| Summer Programs Keep Children Busy |
| Nearly 200 laughing and excited children, including quite a few teens, scurried about the Lycoming College campus last week. Some were digging for artifacts, some took photographs of new friends, a few launched bottle rockets and balsa wood gliders and others sketched on the sidewalks with chalk. It was the 19th annual College for Kids and Teens summer program and that meant two weeks of hands-on science and art activities. Each year, beginning in January, brainstorming for new classes begins and teachers are hired for the program that does more than just entertain. “At the end of the summer the mind is idle and people are isolated,” said Laura Printzenhoff, program secretary. “It’s a time to get out, to get active and use their minds. They remember that education doesn’t have to be boring.” Darlene Connelly, a cornerstone of the program and a teacher since its inception nearly two decades ago, said, “I am pleased that the basic concepts of the College for Kids program have remained unchanged, offering educational courses that promote ‘hands-on’ challenging and motivational activities. This allows students to discover new areas of interest and further explore existing interests at higher levels. “Fortunately, Lycoming College continues to support this program, creating an outlet for the community and enriching the lives of our youth. I believe this program helps keep them strong and fit for life,” she added. For Kyle Forsburg, the summer program is an opportunity to work on his senior project. Forsburg, a junior at South Williamsport Area High School, is assisting teacher Brandon Zarzyczny who teaches “Diggin’ for Dinosaurs.” Forsburg needs the experience working in the field of paleontology, which he someday hopes to make his career. “I volunteered mainly because I enjoy working with children and this is going to be helping me with my senior project,” Forsburg said. “I’m going to be doing a survey of the children to see how much they know about dinosaurs and teaching them about misconceptions that they’ve learned through media and other places about dinosaurs. And then hopefully give them another survey at the end of the program to see if there is any change in the data I’ve gotten.” Montoursville Area High School seniors Stephanie Betts, Sarah Knorr and Ty Butler also are volunteering as student interns, helping Christine Kindon, who teaches “Junior Journalism” at College for Kids. Rachel Ward, a junior at Wilson College, Chambersburg, also volunteers with Kindon. Each year Kindon’s class publishes a newspaper filled with photos and stories about the program. Last year’s “Heim Times” is available online at www.lycoming.edu/youth. “In less than two weeks, talented young adults produce a quality, eight-page memento of their amazing Lycoming College for Kids experience,” Kindon said. “And we have fun!” Many of the students enrolled in College for Kids are returning for another year of fun and learning, and have been looking forward to taking classes like Aeronautical Engineering, a rocketry class that is available only to teens. Taught by newcomer James Rogers, the class also is a learning experience for this first-year summer instructor. A recent graduate of Lycoming College, the biology major had large shoes to fill when long-time College for Kids rocket scientist Dave Bross retired. “We have a lot of fun and we get to learn while we’re doing that so that’s going to be great. Today we’re going to make ‘fruit batteries’ and see which fruit is the strongest,” Rogers said about his Young Inventors class. “In Aeronautical Engineering today we made paper gliders; later this week we’ll be making the Alpha Rockets that go at least 100 feet in the air,” Rogers added. Archaeology is again being offered, however this summer the class is concentrating on historical artifacts and excavating at Lycoming College. The spot, between Skeath Hall and Clarke Chapel, is one of the few spots on the campus that is relatively untouched by construction. According to Doug Kuntz, director of the physical plant, the archaeologists may find part of an old foundation and even artifacts from an old brewery. Instructed by Lycoming archaeology student Sean Reese, the archaeologists also enjoyed a Native American presentation by Mollie Eliot and Lisa Deemy of the Eastern Delaware Nation. The event helped heighten the students’ cultural awareness of Indian traditions as they enjoyed folklore, music, songs and drumming. This year marks the first time the program has offered scholarships to students within the community. With financial assistance from individuals, business owners and leaders, Lycoming College offered three full-tuition scholarships. It is, said the program’s organizers, one of the most important steps in ensuring the future of the enrichment series. “If the price of a program prevents a student from participating, then we need to do the right thing. The right thing, in this instance, is turning to the community and asking for donations,” said Robin Van Auken, program director. “By investing in College for Kids, they’re investing in the future of a child. One young girl may be so inspired by her ‘Be a Detective’ class that she could someday become a forensic specialist and help solve crimes. Another may be artistic, yet have limited access to supplies. Two weeks in the ‘Young Artist’ class could provide that child with the means to explore many avenues of creativity. Often, it’s a question of opportunity. “If a child has access to the right person — a mentor or sorts — their lives could change dramatically. College for Kids and Teens is about inspiration and exploration and we’re proud to be able to offer it to all Lycoming families,” Van Auken said. College for Kids and Teens continues to seek donations to fund its scholarship program. Please direct inquiries to: Lycoming College, Box 152, 700 College Place, Williamsport, PA 17701. More information is available by calling 321-4180. As appearing in Sunday - August 1, 2004 edition of The Sun-Gazette |