While most Lycoming College students are enjoying their summer breaks, the campus continues to serve as an environment for learning. Nearly 200 area elementary and middle school-aged students in grades two through eight will be on campus July 22-26 for the 27th annual “Lycoming College for Kids and Teens” program.
Lycoming College for Kids and Teens is an opportunity for students to experience a hands-on, educational environment that’s stimulating and safe.
“The friendships we make during the week last years,” said Robin Van Auken, director of College for Kids. “Literally, thousands of children have passed through our halls and, despite the short time they’re with us, CFK makes a lasting impression. It’s not one-sided; they also impress upon us a sense of wonder and they make us smile with their enthusiasm and humor.”
Workshops are taught by dedicated and enthusiastic local volunteers and are designed to enhance creativity and problem-solving while providing students with a variety of fun, academic opportunities.
Each student participates in a morning and afternoon workshop, which gives them the opportunity to explore two topics of their choice. This year’s program offers more than 20 different courses in subjects ranging from art to history and science. Examples of classes include Aeronautical Engineering, Ancient Egypt, Buds and Bugs, Candid Camera, Grossology, Weblogs and Social Media, and Young Inventors.
Classes take unique and stimulating approaches to teaching students a variety of subject matter. For example, students in the Wizards Workshop are taught concepts in chemistry, optics and physics through Harry Potter-themed activities. Junior Journalists gives them the opportunity to write, edit and report for the Lycoming College for Kids online newspaper. Other classes teach students about simple machines using mechanized Legos, allow them to develop their own photographs and teach them how to create crystals and volcanoes.
“Most parents are concerned about their children’s summer vacation, and College for Kids offers education and adventure,” said Van Auken. “At CFK, instead of becoming couch potatoes watching television or playing video games, children learn how to make crystals and slime, solve a mystery, build a bridge, experiment with levers and gears, launch a rocket, go on a geocache and invent toys.”
The summer program consists of two classes each day; Period 1 meets from 9 a.m. to noon, and Period 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. Extended care is offered for parents who need to drop off and pick up children between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. A supervised lunch break is held from noon to 1 p.m. Students must supply their own lunch.
Registration is $175 for the five-day workshop. Discounts are offered for each additional family member. Extended care fees range from $2 to $5 daily. Checks and credit cards are accepted for all fees.
Parents may enroll their children online at www.CollegeForKids.org, or by contacting Debbie Smith, 321-4180 or smithdeb@lycoming.edu, for an application form. Enrollment is limited, often from 10 to 15 students per class. Placement is based on the order in which the applications are received, so register early to avoid closed classes.
Classroom volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. In the past, high school students have used this opportunity for community service hours.
For a complete list of classes and descriptions, and for further information on the program and application, visit www.collegeforkids.org or call 321-4180.
Lycoming College is a four-year, residential liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. Its rigorous academic program, vibrant residential community and supportive faculty foster successful student outcomes. Lycoming offers 36 academic majors and is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1812 and located near the banks of the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. For more information, visit www.lycoming.edu.