The art of teaching art Waynesville Art School offers year round, summer instructional opportunities
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Summer camps at Waynesville Art School Beginning Monday, June 1, summer at camps at the Waynesville Art School will take place on a weekly basis through the week of Aug. 10. All camps begin at 10 a.m., but end at different times based on the camper’s age. Pricing also varies based on the camper’s age. This year’s weekly camp themes include: • • • • • •
For more information, visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com, call 828.246.9869 or email waynesvilleartschool@gmail.com. The school is located at 303 N. Haywood Street in Waynesville.
Petrova persevered, and came to the United States in 1992. In 1997, she was awarded a scholarship to attend The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a private college in Manhattan founded in 1859 and modeled after the École Polytechnique in France. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 2001.
Smoky Mountain News
may disagree with me, the downside of this approach is that pretty much you are expected to be very serious, to follow a certain path and the measuring stick is very, very high. So you either you are a genius and you can play like Mozart, or they are going throw away your drawing because it’s not up to certain standards.” That actually happened to Petrova when she was 10 years old. “We were supposed to paint some landscape and I remember that mine had horses in my landscape,” she said. “When the instructor saw my landscape, he said, ‘This is absolutely unacceptable, go and throw it away.’ I was paraded in front of the entire group.”
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Fairies and robots Printmaking and bookmaking Unicorns and dinosaurs Landscape painting Dragons, baby Yoda and princess warriors Self-expression in drawing, painting and printmaking Pirates and mermaids Mixed media and the art of collage Shadow puppetry
March 18-24, 2020
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER s a professional multimedia artist and photographer living in Western North Carolina since 2002, Luba Petrova still remembers the first piece of art she ever created. “I was 4,” said Petrova, founder and director of the Waynesville Art School. “There’s a very famous Russian fairy tale about a golden fish and if you catch it, it can make all your wishes come true. So I had a golden fish and a very deep, dark blue sea.” That was a very different time, in a very different place, in a very different kind of educational system; Petrova is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, and at the time she’d made her golden fish painting, the Soviet system was renowned for identifying and cultivating talented youngsters in the arts and sciences as well as Olympic sports like hockey and wrestling. “If we were to embark or sign up for any of the classes, be it music or figure skating or ballet, we were treated basically as professionals,” she said. “We were expected to train and study for many hours. My cousin who is a professional violinist from age 4, she was expected to play five hours a day, and she was not an exception.” Petrova studied at the prestigious St. Petersburg Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, which was founded in 1757 by Russia’s first Education Minister
Ivan Shuvalov as The Academy of the Three Noblest Arts. Although this educational system did produce world-class talent in a number of fields — most of Russia’s greatest painters, especially during the 1800s, are alumni of the Academy — today the rigorous methodology and strict standards are looked back upon as somewhat stifling. “I’m very grateful to the system because in a way, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You can look at this this way. And we were really given very serious, very professional training,” she said. “From my perspective now, and some of my friends
Given her broad range of experience at some of the world’s most important centers for arts and arts education, Petrova has given a lot of thought not only to making art, but to how to teach people to make art. “Not every single person will become an artist or musician or a dancer or figure skater,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that you cannot explore it, you know, just participate in the activity without having the pressure to perform.” That’s the mission at Petrova’s Waynesville Art School, which offers yearround programs for aspiring artists of all ages and abilities. There’s a young artists program, a paint night of the type now seen at bars and restaurants across the country and a family art hour, as well as classes for adults. Of course, those offerings also include an assortment of summer camp programs for kids; Petrova is joined in her instructional duties by former Haywood County Schools art teacher and Western Carolina University alum Julie Buchanan, a 20-year veteran of elementary arts education and wife to Sylva newspaperman Jim Buchanan. Weekly camps run from June through mid-August and offer a varying lineup of projects that explore different materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpting, collages and construction, both individually and in group settings. Themes this summer include a fantastical array of subjects from Baby Yoda to bookmaking, fairies to robots, unicorns to dinosaurs, pirates, princesses and puppets. The way the classes are taught, according to Petrova, is reflective of her own journey through two very different methods of instruction. “What I walked away with is that we’re all at different places in life and we need different things and we all need to be allowed to experiment and explore,” she said. “Even if we never ever sing again in our life or dance again in our life or paint again in our life, it does give us some experience. We benefit from it and we grow from it.”
