Saturday, June 24, 2023
Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor (unless otherwise noted)
Campers from near and far participate in myriad academic programs and social activities as Penn College welcomed them to the first week of Pre-College Summer Programs (June 18-23). Teenagers whetted their academic appetites through hands-on exposure to campus in seven areas: ACEE (Autism College Exploration Experience), Architecture Odyssey, Automotive Technology, Aviation, Engineering, Future Restaurateurs and Health Careers. Summer programs will continue with My Tomorrow, a middle school career exploration day camp sponsored by the Soars Family, from June 26-30 and July 10-14, and a second week of Pre-College Summer Programs – featuring eight more camps, from Automotive Restoration to Thingamajig "Tinker-Belles" – runs from July 16-20.
A different type of “wheel” for the automotive crew! As part of their early-week networking, the young visitors engage in team-building exercises like this one, where they pass a hula hoop over their bodies without “breaking” the circle. This takes a lot of head-to-toe movement and coordination!
A future restaurateur savors the summer sunlight and fun.
A master at stirring connections and humor, Samir K. Pringle, a summer conference assistant, facilitates a getting-to-know-you session for the campers. Pringle is a business administration student.
Aviation campers enjoy the evening’s engagement ...
... as their laughter takes flight.
A “future architect” gives the summer scene “two thumbs up”!
Looks like friendships are forming!
A happy smile that speaks volumes
The automotive “team” lines up to pass the football and connect in myriad ways.
Pausing only for a moment to satisfy the camera
Rose Street Commons, the yard near their overnight accommodations, serves as a hot spot for cooling down with a sweet treat.
Ice cream cone in hand, this architecture camper can’t help but practice a little footwork.
Summer isn’t complete without ice cream!
With the line to the Bruster’s trailer behind them, this foursome gets ready to work off a few calories.
Summer is set!
ACEE participants join student orientation leaders on the Fish Real Estate Leadership Challenge Course, where among their tasks was keeping one finger on a “helium” hoop while lowering it to the ground.
The hoop takes some upward detours on its way to the ground, eliciting good-natured fun.
Cooperatively untangling a series of knots
There’s always time to smile, even during a challenge.
On their quest to consider the wide range of design styles, the Architecture Odyssey group tours The Victorian House at the heart of main campus.
Historical changes in styles are viewed, with architecture instructor Daniel L. Brooks leading the discussion.
On the grounds of The Victorian House, the dandelion water feature offers a perfect photo op for these two high school friends from Maryland.
Erin S. Shultz, college relations manager, advises Architecture Odyssey students on proper butter protocol ...
... during an enlightening Etiquette Lunch in the college’s Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.
The spacious and well-equipped automotive labs give attendees broad opportunities to get their futures in gear.
The “inflation station” is just one piece of equipment automotive campers explore.
At the Lumley Aviation Center, a camper solders copper wire to create an operating circuit as part of a look into engine electrical systems.
A student proudly displays his finished circuit. In addition to lab-focused workshops, campers enjoyed a trip to the Piper Aviation Museum and William T. Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven, where the 37th annual Sentimental Journey Fly-In was being held through Saturday.
An electronics lab is among the many workshop locations explored by students in the Engineering Pre-College Program.
In the welding lab, an engineering camper displays a tool of the trade that he used to create a take-home floral souvenir.
Sparks fly when you’re having fun!
Chef Frank M. Suchwala, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts, demonstrates how to “julienne” a red bell pepper.
Future restaurateurs julienne their peppers to match-stick thickness for a dish that will be served to their families at the end of the program.
In the baking lab, future restaurateurs team up to fill cannoli with a cinnamon cream, then dip the ends in mini chocolate chips.
Campers check the inside of an ambulance ...
... while outside, Breyanne E. Johnson, a Penn College paramedic science student from Danville, talks a group through the functions of a heart monitor.
Geisinger’s Life Flight crew makes a landing on the Madigan Library Lawn for an interactive lesson with participants of the Health Careers program. (Photo by John A. Nappi, paramedic programs coordinator)
Lt. Ken Smith, of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, talks with Health Careers participants behind the library.
A physician assistant student shows the tip of an intraosseous drill, used in emergency medicine.
In the Surgical Technology Lab, Health Careers explorers learn to suture.
In radiography, a camper gets a feel for the bones of the feet.
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