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Best in Summer Learning

Posted on: Thursday, 2 March 2006, 21:00 CST

By Anonymous

WHETHER YOU ARE IN PRESCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, OR HAVE BEEN OUT OF SCHOOL FOR YEARS, SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO EXPAND YOUR MIND BY TAKING A CLASS OR ENROLLING IN A PROGRAM AT LOCAL COLLEGES, THEATERS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS. READ ON FOR THE BEST IN SUMMER LEARNING.

AUGSBURG MBA

-www.augsburg.edu/mba-

The Augsburg MBA program offers business professionals "an accelerated pace to completion, an unprecedented level of personal attention, and the dedicated support of faculty, staff and peers."

Augsburg's 21-month part-time program is designed for students to study in a cohort format, allowing them to master course material quickly, learn from both expert faculty and peers, and quicken the pace to graduation.

Classes are held one evening each week, and the faculty includes experts in many fields of industry with strong connections to the business community.

Rewards include personal fulfillment, career advancement, better decision-making skills, and knowledge that will increase opportunities for success.

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

-www.bemidjistate.edu-

Bemidji State University offers more than 500 courses and workshops during the summer. And you don't have to live close to campus-Bemidji's distance learning programs offer students the opportunity to learn in the virtual classroom.

The DLiTE program, "Distributed Learning in Teacher Education," includes three face-to-face meetings with professors, student- selected teacher mentors, interactive websites with discussions and daily virtual communication.

"We're very much a community, even though we're not face-to- face," says Dr. Barbara Rogers Bridges, DLiTE director.

Bemidji's FasTrack secondary Initiative is another online opportunity, created for those wishing to teach who have previously earned a bachelor's degree or moire in a Minnesota Department of Education content licensure area. The program also includes a mentoring component, and students meet face-to-face in Minneapolis four times throughout the 1 1/2 years of the academic initiative.

"The Third Millennium will bring a paradigm shift to post- secondary education and teacher training. Geographical location and previous life choices will no longer limit career opportunities."

COLLEGE OF ST. SCHOLASTICA

-www.css.edu-

"The College of St. Scholastica is a year-round resource for our region," says Bob Ashenmacher, executive director of communications at St. Scholastica. "In the summer we have everyone from high school cheerleaders to Benedictine monks and sisters gathering on campus."

Most of St. Scholastica's conferences, camps and workshops are held at its main campus in Duluth (it also has campuses in St. Paul, Brainerd and St. Cloud).

"Learning is happening outside of the traditional blackboard-in- a-classroom experience," says Ashenmacher. "These [learning opportunities] are a good way to familiarize audiences with St. Scholastica-people who might not otherwise get to know us."

The campuses offer a number of conferences and workshops for health care professionals and educators, including the Mathematics Institute for Teachers and the Rural Health Leadership Institute.

Other events include the Jump Start Bridge Program, Catholic Discipleship Week and Prairie Fire Children's Theatre Camps.

CONCORDIA COLLEGE-MOORHEAD

-www.cord.edu-

"Without question, the signature summer experience we offer is Concordia Language Villages, which provides a one-of-a-kind language and cultural immersion learning experience in 14 languages," says Roger Degerman, senior director of communications and marketing at Concordia College. "Thousands of Minnesota youth ages 7-18, as well as those from around the country and throughout the world, gather at village sites located primarily in northern Minnesota for these incredible, highly authentic global learning adventures."

This summer, Concordia Language Villages launches its Arabic program, Al-Waha (The Oasis). Youth will immerse themselves in the study of Arabic language and culture through a variety of activities, including singing, dancing, arts and meals. Al-Waha is located at Camp Trowbridge near Vergas, Minn., 15 miles south of Detroit Lakes.

"Arabic is one of the top five languages spoken in the world today, yet few American schools teach it at the precollegiate level," says Christine Schulze, executive director and CEO of Concordia Language Villages. "We believe the time is right to help young people learn Arabic and better appreciate this rich cultural and linguistic tradition. The understanding they gain will help them enrich international dialogue in years to come."

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

-www.csp.edu-

Concordia University has summer programs for people of all ages.

The Music Theatre Camp, offered to students in grades 7-12, is held in E.M. Pearson Theatre, the state-of-the-art performance complex on campus. The program is training in all aspects of musical theatre, including acting, dance and movement, vocal technique, plus professional seminars in auditioning and performance.

"The unique camp experience blends the elements of song, movement and improvisational drama. Students benefit from one-on-one attention, college life experience and new friends."

