Week 5: July 20 to 24

Pack Your Passports!

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Lauren Konkol
Ages: 6–10
Cost: $140

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 Ireland. 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.

Color Me Happy!

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
Ages: 6–10
Cost: $135

During this class, students will learn the basics of creating great watercolor masterpieces while understanding the mixed media arts! First, students will spend a day or two learning how to use watercolors and applying their new skills to create watercolor themed backgrounds. Next the students will be introduced to the art form of mixed media and apply colored penciled drawings and sketches to their water-colored papers. Get ready to paint and create animals, people, landscapes, and more in this exciting hands-on art class!

*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.

Manufacturing Maniacs! New course

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Paul Lynch & Mark Rubeo
Ages: 8–12
Cost: $125

Sponsored by the METALS program at Penn State Behrend, this course is designed to spark an interest in the engineering fields this campus has to offer! Dive into the world of modern engineering and manufacturing with this dynamic, hands-on class designed for curious minds! Students will get a taste of additive manufacturing through 3D printing, creating custom models and even experimenting with edible chocolate creations for a fun twist. The course will also introduce students to the art and science of sandcasting, where they will mold and pour molten metal to create unique objects.

*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.

*Due to the nature of this course, children will be required to wear closed-toe shoes as well as pants during this specific session of College for Kids. Students will be given hands-on experience to the engineering labs within our School of Engineering and Burke facilities during this program. Students who do not follow this dress code will not be able to participate in the lab activities during class.

*If participating in this course, please arrive as early as possible to sign in each day. Registration will begin at 8:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. daily. The METALS program will have a separate line for students in order to get them to the engineering labs in Burke as soon as possible. Additionally, please anticipate delays in pickup times as well. Students will be travelling across campus for class daily.

The Music Lab! New course

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Susan Forsythe
Ages: 8–12
Cost: $125

THIS COURSE IS NOT INTENDED FOR EVERYONE. PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION PRIOR TO REGISTERING.

Do you currently play an instrument? Are you a trumpeter in the school band or a weekend guitarist in your garage? Would you like to develop your clarinet skills, or better your abilities on the tambourine? Come advance your skills and practice playing music with other students like you! Bring your instrument to class and develop your musical talents with an instructor who has more than 20 years of experience teaching music to children. Designed with the student in mind, this student-centered course was developed to allow students to let their creative musical talents thrive with instruments they already own and skills they already possess. We will meet as a group on day one and plan a course of action for our week together, based on the instruments that come to class! Get your inner band geek on and spend a week this summer advancing your musical talents with other students who enjoy creating music just like you! In order to attend the class, you must possess your own instrument and be willing to bring it to the program each day. Penn State Behrend and the College for Kids program are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items brought to camp, and will not store the instruments while your children attend other sessions or activities.

Prior to the course beginning, you will be contacted via email to identify what instrument you will be bringing to class in order to help the instructor prepare for the lesson. Instruments will not be provided by the College for Kids program, and students enrolling in this course should already play a specific instrument.

The Sleight of Hand! New course

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Joe Hohman
Ages: 10–14
Cost: $125

Welcome to a course designed to introduce you to the captivating world of sleight of hand magic with cards! In this week-long session, students will learn foundational techniques such as card controls, false cuts, false shuffles, and a variety of impressive magic tricks, all while mastering the art of audience interaction. The course will also explore the science behind trickery and laughter, with a special focus on the psychology of misdirection and timing. Along with the essential sleights, students will be taught several classic, show-stopping tricks. Detailed, illustrated notes will be provided by the instructor, ensuring students leave with a solid understanding of card magic and a few dazzling tricks to wow family and friends!

Star Wars and the Roman Empire

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Dan Quiggle
Ages: 10–14
Cost: $125

Welcome to a world where sci-fi meets history! In this course we will examine how the creator of Star Wars was a huge history buff, and due to that, he borrowed some of the main concepts of his movies from the pages within a history textbook. Be prepared to unravel history and blow your minds! This course shows you how history tends to repeat itself while having fun and learning! It is the perfect course for any Star Wars fan or history nerd!

