More Than 400 PK-12 Hmong Culture and Language Program Camp Participants to Receive Free Books

ST. PAUL, MN (08/01/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 400 PK-12 children participating in the Hmong Culture and Language Program summer day camp will receive free books to help encourage reading and improve literacy, with support from The UPS Store and the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, the books will be presented during the camp's closing community celebration on Friday, Aug. 5 in Concordia University, St. Paul's Gangelhoff Center at noon. The celebration will also feature a qeej (traditional Hmong instrument) performance, Hmong dance, contemporary storybook-themed fleece fabric art display, a Hmong house replica built by camp participants, and a film show by the camp's film-making group.

Concordia's Hmong Culture and Language Program Summer Camp, "Building Cultural Bridges," is being held July 25 - August 5 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., on the Concordia University, St. Paul campus. The camp, now in its eighth year, includes students from more than 20 language groups who engage in storytelling, gardening and art activities to help preserve the Hmong culture and deepen academic self-confidence. This year, participants will also complete two service-learning projects on Aug. 2. PK-1 participants will make butterflies with encouraging notes to give to children at Gillette Children's Hospital and third graders will make sandwiches for homeless shelters.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, a year-round initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, provides the nation's most economically disadvantaged children access to books with the goal of enhancing their ability to read and communicate effectively so they can compete academically and succeed in life.

Concordia University, St. Paul is a comprehensive, private university operated under the auspices of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and one of 10 schools that comprise the Concordia University System. Established in 1893, Concordia offers more than 50 liberal arts majors, including business, education, science, fine arts and church professions. Concordia University is also a regional leader in educating adult students, offering accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health sciences, education, criminal justice, communications and Christian outreach. Concordia is the only private university in Minnesota to offer NCAA Division II athletics for men and women. Visit us on the web: www.csp.edu.

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