From voiceofwr.com: “MSTC to host College Camp, Race Care Engineering Camp, and Makers Faire” — Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) is preparing for a busy week at Wisconsin Rapids Campus with the arrival of College Camp, VEX Robotics Camp, Race Engineering Camp, and Makers Faire.
Approximately 200 central Wisconsin students entering grades 6 through 8 will be on campus Tuesday for MSTC’s annual College Camp, a hands-on and fun-filled opportunity to explore the careers and skills of tomorrow. College Camp presents each attendee with the opportunity to participate in four career exploration sessions from a long list of options. MSTC New Student Specialist Betsy Feaster says the June 11 daytime camp filled up quickly again this year.
“Campers come excited to learn and ‘try out’ new things,” said Feaster. “This is a great opportunity to introduce middle school students to MSTC and the Wisconsin Technical College System to help them begin to form opinions and make early decisions regarding post-secondary education options and future careers.”
The Technical & Industrial Division is hosting a VEX Robotics Camp for middle school students and the Race Engineering Camp for high school students this week as well. A total of 24 students will participate in each of the engineering day camps to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 11-13.
VEX Robotics campers are divided into teams of two. The camp concludes with a robotics competition on the last day of the camp. Race Engineering campers are divided into four-person teams. Each student team is sponsored by an area business (ERCO, Pointe Precision, Domtar, NewPage, Corenso, and Renaissance Learning) to lower the cost of the camp to participants. Teams set up a 1/10 scale remote control car for durability, speed, and efficiency. Along the way, students learn valuable lessons in engineering science, electronics, physics, and math. They also learn about branding and promoting their team and get an opportunity to view setup of an actual race car on the first day of the camp. The camp will conclude with time trials and racing on the last day.
The eventful week closes with a Makers Fair from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 in room T-137. This community show and tell event is intended for all ages. VEX Robots and race cars from the aforementioned camps will be on display, along with a nanowire kit, production of isoprenes from algae, innovative wood byproduct materials, kinetic glass sculptures, silk and flax spinning and weaving, a 3D printer, and techniques in pottery, glass working, jewelry, sculpture, and blacksmithing. The event is free and open to the public.
Local artists, tinkerers, makers, and hackers are all encouraged to exhibit the interesting and beautiful things they are working on. Makers wishing to participate should contact Richard Breen at 715-423-5359 to arrange for space and power. Maker setup is scheduled from 5-6 p.m.
MSTC camps are popular with area youth, so they fill up fast. Students interested in attending College Camp next year can contact Betsy Feaster at 715-422-5413. Individuals who are interested in future engineering camps can contact Gary Kilgas at 715-422-5572. To learn more about MSTC, visit www.mstc.edu or stop by the MSTC location nearest you.
Wisconsin Technical College News 