UNCC Reading Camp – Improve Literacy Skills Over the Summer
Summer vacation can often lead to the “summer slide”, where kids lose some of the academic skills they’ve gained during the school year. As a parent, you want to keep your child’s mind active and learning even when school is out. Looking for ways to prevent summer learning loss in Charlotte? Consider signing up your elementary or middle school student for the UNCC Reading Camp!
This summer literacy program hosted by UNC Charlotte is a fun way for your child to maintain and improve their reading skills. The interactive sessions focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and writing. With engaging themes and enthusiastic teachers, it won’t seem like “school” to your kid.
Benefits of the UNCC Reading Camp
Here are some of the great benefits this summer reading program offers:
- Prevents summer learning loss in reading skills
- Provides an academic boost before the new school year
- Encourages a lifelong love of reading
- Allows kids to explore new interests and topics
- Keeps kids engaged and learning over summer break
- Promotes reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills
- Offers personalized instruction from passionate teachers
- Gives kids an academic “edge” going into the next grade
The engaging reading themes and enthusiasm of the instructors make learning fun. Your child will look forward to attending each day! The sessions incorporate interactive games, compelling fiction and nonfiction texts, and opportunities for students to practice their skills. It provides the academic enrichment kids need over the summer, disguised as fun!
What Will Your Child Do at Reading Camp?
A typical day at the UNCC Reading Camp will include:
- Reading high-interest fiction and nonfiction books and stories
- Vocabulary games and exercises to boost word knowledge
- Comprehension activities to practice retelling and summarizing
- Writing prompts to encourage creativity and self-expression
- Literacy-based arts and crafts projects
- Outdoor play time with literacy-inspired games
- Guest readers such as authors, musicians, and community members
Your child will spend the majority of time exploring fun stories and texts related to the camp theme. They’ll have many opportunities to practice using context clues, prediction making, summarizing main ideas, and other key reading comprehension strategies. With a low instructor-to-student ratio, your child will get personalized attention and instruction.
Themes and Age Groups
The UNCC Reading Camp divides students into small groups by age and grade level. The different groups allow activities to be tailored appropriately. The 2023 themes include:
- K-2nd Grade: Story Laboratory – Experimenting with Stories
- 3rd-4th Grade: Spy School – Cracking the Code of Reading
- 5th-6th Grade: Time Travelers – Unlocking History through Reading
Younger kids will especially enjoy the hands-on Story Laboratory theme. They’ll get to invent their own stories while improving comprehension and vocabulary. Older students will take on challenges like breaking codes, discovering historical artifacts, and more. The spy and time travel concepts add an extra level of engagement for tweens.
Instructors Who Make Learning Fun
The UNCC Reading Camp instructors are passionate about education and love sparking an excitement for literacy in their students. Many are current or former classroom teachers who know how to keep kids engaged. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, and one-on-one guidance ensure your child has a rewarding experience.
Instructors incorporate a variety of teaching methods like read-alouds, literacy circles, theater and drama, and hands-on projects. They’ll make reading come alive through interactive games and imaginative activities. Your student will look forward to seeing their teacher and continuing their learning adventures.
Additional Details
The UNCC Reading Camp runs weekly Monday-Friday from June 12 to July 21, 2023. Each camp day lasts from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Parents can register their child for individual weeks or the full 6-week program. Camp sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 12 students per group.
The cost is $220 per week. UNCC offers needs-based scholarships to assist families. Transportation is not provided, so parents will need to drop off and pick up their child. But it’s a priceless investment in their academic growth!
Spots fill up fast, so visit readingcamp.uncc.edu to reserve your child’s place for summer. Give your kid’s literacy skills a boost and set them up for success when school resumes. The UNCC Reading Camp makes summer learning fun!
STEM Camps – Hands-on Learning in Science and Tech
As summer approaches, parents in Charlotte start looking for ways to keep their kids engaged and learning during the long break from school. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camps have become an increasingly popular option, providing fun and educational activities in technical fields.
Research shows that hands-on learning opportunities like those offered at STEM camps can spark interest and improve retention of concepts for kids. Taking part in experiments, building projects and tackling challenges in a collaborative environment allows campers to gain first-hand experience applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Luckily, Charlotte offers over a dozen STEM camps hosted at various locations like Discovery Place, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Latta Nature Preserve, the UNCC campus and more. Options range from half day programs to full immersion overnight camps for older kids. Most incorporate innovative curricula focused on relevant, in-demand skills like coding, robotics, 3D printing and design thinking.
Here are 15 of the top STEM camp opportunities for Charlotte area kids this summer:
Discovery Place Science Camps
Discovery Place is one of the premier destinations in Charlotte for hands-on science learning. The museum offers week-long half and full day camps throughout the summer tailored for kids in grades 1-9. Campers can dabble in subjects like video game design, forensic science, marine biology, amusement park physics and more. All programs emphasize critical thinking, teamwork and exploration under the guidance of knowledgeable camp instructors.
Mad Science Summer Camps
These themed camps bring science to life through creative demonstrations, hands-on projects and science-based challenges. Elementary and middle school students can enroll in week-long Mad Science camps at various Charlotte locations to learn about topics like secret agent lab work, space exploration and movie effects. Kids get to take home projects, gear and memorabilia from their week investigating science mysteries and adventures.
