Summer: An Open Season for Experiential Learning

Photos by Tia G. La, student photographer; Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor;
Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean of construction and design technologies;
Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer;
and the School of Business & Hospitality

It is not uncommon for SMART Girls to cite, at the end of the week, that learning to fail was among their best experiences. The reminder that failure is simply a step on the path to a successful project was posted prominently in one of the rooms used by campers.

In the midst of personal explorations via “What Color is Your Parachute” and “The Book of Virtues” – which encourage girls to consider how their personality traits might fit with various careers – SMART Girls disassembled prefab quadcopters and designed their own chassis. This one incorporates a layer of cardboard and one of foam board.

A girl glues components to her aircraft's double-decker cardboard chassis.

Eric K. Albert, associate professor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing, runs a troubleshooting and repair station in the Automated Manufacturing Lab, where girls tested – and retested – their quadcopter chassis designs as the camp progressed. Albert was one of three instructing the SMART Girls throughout the camp. Joining him were Alice Justice, a school counselor for Central Columbia School District, and John Doctorick, of the Carnegie Science Center.

SMART Girls share progress and ideas.

A girl designs her quadcopter chassis. The designs were then programmed to a laser cutter that came to the college courtesy of Carnegie Science Center’s Mobile Fab Lab.

During an end-of-week showcase, a girl maneuvers her quadcopter toward an obstacle.

Doctorick shows the capabilities of one of the high-schooler-designed copters, landing it on her hand.

Moved inside the Schneebeli Earth Science Center due to inclement weather, the dozen participants in Design & Grow Horticulture Camp use computer software ...

... to beautify their virtual homes with landscaped "curb appeal."

SMART Girls, whose camp included work with quadcopters, gather outside College Avenue Labs for a drone-driven aerial photo.

Collision repair instructor Roy H. Klinger (left) conducts a metalforming workshop during Automotive Restoration Camp ...

... which allowed participants ample time to practice the highlighted techniques.

Girls in Health Careers Camp gleefully explore the lifesaving world of emergency medicine.

Campers visit the occupational therapy assistant lab, gaining appreciation for others' challenges.

Fun, with a rehabilitative purpose

... and the exploration of potential careers.

Scott A. Geist, director of surgical technology, delivers a practical lesson to a well-cast volunteer.

Travelers on 2017's Architecture Odyssey leave Madigan Library on a tour of campus.

The Victorian House, designed and built by students, provides an apt photo venue ...

... and an illuminating backdrop for conversation with Daniel L. Brooks, instructor of architectural technology.

The boys and girls of summer enjoy campus surroundings ...

Klinger pulls chauffeur duty in a vintage automobile, delighting his young passengers.

Applying oneself − and some virtual paint − in the spray-gun simulator

Participants in the first-year restoration camp assemble for a class photo in College Avenue Labs.

Summer campers enjoy a night of theater in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

Marie E. Fox (left), Drama Club adviser at Williamsport Area High School and a Community Theatre League board member, helps campers hone their improv skills.

Seth Sponhouse, educational coordinator for the Community Academy of Stage and Theatre, warms up the audience at an evening performance/improvisational show.

A design-savvy camper takes an idea from sketch to screen.

Mallory L. Weymer (standing), coordinator of student health and wellness, and Nicholas L. Stephenson (seated in blue shirt), instructor of graphic design, preside over the Graphic Design Summer Studio.

... and try their hand at electronics in the Center for Business & Workforce Development. The two-day camp also featured civil engineering, plastics, engineering design technology and machining.

Outfitted for safety, campers awaiting their turn in the Avco-Lycoming Metal Trades Center welding labs ...

Welding lecturer Michael K. Patterson shares his expertise in Engineering Camp, one of this season's new offerings.

Campers savor their summer experience.

Chef Todd M. Keeley is among the cullinary faculty, offering expertise beyond measure.

Chef Charles R. Niedermyer II is the center of attention for this kitchen crew.

With a snap of the wrist, we're one flip closer to mealtime!

... while other times, as Chef Mary G. Trometter reminds, it's the nose that knows.

Sometimes, it's a matter of taste ...

Chef Frank M. Suchwala previews the Modernist Kitchen, using liquid nitrogen and other scientific ingredients to engage the senses at Future Restaurateurs Camp.

What is so rare as a day in June? Being able to see your breath, for one!

Shepherding her students' collage design is Andrea McDonough Varner, an art teacher in the Williamsport Area School District.

... and corrals an impromptu (and fittingly outdoor) gallery for the completed projects.

Instructor/local artist Brian J. Spies helps a camper with her sun-printing project ...

Getting the ink "just right"

A Creative Art Camp attendee, intent in his handiwork

Budding architects learn about building controls from David P. Socha, Generals Services' HVAC supervisor and a part-time instructor in the School of Construction & Design Technologies.

All aboard the River Valley Transit trolley for a camp field trip!

Replicating the working world, campers pitch their design to their "client."