There is still time to sign up for one of the many weeklong summer career exploration camps through the Genesee County Business Education Alliance (BEA).
Karyn Winters, the director, said they will be accepting registrations through the end of this week.
Kids from grades six through nine are eligible to register for culinary, animal and medical camps, while those in grades six through eight are eligible for a math, science and technology camp. Older students from grades eight through 10 can participate in a camp about careers in construction.
“These camps just offer a great opportunity for [students in middle school] to get a little experience under their belt,” Winters said. “They can learn from instructors who are in those fields and industries. They just have a great time and can have fun while they’re doing it, too.”
The BEA’s mission is to foster a partnership between Genesee County businesses and schools.
“We want to really assist and prepare students for the world of work,” Winters said. “We want to retain the student population that we have here to remain in Genesee County to ensure the economic development of our county.”
“Culinary Camp I” runs from July 10 through 14, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the GVEP Batavia Campus. Participants will learn how to cook and bake with Chef Tracy Burgio. They will make a variety of recipes using fresh, healthy ingredients. Graduates of Culinary Camp 1 can expand on their skills learned, and participate in “Culinary Camp II” from July 17 through 21, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the GVEP Batavia Campus.
For students that enjoy animals, there is an “Animal Science and Vet Camp” running from July 17 until 21, from 12 until 3:30 p.m. at the GVEP Batavia Campus. They will learn about small and large animals, anatomy, food production, and animals in agriculture. Winters said they are also planning a trip to Seneca Park Zoo.
“All About Dogs” is a camp that runs from July 10 through 14, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., or 12 until 3:30 p.m. at the GVEP Batavia Campus. At this camp, participants will explore careers working with dogs, from training to grooming, to rescuing service dogs. They will also learn how to make their own dog toys.
Students that are interested in the medical profession can participate in the camp from July 24 until 28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. They will explore available career options in the medical industry and visit two hospitals.
Winters said her favorite camp is the “MST Camp,” which explores the world of math, science and technology with hands-on activities. Participants learn about renewable energy, aerodynamics, aviation, astronomy, robotics and GPS mapping.
“It’s a really cool camp especially if your kid likes to fidget with things or has an interest with those STEM skills,” Winters said. “STEM careers are something that is not going to go away.”
The MST Camp will be held from July 17 until the 21 from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the GCC Batavia Campus.
For older students, “Camp Hard Hat” runs from July 31 until Aug. 4 at the Genesee County Park. The camp is taught by two instructors from construction backgrounds. Students will be making a walkway and a bridge over the Genesee County Park.
Each camp costs $95, but Winters said she is happy to work with families that have financial restrictions.
“Exposure to these camps and participation in these camps is helping kids to become well rounded adults,” Winters said.
For more information and to register for a camp, you can contact Winters at 343-7440 x1025 or kwinters@geneseeny.com
