A Liberal Arts Experience for Middle School Students
Juniata College Connections Camp is a week-long residential summer camp hosted on the campus of Juniata College.
You will spend the week investigating topics of computer science, art, theater, environmental engineering, geology, archeology, environmental science, and culinary arts. Half-day sessions* are held in both the outdoor natural environment and on college campus in a variety of indoor spaces. Participants rotate through all sessions creating theatrical art, examining culture, completing hands-on laboratory activities and field investigations, as well as preparing and cooking a meal. During structured free time and evening activities led by camp counselors, campers can play games, sports, and socialize with friends.
*Some sessions will have day options available.
Session Line-up & Descriptions
Monday July 22
River in a Classroom (Morning & Afternoon)
Stream tables are dynamic! The Civil & Environmental Engineering Department will offer
engaging hands-on laboratory activities that will show students how rivers behave
in the natural world. This will include; erosion, how dams and other structures affect
rivers, ocean waves and beach erosion, as well as how human activity impacts rivers.
Get the Zoomies with Zumi (Morning & Afternoon)
Get ready for a tech-tastic camp experience with Zumi, the adorable robotic car! Join
the Computer Science and Information Technology Department as you embark on epic programming
adventures. Students will enter the Zumi coding realm, from chasing activity cards
to conquering a driving mat.
Tuesday July 23
Leave No Trace (Morning & Afternoon)
Discover the principles of outdoor ethics! Visit the Raystown Field Station (RFS)
and learn about how you can be a responsible outdoor recreator. An outdoor toolbox
of practices will be shared with students to minimize their future impacts on the
environment while enjoying nature.
Raystown Field Station Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt (Morning & Afternoon)
Explore the flora and fauna around RFS with the Environmental Science and Studies
Department! Students, through a guided nature walk, will discover what organisms call
the surrounding environment home. Students will engage with the natural world by being
challenged with a nature scavenger hunt.
Wednesday July 24
Art and War: World War I & World War II Comics, Posters, and Propaganda (Morning &
Afternoon)
Ignite your creativity and delve into history! During this session offered by the
Peace and Conflict Studies department you explore the power of visual storytelling.
Students will have the opportunity to create their own versions of war posters and/or
comics.
Serious Play (Morning & Afternoon)
Learn how to think theatrically! For this session presented by the Theatre department
students will explore using improvised movement to express themselves. Then work together
with other students to create an original piece of theatre. No experience necessary.
Thursday July 25
Battlefield Detectives: (Morning & Afternoon)
Investigate the local history of frontier lands! The Geology Department and resident
Archaeologist combined forces to offer this double session. Students will engage in
hands-on metal detecting and spatial data recording with GPS units once artifacts
are collected. Students will also examine drone- and chemical- information to emphasize
the intersections of geology and archeology.
Friday July 26
Culinary Connections with Parkhurst: (Morning Only)
Learn about the professional kitchen environment! Tour the kitchen and learn basic
cooking techniques with Parkhurst Dining, Juniata’s dining service chefs. Students
will make a personal pizza, decorate cookies, prepare and present french fries and
chicken tenders for lunch.
Who is attending?
Students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in 2024 can register. Students come from across Pennsylvania and beyond. (Maximum of 24 residential students.)
What does it cost?
Residential cost for the week is $800. This includes meals, lodging, snacks, activities,
and camp t-shirt.
$65 for 1/2 day (1 session) - includes lunch and camp t-shirt
$120 for full day* (2 sessions) - includes lunch and camp t-shirt
*Schedules and registration for available day sessions will be available in June,
check back!
When is Juniata College Connections Camp?
July 21-26, 2024. Check-in is Sunday by 3 p.m. and departure Friday after lunch by 1 p.m.
Who will I work with?
Juniata College faculty and staff from across the campus instruct the labs during the day. Camp counselors supervise students in the late afternoons, evenings, and overnight (one counselor for every 8 campers). Staff consists of handpicked Juniata students eager to share their enthusiasm for science and teamwork.
Are the dorm rooms air-conditioned?
No, you’re strongly encouraged to bring a fan.
Will there be anything good to eat?
The cafeteria serves youth-friendly food on a daily basis in the summer and can accommodate allergies and vegetarian diets. If you have particular needs, contact us for more information at events@juniata.edu.
Is this an academic camp?
Yes, but we don’t expect you to already know everything, however we do expect you to be excited and motivated to learn!
How do I get to the Juniata College Connections Camp?
Juniata is easy to find, just off of US 22. Driving directions and train information are available at www.juniata.edu/directions.
Things to Bring to Camp
Proper Attire for Sessions
- Clothes comfortable for outdoor sessions
- Clothes suitable for art and active hands-on sessions
- Closed-toes shoes (e.g. tennis shoes)
Other
- Outside fun clothes
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Bed linens (extra-long twin)
- Fan