FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 Contact: Marisa Bilicic

July 7, 2004                                                                                            814-676-6591, ext. 1215

Kids In College Participants Experience a World of Wonders 

OIL CITY, PA – What do you do with a llama? Area youth are learning answers to this and many other questions at the Kids In College summer program at Clarion University–Venango Campus.  The program, which offers Travel, Discovery and Technology Camps for youth in grades K-12, begins July 19th and will run through August 7^th.  It is run through the campus’ Office of Continuing Education under the direction of Hope Lineman. 

A visit to an area llama farm is part of the Travel Camp series offered at the campus. Participants learn about llamas and how the animals are used as pets and for fiber and showing and how they can handle an obstacle course. Other Travel Camps include one-day field trips to a Pirates game, the Cleveland Zoo and Splashlagoon, an indoor waterpark.  Every youth participant receives a Kids In College t-shirt and a sack lunch on the trips. 

Kids In College Discovery Camps include classes in soccer, crafts, voice techniques, drums and percussion, yoga, hiking, bead art and more. 

“We’re pleased to be able to offer innovative new classes such as Dinosaurs and Butterflies as well as perennial favorites like rocketry, hot air balloons and the engineering classes through Kids In College,” said Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Venango Campus. “More than 250 youth participated in programs last summer and we hope to see that number grow this year.”

The big attraction is the Technology Camps, which includes several classes, and draws kids of all ages.  Rocketry will take students souring over the earth.  They will make their own rocket and build an 8ft. Clarion University rocket and will learn about the principles of flight and launch their finished product at the Clintonville Rocket Launch facility, but not before they have the opportunity to watch staff at the facility launch a few of their own LARGE rockets! 

Other technology offerings include computers, which teaches students how to search the Internet, set up Webmail, and publish a simple Website; electronics labs, which teach students about the functions of transistors, diodes, circuits, and resistors; and hot air balloons, which includes lessons on flight, buoyancy, density, gravity and displacement.  Students in the hot air balloon class will make their own balloons and conduct a test flight right at the Venango Campus. Of course, no youth program is complete without Legos, and this year’s Kids In College program provides students with the opportunity to participate in Lego Play Time, Solar Powered Legos and Mechanical Engineering.  Students building with Legos learn about single and separate axles, steering, rollers, and friction.  They build and work with models to investigate fixed and movable pulleys and belt drives.  The students also learn the many small processes used in modern manufacturing plants and examine the role of motion, speed, and movement of parts in the production of finished products.  The use of solar power is used to explain simple machines and adding the concept of motorization.  The following are a list of the available classes, dates and times:

Discovery Camps

Butterfly Collection and Display: Third grade and up. Catch, identify, and mount a butterfly collection. Learn about the variety of butterflies and their life cycles. All materials provided.

Grades 3-8

            Tuesday, July 20 & Thursday, July 22  

            9 a.m.-noon each day   $45

            Instructor: Peter Kiesel

Dinosaurs: Participants will discuss warm blooded/active dinos and their kinesiology. The class will compare anatomy with current animals, with an emphasis on some of our local favorites and their locations. Grades 3-8

            Tuesday, July 20 & Thursday, July 22  

            1 p.m.-4 p.m. each day  $45

            Instructor: Peter Kiesel

Dance Like an Animal: Learn what the animals know…the foxtrot, the lindy hop, the Cha-Cha, swim, fly, and more.  All ages.

            Tuesday, July 27 & Thursday, July 29  

            10 a.m.-noon each day  $45

            Instructor: Peter Kiesel

Extinction: From the extinction of the dinosaur to the future of manatees and dolphins, learn what leads to extinction, both natural and man-made causes.

Grades 3-8

            Monday-Wednesday • August 2-4

            1 p.m.-4 p.m. each day  $45

            Instructor: Peter Kiesel

Bead Art: Learn all about being creative with beads. This class provides hands-on activites.

            Grades K-2, Friday, August 6

            9 a.m.-noon      $30

            Grades 3-6, Friday, August 6

            1 p.m.-4 p.m.   $30     

            Instructor: Lucy Miller-Ross

Beginning to Intermediate Soccer: Soccer has long been the world’s most popular sport and here’s your chance to learn the basics and to hone your skills to the intermediate level and beyond. Basics: the various kicking and dropping techniques, ball control, and rules of the game. Intermediate: proper roles for each position and proper position placement on the field. The final “goal” is how this all adds up to a few fun days and a sport that you can pursue for many years. Grades 3-6    

            Monday-Wednesday • July 19-21

            9 a.m.-noon      $45

            Instructor: LaTrobe Barnitz

Beginning Voice Techniques: Learn the beginning techniques to sing. Bring a favorite CD. This two-day class will leave you carrying a tune. Grades 3-12         

            Tuesday and Thursday • July 20 & 22

            1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. each day   $35

            Instructor: Diane Kozyro

Craft Time: Do you like to be creative? Join us in learning the art of using materials to bring your imagination to life.

