WYOMISSING, Pa. — With a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related fields, students attending Penn State Berks High School Discovery Camps will learn about various career fields, the world around them and themselves. The camps are for students entering ninth through twelfth grades in fall 2019. Camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and there are two identical sessions for some camps. Students also have the option of staying in the residence halls for an additional fee.
Computer & Cyber Security Camp
This camp includes problem-based instruction and hands-on activities with a strong emphasis on exposing students to computer security and information assurance careers, within the financial services industry. Students will be involved in many activities that demonstrate how to protect and defend personal privacy and information system security, and they will learn techniques for information system restoration by incorporating protection, detection and recovery capabilities. This camp runs July 8-12. The cost is $495 for commuters, $850 residential.
Engineering Camp
Students will explore engineering, technology, and applied science, and learn about the various engineering disciplines — chemical, civil, electrical / computer, mechanical, and nuclear — through hands-on activities and projects. The camp will emphasize the role of engineers as inventors and developers of new products and processes for the benefit of society. Participants will also learn how best to prepare in high school to major in engineering in college. This camp runs July 8-12. The cost is $515 for commuters, $850 residential.
Science of Location Camp
Students will learn how to use cutting-edge software technology to see how data is used by scientists. They will have a chance to learn how it’s tied to locations, applied to games and used to help understand trends and patterns in society. This camp will not be contained just within a classroom; students will also have the chance to collect and analyze environmental data from a nearby river and play a modernized game of hide-and-seek called geocaching. This camp runs July 8-12. The cost is $495 for commuters, $850 residential.
Special Investigation Camp
Campers learn the science behind criminal investigations and how their work contributes to legal prosecution cases. Students will hear from investigators and special agents in the field and participate in a mock criminal investigation, where they assemble evidence, conduct interviews and surveillance, and retrieve forensic clues. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a beginner defensive tactics class, similar to one that would be taught at a police academy. This camp runs July 8-12. The cost is $495 commuters, $850 residential.
Forensic Science Camp
Participants will be introduced to the world of forensic science, take a behind-the-scenes look at criminal investigations, and uncover a series of “who dunnits” using current forensic techniques. They will also use molecular biology to examine DNA left behind at the crime scene and ID the culprit. Students will have the chance to interact with scientists and investigators as they learn and perform experiments to help solve crimes. Campers can choose from one of two identical sessions: July 8-12 or July 15-19. The cost is $525 for commuters, $850 residential.
Pre-Med Camp
Students will gain a realistic view of the duties and responsibilities of a medical professional. Students will engage in lecture, hands-on lab exercises and demonstrations, and take a field trip where they will tour a local hospital. They will also learn about human anatomy, community health and much more. Pre-med campers will receive adult, pediatric and AED training to receive their CPR certificate during their camp experience. Campers can choose from one of two identical sessions: July 8-12 or July 15-19. The cost is $525 for commuters, $850 residential.
Veterinary Science Camp
Combining hands-on experience with live animals and scientific principles in biology, chemistry and anatomy, students will take on the role of veterinary assistants under the watchful eye of a veterinarian. Laboratory work, such as conducting dissections, reviewing ultra sounds and x-rays, taking cultures and suturing will be performed. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the many different veterinary science career possibilities as they visit a small animal veterinary hospital and a dairy farm. Campers can choose from one of two identical sessions: July 8-12 or July 15-19. The cost is $525 for commuters, $850 residential.
College: Get Into It!
The purpose of this camp is for your student to thoughtfully plan his or her approach to college in a way that increases success. Students will learn about the preparation of college applications, financial planning, extracurricular actives, athletics, music, clubs, and much more. Throughout the week, your camper will be actively engaged in research, working in groups, and engaging in dialogue with guest speakers. This camp runs July 22-26. The cost is $700 and it is for commuters only.
It’s All An Act: Theater Camp
Students will discover their dramatic side in this camp. They will explore the plays of Shakespeare through daily workshops in voice, movement, text analysis and acting. The focus of the workshops will be on performance and the week will culminate with a live performance in which campers are encouraged to invite family and friends. This camp is open to students entering sixth through 12th grade and runs July 22-26. The cost is $285 and it is for commuters only.
Enrollment in Discovery High School Camps is limited and early registration is recommended. For more information or to print an application, visit berks.psu.edu/high-school-discovery-summer-camps or call Continuing Education at 610-396-6225 or 1-800-BERKS-CE.