NASCAR Hall of Fame STEAM Camps
For kids that love fast cars, the NASCAR Hall of Fame offers the perfect blend of science and high octane fun. Their STEAM-based camps (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) allow students entering 1st through 9th grades to immerse themselves in the world of NASCAR. Activities like building model race cars and designing tracks let them apply math and engineering skills while learning about the history of the popular sport.
Charlotte Children’s Science Explorium Camps
At the interactive Explorium museum, Charlotte kids can stretch their STEM skills in week-long summer camps focusing on specific science themes. Depending on their age group, campers may learn about designing projects with circuits and motors, chemical reactions or architectural design. The camps emphasize experiential learning and critical thinking based on the museum’s unique science exhibits and programs.
UNCC STEM Camps
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte hosts immersive summer STEM camps to engage middle and high school students. The five day commuter camps are led by university faculty and allow participants to explore college majors and careers in fields like engineering, computing, biology, chemistry, business and more. Hands-on projects, demonstrations, site visits and team exercises give a taste of the real-world application of STEM topics.
Latta Nature Center Summer Camps
Kids who love the outdoors can dive into environmental science topics at the Latta Nature Center camps in Charlotte. Activities like creek studies, bird watching and nature hikes provide hands-on learning about local plants, animals and ecosystems. Older participants also attend an overnight campout to become fully immersed in the natural world. Camps are tailored for specific age groups from 4 years old through 8th grade.
Levine Museum STEAM Camp
Campers in grades 1-8 can explore Charlotte history through a STEAM lens at the Levine Museum of the New South. Hands-on projects relate to topics like architecture, engineering, and technology while tying into the museum’s artifacts and exhibits. Students work collaboratively to apply creative problem-solving to historical themes and gain a broader appreciation of local heritage and culture.
Discovery Place Nature Camps
In addition to science camps at Discovery Place Science museum, hands-on nature camps are also offered at Discovery Place Nature. Themed weeks allow kids from K-8th grade to learn about the natural environment through outdoor exploration, scientific discovery and creative play. Topics include nature detective camp, wilderness survival camp, reptiles & amphibians camp and more.
Charlotte Art League Summer Art Camps
Budding creatives can further develop their artistic abilities at the art-focused camps offered by the Charlotte Art League. The half and full day camps allow kids ages 6-15 to experiment with different mediums like drawing, painting, pottery and mixed media. Teen camps also teach design techniques using digital programs like Photoshop and Illustrator to produce original graphic art projects.
Coder Kids Summer Programs
Kids interested in developing their computer skills can enroll at Coder Kids camp locations across Charlotte. Their project-based courses teach programming languages like Scratch, Python, Java and more. Students also explore projects involving robotics, video game coding, app development and 3D printing. The innovative curriculum engages analytical thinking in a fun, collaborative way.
Engineering for Kids Summer Camps
With multiple Charlotte area locations, Engineering for Kids offers week-long camps for children ages 4-14. Participants work hands-on to design, build and test projects related to science, technology and engineering concepts. Activities are tailored to age groups and allow kids to explore topics like game design, aerospace engineering, coding and more through interactive challenges.
Girls STEAM Ahead Academy
This STEAM-focused summer day camp designed just for girls entering grades 2-7 ignites interest in technical fields. Hands-on activities, experiments and design challenges related to science, math, engineering and technology provide engaging real-world applications. The girls-only environment creates a supportive atmosphere for learning without gender stereotypes.
Harrisburg Parks and Rec STEM Camps
Affordable week-long STEM camps offered through the town of Harrisburg provide science exploration for elementary age kids. Each day includes hands-on activities, experiments and projects related to themes like astronomy, marine biology, dinosaurs and grossology. Qualified instructors lead the sessions held at Harrisburg Park to spark STEM curiosity.
Techsplorers Summer Camps
These specialized technology camps offer in-depth instruction in areas like game design, 3D printing, robotics and coding. Students ages 7 to 15 work in a hands-on lab environment to learn programming languages, develop their own video games, and build electronics projects to take home. The interactive courses aim to inspire lasting interest in STEM fields.
With this wide variety of science and tech focused summer camps, Charlotte parents can keep their kids learning, engaged and entertained when school is out. The hands-on STEM activities offer enrichment that sparks curiosity, critical thinking and problem solving skills in an enjoyable environment outside the classroom.
Creative Writing Workshop – Unleash Your Child’s Imagination
As a parent, keeping your kids creatively engaged over summer break can be a challenge. Enrolling them in a creative writing workshop is a great way to nurture and develop their imagination. Through fun writing prompts, exercises and feedback, kids can unlock their inner storyteller and improve their writing skills.
The benefits of creative writing for children are plentiful. It builds confidence, allows self-expression, enhances communication abilities and sparks creativity. Most importantly, it’s an enjoyable activity that feels more like play than work to kids.
Luckily, Charlotte offers many creative writing workshop opportunities for elementary through high school students over the summer break. From half-day camps to immersive overnight experiences, there are engaging programs to unleash every child’s unique imagination.
