Short Takes

July 2, 2019 | Jim Townsend

Still room in July summer camps at UHCL’s Kids U

Looking for something for the kids to do this summer? Seats are filling up fast at University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Kids U July summer camps, with age-appropriate activities for grades K-8.

July 15-18 or July 22-25 camps:

Programming for Beginners, grades K-1: Use Bee Bots and apps like Daisy the Dinosaur and Hopscotch to learn the basics of programming logic.

Introduction to Video Game Design and Development, grades 4-8: Rather than play someone else’s video games, learn to create and program your own.

July 15-18 camps only:

• Crochet, grades 3-8: Learn to make a headband, coaster or dish cloth.
• Journey to China, grades K-6: Explore sights, sounds and tastes of Chinese culture; learn a little Mandarin, create folk art and Chinese cuisine.
• Proud to be Polite, ages 7-10: Learn social and communication skills, the importance of first impressions and self-respect.
• Discovery through Play, ages 3-5: A focus on problem solving, imagination and language while having fun.
• Taking a Walk down Literature Lane, grades K-2: Create a variety of books modeled after some of the best writers of our time.
• Writing Like an Author, K-2: Learn to develop your own creative, descriptive vocabulary, jot down memories and observations and write your own book.
• Introduction to Mobile Game Development, grades 2-6: Use GameSalad’s drag-and-drop features to create your own mobile video games.
• Our Insect Buddies, grades K-1: Explore the ecological benefits of ladybugs, bees, butterflies and more.
• Cutting It Up in Science, grades 4-5: Examine characteristics of different animals and discover what makes them unique. Dissect owl pellets, chicken feet and more.
• Kodu – Video Game Design for Xbox, grades 4-8: Learn to program your own games for Xbox 360 or PC using Kodu, a visual programming language.
• Python Code-A-Thon, grades 2-8: Create your own code using Python, an object-oriented programming language used extensively on the web.
• Storm Chasers Escape Room, grades 5-6: To escape this digital room, students will problem solve by reading about hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms and blizzards.

July 22-25 camps only:

• Digital Playground, grades 2-5: Create your own online universe with avatars, 3-D images, animated graphics and more. (An email account will be required.)
• Bloxel Game Builder, grades 2-5: Make your own video game ideas come to life, build and animate your own characters and add power-ups.
• Book Making, grades 1-5: Turn loose pages of paper into a personal journal.
• Simple Jewelry Making, grades 2-5: Make something unique for yourself or as a gift.
• Confidence is Cool, ages 11-14: Covers self-confidence, setting goals, problem solving, social etiquette and asserting yourself with ease.
• Travel through Reading, grades 2-3: Explore different books, discuss adventures and write to share experiences.
• Outdoor Adventures, grades K-1: Take daily walks and discover plants, animals and other critters with hands-on activities.
• Puzzle Up Your Writing, grades K-1: Learn to put your ideas together through writing activities.
• Growing Up Healthy, grades 3-4: How does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Why are blueberries good for you? Learn secrets and strategies for keeping your body healthy.

These half-day camps are mornings or afternoons. All camps are $159. Pre- and post-camp care is optional. UH-Clear Lake employees and students may receive discounts. To register, visit Kids U online or email kidsu@uhcl.edu for more information.