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College for Kids provides an enriching, educational, and fun experience for rising K - 8th grade students! This innovative program gives children the chance to expand their horizons and experience a world of knowledge beyond the K-12 curriculum. Children will work with area experts (JMU staff/students, teachers, etc.) to discover talents they never knew they had, explore new ideas/fields of study, and develop a new passion for learning!


GRADES:

Rising K - 8th

DATES:

June 24 - 28, 2024

TIMES: 

Half Day AM Option- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Half Day PM Option- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Full Day Option- 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Students will need to pack a lunch for the full day option.)

PROGRAM FEE:

Half Day AM- $225

Half Day PM- $225

Full Day- $300

 

REGISTER NOW!

AM Course Options:

Children's Lit with Arts, Crafts, & Science (Rising K - 2nd Grades)- Do you love stories? Do you love arts and crafts? How about science experiments? What about when we put them all together? Each day will have a different overarching theme that will connect with children's books. We will hear stories and then create arts and crafts and experiemnt with science. Topics will include weather, dinosaurs, animals, and much more! Come explore stories in a hands-on, fun and interactive way!

Diving into Disney (Rising K - 2nd Grades)- Do you love Disney? When you wish upon a star and join this class, you will get the chance to explore various Disney themes in fun and exciting ways! We will create unique crafts, play games, and explore virtual Disney parks. Bring your imagination and let’s make your dreams come true!

Let’s Get Mythical (Rising K - 2nd Grades)- Are you fascinated by mythical creatures such as dragons, leprechauns, unicorns, and fairies? If so, this is a perfect experience for you! Join us as we embark on a magical journey through the mystical world of creatures. We will delve into the enchanting tales of these mythical creatures to create fantastical crafts and even bring our very own creatures to life. 

Explorers Guide to the World of Ecosystems (Rising 1st - 3rd Grades)- In this course, young explorers will discover all the unique parts of an ecosystem. From plants to bugs and animals, to weather and surrounding environments, we will get to know all the elements that make up our own ecosystem. What better way to learn than by creating a personal ecosystem? We will get to put our knowledge to the test and create an ecosystem that will grow and thrive. If you are interested in the natural world and learning about the building blocks of the planet, this is the course for you!

Detective Academy (Rising 2nd - 3rd Grades)- Calling all curious kids! This camp embraces the thrill of detective work and the development of essential literacy and educational skills. We will solve mysteries by engaging in several activities including escape rooms, scavenger hunts, message decoding, and so much more!

3D Art (Rising 3rd - 4th Grades)- During this course, we will experience and create in several different mediums, including Celluclay and model magic. Assembled sculpture will be explored, including works based on Louise Nevelson, Contemporary artist EJ Hill (a roller coaster artist), and others!

Wilderness Wanderers (Rising 3rd - 5th Grades)- Join us as we become Wilderness Wanderers and go on exciting journeys through nature's wonders! Engage in crafts, games, and activities while learning about animals and the environment. Create habitats and discover creatures from both near and far. Unleash your creativity through the joy of adventure!

Intro to Theatre - Building Community & Ensemble (Rising 3rd - 5th Grades)- FULL During this course, we will dive into the wonderful world of live theatre through ensemble-building games and community-based performance! We will focus on collaboration skills and creative confidence in this fun and interactive course! 

Scientists in Training (Rising 3rd-6th Grades)- The best part about science is doing experiments and learning how to apply them to real life! Learn more about the world of science through fun activities and hands-on experiments. Be prepared to get creative and messy as we explore a broad range of topics including space, the environment, volcanoes, and more!

Altered Art (Rising 4th - 6th Grades)- This course will integrate sparking creativity with learning about reducing, reusing, and recycling. We will gain a better understanding of the impact material waste has on our environment and learn ways to reduce our own waste production, primarily through art! We will focus on up-cycling everyday, common materials such as milk cartons, egg cartons, toilet paper/paper towel rolls, old/damaged books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Items like these will be turned into art based on our own creative desires. We will turn old materials that would otherwise go to waste into meaningful works and gifts of art.

Camp Half-Blood - A Percy Jackson Experience (Rising 4th - 7th Grades)- FULL Embark on an epic adventure in this Percy Jackson-themed summer course, where demigods and half-bloods unite to discover their powers and train for challenges. Inspired by the bestselling book series by Rick Riordan, this course offers a one-of-a-kind experience for young heroes seeking excitement and mythological thrills. In addition to training and quests, we will experience a variety of themed activities and crafts inspired by the fantasy world of Camp Half-Blood from the Percy Jackson series. Join us for an enchanting week filled with adventure, friendship, and mythological wonders at our Percy Jackson summer course!

Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation (Rising 5th - 6th Grades)- Are you interested in criminal justice or investigating a crime scene? Join this course to receive an introduction to the duties of criminal justice investigators, with an emphasis on ethical conduct and the goals of the justice system. We will explore investigative techniques involved with crime scene analysis, participate in hands-on practical activities, and create our own identification badges! We will also have the opportunity to interact with a crime scene investigator and current JMU professor.

Olympic Fencing - Intermediate Level (Rising 5th - 8th Grades)- *STUDENTS MUST HAVE TAKEN THE BEGINNER FENCING COURSE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS INTERMEDIIATE FENCING COURSE.* During this course, we will learn more advanced weapons of fencing (i.e. modern sword fighting) as practiced by Olympic athletes, specifically how to fence with a Foil and Saber. One of only five sports contested at every summer Olympic Games since 1896, fencing challenges participants both physically and mentally in a safe and fun environment. All standard practice and safety gear will be provided. Activities will include: instruction in techniques and tactics, rules and refereeing, safety and equipment; conditioning exercises and practice drills; fencing-based games; sparring matches; and a tournament to show off everything we've learned at the end of the week.

Summer Culinary Adventures (Rising 5th - 8th Grades)- Embark on a culinary journey this summer with this "Summer Culinary Adventures" course! We will dive into the world of delicious treats and savory dishes in a fun and interactive environment. Join us for hands-on cooking experiences, new skills, and plenty of tasty creations. Your budding cooks will learn essential kitchen skills such as measuring ingredients, mixing techniques, and decorating like a pro. Whether it's crafting colorful fruit kabobs, whipping up creamy no-bake cheesecakes, or inventing our own signature dessert creations, we will be whipping up tasty masterpieces while having a blast with our fellow young chefs. Sign up now to become a culinary superstar this summer!

Creative Time Machine (Rising 6th - 7th Grades)- Ready to explore history in a way you've never experienced before? In this course, we’re going to discover how people from different periods of history expressed their creativity! We’ll be playing games, cooking food, and (of course) lots of crafts, all focused on learning what life was like at different times throughout history while embracing our unique artistry.

Medical School 101 (Rising 7th - 8th Grades)- Are you interested in becoming a doctor or nurse? Do you love to learn about muscles, bones, organs, and more? Each day will include learning interesting human anatomy facts through a hands-on activity. Then we will dive into the medical side of things and learn how to use real tools such as stethoscopes. Come give medical school a SHOT!

Designers in Training (Rising 7th - 8th Grades)- This course is a great opportunity for students who are interested in graphic design! Throughout the week, we will learn the basics of a good design by learning about graphic design principles, the rule of thirds, etc. We will also learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Canva and use these tools to complete activities such as creating our own personal brand. We will discuss what our logo will look like, what color scheme will correspond to our brand, what our brand will be known for, and more! 

PM Course Options:

Wilderness Wanderers (Rising K - 2nd Grades)- Join us as we become Wilderness Wanderers and go on exciting journeys through nature's wonders! Engage in crafts, games, and activities while learning about animals and the environment. Create habitats and discover creatures from both near and far. Unleash your creativity through the joy of adventure!

Adventures of Space & Beyond (Rising K - 3rd Grades)- Do you have an interest in exploring outer space and galaxies beyond? This course is the perfect place for you! We will participate in various hands-on crafts, games, and virtual exploration of outer space and other things that are out of this world! When you sign up for this course, your stars will align. You don’t want to miss it!

Altered Art (Rising 1st - 3rd Grades)- This course will integrate sparking creativity with learning about reducing, reusing, and recycling. We will gain a better understanding of the impact material waste has on our environment and learn ways to reduce our own waste production, primarily through art! We will focus on up-cycling everyday, common materials such as milk cartons, egg cartons, toilet paper/paper towel rolls, old/damaged books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Items like these will be turned into art based on our own creative desires. We will turn old materials that would otherwise go to waste into meaningful works and gifts of art.

Melody Makers (Rising 3rd - 4th Grades)- Join us for an immersive and fun-filled course for elementary students eager to explore the captivating world of music theory and songwriting. Through engaging activities and interactive workshops, participants will learn the fundamentals of notes, rhythms, melody, and songwriting! 

