It’s been a long cold few months, but we've braved the icy, frigid, wintry conditions and made it to spring! While the Youth Programs Team is patiently waiting just one more season before we kick into higher gear, we want to look back on our Winter College for Kids program that wrapped up in February!

This year’s Winter College for Kids was a great success! We offered 11 fun-filled courses to 79 participants. Kids went on adventures in space and in the Arctic, learned how to code and bring stories to life, and jammed out to jukebox musicals! 

“This camp has been different because I’ve had fewer kiddos, but it’s been fun watching them get the hang of something new,” said Abby Howell, the instructor for the Arctic Adventures course. “They were so proud of the snowflakes they made one week, and they wanted to show them to everyone, so we walked around to all the classrooms, and they really enjoyed that.” 

“I saw the email, and I thought it’s a cool experience for kids to get into computing, and I wish I had that as a kid,” said Vicki Poku, first-time instructor, referring to the email that went out to JMU students asking for instructors for the program. “The first time I learned to code was my first college class, so I thought that if I could come in and give them that experience, that it’s fun, that it’d open their eyes.” 

“I learned that the sun has volcanoes every five seconds,” exclaimed one camper when asked what their favorite thing they learned was. 

Others said they liked making pillows in the art class, learning about owls and how far they can hear, making stomp rockets, seeing friends, making magic wands, and some said they enjoyed everything! 

We are exciting for the Summer College for Kids program which takes place the week of June 8^th – 12^th. Registration is now open! Click here to check out the course offerings and to register!

It’s no secret that we couldn’t offer any of our programming without our amazing camp staff who make it all possible! We’d like to highlight a few people who work as counselors, directors, and instructors!

Jeff Storey- Science Explorers Camp Director

Jeff Storey currently serves as the Planetarium Manager at the John C. Wells Planetarium.  A lover of all facets of science from a young age, Jeff graduated from JMU with an Independent Scholars Bachelor of Science. He was a member of the original counselor staff of the Space Explorers camp in 2013, and for four years after that. Having served as a Virginia State Parks ranger and presented over 800 planetarium shows to groups of all ages, Jeff has a passion for informal science education that fosters success in the classroom and sparks lifelong curiosity, and he is excited to make the 2026 Science Explorers Camp one to remember.

Gretchen Blincoe- Science Explorers Camp Assistant Director

Gretchen is currently a Mathematics educator in Rockingham County. She graduated from JMU in 2019 with a Master’s in Teaching with a specific concentration in Middle School Mathematics and Science. She worked at the JMU Planetarium in her Undergraduate years, as well as served at the GA for the planetarium for her year of Graduate School. During that time, she was a camp counselor for Space Explorers Camp (now Science Explorers Camp). She couldn’t stay away and is back at the planetarium on weekends giving public shows. As a lover of hands-on learning, she’s really looking forward to being a part of the JMU Science Explorers Camp!

Will Brown- Olympic Fencing Camp Director

Will Brown began fencing in college and quickly fell in love with the sport. With over 20 years of experience and more than a decade teaching with the School of Professional & Continuing Education's Youth Programs, he is passionate about introducing young people to fencing and helping them build confidence, focus, and resilience.

A former USA Fencing competitor rated in all three weapons, Will now serves as an advisor to the JMU Fencing Club. When he’s not fencing, he works at JMU, is finishing his doctorate in Strategic Leadership Studies, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathryn, their two cats, and friends—especially over board games and good food.

Natalie Corso- College for Kids "Dance Fusion Frenzy 2.0" Instructor

Hello! My name is Natalie Corso, and this is my second year teaching a College for Kids course! I am so excited to teach again since last year was extremely fun and rewarding! I am the choreographer and instructor for Latin Dance Club at JMU and am from right here in Harrisonburg, Virginia. My favorite dessert is mint chocolate chip ice cream, but I am not picky and will eat all desserts.

Liz Smith- College for Kids "Coaster Camp" Instructor

Hello, my name is Liz, and I live on a dairy farm, teach 2nd grade, compete in dog agility with two of my three dogs, and have a class pet bearded dragon. I grew up in Rockingham County.

Youth mental health is no longer a quiet concern—it’s a growing crisis that communities are being called to address with urgency and care. According to the 2024 Sentara RMH Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health and stress ranked as the number one concern for youth ages 0–17, a reality reflected in the 125 behavioral health visits to the emergency department during that year alone.

Behind these numbers are young people navigating a complex mix of challenges, from the pressures of social media and increased screen time, to a lack of support systems, to limited access to pediatric mental health providers, and a need for stronger education around emotional well-being.

In response, our Youth Programs Team has spent the past year listening, learning, brainstorming, and building something intentional—an opportunity to meet kids where they are and equip them with the tools they need to thrive.

We are finally ready to launch our first mental health camp- Headstrong: Empowering You to be the Best Version of Yourself. This program is designed for rising 7th - 8th graders and will take place in July in partnership with JMU's College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

Headstrong is more than just a youth camp- it's an empowering adventure designed to help young people build lifelong skills for emotional well-being, resilience, and self-confidence in a fun and supportive environment. It provides a safe, judgement-free space while helping campers become the best version of themselves!

Through hands-on activities and meaningful connections, campers will:

• Prioritize their mental health
• Learn midfulness techniques and coping skills
• Boost self-esteem
• Build lasting friendships
• Develop tools to thrive in school and life
• Utilize campus facilities such as UREC and D-Hall

This program will be offered free of charge to 30 rising 7th - 8th graders through generous donations provided by JMU's Madison Trust donors and LD&B Insurance. 

For more information on Headstrong, reach out to youthprograms@jmu.edu.