Science, the arts, careers and more are explored
Kids On Campus, Schoolcraft College’s popular summer enrichment program for more than 30 years, is off to a flying start this year. Due to the pandemic, the program became Kids Off Campus last year, with activities conducted virtually through Zoom. This summer, however, everyone is thrilled to be back at Schoolcraft.
“Kids, parents and staff are all very excited to have kids on the campus again.”
Michele Bialo, Programming Manager for Personal & Professional Learning.
“Kids, parents and staff are all very excited to have kids on the campus again,” said Michele Bialo, Programming Manager for Personal & Professional Learning. “Campers have been busy on campus exploring a variety of topics and enjoying new experiences.”
Kids on Campus (KOC) opened on Monday, July 12, and continues through Friday, August 13. Visit their website for more information and to register.
Children pre-school age through grade 12 are welcome, with programs generally running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Before and after care is available, though spots are limited.
The day camps are led by skilled professionals, including Schoolcraft College faculty, in a diverse and dynamic social environment. Hands-on learning experiences that bring out the inquisitive side of even the most hesitant of participants are at the heart of KOC.
Children engage in a whole new experience and enjoy access to computers, math, cultural immersion, acting, the arts, science, writing and career-oriented learning opportunities. Skills workshops are available for those who want to expand academically.
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Photo 2: Fields in healthcare are explored in Camp Scrubs – Adventures in Medicine.
Photo 3: Campers can have fun becoming the next pro gamer, streamer, gamecaster and more through a variety of Computer Technology programs.
Bialo offered a few Kids On Campus highlights so far:
- In Abracadabra – Magic Camp the children enjoyed a magic show by professional magician John Winslow. After seeing John’s show, the kids were inspired to put on a show of their own, which included card tricks, illusions and more.
- Kids in Zoocrew hiked the Northville Legacy Trail, enjoyed a live animal show from Animal Magic and learned what they can do to improve the environment.
- Camp Scrubs students participated in CPR training, enjoyed a visit to Schoolcraft’s state-of-the art simulation lab and learned about careers in medicine from multiple guest speakers.
- For Robotics there are three camps with different grade levels going on at the same time. Each student creates a robot that competes at the end of camp in a robot battle.
- In the Inventors camps kids learned all about the invention process from initial design, to patents and prototypes. Kids created inventions to solve important issues. One inventor designed a box for cell phones in cars that zaps the driver who tries to text while driving.
- In Curtain Call, students wrote, directed and starred in two original plays.
Of course the campers themselves (and their parents) are the real judges of how successful Kids On Campus is. Here are some reactions:
- “KOC is the best camp in the world.” – Esha E.
- “This place is amazing and you should join!” – Briana C.
- “The best way to spend summer break.” – Cayden M.
- “This summer camp is just amazing. You learn a lot, it is nicely organized, and it is just truly one of the most awesome weeks of summer.” – Emma L.
- “You will meet many new people and do cool things.” – Sarah U.
- “Mercer really enjoyed this week’s camp (more so than I thought he would!), and he has been practicing his skills at home.” – Tim G. (chess student parent)
New name for Continuing Education department
Kids on Campus is run through Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department, formerly called Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD). The objective of PPL is to help community members pursue new passions or upgrade professional skill sets through non-credit classes, which has long been an important component of Schoolcraft College.
Registration for the fall semester is now open, and PPL will continue to offer a variety of classes for both virtual students as well as those who prefer to attend class on campus. For example, some yoga classes will be live-streamed for students who prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes.
Other classes, such as Italian, will remain virtual because it has become so popular during the pandemic that not all of the students will now fit in a typical classroom.
View the PPL website. You can email questions to [email protected].