Ages 6-8

Learn the names of all of the different dinosaurs, where they lived, what they ate and how big they really were. Campers go on a dig, discover fossils, make a dinosaur tooth and learn what it was really like to live during the dinosaur age. By the end of this weeklong camp everyone will be young paleontologists! 

Build 14 different vehicles, some of which haven't even been invented in the real world yet! Projects include car, golf cart, Model A Ford, semi truck and trailer, rubber band trigger car, snow plow, motorized shopping cart, stand-up scooter, three-wheeler, tow truck, trick car, wagon, wheel barrow and Zamboni. Registration deadlines are three weeks prior to the course start dates, June 2 and July 14.

Learning math doesn’t have to be a drag. Create projects that incorporate addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in an easy, fun manner that makes it easier to understand the steps and processes so you can be a better student in math.

Step into reading and take an exciting journey to different and far-away places. Experience new adventures through the power of words. Create a puppet show during the last day of class and invite your parents to attend. 

Ages 7-11

Become a mad science chemist! Discover how chemical reactions are everywhere. Figure out if a chemical change has occurred right before your eyes and explore the properties of polymers. Mix, mush and brew together different chemicals to create things. Campers are introduced to how inventors work and why many inventions are created by accident.

Learn basic engineering and logical thinking skills while building various components and structures with LEGO bricks. You also learn basic programming using the LEGO RCX system. Mechanical and electrical LEGO components that replicate components used in the industrial and engineering field are introduced. The skills learned prepare students for LEGO robotic competition. The content is the same as last year's program. Location: Bldg. 700, Room 103

Enter the MSCS (Mad Science Crime Scene) Lab and become a science detective. Visit a crime scene and sift through the data to solve a “crime.” Discover the role of DNA and learn the basics of the code of life. Learn about the systems of the body – circulatory, respiratory, skeletal and muscular. Study chemical reactions as you learn what holds atoms and molecules together. Each day you will explore the fundamental nuts and bolts of chemistry.

In partnership with NASA – From our Earth’s atmosphere to the outer reaches of our solar system, this hands-on program sends campers on a quest for exploration!  Comets, planets, stars and more are all waiting to be discovered.  Learn about the four forces of flight and the challenges of space travel, and participate in a rocket launch!

From the earliest flying machines to the first rocket flights, this week-long exciting hands-on program teaches campers to build many different flying devices. Learn how Newton’s laws of motion help explain how things move and how rockets fly and discover how amazing our Milky Way is.

Discover how to send secret messages to your friends using special codes. Understand the basics of water pollution and acid rain and the benefits of solar energy. Experiment with games and activities while learning how physical and chemical sciences affect their equipment, movement and technique. Learn about life cycles and animal habits, and even replicate an animal's footprints. Discover why the sun, moon, stars and gravity are only a few of the exciting things that must be dealt with on this Mad Science space mission.

This exciting and interactive course teaches you basic Spanish to include family member names, numbers, clothing items, days of the week, colors and much, much more. You also learn about the rich culture and social aspects of Latin American life.

Build 13 different vehicles capped off with a final project in this exciting camp. Some of these vehicles haven't even been invented in the real world yet! Projects include adjustable crane, bobcat, flipper car, forklift, inch- worm car, motorcycle, motorized wheelchair, rally (race) car, riding mower, scissor car, space cruiser, steamroller and submarine. Registration deadlines are three weeks prior to the course start dates, June 2 and July 14.

Survey the wonderful world of science. Experiment with chemicals. Explore the creative side of science. Experience something different each camp day. Your week will be packed full of interactive and hands-on activities that will have each camper looking at science in a completely different light.

Ages 9-11

A real pilot leads you in a week of high-flying adventure. From logging “flight time“ on simulators to building gliders, the basics of aeronautics will be the focus of the week. Campers get their wings upon successful completion of the camp. 

Enjoy a visit from MUSC's Department of Neurosciences staff as they present brain specimens and discuss the general organization, functions and dysfunctions of the brain. Young scientists can explore and investigate the hidden wonders of the microscopic world. Get a close-up view of bugs, cells, plants and many other specimens. Microscope and lab materials are included in the registration fee. Registration deadline is 12 calendar days prior to camp start date. 

Stimulate your critical thinking skills with fun exercises using puzzles and numbers. If you find Brain Age challenging and mind-provoking, you’ll love this camp. It uses different types of brain teasers and puzzles in a fun environment to help students fine-tune the brain. As a special feature, MUSC's Department of Neurosciences staff will showcase the brain and discuss the functions of the different brain parts. 

Achieving success in school isn’t always easy, but it is doable if you put your mind to it. Step one is improving your study skills. This course provides the skills needed to retain information by developing effective study skills. Through fun exercises you learn great memorization tricks and ways to stay focused and pull information when needed.

Do you like to build things? Explore the world of engineering by creating a building project using your computer. You plan a project and learn how to design it using computer-aided graphics. Learn basic engineering techniques and skills as related to computer-aided drafting. Become an engineer today!