            Grades K-2: Friday, July 30                

            9 a.m.-noon      $35

            Grades 3-6: Friday, July 30

            1 p.m.-4 p.m.   $35

            Instructor: Jackie Miller-Black

Creative Writing: Do you like to write? Try your hand in this creative writing program. Find out what goes into creating a narrative or a work of poetry, and prepare for Pennsylvania state standard assessments. Grades 7-12

            Tuesday-Thursday • July 20-22

            1 p.m.-4 p.m. each day  $40

            Instructor: James Hoffman
 

Drums and Percussion: Do you have rhythm? Then let us teach you all about drums and percussion instruments.

All hands-on fun in this class!

            Grades 3-6: Tuesday-Thursday

            July 20-22 • 10:30 a.m.-noon.  $35

            Grades 7-12: Tuesday-Thursday

            July 20-22 • 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.  $35

            Instructors: David Perry

Yoga for Kids  Fridays • July 23 & 30, August 6

            Instructor: Erin McGuirre-Lytle

            Grades K-2     1 p.m.-2 p.m.    $35

Storytelling, music, and games accompany postures and breathing exercises, giving children an opportunity to use bodies and imaginations while creating a fun learning environment. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or blanket.

            Grades 3-5     2 p.m.-3 p.m.     $35

Children will learn basic yoga postures and breathing exercises.  Yoga helps children develop balance, self-control, and confidence. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or blanket.

            Grades 6 and up     3 p.m.-4 p.m.  $35

Students will learn yoga postures, breathing exercises, and stress

management techniques. This practice can lead to a lifetime of benefits and a solid understanding of the mind/body connection. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or blanket.

Water and Boat Safety Program: In collaboration with the Oil City YMCA, join us for a Water and Boat Safety program. Participants learn how to be safe in and around the water. Grades 1-6. Minimum enrollment is eight participants. Registration deadline is July 26.

            Monday-Friday • August 2-6      1 p.m.-3 p.m.  $45

            Oil City YMCA Pool

            Instructor: Oil City YMCA Certified Lifeguard

Christmas in July: Celebrate Christmas in July. Join in the fun of creating craft items for your Christmas celebration.

            Tuesday, July 20

            Grades K-2, 9 a.m.-noon         $35

            Grades 3-6, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.        $35

            Instructor: Lucy Miller-Ross

Take a Hike and discover all the wonders of nature from bugs and butterflies to leaves and trees. What is that hiding under that rock? Is there anything in that pond? Look in the magic box and see what wild things are in the woods. Wear tennis shoes and long pants for the hike! Grades K-2

            Thursday, August 5

            9 a.m.-noon      $30

            Tour Guide: Bill Lynam,

            Pennsylvania Game Commission

Technology Camps

Build a Lawn Chair: Build a unique wooden lawn chair that comes apart for easy storage or transportation. A great opportunity for beginners to learn how to use a variety of tools. 4th-12th grade.

            Monday-Wednesday • August 2-4

            9 a.m.-noon each day   $75

            Instructor: Peter Kiesel

Electronic Project Labs: Learn the functions of transistors, diodes, circuits, and resistors the fun way! The program will teach you the basics of electronics and allow you to try many hands-on activities. Students who participate in this camp will take home their projects.  Grades 6-12.

            Basic Electronics

            Monday-Wednesday • July 19-21        9 a.m.-noon each day   $125

            Advanced Electronics

            Monday-Wednesday • July 26-28        1 p.m.-4 p.m. each day  $125

            Instructor: Tim Lyons

Solar Powered Legos: This three-day class will provide participants hands-on learning in exploring simple machines and adding the concept of motorization. Through the building of realistic motorized models, students will develop a strong understanding of mechanical principles. All students will be provided with Lego packs that they will be able to keep at the end of the program. Grades 3-6

Monday-Wednesday • July 19-21

            1 p.m.-4 p.m. each day  $165

            Instructor: Tim Lyons

Hot Air Balloons: Join in this adventure to build a hot-air balloon. Learn about buoyancy, density, gravity and displacement. Grades 5-12

