Students will have the opportunity to participate in academically and creatively theme-based immersion experiences, led by qualified teachers. These hands-on, interactive courses will happen throughout the week, offering a deeper learning experience than ever before. Students can select any two (2) immersion experiences in which they can investigate and participate fully. Each immersion leads to a final project that can be self-designed and directly related to the experience. The course instructor will encourage full participation, collaboration, authentic learning, and offer project-based experiences to encourage students to deepen understanding. All immersions will be held Monday through Friday followed by night activities and social events. Students are supervised by an SVC education major counselor at all times while staying on the Saint Vincent College Campus. Space is limited - register today!
Overnight program evening events
SUNDAY- Galaxy Night at the Planetarium MONDAY- Skating Night at Latrobe Skating Center TUESDAY- Indoor Pool or Movie Night (pick one) WEDNESDAY- Talent Show at The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve THURSDAY- Dinner and Dance at the Saint Vincent Grove
PLEASE READ *Immersion Courses Disclaimer and Notes* All Challenge Immersions are designed to be hands on enrichment and experientially deepening opportunities for attendees based on educational material covered in K-12 educational settings. Immersions are not intended to offer material beyond a k-12 setting or at the college level. Instructors are listed for courses but may be changed based on personal need or the director’s direction. Instructors are chosen a year in advance, but sometimes life happens, and they are unable to fulfill their intention to be with the program. All measures will be taken to provide a substitute. Courses with less than 5 students may be collapsed or cancelled, to provide a meaningful experience for your child. Activity fees are charged for materials beyond normal classroom supplies and/or transportation.
All grade (5th - 12th) offerings:
CP20 Drama for Galaxy Guardians: Do you dream of an exciting new world? Experience and perform comedy and drama, a range of emotions, and the joy of improv in this highly participative immersion. Instructor: Taylor Hiles
CP21 Garage Band; Rock the Planet:Create out of this world music individually or with a “band”. Design a music video to showcase your talent and then share it on our private website with your friends and family. Instructor: Nick DeFrancesco Required: flash drive
CP22 Life is a Fitness Adventure:Explore and incorporate health-related fitness into your everyday activities for lifelong health. Practice entry level: yoga and partner yoga, cardiac response to exercise, benefit-based walking, team activities, aquatic games, and an off-campus hike. Instructor: Deb Fischer Activity fee: $15 Required: bathing suit/towel, tennis shoes and closed shoes for hiking.
CP23 Horsemanship for First Timers:Held at the SVC Equestrian Farm. Learn equine care and grooming. Learn the basics of working with and the history of horses. Basic riding and safety. Beginner or non-riders only. Limited to students new to this course. Instructor: Dr. Veronica Ent Activity fee: $60 Required: long pants and heeled shoe/boots.
CP25 GPS: You Can’t Get There from Here: GPS systems, satellites, and tracking have created a whole new world of locating places, people, and even gaming. Explore the wonders that can be discovered through Global Positioning. Instructor: Journie Crutchman Suggested: smart device (cell phone or IPAD, tablet)
high school (9th - 12th) offerings:
CP30 Out of this World Math Challenges: The best athletes in the world rely on three things…practice, skill, and math! Discover how to manipulate the math and then physically try out the results for amazing outcomes! Math like you have never seen it! Instructor: Jake Cole
CP31 It’s in the Stars; Astrology/Horoscope Creative Experience:Explore the beauty in the stars and the horoscope to create memorable and creative art. Discover string art and various art mediums to create out of this world pieces. Instructor: Nick Manning Activity fee: $20
CP32 Space Ranger Mind Games:Take a look into the tricks that your mind plays on you! We will be uncovering psychological myths and exposing the deceptions caused by our own brain. Create your own Jedi Mind Game and amaze your peers with your mind-blowing talent. Instructor: Juli Cehula
CP33 A Galaxy Far, Far Away; The Science of Star Wars: Discover the forces, space travel, momentum, alien life, galaxies, constellations, stars, and theoretical science behind star wars. Unravel the mysteries behind the magic! Visit the famous Kecksburg UFO landing site. Instructor: Joe Mylant Activity fee: $10
CP34 Personalization Planet:Make it your own! Personalize through a number of different options. Explore your crafty side through basic calligraphy, macramé, jewelry making, and all of the wonders of cricutting. Instructor: Kayla Scherer Activity fee: $25 Required: 1 article of clothing for personalization
CP35 Mock Trial: Follow in the footsteps of Elle Woods and Atticus Finch. Or real-life attorneys Clarence Darrow or Barbara Olsen. Assume a courtroom role, build your case and present it for trial. Instructor: Jake Cole
middle school (5th - 8th) offeringS:
CP10 Space Age Computer Coding:We would be nowhere without coders! Explore computer programming in a variety of languages including Blocks and Java. Design your own mobile applications. Instructor: Joe Mylant Required: flash drive
CP11 Cosmic Cooking: You can’t travel on an empty stomach! Learn basic cooking/baking skills and then create some out of this world lunches, treats and snacks. Instructor: Anna DeCrease Activity fee: $15
CP12 Futuristic Design:Have you ever considered the world of fashion design as a career or a hobby? Think of the fabulous designs that have come from the movies. Enjoy learning about and creating your own movie worthy fashion designs. Start your own portfolio of original designs. Instructor: Journie Crutchman
CP13 Get a Reaction Science: For every action there is a reaction. Explore the possibilities in this hands-on science offering. Scientists discovered the reactions that allowed us to travel in space. What might you discover? Instructor: Josh Suszek
CP14 Art Around Town: Travel off campus to a local art center where local artisans will facilitate explorations of various art mediums to create unforgettable art for you to enjoy. Instructor: local artisans Activity Fee: $20
CP15 Intergalactic Gazette: Immerse yourself in the diminishing genre of the printed newspaper. Interview, report, photograph, and write interesting and human-interest articles about the Galactic Mission. Create a print and an online version of the paper to share with friends and family. Instructor: Nick Manning Required: flash drive. Suggested: digital camera or smart phone
CP16 Logic Problems, Brain Teasers, and Escape Games: Great thinkers make great changes in the world. Stretch your brain solving logic problems, brain teasers, and escape room challenges with your friends. Instructor: Abby Conrad
CP17 Jedi Training; Team Games and Group Challenges: Highly physical immersion of personal challenges, playground team games, and intriguing group challenges to overcome. Instructor: Josh Suszek Required: tennis shoes