By: Wanda Campbell
“Summertime/And the livin’ is easy/Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high”
Ella Fitzgerald, a popular female jazz singer, recorded this George Gershwin opening to the classic Porgy and Bess in 1968.
More recently, Kenny Chesney, an American country music singer-songwriter, sang: “Perfect song on the radio/Sing along ‘cause it’s one we know/It’s a smile, it’s a kiss/It’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime/Sweet summertime.” (2005)
Whatever favorite song you have, summertime is a special time for memories. At Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning, we are making memories in summer camp programs that started May 29 with the Super Sitter Camp.
The Super Sitter Camp taught campers how to care for children. Instructed by experts at Athens Limestone Hospital, the Athens Police Department, the Athens Fire Department, and Limestone County 911, campers learned about safety, nutrition, and emergencies.
Coming up next week, June 18-22, are Tee Time Golf Camp, Great Brick Adventure, and Stop Motion Animation.
Tee Time Golf Camp is held at the Canebrake Golf Course, from 9:00 -11:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday. Whether you already know how to play the game or are a first-time enthusiast, this camp will be fun and informative. PGA instructors will be on hand to work with each camper, teaching them the fundamentals of grip, stance, posture, and swing. Recommended for ages 8-14 years.
Great Brick Adventure is held at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, from 9:00 -11:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday. Join us for a different LEGO theme each day. From Outer Space to Superheroes to Minecraft, we will have a difference brick adventure each day! If your child loves to invent and build, they will love this camp. Recommended ages 8-12 years.
Stop Motion Animation is held at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Learn the techniques of stop motion animation and make your own short movie! Teams will use movie-making software to add titles, music, sound effects, and more. When the movie is complete, campers will impress friends and family with a screening party on the last day. Don’t miss this chance to be a movie producer! Recommended ages 8-12 years.
The week of June 25-29, we will host Hip Hop Camp and From Cows to Cotton.
Hip Hop Camp is June 25-28, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Center for Lifelong Learning. This fun-filled camp explores the most popular dance craze in the world. Learn high-energy steps that you can combine with your own freestyle form to create the perfect hip-hop combination. Family and friends will be amazed when you show off your latest moves. No previous experience required. Recommended ages 8 and up.
From Cows to Cotton is June 26-29, from 9:00 a.m. – noon, Tuesday through Friday, at the Center for Lifelong Learning. Join us as we visit several local farms and talk with professional growers. Come along as we learn about commercial farming, family farming, and the science of farming. Recommended age 8-12 years.
There are more camps listed on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL – or you can come by the Center for Lifelong Learning for a catalog of camps. To register for a camp, you can call us at 256-233-8260 or register on the website – www.athens.edu/CLL.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262
