Inside Iowa State

June 11, 2004

Kids come to campus for varied summer activities

by Linda Charles

Summertime, and the living is well, hectic at Iowa State as kids from elementary through high school come to campus to pursue their interests in sports, music, gardens and computers. Here's a look at activities aimed at school-age students this summer (some activities are held off campus).

Academic

Early Outreach Program (June 6-11) helps promote college to minority students and students in certain academic programs who are entering grades 9 through 11. The program includes career exploration, academic development, leadership, teamwork and orientation to the university. (More info: minghuei@iastate.edu)

Upward Bound's (June 6-July 9) summer component brings students in the program to campus to study English, math, laboratory science, foreign language, computer science, reading, and career and social awareness. Although the focus is on academics, recreational activities also are provided. Upward Bound helps high school students from low-income families or families in which neither parent holds a degree prepare for college. (More info: http://www.trio.iastate.edu/ub/index.php)

Virtual Reality in the Classroom Summer Career Days will bring high school students to campus June 17-18. Aimed at female and minority students, the experience includes hands-on work with low cost virtual reality software, tour of the virtual reality facilities and social activities. (More info: http://www.vrclassroom.org)

Biodiversity Institute (July 11-16) is a summer camp for high school girls. The institute offers opportunities to explore biodiversity in such thins as micro-organisms, butterflies, plants and North American bison. Other topics include plant and animal transgenics; soils, wildlife and natural resources; biodiversity and food technology; ethics and biodiversity; and biological pest control. (More info: http://www.pwse.iastate.edu/outreach/agsummercamp.html)

Star Camps are designed to cultivate an interest in science and teaching. Camps include a trip to Wyoming and South Dakota for students who have completed grades 8-12 (June 12-26); Biotechnology Camp, including DNA fingerprinting and extraction, for students who have completed grades 8-12 (July 25-31); Iowa Lakeside Lab for students who have completed grades 6-8 (July 18-24); and Toying with Technology Camp for students who have completed grades 6-8 (July 11-17). (More info: http://www.iastate.edu/~mstar)

Computer Security Camp (June 27-30) brings high school juniors and seniors to campus to learn about safeguarding computer networks. They will work in the computer labs with ISU faculty. The camp also includes tours and social activities. (More info: http://www.iac.iastate.edu/summercamp/)

Engineering and Beyond (July 11-14, July 18-21 or July 25-28) provides students completing their junior year in high school an opportunity to learn about all areas of engineering.

Fitness

Summer Youth Fitness Program (June 7-July 29) lets elementary students participate in such activities as swimming, gymnastics, creative/rhythmic movement, volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, badminton and tennis. (More info: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~richarde/ISUSYF.htm)

4-H

Iowa 4-H Youth Conference (June 29-July 1) is expected to attract more than 1,000 students. The conference will feature speakers, workshops, dances and community service activities. Workshops include the "Diversity Game," "Wacky Science and Other Fun Stuff" and "Stump the Forester." Other activities include small group discussions, the Conference Chorus and a talent show. (More info: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/StateConference.htm)

Iowa 4-H Center summer camps run through the first week of August. Camps include outdoor, educational and craft activities. (More info: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4hcenter/)

Gardening

Reiman Gardens offers several programs for children during the summer. (More info: reimangardens@iastate.edu)

Roots and Shoots (June 14-18) for children ages 5 to 7.

Bugs, Butterflies and Botany (July 5-9) for children ages 7 to 9.

Garden Discovery (Aug. 2-6) for children ages 9 to 12.

Music

(More info: http://www.music.iastate.edu/info/summer/)

String Chamber Music Workshop (June 7-12) offers daily coaching sessions, a chamber orchestra and masterclasses, all culminating in concerts by faculty and student groups. The workshop is aimed at high school students.

Keyboard Explorations (June 14-19) offers opportunities to explore different keyboard instruments, including a 50-bell carillon, French double harpsichord, Steinway grand piano and 50-rank pipe organ. For students entering grades 7-12, the camp includes private lessons, piano ensembles and social activities.

Wind Ensemble and Small Group Camp (June 21-26) is for serious high school instrumentalists. The camp features chamber music, wind ensembles, master classes, private lessons and performances by the Iowa State wind and percussion faculty. The camp culminates in student chamber music and wind ensemble concerts.

Sports

Cyclone Sports Camps run throughout the summer and include athletic training/sports medicine, girls basketball, cross country, diving, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling (More info: http://cyclones.collegesports.com/marketplace/events/iast-camps.html)

(From left) Annie Downing, Elisha Givvens and Jenny Smith help children at the Summer Youth Fitness Program acclimate to the water before bringing them into the Forker pool. (Photo by Bob Elbert.)