News
Dalton State Summer Camps Open for Registration
03/05/19
Summer camps at Dalton State aren’t just about learning science. They’re about doing science.
The College is hosting seven STEM-themed camps this year. Registration is now open.
Returning are annual favorites Stream Stomp, Creek Critters, World of Science, and Nature Exploration. Girls in STEM will have two sections this year - an all-day camp for middle school girls, and Girls in STEM Jr., a half-day camp for elementary school girls.
New to the selection this year is an Engineering Explorers camp, which will include robotics.
“The goal is to provide students with a fun, enriching STEM-focused atmosphere for local children,” said Dr. Kim Hays, associate professor of biology and an organizer of the camps. “Data indicate that exposure to out-of-school STEM activities, like after school programs or summer camps, while not purely academic in nature, improve academic performance during the school year. They may also help students consider STEM majors and careers in the future.
“On-campus experiences on a college campus during the elementary and middle school years increase college aspirations,” she said. “Our camps are developed to be fun experiences exposing campers to STEM knowledge, literacy, hands-on skills, and a supportive social environment.”
All camps are taught either by STEM faculty or by high-achieving STEM students.
• The World of Science Camp, for entering second- through fifth-graders, will be June 17-21 from 8 a.m. to noon. The camp includes activities in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and technology. Each camper receives a daily snack and a T-shirt. The cost is $125.
• Creek Critters, for 5-6-year-olds, will be June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. This camp introduces children to the wonders of a stream ecosystem. It is taught by Dr. John Lugthart, professor of biology. Each camper receives a T-shirt. The cost is $45.
• Stream Stomp, for ages 7-10, will be June 21-22 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The camp allows children to look for animals in the camps stream, learn about water pollution, and talk about ways to protect streams. The camp is taught by Lugthart. Each camper receives a T-shirt. The cost is $50.
• Girls in STEM, for rising sixth- through eighth-grade girls, will be June 24-28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp, in its third year, is led by female STEM majors. Campers participate in three hands-on STEM sessions a day and one focused on health and wellness. Those attending receive lunch and two snacks a day, as well as a T-shirt. The cost is $225.
• Girls in STEM Jr., for girls entering second through fifth grades, will be July 8-12 from 8 a.m. to noon. This is a new camp for summer 2019 allowing elementary-aged females the chance to participate in two hands-on activities each day led by STEM faculty members and students. Campers receive a snack each day and a T-shirt. The cost is $125.
• Engineering Explorers, for students entering second through fifth grades, will be July 8-12 from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a new camp that will focus on activities in robotics, structural engineering, and chemical engineering. The camp will be led by Dr. Samantha Blair, a professor of physics and astronomy. Campers will receive a snack daily and a T-shirt. The cost is $125.
• Nature Exploration at Lakeshore Park, for middle school students, will be July 17-18 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. This camp is taught by Lugthart and Chris Manis at Lakeshore Park. Activities include capturing turtles and re-releasing them, bird watching, sampling invertebrates, and more. Campers must have their own transportation to and from the park. Campers will receive a T-shirt. The cost is $50.
To register visit www.daltonstate.edu/Summer-Camps