Georgia College is bringing back summer camps in full swing for 2022 after two years of minimal programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The events are hosted by Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) and include Kids’ University, Creature Camp and Athletic Camps.
Kids’ University
The new program coordinator of Kids’ University is Nancy Finney, M.P.A. She plans to enhance the campers’ learning experience by developing a curriculum that guides them through researching, creating and presenting something new each week. Finney has developed and led a variety of educational programs in various states from Colorado to Michigan to Montana. She brings a broad educational background through serving with Americorps, working as a writing coach, teaching kids to ride llamas, alpacas, and horses and playing piano.
The camp is for rising kindergartners to rising fifth-graders.
“Our goal this year is to emphasize immersive, hands-on education for children in the community,” said Finney. “After several years of virtual learning at home and on computers, kids in Milledgeville, Baldwin County and Middle Georgia will benefit from the curriculum we’re offering. Plus, the camp counselors are excited to get outside, create and play.”
Finney is hiring new and talented camp counselors who will bring what they’ve learned in college and other work experience to the summer camps.
“We have international students from India, college athletes, and future scientists and educators who are ready to help students engage and learn,” she said.
The camp counselors are hired from Georgia College and Georgia Military College as well as other surrounding places and are often nearing the end of their undergraduate careers. Some of the areas of study represented by Finney’s team include psychology, biology, early childhood education, special education, middle grades education, world languages, nursing, criminal justice, sociology and history.
Kid’s University, or Kids’ U, is a day camp for rising kindergartners through 5th grade. Each week follows a theme, and students enjoy the pool, outdoor activities, and an educational curriculum. It runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday from May 31 to July 29. Cost varies and ranges from $115 to 125.
All camp counselors for Kids’ University will be CPR/First Aid certified through the American Red Cross.
Creature Camp
This year’s theme for Creature Camp is “All Creatures Colorful and Camouflage.” It’s a science camp focused on animals and color. This camp will run July 11-15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $155.
Ruth Eilers, the director of Georgia College Academic Outreach who is in her 20th year of leadership, will be overseeing this camp. Eilers is the creator of Creature Camp and has been its lead since its beginning. Counselors with backgrounds in education, psychology, environmental science and health promotion will be leading.
“The Academic Outreach crew loves experiential learning and is excited to teach campers all about ways that animals of all kinds use color to ensure survival,” said Finney.
Athletic Camps
Athletic camps include baseball, basketball, tennis and soccer. Dates and prices vary. To learn more about each camp, visit summercamps.gcsu.edu or call Georgia College Continuing & Professional Education at 478-445-5277.
