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Science camp opens new world to kids
(by Joan Demirjian - July 07, 2010)
Science camp opens new world to kids
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Kids in a science camp from Chagrin Falls Park Community Center had an up-close encounter with the natural world last week.
They are part of the summer program, "Excel and Explore," at the community center in Bainbridge. Through the camps, children also will be expanding their horizons in other subjects as well.
In the science camp, the children had the opportunity to learn outside, in a natural and varied environment, with hands-on science activities.
Centerville Mills Park in the township served as their classroom last week. The one-week science camp is new this year for the children from the community center.
Kenston teacher Lynn Fagerholm volunteered her time and materials to teach the science camp.
About 45 enthusiastic grade-school-age students gathered around picnic tables at the park's pavilion, where they ate picnic lunches before starting on their science-based learning activities and projects for the day.
Children were bused to the park by a Kenston School District bus.
"We did a stream-quality study and compared forest, meadow and pond habitats," Mrs. Fagerholm said of just some of the activities.
"We talked of what is needed for a successful habitat," she said. The children participated in some orienteering, and they made ice cream as part of their studies.
They explored how objects are grouped and classified. "It helps them to make careful observations and to compare and contrast and to use critical thinking skills," Mrs. Fagerholm said.
Bainbridge did not charge for the use of the park on Crackel Road. Dave Mitchell, township properties superintendent, has a longtime knowledge of the property, which was once a YMCA camp.
Mr. Mitchell led the children and camp staff on a hike to see the natural falls on the property that was once part of a mill in its early years.
On another day, naturalists from the Geauga Park District along with volunteers took the children on an exploration excursion, doing stream monitoring at the creek on the parkland.
Mrs. Fagerholm developed the weeklong curriculum. She is an elementary science lab teacher at Kenston Intermediate School and Timmons Elementary School.
"I really enjoy this," she said of introducing the children to science in the natural environment. "I think it's an important environment for children to learn in."
Others involved in the camp included Stephen Kocsis, of Bainbridge, who also volunteered his time.
Americorp volunteers were also on hand to assist the children. They are paid and receive an education stipend.
Community center staff members Fred Lewis and Lori Hilty were on-site to help, as was Sunny Doxey, who taught first grade at Kenston schools for 30 years before retiring.
Mr. Lewis is director of the seven-week camp program at the community center. In addition to the weeklong science camp, there is a visual arts camp, a camp featuring dramatic arts and a dance camp.
"It is truly amazing that so many of the teaching staff at Kenston schools has voluntered to help us with programming," DeAnna Tenney, director of the community center, said.
The arts camp is being held this week at the center.
Lorri Hilty, a staff member at the community center, is camp coordinator.
The children also will spend a week swimming at the YMCA facility in Munson, Ms. Hilty said.
Before attending camp, students take part in a morning academics program, involving reading, writing and math at the community center. Mrs. Doxey volunteers her time in that program as well. The second half of the day is devoted to the camps.
"They wanted someone for the camp and Sunny asked me," Mrs. Fagerholm said of her involvement. "I was delighted. This is what I love to do. I enjoy working with children, especially in science. The outdoors is an important environment for children to learn in," she said. "I think our planet is an amazing classroom.
"Respect for the planet transfers to an appreciation for all living things," Mrs. Fagerholm said.
"The more you know about something, the more regard you have for it," she said. "Its not just science, it's a life skill.
"I had so much fun," Mrs. Fagerholm said. "I loved being with the children and staff."
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