WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - 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.â€
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,â€
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.â€
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.