After 'Read-In,' ASAP Holds 'Back-To-School' Bash - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

It's been an eventful 24 hours for Panama City's After School Assistance Program. Students held a day long read in Thursday, and Friday they traded in their books for hula hoops and karate.

ASAP's 'Back to School Bash' has been going on for about 5 years now. Along with the Junior Service League, they transformed the Best Buy store in Panama City into a playground, with various activities.

Best Buy employees opened up some of their technology to the students. The kids had access to the video games and the big screens for movies as well. This event comes on the heels of a 24 hour read-in that started Thursday morning, meaning the kids were up all night. However, they still had enough energy to enjoy every minute of their morning adventure.

They weren't the only ones having a good time.

"It brings out the kid in us,"said Katie McLaurin with Best Buy. "I think it's important for the kids to come here and know that they're welcome to come and play with all our fun geeky toys."

The kids were all given backpacks as they went home this Friday morning. They were stuffed with all kinds of school supplies including folders and notebooks.

"Because of the people at the Junior Service League and Best Buy, our kids are able to go back to school with all the supplies they need and uniforms," ASAP Executive Director Terri Gainer said.

ASAP Student Elishiana Robinson says between the read-in and the back to school bash, the past couple of days have been filled with fun. 

"Lots of books, had lots of fun, laughed with each other, played...it was just fun," Robinson said. 

"We've been doing this for the past 5 years, and we always look forward to giving back to the community that supports us here in Panama City," McLaurin said.

Schools in Bay County start August 20th. For more info on ASAP, visit http://asappanamacity.org/