Summer brings college courses and fun learning opportunities for younger Vikings

WWU’s summer programs for youth will include expanded offerings for dancers and an energized college experience for high school students.

"Grandparents U" students DeLeeta Eloch (right) and her
granddaughter Keelie get dirty in the "Fossils, Bones
and Dinosaurs" class.

College Quest, a week-long residential program at WWU immersing high school students in university life, features topics drawn from the interests of high school students themselves.

WWU’s Extended and Summer Programs consulted with the Office of Admissions to develop the courses, which explore film and video production, human anatomy and neuroscience, environmental science, criminal law and renewable energy.

All College Quest courses are taught by WWU faculty in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. When they’re not in class, students live in campus residence halls.

Since the program’s pilot in 2002, pre-college programs have become a vital part of the college planning process for many high school students. The students experience the rigors of college coursework, the expertise and expectations of college professors, and the independence of living on their own. They also earn a college credit.

This year’s College Quest program will be from July 11 to 16. Those who register by May 15 get a discount. Learn more at www.wwu.edu/collegequest.

Here’s a look at other summer programs for youth at WWU:

• Dance Academy for Youth: The expanded program offers dance instruction for kindergartners through 18-year-olds. Older dancers age 12 and up who have had basic technical training can enhance their skills with WWU’s performing arts faculty. And new this summer are two new sections: Creative Movement for kindergartners through second-graders, and Pre-Ballet for third- through fifth-graders.
• Odyssey of Science and Arts, formerly known as Summer Programs for Youth (SPY), is open to students entering grades 4 through 9 and takes place July 19 to 23 and July 26 to 30. The program is now offered in two half-day sessions taught by area school teachers, with a choice of one topic in the morning and one topic in the afternoon. Participants can attend the morning session, the afternoon session or both sessions for a full-day experience. This format provides flexibility for parents and focuses on what the program does best – fun, motivating, academic enrichment. Register by May 15 for a discount.
• Western Kids Camp: The day camp for kindergartners through sixth-graders will explore fun weekly themes in science, art and history. They’ll also spend lots of play time at the Wade King Student Recreation Center.
• WWU Lakewood Jr. Sailing Camp: Kids age 11 through 18 can learn to sail and windsurf on Lake Whatcom.
• Summer Youth Theatre Institute: Young performers in grades 1 through 12 will build their dramatic skills and produce an original show at the end of the session.
• “Grandparents U”: This intergenerational program has 7- to 14-year-olds join their grandparents in an interactive class taught by WWU faculty.