@gmail.com. Community members interested in volunteering or donating supplies are also encouraged to get involved.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
