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Kirkwood Summer Camps Offer Fun, Career Exploration

By April 22, 2013January 9th, 2019No Comments

KICK Campers try to solve a crime in the Crime Scene Investigators Camp

In its first five years, Kirkwood Interactive Camps for Kids (KICK) has seen more than 3,200 camper registrations, and it’s expected to have more than 1,000 this summer. Although registrations are filling fast, there are still many opportunities for youth to enroll KICK Camps, which has offerings running from June 10-August 9.

For the sixth straight year, Kirkwood is offering its wide range of active, engaging learning choices for area youth. KICK camps are designed to build positive experiences across the spectrum of knowledge and career possibilities, with many camps focusing on careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Morning and afternoon sessions are designed to fit into busy family schedules. Camps range from meeting for one focused, single session, to meeting daily for a week.

Of this year’s 28 new camps, 12 are culinary-focused. All 16 culinary camps will be at the new Kirkwood Culinary Kitchen at NewBo City Market facility. In total, there are more than 60 camps offered across 110 different sessions.

“Our career-focus on students ages 9-15 is the perfect time for a child’s exploration of career options,” said Program Development Director Evone Vognsen. “The majority of our camps have STEM-related career exploration, hoping to give campers an idea of the necessary skills for a globally competitive world and work environment. We hope these camps will foster the next generation of innovators, educators and leaders.”

The 61 unique camps run the gamut of careers and learning topics, from baking and robotics, to dance and health careers. Some camps are full, but with the wide variety of offerings, families that act fast can ensure their kids fit one of these career exploration camps into their summer.

The camps have scholarships available for many students in the area, awarding more than 400 over the first five years of camps. “It is important for Kirkwood to support families in financial need. We have funds available for eligible parents to send their child or children to these educational, career-oriented programs,” said Vognsen. Scholarship eligibility and an online application are available at www.kirkwood.edu/kick.

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. A brochure describing the camps is also available by calling (319) 398-1022, or 800-332-8833.

Kirkwood Continuing Education notes more than 63,000 annual enrollments in classes ranging from industry certification to career development to personal enrichment.