Here are 15 of the top creative writing workshops and camps for Charlotte area kids this summer:
Young Writers Workshop at Queens University
This half-day camp at Queens University teaches creative writing fundamentals to students entering grades 3-12. Experienced instructors lead interactive sessions focused on brainstorming, drafting, editing and workshopping story ideas. Campers explore different genres like poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction while honing their skills.
Charlotte Art League Creative Writing Camp
Kids ages 11-15 can flex their creative muscles at this week-long Charlotte Art League day camp. Through fun writing exercises, storytelling games and group feedback, campers gain confidence in their creative writing abilities. They also produce original stories and poems to be published in an end-of-camp anthology.
Story Explorers Camp at ImaginOn
The public library’s ImaginOn facility offers a half-day creative writing camp using storytelling and roleplaying games. Students entering 2nd through 5th grades interact with stories, practice creative writing techniques and improvisation while learning about graphic novels and manga under the guidance of talented teaching artists.
Creative Writing Workshop at Discovery Place Education Studio
Discovery Place hosts week-long creative writing workshops over the summer, tailored for elementary and middle school students. Campers write stories, poems, plays and more using fun prompts and imagination exercises. They also play communication games and receive feedback to gain confidence sharing their creative work.
Hornets Summer Reading & Writing Camp
A partnership between the Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers reading and writing enrichment for 3rd-8th graders. Along with discussing texts, students draft stories and poems to build creative writing skills. Certified teachers make the sessions educational and engaging for young readers and writers.
Storycraft Workshop
This small weekend workshop guides students ages 8-17 through all stages of the creative writing process. Participants brainstorm ideas, write drafts, provide friendly feedback, and revise their work. The instructive sessions in a relaxed environment build creative writing skills and confidence.
Creative Writing Workshop at Blair Junior High
CMS offers week-long creative writing camps at various schools including Blair Junior High. Students entering grades 6-8 work on stories, poetry, scripts and other projects while learning literary techniques. Certified English teachers provide guidance on developing original creative writing pieces.
Queens University Creative Writing Camp
This overnight residential camp allows rising 9th-12th graders to immerse themselves in creative writing activities on the Queens campus. Along with core sessions on fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and more, campers take elective courses on topics like humor writing, songwriting and journaling.
Written Arts Camp at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
At this performing arts day camp, 3rd-5th graders express themselves through creative writing workshops alongside theater activities like improv and dance. Campers build confidence through collaborative writing exercises and perform their original stories and scenes on the final day.
Charlotte WriteBrain Workshop
WriteBrain offers creative writing enrichment for students in grades 2-12. Their interactive workshops focus on journaling, expressive writing, storytelling and poetry to develop core writing skills. Optional private feedback sessions provide opportunities for students to gain valuable input on their work.
Levine Museum Creative Writing Camp
Campers entering grades 4-8 can find inspiration in history and culture at this creative writing camp. Writing activities based on museum exhibits guide students to craft poems, narratives and descriptive passages. Participants culminate by reading their work aloud and compiling a printed collection.
Page Street Publishing Summer Writing Camp
This unique camp allows middle and high schoolers to work directly with the local Page Street book publisher. Students get tips on writing queries, drafting manuscripts, and pursuing publication. The hands-on experience provides insight into the world of creative writing and publishing.
Charlotte Writer’s Club Summer Workshop
Membership in this local writer’s club provides access to summer creative writing workshops and critique groups for teens and adults. Attendees gain valuable feedback and encouragement on works-in-progress from fellow participants under the guidance of experienced group leaders.
Creative Writing Workshop at Public Library
The county public library system offers free teen creative writing groups at several branch locations over the summer. Participants develop original stories while learning about elements of fiction such as dialogue, scene-setting, and character development under instructor guidance.
Write Now! Summer Writing Workshop
This intensive one-week workshop guides high school students through the entire creative writing process. Through immersive sessions and individual guidance, writers brainstorm ideas, write drafts, workshop pieces, and revise work to provide a strong creative writing experience.
With supportive instruction and engaging activities, these Charlotte area writing camps and workshops can unlock any child’s innate creativity. Students gain confidence in their abilities while having fun crafting original stories, poems and other works.
Learn a New Language – Spanish, French, Chinese and More
As summer approaches, many parents in Charlotte start thinking about how to keep their kids engaged and learning during the long break from school. Instead of letting the kids while away the summer days on screens or by the pool, consider enrolling them in a summer language program through UNC Charlotte (UNCC). Not only will they learn useful skills, but research shows picking up a second (or third!) language has many cognitive benefits for kids.
UNC Charlotte offers summer camps and courses for K-12 students in several of the most popular languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese. The programs are run by the University’s top language faculty to give kids an immersive and educational experience. The courses go beyond basic vocabulary and grammar lessons and incorporate language learning through games, projects, field trips, and activities.
For example, in the Spanish camp kids not only learn conversational skills but also explore the culture, history, and geography of Spanish-speaking countries through hands-on projects. They might research notable Hispanic figures and create a poster board presentation, or map out the routes of famous Spanish explorers. These kinds of active learning experiences help the new language stick.
The French camp has a culinary twist. Along with language instruction, campers learn to cook classic French cuisine like crepes, quiche, and croissants. The kids love tasting the fruits of their labor while picking up kitchen vocabulary in French. Food is a great gateway for learning a new language in a fun and delicious way!
