What: WITSummer in the Parks is a literacy program where volunteers visit Chicago Park District Day Camps. Each volunteer spends one-on-one time reading and mentoring a camper.

Who: We need interested, interesting adults like you! Volunteers will spend 45 minutes once a week reading to a camper (age 8 to 11 years old). Meet other WITS volunteers from across the city and revive your summer with an hour of giving back in the park!

When and Where: Volunteers can choose between six park sites. Programs will take place once a week around the lunch hour from June 30th through the July 31st.

Monday: Eckhart Park – 1330 W. Chicago Ave. Program from 12:30 to 1:15 pm

Wednesday: Avondale Park -3516 W. School St. Program from 12:15 to 1:00 pm

Why: Research shows that during summer break, students lose important knowledge and skills that they gained during the school year. Reading is the single most important thing children can do to maintain their skills during the summer!

 How: Sign up for a volunteer training by emailing Ellen Werner at Ellen@witschicago.org. We’ll host several volunteer trainings throughout the city. All volunteers must come to a training, complete a volunteer agreement and background check.