RMCC Hosts Kids’ College 2016

Kids’ College 2016 was held July 18-21 on the campus of Rich Mountain Community College. Ninety students in grades K-5 attended the weeklong camp. This year’s theme was “Kids’ College: The Knowledge Awakens”.

The students were provided a variety of classes to choose from and select options that would best spark their interest. Many of the students used computers this week for a number of class projects that included: designing their own flyers, business cards and creating the Kids’ College newsletter in “Desktop Publishing”, using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to draw and create their own coins, using a 3D printer to print out a space ship in “Computerized Manufacturing”, and writing their autobiography in “Creative Writing”. Students also had the opportunity to learn different languages in the Spanish and Sign Language classes. A detective from the Mena Police Department taught a class on how to “Be a Detective.”  Throughout the week, the class used clues and dusted for fingerprints to solve a mystery. For the outdoor enthusiasts, the “Ouachita Awakens” class, led by park interpreters from Cossatot River State Park and Queen Wilhelmina State Park gave students insight about the animals in our own backyard and the “Kids Dig It” class instructors taught students hands-on gardening skills through plant identification, seed planting, and stories about gardening. For the students who love music, the “Everybody Speaks Music” class gave students the opportunity to learn to play musical instruments and “Get Up & Dance” class participants learned and performed a routine.  The “Whatcha Got Cooking” classes are always a favorite and this year was no exception! The students learned to cook food, how to prepare a table setting, and dining etiquette. The “Art=Imagination” classes provided a variety of craft projects for the “artist at heart” to showcase their creativity. For the budding scientists, the “Be a Scientist” class participated in hands-on experiments demonstrating how different energies work. One of the science projects included making S’mores in a solar oven made from a pizza box. Additional science and health-related classes included: “Medical Mania” which taught students about the field of medical science and the “Tip to Toe” class where students learned hands-on skin, nail, make-up and fashion techniques. The class focused on the concept that beauty begins on the inside.

On the final day of Kids’ College, parents and guests were invited to an “open house” in the Carver Grand Hall of the Ouachita Center. The event was an information exchange for parents to meet their child’s instructors and an exhibit fair showcasing the week’s activities. A slide show was presented during the open house featuring the students participating at the camp throughout the week.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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