Chinese camp allows kids to discover the traditions of China by making arts and crafts like paper lanterns, fans, kites and calligraphy ink paintings. They also get lessons in martial arts like tai chi, and enjoy field trips to local Chinese restaurants and cultural centers. Immersing themselves in the food, dances, holidays and lifestyles of China brings the language to life.
Beyond the summer, UNC Charlotte has Saturday language academies during the school year for kids interested in ongoing instruction. The programs use age-tailored curriculum to ensure kids stay engaged and challenged as their proficiency progresses. Each level covers speaking, listening, reading and writing with an emphasis on conversation.
UNC Charlotte also offers language certifications for high school students. Accredited certifications in Spanish, French, German, Japanese or Chinese demonstrate an advanced mastery of the language – a great addition to college applications, or for earning potential in future careers.
Language learning has many benefits for kids that go beyond classroom proficiency. Studies show it can:
- Improve listening skills and memory
- Enhance problem-solving abilities
- Develop multitasking skills
- Increase insight and perceptiveness
- Boost academic performance in other areas
- Expand career opportunities
Plus, learning a language opens kids’ minds to other cultures. They gain appreciation for different countries and ideas, which fosters open-mindedness and tolerance.
This summer, instead of letting your kids zone out, encourage them to zone in on language learning. UNC Charlotte offers engaging programs tailored for all ages and skill levels. The earlier kids can start, the greater advantage they’ll have in school and life. But at any age, picking up a new language unlocks a world of cognition benefits and cross-cultural connections.
So explore Spanish, French, Chinese or other summer language camps and courses at UNC Charlotte. Let your kids spend the summer expanding their knowledge and perspectives. They’ll be occupied in a fun, social and educational environment – and they’ll be building language fluency to boot!
Performing Arts Camp – Acting, Dance, Music and Theatre
For children with a creative spark, the ideal summer experience combines fun with nurturing their talents. That’s why UNC Charlotte’s performing arts camps are such a great option for Charlotte kids this summer. With programs in theater, music, dance and more, kids can dive into the performing arts in a dynamic university environment.
UNC Charlotte’s performing arts camps offer immersive experiences tailored for different age groups. Campers not only learn new skills, but have opportunities to create original shows and performances. Collaborating with other creative kids fosters teamwork and self-confidence, while expert instruction helps them refine their abilities.
The theatre camp, for example, gives kids a taste of the entire production process. They learn acting techniques through theater games and improv exercises to start unlocking their dramatic potential. Campers also get insights into directing, stage design, and lighting – bringing all these elements together to put on original shows.
For campers interested in musical theater, UNCC offers programs that combine acting, singing and dancing. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, kids learn to integrate these performance disciplines while preparing songs and skits from favorite musicals to perform for family and friends.
Young instrumentalists can join band camp to gain ensemble experience and improve their skills. Whether they play woodwinds, brass, percussion or strings, campers will rehearse together and get coaching from UNCC’s accomplished music faculty. No prior experience required – band camp welcomes beginners too!
Dance camp lets aspiring movers explore different styles, from ballet and tap to hip hop, jazz, contemporary and more. Kids can discover their dance passion or try something new. The camp culminates in an original choreography performance, with campers pooling their talents to create something extraordinary.
UNCC also offers several specialty performing arts camps:
- Circus Camp – Learn juggling, acrobatics, clowning and magic tricks!
- Puppetry Camp – Create unique puppet characters and write original puppet shows.
- Technical Theater Camp – Focus on stagecraft skills like lighting, sound, costuming and set design.
Beyond summer, UNCC has year-round performing arts programs on Saturdays for kids looking to continue honing their talents. The classes focus on building skills progressively in a lively, supportive environment. And talented high school students can enroll in advanced UNCC performing arts courses to earn college credit.
The benefits of arts education for kids are tremendous, including:
- Increased creativity and imagination
- Improved confidence and self-expression
- Better focus and concentration
- Enhanced teamwork and collaboration
- Stronger critical thinking and problem solving
- More resilience and perseverance
UNC Charlotte’s summer performing arts camps offer the perfect blend of fun and enriching education for creative kids. Under the guidance of UNCC’s talented instructors, campers can imagine, create and perform, while forming friendships with other inspired youth. See your child’s inner artist bloom this summer at UNCC’s theater, music, dance and specialty performing arts camps!
Computer Coding Camp – Build Video Games and Websites
In our tech-driven world, coding skills are highly valuable across countless careers. That’s why computer coding camps are such a smart summer activity for 21st century kids. UNC Charlotte offers coding camps that give Charlotte students the engaging, hands-on experience to build key skills in a university setting.
UNC Charlotte’s coding camps are designed specifically for different age groups to provide the right level of instruction and challenge. Young coders start by learning the foundations like loops, variables and conditionals through game design projects. As they advance, campers tackle more complex coding languages and applications.
A beginner camp for elementary school kids uses Scratch to introduce basic programming concepts. Campers have fun creating animations and simple video games while grasping the building blocks of coding.
For middle schoolers, the curriculum covers popular languages like JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Students learn to develop dynamic web pages and browser games. Seeing their codes come to life on screen provides a great sense of accomplishment.
High school campers can dive into advanced topics like Java, SQL and Python. Guided by UNCC instructors, they tackle engaging projects like building smartphone apps, Minecraft mods and Raspberry Pi applications. Teens also explore how coding connects to robotics and artificial intelligence.
