Lake Michigan College adds to 2024 Summer Camps lineup

Based on strong demand, Lake Michigan College’s Department of Extended Education has added two new sessions to its lineup of summer camp offerings for 2024. Registration is open for the added Summer Sewist Camp scheduled for June 24-27 and the second Junior Makers Camp planned for July 22-25.

Registration also remains open for more than a dozen other summer camps. Participants can choose from performing arts and Fab Lab camps on LMC’s Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. The complete list of camps can be found at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/camps.

Performing Arts Camps
High school music students can enhance their performance skills through exciting camps offered by the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department. Camps are taught by college faculty and are held in the LMC Mendel Center, the largest performing arts facility in Southwest Michigan.

VPA Brass Chamber Camp
June 24-27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., grades 9-12 in Fall 2024, $150
Register by June 7: https://VPA-brass-chamber-camp-2024.eventbrite.com 
Early bird discount extended: Register by May 15 and receive $10 off

This thrilling opportunity for high school students will open their ears to new and familiar experiences such as Brass Choir, Brass Chamber Ensembles, and Music Theory. Part-time Faculty Brass Instructors Danny Lopez and Ruth Livengood share their 40-plus years of combined experience in performance and teaching to provide a week of musical achievement and growth. The camp culminates in a performance recital in the Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre. A skills placement audition video is required. Students must bring their instruments to camp. 

VPA Recording Arts Camp
July 15-18, 9 a.m.-noon, grades 9-12 in Fall 2024, $100
Register by July 1: https://VPA-recording-arts-camp-2024.eventbrite.com
Early bird discount extended: Register by May 15 and receive $10 off

Learn what it’s like to be in a recording studio! This camp will explore setting up and placing microphones, recording, and editing in Pro Tools and MIDI, integrating music and video, and applying basic mixing and mastering techniques. 

Fab Lab Camps
Fab Lab camps provide fun, hands-on projects that spark creativity and allow participants to develop collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills. Participants can explore a variety of tools in a supervised setting, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC routers, Adobe Creative Suite, embroidery and sewing machines, and more. Each camp is conducted in the LMC Fab Lab in the Hanson Technology Center on the Benton Harbor Campus under the guidance of college faculty and staff. Opportunities are available for campers as young as 6 through high school and beyond. 

Summer Fab Lab Boot Camp
June 10-13, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 8+, $165 – FULL, waitlist being accepted
Register by June 3: https://June2024Boot.eventbrite.com
Aug. 12-15, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 8+, $165
Register by Aug. 5: https://Aug2024Boot.eventbrite.com

Get creative “making things” with 3D printers, computer-aided design, sewing machines, laser cutters, woodworking tools, and more. Experiment with ideas and make as many projects as possible during the 12-hour camp.

Summer Sewist Camp
June 17-20, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 8+, $149– FULL, waitlist being accepted
Register by June 10: https://sewistfablab24.eventbrite.com
June 24-27, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 8+, $149 – JUST ADDED!
Register by June 17, https://Sewist24.eventbrite.com

Learn how a sewing machine works, how to read and customize patterns, measure the body, create seams, do alterations, and more during this project-driven camp. 

LEGO Animation and 3D Design
June 24-27, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 8+, $159
Register by June 17: https://animation2024.eventbrite.com

Level up your LEGO abilities by learning to use them in stop-motion animation. Students will be introduced to the Blender program to make the LEGOs come to life!

Build Your Own 3D Printer – More Spots Added!
July 1 & 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m., all ages 12+, $350
Register by June 24: https://3DBuild2024.eventbrite.com

Start with a 3D printer kit and finish with a fully functioning 3D printer! Along the way, learn how to maintain and operate your finished creation. Kit and one roll of filament are included in the price of the camp.

Create, Program, & Design Your Own Video Game
July 8-18, 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 8+, $249
Register by July 1: https://RPG2024.eventbrite.com

Build a custom video game during this interactive two-week camp. Beginners and those who took past gaming camps will create menus, overworld maps, and characters; make characters speak and fight; add music and sound; and more.

Arcade Building Summer Camp
July 8-11, 1:30-4:30 p.m., all ages with at least one participant 16+, $450
Register by July 1: https://arcade2024.eventbrite.com

Do you long for the days of Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Frogger? Now, you can build your tabletop arcade machine for at-home gaming fun. This camp is great as a family project or for the do-it-yourselfer looking for something different. Registration fee is good for up to three participants building one arcade machine.

Summer Fab Lab Junior Makers
July 22-25, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 6-10, $149 – JUST ADDED!
Register by July 22: https://jrmakers2024.eventbrite.com
July 29-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 6-10, $149– FULL, waitlist being accepted
Register by July 22: https://junior2024.eventbrite.com

Get ready for four days of crafting and decorating projects while exploring the Fab Lab. Students will be shown how the 3D printer, lasers, vinyl cutter, and sewing machines work. This is similar to the Fab Lab Bootcamp but designed for a younger crowd.

Wood Turning Summer Camp
July 29-Aug. 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 10+ and at least 4 feet 6 inches tall, $165
Register by July 22:   https://wood2024.eventbrite.com

Explore woodturning basics using the Fab Lab mini lathes while learning the fundamentals of lab and tool safety. A different project each day, each building on skills learned the day before and leading up to a fun and creative ending on the final day of camp.

Buggin’ in the Fab Lab Summer Camp
Aug. 5-8, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 7+, $149
Register by July 29: https://BugLab2024.eventbrite.com

“Bee the bee’s knees” and explore Fab Lab machines like the 3D printer, laser engraver, vinyl cutter, design software, and more during this bug-themed camp, offered in coordination with the College’s Natural Sciences faculty. Participants will be “buzzing” with excitement over the various projects they will create.

Escape from Fab Lab
Aug. 5-8, 1:30-4:30 p.m., ages 10+, $159
Register by July 29: https://EscapeFabLab24.eventbrite.com

Escape rooms are the ultimate teamwork skill tester. In this camp, create your escape room challenges. You’ll learn about the types of puzzles used, create these brain teasers, and test out the escape room puzzles created by your fellow campers.