This list of courses is tentative and could change due to instructor schedules, coordinator placement, or space availability. The final schedule for Week 1 will be available on the CampDoc registration site.
Use the links below to jump to a session:
Morning Sessions (9:00 a.m.–noon)
Batter Battles! (previously Cake Wars!)
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Kristin Tregaskis
Age Group: 6–8
Cost: $140
Description: READY? SET? BAKE! Are you a master chef? Do you want to own a bakery someday? Are you creative? Then welcome to Batter Battles! Spend an entire week designing and creating a cake made completely by you! In this class, students will learn how to measure, properly prepare, design, and safely bake a cake of their dreams! Please be aware of food allergens.
This course has limited availability and is expected to sell out. Please plan accordingly.
*Due to an increase in the cost of groceries and items like eggs, a $15 fee has been added to class to cover the cost of food and other items the students will use during the week.
All About Science Experiments!
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Lauren Galle-Boyko
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Welcome to a world full of wacky, fun science experiments! In this course, children will get a simplified introduction to scientific processes. Together, we will explore each step of the scientific method. Every day, students conduct a new experiment, and they can bring their findings home to share with family and friends. This class is designed to spark a love for science in children while allowing them to have fun and learn how to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and analyze!
Wonderful Wanderers
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Jessie Fuller
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Welcome to the great outdoors at Penn State Behrend! Each day, we will explore and discover a different aspect of the natural world around us. Through games, art activities, stories, and discussions, we will engage with the outdoors in exciting ways. Our adventures will include exploring the weather, plants, backyard wildlife, rocks, and water. Perfect for young explorers and nature-loving kids! Come prepared for an outdoor adventure as we spend most of our time roaming the beautiful campus of Behrend!
Pack Your Passports!
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Vicki Saska
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $140
Description: Pack your bags and get ready for an exciting journey around the world! In this fun and interactive course, young explorers will embark on a thrilling adventure to discover the cultures, traditions, and wonders of the USA, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and Australia. Through engaging firsthand activities, storytelling, music, art, and games, children will explore famous landmarks, try new languages, and learn about the unique customs that make each country special. From the Statue of Liberty to the Great Barrier Reef, from Italian pasta to Mexican fiestas, every class is a new adventure! This course is designed to spark curiosity, inspire a love for diverse cultures, and create lasting memories while building important social and cognitive skills. Get ready for a world of fun, learning, and imagination! Please be aware of food allergens.
*Due to an increase in the cost of groceries and food needed for this course, a $15 fee has been added to the class to cover the cost of items the students will use during the program.
Titanic Time Travelers
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Lauren Zamperini
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $125
Description: Let’s travel back to April 1912 to witness a marvel and disaster in the making. Titanic, the world's largest luxury ocean liner, is about to set sail! Young adventurers will embark on a voyage back in time to explore the captivating story of the Titanic. Dive deep into the history of the Titanic, uncovering facts about its construction, luxurious amenities, and the people who traveled aboard this legendary ship.
This course has limited availability and is expected to sell out. Please plan accordingly.
*This course requires a Penn State login for our computer network on campus. Details on how to obtain this login will be emailed to participants after registration.
Sculpting with a Twist!
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $135
Description: Welcome to an art class where anything goes! Use your inventive minds to create abstract works of art! Using various supplies—recycled metals, glass, wire, paper, and cardboard—we will give new life to our creations. This class is all about expression and allows your students to create works of art only they can dream about. Nothing is impossible! Come join us for a wild week of creating, crafting, and laughing!
*Due to an increase in the cost of art supplies and materials for this course, a $10 fee has been added to the class to cover the cost of items the students will use during the program.
The Behrend Band! New course
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Susan Forsythe
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $125
Description: Join The Behrend Band for a week at College for Kids and become a composer, musician, and performer all in one! In this dynamic class, students will learn how to imagine, create, and express their own musical ideas through singing, playing instruments, and creative collaboration. Throughout the session, we’ll explore the building blocks of music—melody, rhythm, and harmony—while encouraging each student’s unique musical voice. Whether you’re a budding songwriter or just love making music, this class is your stage—let’s make some noise!
*This course was made possible through a donation in memory of Mike Sider in order to instill a passion and love for music in the next generation of children.