In addition to summer camps, UNC Charlotte offers year-round coding clubs and classes on Saturdays for K-12 students. The sessions are tailored by age group and experience level, allowing young coders to expand their skills over time. UNCC also has accredited certification programs in Java and Python for advanced students.
UNC Charlotte understands the many benefits of teaching coding to kids at a young age:
- It develops logical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills
- It boosts creativity, imagination, and self-expression
- It teaches planning, organization, debugging and attention to detail
- It promotes math, science and engineering skills
- It prepares kids for the jobs of tomorrow
Some Charlotte parents worry their child might become glued to more screens with coding. But guided instruction allows kids to engage screens productively. Coding gives their digital time a purpose – not just consuming content, but creating with technology.
And making games or animations is a lot more engaging than traditional summer worksheets. Coding shows kids the empowering side of technology, sparking new passions. Many take their skills outside of camp to pursue their own projects and innovations.
UNC Charlotte also stresses ethics with new coders – how to code responsibly for the social good. Overall, their curriculum aims to nurture a generation equipped not just to use technology, but to lead and shape it.
So if your child shows an inclination for computers and creation, UNC Charlotte coding camps are a perfect summer outlet. The right instruction at the right age can set kids on a STEM career path and unlock their technical potential. Let their summer screens be a portal to the skills that will power our future world!
Entrepreneurship Camp – Design a Startup Business Plan
Encouraging kids’ entrepreneurial spirit is a rising summer trend, and for good reason. Learning business basics equips them with valuable life skills while nurturing their initiative. UNC Charlotte’s summer entrepreneurship camps let Charlotte students design their own startups in an engaging university setting.
UNC Charlotte’s entrepreneurship camps teach core concepts like identifying market needs, product development, branding, advertising, and pitching ideas. Hands-on activities make the lessons stick, as campers brainstorm, collaborate, and present their imaginary startup plans.
The curriculum is tailored for different age levels. Early camps focus on product design and simple business models. As kids advance, they tackle more complex topics like startup funding, hiring, scaling strategy, and managing finances.
Elementary students invent product prototypes, sketch logos, and role play commercials. Making crafts like t-shirts and stickers for their imaginary brand brings concepts to life. Presenting ideas to parents on “Pitch Day” builds public speaking skills.
Middle school campers dive into identifying target customers, pricing products, competitive analysis, and presenting business proposals. Field trips to local startups give a real-world perspective.
High schoolers form teams to develop full startup plans covering ideas like: identifying issues to solve, startup costs and funding, website and app design, supply chains, marketing, growth forecasting and more. It’s an immersive entrepreneurship experience.
Beyond summer, UNC Charlotte runs year-round entrepreneur clubs where students can continue honing their business knowledge. For high schoolers, UNCC has accredited Entrepreneurship Certifications that include internship opportunities.
The benefits of youth entrepreneurship education are far-reaching:
- Promotes creativity and problem-solving
- Teaches financial literacy and math skills
- Develops research, analytical and planning abilities
- Boosts public speaking and presentation skills
- Encourages leadership, self-reliance and initiative
- Builds knowledge to launch real future ventures
Even if participants don’t become entrepreneurs, the communication, organizational and critical thinking skills gained serve them for life. Running lemonade stands as kids develops into pitching their skills to future employers.
UNC Charlotte also incorporates lessons on ethics, sustainability and social responsibility into the entrepreneurship curriculum. Budding business minds learn how startup ideas can help people and the planet, not just make profits.
These lessons help counterbalance the materialism or technology overexposure some worry business camps may promote. With guidance focused on empathy and problem solving, business education allows self-discovery.
UNC Charlotte’s experienced instructors ensure students collaborate, engage both logic and creativity, and present their ideas with passion. The programs aim not just to develop future entrepreneurs, but well-rounded citizens.
So this summer, encourage your child’s inner CEO! Let their imagination and initiative thrive during entrepreneurship camp at UNC Charlotte. They’ll gain knowledge to start real ventures someday – while learning invaluable life lessons that any parent would endorse.
Mock Trial and Debate Camp – Hone Critical Thinking Skills
For logical, argument-minded kids, debate and mock trial camps are ideal summer learning activities. UNC Charlotte offers week-long immersion programs where Charlotte students can sharpen critical thinking and public speaking skills in engaging, hands-on ways.
At debate camp, kids grasp the foundations of structured argumentation. Through fun interactive games and exercises, campers learn how to craft persuasive cases, conduct research, point out flawed reasoning, and think on their feet responding to counterpoints.
Campers get coaching on debate formats like Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas. Speech drills and practice debates against fellow campers help improve their rhetoric and delivery.
To culminate camp, participants showcase their developing skills in a tournament-style debate competition. Awards go to top debaters in categories like Most Persuasive and Best Research. Campers leave with new confidence in reasoning, speaking, and engaging thoughtfully with different viewpoints.
Mock trial camp offers budding legal eagles the chance to prepare and argue a fictional court case from start to finish. Campers learn how trials progress and the role each participant plays. Small groups take on the key parts – lawyers, witnesses, plaintiffs, defendants, and jury.
