HSU Impacts Students During June Summer Camps

July 3, 2018 Grace Mitchell, Staff Writer

At Hardin-Simmons, our faculty teach more than just college students. During June, they impacted the lives of hundreds of children through summer camps. In addition to numerous sports camps, HSU holds several academic, musical, and spiritual camps during the summer.

One academic camp is HSU Dream-Catchers. From June 18-28, over 100 diverse readers participated in this science-based literacy enrichment program designed to help motivate, challenge and inspire. By the end of the camp, students experienced academic success, developed mentoring relationships with HSU EC-6 majors and AISD faculty, and established goals to pursue personal dreams for the future.

Dr. Renee Collins, Associate Dean of the Irvin School of Education, says that the camp benefits students who attend, HSU Education majors, volunteers, and certified teachers.

“It is a win-win for everyone involved,” she said. “Everyone develops confidence, friendships, and hope for a brighter future. Dream-Catchers Summer Camp is a partnership between HSU and the local school district. This summer event allows various community members to share resources, financial gifts, and professional expertise through the Community Foundation of Abilene along with the Texas Parks and Wildlife community.”

At HSU’s Health Sciences Summer Enrichment Program (HSSEP), high school students improved their math and science skills as they experienced two weeks of college lectures, engaging labs, and interactive sessions.

Rebecca Lu, an incoming junior at Trinity Christian Academy, says that the program gave her insight into what the medical field truly entails.

“Camp helped me to see how higher education and advanced skills can be extremely useful in helping to meet the day to day needs of people,” she said. “It prepared me for the future as it forced me to assess my ownstrengths and weaknesses to see what areas better fit my personality and ability. All in all, camp helped me to better connect knowledge gained from the classroom setting to helping people and making an impact in the world using those skill sets learned.”

HSU also offered several music camps to increase appreciation and love for the Arts: Piano Camp, All-State Choir Camp, and for the first time, Festival of Guitars.

“Festival of Guitars is a new camp dedicated to improving guitar players in the community,” said Dr. Robert Tucker, Dean of the College of Fine Arts. “It is an opportunity to learn new techniques, styles, care, andmaintenance, and try out new ideas for songwriting.”

From June 24-28, current HSU choir students shared their love for music with the next generation at HSU Choir Camp.

“When I went to high school, this camp introduced me to HSU and was what made me decide to enroll there,” said Senior Music Business major Sydnie Renner. “I love choir because music is my passion, and I am so thankful that I get to help high school student realize that in themselves.”

At the Abilene Summer Piano Camp, young piano students experienced a week of intensive study and unique musical experiences from HSU piano faculty. Their curriculum included classes in technique, sight-reading, and composition with a concert at the end of the week.

HSU also hosted the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Camp from June 18-22. Student-athletes developed skills for Christian growth and campus leadership.

Upcoming camps in July include Threshold, Super Summer, and Swim Camp.

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