The Benefits of the Robo’s Readers Program

TL;DR: The Robo’s Readers Program is a WBS Penguins literacy initiative for K–6 students in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. Students who read 10 books earn a free ticket to a Penguins home game. The program honors former Penguins player Darcy Robinson, who overcame dyslexia and championed the joy of reading.

Reading is one of the most powerful skills a child can develop — and the WBS Penguins are doing something about it. The Robo’s Readers Program brings together local schools, families, and hockey to inspire a love of reading in elementary students across the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton community.

The Legacy of Robo

The Robo’s Readers Program was formerly known as the All-Star Reading Program. It was renamed in honor of Darcy Robinson, a beloved former WBS Penguins player who passed away in October 2007.

What made Darcy Robinson’s story so meaningful was his personal relationship with reading. Robinson battled dyslexia from a young age, which made reading a genuine challenge. Rather than shy away from it, he embraced the written word and came to deeply appreciate the joy books can bring. Renaming the program after “Robo” was a fitting tribute — his story is proof that persistence pays off, and that reading is worth the effort.

How the Robo’s Readers Program Works

The Penguins Readers Program is designed for students in grades K through 6. Here’s how it works:

1. Schools sign up: Participating classrooms receive special Robo’s Readers posters from the WBS Penguins.
2. Students read: The posters serve as progress trackers, motivating students to read as many books as possible.
3. Students earn rewards: Any student who reads 10 books receives one free ticket voucher to an upcoming WBS Penguins home game.
4. Parents get a deal too: Parents of participating students can purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate, making it an affordable outing for the whole family.

It’s a simple, effective model that connects classroom achievement to real-world excitement.

Benefits of the Robo’s Readers Program

1. For Students

Reading 10 books is an achievable goal — and a meaningful one. The program gives students a clear target to work toward, building reading stamina and confidence along the way. The reward of attending a live hockey game adds a layer of excitement that keeps kids motivated.

2. For Schools and Teachers

The Robo’s Readers Program aligns directly with literacy goals that educators are already working toward. Teachers receive ready-made tracking materials, and the program encourages classroom participation without adding significant workload.

3. For Parents

Getting kids to read at home can be a challenge. A tangible reward — especially one as exciting as a Penguins game — gives parents a natural way to encourage reading time. The discounted tickets also make attending a game more accessible for families.

4. For the Community

At a broader level, the Penguins Readers Program promotes literacy throughout the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region while honoring the memory of a local hockey hero. Programs like this reinforce that community organizations can have an impact beyond the rink.

Get Your School Involved!

Teachers and school administrators interested in participating in the Robo’s Readers Program can reach out directly to Colby Gaugler at [email protected]. Colby can answer any questions about how to get started and ensure your classroom receives its Robo’s Readers poster.

Every Book Counts

The Robo’s Readers Program is more than a reading challenge — it’s a community-wide commitment to literacy, inspired by a player who knew firsthand what it meant to work hard for a love of reading. By connecting books to hockey, the WBS Penguins have created something that resonates with kids, parents, and teachers alike.

Are you a WBS Penguins fan with kids in K–6? Recommend the Robo’s Readers Program to your child’s teacher or school today. One conversation could help an entire classroom discover a love of reading — and score some great seats at a Penguins game.