Grades 6th & 7th

In this exciting hands-on course, participants will dive into the world of game development using Scratch, a beginner-friendly visual programming language, and then expand their skills by creating a custom controller using Makey-Makey. This course is designed for beginners with little to no prior coding experience, making it perfect for curious minds and budding game developers. During the first part of the course, participants will learn the basics of game design, programming logic, and animation using Scratch. They will explore fundamental programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, variables, and events while creating their own interactive games. From designing characters and backgrounds to adding sound effects and game mechanics, participants will unleash their creativity and build fully functional games. In the second part of the course, participants will move beyond traditional input methods and learn how to build a custom game controller using Makey-Makey. Makey-Makey is an invention kit that allows users to turn everyday objects into touchpads and connect them to a computer, turning imagination into interactive reality. Participants will explore circuitry basics, learn how to connect different materials to Makey-Makey, and customize their controllers to enhance gameplay experiences.

About the Instructor:

Kristine Penca is an enthusiastic and dedicated science and engineering teacher with a passion for STEAM education. With a focus on middle school years encompassing grades 5 through 8, Kristine brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her classroom. She is a firm advocate for integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) into the curriculum, believing in the power of interdisciplinary learning to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in her students. Throughout her career, Kristine has demonstrated a strong commitment to hands-on, project-based learning experiences that engage students in real-world applications of scientific and engineering principles. Her dynamic teaching style encourages curiosity, exploration, and experimentation, creating an environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and develop a deep understanding of STEM concepts.

Grades 8th and 9th

Launch into your next Engineering Adventure! Attention all 8th and 9th graders! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of engineering? Get ready to roll up your sleeves and unleash your creativity, cause it's time to dream, design and build! Our camp is packed with hands-on activities that will introduce you to the wonders of robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and more exciting challenges. From constructing your own robots to designing innovative structures, every day will be a new adventure.

About the Instructor:

Anne-Laure Peaucelle is a passionate engineer and loves inspiring young minds. With a Master in Electrical Engineering, Anne-Laure brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. She's had an eclectic career working as research and development engineer in Australia, trying her hand at project management, starting her own business, and now teaching engineering classes at CCC. As an instructor for the CCC STEAM Summer Camp, Anne-Laure's goal is to ignite curiosity and foster creativity in her students. She believes in hands-on learning and designs engaging activities that challenge campers to think critically and problem-solve like real engineers. She encourages campers to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and empowers them to explore their interests in STEM fields. Outside of the classroom, Anne-Laure enjoys hiking, teaching yoga, and traveling. She is thrilled to be part of the CCC STEAM Summer Camp team and looks forward to inspiring the engineers of tomorrow.

Grades 8th and 9th

Join us for an introduction to the basic elements and principles of theatre production. The fundamental techniques of acting are explored through physical and vocal expression, improvisation and scene work.

About the Instructor: 

My name is Casey Donahue and I am beyond elated to be instructing this camp! A little bit about me: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis on Acting and Dialects from the University of Nevada, Reno, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis on Theatre and brain-based learning, from UNR as well. I am originally from Reno, Nevada, but I moved to Los Angeles and was a working actor for years. More recently, I am a transplant to Flagstaff having moved here from North Carolina where I taught high school Theatre and was a dialect consultant for another North Carolinan Theatre teacher. My partner and I have three cats: Roxie, Nova, and Crouton. I love watching sports, specifically I’m a HUGE San Francisco Giants fan and a Seattle Seahawks fan (contradiction, I know!). I don’t only watch sports, I coach softball at Flagstaff High School and I am very active. Most recently I ran a Spartan race as well as an 18 mile trail race.

Grades 8th and 9th

¡Exploremos el mundo hispano! Let’s explore the Spanish-speaking world! In this camp, students will “vacation” to 4 different Spanish-speaking countries. As tourists in a new place, they will learn Spanish for travel and communication as well as learn about other cultures’ practices and perspectives. Students will see the sights and observe cultural traditions through games, crafts, storytelling and music. Students will see how exploring the world will create cultural competency and global awareness that are highly sought after traits for many careers today. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required for this camp. 

About the Instructor: 

Hola! Me llamo Katie Schwartz. I am a Spanish instructor at Coconino Community College. I’ve been an educator for 13 years and I am passionate about teaching my students the Spanish language and about the cultures that speak it. Originally from South Dakota, I now call Flagstaff, Arizona my home. In February of this year my husband and I welcomed our first child into our family. We are excited for lots of outdoor adventures and traveling together.

