Kids College offers children summer camp choices

By Steve Koehler

Children are always looking for something to do in the summer and parents can find an education program for their child that’s also fun at Ozarks Technical Community College.

OTC’s Community Enrichment Center offers plenty of innovative programs through it Kids College, including those in areas of music, dance, chemistry, math, computers, art and cooking.

Dana Thorp Patterson, the center’s director, said the programs introduce kids to various areas, skills and activities.

“The Center has a concept of opening the college doors to kids.  While we provide classes, camps and programs throughout the year, we offer an even richer selection during the summer,” she said.

Some of those summer camps include Video Game Development and Extreme Video Games for those who have an interest in video games and gaming programming.

Camp Aloha offers a variety of classes in cooking, art, language and computers and culminates in building a 20-foot banana split for campers and parents to enjoy.

Other camps include Jr. Geek Squad, Spy Academy, CheMystery Camp and a Kids College Art Camp.  

Classes range in length from one to five days and are offered to children ages three and up. Fees for the classes vary. Most are held on OTC’s Springfield campus and all camps include lunch and all materials/supplies for projects.  Almost every interest and hobby is offered at this year’s college.

For more information on the Kids College, go to http://www.otc.edu/continuinged/7715.php and click on Kids College or call 447-8888.

Also, you may have noticed the new name for what was formerly known as the Continuing Education Center. Now known as the Community Enrichment Center, the name change better reflects the mission and programs offered by the center.

Better-focused programs that will help those looking to improve their lives and livelihoods are the focus of the center.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications at Ozarks Technical Community College. Contact him at koehlers@otc.edu.