Learning Compass Summer Camps Open to Children of Alumni

A new initiative from the Graduate School and Summer Session will bring the excitement of Winthrop academics to a new audience: school-age children ranging from third through 12th grade. The Learning Compass summer experience for youth will expand the academic horizons of these students through week-long, faculty-led day camps in one of five academic areas.

"The idea is that it will be an entertaining learning experience for the students involved with many hands-on activities in a content area," said Yvonne Murnane, dean of the Graduate School. "Students will learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills through this academic experience and achieve life skills."

The Learning Compass camps will be first open exclusively to children of Winthrop alumni, faculty and staff for a discounted rate of $250 per week. The camps will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in two separate weeks, July 11-15 and July 18-22. Lunch is included for each student, and extended hours are available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. for an additional $20 per student.

"In the end, we hope that the Learning Compass program will bring students and parents from the wider Rock Hill community to campus so they can see the value of Winthrop for their family now and in the future," Murnane said.

In this pilot year, the following five camp options will be offered:

Topics for July 11-15

• Program, Play, Progress: middle school, presented by Chlotia Garrison and Marguerite Doman. Students will create their own computer games and play fun math games.
• Multi-media Magic: Creating and Transmitting Messages (and Making Them Sizzle): high school, presented by Larry Timbs. Students will create cool, hands-on digital communications in a Web 2.0 environment.

Topics for July 18-22

• Junior Chef: third and fourth grade, presented by Susan Reichelt and Melanie Brown Powley. Students will explore foods and cook while learning exciting math and science facts.
• Discover Your Inner Design Star: high school, presented by Jennifer Belk. Students will learn about the field of interior design, taking on a real design project and interacting with local professional designers.
• Stand Up & Shout: high school, presented by Chris and Jill O’Neill. Students interested in theatre will love this interactive camp in Winthrop’s state-of-the-art facilities.

The experience will be limited to 24 students per camp, and they are expected to fill early. Contact the Graduate School at 803/323-2204 for more information and to receive a registration form. Registration is required by July 15.

Posted 03/08/2011