New programs bring more campers to campus
New offerings and more registrations highlighted this year’s Kids on Campus (KOC) summer enrichment program, which recently concluded on the campus of Schoolcraft College. Arts and culture; communication; computers and technology; science and more are among the topics that are explored by children through 12th grade.
This year, Kids on Campus expanded beyond the main campus to the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC). The MEC, which opened in 2020, was the ideal location for programming for those interested in STEM-related activities, including 3D printing and design and machine manufacturing.
“The classes at the MEC were very well received,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department, which manages the Kids on Campus program. “The overall attendance was great and the responses from students were very positive. Classes at the MEC allowed students to work with equipment currently used in manufacturing and allowed students to explore career options early.”
Given Schoolcraft College’s excellent reputation in the field of culinary arts, it’s no surprise that those classes were popular once again. Another well-received program was Camp Scrubs, which gives students a glimpse into a variety of careers in the medical field and highlights the outstanding resources on campus, including the brand-new Health Sciences Center.
For 2022, Kids on Campus, which ran June 27-August 12, had
- More than 2,300 registrations this summer
- This was an increase of more than 700 compared with last summer
- 196 sections
- 118 unique camps
- 10 brand new camps
Photo 2: Students create a delicious masterpiece in Baker’s Academy.
Impressions from Kids on Campus
The engaging, invigorating programs taught by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers made Kids on Campus a winner once again. Here is a sampling of responses to the question, “What would you tell a friend about KOC?”:
Students:
- “I hope I have college here” – David D. (Non-Stop Science)
- “Kids on Campus is the best; it is amazing” – Daniel M. (Ocean Adventures)
- “It is very enjoyable and fun and the teachers are really nice. It also helps you make friends” – Reyhan K. (Debate)
- “Best decision of my life” – Cayden M. (Minecraft Modders – 7,8,9)
- “It’s highly structured while remaining fun – helps curb the summer slide, especially during COVID” – Katie P. (Physics Fun)
- “It’s a five out of five!” – Cameron J. (Make it Work)
- “I would say that it’s a lot of fun and the people here will have a lasting effect on you” – Annastasia M. (Make it Work)
- “It is fun for kids who like hands-on learning” – Ryan C. (Manufacturing & Engineering)
Parent:
- “Classes are very engaging and it helps to expand the kids’ minds, curiosity, and knowledge. Instructors are awesome!” – Elizabeth H. (Preschool)
Michele Biaolo, Programming Manager, Personal & Professional Learning, is eager to build on this year’s momentum next year.
“Next summer we plan to have even more camps for kids in grades 1 and 2 and more camps the last week of Junewith Before and After Care,” she said. “This summer we tested the last week in June with six camps and they were very successful.”
Registration for next summer’s Kids on Campus is scheduled to open Thursday, February 10, 2023. The annual Open House will meet Tuesday, February 8, 2023. Updates on next year’s KOC lineup can be found at schoolcraft.edu/koc.