Let’s Get Mythical (Rising 3rd - 5th Grades)- Are you fascinated by the legends of mythical creatures such as dragons, werewolves, mermaids, fairies, and the Loch Ness Monster? If so, this is the perfect experience for you! Join us as we embark on a magical journey through the mystical world of creatures from the four elements: earth, fire, air, and water. We’ll delve into the enchanting tales of these mythical creatures as we use our imagination to create fantastical crafts and even bring our very own creatures to life. Let's create a magical experience together!

Let's Get Crafty (Rising 3rd - 6th Grades)- During this course, we will explore the many ways to craft. Each day we will create something new and unique that will allow you to express yourself. This course will make you think out of the box and allow your visions to come to life!

Detective Academy (Rising 4th - 5th Grades)- Calling all curious kids! This camp embraces the thrill of detective work and the development of essential literacy and educational skills. We will solve mysteries by engaging in several activities including escape rooms, scavenger hunts, message decoding, and so much more!

Creative Time Machine (Rising 4th - 5th Grades)- Ready to explore history in a way you've never experienced before? In this course, we’re going to discover how people from different periods of history expressed their creativity! We’ll be playing games, cooking food, and (of course) lots of crafts, all focused on learning what life was like at different times throughout history while embracing our unique artistry.

Explorers Guide to the World of Ecosystems (Rising 4th - 6th Grades)- In this course, young explorers will discover all the unique parts of an ecosystem. From plants to bugs and animals, to weather and surrounding environments, we will get to know all the elements that make up our own ecosystem. What better way to learn than by creating a personal ecosystem? We will get to put our knowledge to the test and create an ecosystem that will grow and thrive. If you are interested in the natural world and learning about the building blocks of the planet, this is the course for you!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Rising 4th - 7th Grades)- Step into the enchanting world of magic and adventure with this Harry Potter-themed course! Perfect for young witches and wizards eager to immerse themselves in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Our day to day will include themed crafts, games, and activities designed to spark creativity and imagination. From meeting the sorting hat, creating our own wands, brewing potions and concoctions, making "butterbeer" and so much more, we will have the chance to unleash our inner magic and bring our favorite aspects of the Harry Potter series to life! Join us for an unforgettable week filled with wonder, friendship, and, of course, magic in this Harry Potter course!

3D Art-

Medical School 101 (Rising 5th - 6th Grades)- Are you interested in becoming a doctor or nurse? Do you love to learn about muscles, bones, organs, and more? Each day will include learning interesting human anatomy facts through a hands-on activity. Then we will dive into the medical side of things and learn how to use real tools such as stethoscopes. Come give medical school a SHOT!

Olympic Fencing - Beginner Level (Rising 5th - 8th Grades)- Students will learn the basics of fencing (i.e. modern sword fighting) as practiced by Olympic athletes, specifically how to fence with an Epee. One of only five sports contested at every summer Olympic Games since 1896, fencing challenges participants both physically and mentally in a safe and fun environment. All standard practice and safety gear will be provided. Activities will include: instruction in techniques and tactics, rules and refereeing, safety and equipment; conditioning exercises and practice drills; fencing-based games; sparring matches; and a tournament to show off everything learned at the end.

Summer Culinary Adventures (Rising 5th - 8th Grades)- FULL Embark on a culinary journey this summer with this "Summer Culinary Adventures" course! We will dive into the world of delicious treats and savory dishes in a fun and interactive environment. Join us for hands-on cooking experiences, new skills, and plenty of tasty creations. Your budding cooks will learn essential kitchen skills such as measuring ingredients, mixing techniques, and decorating like a pro. Whether it's crafting colorful fruit kabobs, whipping up creamy no-bake cheesecakes, or inventing our own signature dessert creations, we will be whipping up tasty masterpieces while having a blast with our fellow young chefs. Sign up now to become a culinary superstar this summer!

Intro to Theatre- Building Community & Ensemble (Rising 6th - 8th Grades)- During this course, we will dive into the wonderful world of live theatre through ensemble-building games and community-based performance! We will focus on collaboration skills and creative confidence in this fun and interactive course!

Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation (Rising 7th - 8th Grades)- FULL Are you interested in criminal justice or investigating a crime scene? Join this course to receive an introduction to the duties of criminal justice investigators, with an emphasis on ethical conduct and the goals of the justice system. We will explore investigative techniques involved with crime scene analysis, participate in hands-on practical activities, and create our own identification badges! We will also have the opportunity to interact with a crime scene investigator and current JMU professor.

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