LOVELAND, Ohio (Diya TV) —  Second Lady Usha Vance brought smiles and stories to more than 100 Cub Scouts at Cub World Adventure Camp in Loveland, Ohio. Her surprise visit launched her first national initiative, the Summer Reading Challenge.

The event blended reading, crafts, and hands-on fun, forming part of Vance’s growing mission to promote children’s literacy across the United States. She chose Ohio for the kickoff, a place she and her family proudly call home.

To begin the event, Vance introduced herself to the Cub Scouts and their families. She spoke about how books play an important role in her household. She shared that reading is a treasured part of her family’s daily routine.

Next, she read aloud one of her children’s favorite stories. The audience responded with laughs and excitement. The Second Lady’s energy and enthusiasm helped keep the young readers fully engaged.

Following the story time, she took questions from the Scouts. The kids were eager to participate and asked about the reading challenge. Several children also chimed in to share their favorite books, making the moment even more interactive.

As she explained, the Summer Reading Challenge is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The objective is to read at least 12 books by early September.

In addition, participants who share their reading journey online will receive a certificate of achievement. They’ll also have the opportunity to win a trip to Washington, D.C., which adds an exciting reward to their summer reading goals.

Vance emphasized how this challenge aims to prevent summer learning loss. She also noted that reading builds imagination, confidence, and curiosity in every child.

Soon after the discussion, the Cub Scouts moved into a hands-on arts and crafts activity. Each child designed a custom book cover that reflected their favorite camp memory.

Vance walked from table to table, offering encouragement and asking the kids about their ideas. She also joined in on the crafting, adding fun stickers and sharing laughs with campers and parents alike.

To wrap up the event, she handed out bookmarks and informational materials about the reading challenge. Meanwhile, parents snapped photos as a keepsake from the memorable day.

Vance’s appearance in Loveland wasn’t the only highlight of her return to the Cincinnati area. Earlier that week, she and Vice President JD Vance attended a soccer match at TQL Stadium in the city’s West End neighborhood.

On top of that, the couple made a stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market, a beloved local destination. “We love going to Jungle Jim’s,” she said. “And the same with the game, we’re big soccer fans, so it was the perfect time to catch a match while we were here.”

Beyond her ties, Usha Vance has long been active in Cincinnati’s cultural community. She once served on the board of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. According to her, that experience continues to shape how she views the role of the arts in children’s education.

“Being involved in the arts is something I’ve always valued,” she said. “It’s helped shape the way I think about what’s possible for programs like this.”

Through the Summer Reading Challenge, Vance is combining her passion for books, education, and public service. By launching the program in her home state, she hopes to inspire students across the nation to develop a lifelong love for reading.

“Reading is essential for children,” she said. “And I am so grateful to have had the chance to speak to Cub Scouts in our family’s home state about summer learning.”

The reading challenge continues through early September. Families interested in joining can visit www.wh.gov/read for details.