JVS Summer Camp another success

BLOOMINGDALE -- The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School taught more than juniors and seniors this month, as elementary pupils from throughout the area attended its annual Summer Camp event.

The two-day camp had approximately 80 fifth- and sixth-grade students from Harrison and Jefferson counties participating.

Carina Aulicino, a JVS career and workforce specialist, organized the activities, which took place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 5-6 throughout the school.

"The summer camp is to provide students with a summer activity, a chance to experience some of our labs and to give back to the community," Aulicino said. "I think it went well. The students seemed to enjoy it and the instructors enjoyed interacting with the younger students."

This year, six programs were offered for the children to tour and interact in, rather than the four programs previously offered, Aulicino explained. Campers had the opportunity to spend time with some furry and feathered friends in the animal science lab, where they learned what they are able to eat.

Participants assembled wooden boats, birdhouses, savings banks and vehicles in the carpentry program; learned about forensics by lifting fingerprints and doing other tasks in the criminal justice class; completed STEM projects and arts and crafts in the early childhood education program; created electromagnets in the electrical trades classroom; and used the excavator simulator and remote-controlled vehicles in the heavy equipment lab.

Several campers said they enjoyed their experience, singling out a few of their favorites.

"I liked the heavy equipment simulator and the remote-controlled trucks," said Brody Davis, an incoming fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School.

"I liked heavy equipment," added Dillon Goddard, who is heading into the fifth grade at Cross Creek Elementary. "I liked how you can run the (simulated) excavator."

"I liked animal science and the ducks," said Karsyn Van Auken, who will be entering fifth grade at Indian Creek Middle School.

"I liked heavy equipment, but know I'd like animal science," added Cecilia Stacy, who will be a sixth-grader at John Gregg in the fall.

Aulicino said the JVS has been conducting summer camps for several years; however, the camp had to be tabled during the COVID pandemic in 2020. Last year, the camp returned and attracted 70 middle-school students.

She extended her gratitude to Texas Roadhouse for providing hot dogs for the students' lunch on the first day of camp. She thanked Wal-Mart for donating funds for lunch and ice cream sundaes.