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Find your camp:
WNC CAMP GUIDE
Smoky Mountain Sk8Way offers day camp all summer for ages 6 to 14. Donated photo
Students can partake in tennis and other sports at Laurel Ridge Country Club this summer. Donated photo
HAYWOOD COUNTY
March 18-24, 2020
• Camp Henry at Lake Logan. A co-ed, overnight, faith-based camp for second to 12th grade students. Weeklong sessions offered in June and July for different age groups. Cost $395-$705. Financial aid available. www.lakelogan.org or 828.646.0095. • Youth Environmental Stewardship Camp offered by Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District. Two week camp for rising 8th and 9th graders who are passionate about the environment. Two week long sessions — July 20-23 and July 27-30. The cost is $50. Applications are due on May 1. Visit www.haywoodcountync.gov/682/YESCamp. • Haywood County Library Summer Reading Programs. Offered at Waynesville and Canton branches. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 828.452.5169.
Smoky Mountain News
• Skyland Camp for Girls. Skyland will not be offering summer camps in 2020 because of construction projects. • Camp Daniel Boone - Boy Scouts of America. Weeklong sessions offered June and July. Open to female and male campers. Cost is $375-$550. www.campdanielboone.org or 828.254.6189. • Summer Enrichment Program at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center. Cost is $500. Scholarships available. Visit www.pcmdc.org or 828.452.7232.
• Laurel Ridge Country Club. June 22 through June 26. Campers will enjoy golfing, swimming, games, crafts and learning with their peers. For ages 6-13. Cost is $145-$300 for the week. Email info@laurelridgegolf.com or call 828.452.0545. 4
• Youth for Christ Buddy Camp. June 21-27 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Cost ranges $150 to $700. www.outdoormissioncommunity.org or 336.583.9932.
• SOAR. Outdoor adventure camps for kids with ADHD / ADD and LD. Weeklong sessions offered in June and July. Cost is $2,000 to $5,600 depending on the camp. Visit www.soarnc.org or call 828.456.3435.
• Camp Folkmoot. A one-day dance and crafts camp Friday, July 24, for kids and teens from 4th through 12th grades. The cost is $30. www.folkmoot.org/events/camp-folkmoot2020/ or 828.452.2997.
• Fun 4 Kids Day Camp. An eight to nine week program during the summer months held at both the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee, and the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center. For K-6. Early June to early August. Cost is $700 at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center and $625 at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. https://www.rec.jacksonnc.org/camps.
• Smoky Mountain Sk8Way. A nine-week day camp program that runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekly sessions are June 8 to Aug. 7 for kids ages 6 to 14. This camp features a variety of activities and strives to keep the whole child active. Cost is $100-$150 a week plus a $60 enrollment fee. Register at www.smokymountainsk8way.com. • Waynesville Art School. Weeklong sessions offered June through August. For ages 5 and older. Cost is $185-$235. www.waynesvilleartschool.com or 828.246.9869. • Created for a Purpose at Vine of the Mountains Church. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15-19. A creativity camp for rising third through eighth graders. Cost is $150. Scholarships available. www.vineofthemountains.com/cfap. • Land of Sky Wilderness. Blacksmithing camp. Ages 8 and up. July 4-5. $300 per person. Drone Camp Aug. 2-7. Ages 8-21. Cost is $750. www.lotswild.com/courses or 828.280.0847. • Piked Antler Project’s Survival Skill Center. Survival Summer Camp. For ages 10-17. June 1-5. June 15-19. Cost is $315. www.survivalskillcenter.com or 828.989.0209. • Camp Ability. Campers are any child aged 5 to 22 who has a disability or a sibling of a
child who has a disability. Two weeklong sessions offered June 29-July 2 or July 6-10. Register at www.campabilitywnc.org/camper. • Lake Junaluska Youth Events. Weeklong sessions in June and July. Local youth groups offered a special rate of $100 per person for any week. More information about speakers, bands and entertainers is available online at www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. To register, call 800.222.4930. • Carolinas Mountain Soccer Club. Weeklong sessions for soccer players of all ages and skill levels, usually in the evenings. Dates are being determined. Be sure to follow CMSC on Facebook and check their website for further information. • Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Long’s Chapel is offering a variety of summer camps including sewing, guitar, robotics and amigurumi. These camps run through the months of June and July. Detailed information can be found on the Long’s Chapel Facebook page.
JACKSON COUNTY • Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Critter Camp. For 2020, this camp has expanded to cover seven weeks. Each week of camp features fun, immersive and interactive experiences with animals at the no-kill shelter. More information and registration can be found at https://chhumanesociety.org.
• Western Carolina University offers a variety of summer camps for arts, swimming, music, science and more. www.wcu.edu/engage/professional-enrichment/camps-and-programsfor-kids/index.aspx
• Cullowhee United Methodist Summer Day Camp. Preschool camp is for children ages 25 (not yet attended kindergarten) and elementary camp is for children who have completed kindergarten-5th grade. Space is limited. June 8 through July 31. Cost is $75 per child or $100 per family if registering more than one child or $15 per week. $800 for entire summer or $120 per week. www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2020/ • SCC STEM. https://www.southwesterncc.edu/STEM
MACON COUNTY • New Vision Training Center. Summer day camp opportunities for gymnastics, ninja training, bouldering, outside play, arts and crafts, games and much more. Full days and half days. Snacks will be provided. Bring your own lunch. Ages 3-12. www.newvisiontrainingcenter.com or 828.524.1904.
• Bascom Art Center in Highlands. Summer art camp for ages 7-14. Sessions begin June 19 through Aug. 14. $175 a week. www.thebascom.org or 828.526.4949. • Danny Antoine’s Martial Arts & Fitness Academy in Franklin. Monday through Friday starting May 28 through Aug. 23. $135 per week. Each child must be sent with a packed lunch, two snacks and a bottle of water. To register, call 828.332.0418. • Nantahala Learning Center Summer Program. $25 per day Monday through Friday. Registration fee is $50. All field trip admission, transportation expenses and materials budgeted into the registration fee. Call 219.689.3443 for more info. • Boys and Girls Club in Cashiers Summer Camp. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily June 3 through July 26. $415 per student/$350 for additional family members. info@bgcplateau.org or 828.743.2775. • Summer Edventure Camp http://www.macon.k12.nc.us/sec/ June 8-July 31. 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. South Macon Elementary, 855 Addington Bridge Road, Franklin. Ages 5-12 years. For information, call Lenora Clifton at 828.524.4414 ext. 324.
SWAIN COUNTY
• Nantahala Outdoor Center. Whitewater kayaking camp. Five-day sessions in June and July. For ages 9 to 17. $850 to $1,500. 828.785.4977 or www.noc.com/lessons-training/paddling-school/kids-kayaking-camp. • Camp Living Water Christian camp. June 30
CHEROKEE • Cherokee Youth Center (Boys and Girls Club). Email Patrick West at pwest9557@yahoo.com or call 828.497-3119.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY • Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association. Weeklong sessions from June to August. For ages 4-14. $135 a week for half days and up to $285 a week for full days. www.abysa.org or call 828.299.7277. • University of North Carolina-Asheville. Weeklong sessions for music, athletics, writing, STEAM, pre-college programs, dance, running and more. For youth of all ages. Cost ranges from $400 to $1,200 a week depending on the program. www.camps.unca.edu or call 828.251.6991. • Discovery Camp at North Carolina Arboretum. Weeklong sessions from June to August. For pre-K through 8th grade. Cost is $235 for a week. Visit www.ncarboretum.org or call 828.665.2492 ext. 624. • Asheville Music School Summer Camps: Offer many different weeklong day camps for ages 4-18. Campers learn different styles of music in a fun, team-oriented group setting. Weeklong sessions June through August. Price range: $190-$350. Contact programs@ashevillemusicschool.org. Full details at ashevillemusicschool.org.
