Waubonsee offers summer programs for kids

Summer is quickly approaching and Waubonsee Community College is now enrolling campers in its popular summer enrichment Xcelerate programs. The college will offer nearly 40 different camps for children, age 4 to 14.

Xcelerate summer enrichment camps are developed and managed by the staff and instructors of the Community Education department at Waubonsee and select partners including Huntoon Stables, Black Rocket and the Fox Country Players.

This year's programs cover a diverse range of interests and bring back popular favorites such as Science Explosion, while adding new offerings such as Health Careers Camp.

Of growing interest among campers are Game Masters 1 and 2, which allow campers to not just play video games, but learn how to create them. Campers go home with a USB of their completed project.

Theater Arts Camp is a special, two-week camp where aspiring performers work with theater professionals and educators from Yorkville's Fox Country Players to perform and help produce a superheroes-themed production. No prior experience is necessary to participate in this camp.

The ever-popular Science Explosion, led by award-winning Waubonsee Assistant Professor Dani DuCharme, allows young scientists to conduct all types of experiments including examining microbes, processing crime scenes, dissecting bugs, launching rockets and more.

New this year, Health Careers Camp offers an opportunity to learn about and experience the many career options in health care. Under guidance by Waubonsee's health care professionals, campers will be able to take on the role of a health care professional and perform simulated duties and responsibilities using the latest equipment and technology in state-of-the-art facilities at the college's beautiful, newly-renovated Aurora Fox Valley Campus.

In addition, Waubonsee is offering a one-day Safe Sitter course on June 3 for those who might need to brush up on babysitting safety and skills before summer employment begins. The classes teach students ages 11 to 14 everything they need to know to be safe when they're home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Aspiring babysitters learn valuable life-saving skills with role-playing exercises and examples of fun activities that can be used to engage children of all ages. All participants will learn CPR.

For information, visit www.waubonsee.edu/xcelerate or call Community Education at (630) 466-2360.