May 31, 2019

Media Advisory – SIU Carbondale Summer Camps May 31-June 15

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting numerous camps for children and youths of all ages the summer. The camps offer great opportunities for reporters, photographers and news crews to get engaging activity stories, photographs and video.

Several chances to capture camp activity stories take place between May 31 and June 15.

Conference and Scheduling Services and Touch of Nature Environmental Center coordinate most of the camps, while Saluki Athletics and other units on campus handle the rest.

Media opportunities May 31-June 15

Here is the schedule for the camps which take place starting today, May 31, through June 15 and that welcome media attention. The listing includes a brief description of each camp’s activities, opportune times to capture appealing stories, photographs or video, and the camp’s contact information. Those camps include:

  • LEGO camp sessions are set for June 3-7 and June 10-14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Quigley Hall, Room 118-120. Participants from first through fifth grades will be constructing fun projects with the LEGO building blocks. Members of the media can come during any of the camp sessions but the best time to get good photographs, video and stories is generally the last hour of each morning and afternoon session when projects will be wrapping up. For more information contact Jon Davey at 618/559-8931 or jdavey@siu.edu, Scott Frisch at sfrisch@siu.edu or Rebecca Dycus at rdycus@siu.edu or 618/453-1141.
  • Saluki Baseball Camp is June 10-13 for ages 7-13 at Abe Martin Field. Members of the media are welcome from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Lunch is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Student Center. During the camp, children will work with SIU coaches and players to improve their hitting, base running, infield/outfield play and pitching skills. For additional details contact Ken Henderson at hendu@athletics.siu.edu or 618/453-4667 or Jackie Welch at jackiew@siu.edu or 618/453-5672.
  • Summer String Music Camp is June 10-13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Old Baptist Foundation. Children in grades 3-8 will enhance their musical skills with string instruments. To learn more, contact Paula Melton at 618/536-8742 or melton@siu.edu or Jacki Welch at 618/453-5672 or jackiew@siu.edu.
  • Two EdVenture Eco Camp sessions will take place at Touch of Nature Environmental Center on June 10-14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday is generally the best day for media coverage, but other days are acceptable as well. Call in advance to get specific schedule details and to arrange a visit. Contact Bryn Blackburn or Dena Haun at 618/453-1121 or Pat Jones at 618/453-3947 or 618/521-9455. The sessions include:
    • Youth in the Wild, for ages 7-10. Children will explore the great outdoors and learn about nature, land navigation and much more with help from experienced staff. They will learn to build shelters, hunt for mammoths, explore creeks, try out the zip-line and more.
    • Wild Outdoor Week (WOW!), for children ages 10-13, is fully booked. Participants will learn survival skills, swim, rock climb, canoe, zip line, complete the high ropes course, tie-dye their own souvenir T-shirts and much more.
  • Camp Olympia I and the first week of Camp Olympia II, both sessions of Camp Little Giant, are set for June 9-14 at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. The overnight camps are for adults ages 21 and older who use a wheelchair, have high care needs or low mobility. The best times for media to visit the camps are Monday through Thursday during daytime hours.

Campers and counselors do fun, interactive “circle up” times at 8:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. each day and media are welcome. Each morning features a wide variety of activities, including horseback riding at Giant City Stables, arts and crafts, games and nature hikes. Mid-afternoon plans typically involve a pontoon boat ride or beach activities while late afternoon schedules often reflect talent shows and karaoke, usually in Burke Lounge, adjacent to Freeberg Hall. On Monday and Wednesday evening campers will fish at Donut Pond or do other activities, while on Tuesday evenings there is a special themed hayride. Members of the media are asked to call ahead to confirm details. Contact Janelle Noldin at 509/821-1931 or Janelle.noldin@siu.edu; Mike Horton at 618/917-1589 or michort@siue.edu; or Pat Jones at 618/453-3947 or 618/521-9455.

The 2019 summer camps schedule and additional information are available at conferenceservices.siu.edu, or by contacting Conference and Scheduling Services at 618/536-7751 or conferenceservices@siu.edu. More details about the Touch of Nature Environmental Center camps can be obtained at ton.siu.edu/camps-and-retreats, or by calling  618/453-1121 or email tonec@siu.edu.