Engineering Challenges
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Lauren Konkol
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $125
Description: Is your child a hands-on learner? Want to develop their critical thinking capabilities? In this course, students will be challenged to five levels of engineering challenges and put each of the challenges to the ultimate test. Students will test their projects in a variety of ways and learn skills such as critical thinking, team building, hand-eye coordination, and more! If your child loves building, blocks, and everything engineering-related, then this is the course for them to experience what it takes to become the next great developer, architect, or engineer!
Afternoon Sessions (1:00–4:00 p.m.)
Screen-Free Fun!
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Lauren Galle-Boyko
Age Group: 6–8
Cost: $125
Description: Say goodbye to screens and hello to nonstop fun! This action-packed, week-long camp is designed to get kids moving, thinking, and laughing through exciting hands-on games. Each day brings a brand-new theme, keeping curiosity and creativity at an all-time high!
Monday: Get artsy with colorful, creative challenges!
Tuesday: Dive into thrilling science experiments and discovery games!
Wednesday: Math becomes an adventure with number-packed games!
Thursday: Wordplay and storytelling make English day unforgettable!
Friday: End the week on a high note with musical games and rhythm fun!
With at least three engaging games daily, your child will build problem-solving skills, teamwork, and coordination—all while having an absolute blast. If you're looking for the perfect mix of learning and playing, this is the camp to join!
Wonderful Wanderers
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jessie Fuller
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Welcome to the great outdoors at Penn State Behrend! Each day, we will explore and discover a different aspect of the natural world around us. Through games, art activities, stories, and discussions, we will engage with the outdoors in exciting ways. Our adventures will include exploring the weather, plants, backyard wildlife, rocks, and water. Perfect for young explorers and nature-loving kids! Come prepared for an outdoor adventure as we spend most of our time roaming the beautiful campus of Behrend!
Do, Re, Mi!
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Forsythe
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Calling all young music lovers! In this course, students will embark on a fun-filled journey into the world of music notation. Through engaging games, hands-on activities, and plenty of singing, students will learn to read and write musical notes, rhythms, and symbols. We’ll explore the musical staff, note values, and simple melodies, helping children develop a strong foundation in music literacy. Whether your child is a budding musician or just discovering their love for music, this class will make learning do, re, mi as easy as 1, 2, 3!
*This course was made possible through a donation in memory of Mike Sider in order to instill a passion and love for music in the next generation of children.
Engineering Challenges
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Lauren Konkol
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $125
Description: Is your child a hands-on learner? Want to develop their critical thinking capabilities? In this course, students will be challenged to five levels of engineering challenges and put each of the challenges to the ultimate test. Students will test their projects in a variety of ways and learn skills such as critical thinking, team building, hand-eye coordination, and more! If your child loves building, blocks, and everything engineering-related, then this is the course for them to experience what it takes to become the next great developer, architect, or engineer!
The Sketchbook 101!
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $135
Description: Designed for younger students, this class helps students draw more realistic, lifelike pieces revolving around landscapes, animals, and people. Media used in this class will include pencil, colored pencil, and ink pen. Improve your drawing techniques over the course of the week and create some delightful works of art!
*Due to an increase in the cost of art supplies and materials for this course, a $10 fee has been added to the class to cover the cost of items the students will use during the program.
Introduction to Robotics
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Paul Semrau
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $125
Description: Come explore the fascinating world of robotics, where robots are found everywhere—from toys and industrial machines to those used in space exploration. Discover how the science behind these incredible creations impacts your everyday life. Through hands-on experimentation and design, you will build robots using the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set, Jitter Bot, MiP, Edison, and more to tackle exciting projects!
*This course requires a Penn State login for our computer network on campus. Details on how to obtain this login will be emailed to participants after registration.
Storm Chasers 101
Dates: June 15–19
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tom Atkins
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $125
Description: Welcome to an introduction to storm chasing! Do you like thunderstorms? Have things like tornados and lightning always fascinated you? In this course we will learn about severe weather, and how people like storm trackers and meteorologists chase and predict these storms! The class is perfect for the students who like all things weather related, or for anyone who may want to become a meteorologist when they are older! Come spend a week with Erie’s own Tom Atkins and learn about all things weather-related!
Instructor email addresses will be provided after registration and should only be used to communicate during the course.