SEC Camp at USI offers fun activities with an educational twist

Every summer the lower level of the Rice Library's hallways fill with the banter and laughter of children, as rooms are transformed into rainforests, storylands, and outer space. This is all thanks to USI's Summer Enrichment Camp (SEC), whose creative team is always looking for ways to entertain five- to 11-year olds for the summer. The camp runs from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday from May 27 to August 1, 2014, and enrollment has already begun.

Dr. Jill Raisor, assistant professor of teacher education, and Kathy Hayden, SEC supervisor, begin brainstorming at the end of every summer in preparation for the following year. The plans include coordination of weekly field trips, swimming, and fun activities with an educational twist.

Hayden is especially excited about the "experiences" she and her staff have planned. The experiences are categorized as science, cooking, and art, as well as a passport experience. The passport experience gives the children the opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures, such as Brazil, Egypt, China, and India, to name a few.

Some of the weekly field trip possibilities include Mesker Park Zoo, Pump it Up, Walther's Golf and Fun, and Willard Library. Additionally, Rhonda Mort, the children's librarian from Willard will come to the USI campus to read and share entertaining projects with the youngsters.

The camp began in 1986 to meet the summer child-care needs for staff and faculty, but swiftly grew and opened up to the larger community. The staff works diligently to offer the kids a good balance of mental and physical activities. "We want it to be educational but we also want them to have a lot of fun experiences," said Raisor. "Although we do educational activities with the children, it's not a structured school day type of program."

Both Raisor and Hayden work with USI student staff, many of whom seek a future in childhood education. "The student staff members gain valuable experience working with the children, engaging families, and collaborating with other staff members," said Raisor. "They also have the opportunity to apply content knowledge through designing the classroom, planning and implementing curricular ideas, and establishing daily routines with the children." Hayden and Raisor are inclusive of the student staff's ideas and feedback.

The summer camp has proven to be a convenience for faculty and staff who can drop their children off at the Rice Library and make their way across campus to work. "Our daughter, Adonia enjoys every day and each new experience, said Michael Dixon, assistant dean of Liberal Arts. The camp staff often sees familiar faces returning year after year. My son Reid is 7 years old and attended SEC Camp the past several years," said Bryan Morrison, manager of Environmental Health and Safety. "We're fortunate to have such a high quality program for our son to attend in the summer in which he gets to learn, grow and experience new things."

Hayden has more than 35 years of summer camp experience and works closely with both the children and USI student staff members. "We let parents know when they hand their child over to us that morning, that they can call us anytime," said Hayden. "We are their extra hands."

Enrollment information may be found on the SEC Camp website. For additional information or questions, contact the Division of Outreach and Engagement by phone 812/228-5022 or email outreach@usi.edu. ♦