2023 SCATS Courses
1) Abstract Art and Design – Sydney Young
In this class you will learn about line, shape, color, and pattern. Most of these projects are abstract, which allows you to enjoy the material and embrace any happy accidents that may occur. The materials for these projects range from construction paper to paint to allow for a more diverse creative experience. This class will be full of fun art assignments. The goal for this class is to prove that even the basics of design can create fun and interesting art pieces!
2) Acting – Julie Roberts Boggess
Learn various acting techniques from method acting to improvisation. Free your creativity and become more comfortable in front of an audience. Learn to break down a script and prepare a monologue. Through imagination, improvisation, vocalization, and movement activities, you will have fun and become prepared for the stage.
3) Alternative Universe – Tom Wimsatt
Ever thought of how the world around you could be different? Join Mr. Wimsatt in a Creative Thinking class that asks the question "What If . . ." in areas including history, mathematics, society, and more. Our class is geared toward futuristic thinking and discussion – a great class for future problem solvers and those who love to question the world around them.
4) Clowning – Nick Wilkins
Study the art of clowning with emphasis on clown history, clown skills, and the different types of clowns. Learn about clown makeup application, costuming, improvisations, gags, slapstick comedy, stilt walking, unicycle riding, balancing, prop building, juggling, magic, and balloon sculpture – all from a Ringling Brothers-trained clown.
5) Code Breakers! Code Makers! – Katie Mullins
Can you break the code? Explore the long history of encrypted communication created to protect sensitive information or treasured items. We will learn about the mystery of code breakers both past and present. People have been using patterns in languages, symbols, and numbers to code information for centuries. Break codes using ciphers to unlock secrets and create codes to break. Can you decipher the fun you will have in this session?
6) Displaying and Describing Data – Renee Watkins
Statistics can tell us a lot about our world, but they can also be used to mislead. Learn tools for making inferences to better form your own conclusions! You will be introduced to concepts of collecting, displaying, and describing data, the normal curve, regression, probability, and inference with applications in the real world. Technology and investigations will be used for exploring variation and patterns to answer both serious and fun questions. Our class will be an active one with tossing Hershey’s Kisses, bungee-jumping toy figures, and more!
7) Double Threat: Writing and Performing Original Monologues – Julie Roberts Boggess
If you are a writer and a performer, this is a class for you! Throughout the two weeks, you will create two original monologues: one comedic and one dramatic. You will work on improving your performance skills and feeling more comfortable in front of the camera. This class is perfect for any skill level and is sure to help you grow as a writer/actor.
8) Forensic Science – Kerry Gallimore and Sarah Maglinger
Do you enjoy shows like CSI and NCIS? Well, this introduction to the field of forensic science might be right up your alley! You will build your observation and analysis skills and learn how patterns are key in solving crimes throughout the field of forensic science. As a crime scene investigator, you will use deductive reasoning to uncover the truth about the CSI Effect. In addition, you will have the opportunity to compare Hollywood vs. real life crime scene investigation. By the end of the two weeks, you will be exposed to forensics specialties, including eyewitness testimonies, facial composites, physical evidence, fingerprinting, impressions, lie detection, blood patterns, and a brief overview of many of the jobs that are associated with the CSI field.
9) From Revolution to Constitution – Halle Blair
In this course, you will travel back in time to the 1700s as revolution is on the forefront in America. You will investigate the causes for the American Revolution through research and debate and dive into important documents from the time period, including the Declaration of Independence, Common Sense, and the Constitution. You will explore important battles of the Revolution through primary and secondary sources. To wrap things up, you will investigate the early effects of independence on our new nation. So, come along as we explore our nation's journey toward independence.
10) It's All Greek to Me – Abby Eaton
Take the chance to explore this summer and visit Greece! In It’s All Greek To Me, you will explore the topic of Greek mythology in relation to the universal theme of exploration. You will confront the “unknowns” of the world and discover new findings in the area related to Ancient Greece. You will explore lessons throughout the content areas as the Ancient Greek civilization has influenced many aspects of modern society in regard to reading, math, science, and social studies.
11) Musical Troupe – Beth Pope
Do you enjoy music? The vocal arts class will include the study of the singing voice, understanding the fundamentals of how it works through the practice of singing songs, choral music, and exercises. You will enjoy singing together as a chorus, and there will be opportunities (for those who wish) to sing individually in class. Plans are to sing various genres of music including foreign language with styles old to new, and you will brush up on music reading skills. At the conclusion of SCATS, we will perform for the campers.
12) Investigating Change: Projects in Chemical, Physical, and Psychological Change – Michelle Horswill-Johnston
In this class designed around the theme of change, you will investigate the differences between chemical, physical, and psychological change. Through our anchor texts, we will learn about character arcs, the necessity of change, and examine the changes we observe around us. You will observe seeds sprouting, debate quotes about change, and select a life cycle to research. Choice activities such as creating a lava lamp, making rock candy, and writing poetry will be offered.
13) Plan a Dream Vacation – Christine Moskwa
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation? What would you do? Here’s your chance! You will organize a vacation and market it to your peers. You can create a YouTube video, musical presentation, or perform a skit. Use your imagination to advertise an adventure of a lifetime!
14) Revolutionary Changes – Phoebe Pohlman
How did the mass production movement of the Industrial Revolution create drastic changes to American culture, environment, education, and society? The United States we live in today still feels the positive and negative effects of the revolutionary changes made in our society during this time period. During this course, you will become a historian exploring how “change creates more change” through the lens of the Industrial Revolution. You will also become an inventor as you create a product to change society, then predict the positive and negative effects your invention could have on society.
15) Russian – Ekaterina Myakshina
Have you ever seen a Russian nesting doll? These famous dolls originated in Russia and are called matryoshka. Their smiling faces show a different face for Russia than you might hear on the news. Join this class to meet matryoshka and learn the basics of the language her creators have spoken for centuries. You will also explore some beautiful natural sites of the country and learn some of Russia’s most well-known fairy tales. You will read these stories, create a Russian folktale, and paint your own matryoshka dolls.
16) Short Stories – Katie Houchins
Dive into what makes a short story memorable by focusing on the patterns, details, and surprises of some fascinating examples. Then, put these topics into practice by becoming the author of your own story. What twists and turns will you discover and create?
17) STEM-tastic – Cheryl Gregoire
In STEM-Tastic, you will use engineering design principles to complete several challenges of your choosing. Have you ever wondered how you can make the world a better place? Through a series of challenges such as designing an earthquake resistant home, a machine to lift water, or a recycling sorting machine, you will experience how to think critically and incorporate your best ideas. Other design challenges will be offered where you will get to use your imagination and creativity to create real solutions.
18) Taking Weather Cirrius(ly) – Lily Austin
ATTENTION! Extreme weather warning in this class. Scattered experiments, widespread curiosity, and approaching investigations are in the forecast. Patterns help us make predictions and play a significant role in preventing and responding to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Together, we will examine patterns, research events, and design systems to become natural disaster experts. Where do natural disasters happen? How do they affect different communities? How can we prepare for future hazards? Grab your umbrella and your brain, too! There’s going to be a storm of exploration!
19) Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! – Ali Raymer
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! You will be sorted into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin. Over the two weeks you will work to earn points for your house to win the House Cup. Young witches and wizards will learn a variety of magical skills including Care of Magical Creatures (mythological creatures), Astronomy, Potions (chemistry), Defense Against the Dark Arts (debate), as well as History of Magic (the impact of Harry Potter on the world) and Muggle Studies (how you can impact the world). We look forward to seeing you this summer as you learn and explore the magical world at Hogwarts!
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.