COEUR d'ALENE- KIDS Camp is boosting reading levels for students in need this summer.

KIDS Camp at Fernan Elementary is a literacy- and numeracy-based, eight-week program for returning second- and third-graders from three elementary schools.

KIDS stands for Knowledge, Independence, Directions and Success.

The program was inspired by KIDS Camp director Greta Gissel, who has a passion for kids and their success.

"I believe in a great level of reading by the third grade," Gissel said. "If kids are able to read proficiently by time they exit third grade, they have an opportunity for success." Gissel is doing what she can to help students meet the reading goals they need to be successful in school and in their future.

KIDS Camp hosts about 60 students for the program from Winton, Fernan and Bryan elementary schools.

The students are picked up by bus and taken to Fernan where they are provided breakfast, snacks, lunch and learning.

Once a week each student is given a book to take home and add to their personal library.

"Many of these kids don't have any type of reading materials or a library at home. We provide that for them," said Gissel.

Coeur d'Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer and Coeur d'Alene School District 271 Superintendent Matthew Handelman stopped by KIDS Camp on Wednesday to see the students in action.

They both praised Gissel for her efforts and read to the kids.

"Anytime you can keep kids learning and active during the summer is a great thing," said Widmyer.

"Really, the basis for our whole community is education," Widmyer said.

Handelman, who sat on the floor with a student to read one-on-one, sees a need for such programs in Coeur d'Alene.

"There's an emphasis on early intervention but we had no funding in place for that," Handelman said.

Now that this program is in place, Gissel and Anna Wilson, the school district's director of title programs, are working to keep the funding they have while securing more.

The program is also supported by Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Kiwanis and Coeur d'Alene Rotary.

"We are focusing on ways to sustain and grow this program," said Handelman.

Tom Hearn, a Coeur d'Alene School Board trustee, said he is strongly in favor of this camp continuing for future summers.

"There's a lot of support for this program; we've been very pleased with the results," said Hearn.