Page 70 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2018

KIDS learning experience
70 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2018 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
College (MGCCC) and their camping opportunities. In recent years, greater attention has been focused on camps of the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math). These include Chemistry Camp
The Robotics Camps are held at
both the Jefferson Davis and Jackson County campuses. Jeff Johnson, recreational director of the gym and weight room, explains, “The Basic Robotics Camp allows children to design and build a VEX robot with the latest technology, then compete as part of a team against robots created by other teams within the camp. We will teach your child how to build and use machines in the form of robots.”
July 9-13 and July 16-20; Robotics Camp June 4-8 and June 11-15; and Explorer’s Environmental Camp June 18-22 and July 16-20.
There will also be a beach day with summer olympics. “We promote healthy living along with protecting the environment and preserving the watershed,” Jaronsinski added.
However, the Chemistry Camp — held on the Jackson County Campus — is no Johnny Come Lately. “It’s been around more than 30 years and is a staple of our summer camps,” says Teri Sasser, assistant dean of instruction who helps coordinate the camps. “It has a lot of hands-
on activities that include making polyurethane foam, making slime, making plexiglass crystals and
The Intermediate Robotics Camp
is an interactive camp also geared toward building VEX robots and a fun competition.
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
ummer is all about camps and fun, but it doesn’t hurt if campers learn things as well. That’s the philosophy of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community
learning how to take finger prints.” Twenty-five students ages 11-14
designed through the camps. The camp designs are changed a little each year to accommodate returning students.”
are accepted for this camp, which ends with a field trip to camp sponsor Chemours’ plant under the coordination of Dr. Robert Smith.
Designed for ages 12-16, the Explorer’s Environmental Camp on the Jackson County Campus is an outdoor camp that includes rock climbing, paddling, navigating a
ropes course and hiking. “We utilize what we have on campus and take advantage of what’s in the community, such as Shepard State Park,” says Melissa Jarosinski, who runs the campus’ Estuarine Education Center.
“We have had great success with both Robotics Camps,” Johnson said. “Students and parents have raved about the robotic mechanics and technology they’ve learned and
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps