Photo by Amanda Smith

Tianhao Ou, 8, wants to attend Kids' U this summer.

Kids' U gears up for another summer of robots and rockets
by Dahnya Jones
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Summer is sneaking up fast. Children are already plotting what to do while mom and dad are at work or, in many cases, at school. For many parents, helping their children find something to do is a frustrating dilemma: What can I do with my kids to keep them out of trouble without boring them to death?

The answer may be right here on campus through UH-Clear Lake's Kids' U summer camp. Kids' U is an outreach program for the Assistance League of the Bay Area and a part of the School of Education's Center for Educational Programs. The camp is designed to encourage learning while keeping children interested, and to help parents keep their stress to a minimum.

Whether they like to dig in the dirt, write short stories, or construct models from scratch, children are encouraged to find their creative calling at Kids' U. Programs, such as math, technology, science, and young writer's camps, offer hands-on projects other than using the video game controller. Instead, children learn how to design model cars, airplanes, launch rockets and even build space stations through Space U. A partnership between UH-Clear Lake and Space Center Houston, Space U is an all-day weeklong session.

Technology aficionados create movies with multimedia, combining animation, sounds and pictures to create mini-movies. Science enthusiasts get to explore ecosystems, as well as solar systems, and build a walking robot.

Miniature computer buffs develop computer projects, discover the Internet, and ultimately build their own Web sites. Whatever the interest may be, Kids' U promotes hands-on experiences not so easily obtained at home.

Graduate of the School of Education and head librarian at Hyde Elementary, Cassandra Jones encourages many of her students to think outside of the box-especially if it is a Nintendo Game Cube or an X-box. "Summertime is for kids to kick back and enjoy not having to be at school," Jones said. "After the first few days off, they get bored and stir crazy and drive their parents nuts. Kids' U is an enriching alternative to a day care or baby sitter and is in the same price range."

While Kids' U provides ease for parents who are students as well, the program is also intended to encourage families within the community who are not associated with the university to participate. Kids' U is in its 18th summer and, according to director Anne Coppenhaver, it is stronger than ever.

"Students and families return each year to the Kids' U experience, and that gives us feedback that we are meeting community learning needs," Coppenhaver said. "Each year we offer new learning experiences, and this summer is no exception. Within each academy or camp there are new opportunities for children who have completed kindergarten through eighth grade."

Kids' U registration begins April 29 during regular Center for Educational Program hours, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday until noon. Saturday registration will take place May 4, 9 a.m. - noon and enrollment will continue until classes are filled.

The camp kicks off on June 3 and lasts through the end of July. Sessions range from $119 to $149 and are half-day to full- day camps, lasting about one week, taught on alternating days. Each is designed according to age group and is intended for kids from ages 4 to 12.

To find out how to register, visit the Kids' U Web site at http://acad.cl.uh.edu/kidsu/, or call 281-283-3530.