PELHAM – As a new school year approaches, a new crop of students are preparing to start school – an milestone that can be both exciting and scary for parents and students.

To make the transition easier, Pelham Oaks and Pelham Ridge elementary school hosted Kindergarten Camp from Monday through Friday from 8:30-11 a.m. at their respective schools.

This year marks Pelham Oaks’ first year hosting the camp, while Pelham Ridge is embarking on its second year.

The purpose of the camp is to help students adjust to going to school, said Pelham Oaks assistant principal Chase Holden.

“A lot of them are nervous about starting school, so this is just to get them comfortable so they can come in on the first day ready to learn and make new friends,” Holden said.

During camp, students at both schools learned morning procedures, such as where to go upon arriving to school, listening to morning announcements and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

They become familiar with the school, meet the kindergarten teachers, learn where the bathrooms are, practice lunchroom procedures and table manners and learn school bus rules.

The students also participate in fun activities, such as name puzzles, reading books and arts and crafts.

“We work in a little bit of academics but not much because that’s not really the focus,” Holden said.

Pelham Ridge assistant principal Janaya Evans said there’s a noticeable difference between the students who attend Kindergarten Camp and those who don’t.

“We notice that when they arrived they weren’t as scared because it was a familiar setting for them,” she said. “It makes for an easier transition and they already have friends that they met at camp.”

The 2018-19 school year begins Aug. 9 for Pelham City Schools.