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Eat, sleep, camp, repeat
Summer camp spots filling fast
A safe distance away, first through third grade students at last year’s Nature Reach Program got the chance to witness the feeding process of a vulture, noting its eating techniques and the details of its head. - photo by Aaron Pyle

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — From animals to robotics, there are several camps set to take place in and around the Crawford County area this summer, offering a little bit of everything for the kids and young adults. 

Pittsburg State University 

At PSU, the summer camps kick off at the beginning of June with a Secret Codes camp, taking place throughout June and July, offering a science-based and Structured Literacy-aligned reading curriculum at Whitesitt Hall. 

There are a number of musical camps as well at PSU, beginning with the PianoFest Camp on June 4 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Under the instruction of pianist and professor Dr. Reena Natenberg, the event includes piano workshops and masterclasses for kids grades sixth and up, starting at 10:30 a.m. for the cost of $50. 

Additional music camps are the Josiah Fletcher Jazz Camp (June 8-9, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 6-12), Summer String Camp (June 10-12, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, grades 6-12), Honor Band Camp (June 11-12, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, grades 9-12), Voice & Audition Camp (June 25, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, grades 9-12). 

Numerous other camps are planned to take place at the PSU Natural History Reserve, Crossland Technology Center, and McPherson Hall and the Simulation Hospital. 

At the Natural History Reserve, located just west of Chicopee, the Nature Reach Day Camp returns from 9 a.m. to noon June 15-19, giving kids the opportunity to engage in hands-on, nature-based learning along with outside play and interactions with live animals. 

A kindergarten camp is also scheduled to take place at the Natural History Reserve on June 22 with snacks, craft projects, and a swag bag provided. 

The camps hosted by the Crossland Technology Center include STEMtastic Adventures, taking place from 9 to 11 a.m. on June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at the Pitsco Idea Shop at Block22. For kids entering K-6, the campers explore hands-on engineering and problem-solving activities using science and technology tools. 

The Adventures in Robotics camp returns from 9 a.m. to noon July 6-10 and July 13-17 at the Crossland Technology Center. The first camp is for beginners while the second is for the more advanced, including programming, construction techniques, robotic basics, and electro-mechanics. 

The Construct Your Future camp concludes the events at the Crossland Technology Center. It is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. July 6-10 and July 13-17. Much like the robotics camp, the two sessions are based on experience. Both, however, entail a fast-paced look at the materials, processes, and design methods involved in the construction industry. 

At McPherson Hall, the “Morning in Nursing” camp is scheduled for Thursday, June 11. From 9 to 11 a.m., campers ages 7-11 are guided through six hands-on learning stations. Stations include CPR, hand washing, ace wrapping, exploring heart blood flow obstacle course, and simulated patient care. 

Lastly, at Hughes Hall on June 23, the Gorilla Educators in Training invites high school students considering careers in education to learn from professionals in a variety of fields. From June 23 to June 24, the campers learn from guest speakers and experience college life while exploring the teaching profession. 

Several camps are already full or require a waitlist. For more information or to check availability on the PSU camps, visit pittstate.edu/office/ticket-office/summer-camps.html.

Compass Academy Network 

Taking place at PSU through the Compass Academy Network, a free summer enrichment program for middle school students is scheduled for June 1 through June 26 at the Crossland Technology Center. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and offers opportunities in mathematical reasoning, decision making, civic leadership, creative writing, artistic exploration, and personal development. 

For more information, visit compassacademynetwork.org/program-info/.

Southeast Kansas Education Service Center

Just west of Girard, the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, otherwise known as Greenbush, is celebrating its 50th year this year, and is offering a multitude of camps for kids first through eighth grade. 

All camps take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., costing $25 for one-day camps and $55 for “academies.”

Camps for kids first through third grade are Back to Camp (June 11), Famous Scientists (June 18), Around the World (June 25), Cowabunga Cuisine (June 29-30, first and second grades only), Fun in the Sun (July 2), Clay/Create/Design (July 6-7, third grade only), Wild About Wildlife (July 9), and National Park Adventures (July 16). 

Those in fourth through eighth grade can participate in camps such as Back to Camp (June 11), Famous Scientists (June 18), Around the World (June 25), Fun in the Sun (July 2), Clay/Create/Design (July 6-7, fourth grade only), Wild About Wildlife (July 9), and National Park Adventures (July 16). 

Additional opportunities for kids fifth through eighth grade are Hearts & Hooves: An Equine Experience (June 17), Culinary World Tour (June 22-23), and Clay/Create/Design (July 27-28). 

For more information and bus schedule times, visit greenbush.org/student-learning-services/student-enrichment/girard-summer-camps/girard-summer-camps/.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.