This list of courses is tentative, and could change due to issues with instructors’ schedules, coordinator placement, or space availability. The final schedule for week five will be available on the CampDoc registration site.
Use the links below to go directly to the morning or afternoon sessions.
Morning Classes: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Singin’ & Stringin’ NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Susan Forsythe
Age Group: 6–8
Cost: $125
Description: Ever dreamed of strumming an instrument and singing your heart out—at the same time? Welcome to Singin’ & Stringin! In this class, you’ll learn to play the ukulele, sing with confidence, and discover just how fun and easy making music can be. With just three simple chords, you’ll unlock the power to play hundreds of songs—starting with a few favorites that you’ll quickly master. The ukulele is small, portable, and always ready for a jam session. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, your uke and your voice will bring smiles wherever you go. Along the way, you’ll sharpen skills like rhythm, pitch, memorization, and multitasking as you learn to sing and play together. Dive into music games that reinforce your new skills, explore the rich history of the ukulele, and enjoy curated listening experiences that spark inspiration. Make music, make friends, and make this summer one to remember! At the end of the week, the students would like to invite their parents to a ‘show and tell’ session that highlights all of the new skills they learned during the course. This course offers a limited amount of availability and will sell out! Please plan accordingly!
*This course was made possible through a donation in memory of Mike Sider in order to instill a passion and love for music into the next generation of children.
Wonderful Wanderers
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Jessie Fuller
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Welcome to the outdoor world at Penn State Behrend! Each day, explore and discover an aspect of the natural world around us. We will be wandering and engaging with the outdoors through games, art activities, stories, and discussions. Elements of nature we will explore include the weather, plants, backyard wildlife, rocks, and water—perfect for the little explorer or outdoorsy child! Come prepared! In this course, we will spend our days exploring everything the campus of Behrend has to offer! We will spend most of our time outside wandering around various locations on campus!
Made in America! NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Hannah Kemmet
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: 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. At the end of the week, parents will be invited in for a special event on Friday where students will display their projects and highlight the skills they learned throughout the week.
*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 in the engineering labs within our School of Engineering and Burke facilities during this program.
*If participating in this course, please arrive as early as possible for 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.
Bricks & Books (LEGO®-Themed Course)
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Theresa Tonelli
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Does your child like to read? Are they a bookworm who enjoys immersing in the depths of a delightful book while being creative? Welcome to a course where we combine that love of reading and make it even more fun with LEGOs! Children will read children's books and then build assorted items from the story using LEGO® building toys. While reading, children will learn about the basic parts of a story and build things like the setting, characters, plot, and more as they read and enjoy the book! Come expand your mind, develop your reading skills, and have fun doing it by playing with LEGOs as you read and building something fantastic!
Taylor Swift: The Behrend Tour NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Lillian Vandervort
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $125
Description: Calling all Swifties!!! Who is ready for our STEM Era??? Throughout this course, we will enter two Taylor Swift Eras each day, which will inspire the day’s activities for the course. We will spend time creating Taylor-inspired crafts and taking on STEM lessons relating to Polaroid pictures and the production of the Eras Tour. The Eras tour stops will come to life as we learn about the history and geography of these locations, as well as everything and anything Taylor Swift related. We will also discuss how Taylor has empowered other women on their journeys and learn how we can do the same thing throughout our journeys, too. Naturally, we will listen to her iconic tracks as we create, grow, and learn all about this pop icon! Get ready, fans! This is one tour date you don’t want to miss! This course offers a limited amount of availability and will sell out! Please plan accordingly!
Artistic License!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
Age Group: 10–12
Cost: $135
Description: Curious about paint pours? Well-placed lines and colors? Animals and people painted in blues, purples, and greens? Try out this abstract painting course! Take your paintings to a new level and create something that is out of this world! In this class, anything is possible, and the sky is the limit! Once the students spend a week letting their creative juices flow designing fabulous works of art, they will host a semi-formal art show on Friday to conclude the course and for the parents/guardians to attend and view the class's hard work!
*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.
From Page to Stage! NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Bethany Sulecki
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $125
Description: How do musicals make their way from the page to the stage? How do costume and set designers create the world of the play? What does it take to learn a song and a dance? These are some of the questions that we will dive into while we create our own five-minute play or musical within five days! Come join in on the fun and learn how to break down all of the different elements behind theater performances and let your creative talents shine! Once the students spend a week letting their creative juices flow and create a show, they will host a semi-formal performance on Friday to conclude the course and to show off their acting and singing capabilities to parents, guardians, or family friends! This course offers a limited amount of availability and will sell out! Please plan accordingly!
A Bookmaking Workshop
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Megan Jell
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $135
Description: This course takes the art of designing a novel to the next level! Spend a week learning how to not only write and illustrate stories, but also how to fold, bind, and sew your own paperback books! In addition to writing their own story, students will learn how to create their own accordion fold books, pop-ups, marble paper, altered books, and stitched books during our five days together. Perfect for the advanced reader or artist who wants to learn techniques in bookbinding, this class is centered on reading and writing, as well as material exploration and creative problem solving for any student.
*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.
