By Craig Ramey
Parents looking for summer camps that are fun and educational can once again turn to Craven Community College (Craven CC). The New Bern campus will come to life this summer with Great Explorations, a series of summer camps that use science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to inspire elementary and middle school students to learn.
The camps offered at Craven CC include two weeklong adventures entitled Mind Game Science from June 18-22 and Marine Biology from July 23-27, as well as 3-D Printing and Electronics, a two-week camp that runs from July 30 to Aug. 10.
“It’s inspiring to see so many young students on our campus during the summer,” said Dr. Betty Hatcher, dean of liberal arts and university transfer at Craven CC. “You can see throughout the week how these camps build connections that illustrate the value of STEM learning in new classroom environments and outside the classroom as well.”
Mind Game Science camp is for rising 3rd-6th graders who are interested in games focused on deductive reasoning, iterative strategy, mathematics, probability and more. This camp will concentrate on the foundational aspects of science that are often overlooked in science-based activities for younger students. Campers will learn about science while having a fun and socially engaging experience by partaking in games that rely on applying skills while following the scientific method.
Marine Biology camp invites rising 6th-8th graders to get their “sea-legs” ready for a week of fun. Campers will get in the water to collect field samples and examine a marine habitat up close as they identify and dissect a variety of marine life. Campers will also design their own fish and set up an aquarium. As an added bonus, campers will tour behind the scenes of the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
Both Mind Science Camp and Marine Biology are held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The registration for each weeklong camp is $160 and due by Friday, June 1.
“I would like to think these camps are planting a seed,” said Hatcher. “By attending these camps, we hope students will develop a curiosity for learning that drives them to ask questions about the world around them, explore new possibilities and continue to grow. We would love to be a part of that journey when they become older and are ready to pursue higher learning, but for now, we are just happy to see them experience the joy of learning.”
One of the most popular camps held each year is 3-D Printing and Electronics: Drone Design I & II. Offered for rising 6th-9th graders, this two-week camp teaches campers how to design and print a mini-drone utilizing 3-D design software and a variety of 3-D printers. Campers will also learn basic 3-D design and printing principles. During week two, campers will advance their 3-D printed mini-drones by adding electric motors to their designs, making the drones capable of flight. Campers will also be taught basic electronic fundamentals and principles. At the end of the second week campers will be allowed to fly their drones on the campus grounds under the supervision of the instructors. All drone materials will be purchased by the college and will therefore remain the property of the college after construction.
The 3-D Printing and Design camp will be held Monday through Friday (July 30-Aug. 10) from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at a cost of $300. Registration for this camp has been extended through May 25 or until all spots are filled, whichever occurs first.
Those interested in applying for the camp can download a registration form at www.cravencc.edu/summercamps or call Pat Toon at 252-638-0141.
This article originally appeared in The New Bern Sun Journal.