June 24, 2015

Media Advisory -- Summer Camps June 28-July 11

Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s summer camps offer numerous opportunities for reporters, photographers and news crews to find interesting activity stories, photos and video. Continuing Education and Outreach coordinates most of the camps while the Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Saluki athletics and other campus units handle others. 

The 2015 summer camp schedule for Sunday, June 28 through July 11, along with a brief description of each camp, opportune times to capture good stories, photographs or footage, and contact information, includes:

  • Involving Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math (STEAM) camp, from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., June 29-July 1, in the Engineering Building. The camp is for girls in grades 6-8. Through a number of hands-on activities, the participants will explore science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. The goal is to help students explore the world around them, enhance their problem-solving skills, meet new people, and spark their interest in STEAM careers. Contact Lizette Chevalier at 618/453-4321 or by email at Lizette.chevalier@siu.edu.
  • Camp Little Giant, the therapeutic recreation camp for children and adults of differing abilities, offers Camp Traditions IV, July 5-10, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. The camp, at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center, about eight miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road, provides campers with a true summer camp experience. For additional information or to arrange a media visit, contact Vicki Lang-Mendenhall at 618/453-1121, ext. 231, or by email at vickil@siu.edu.
  • Survival 101, the final session of EdVenture, Touch of Nature Environmental Center’s outdoor summer camp series for children, will meet July 6-10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campers will learn basic survival skills and information and participate in activities including identifying and collecting wild food, building a shelter, making fire, collecting water, and using natural and found materials. To learn more about the camp or schedule a visit, call 618/453-1121 or email tonec@siu.edu.
  • Art for Young Hands Summer Art Camp, from 2 to 4 p.m., July 6-10, in Allyn Building, Room 102, for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age children. They will explore the world of art using pencils, pastels, watercolors, acrylic paint, clay and wood to create personalized artwork. Contact Kathleen Frye at 618/303-6265 to confirm times for media visits.
  • Beginning Lego Engineering Camp for children in grades 1-2 offers a camp session from 8:30 a.m. to noon, July 6-10, in Quigley Hall, Room 310. Participants will learn about basic engineering by constructing projects using Legos, pulleys, gears and motors and they will create take-home projects. Media are welcome at any time. For more information, contact Jon Davey at 618/453-3734 or by email at jdavey@siu.edu.
  • LEGO Mindstorms Camp, an all-new camp for children ages 10 and older, will offer its final two sessions July 6-10. One session will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with the other from 1 to 4:30 p.m., in Quigley Hall, Room 310. Participants will create and command robots that walk, talk and think. Media may come any time during camp hours. To learn more, contact Jon Davey at 618/453-3734 or by email at jdavey@siu.edu.
  • WeDo Robotics Lego Camp for children in grades 3-5 meets from 1 to 4:40 p.m., July 6-10, in Quigley Hall, Room 310. Participants will learn problem-solving and critical-thinking skills as they create wild animal models using Lego hardware and software. They will make a take-home project as well. Media may visit any time the camp is in session. For more information, contact Jon Davey at 618/453-3734 or by email at jdavey@siu.edu.
  • Take Five: Exploring 2-D and 3-D Art Camp is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 6-10, in Allyn Building, Room 102. The art workshop for children in grades 6-9 includes an intensive exploration of various art media, methods and techniques. Call Kathleen Frye at 618/303-6265 to confirm good times for media visits.
  • Saluki Track and Field Throws Camp, is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 11-12, at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The camp is for athletes ages 12-18. The camp includes personalized technique evaluations and help with shot put or discus skills. Media are welcome at any time. For additional information, contact John Smith at 618/453-7243 or by email at jjsmith@athletics.siu.edu.