Summertime is not only leisure time for Refugio Elementary students, but learning is taking place as well.

Throughout the summer, students in Refugio have been attending science camps, ELA camps, math camps. Last week 62 students grades pre-kinder through sixth grade attended a technology camp with a social studies twist.

The technology camp’s theme, Deep in the Heart of Texans, began on July 6 and ended last Thursday.

“The camp’s emphasis was to teach students how to appreciate their community, others, and most of all themselves,” said Anna Garcia, librarian.

Community leaders were invited to speak to the students about how their job influences the community and the student themselves.

Chief Chris Brock, Judge Rene Mascorro, Mayor Reynol Jaso, Mr. Jeff Steele and Mr. Brian Basaldua were the camp’s speakers.

The campers worked in groups, or “tribes,” to get projects accomplished. Each of the tribe’s names was associated with various regions of Texas.

The tribes were the Big Benders, the Pan Handlers, the Gulf Coasters, and the Piney Woodsmen.

“The students were taught to help and respect one another; all a part of being a good Texan,” Garcia said.

Students worked with various software programs and learned how to blog on a Wiki that is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program and was set up for this camp.

On July 9, the campers traveled to San Antonio and visited the Institute of Texan Cultures.

“They learned how the various cultures that settled in Texas influenced their lives today,” Garcia said.

On July 16, the campers paraded to our local museum and were lead by our Grand Marshals, Chief Brock and Mayor Jaso.

When they arrived the campers were greeted by staff and volunteers.

“Museum curator Bart Wales shared Refugio’s rich historical past, which enlightened the young audience,” Garcia said.

With only a few weeks left of summer, students can blog on the library’s Summer Reading Wiki and be invited to a Drive-Inn Movie Night in August.