SRTC Offers Summer Camp Experience

by Kathy Sargent, SRTC Director

During the weeks of June 14-17 and June 21-24, Sanford Regional Technical Center held our first ever in-person “Camp SRTC” experience for middle school students from throughout Southern York County.  Students from SRTC’s partner districts were eligible to attend the camp; these districts include the Kittery School Department, RSU#21, RSU#35, RSU#57, MSAD#60, the Sanford School Department, the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District and the York School Department. Students entering grades six through eight were able to choose from programs including the Academy of Business, Digital Design, Fire Science, Law Enforcement, Video Production or STEM A or B (including a variety of Automotive Technology and Collision Repair, Construction, Precision Manufacturing and Welding).  SRTC instructors, assisted by SRTC students, delivered four days of hands-on projects. Some of the activities in which campers participated included:

• Learning how to create products such as t-shirts and mouse pads using student-produced art
• Filming, editing, and starring in an original short film
• Imagining new flavors of ice cream, finding ways to market those flavors, and sharing ice cream products with all campers
• Navigating through a smoky maze while wearing personal protective equipment
• Using clues such as footprints to learn more about a crime scene
• Creating a game board using manufacturing processes
• Visiting Moody’s Collision Center in Sanford

Approximately 115 students participated in the camp and post-camp surveys have been very positive, with 100% of respondents indicating that they would recommend this camp to a friend, would attend again, and would consider SRTC for their high school program because of this camp.  As stated by a parent whose children attended the camp, “My daughters had a fantastic time. This was their first-ever camp experience and it exceeded both my and their expectations. Not only did they have fun, they learned new skills. The staff was also super friendly and inviting. We will most definitely look into going back. Thank you so much for a great week!!”

We are proud to be able to offer this programming, sponsored through a grant through the Maine Department of Education, and we hope to offer similar programming in the future.