VGCC Science Camp offers unique opportunities to middle schoolers
Over the course of the week of June 13-17, young people from throughout the area handled the fossilized bones of creatures that lived eons ago, built their own bluebird houses, made their own yogurt, dissected pigs and learned how to grow a garden without soil. They were able to do those things and much more all in one place: the first-ever Science Camp organized by Vance-Granville Community College and held at the college’s main campus in Vance County.
A total of 28 students, including rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders, completed the day camp, which was designed not only to be fun but also to pique students’ curiosity about the natural sciences as they consider their future educational and career aspirations. The camp is part of VGCC’s emphasis on promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Campers hailed from all four counties served by VGCC: Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin.
Sessions were primarily taught by faculty members from the VGCC Science and Bioprocess Technology departments, with two exceptions. One was Fred Brewer, head of the Automotive Systems Technology program, who conducted a session on sources of energy, including fossil fuels, solar power, wind and hydrogen fuel cells. Brewer also showed students a hybrid car, a Toyota Prius used by the VGCC Security department, and the solar panel that he uses to charge car batteries and jumper boxes. The other exception was VGCC Carpentry program head Keith Tunstall, who, along with his students, helped campers build bluebird houses to take home, after they had checked out the bluebird houses that have been placed around the campus.
The picturesque college campus served as an outdoor classroom, allowing students a chance to observe a variety of different forms of life, especially in and around the large pond. Still other forms of life were observed when Science department head Steve McGrady led a session on studying fossils. Campers discovered fossilized bones from ancient whales, sea snails, clams, turtles and other creatures dating back millions of years, by sifting through soil from near Roanoke Rapids.
VGCC Biology instructor Button Brady described the week as “a fabulous success.” She said that parents of the campers “raved” about the camp, and she saluted her fellow instructors for their dedication and creativity. Also helping to make the camp a success were four volunteer student leaders: Katy Chalmers of Oxford, a former VGCC College Transfer student who is now a Biology major at North Carolina State University; Jocelyn Glover of Bullock, a student at J.F. Webb High School; Kera Ktul of Louisburg, a student at Louisburg High School; and Samantha Harris of Kittrell, a VGCC student.
Above: VGCC science instructor Phil Mondou helps Science Camp participants to observe and classify the various organisms found around the large pond on the college’s main campus. (VGCC photo)
