PTC summer camps sparked STEM skills and creativity

Nearly 60 youths had fun mastering an array of STEM skills during a series of camps this summer at Piedmont Technical College (PTC).

PTC held eight summer camps for youths between eight and 14 years of age that focused on areas such as computer coding, digital music, engineering, gaming and creating videos.

“Students learned the physics of 3D animation and how to use the Java version of gaming platforms. They were introduced to online etiquette, editing skills and music creation abilities like sound engineering and mixing tracks,” said PTC Workforce Innovation Life and Leisure Program Manager Jennifer Pruitt.

“These camps allowed students to experience digital storytelling elements like event scripting and gameplay flow.” Pruitt said. “In some of the classes students created web-based projects accessible via passcode by friends and family back at home.”

Pruitt enjoyed getting to know the campers and their families.

“These children were here having fun but also acquiring some pretty advanced STEM skills,” she said. “My favorite thing was hearing them leave saying things like, ‘Aw man, I wish it lasted longer!’”

Allison Brumley’s 11-year-old son attended three PTC camps this summer.

“He learns something new from every camp,” Brumley said.

PTC also hosted the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics GoSciTech day camp. Twelve rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders attended the four-day deep dive into STEM topics.

“It was so exciting I wanted to come back,” said one of the students on a post-camp survey.

The fun and learning aren’t confined to just the summer at PTC. 

Workforce Innovation will hold a Young Chef Academy half-day camp from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 while schools in Greenwood County are on fall break. The camp, led by Chef Jay Hancock, is open to all students from sixth through ninth grade. It will be held at the G. Frank Russell Technology Center in Greenwood.

Those taking part in the Young Chef Academy will learn to make tasty items such as cookies, bruschetta grilled chicken and wood-fired pizzas.

“This camp will offer students a feel for culinary-centered careers,” Pruitt said.

To register for the Young Chef Academy, parents can visit https://www.ptc.edu/continuing-ed/browse-courses/young-chef-academy or call 864-941-8400.