Kent State hosts summer programs for all
Classes for age 5-12 include painting instruction, fun with first aid, paper mache, prop building and making ice cream.
Kent State Tuscarawas is gearing up for Summer Fun for area kids and their families from June 5 through mid-August with weekly classes available for children, teens and adults at no charge.
“This replaces the College for Kids program we had in place until a couple of years ago,” said Maria Feik, who manages the MakersSpace program at the KSU Academic Learning Commons/Library. “Last year we introduced Summer Fun at KSU Tusc, and it proved to be very popular and successful. We had close to 240 kids signed up last year, and it went very well. We’re glad to offer it again this summer.”
The program is staffed by volunteers from the university campus.
Classes for age 5-12 include painting instruction, fun with first aid, paper mache, prop building, and making ice cream and pizza. Age 6-12 can check out the robotics classes. Age 6-14 can see what it’s like to spend a day with a veterinarian. Age 7-9 gets a little leg up on learning basketball fundamentals, which becomes basketball skills camp for age 10-12.
Any child in grade four or higher gets a career day. A July 31 story time is open to all ages with the reading of “Are You Scared, Darth Vader?” by a costumed interpreter.
Teens get their own Summer Fun at Kent State Tuscarawas with many of the same classes tailored for older students. The teen classes are open to age 13-18.
Family Craft Days are open to all ages including adults and will begin May 25 with a painting class. On June 15 participants will create a patriotic wreath. On July 13 the class will offer a feature on fairies, and Aug. 17 is set for dollar store crafting.
All of the participants in the June and July classes will get an end-of-summer party to celebrate on Aug. 2.
No fee is required, but Feik said classes are filling up and interested families should register right away. “We may be adding some classes if some fill up,” she said.
There is no deadline for registration. “If during the summer someone wants to check and see if there are any remaining classes available, they are welcome to do that, and we will fit them in if possible,” Feik said.
All of the classes meet at the Academic Commons/Library, with some of the students moving on to other areas of the KSU campus, like the vet tech or nursing labs for a day with a vet or first aid programs. Sign up is via email at mfeik@kent.edu. Further information on class timing and schedules will be shared once Feik receives one’s inquiry email.
“The classes should be a lot of fun for all age groups,” Feik said. “We’re already about halfway to last year’s registration numbers, so if you are interested in participating in Summer Fun at KSU Tusc, you should send the email to sign up right away.”
Registration for the end-of-summer party also is open, and Feik said it is important to get your registration in for the party so appropriate plans can be made to accommodate everyone.
Even after Summer Fun ends, the Maker Space at Kent State Tuscarawas will remain as a resource for hands-on learning for the community. The recently renovated 13,777-square-foot Academic Learning Commons boasts conference rooms, 23 computer stations and the chance to learn new technology. The Academic Learning Commons is open to the public.
Kent State Tuscarawas is at 330 University Drive NE in New Philadelphia.