Kidtek U Summer Learning Camps Back for Fourth Year of Fun
05/17/2017
SCC’s popular Kidtek University summer learning camps are now open for registration. Camps are designed for kids in grades 4 through 9.
Kids can choose from more than 30 different topics offered at sites across Southeast Iowa. Topics cover the gamut from STEM-focused classes in computers, programming, welding, drone design, and design engineering to performing arts, foreign languages, cooking, carpentry, DIY home décor, animation, and video production.
Camps are project-based, hands-on experiences, with emphasis on applied learning and career exploration.
“We are excited to offer another year of new topics as well as put fresh twists on last year’s camps,” explains Don Weiss, Executive Director, SCC Center for Business. “Hundreds of kids sign up to take classes every year, so we want to make sure they have a quality experience that’s fun and educational.”
Weiss continues that given SCC’s regional presence, it’s a natural fit for the College to offer the program. “We want to make sure that every kid in our area has the opportunity to go to a camp if they want, and so we tried to make it as easy as possible.”
There is a camp within a 20 minute drive from almost anywhere in Southeast Iowa. To make that possible, organizers partnered with Iowa Wesleyan University to expand offerings in the Mount Pleasant area and are working with the school districts in Burlington, Keokuk and Fort Madison to add camps in those communities as well.
In addition, students can take advantage of a free shuttle service. Camp goers can take a shuttle between Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, New London and West Burlington if a particular camp is not offered in their community.
SCC has also expanded partnerships with area businesses and organizations to offer a limited number of camp scholarships, and some employers offer scholarships to their employees as well.
“It’s exciting to see so many area companies donating money to fund scholarships. That tells us that they see value in our program and want to make sure families can send their kids, regardless of income,” says Kelly Pricket, Kidtek U Program Developer.
“Last year we offered camps to kids in grades 7 through 9, and they were really well-received,” Pricket continues. “So this year we’re offering even more topics designed to challenge and appeal to older kids.”
Camps are offered in the months of June and July in Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, and West Burlington. Each camp runs Monday through Friday from either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Camps cost $179 and include supplies, a t-shirt, and a final project to take home at the end of the week (for applicable camps).
For more information about class listings, scholarships, or to register for camps and other services, visit www.kidteku.com.
Parents can register their students by phoning (319) 208-5375.
For more news or to learn about Southeastern Community College, visit: https://www.scciowa.edu/rss/news/index.html