Spend your summer at
• Forest Floor Wilderness Camp. Weeklong sessions June through August. For ages K10. Cost is $295. Full details at www.OnTheForestFloor.org.
Camp Hobbit Hill
• Crossfire Basketball Camps: Basketball camps for children ages 6-19. Camp dates run from mid-June to late July. These camps are great for basketball players of all skill levels. The full brochure can be found at https://crossfireministry.com.
Horsemanship • Riding • Arts & Pottery Leadership • Overnight Girls’ Camp
March 18-24, 2020
• YMCA Camp Watia. Weeklong sessions from June 16 through Aug. 4 for ages 7 to 15. Limited space still available. $450-$750. Financial assistance available. www.ymcacampwatia.org.
through July 12. For ages 13-17. $490 per camper. www.camplivingwater.com or 828.488.6012.
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• Macon County Schools Summer Edventure Camp. 8-week day camp. Call Lenora Clifton at 828.524.4414, Ext. 324 or www.macon.k12.nc.us/sec.
and many more...
Local youth groups can take advantage of special summer camp rates at Lake Junaluska. Donated photo Smoky Mountain News
Ages 7-17
www.CampHobbitHill.com 223 Cody Embler Road • Alexander, NC • 828-808-7929
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Camp Folkmoot connects kids and dance BY HANNAH MCLEOD CONTRIBUTING WRITER t’s not at every summer camp that kids get to meet and interact with folks from countries all around the world, but at Camp Folkmoot in Waynesville, kids will get to do just that. Camp Folkmoot is a one-day dance and crafts camp for kids and teens from fourth through 12th grades. The camp is an extension of the Folkmoot Festival, a nine-day international festival that invites dance groups from around the world to come share their culture and perform traditional folk dances around Western North Carolina. According to its mission statement the festival “fosters the vibrancy of many cultures into one community. Folkmoot programs are based on cultural exchange and designed to build global relationships, foster cultural understanding and develop community prosperity.” Camp Folkmoot 2020 will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 24. The early part of the day will be occupied by dance lessons. Performers from the dance troupes participating in the Folkmoot festival will teach campers traditional folk dances from their home countries. Lunch is served during a midday break in the Folkmoot cafeteria. Following lunch, kids will have the opportunity to learn even more about the visiting cultures by partaking in make-and-take handicrafts native to the countries of those visiting Folkmoot. They will also have the chance to learn and share the culture of Western North Carolina with internationals in a traditional Appalachian square dance lesson. When the day of activities wraps up, there will be a matinee performance by all dance groups beginning at 2 p.m. in the Sam Love Queen Auditorium of the Folkmoot Friendship Center, where parents
March 18-24, 2020
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and community are welcome.The performance will last about an hour and a half. By the camp’s own description, “participants will learn basic concepts and movements, gain an appreciation for the similarities and differences between cultures and hear captivating stories behind the dances of each international group.”