This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn the principles of smart spending, saving and investing. This course covers how money works, how to earn and manage your money, how to spend your money, spending other people’s money (the debt trap), and putting money to work for you. Interactive and practical exercises really make this camp money well-spent. Workbook included in registration fee.

Wow your friends, parents and teachers with your knowledge of Microsoft Office! Learn to create awesome spreadsheets and creative Word documents. Dazzle them with out-of-this-world animated PowerPoint presentations that you can use on your own Web site. Become a cool Microsoft Office user with us!

Are you ready to solve the mysteries of the workings of the PC? This course takes you step-by-step through the typical hardware and operating system problems, teaches you troubleshooting and techniques to decipher problems and gives you some of the basic skills to solve them. Once you have mastered the basics, you can bring your PC to class for expert help in streamlining your machine while you learn. E-mail, the Internet and viruses are also covered. Learn to maintain and optimize a Windows PC.

Learn to develop your own creative ideas and turn them into original writings. Have fun doing group activities, as well as independent projects, within a constructive, friendly atmosphere.

Create Web pages that reflect your favorite interests in music and movies. Learn the basics of Web design using Dreamweaver MX to add pictures of yourself or your friends, text, rollover buttons and other cool effects. Also learn how to add Flash animations to your Web pages to create awesome digital effects. Become a webmaster and you can help your friends create their Web pages, too!

Ages 10-12

Do you love comics? Then let us show you how to create your own comics using your computer. Use your creativity to produce animations and illustrations using Flash. Start out with simple objects and text and learn how to adjust color, size and shape. Then learn how to use those objects to create a Flash-animated movie or game. Also learn how to add sound, video and other exciting interactive features. Wow all of your friends with your own comic creations!

Are you a fan of crime dramas? Find out how the professionals solve crimes. Learn techniques used to investigate real crime scenes using science and technology. Learn how to process the information at mock crime scenes with computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. You also learn how to use your computer to find maps to crime scenes and research suspects via the Web. Create a database to track findings and record evidence in order to solve a crime. A PowerPoint presentation wraps up the week as you present your case to others. Become a crime scene investigator for the week! 

Create awesome photographs of your friends and family with this digital photography course. Learn about the different kinds of cameras and how they work while creating photos, editing and all that cool photography stuff. You also learn how to use your digital camera to put pictures on your Web site. Impress your friends with cool pictures. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Ages 12-16

Find out how the professionals solve crimes. Learn techniques used to investigate real crime scenes using science and technology. Learn how to process the information at a crime scene. Incorporate computer skills using Microsoft Word and Excel while investigating mock crime scenes. Use your computer to find maps to locations and research suspects via the Web. Create a database using Microsoft Access to track your findings and record evidence in order to solve a crime. Become a crime scene investigator for the week!

Explore new directions in your writing and thinking. Learn to trust your own language and voice and think independently during this fun writing journey.

Create awesome photographs of your friends and family with this digital photography course. Learn about the different kinds of cameras and how they work while creating photos, editing and all that cool photography stuff. You also learn how to use your digital camera to put pictures on your own Web site. Impress your friends with cool pictures. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Do you like to build things? Explore the world of engineering by creating a building project using your computer. You plan a project and learn how to design it using computer-aided graphics. Learn basic engineering techniques and skills as related to computer-aided drafting. Become an engineer today!

Jump to the next generation of LEGO robotics. This class introduces the NXT LEGO robotic system. Build robotic components and learn new software so you can program the robots to perform given tasks. You will work in pairs to accomplish the assignments. The content is the same as last year's program. Location: Bldg. 700, Room 103 

Are you ready to solve the mysteries of the workings of the PC? This course takes you step-by-step through the typical hardware and operating system problems, teaches you troubleshooting and techniques to decipher problems, and gives you some of the basic skills to solve them. Once you have mastered the basics, you can bring your PC to class for expert help in streamlining your machine while you learn. E-mail, the Internet and viruses are also covered. Learn to maintain and optimize a Windows PC.

Learn proven strategies to take standardized tests. Critical reading, vocabulary development, sentence completion, passages, multiple-choice grammar and mathematics are all covered. You also learn study skills for learning retention.

When do you start planning for financial freedom? The answer is now! This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn the principles of smart spending, saving and investing. This course covers how money works, how to earn and manage your money, how to spend your money, spending other people’s money (the debt trap), and putting money to work for you. Interactive and practical exercises really make this camp money well-spent. Workbook is included in registration fee.

Express yourself by creating Web pages that reflect your favorite interests in music and movies. Learn the basics of Web design using Dreamweaver MX to add pictures of yourself or your friends, text, rollover buttons and other cool effects. Also learn how to add Flash animations to your Web pages to create awesome digital effects. Become a webmaster and you can help your friends create their Web pages, too!

