The Classes of MICRO Camp

The way we do classes at MICRO Camp (the Artist Formerly Known As SET Camp) is a bit different than our standard summer camp classes. First off, campers select just one class and take that class for the entirety of MICRO Camp. (Close to seven hours of total lesson plan time!)  This gives campers more time to dive into their subject matters, and allows them to develop more detailed and complex projects. Another difference in that though our counselors assist with the courses, we bring in specialized instructors to teach each class. With these differences, the campers get an immersive experience  with plenty of time to explore some of the classes' big ideas in depth.

But what ARE those classes?

Boy, I'm happy you asked.

Some are camper-favorite SET Camp classes we're bringing back and/or improving upon.

Some are brand-new to MICRO Camp.

As the summers go on, we'll continue to rotate in popular classes from previous years, as well as consistently introducing new courses.

But enough on the distant future. Let's get back to the not-so-distant future.

Not-so-distant as in Summer 2015, and the MICRO Camp classes we're featuring:

Ranger’s  Creature Hunt*

Stokes Forest is a big, beautiful and mysterious place.  Ranger’s Creature Hunt will explore all the different animals that make Stokes their home, as well as a huge range of mythical creatures that could make Stokes their home! In studying the behaviors, characteristics, and habitats of Stokes’ real animals, our students will unlock the possibilities of the creatures of myth and imagination as well.

Aliens*

Students in our brand new Aliens class get to build an extraterrestrial civilization from the ground up! Through various projects and activities they’ll design the physiology of an alien species, the environmental make-up of their planet, the scope of their technology, and the entire history of their culture. The stars (and our camper’s creativity) are the limits.

Crazy Contraptions

A favorite of our science and technology based classes, Crazy Contraptions tests our campers' inventiveness, knowledge, and patience. Using a random assortment of house hold gadgets, junk, and everyday items they must construct an insanely complex Rube Goldberg-esque machine designed to perform a very simple task. They will learn the basics of planes, wedges, pulleys, wheels, levers and screws and have to utilize them all to build their own unique Crazy Contraption.

Super CSI

We’ve revamped our CSI class to add new levels of excitement and mystery! The class will gather clues and deduce their meanings, as well as learn different finger printing , interviewing, and investigation  techniques.  Campers will detect the evidence, unravel the mystery, and discover their inner sleuth.

Chuck It*

Nobody ever gets tired of objects being hurled through the air! Yes, as the name so clearly explains, this class will be about items being thrown, hurled, launched, catapulted, flung, and chucked. Not only will the students construct different kinds of catapults, sling shots, and air cannons, but they will learn the physics of flight by examining the factors of distance, speed, angle and velocity.

Ocean Robotics

There’s only one thing cooler than robots: underwater robots. Campers will learn how scientists use Remote Operate Vehicles to monitor the ocean and use that knowledge to explore the depths of our very own Lake Shawanni. The program will focus on underwater gliders and Sea Perch ROVs.

*- What are these random asterisks! Oh. They're not so random. They notate that these classes would be great for younger campers!

So that's the class selection for 2015.  Choose carefully. Choose wisely. And choose quickly, because we only have 20 spots in each class for our first summer of MICRO Camp.