SUMMER CAMP » SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Art class doesn’t always have to be serious! Join me for pure summer camp fun indoors and outdoors. Let’s make a mess experimenting with drip painting, paper-mache face masks, pen and ink fingerprint art, and many other exciting but messy art adventures!

Mary Gage, Instructor of Art at Steppingstone, a graduate of Aquinas College, exhibited her art locally and throughout the Midwest

This is a Spanish language class - but so much more! During each session, campers make crafts and play games while interacting with other children using Spanish vocabulary. The computer lab will be used to research cultural clothing, foods, and games. On Friday, students will enjoy cooking, sampling foods, and playing games that are popular in Latin countries - don't pack lunch on this day!

Francisca Roth, a native Spanish speaker, Berkely Public School teacher who uses immersion techniques

Come to cook and learn to bake from scratch. From chicken pot pies and bread to brownies, we will learn about kitchen safety, the importance of measuring and kitchen chemistry! Join us for a week of fun in the kitchen.

Tami Morse, Steppingstone Alum

Four years of medical school and a surgical residence are not required to dissect a working computer! We will look at the important parts under a microscope and learn how the parts work alone and together. Be prepared to have fun!

Dr. Morse, Biophysics Prof. Emeritus, Illinois State Univ., Pres. of Scientific Software Services and Steppingstone Computer Programming Instructor

This class is for the beginning to intermediate violin student. Sharpen your violin skills in only one week by working intensely with Dr. Marc Levine, a visiting music doctorate! Focus on posture, tone, technique, and memory. Each student will learn the joy of playing with feeling and confidence. Activities will include individual and group lessons, indoor and outdoor games, music theory, and music history.

Dr. Marc Levine received his doctorate in violin performance from Stony Brook University and his bachelor and masters in violin performance from Indiana University. He was a prizewinner in the 2008 American Bach Soloists International Competition for Baroque Violin. Marc is on faculty at the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota where he teaches violin, Baroque violin, and Tai Chi Chuan.

Blender is an open-source, free, and powerful tool for animation. Learn to use Blender to make games by creating characters and linking their movement to a mouse, keyboard, or even a joystick. Copies of the most current version of Blender with plenty of examples, Blender's Game Engine, Game Toolkit, and much more will be included on a CD that students can use at home and keep. Be prepared to have fun and work hard!

Dr. Morse, Biophysics Prof. Emeritus, Illinois State Univ., Pres. of Scientific Software Services and Steppingstone Computer Programming Instructor

Are you full of imagination? Is storytelling fun and exciting? Do you know characters who need “storybook homes”? If so, this is the camp for you! Use an author’s process (brainstorming, character and plot development, editing, etc.) to create a work of fiction with illustrations and/or photos. A hard-bound book for a long-lasting tribute to your efforts will be sent home after!

Mary Gage, Instructor of Art at Steppingstone, a graduate of Aquinas College, exhibited her art locally and throughout the Midwest

You all have seen a rocket take off - maybe for the space station or even for the moon. How about during a fireworks display during the Fourth of July? Just how do these rockets work? Which of Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion apply? Together we will build numerous rocket-powered devices and explore how each works. This summer camp includes a field trip to a location that relies on the power of rockets to do its research. Plan to join us for a full week of exploring the simplicity and yet complicated subject of rocketry.

Grandpa Don Gaines, retired engineer, inventor and instructor for Science is Super, a Steppingstone After School Program

This five-day camp will take students through the process of filmmaking from script to screen! In the writing phase, we will learn proper screenplay formatting, the basics of three-act structure, and the process of creating an outline and treatment. With a finished script in hand, we will enter the production phase where students will receive an introduction to the technical aspects of lighting and operating a camera while also learning the creative element of shot composition and "shooting for coverage." In the final phase, students will edit their project using digital editing software in which they will see the script finally come to life!

Oliver Thompson is a graduate of the Film Industry Training program through S3 Productions. He is an active member of the Detroit Film Center where he has completed courses on 16mm filmmaking, Grip & Electric, and acting for directors. Last summer Oliver completed a fulllength feature film entitled The Red Flag for which he was the writer, director, editor, and composer. In addition to his own work, Oliver works regularly as a freelance filmmaker on independent films, music videos, and corporate videos.

Create your own personal Japanese Manga characters and turn them into colorful comic creations. Learn how to create facial expressions, explore interesting shapes, and develop an exciting story line, complete with action and exciting speech bubbles!

Mary Gage, Instructor of Art at Steppingstone, a graduate of Aquinas College, exhibited her art locally and throughout the Midwest

We use chemistry so many times during the average day, it is overwhelming. For this week we will be looking at all forms of chemistry - cooking, washing, manufacturing, and many other activities in our daily life. What is a chemical reaction? Are all changes of substance a chemical reaction? A field trip is planned to a location that will help us understand how chemistry is important in our everyday life. Please plan to join us as we delve into this important aspect of our lives.

Grandpa Don Gaines, retired engineer, inventor and instructor for Science is Super, a Steppingstone After School Program

Add this to your college applications - The Steppingstone MAgnetic Resonance Training (SMART) Center offers students the opportunity to engage in original research experiences that are usually only available to college graduate students. Our purpose is to bring these experiences to young, science-oriented students and excite a new generation of scientists at the time when they are making career choices.

Students will utilize a $200,000+ Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (EPR) and data analysis software, develop hypotheses, design and conduct experiments that use EPR, analyze data, and reach conclusions based on experimental results. This laboratory experience is the only one of its kind for middle-school and high school students. Younger students must speak to and gain the instructor’s permission. For more information, visit: http://www.smart-center.org

Dr. Morse, Biophysics Prof. Emeritus, Illinois State Univ., Pres. of Scientific Software Services and Steppingstone Computer Programming Instructor

Experience the exciting world of fencing, no experience necessary! Students will receive instruction in footwork and technique, take part in fencing drills and games, learn about the history of fencing, and even compete in an in-class fencing tournament! Instructors are nationally trained with years of experience in making the sport accessible and fun for every child while building self-esteem and confidence!

Maestro Jerzy Radz, Steppingstone’s Fencing Instructor and Head of Wayne State University fencing program since 1981and coach to seven different national champions

Accio Muggles! Apparate to Steppingstone for a week of magical adventures. Brew up some fun in Potions, grab the Golden Snitch in a game of Quidditch, and try your hand at the house elves' recipes for treacle tarts and pumpkin pasties. There won’t be any Divination classes, but we will create our own board games, fold some fancy origami, and Mr. Ollivander may even teach us a bit about the ancient art of wand-making. For our final day of class, you can come in costume, and we'll enjoy some butterbeer and Every Flavor Beans (watch out for the green ones!).

Shari Dudek, former Steppingstone instructor

Western martial arts focuses on historical European traditions of defense. Students at this camp will experience the excitement of learning to use swords, shields, and daggers, while developing the discipline these skills require! We will focus on self-defense, including instruction in punches, kicks, and grappling skills. All activities use training equipment which provides a safe, fun and effective way of learning. Children will practice against targets, and those who demonstrate focus and control will be invited to participate in padded sparing. In addition, campers will work together in group games and activities, building skills in confidence, teamwork, and awareness. Join us for a week of fun in this unique martial art!

Heather Gutterman, Steppingstone instructor