Extended learning opportunities for adults include weekend, evening and online courses.

"Our Continuing Education classes are no exception, and like the degree programs, are dedicated to accommodating the busy schedules and diverse interests of the working adult," says Jill Johnson, director of communications for Concordia University. "These are available in a wide variety of topics covering personal and professional development, or customized training specifically tailored to your workplace or organization and fitting into your workday."

Arts in the City, Effective Presentation Skills, Building Emotional Intelligence, Understanding Terrorism and Basics in Golf are just a few of the many courses available.

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE

-www.gustavus.edu-

During the summer, young and old alike converge on the Gustavus College campus, located in the scenic Minnesota River Valley in St. Peter, Minn., for a variety of camps.

The college is nationally recognized for its longtime Tennis and Life Camps, which are offered to youth and adults throughout the summer. These were ranked as top camps by Tennis magazine in 2005.

Another well-regarded and long-running camp is the Gustie Basketball and Leadership Camp, offered for male and female youth. Golf, gymnastics, hockey, soccer, swimming, track and field and volleyball camps are also offered.

For the past two years, Gustavus has held a month-long National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) camp that brought young students from a nine-county area of southern Minnesota together to learn about academics, sports, health, and life.

HAMLINE UNIVERSITY

-www.hamline.edu-

Hamline's summer programs particularly cater to adults and college graduates.

The university's Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program, which allows people to take an intensive course over the summer and then teach overseas, is very popular.

"The class is open to people of all ages," says Christine Krueger, director of graduate schools recruitment and communication at Hamline University. "It is specifically designed for individuals with little or no teaching experience."

Graduates from the program have found teaching positions in 40 countries.

"They get to travel, live in exciting places, teach and earn money," Krueger says.

Busy professionals interested in part-time graduate study may sample up to three courses before applying to a program in one of Hamline's three Graduate Schools: Graduate School of Management, Graduate School of Liberal Studies and Graduate School of Education.

During the month of July, the university will host two major workshops: the Writer's Workshop and the Summer Literacy Institute. At the Writer's Workshop, people will work with renowned, published authors in an intense, week-long learning experience. Nearly 300 teachers from around the country will attend Hamline's 16th Annual Summer Literacy Institute, which will explore the most current thinking in the field of literacy.

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

-www.huntingtonlearning.com-

"Summer is the perfect time for upcoming high school juniors and seniors to prepare for the ACT college entrance exam," says Bill Goldenberg, regional director at Huntington Learning Center. "ACT scores are one of the most important criteria in determining admission into college. A high score can vastly improve choices for acceptance to the college of choice as well as for potential scholarships or merit-based financial aid."

Huntington Learning Center is the best ACT prep option for students seeking substantial score improvements. After diagnostic testing using real ACTs, Huntington offers individualized ACT prep with one-on-one instruction in critical reading, writing, English, math and science, as well as test-taking strategies, from licensed teachers. Most of Huntington's ACT students saw their scores increase dramatically, helping ensure acceptance at the college of their choice or simply expanding their college options.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA

-www.ism-sabis.net-

International Kids Camp at The International School of Minnesota in Eden Prairie is your child's passport to summer fun and adventure. Campers will "travel" to distant lands by experiencing the language, food, games, music, crafts and customs of each culture.

Camps are of\fered on a weekly basis beginning June 19 through August 11 for ages 3 through those entering sixth grade. Full or half day options are available.

A lively afternoon-only choice (may be combined with the morning Pioneer Program) for grades 2 through 6 is Sport Adventurers Camp, where each week a different sport is featured. Participants will first learn the basics and then in-depth instruction of each sport while also learning sportsmanship and team building. This year's choices include fishing, soccer, baseball, basketball, water sports and outdoor adventures.

MINNESOTA INSTITUTE FOR TALENTED YOUTH

-www.mity.org-

The Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth has two summer programs, ExplorSchool (grades 4-6) and Expand Your Mind (grades 7- 12).

ExplorSchool is a two-class/two-week program, giving students the opportunity to "invent, create, analyze, make friends, evaluate, laugh, debate and have a chance to test their wings," says Lucienne Taylor, executive director of the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth.

Expand Your Mind allows students to focus on a topic of interest while taking one class during a two-week program.

"The strength of the programs lies in the strong teachers and motivated students," Taylor says. "Our classes are hands-on, designed by master teachers, and students have a chance to explore a topic in-depth in a large block of time."

Student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1, which allows for students to receive one-on-one attention.

