READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks offers a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related Middle School Youth Camps in a fun and relaxed environment. The camps are for students entering fifth through eighth grades in fall 2016. Camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
RoboCamp: Where Minds and Technology Meet
Students will engage in building and programming NXT Mindstorms to explore robotic concepts and use of sensors. Campers complete and compete in numerous activities throughout the week. This camp runs June 20–24. The cost is $275.
You Be The Chemist Camp
In the You Be the Chemist Camp, developed by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), campers will have the opportunity to work with common materials and everyday situations, and find that chemistry explains much of the world in which we live. By understanding chemistry, the participants can begin to answer for themselves many of the “why” questions they pondered in the past. This camp runs June 20–24. The cost is $275.
Creativity & Technology: A Happy “edVenture”
The fun-filled week will explore the fundamentals of writing a good story, reading and writing scripts, character exploration, digital tools, iMovie basics, and filmmaking/ animation. No technology experience is needed. This camp runs June 27–July 1. The cost is $275.
Junior Nittany Criminal Investigative Service Camp
Does your student have what it takes to be a crime fighter? If so, Penn State Berks needs him or her to join our NCIS (Nittany Criminal Investigative Service) Team. Campers will learn the science and the chemical techniques that can be used to solve puzzling crimes, such as how to analyze blood splatter, use footprints to estimate height, use Excel to analyze FBI crime data, and more. This camp runs June 27-July 1. The cost is $275.
NEW! GeoTech Camp
GeoTech Camp will introduce students to all types of digital mapping. Participants will create unique and interactive maps like Google Earth, only better. The camp runs July 11–15. The cost is $275.
NEW! Make Your First 3D Video Game/Minecraft Designers Camp
If your camper loves Minecraft games, this class is for him or her. Students will learn the basics of creating 3D models using a new software to design their very own objects, create skins for characters, and import them into their favorite Minecraft games. Campers will learn the basics of design, animation, and simple coding. The camp runs from July 18–22. The cost is $315.
NEW! RoboCamp II: The Next Level
RoboCamp II continues the robotics experience, placing more challenges before eager learners. Participants must have attended the first RoboCamp or have computer familiarity for this particular camp. Campers can expect to explore more advanced engineering concepts and activities that will allow them to experience both success and failure, much like the real world. The camp runs from July 18–22. The cost is $275.
Science of Technology Camp
Students will gain an understanding of how things work through hands-on activities that demonstrate the important principles of simple and motorized machines. They will solve challenges by building bridges with K’Nex building systems and programming robots. Participants will learn about mechanical and software design, and gain valuable problem-solving and teamwork skills. This camp runs July 25–29. The cost is $275.
Youth Architect: Learning the Building Blocks of Design Camp
Does your student enjoy building, designing, and/or creating structures from toys or a computer? This camp will demystify the design process by taking a concept and teaching budding architects, step-by-step, the processes necessary to make a concept a reality. This camp runs July 25–29. The cost is $275.
Enrollment in these camps is limited and early registration is recommended. Scholarships are available for those who meet the requirements. For more information or to register, visit berks.psu.edu/summercamps or call 610-396-6230.