*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.

Pack Your Passports!

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Lauren Konkol
Ages: 6–10
Cost: $140

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 Ireland. 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.

Designing Dreams

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
Ages: 6–10
Cost: $135

If you like to draw and create works of art with pencils and colored pencils; this is the class for you! Students will broaden their artistic skills and knowledge in this little kid-oriented beginner-style art class. Our mission this week will be to help you create more realistic forms of art, while having fun and learning to become a better drawer!

*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.

Manufacturing Maniacs! New course

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Paul Lynch & Mark Rubeo
Ages: 8–12
Cost: $125

Sponsored by the METALS program at Penn State Behrend, this course is designed to spark an interest in the engineering fields this campus has to offer! Dive into the world of modern engineering and manufacturing with this dynamic, hands-on class designed for curious minds! Students will get a taste of additive manufacturing through 3D printing, creating custom models and even experimenting with edible chocolate creations for a fun twist. The course will also introduce students to the art and science of sandcasting, where they will mold and pour molten metal to create unique objects.

*This course requires a Penn State login for our computer network on campus. Details on how to obtain this login will be sent to the participants after they register for the course. Be on the lookout for this information within your email.

*Due to the nature of this course, children will be required to wear closed-toe shoes as well as pants during this specific session of College for Kids. Students will be given hands-on experience to the engineering labs within our School of Engineering and Burke facilities during this program. Students who do not follow this dress code will not be able to participate in the lab activities during class.

*If participating in this course, please arrive as early as possible to sign in each day. Registration will begin at 8:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. daily. The METALS program will have a separate line for students in order to get them to the engineering labs in Burke as soon as possible. Additionally, please anticipate delays in pickup times as well. Students will be travelling across campus for class daily.

The Musical Medley Workshop! New course

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Forsythe
Ages: 8–12
Cost: $125

Are you an aspiring singer? Do you love everything musicals and preforming? Come spend a week at College for Kids learning, practicing, and singing songs from your favorite musicals like Wicked, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Grease, and more! On the first day of class, we will collectively meet as a class and identify our favorite musicals and songs from these shows and begin a course of action for our week together. Students will be able to pick shows and songs from their favorite performances and learn exactly how to sing their favorite show tunes! Throughout the week we will learn about the history of musicals, listen to famous performances from our favorite shows, watch performers practice and learn their talents, practice singing our favorite show tunes, and learn performance skills while inquiring about how to bring a piece of music to performance level. This workshop is open to any singing ability and to any student who truly enjoys all things musicals! Come spend a week with us living in a world filled with your favorite musicals and learn how to professionally sing a song or two from your favorite shows!

An Introduction to Magic New course

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Joseph Hohman
Ages: 10–14
Cost: $125

Harry Potter may have taken a year off this summer, but the magic still lives on at College for Kids! This course will emphasize beginner, easy-to-do magic. It will still require practice and rehearsal, but it will depend less on manual dexterity and more on principles of timing, cover, and misdirection. Detailed and illustrated notes will be provided, as well as necessary materials to conduct several magic tricks outside of class. Throughout the course we will learn card tricks and coin tricks, as well as rope magic, mathematical magic, and pocket magic, too! Come spend a week learning some new tricks to impress your friends!

A World at War…

Dates: July 20–24
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dan Quiggle
Ages: 10–14
Cost: $125

Do you like history? Are you interested in learning more about World War II? This is the course for you! In this course, we will cover one of the most important periods in modern American history. Be prepared to discuss topics such as Pearl Harbor, the use of atomic bombs, concentration camps, and the rise and fall of Germany’s Nazi Party. This class is based on student-led discussion and interests, so we will dive deeper into the topics students want to explore.

*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.