CCC summer career camp for children starts July 29

Posted

By Larry Hendricks
Special to the Chronicle

PAGE – Learn how to code a computer with micro-bits. Explore 3D design and printing. Discover drone technology.


Children ages 11 to 14 in the Page region will get an opportunity to attend a Summer Career Camp, called “Coding, Drone & Cool Computer Stuff,” at Coconino Community College in Page, from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 29 through Thursday, Aug. 1.


Jeff Jones, CCC’s dean of career and technical education, will be leading the camp this year. Jones is a former engineer, information technology professional and longtime computer information systems faculty at CCC.


“The most enjoyable part of teaching middle-school age kids is offering them something different and sharing my passion for technology and problem solving,” Jones said. “Seeing some of the teams learn as much as college kids in a semester is pretty exciting.”


Jones pointed out that research has suggested that computer coding and technology are encouraged to be a part of early curriculum because it is the language of the Internet Age.
“Critical thinking and logic are skills that will apply no matter what career they choose,” Jones said.


Jones added that he is excited to teach the camp in Page.


“I think it’s important to offer as much as we can to more rural areas, where they may have limited opportunity,” Jones said. “Sometimes, this may have to be done in unique ways and with volunteers to make it sustainable.”


CCC Page is in its second year offering summer camps for children. Last year, the college offered a Science and Stars Camp, where students were exposed to the sciences and dabbled in astronomy.
One parent, after last year’s camp, stated, “I was so pleased this was offered this summer and hope it continues. Excellent program for our community!”


Another parent stated, “I’m just really grateful for everybody who made it happen and at such an affordable price. We are just so lucky that we had this opportunity for our kids in a small community. I really, really appreciate the program and the quality.”


Kay Leum, CCC’s executive director of extended learning, said children can look forward to lots of fun packed with hands-on experiences. She added that CCC Page is fortunate to have staff from Flagstaff, like Jones, interested in sharing their expertise with children in Page.


“We are excited to provide noncredit, personal-interest courses for both kids and adults,” Leum said. “It is our job to provide educational opportunities and a way for CCC to connect with the Page community.”


Cost for the summer camp is $25 per child. Registration materials are available at CCC Page, 475 S. Lake Powell Blvd. The deadline to register for the camp is Thursday, July 24.


For more information, contact Kay Leum at 928-645-3987 or Kay.Leum@coconino.edu. For more details on the camp, visit www.coconino.edu/community-education.