Children looking for a little adventure this summer can find it at Cal Poly Pomona, thanks to several camps slated to kick off in June.
The College of Science and the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center are teaming up to offer joint camps sponsored by the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation.
Steve Alas, a biological sciences professor, said other CSU campuses have had these camps for decades. Alas said that by bringing a Discovery Camp and other camps to campus, he hopes to benefit students and the community.
“It’s a training ground for our students who want to become teachers,” he said. “It’s also outreach to the community.”
Funds raised from the camps are used for scholarships and fellowships for Cal Poly Pomona students, he added.
The Discovery Camp, which will run from June 22-Aug. 7, gives participants a chance to engage in science activities and arts and crafts. Campers will learn about rockets, slides and catapults, Alas said.
“We plan a lot of activities where they have to learn teamwork and collaboration,” he said.
Also planned are two specialty camps: Horse Camp and Computer Science Camp.
The Computer Science Camp, slated July 13-17, will give participants a chance to learn software and techniques to create 2D and 3D animation. Campers also will learn about video-game programming, film production, video editing and 3D printing and design.
Horse Camp is returning after a hiatus. Kelly Piña, the Arabian Horse Center’s administrative support coordinator, said the facility had a horse camp about eight years ago, but opted to take a break from the extensive planning it takes to hold the events annually. Piña said she is happy for the camp’s return.
“I am really excited,” she said. “It will be great for the kids to experience the history of why we’re here.”
During the five-day camp, children will learn all of aspects of a horse, from its anatomy to the gear needed to ride safely, she said.
The Horse Camp will run from June 29-July 10.
Campers will clean stalls and give the horses a bath. A farrier is expected to come in to talk about horse hoof care.
The camp gives hands-on experience and advanced equine lessons, Piña said.
“They really are getting a college-level course in that one week,” she said.