The first day of school is scary, but it’s even more daunting if you’re a child who has never flipped through a book, held a pencil or crayon or know the difference between blue and red.

Children beginning kindergarten can vary widely — from their ability to pay attention in class, follow classroom rules, complete tasks independently, and show eagerness to learn.

And studies show that children from socioeconomically disadvantaged households typically have less access to resources, such as books and educational toys in their homes and quality preschool settings, than students from more socioeconomically advantaged households.

Children who enter school with early skills, such as a basic knowledge of math and reading, are more likely than their peers to experience later academic success, attain higher levels of education, and secure employment. If they never acquire these basic building blocks of learning, it could likely lead them down a path of poverty, substance abuse and incarceration.

“There’s research that says if a child can’t read by third-grade, they are more likely to end up in prison because they just give up. They are never able to catch up with the other students, and they’re embarrassed,” said Literacy Coordinator Reginnia Roat. “We’re trying to get as many children prepared for school so they don’t fall behind, so that they stay in school, get their degree and hopefully go on to either further their education or to a rewarding career, and not be a part of that statistic.”

For a third year, the Link of Cullman County is hosting a free two-week camp for incoming kindergarten students across four sites — Cullman County Public Library in Cullman, First Baptist Church in Fairview, Longview Church of God in Vinemont, and Good Hope Baptist Church.

From 10 a.m. to noon daily from July 17-28, children will learn the basic skills needed to be a successful kindergartner: the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors, how to hold crayons and pencils and use scissors correctly as well as how to listen and share with others.

“We have children in this county who have never had someone sit down and read them a book or give them crayons to color a picture,” Roat said. “This is camp is aimed at getting those children on the same level of other kids starting school so they have a chance to succeed.

To pre-register a child, go online to linkingcullman.org.

Because The Link is providing the camp for no charge, it is raising money to cover the costs through its Bright Beginnings campaign.

Nearen Construction has stepped to help, too. For dollar raised, the Cullman company will match it through July 14.

If you want to sponsor a child, go online to linkingcullman.org/brightbeginnings or give them a call at 256-775-0028.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Literacy Coordinator Reginnia Roat at 256-775-0028 or via email at reginniaroat@linkingcullman.org.

To pre-register a child, go online to linkingcullman.org.

If you want to sponsor a child, go online to linkingcullman.org/brightbeginnings or give them a call at 256-775-0028.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Literacy Coordinator Reginnia Roat at 256-775-0028 or via email at reginniaroat@linkingcullman.org.