Dancers from Hungary, Egypt and the Bahamas dance with kids from across the mountain region at Camp Folkmoot at the Folkmoot Center. Natalie Ruth Ballard photo
Camp Folkmoot takes place the same day as the Folkmoot street dance in downtown Waynesville. Participants are encouraged to go eat dinner and join Folkmoot again for the street dance festivities, having already learned a great deal about the performances, and performers, they will see at the street dance. The international experience is what sets this camp apart from so many others. “This is an annual opportunity for youth and families to experience about half a dozen international cultures right here at home” said Fokmoot Executive Director Angie Schwab. “There’s an opportunity to learn not only folk dance, but also handicraft from the countries we’re featuring this year.” In its third year running, Camp Folkmoot has improved each year, learning from children and parents. “We’ve moved from just having dance to adding the handicraft and the matinee, so it’s a real value to families and it feels like an interactive opportunity that you won’t get
“We’ve moved from just having dance to adding the handicraft and the matinee, so it’s a real value to families and it feels like an interactive opportunity that you won’t get anywhere else in Western North Carolina.” — Angie Schwab, Folkmoot Executive Director
anywhere else in Western North Carolina,” Schwab said. Camp Folkmoot costs $30 per student and $10 for accompanying adults. The costs of Camp Folkmoot are absorbed by ticket sales to the festival and entrance fees for the camp. Additionally, the Cherokee
Preservation Foundation helps to provide scholarships to campers. With this assistance, Schwab said, “we make it possible for lots of people to attend whether they’re able to pay or not.” Folkmoot has a track record of making big impacts on the futures of youth who are able to participate. Schwab has seen how “most of the kids who have participated in Folkmoot activities over time have become world travelers, or have gone on to pursue international studies like political science and international business.” Through Camp Folkmoot, the organization hopes to not only continue this valuable tradition, but also expand upon it. “All kids who participate in Folkmoot gain a curiosity for other cultures, and I think they see for themselves that there’s a bigger world out there for them to engage with,” Schwab said. More information is available at www.folkmoot.org/events/camp-folkmoot2020/ or call the Folkmoot center at 828.452.2997.
Smoky Mountain News
Lake Junaluska offers discounts for local youth groups outh groups in sixth through 12th grade from Haywood and Haywoodadjacent counties are invited to experience a Lake Junaluska Summer Youth Event at a special program-only price for local commuters. Each year, Christian youth from many denominations travel to Lake Junaluska from across the Southeast for world-class speakers, entertainment, spiritual growth and fun. Middle school and high school youth groups may sign up for one of five multi-day events to be held in June and July. Each event features morning and evening worship sessions as well as small spiritual growth groups, a spiritual practice workshop and
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evening prayer. New to the event lineup this year is Mission Week in which groups participate in 2.5 days of mission work. The theme for the 2020 Summer Youth Events is centered on John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” “We’re excited for our summer youth participants to grow closer to God as they explore the stages of spiritual nourishment,” said Director of Youth Programming Wilson Booth. “Supported by our speakers, worship bands and small groups, the youth will root themselves in Scripture and blossom in their service to Christ.” The Mission Week event fea-
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Local youth groups can take advantage of special summer camp rates at Lake Junaluska. 6
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tures the Rev. Andy Lambert, senior pastor at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem. Lambert has proclaimed the Gospel across the United States and abroad at such venues as comedy clubs, churches and colleges. The first event will bring to Lake Junaluska the Rev. Juan Huertas, pastor of Houma First United Methodist Church in Houma, Louisiana, and a contributor to Ministry Matters and Day1.org. During the second event, the guest speaker will be Charlie Conder, an Orange Student Specialist who coaches youth pastors on maximizing the Orange strategy in their ministries. Speaking at the third event will be the Rev. Jason C. Stanley, Coordinator of Church Revitalization for the UMC Virginia Conference Elizabeth River District and a long-time youth and children’s minister. The closing summer youth event will feature Justin Warner, associate service programming director at North Point
Am ount per Serving
Uke Camp Rock Camp Pop Rock Fiddle Camp and MORE
Private Lessons | Bands | Outreach
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* Percent Weekly values b ased on Hayw ood, Jackson, M acon, Sw ain and Buncom b e d iet s.