Grades 6th and 7th

This intellectually stimulating camp is designed for young minds fascinated by the intricate world of logic and brain teasers. Throughout the duration of the camp, students will embark on a journey to explore the fascinating realm of logic puzzles, sharpening their critical thinking skills and enhancing their problem-solving abilities. We'll tackle classic riddles, lateral thinking exercises, logic grids, cryptic codes, mathematical brain teasers, and more!  

About the Instructor:

Evan Worthington is a long-time educator most recently in Tucson and Flagstaff, with a passion for student success. With Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Education and a leadership degree in Counseling Psychology, he brings a wealth of academic knowledge and real-world experience to his teaching practice. Evan’s dynamic teaching style incorporates innovative pedagogical approaches tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners. Beyond the classroom, Evan is involved in racquetball and raising his children. Cheese curds are his weakness.

Grades 6th and 7th

Camp Build offers an engaging woodworking experience where participants embark on a series of projects designed to foster hands-on learning and unleash their creativity. Throughout the course, young builders will develop confidence and proficiency with a diverse array of hand and power tools. Emphasizing safety as our top priority, participants will learn to work diligently while finding enjoyment in their productivity. Join us for a day filled with skill-building, teamwork, and the satisfaction of crafting something extraordinary.

About the Instructor:

Hi, I'm Amy Dries, and I'm thrilled to be your woodworking teacher for this summer camp! With seven years of experience teaching middle schoolers the art of woodworking, I'm passionate about sparking creativity and hands-on learning in every student.

In my classes, we don't just learn about woodworking; we dive right in, creating everything from simple projects to intricate designs. My goal is to make learning fun and accessible for everyone, whether you're a beginner or have some experience with woodworking.

Outside of the classroom, I love collaborating with students on community projects, like making mini golf courses or selling items for charity. Woodworking isn't just a skill—it's a way to make a positive impact on the world around us. So get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab some tools, and let's make something amazing together this summer!

Grades 8th and 9th

Welcome to Creative Inkwell: where young minds come to ignite their creativity through the power of words. Our 4-day retreat is more than just a camp; it's an immersive experience designed to cultivate the next generation of local poets and writers. Inspired by the rich literary heritage of Northern Arizona Book Festival's 25th anniversary and upcoming anthology of odes to the Colorado Plateau, we're celebrating place, and what place means to us as humans. Throughout the week, budding writers will embark on a journey of self-discovery as they explore various forms of expression, from micropoetry to memoir, flash fiction to visual poetry, septet to renga. Our program is not just about writing; it's about finding your voice and learning the craft from an experienced mentor. As we delve into the art of writing, students will keep a journal to capture their thoughts and inspirations. They'll also learn journalistic skills through engaging interviews and delve into the works of Colorado Plateau authors. Our camp isn't just about creating; it's about understanding the world of literature and publishing. Students will submit a piece of writing for possible publication, learn some tips of the trade, research fellow students getting their work published around the globe, find contests and prizes to keep the fuel burning over the 2024-2025 academic year, and work with our Curios Publication here at the college. But it's not all work and no play! We'll indulge in literary-themed games and activities to keep the creativity flowing. There will be a reading, water word war and a magazine component as well. At the culmination of the camp, writers will produce a literary reading and take home their "Pausings on Place" camp anthology, as well as their journal with both drafted and finished products to carry them into the rest of the summer, pen in hand.

About the Instructor:

Katie King holds a Master of Arts in Nonfiction from Wilkes University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, also from Wilkes. With eighteen publications in literary journals and magazines, she is an accomplished writer, speaker, and coach for aspiring writers. Katie has contributed to the educational sector, having worked with the Flagstaff Unified School District in their FACTS program and served as a tutor at Coconino Community College. Additionally, she offers private tutoring services specializing in reading and literature through A Plus Tutoring. Katie's passion lies in helping students explore various forms of writing and refine their craft to gain deeper insights into themselves and the world around them. A Flagstaff local since 1996, Katie is a proud mother to a 10-year-old son and shares her home with her beloved black corgi named Glen.

Grades 8th and 9th

Join in a culinary fun-filled week learning basic cooking skills as well as professional and technical skills. You'll learn all about safety and sanitation, how to properly use a knife, reading a recipe, and more! Plus you'll be able to cook your own lunches. 

About the Instructor:

My name is Courtney Prajapati aka Chef P, I graduated from the culinary program at Flagstaff High School, attended culinary school, then moved onto working at some of the top hotels and restaurants in the West Coast. I've been a private chef for the NBA and NFL. This is now my second year teaching Culinary at FHS.