Little Blue Kindergarten Camp Helps Students Start Strong

Starting school is a big milestone for children and their families. It can bring excitement, but also a little nervousness. This summer, Little Blue Kindergarten Camp at Fairwood and Linden Elementary helped ease that transition and gave Hamilton’s youngest learners the tools and confidence to start school strong.

Over the course of two days, 48 incoming kindergarteners took part in fun and meaningful activities designed to build both skills and comfort. With the support of dedicated staff, students enjoyed crafts, story time, and team-building games. They also toured their new school buildings, practiced going through the cafeteria line, and completed kindergarten readiness assessments.

The impact of the camp was felt right away. On the first morning, several students arrived in tears, unsure of what to expect. By the second day, those same children ran into the classroom, eager to return. Families of children with medical needs, including two students with type one diabetes, had the chance to meet with the district nurse to review care plans. This not only reassured parents, but also helped those children build confidence as they started school with new friends and supportive adults by their side.

Parents expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity. Many shared that the camp gave them peace of mind, knowing their children had already explored the school, made new friends, and grown more comfortable with the idea of starting kindergarten. Teachers also benefited from the program, gaining valuable insight and baseline data to help them thoughtfully place students in classrooms for the year ahead.

Little Blue Kindergarten Camp is more than just two days of fun, it’s an investment in the future. By helping students enter school with confidence, excitement, and readiness, the Hamilton Community Foundation is proud to support a program that strengthens both children and families from the very start of their educational journey.