Go to camp
Smoky Mountain News
Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. His love for God and the local church has led him to leverage creativity to bring the Gospel to students and adults. “Each one of these gifted speakers has spent time building their roots in Scripture, and they are passionate about serving youth with a message fed by the Word,” said Booth. The special program-only rate for Haywood and Haywood-adjacent county youth groups to attend any of the five events is $100 per participant. This rate includes morning and evening game and worship sessions, four small groups, a workshop, evening prayer, a volleyball tournament, and a one-day pool pass. This rate does not include lodging or meals. Groups of 10 or more will receive a $100 discount when the group is registered by April 8. More information about speakers, bands and entertainers is available online at www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. To register, call 800.222.4930 or visit www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. For more information about Lake Junaluska programs and events, visit www.lakejunaluska.com.
March 18-24, 2020
• Mission Week Event: June 14-18 – Rev. Andy Lambert with worship band Jimmy Atkins • Event 1: June 18-21 – Rev. Juan Huertas with worship band Jimmy Atkins • Event 2: June 23-27 – Charlie Conder with worship band Jimmy Atkins • Event 3: July 10-13 – Rev. Jason C. Stanley with worship leader Abbye West Pates • Event 4: July 15-19 – Justin Warner with worship leader Abbye West Pates
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ow in its second year, Critter Camp at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a win for kids and critters alike. The week-long sessions give kids a chance to interact with the animals, but also to learn how best to care for them and about all the ways that adult animal lovers have found to earn a living working with their favorite creatures. “It’s really interesting to see how the kids react to the animals and how the animals react to the kids,” said Jodi Henkel, assistant shelter manager. “I think a lot of people underestimate just how caring and loving kids are. They do really well with animals. We haven’t had any issue as far as them being rough with the animals. Overall they’ve been really amazing with them.” Each session of camp accommodates 12 children, with elementary sessions for rising first through fifth graders and middle school sessions for rising sixth through eighth graders. Every day includes an opportunity to interact with the shelter animals and learn about how to care for animals with classes on responsible pet ownership, pet safety and other topics. Animal-themed arts and crafts and guest speaker sessions round out the program. Past speakers have included Steve O’Neil, a wildlife biologist who talks about reptiles; Rob Gudger, who brings one of his wolves as part of an education session about the wild
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A camper enjoys the chance to cuddle a shelter pup. CHHS photo
Go to camp All camp sessions accommodate 12 children and run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Remaining session dates for rising elementary schoolers are June 15-19, July 13-17, and Aug. 3-7. Session dates for rising middle schoolers are June 22-26 and July 20-24. Cost for one week is $250, with some scholarships available. Contact Jodi Henkel at 828.743.5752 or jodi@chhumanesociety.org.
canines; and a Jackson County sheriff ’s deputy who introduces the campers to his K9. During that session, Henkel will put on a bite sleeve and let the kids see her get bitten — it’s always a hit, she said. Then, as a grand finale, the campers will spend Friday afternoon taking the shelter dogs for a hike. It’s safe to say, that excursion is a favorite for the pups. “Anytime a dog can get out and socialize with people, that’s great for them,” said Henkel. “It’s also great to be able to tell an adopter this is a dog that our campers took on a hike, and they did great with the kids.” The program gives the dogs a track record that shelter workers can report on, boosting their adoption profile.
March 18-24, 2020
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Camp with the critters
For many people, when they think about careers for people who love animals, they automatically go to veterinarians. But there are many other options for becoming a career animal lover — camp gives kids a chance to see what those are, said Henkel. “Kids are the future of animal welfare, and they’re like little sponges,” she said. “They soak up information so much more than anybody would realize, so they really get involved in the humane education lessons. I can’t tell you how many parents have
signed up their dog to get them fixed because we talked to them about overpopulation.” Last year was the first year for Critter Camp, but the feedback was so strongly positive that CHHS decided to increase the number of sessions from four to seven. For instance, said Henkel, last year as one of the sessions wrapped up, a little girl who had already done two camps that year spoke up. “As we were walking back, she said, ‘This is the best week of my life,’” said Henkel.