Kids learn how to present convincing legal arguments and spot inconsistencies in testimony through the camp’s hands-on case workshops. Field trips to county courthouses provide valuable context and exposure to real court proceedings.
The mock trial camp culminates in presenting full trials, with campers enacting both prosecution and defense. Impartial instructor “judges” score performances and provide constructive feedback.
Beyond summer, UNC Charlotte has middle school and high school debate leagues and mock trial teams students can join to further build expertise. Speech and debate skills certifications are also available through UNCC for high-achieving students.
The benefits of summer debate and mock trial camps include:
- Sharpening critical thinking abilities
- Improving logic, reasoning and analytical skills
- Teaching persuasive speaking and sound argument construction
- Developing poise and public speaking confidence
- Understanding legal processes and the judicial system
- Promotingtolerance for differing viewpoints
Kids who thrive on intellectual sparring will love the challenge these camps provide. The programs nurture respectful discourse – how to argue thoughtfully and passionately while considering alternative perspectives.
UNC Charlotte’s experienced instructors ensure kids stay engaged through games, role play, competitions and dynamic activities. Campers have fun honing valuable skills to succeed in school, careers, and civic life.
For bright, articulate students, debate and mock trial camps offer the perfect chance to flex their intellectual muscle this summer. Let their confidence soar as they find – and sharpen – their voice. Send your budding attorney or philosopher to UNCC for a summer of enriching challenge!
Cooking and Nutrition Camp – Make Healthy Meals and Snacks
For kids who love food, cooking camps are a delicious way to spend the summer. UNC Charlotte offers nutrition and culinary programs where Charlotte campers can gain cooking skills while learning about healthy eating.
UNC Charlotte’s cooking camps provide hands-on fun in the campus dining hall kitchens. Under the guidance of university chefs, kids learn to chop, mix, bake and sauté while making yummy recipes to enjoy together. Campers get comfortable with cooking basics in a safe, supervised environment.
Recipes start simple – things like smoothies, dips and no-bake energy bites. As kids progress to more advanced cuisine, they develop key techniques like baking, knife skills and using kitchen tools properly. Dishes become more complex, but still fun for kids – homemade ravioli, taco bars, pizza and more.
Alongside cooking, campers get age-tailored lessons in nutrition science. Activities make the knowledge stick, like building edible models of food molecules or designing healthy meal plans. Kids come away with a real understanding of topics like:
- Balancing macros – carbs, protein, fats
- Vitamins and minerals
- Water and hydration
- Energy and metabolism
- Diet and disease prevention
Field trips to supermarkets, farms and restaurants reinforce how nutrition connects to the larger food system. Tasting dishes from different cultures opens kids’ palates to new healthy flavors.
UNC Charlotte’s year-round cooking clubs allow kids to continue advancing their skills after summer camp ends. Teen “Future Chef” courses focus on topics like vegetarian cooking, food science and planning nutritious menus on a budget.
The benefits of cooking camp for kids are tremendous:
- Promotes healthy eating habits
- Teaches kitchen safety and technique
- Develops math, science and literacy skills
- Builds confidence and independence
- Encourages trying new foods and flavors
- Strengthens family bonds
Hands-on cooking makes nutrition lessons stick better than just lecturing kids. Prepared campers become savvy food shoppers, and help parents cook healthy dinners at home.
Some Charlotte parents worry cooking camp just adds more “screen time” if recipes come from iPads or videos. But UNCC chefs ensure kids get into the action, with devices used only as sparingly as needed.
UNC Charlotte’s state-of-the-art kitchen classrooms have ample mixing bowls and chef’s tools so each child can actively participate and learn techniques properly. Kids come away confident creators in the kitchen – a skill families cherish for years.
So this summer, let your kids cook up healthy fun at camp! UNC Charlotte offers hands-on culinary and nutrition programs to nurture a new generation of mindful foodies.
Sports Camp – Golf, Tennis, Soccer, Basketball and More
For sporty kids, athletics camps are the perfect way to stay active over summer. UNC Charlotte runs a wide variety of summer sports programs where Charlotte students can build skills in a fun, engaging environment.
UNC Charlotte offers camps for popular sports like soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and golf. The programs focus on fundamentals, game strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship. UNCC coaches lead drills, games, scrimmages and contests to hone campers’ abilities in their chosen sport.
Camps group participants by age and skill level. Beginners learn basic techniques while more advanced campers refine their talents. The small group setting allows customized coaching for each child’s developmental needs.
Basketball campers improve dribbling, passing, shooting and defensive maneuvers through intensive skill stations. Competitive games and tournaments let them apply new techniques. Awards are given for accomplishments like Most Valuable Player, Best Sportsmanship, and Most Improved.
At soccer camp, participants develop footwork, ball control, positioning, rules and game tactics through situational drills. Scrimmages and daily World Cup-style tournaments make skills fun and engaging. Creative games like Soccer Golf keep energy levels high.
Specialty sports like field hockey, lacrosse, rugby, archery and fencing are also offered. UNCC experts teach beginners the basics, while advanced campers refine their game for high school and club competition.
For young athletes looking to take their game to the next level, UNCC offers elite camps in most sports focusing on high-intensity drills and advanced techniques. These build skills for varsity high school, college and beyond.