"Having a place like MITY for kids like my son is crucial to their making the most of their lives," one parent comments. "It provides an exciting, accepting and challenging learning environment."

MINNESOTA PARALEGAL INSTITUTE

www.mnparalegal.com

"The need for legal service is expanding dramatically, and government studies indicate that the paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States today," according to Minnesota Paralegal. "Paralegals are employed by private law firms, legal departments of corporations, banks, insurance companies, real estate offices and government agencies."

Minnesota Paralegal offers a 16-week day program beginning in June. Enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis, and is limited to 30 students per classroom.

"The program at the Minnesota Paralegal Institute is shorter and more intense than other programs. Because our students are adult learners, MPI has designed a flexible schedule to allow people who work full-time to attend school."

Faculty members are practicing attorneys and paralegals, and specific job search instruction is included in the program.

Minnesota Paralegal is approved by the American Bar Association.

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

www.mnsu.edu

Minnesota State University, Mankato has excellent arts and athletic summer programs.

"This will be the 40th season for Highland Summer Theatre, a professional summer stock theatre that presents four productions (including two full musical productions) between the end of May and the end of July," says Michael Cooper, media relations director for the university.

Performances include Picnic, Nunsense, The Seven Year Itch and Grease.

Musicals are performed in the Ted Paul Theatre, a 529-seat proscenium stage, and plays are performed in the 250-seat Andreas Theatre.

The 28th Annual Upper Midwest String and Chamber Music Conference for 7th through 12th grade string students will be at Minnesota State Mankato in July, featuring two orchestras, chamber ensembles, master classes and recitals.

On other parts of campus, students will be perfecting their athletic skills.

Sports camps include: Boys' Basketball Day, Overnight and Team Camps, Nike Volleyball Camp, Mini-Maverick VoIleyball Camp, Maverick Mastery Camp, Football Camp, Swimming Camp, Girls' Basketball Camp, Wrestling Camp, Baseball Camp, Girls' Soccer and Softball. Additionally, the Vikings Training Camp will be on campus in August.

MUSIC TOGETHER IN THE VALLEY

www.musictogethermn.org

Music Together is an early childhood music and movement program of weekly classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers "and the grown-ups who love them." It offers three sessions during the school year and an eight-week session in the summer. Sessions are not sequential, so families can join at any time.

The goal of Music Together is to nurture each child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. In class, children and their parents or caregivers sing, dance, laugh and play rhythm instruments in an informal setting that enriches children's musical environment and guides them toward a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

"We simply don't make as much music at home as we did a few generations ago, so children don't have the built-in opportunities to experiment with music that they once had," explains Clarice Auluck-Wilson, Ph.D, director of Music Together in the Valley in St. Paul and the eastern suburbs.

Music Together classes are available around the Twin Cities and at other locations, including Rochester.

"The benefits of this class are numerous, but what I love most is the joy I get out of seeing my children enjoy themselves so fully," says a parent.

SHATTUCKST. MARY'S SCHOOL

www.s-sm.org

Shattuck-St. Mary's offers some of the best programs and facilities for students, adults, youth groups, professionals, athletes, and many others, to explore the school outside of the classroom.

"We have a bursting schedule of athletic, arts, academic, and personal development programs on campus this summer," says Jessica Lakin-Miller, associate director of admissions at Shattuck-St. Mary's School. "From hockey and soccer camps, to ropes course challenge adventures, to an international English Language Institute, and a brand new 2006 Figure Skating Training Camp, our campus will be buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm of learning.

"We are particularly excited to offer our figure skating camp. Headed by nationally-known coach Diana Ronayne, with numerous visiting instructors, this residential camp is an exciting first for us."

STAGES THEATRE COMPANY

www.stagestheatre.org

Stages Theatre Company has a variety of offerings this summer, from creative dramatics and musical drama to theater workshops.

"Our phone is already ringing," says Lisa Kindall, education director for Stages Theatre. "A lot of families look to us for programs for children of multiple ages. We really have an emphasis on a safe and open environment; building self-confidence at the same time that they are learning."

There are several sessions: six oneweek sessions for 4-6 year olds, three two-week sessions for 7-to 13-year-olds, and one four- week session for 13- to 17-year-olds.

"Our workshops for 13- to 17-yearolds have been very popular," Kindall says. "They get to work with professionals here in the Twin Cities. It's a very challenging, fun workshop."

All classes culminate in a presentation at the end of each session.

"We really create a relationship with the families year after year," Kindall says. "It is a special treat for us to really cultivate those relationships."