            Monday-Wednesday • July 26-28

            9 a.m.-noon each day   $75

            Instructor: Bill Lynam

Lego Play Time: This three-day class will give each participant hands-on learning about single and separate axles, steering, rollers, and friction. They will build and work with models to investigate fixed and movable pulleys and belt drives. This class is both exciting and educational. All participants will be provided with Lego packs that they will be able to keep at the end of the program. They can continue to build and construct for hours of fun at home. Grades K-2

            Monday-Wednesday • July 26-28

            10 a.m.-noon each day  $125

            Instructor: Tim Lyons

Trains: This class combines lessons in how trains work and basic electronics. This exciting class provides hands-on experience in setting up a train set and tracks. Bring your imaginations and build an entire town. Grades 3-6

            Monday and Tuesday • August 2-3

            1 p.m-4 p.m. each day  $75

            Instructor: Tim Lyons

Mechanical Engineering: In this three-day class, participants will have hands-on learning in exploring the many small processes used in modern manufacturing plants and examining the role of motion, speed, and movement of parts in the production of finished products. By integrating the myriad of small processes into large-scale applications, students will gain insight into the complexity of large-scale manufacturing processes. They will use more than 300 pieces and building instructions for specific mechanisms such as robot arms and conveyers that are commonly used in large assemblies. All participants will be provided with Lego packs that they will be able to keep at the end of the program. Grades 7-12

            Monday-Wednesday • August 2-4

            9 a.m.-noon each day   $165

            Instructor: Tim Lyons

Computers: Learn to search the Internet for information, set up Webmail, send and receive e-mail with and without attachments, conduct basic word processing, incorporate graphics, put documents into Web pages and publish a simple Website. Grades 7-12

            Monday-Friday • July 26-30

            10 a.m.-noon each day $75

            Instructor: Dr. Steven Mensah

Rocketry: 3-2-1… Blast Off! Make your own rocket, learn the principles of flight and ultimately launch your finished product. Take part in building an 8-foot Clarion University rocket. Grades 4-12

            Monday-Friday • August 2-6

            1 p.m.-3 p.m. each day  $165

            Instructor: Sam Gordon

*Saturday, August 7, will be a trip to the Interstate Rocket Launch Facility. Students will depart at 8:30 a.m. and return at 3 p.m.

Travel Camps

Down on the Farm K-3: Take a trip to Pleasant Valley Farm, an organic farm, and see the animals—pigs, chickens, turkeys, lambs, and draft horses—up close. Take a farm tour and learn about composting. Find out about the planting process and take home a potted treasure of your own. Grades K-3

            Monday, July 19           $45

            Instructor: Tom Stevenson

The bus will depart Venango Campus at 9 a.m. and return at noon.

Down on the Farm 4-8: Travel to an environmentally safe farm, Pleasant Valley Farm, and learn about organic farming and draft horses, and take a farm tour to see all the animals. A composting workshop also will be included.

Grades 4-8

            Wednesday, July 21     $45

            Instructor: Tom Stevenson

The bus will depart Venango Campus at

9 a.m. and return at noon.

What Do You Do With a Llama? Come experience an adventure with us as we learn all about llamas and what they are used for such as fiber, pets, showing, obstacle courses, and packing. Learn how to weave with drop spindles. All hands-on fun! Grades 5-12

            Thursday, July 22

            9 a.m.-3 p.m.   $45

            Picnic lunch provided

            Tour Guide: Terry Duespohl

Place: Seneca. Directions will be mailed to those who register for this class.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Experience the thrill of a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, as well as a fun-filled 30-minute ride on the Gateway Clipper to and from the stadium. 

            Thursday, July 29         $45

            Instructor: Marcy Schlueter

The bus will depart Venango Campus at 7:45 a.m. and return at 5:45 p.m. Children 8 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Splash Adventure: Enjoy the waterslides or relax in the lazy river at Splash Lagoon. Then travel to Presque Isle beach for lunch and fun at the water’s edge. Grades K-12 (Children 8 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

            Wednesday, August 4   $45

            Instructor: Marcy Schlueter

The bus will depart Venango Campus at 7:45 a.m. and return at 5:45 p.m.

Cleveland Zoo & Rainforest: Check out the Cleveland Zoo and Rainforest. With more than 3,000 animals representing 600 species, there won’t be an animal you won’t see. Take a walk through the botanical gardens, learn about animals from elephants to chimpanzees, and gaze in amazement in the beautiful indoor rainforest.

            Thursday, August 5       $45

            Instructors: Beth Jackson &

            Kelly Lander

The bus will depart Venango Campus at 7:45 a.m. and return at 5:45 p.m.

             For further information about the Kids In College program, including available scholarships, people can contact Hope Lineman at 814-676-6591, Ext. 1273 or by email at hlineman@clarion.edu. 

Clarion University–Venango Campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

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