VANCOUVER, Wash. — This summer, children ages 5-8 can learn about nature, water quality and construction and try their hands at art through four summer day camps at Washington State University Vancouver.
Part of the Child Development Program, the summer camps emphasize individual growth and development; equal attention to intellectual, emotional, physical and social development; developmentally appropriate practice; and time spent outdoors engaged in exploration and recreation.
Summer camps are offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. five days a week, except July 4. Extended care is available between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuition is $130 per week, and extended care is $2 per hour. Indu Sood, an early childhood specialist, will lead the program with assistance from a student working on a bachelor’s degree in human development. Staff from the Child Development Program will cover extended care hours.
The first session, “Campus Exploration,” runs June 25-29. Students can explore nature at WSU by collecting and analyzing stream and pond samples and working on nature-based art projects for the summer camp “art gallery,” including picture frames and pop-up cards.
“Wet and Wild,” the second session running July 2-13, offers conservation and experimentation activities, a field trip to the Water Resource Education Center and a nature/wetland tour. For the art gallery, students will create puppets and masks.
For the third session, “Hard Hats Required,” scheduled July 16-27, children will tour the WSU construction zone and construct buildings out of blocks, Legos and other materials. “Tube City” and other projects will be included in the art gallery.
In the last session, “Art Gallery,” running July 30-Aug. 10, participants will create two- and three-dimensional representations of campus landmarks and natural beauty. Clay sculptures, silk/paper flowers and books will complement the art gallery collection on public display at the end of the session.
Support for the camp program came from a private gift from Bruce R. and Jolene M. McCaw of Seattle. For more information, contact Jan Jewett, Child Development Program director, 360/546-9713, jewett@vancouver.wsu.edu.
