Kirkwood Offers Gamut of Opportunities for 9 through 15 Year Olds
For area young people who want to sing it or play it, build it or invent it, race it, launch it, game it or investigate it, Kirkwood Community College says, “Let’s do it!”
Kirkwood will once again offer a wide range of active, engaging learning choices for area youth in the third year of its “KICK” Camps—the Kirkwood Interactive Camps for Kids. Dozens of different programs are designed to build positive experiences across the spectrum of knowledge and career possibilities. Morning and afternoon sessions are designed to fit into busy family schedules, with morning and afternoon choices from June through August. Some are week-long camps, with others being two or three focused sessions.
Kirkwood Continuing Education Associate Vice President Kim Johnson calls the camps “popular and useful” for both students and parents.
“We are pleased with the response and enthusiasm for these camps in the past few years, with many parents telling us they looked forward to our new choices this summer. These programs have been developed with a lot of helpful input from area parents, educators, school leaders and the students, too, as well as help from business and industry partners. The kids will have a great time, and get practical ideas about quality careers along the way,” Johnson said.
Johnson also observed that “strong parent response and feedback” has allowed Kirkwood to expand some camp offerings to the Iowa City area.
A new series of camps gives young people insights into “green” career fields. Four programs will explore new energy possibilities and environmental issues. A “Catch the Wind” camp is offered in two sessions, June 28-30 and July 26-28. The programs give students a look into the fastest growing energy source in the world, wind energy. Students will get direct experiences in how wind is turned into electricity by creating their own model wind turbine. A rare tour of the Cedar Rapids Clipper Windpower manufacturing plant is part of the three half-day camp sessions.
Another camp will explore “Green Architecture” in a three-session program, August 2-4. Students will discover what makes a “green building” by construction, materials and innovative design. These and other energy-focused camps are made possible with a grant from the Iowa Power Fund Community Grant Program, with additional support from Clipper Windpower and Alliant Energy.
The arts are in focus with a variety of perennial KICK Camp favorites. A new Drama Camp will give students a chance to be center stage and explore the expression and creativity of stagecraft. The five-session camp gives young people outlets for storytelling, acting and interpretation for two age groups, 9-12 and 12-15. Both sessions will be hosted at the Prairie High School Theater.
Another creative outlet for all ages is photography. The “Click! Photography Camp” will give students a chance to explore the world through a lens. The camp sessions will focus on how to compose and create great photographs using the digital camera. Students will go on location to various spots on the Kirkwood campus, getting picture ideas and guidance on developing the “photographer’s eye.” The camp is offered in two sessions, June 21-25 and July 26-30.
Still other popular camps will let young scientists and mechanics discover their potential. Three different robotics camps will let kids make functional, innovative robots that perform on command and solve intricate problems. This series includes the engaging LEGO Robotics Camp, giving students a chance to build and program autonomous robots using LEGO Mindstorm projects. These and other mechanical camps teach teamwork techniques as well as exploring science and problem-solving. Still other camps will let students get up close and personal with the world of competitive speed in the high-demand Race Car Camp.
Other camp themes that blend exploration with career ideas are modern health care and the sciences. Six “Health, Science and Other Stuff that Rocks!” camps will explore everything from anatomy, veterinary medicine and sports medicine to crime scene investigation and scientific myth-busting. A “Teen Cuisine” camp series lets students explore their culinary side. Six additional camps will let young people learn basic kitchen skills, then specialize in candy-making, baking, creative snacks and international cuisines.
KICK Camps Program Developer Cheri Kampman says the camps also have scholarships available for many students in the area. “It is important for Kirkwood to support families in financial need. We have funds to allow students to send their child or children to these educational, career-oriented programs,” she said. Scholarship eligibility and an online application are available on the Kirkwood Web site: www.kirkwood.edu/kick
A total of 60 camp choices await area young people with Kirkwood’s KICK Camps. Most camps are designed for students ages 9-15. Fees vary by number of camp sessions and other factors. Camps are located in both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, with many on the main Cedar Rapids Kirkwood campus. Scholarships are available to eligible students in need of tuition assistance.
Complete information on the KICK camps is available online at: www.kirkwood.edu/kick
A brochure describing the camps is also available by calling (319) 398-1022, or 800-332-8833.