UNCC sports camps build more than athletic ability – they promote teamwork, discipline, work ethic and sportsmanship. Participants become more well-rounded athletes, developing skills colleges value too.
The benefits of summer sports camps include:
- Improving physical fitness and coordination
- Fostering teamwork and social skills
- Building confidence and leadership qualities
- Promoting sportsmanship and competitive ethics
- Motivating kids to stay active
- Creating friendships and athletic networks
UNC Charlotte offers high quality instruction for young athletes across many sports. Skilled coaches help each participant maximize their potential in an engaging, supportive environment.
Let your rising star shine at UNCC sports camps this summer. Athletes gain new skills and motivation that last long after camp ends!
Nature and Outdoor Camp – Hiking, Fishing, Survival Skills
In today’s tech-centric world, nature camps are more valuable than ever for kids. UNC Charlotte runs outdoor programs where Charlotte campers can hike, fish, camp, and learn wilderness skills in the North Carolina woods and lakes.
UNC Charlotte’s nature camps take full advantage of the abundant natural areas surrounding campus. Expert instructors lead campers on daily adventures into forests, meadows, creeks and wildlife preserves. Kids unplug and connect with nature, developing appreciation for the environment.
Camp activities cultivate outdoor skills and confidence. Shelter building using tarps, ropes and sticks puts classroom survival lessons into practice. Following compass courses through the woods teaches navigation abilities. Scavenger hunts reveal how to spot animal tracks and identify birdsongs.
Fly fishing clinics offer casting lessons for beginners, while advanced campers perfect technique to catch elusive trout. Cookouts using solar ovens let kids apply camping cooking methods first-hand.
Multi-day expeditions bring overnight tent camping trips to scenic Charlotte locales. Campers take responsibility for packing gear, setting up campsites, and preparing trail meals together. Stargazing and night hikes create lifelong memories.
In addition to outdoor skills, the nature camps instill conservation values. Activities like clearing litter from trails or building birdhouses demonstrate how everyone impacts nature. Kids appreciate acting as stewards, not just visitors.
UNC Charlotte’s year-round outdoor clubs offer continued adventure. The Venturing program for teens focuses on extreme sports, white water rafting, backcountry trekking and wilderness emergency preparedness.
The benefits of nature and outdoor summer camps include:
- Fostering appreciation of nature
- Building confidence and resilience
- Developing leadership and teamwork
- Promoting fitness and active lifestyles
- Teaching environmental ethics
- Reducing screen dependency
Research shows exposure to nature reduces kids’ stress and boosts creativity. UNCC camp counselors help campers unplug and enjoy the restorative value of “Vitamin N.”
Concerned parents can rest assured UNC Charlotte takes safety seriously. Instructors are certified wilderness first responders. Camps stay connected via radio. And the robust university emergency network is minutes away if needed.
Give your kids an unforgettably fun summer enriching their bodies, minds and spirits. Enroll them in UNC Charlotte’s nature and outdoor adventure camps today!
Leadership Camp – Develop Confidence and Teamwork
In today’s competitive world, leadership abilities give kids a vital edge. UNC Charlotte runs summer leadership camps where Charlotte students develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills through engaging hands-on activities.
UNC Charlotte’s leadership camps use an interactive approach to bring out each child’s potential. Campers collaborate in small teams to accomplish goals in unique settings like ropes courses, escape rooms and outdoor parks.
Climbing walls and high ropes courses foster trust and support within groups. Campers gain courage spotting teammates, then experience the satisfaction of overcoming perceived limits. Counselors guide reflective discussions afterwards.
Escape room challenges require teams to solve logic puzzles and physical obstacles. Kids learn to leverage strengths, overcome weaknesses, and build resilience by trial and error. Debriefs underscore lessons in creative problem solving.
Activities at nature centers build environmental awareness and stewardship. Campers remove invasive plants to clear trails, then use the debris for habitat restoration. They learn leadership includes service and sustainability.
Presenting group skits, poems and original songs builds creative expression and public speaking skills. Campers gain confidence sharing ideas in a supportive peer environment.
Throughout activities, counselors reinforce lessons in communication, responsibility, motivation and adaptability. Campers internalize how true leaders lift up others and lead by example.
UNC Charlotte’s year-round leadership clubs and teen mentoring programs allow students to continue building their abilities. Advanced high school students can also earn accredited leadership certifications.
The benefits of summer leadership camp include:
- Developing teamwork and collaboration skills
- Building confidence and overcoming fears
- Improving goal-setting, strategic planning
- Teaching effective communication and public speaking
- Encouraging community service and civic responsibility
- Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion
UNC Charlotte designs leadership activities to be engaging and fun for kids. Participants emerge more resilient, optimistic and empowered to lead.
In today’s divided world, raising future leaders with character and compassion is essential. UNC Charlotte instills ethics and emotional intelligence alongside strength and strategy.
This summer, give your child the gift of finding their inner leader. Enroll them in UNC Charlotte’s leadership camps to build skills that will guide them – and others – for a lifetime.
Photography Camp – Learn Composition and Editing
In the Instagram era, photography skills let kids capture life’s moments in creative ways. UNC Charlotte runs summer photography camps where Charlotte students can master techniques from professional photographers in a hands-on university setting.
