THE Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) traded classrooms for lush gardens and storybooks for an engaging experience at its inaugural Reading Picnic last Friday on the scenic lawns of Devon House.

The initiative treated 80 grade three students from John Mills Primary and Junior High, Waterford Primary School, and Melrose Primary and Infant School to an interactive and fun-filled day of live reading, storytelling, and a dramatic performance.

A refreshing twist on the traditional Read Across Jamaica Day, SVF reimagined the typical classroom reading experience and transported students into a space where literature came alive.

From a guided tour of the historic Devon House mansion, to engaging storytelling and reading sessions with notable personalities and Team Supreme volunteers, the event brought books and imagination into real life.

“The foundation wanted to create a tactile experience that we hope will ignite the joy of reading in the children,” said Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) executive Chloleen Daley-Muschett.

“Literacy is not just about learning to read, it’s about nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence. By bringing the students out of the classroom and into a beautiful outdoor space of cultural significance, we gave them the chance to experience reading in a way that speaks to both their minds and their hearts,” added Daley-Muschett.

Students listened with wide eyes as volunteers, including Heather Goldson, SVF director; Fraser McConnell, JustBet brand ambassador and racing sensation; Nicholas McKenzie, Supreme Hero finalist; and Paula-Ann Burton, senior national netballer, went through the lively Jamaican stories in their reading sessions.

Each reader was joined by another volunteer acting out the scenes of the storybooks. Teachers and students alike were buzzing with excitement, their faces beaming with joy as they listened and participated in the interactive picnic designed just for them.

After a morning of engaging activities, the children were treated to a taste of tradition with Devon House ice cream and a delicious lunch.

The festivities culminated in a high-energy, crowd-thrilling performance by the ASHE Company, whose vibrant song and dance numbers had both students and teachers on their feet, dancing along. The show was a perfect close to an already magical day.

“The day was well organised, interactive, and very engaging. The students were excited from the moment we arrived and really connected with the stories and the presenters. I’m so grateful to Supreme Ventures Foundation for putting this together — these are the kinds of experiences that stick with children forever,” said Alecia O’Connor, a teacher from Waterford Primary School.

“I really want to thank Supreme Ventures for putting this day together and treating the students. They will cherish these memories,” added O’Connor.

The Reading Picnic is part of the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s continued commitment to youth development and education.

By combining literacy with fun and exploration, the foundation aims to foster a lifelong love of reading in a way that feels natural, engaging, and deeply meaningful.