Registration is OPEN for 2021!
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Day Program Flyer
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NEWS RELEASE 5/19/21
Annual academic summer program for grades Pre-K-5 th grade scheduled June 28 – July 2
2021 CHALLENGE Day Program REGISTRATION open.
LATROBE, PA – Registration for the 2021 edition of Saint Vincent College’s popular Challenge
Program, a STEM-based academic summer program for students from pre-k to grade 5 only,
due to CDC guidelines is open for registration. Space is limited and registration will close on
June 23 rd , or when the program is full. Walk-ins are not possible this year.
The theme for the 2021 Challenge Program is “Galactic Mission 2021” Children can participate
in the “Micro Tots” program for preschool and kindergarten-aged students and “Micro Force”
day program for grades 1-5.
The Macro Force programs are scheduled for June 28 to July 2, 2021. The Micro Tots day
program is offered from June 28 to July 2, from 9 a.m. – noon, while the Micro Force day
program is being offered on the same days, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
While on-campus lunch is provided to the day and attendees by Parkhurst Dining Service. This
summer due to cafeteria renovation, meals will be a boxed lunch version.
The Micro Force program allows students in grades 1-4 the opportunity to participate in
academically and creatively theme-based experiences, led by certified elementary teachers.
These interactive courses happen throughout the day. Additionally, the children will be involved
in an immersion experience, with planned events and group opportunities. A counselor will
remain all day with the group of children to help them throughout their experience, while
students will be provided with lunch and a snack each day.
Preschool and kindergarten students are invited to take part in the half-day Micro Tots program
(9 a.m. – noon), which will feature multiple learning experiences with galactic missions
incorporated throughout. Students will be provided a snack each day, while each class is taught
by a certified teacher and counselors will be on hand. Students will participate in activities and
lessons both inside and outside.
Special consideration will be given this year to CDC guidelines and SVC campus
recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all involved. The program will
take advantage of as many outdoor opportunities as possible on the beautiful Saint Vincent
campus.

All Challenge Program instructors are certified students who are either Saint Vincent College
alumni or current graduate students. All program counselors are undergraduate majors in the
College’s Department of Education training to become teachers. Counselors and instructors
undergo thorough training to ensure the enjoyment and safety of the children.

The Challenge Program has been held at Saint Vincent College since 1982 and is currently
under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Beining, assistant professor of education and director of
PreK – secondary education programs at SVC.
Complete information on the 2021 SVC Challenge Program, including pricing can be found at
www.stvincentchallenge.org.
Parents of children who wish to attend and who may have a special need or concern are asked
to contact Beining at Kathleen.beining@stvincent.edu. In the past, the program has been able to
address a variety of concerns to enable many students to attend.

​Challenge Update 5/18/2021
Challenge Program 2021 Update:
​We apologize for the delay. We have been awaiting CDC guidelines that we received yesterday. With this news, the Challenge Overnight Program will NOT be running at any capacity this summer. We are sorry for any inconveniences this may cause. We will continue to keep our fingers crossed for next summer! 

However, the Day Program, for children 3 years old, up to students entering 5th grade in the fall, will still be held June 28-July 2, as planned. The program will follow all CDC guidelines. Registration is still open and spaces are filling fast! 

If you have already registered for either program, please watch for an email with next steps and more information. 

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.


Challenge Update 3/2/2021
Challenge Program 2021 Update:
Friends of CP@SVC,
While we are still uncertain about this year’s program, we are hopeful that we will be able to offer your children the opportunity to join us on campus for Galactic Mission June 27-July 2, 2021. Registration remains open and we have been accepting registrations. We are committed to running the program, if we are able to do so according to CDC guidelines.
We feel that things are moving in a positive direction, with the vaccine rollout, gathering guidelines increasing, and the PA travel restrictions being lifted recently.

In light of the ongoing concerns, if we are able to offer programming this year, we will be offering a commuter option for our overnight program. The cost of commuting for grades 5th -12th grade will be reduced to $590.00. Attendees will be expected on Sunday during registration and then an 8:45 am arrival Monday-Friday, leaving each evening Sunday – Thursday at 10:00 pm, after our evening events. Friday, commuters will leave with residential attendees after the afternoon immersion concludes.

Please understand this is all preliminary and based on the ability to move forward. Please be understanding of the fact that some aspects of the program may be forced to look different depending on recommendations.

WHEN A FINAL DECISION TO PROCEED IS MADE BY THE COLLEGE AND ONLY THEN:
 - You will be able to adjust your last year registration, overnight to commuter if you choose to.
 - Choose different immersions.
 - Stay in the grade band from last year or move up, if your age this year allows.
 - Switch roommates if it is needed.
 - We won’t make adjustments until that time.

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO HOLD THE PROGRAM, I WILL REACH OUT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS.
WE ARE HOPING THIS IS NOT THE CASE.
We feel it is so important to hold this program and hope that we can spend the week with you or your children. Our teachers, counselors and leadership team are anxiously awaiting word along with you all. We miss you very much and hope to see you this summer.
Hoping you are all well,
Dr. Beining

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The Challenge Program at Saint Vincent continues as the theme-based, fun-filled experience it has been these last 10 years! We will continue the “immersion experiences” for our program. These opportunities allow you to get involved in a subject or pursuit that you enjoy or would like to explore!

​The day and overnight program are designed to provide you with a memorable, fun-filled experience that becomes something you can look forward to, year after year. We strive for hands on, creative, and exploratory immersions, as well as entertaining opportunities. Come and make memories as well as good friends that last, with us at the Challenge Program immersions!

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Our 2021 Programs...

Enjoy a program that immerses you in your interests and talents! Select your program below.

Day ProgramS

June 28 - July 2, 2021
Children in the day program will enjoy a balance of hands-on and active learning experiences, arts and outdoor fun, as well as a “daily immersion” time. During this time, children will enjoy an event lead by a guest presenter or one designed by the Challenge team. Look for a whole new level of fun!
​Preschool and Kindergarten will remain a half day program with age appropriate and fun filled opportunities.

Overnight Program

June 27 - July 2, 2021
Young people entering 5th through 12th grade attending the overnight program, will have the opportunity to choose two “immersion experiences” to participate in throughout the week... a three-hour morning and a three-hour afternoon experience that culminates with a final project, event, or challenge! Some immersions will be on campus and some may be offered in the local area off campus. Evenings will be full of planned fun and entertainment, and campers will stay overnight at Saint Vincent!

Staying at Saint Vincent College