Youth Summer Leadership Program ..................Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Youth Summer Leadership Program consists of five modules that focus on interpersonal skills:

1. Communicating Effectively - Learn the basic principles needed to communicate effectively. Build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Role-play allows you to practice and use the skills introduced.

2.  Being a Team Player - Learn how to build and lead diverse teams, resolve conflict and ensure success. Using the scenario of an earthquake, team members must make decisions crucial to the entire team’s survival and recovery. Participants must use the synergy of the team to reach agreement with others in their group to succeed.

3. Being a Leader - Leadership is the ability to influence others positively, especially in getting them to reach challenging goals. This course encourages you to develop and focus your individual strengths in ways to stand out and lead. Learn how to develop trust in your own abilities and the abilities of your fellow students. You develop and then practice skills for leading others.

4.  Presenting to One or a Thousand -  Being able to present information is the key to your future success. Learn the sequence on the presentation worksheet; why gestures, voice, body movement, facial expressions and appearance of the speaker are important; the three types of analysis needed before a presentation, and the three elements in every spoken message.     

5.  Networking for Success -  To be sucessful in the future, our young leaders will learn the art of networking.  Non-verbal and verbal communication skills will be honed including proper etiquette.

Online Courses  Ages 10 and Older

This popular elementary engineering course using LEGOs is held ONLINE. Once registered, you will be sent a LEGO kit with more than 1,000 Advanced Technic LEGO pieces, which you get to keep! This camp consists of engineering theory and instruction plus six very complex building exercises. It is for the serious builder. Registration deadline is 12 calendar days prior to course start date.

Learn how to design and modify your own exciting arcade-style video games ONLINE. This camp teaches you how to control characters, objects and outcomes in your game, then increase the difficulty level and add more features. Graphic design and animation topics are also covered. Learn how to design your own version of PacMan and several others. This instructor-facilitated class is appropriate for ages 10 and older and is taught by Rob Mayo of All About Learning, Inc. You should have a fast Internet connection (faster than dial-up). If you have a DSL or cable modem, you should be fine. Your computer must meet the minimum system requirements: http://www.michiganlearning.com/custom.php?dataset=systemrequirements.php 

Culinary (Ages 8-16)

This hands-on week of baking covers the basics of birthday cakes and special occasion cakes, icings and cake decorating. On day five, make your own personally decorated cake to take home.

This hands-on week of baking covers the basics of birthday cakes and special occasion cakes, icings and cake decorating. On day five, make your own personally decorated cake to take home.

Learn the art of working with chocolate from chocolate-dipped fresh fruit to chocolate truffles. Candies to satisfy the sweet tooth include peppermint patties, turtles and pralines.

Learn the art of working with chocolate from chocolate-dipped fresh fruit to chocolate truffles. Candies to satisfy the sweet tooth include peppermint patties, turtles and pralines.

Spend a day cooking each of the following cuisines: Chinese, French, Greek, Indian and Middle Eastern/North African. This is your passport to culinary world travel.

Spend a day cooking each of the following cuisines: Chinese, French, Greek, Indian and Middle Eastern/North African. This is your passport to culinary world travel.

Cook your way around Italy with four days of pastas, pizzas, sauces, salads, entrees and desserts. On day five, participants will cook lunch – parents invited!

Cook your way around Italy with four days of pastas, pizzas, sauces, salads, entrees and desserts. On day five, participants will cook lunch – parents invited!

After this exciting week of hands-on classes, you will know your way around the fundamentals of cooking. Day one: salads and veggies. Day two: pastas and potatoes. Day three: sautéing and grilling basics. Day four: desserts. On day five, participants will cook lunch – parents invited!

After this exciting week of hands-on classes, you will know your way around the fundamentals of cooking. Day one: salads and veggies. Day two: pastas and potatoes. Day three: sautéing and grilling basics. Day four: desserts. On day five, participants will cook lunch – parents invited!

Learn baking skills that will last for a lifetime in a hands-on week of baking basics. Day one: quick breads, biscuits and muffins. Day two: cookies, brownies and bars. Day three: pies and tarts. Day four: cakes. Day five: ice cream desserts.

Learn baking skills that will last for a lifetime in a hands-on week of baking basics. Day one: quick breads, biscuits and muffins. Day two: cookies, brownies and bars. Day three: pies and tarts. Day four: cakes. Day five: ice cream desserts.

Plan on a week of summer fun with four days of making sandwiches, salads and snacks that can survive the heat. Cool beverages and portable desserts will also be on the menu. On day five, participants will make their own picnic – parents invited!

Plan on a week of summer fun with four days of making sandwiches, salads and snacks that can survive the heat. Cool beverages and portable desserts will also be on the menu. On day five, participants will make their own picnic – parents invited!

Travel to Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean in this week of hands-on cooking. South-of-the-border delights include quesadillas, burritos, guacamole, salsas, nachos and tacos.

Travel to Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean in this week of hands-on cooking. South-of-the-border delights include quesadillas, burritos, guacamole, salsas, nachos and tacos.