UNC Charlotte’s photography camps provide a dynamic learning environment for budding shutterbugs. Expert instructors start with camera basics like aperture, shutter speed and lighting. Campers gain proficiency using their own digital devices or DSLR cameras provided.
Practical lessons teach core skills like styling subjects, composing quality shots, and editing images. Classroom lessons are supplemented by shoots around campus tailoring newly learned skills.
Younger campers may simply tour campus snapping photos with unique perspectives. Middle schoolers conduct magazine-style photoshoots with costumed models. High school groups experiment with time-lapse, slow motion and light painting techniques.
Post-processing workshops allow campers to develop their own style. Industry tools like Photoshop and Lightroom help take images to the next level through cropping, filters, and graphic design elements.
To culminate camp, students’ work is showcased in photography exhibits for family and friends. Seeing their vision displayed boosts budding artists’ confidence and sense of achievement.
Beyond summer, UNC Charlotte offers school-year photography clubs, workshops and certificate programs. Teens can even earn accredited qualifications in Commercial Photography.
The benefits of photography camp for kids include:
- Building visual literacy and design skills
- Boosting creativity, imagination and self-expression
- Teaching technical knowledge and camera functions
- Developing composition, perspective and editing abilities
- Fostering artistic passion and personal style
- Promoting visual storytelling skills
UNC Charlotte’s guided instruction allows campers to thrive at their own level. Novices gain competence while advanced students refine techniques.
Some parents worry photography camps lead kids to experience life through screens rather than directly. But UNCC emphasizes getting kids out engaging their surroundings through the camera lens.
Let your child uncover their photographic eye this summer at UNC Charlotte. They will gain visual skills to creatively capture life’s fleeting moments!
Game Design Camp – Create Board Games and Video Games
In today’s interactive era, game design skills allow kids to channel creativity into imaginative new worlds. UNC Charlotte offers summer game design camps where Charlotte students can craft immersive games while unlocking coding and art abilities.
UNC Charlotte’s game design camps let budding inventors bring game ideas to life. After learning fundamentals like storyboarding and prototyping, campers get hands-on building playable games.
Younger kids develop simple board games using craft supplies like colored paper, markers and cardboard game pieces. Middle school campers advance to digital game creation tools to animate characters and program gameplay.
High schoolers learning 3D modeling software build vivid virtual worlds with environments, objects and avatars. Adding gameplay code and UI menus transforms concepts into functioning video games ready for beta testing.
Alongside programming, campers get art instruction to make games visually compelling. Lessons in drawing, graphic design, and 3D modeling teach kids how visual appeal and mechanics interconnect.
To conclude camp, students debut their games in an arcade-style showcase. Seeing others immersed in their creation delivers immense encouragement to continue developing design skills.
Beyond summer, UNC Charlotte has game programming clubs using engines like Unity and Unreal. Qualified high schoolers can also earn accredited certifications in game art and design.
The benefits of game design camps include:
- Boosting creativity, problem-solving and spatial skills
- Teaching core STEM and art concepts in an applied way
- Developing collaboration, communication and project management
- Sparking interest in programming, 3D modeling and digital arts
- Building a growth mindset through iteration and testing
UNC Charlotte makes game creation engaging, notisolating. Social team challenges, peercritiques, and sharing successes keeps kids learning together.
Some parents understandably worry game design exacerbates screen time. But mentored creation is very different from passive gaming. And sparking interests can make learning stick.
Game design camp allows kids to unlock creative potential on their own terms. Let their imagination come alive this summer at UNC Charlotte!
Volunteer and Community Service – Give Back Around Charlotte
Summer volunteering is an impactful way for kids to gain perspective while giving back. UNC Charlotte runs community service camps where Charlotte students can support local needs through rewarding hands-on service opportunities.
UNC Charlotte’s community service camps organize meaningful projects helping Charlotte’s underserved residents. Activities instill kids with empathy while building practical skills.
Campers have painted cheerful murals at schools and youth centers to create more positive spaces. Gardening and landscaping work at community gardens provides healthy food access. Kids see their efforts’ tangible results.
Restoration work transforms dilapidated parks and play areas. Campers assist with carpentry, painting and groundskeeping to revitalize public spaces. Seeing improved community resources inspires campers.
At animal shelters, kids help bathe rescue dogs and enrich their living areas. Campers gain appreciation for animal welfare and the adoption process. Bonding with affectionate pets brings lots of smiles.
Prepared meals are packaged at food banks working alongside adult volunteers. Kids help provide for Charlotte families facing hardship. The experience builds compassion.
Reflection after each activity underscores lessons about social responsibility. Kids gain wider understanding of challenges facing parts of their community.
The benefits of volunteering for kids includes:
- Teaching civic engagement and giving back
- Inspiring kindness, empathy and patience
- Promoting teamwork and leadership abilities
- Building practical hands-on skills
- Increasing understanding of social issues
- Boosting sense of purpose and self-esteem
UNC Charlotte’s community service camps provide fulfilling experiences that stick with children. Many campers choose to continue volunteering afterwards.
Service opportunities are structured to be rewarding for participants as well as recipients. Kids gain insight that community-mindedness, not just individualism, lifts up society.
This summer, let your child brighten Charlotte through service! UNC Charlotte’s community volunteer camps develop character while bettering the city.