RIF Summer Reading Challenge:
A Summer Camp Adventure for Readers of All Ages
Welcome to the Reading Is Fundamental Summer Reading Challenge, where reading meets summer camp fun. Designed to keep kids reading all summer long, this free challenge invites young readers to explore great books, complete hands-on activities, and earn badges along the way. With age-appropriate reading ideas, a printable summer reading log, and curated children’s book recommendations, families and educators have everything they need to turn summer reading into a joyful adventure.
Visit Your Cabin for Summer Reading Resources
Earn Summer Reading Badges
Campers earn summer reading badges by completing themed reading and activity challenges each month, making progress fun, visible, and motivating. Visit your cabin to access your age group's badge activity!
Meet Lauren, Your Summer Reading Camp Counselor!
Reading Explorers Badge
Kick off RIF’s Summer Reading Challenge with the Reading Explorers Badge! Discover adventure-filled summer reading books that inspire kids to move, explore, and stay curious. This badge pairs exciting stories with hands-on, movement-based activities that support active learning and literacy development all summer long.
STEM Stars Badge
Build critical thinking skills with the STEM Stars Badge in RIF’s Summer Reading Challenge. Explore engaging science, technology, engineering, and math-themed books that inspire creativity and problem-solving. Each reading experience is paired with a fun STEM activity to help kids strengthen real-world skills while enjoying summer reading.
Artistic Avenues Badge
Celebrate creativity with the Artistic Avenues Badge, part of RIF’s Summer Reading Challenge. Discover books about art, music, writing, and self-expression that encourage imagination and storytelling. Wrap up your summer reading journey by designing your own badge and sharing your creativity in a meaningful way.
Summer Reading Challenge
Sign up for RIF’s Summer Reading Challenge and encourage your family to read all summer long! The first 250 families to sign up will receive a free copy of The Lost Berries, generously donated from our friends at Driscoll’s.
This title from Driscoll's takes readers on an exciting adventure, following a curious boy on a quest to find his missing berries. Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge today and click the Driscoll’s logo below to see other newly released titles from Driscoll's.
AASL S'mores Reading Incentive
Enhance your summer reading challenge with RIF’s S’mores Reading Incentive, created in partnership with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). School librarians make great reading recommendations and can help you explore new ways to read. Download this fun, family-friendly resource for creative ideas on when, where, and how to enjoy reading all summer long.
Skybrary Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt
Take your summer reading challenge to the next level with the Skybrary Reading App Scavenger Hunt! Skybrary is RIF’s trusted kids’ reading app featuring over 1,000 books (100 free) and hundreds of virtual video field trips (50 free). Use this Scavenger Hunt to see all the different available books to read this summer and beyond hidden in Skybrary.
Pack RIF's Family Resources!
Support your child’s success in the summer reading challenge with RIF’s family literacy resources, created in partnership with the National PTA. These tools make it easy to build daily reading habits and keep kids engaged while school is out.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Summer reading helps children maintain and strengthen their literacy skills when school is out. Without regular reading practice, many students experience the “summer slide,” losing progress in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence. Consistent access to books and engaging reading activities can make a measurable difference in keeping kids on track.
Just as importantly, summer reading builds a positive relationship with books. When children choose stories that reflect their interests, whether they’re adventure-filled chapter books, STEM-inspired reads, or creative beach reads, they’re more likely to see reading as fun, empowering, and meaningful. Programs like the RIF Summer Reading Challenge combine choice, motivation, and hands-on learning to help kids stay curious, confident, and connected to reading all summer long.
Summer reading builds a positive relationship with books. When children choose stories that reflect their interests, whether they’re adventure-filled chapter books, STEM-inspired reads, or creative beach reads, they’re more likely to see reading as fun, empowering, and meaningful.
The RIF Summer Reading Challenge is a free, self-paced program that encourages kids to read throughout the summer using themed activities, curated book lists, and digital reading badges.
Yes. The Reading Is Fundamental Summer Reading Challenge is completely free for families, educators, and community groups.
The challenge includes activities for early childhood, grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6–8, with age-appropriate book recommendations and hands-on learning experiences.
Campers can use our free printable summer reading log to track books read and activities completed, but logs are optional.
Absolutely. The challenge works well for classrooms, libraries, summer camps, and community programs.
All books are recommendations. Families can choose titles that match their campers’ interests, including favorite beach reads and library picks.
