June 28, 2007
Media Advisory - SIUC Summer Camps July 1-14
Reporters, photographers and camera crews looking for interesting summer activity stories need look no further than the youth and adult camps taking place the first two weeks of July at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The camps, coordinated with the assistance of SIUC's Division of Continuing Education, provide a variety of opportunities for appealing photographs, video and stories.
The schedule, brief description, opportune times to capture noteworthy stories and contact information for each camp follow.
• CampCEO July 8-13 puts young entrepreneurs grades nine-12 in the driver's seat of having their own companies. About 25 teens, with help from the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, will create business plans, make new friends, enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities while residing at SIUC, develop skills in negotiation, sales, customer service, leadership, problem-solving, networking, time management, record-keeping and public speaking. Activities include leadership training, business site visits, networking receptions, guest speakers, a professional etiquette dinner, recreation center access, outdoor activities, games and competitions. Campers depart with a business plan, briefcase, business cards, marketing plans and more.
Camp participants will present their business plans 12:30-3 p.m. on July 13, with awards following from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road.
• Middle Architecture introduces young people to building design July 8-13. About 15 youths in grades seven-nine are participating in the award-winning camp directed by Jon Davey, longtime architecture professor at SIUC. The Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the School of Architecture and the College of Applied Sciences and Arts in conjunction with the Division of Continuing Education, sponsor the event. Participants enjoy field trips, guest speakers, special activities and hands-on projects to give a distinctive glimpse into the world of architecture. Camp participants will cast one-foot square concrete stepping-stones with "Gaudi" mosaics 10-11 a.m. on July 10 in SIUC parking lot 100, at the corner of Washington and Mill streets.
For additional information about the CEO or Middle Architecture camps, contact Vanessa Sneed at 618/536-7751, e-mail vsneed@siu.edu.
• Eco U summer nature day camps at Touch of Nature Environmental Center's 3,100-acre setting at Little Grassy Lake will wrap up in mid-July. Children entering grades one-six enjoy hands-on activities and experiences to enhance their understanding of nature. "Wildlife Workings" is July 2-6 (no camp July 4) and it's all about the concepts and cycles that hold nature in balance. "Eco You!" is July 9-13, focusing on planet Earth and how to protect and enhance its health. The best media opportunities are Tuesday through Thursday each week 8:45 -11:30 a.m. and 12:15-3:30 p.m., and Friday 8:45-11 a.m. and 12:15-2:30 p.m. Leave a message for Kate Hellgren, environmental educator, at 618/453-1122, extension 250, to schedule a visit.
• Camp Little Giant is a therapeutic recreation camp for children and adults with disabilities. It's at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, seven miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road, and activities at the co-educational residential camp include horseback riding, fishing, hayrides, swimming, carnivals, nature hikes, paddleboat rides and more. The camp schedule includes Camp Traditions II through July 7 for adults 21 and older with physical or developmental disabilities, Camp Shawnee I, July 9-14, for youth ages 8-21 with physical or developmental disabilities and Camp Shawnee II, July 9-21, for the same specified group. To schedule a visit, call 453-1122, ext. 231 in advance and leave a message for Vicki Lang-Mendenhall.
• Intermediate and Advanced Robotics Camp, July 9-13, focuses on mechanical systems, control systems, programming and sensors for autonomous control. High school-age participants will work in teams for competitions. Camp is in Room 204A of Building C in the College of Applied Arts and Sciences. Members of the media are welcome to stop by the lab to see campers working on projects 1:30-3:30 p.m. daily July 10-12, or attend the public competition and demonstration at 11 a.m. July 13. For more information, contact Martin Hebel, camp director and assistant professor in the school of information systems and applied technology, at 618/453-8806.
• Saluki Volleyball Coaches Clinic, July 9-12, allows high school volleyball coaches to work directly with Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler to improve their knowledge of fundamental skills in training athletes physically and mentally. Coaches will have at least four hours of classroom instruction daily on skills, game strategy, drill design, practice plans, strength and conditioning. Media may stop by the SIU Arena July 10-12 to see coaches working in the classroom with Winkeler or working with campers. For more information, contact Winkeler at 618/453-5473.
Additional information about all of the camps is on the SIUC Web site at http://www.dce.siu.edu/youth/youthmain.htm or by contacting the Division of Continuing Education at 618/536-7751.