College for Kids returns to CNCC

RANGELY I Colorado Northwestern Community College’s College for Kids program is back for its second year, with course favorites on the schedule as well as new offerings for middle school-aged participants.
The summer kids’ program, which has had a strong following in the past and was resurrected last year by CNCC community education coordinator Angie Miller, runs during the last half of June. Four of the five main courses are geared toward elementary school children (aged 5 or 6 and up) and cost $20 per student.
Elementary school and middle school students were sent home brochures about the program offerings in the children’s backpacks.
One main course or two sports camps are designed for middle-school students. In the “Wordkeepers” course, students read and discuss “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basic E. Frankweiler” as well as review and blog about the youth novel. The course meets for two days and costs $10.
Four days of basketball and volleyball camps run by CNCC head men’s basketball coach Adrian Hayes and head and assistant volleyball coaches April and Ariel Sanchez will give sixth- through eighth-grade athletes a chance to hone their fundamental skills and improve offensive and defensive strategies. The camps cost $55.
“We also have something for a little bit older kids this year,” Miller said. “We wanted to do that this year since last year we really focused on the younger kids.”
All four courses for elementary-aged children are returning from last year, with the Junior Eagles program among the most popular.
Students in the aviation-themed course learn the basics of flight, take a tour of an airplane and the Rangely Airport, try CNCC’s flight simulator and, if they want to, take a ride in an actual airplane.
The Mad Scientist course focuses on foundational principles of chemistry and physics as students make slime and lava and build a glider and a hot-air balloon.
The Junior Rangers program, run by National Park Service Academy coordinator Jennifer Walgrave, teaches kids about enjoying and protecting the treasures of the park system.
Participating children will make pavers and find-it containers, among other art, in the Imagi-Nation Art session.
Miller expects that College For Kids will fill up even more quickly this summer than it did last year.
“I’m already getting calls from parents asking me to save their kids a spot in different courses,” Miller said.
Depending on the class, course costs include supplies, completion awards, snacks and/or transportation.
Contact Miller at 675-3227 or email [email protected] for specific course information and to get registered.