Snack Attack!!! NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 9:00 a.m.–noon
Instructor: Hazel Peel
Age Group: 12–14
Cost: $125
Description: A new addition to the College for Kids schedules this summer, this course was created by one of Behrend’s Early Childhood Education majors to instill a sense of responsibility and pride in students who are entering their teenage years! The course was designed to teach students how to create some wonderful edible snacks on their own without using things like a full-blown kitchen or stove! Within the class, students will learn how to read recipes, follow directions, and make healthier choices in the kitchen, while whipping up delicious snacks like ants on a log, puppy chow, trail mix, and more! BEWARE OF FOOD ALLERGENS!
Afternoon Classes: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Singin’ & Stringin’ NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Forsythe
Age Group: 6–8
Cost: $125
Description: Ever dreamed of strumming an instrument and singing your heart out—at the same time? Welcome to Singin’ & Stringin! In this class, you’ll learn to play the ukulele, sing with confidence, and discover just how fun and easy making music can be. With just three simple chords, you’ll unlock the power to play hundreds of songs—starting with a few favorites that you’ll quickly master. The ukulele is small, portable, and always ready for a jam session. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, your uke and your voice will bring smiles wherever you go. Along the way, you’ll sharpen skills like rhythm, pitch, memorization, and multitasking as you learn to sing and play together. Dive into music games that reinforce your new skills, explore the rich history of the ukulele, and enjoy curated listening experiences that spark inspiration. Make music, make friends, and make this summer one to remember! At the end of the week, the students would like to invite their parents to a ‘show and tell’ session that highlights all of the new skills they learned during the course. This course offers a limited amount of availability and will sell out! Please plan accordingly!
*This course was made possible through a donation in memory of Mike Sider in order to instill a passion and love for music into the next generation of children.
Made in America! NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Hannah Kemmet
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: 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. At the end of the week, parents will be invited in for a special event on Friday where students will display their projects and highlight the skills they learned throughout the week.
*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 in the engineering labs within our School of Engineering and Burke facilities during this program.
*If participating in this course, please arrive as early as possible for 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.
Bricks & Books (LEGO®-Themed Course)
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Theresa Tonelli
Age Group: 6–10
Cost: $125
Description: Does your child like to read? Are they a bookworm who enjoys immersing in the depths of a delightful book while being creative? Welcome to a course where we combine that love of reading and make it even more fun with LEGOs! Children will read children's books and then build assorted items from the story using LEGO® building toys. While reading, children will learn about the basic parts of a story and build things like the setting, characters, plot, and more as they read and enjoy the book! Come expand your mind, develop your reading skills, and have fun doing it by playing with LEGOs as you read and building something fantastic!
Work of Art!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $135
Description: Put on your thinking caps and get ready to design some pretty neat things! In this course, students will learn how to develop contemporary 3D art that moves! Students will use paper, wire, and different textiles to create works of art from deep within their souls. Get ready for the adventure? What will you create this summer?! Once the students spend a week letting their creative juices flow, designing fabulous works of art, they will host a semi-formal art show on Friday to conclude the course and for the parents/guardians to attend and view the class's hard work!
*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 Author’s Stitch
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jessie Fuller
Age Group: 8–12
Cost: $125
Description: Welcome to Author's Stitch! A classroom where students will write, create, and design their own book! During this course, students will learn about writing and illustrating a story of their own. Each day, students will hear short stories, learn about the processes it takes to develop a story, and then add to their very own story book! Come along for the ride and learn how to concoct a story of your own! We welcome students who can read and write to join this course and develop a magical tale of their own!
Songwriting 101 NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Bethany Sulecki
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $125
Description: Step into the role of a composer and explore the many different ways songs can be created! Songwriting, graphic/visual composition, soundscapes, and group improvisation are just some of the ways we will explore turning sounds into music! No prior music experience necessary. Once the students spend a week letting their creative juices flow, composing the next musical masterpiece, they will host a semi-formal showcase on Friday to conclude the course and to show off their musical talents to parents, guardians, or family friends!
*This course was made possible through a donation in memory of Mike Sider in order to instill a passion and love for music into the next generation of children.
A Bookmaking Workshop
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Megan Jell
Age Group: 10–14
Cost: $135
Description: This course takes the art of designing a novel to the next level! Spend a week learning how to not only write and illustrate stories, but also how to fold, bind, and sew your own paperback books! In addition to writing their own story, students will learn how to create their own accordion fold books, pop-ups, marble paper, altered books, and stitched books during our five days together. Perfect for the advanced reader or artist who wants to learn techniques in bookbinding, this class is centered on reading and writing, as well as material exploration and creative problem solving for any student.
*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.
Snack Attack!!! NEW COURSE!
Dates: July 14–18
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Hazel Peel
Age Group: 12–14
Cost: $125
Description: A new addition to the College for Kids schedules this summer, this course was created by one of Behrend’s Early Childhood Education majors to instill a sense of responsibility and pride in students who are entering their teenage years! The course was designed to teach students how to create some wonderful edible snacks on their own without using things like a full-blown kitchen or stove! Within the class, students will learn how to read recipes, follow directions, and make healthier choices in the kitchen, while whipping up delicious snacks like ants on a log, puppy chow, trail mix, and more! BEWARE OF FOOD ALLERGENS!