Middle Years Programming is at the heart of BC Summer Reading Club. Whether it’s books, games, crafts, STEM, or creative activities, these programs make the library a welcoming place where middle years kids can discover what they love, building a lifelong connection to reading and learning along the way. Below are program outlines for engaging, fun programs designed for kids aged 8-12, as well as accompanying templates and printables. They organized by the 2026 weekly subthemes, but feel free to use them however they work for your library. A huge thank you to the team at Vancouver Public Library for designing these exciting, creative activities!
Week 1 – The Sunshine Zone
Try out this fun Manatee-themed program! Make Manatee sounds and pass the parcel with flippers. This program will have everyone laughing!
Week 2 – The Twilight Zone
Dive deeping and delve into storytelling with this fun program. Full of a variety of ways to get creative with writing stories, this program is great for budding young authors!
Week 3 – The Midnight Zone
Things are getting darker…and craftier! Make pencil toppers and wackly aliens, some that might even look like the mysterious creatures found in the deep!
Week 4 – The Abyssal Zone
Plunge deep down into the abyss with this fun program. Create your own creature cards or craft a fortune teller. Mystery and excitement await!
Week 5 – The Hadal Zone
Dive down as deep as any human has gone by building your own submarine! Then explore and create the ellusive creature that live in the Hadal Zone.
Week 6 – The Intertidal Zone
Just like the Intertidal Zone, this program is movement and excitement. Do you best prirate impression and get messy with slime! This program is sure to be a hit!
Week 7 – Open Ocean
Adventure awaits for week 7! Build a boat and then go explore coral reefs in this fun-filled, creative program.