New Pre-College Programs Coming Summer 2020
Smoky Mountain News
Exact dates TBD. Check our Facebook and website for more info!
Week-long immersion programs introduce intellectually curious high school students to college-level study, university life, and career options in a dynamic learning environment.
REGISTER NOW 8
19025 Great Smoky Mountains Expy, Waynesville 828.246.9124
camps.unca.edu
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Camp explores earth, space and in between Campers work together to dissect a fish. Donated photo
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ASTROcamp will be held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15-26 and is open to rising fifth through eighth graders. The program is free, thanks to collaboration from Southwestern Community College and Jackson County Public Schools, and hosted at Smokey Mountain Elementary School. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day. No registration link is yet available, but interested parents can contact Randi Neff, program coordinator for the Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative, at r_neff@southwesterncc.edu.
backgrounds to design their pitch for going to the moon. That was last year, because it was the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.” Parent feedback has been extremely positive, said Neff, with parents excited about the opportunities their kids are having at camp. “Children expressed that they didn’t want to leave their projects and they were sad on the last day of camp,” read one comment from last year. “They would gladly come back for another week.” Comments like that spurred camp organizers to expand this year’s camp from one week to two. “That’s what we’re doing this year is giving them an additional week of stuff,” said Neff. “It’s a low-stakes setting, so the children are getting to explore and do things that they can’t really do within the confines of school.” Along with expanding camp’s duration, SCC is working to expand its capacity, hoping to attract 50 campers this year — about double last year’s participation. It’s been a success, and Neff hopes to see that success continue. It’s now the last year of the fiveyear grant, but she’s working on a grant extension application seeking another five years of funding.
Sports and Activities Camp CAMP 1: JUNE 22-26 CAMP 2: JULY 27-31
A Place to Live, Love & Play
Experience a camp with classic sports education and fun for all ages! Meals included, swimming, Bricks4Kids & WNC Nature Center, and of course sports skills training from professionals.
CALL TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD 828.452.0545 ext. 131
Smoky Mountain News
some really valuable skills on how everybody has to work together.” The projects are collaborative in nature, mimicking what happens with actual NASA teams. “Everybody has a particular job, but they also back each other up so it’s not like you’re doing just this one task,” said Neff. “You have to understand and be a part of all the tasks so you can run backup for your teammates.” The exact activities vary, as it’s up to the teachers to pick the activities they want to lead. However, past activities have included designing a mission patch, building a rocket, performing dissections, using microscopes and exploring robotics. “One of the things they really enjoyed doing is the green screen that they used to make informational videos about what to pack if you’re going to the moon,” said Neff. “They video-taped themselves on different
Go to camp
March 18-24, 2020
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ids with a penchant for learning and exploration will have the chance to see where their curiosity takes them during ASTROcamp this summer at Smokey Mountain Elementary School. The camp is one of a menu of programs funded by a five-year grant that Southwestern Community College landed from NASA in 2015, and that connection shows. “The NASA-inspired summer camps have the advantage of being very future-oriented and very possibilities-oriented, and really spark the imagination of young people I think,” said Randi Neff, project coordinator for the Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative. “On top of that, they learn
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5 weeks featuring interactive experiences with animals, humane education programs, and exciting guest presentations by wildlife biologists, law enforcement K9’s and animal welfare experts.
Each week is limited to 12 children and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cost for the entire week is $250 and scholarships are available. To register please see the application at chhumanesociety.org or call 828-743-5752 for more information.
CASHIERS-HIGHLANDS HUMANE SOCIETY
Smoky Mountain News
March 18-24, 2020
200 GABLE DRIVE · SAPPHIRE · NORTH CAROLINA
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