Science, Technology, Arts and Mathematics offered to Uncompahgre Valley
Montrose, CO – The CMU Montrose Campus, in partnership with the Montrose School District, announced a robust and exciting lineup of summer camp programs available for residents of Montrose, Delta, Ouray and San Miguel Counties. The 2019 camp theme is STEAM.
More than 20 camps are being offered by practitioners and professionals throughout the region focused on arts, archaeology, agriculture and a host of additional fields and disciplines. The camps are available for high school, middle school and elementary school students throughout the Uncompahgre Valley and beyond.
“STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Arts and Mathematics and the goal is to create thoughtful and well-rounded people in the future through diverse and comprehensive camp offerings for the community today,” said CMU Montrose Campus Director Gary Ratcliff, PhD. “These extraordinary learning opportunities are available beyond Montrose and we are excited to host campers from Ouray to Olathe and beyond – all kids interested in learning are welcome.”
The majority of camps are Monday through Friday as half-day sessions. The mathematics camp spans two weeks. There are programs offered in the morning and afternoons in order to provide parents options that best conform to a variety of family schedules.
Carol Patterson, Ph.D, is hosting a camp focused on Rock Art Field Archeology. She teaches students how to photograph and draw Ute rock art that she believes awakens the imagination as to the history of prehistoric people who lived and thrived throughout western Colorado. The course uses rock art to provide a glimpse into the Ute Culture while learning how to document and preserve rock art that is sacred to the Ute people even today.
“Learning about Ute Indian History in the region is a lot of fun when we use ancient art to help us tell and interpret the story of the Ute people,” said Patterson. “Our class will visit Shavano Valley petroglyphs and participants will each photograph and trace their favorite panel using computer enhancement techniques and color pens. They will learn about Ute Indian history and culture while enjoying the outdoors in western Colorado."
While archeology focuses on lessons from the past, Chris Thompson offers students a glimpse into the future during a Vex Robotics camp offered at Centennial Middle School. Thompson believes robotics camps are a fun way to introduce students to the future of society at an early age. The camp introduces attendees to autonomous sensors and commands and offers attendees a robotics starter kit for use during camp.
“The Montrose Campus allows CMU to take a regional approach to building passion and capacity in the arts and sciences at a young age,” said CMU President Tim Foster. “We see the Montrose Campus as an expanding hub for STEAM related communication and education throughout central western Colorado. We are pleased to see the continued expansion of diverse opportunities for students throughout the summer.”
Scholarship funding is available for some camps based on financial need.
A complete camp listing is available here or by contacting CMU Montrose at 970.249.7009.
Similar camps are offered at CMU's Western Colorado Community College Campus as featured below.