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

www.stcloudstate.edu

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) offers a worldwide tradition of excellence and opportunity.

SCSU, located 70 miles northwest of the Twin Cities along the banks of the Mississippi River, is known for providing a high quality education within the financial reach of all students.

Summer courses at SCSU offer something for everyone. Many of the university's regular courses are offered during two five-week summer sessions, as well as a wide range of short courses, workshops, field experiences, tours and evening courses.

SCSU Summer Sports Camps are offered at various skill levels in volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, pole vault and soccer, as well as team and position camps in football. Individuals and groups may participate, but entire teams also are invited to enroll to develop additional teamwork skills and experience.

ST. OLAF COLLEGE

www.stolaf.edu/cll

"At St. Olaf College, summer programs and lifelong learning are for all ages," says Karen Hansen, executive director of St. Olaf's Center for Lifelong Learning. "They are as nearby as the campus - 40 miles from the Twin Cities downtowns - and as far-flung as Greece and Turkey."

Nearby, the wooded, hilltop St. Olaf campus is home to hundreds of young people ages 11 to 18 who hone their favorite skills with St. Olaf professors and coaches during chess, music, swimming and theatre camps.

"The chess camp is also open to adults," Hansen says. "And several adult professional conferences are on offer as well, from theology to writing."

During the summer (and throughout the year) St. Olaf professors lead Study Travel vacations for adults-and teenagers traveling with adults-who want to be more than tourists when they travel abroad. This summer and fall, Study Travel programs are in Greece, Turkey, India, Prague/Vienna/Budapest and London/Edinburgh/Helsinki.

THE ART ACADEMY

www.theartacademy.net

This summer, refine your artistic skills by taking painting and drawing lessons at The Art Academy.

"Art is the greatest gift you can give children," says Jim Robinson, founder of The Art Academy. "It improves every other aspect of their life."

Celebrating its 15th year, the school offers programs year round, averaging 300 to 450 students per term. The Academy's summer session begins June 19 and runs until August 19. Both classes and camps are offered, with flexible scheduling to fit around other activities you may have planned.

"Our goal is to improve students' drawing and painting abilities dramatically in a short period of time. We accomplish this by teaching time-honored techniques in classes with very low student- toteacher ratios," Robinson says. "We also offer classes to adults with a serious interest in art, specializing in traditional methods dating back to the Renaissance."

The Art Academy is located at 1550 Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Samples of student work can beviewed at www. theartacademy.net.

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT

www.threeriversparkdistrict.com

Three Rivers Park District offers more than 60 unique outdoor camp experiences for children ages 4 to 15.

"Be a 'nature nut,' meet and learn to care for live animals, wade into a creek, catch a fish, putt a golf ball, collect eggs on the farm, or experience pioneer life," says Nancy Lauseng, public relations specialist for Three Rivers Park District. "These are only a few of the adventures waiting for you this summer at Three Rivers Park District."

Three Rivers Park District Summer Adventure Camps are centered on exploring and learning outside in forests and prairies, ponds and rivers, farm fields and historic villages. Camps with unique themes capture camper's imaginations and create lifetime memories.

"The naturalists leading the camps are outstanding," says a parent. "The staff is the main draw for me in sending my child to camp. They are patient, kind, energetic, interested in my child and helping him learn many things about nature."

Three Rivers Park District Summer Adventure Camps are planned and taught by professional education staff with many years of experience. Campers are engaged in small activity groups to facilitate individualized exploration.

YMCA

www.ymcatwincities.org

The YMCA, one of America's oldest and largest nonprofit community service organizations, offers 12 day camps (ages 4-14), four overnight camps (ages 7-16), two teen wilderness adventure camps (ages 12-18) and a family camp at Minnesota and Wisconsin locations.

"Going sailing or on a backpacking trip are tools to teach community living," says Christa Getchell, a YMCA camping expert. "You learn more about yourself and the strengths you can carry as an individual. Kids are challenged in new ways and develop character and leadership skills. We hear all the time from parents that their kids are happier when they come home from camp, and they're more respectful to their parents."

YMCA camps teach new skills that challenge the mind, body and spirit. Kids experience a wide range of activities including archery, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts, ropes courses, climbing walls, swimming, campfires and cookouts, to name just some of the experiences.

"Parents appreciate YMCA camping because of the behavior we set," Getchell says. "We're partners with parents in raising kids. The expectation a parent has for their child is how we treat them. Our camps are value-based."

Copyright Minnesota Monthly Publications Mar 2006

Source: Minnesota Monthly

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