Summer Reading Program
- Carolina Bears
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Read Today. Lead Tomorrow.
The Carolina Bears, believe success starts long before kickoff. Great athletes train their bodies, but great student-athletes train their minds too.
That's why we're excited to launch our 1st & 20 Summer Reading Program for all Carolina Bears players ages 5-12.
This summer, we're challenging our players to build a daily reading habit that will help them succeed in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
How the Program Works
Read throughout the week.
Parents track reading minutes at home.
Submit reading minutes using our online reading log.
Earn raffle entries and compete for monthly prizes.
Weekly Reading Log
Parents should submit reading minutes each week using the following link:
Every time a parent submits reading minutes, that player and parent earns one raffle entry.
The more you read, the more opportunities you have to win!
Monthly Grand Prize
At the end of June & July
🏆 The player with the most reading minutes will receive a $25 Visa Gift Card
🏆 The player's parent will also receive a $25 Visa Gift Card
That's a total of $50 in prizes awarded each month.
Weekly Raffles
Every player who participates and submits reading minutes will be entered into our weekly raffle.
Prizes may include:
Carolina Bears merchandise
Gift cards
School supplies
Books
The key is simple: participate consistently and keep reading.
Why Reading Matters for Athletes
Many people think football is only physical. The truth is that football is one of the most mentally demanding sports a child can play.
Strong readers often become stronger athletes because reading helps develop:
Focus and Concentration
Reading requires players to pay attention, process information, and stay engaged—skills that translate directly to practices and games.
Learning and Retention
Athletes must learn plays, formations, responsibilities, and game strategies. Reading strengthens the brain's ability to absorb and remember information.
Communication Skills
Whether speaking with coaches, teachers, teammates, or future employers, strong communication begins with strong literacy skills.
Confidence
Children who read regularly often perform better in school, which helps build confidence that carries over into athletics and everyday life.
Leadership
The best leaders are lifelong learners. Reading exposes children to new ideas, new perspectives, and valuable life lessons.
Our Goal
The goal of the 1st & 20 Summer Reading Program isn't simply to win prizes.
Our goal is to create young people who understand that success comes from discipline, consistency, and continuous learning.
We want Carolina Bears athletes to become:
Better readers
Better students
Better teammates
Better leaders
Because when you build the mind, you build the athlete.
Join the Challenge
Parents, we encourage you to make reading a part of your family's daily routine this summer.
Twenty minutes a day can make a tremendous difference.
Read a book. Read a magazine. Read a biography. Visit the library. Read together as a family.
Every page counts.
Every minute matters.
And every reader is building a brighter future.
Read Today. Lead Tomorrow.
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