About The Challenge
Former Golden Bear running back Patrick Laird of Tampa Bay Buccaneers initiated the Summer Reading Challenge in 2018 to motivate students to sustain their reading habits throughout the summer, mitigating summer learning loss. The challenge fostered a vibrant community of readers and culminated in an enriching experience for all attendees at Cal’s opening game. In 2019, Mike Saffell carried on Laird's legacy, and over 2000 students earned tickets to witness Cal Football in action. After a pause in the challenge due to the pandemic, Brian Driscoll brought back the challenge and carried the challenge into 2023. Continuing our commitment to promoting literacy among young people in the Easy Bay, this year, new leaders Jaydn Ott and Jack Endries, along with the entire Cal Football team, join forces to carry on the challenge and combat summer learning loss.
Cal will provide 2 free tickets to the Cal vs. UC Davis home game, to all students in 1st - 8th grade who complete the Summer Reading Challenge. We encourage everyone to share their participation in the Summer Reading Challenge by posting online using the hashtag #ReadWithBears.
The Cal Football Summer Reading Challenge is a community-wide effort. Special thank you to our Reading Challenge partners for their collaboration and support:
Berkeley United in Literacy Development (BUILD)
Berkeley Unified School District
West Contra Costa Unified School District
West Contra Costa Education Fund
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland Unified School District Expanded Learning
Oakland Athletic League
Cal Athletics & Cal Football
Rules of The Challenge
Reading Challenge by Grade Level:
1st & 2nd Grade: Read 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week and log your 3 favorite books in the Summer Reading Journal
3rd-5th Grade: Read 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and log your 3 favorite books in the Summer Reading Journal
6th - 8th Grade: Read 5 chapter books and log your 5 favorite chapter books in the Summer Reading Journal
Timeline:
Summer: Read and fill out the Summer Reading Journal (access above)
September 8th: Deadline for electronic submission & ticket redemption.
September 16th: Cheer on the Bears as they take on Idaho at the football game on September 16th.
**Students will have the option to submit their reading journals electronically or turn in their physical journals In-person before August 23rd or on game day. Students and families are encouraged to redeem their tickets electronically before the August 23rd game to avoid game day lines at the Athletic Ticket Office.
Redeem your 2 Cal Football Tickets!
There are several ways to submit a completed reading journal and redeem 2 free tickets to the Cal vs. UC Davis home game on August 31st. Review the following ways to redeem your tickets below:
ELECTRONIC BY August 20th (PREFERRED): Fill out the reading challenge journal electronically with the help of a parent or upload a photo of your completed journal. Submit your reading journal electronically starting July 1st.
You will be asked if you’d like your tickets electronically or to pick them up at will call prior to the game. If you choose to have them delivered electronically, they will be sent to your mobile device. For more information on the mobile ticket, see here.
IN PERSON BEFORE AUGUST 31ST: Turn your physical journal in at the Cal Athletic Ticket Office. You can visit the ticket office prior to the game during normal business hours.
Cal Athletic Ticket Office:
1923 Gridiron Way, Berkeley 94720
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
GAME DAY PICK UP:
On game day, August 31st, you can redeem your two free tickets at two locations:
Will Call - Cal Athletic Ticket Office (open 4 hours prior to kick-off)
This option is for those who have chosen the option to pick up their complimentary tickets at Will Call or who do not need to purchase additional discounted tickets.
Ticket Sales Window - located next to the Will Call window at the Cal Athletic Ticket office.
This option is for those who would like to purchase additional discounted tickets in addition to their 2 free tickets.
Additional Family Member Tickets for Purchase at Discounted Rate:
Family members of the reading challenge participant can purchase additional tickets at a discounted price. Families can purchase additional family member discounted tickets in two ways:
Online Redemption: Once a completed reading journal is submitted electronically, parents will receive a promo code to use to purchase additional discounted tickets online. Additional tickets will need to be purchased at the same time you are redeeming your 2 complimentary tickets, or families risk not being seated together.
Game day: Families have the option to purchase the additional discounted tickets while they are redeeming their complimentary tickets on game day within the Athletic Ticket Office Window that are located next to the Will Call windows.
WHY Summer Reading Matters
Summer learning loss refers to the decline in children's reading development that occurs during summer vacation when children are away from the classroom. Summer reading during the summer months is tremendously important to student success. Overall, summer reading is an important and valuable activity that can benefit students in many ways, both academically and personally.
More than two months of reading skills can be lost over the summer vacation period
Students who show up in the fall with declined reading proficiency levels fall farther behind than students who maintain or gain in reading proficiency throughout the summer months
Declines can compound, resulting in over two years worth of lost reading development by 6th grade
The Good News:
Summer learning loss can be fully overcome by encouraging students to read over the summer. Reading just 4-6 books over the summer can help eliminate Summer Learning Loss.
Tips to get kids reading during the summer:
Letting students choose their own books makes them more likely to read over the summer
It's important students find the right books based on their interests and reading level.
Creating a structure for students as well as providing incentives, can motivate kids to achieve their summer reading goals.
Visit your local library's children’s section to promote reading and check out all the fun & family friendly community activities!
Participate in the Cal Football Summer Reading Challenge!
Reading Resources
Oakland Reads: Explore milestones & resources by age and grade level to support young readers
OUSD digital library - SORA
FAQ & Game Day Information:
Can participants read any books for the challenge?
Books should be age-appropriate (chapter books vs. picture books, etc), but ultimately, they are the student's choice! Below are the rules of the challenge, depending on the grade.
1st & 2nd Grade: Read 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week and log your 3 favorite books in the Summer Reading Journal
3rd-5th Grade: Read 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and log your 3 favorite books in the Summer Reading Journal
6th - 8th Grade: Read 5 chapter books and log your 5 favorite chapter books in the Summer Reading Journal
Know Before You Go!
Going to a Cal Bears game at California Memorial Stadium can be such an exciting experience! Like any sporting event, there are a few items that you’ll want to review before you make your way to the stadium on August 23rd. To best prepare for your visit, review the below information and helpful links!
California Golden Bears vs. UC Davis, Kick-off time TBD
Location:
2227 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720
Helpful Links for Game Day:
Tailgate Town - located at Maxwell Family Field
