Lights On! Vacation Camp!
Animation and Scratch Programming
for Kids 8-14
Lights On! April Vacation Camp!*
*This program will not run with fewer than 3 students by 4/15/2010. In order to participate in this program, you must come in and register ahead of time to complete all the necessary forms. You can also fill out the forms ahead of time by downloading them below.
Our office is open on Monday and Wednesday from 12:30-5:30 and on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-5:30. To make other arrangements, call or email.
Instructor: Gaby Richard-Harrington 5 Day Program
Monday, April 19th through Friday, April 23rd
8:00-5:30
$50 per day. Call 413 665-7186 or text to my cell (413) 695-8103 for a reservation.
$200 for the week for the first child
$320 for two children from the same family
Ages 8-14
Class size: 10
Daily Schedule:
8:00-9:00 breakfast (BYO) and relax
9:00-9:30 group building activity and discussion
9:30-10:30 keyboarding fun and games (or digital challenge)
10:30-12:00 mini lessons on techniques or new concepts on topic
12:00-1:00 lunch (BYO) - activity time
1:00-5:30 studio time (with coaching) (time for games and breaks)
Friday 4:00-5:30 end of week celebration
Beginner digital animation. In this session we will learn the fundamentals of animation and create simple animations as digital flip books. It is a good idea to write or bring an original story or poem to animate so your time with us is productive. Students will produce simple digital animations. Critical thinking, storyboarding, color, character development and other flipbook style techniques will be introduced.
and/or
Beginner computer programming and video game creation with Scratch. In this session we will learn Scratch, a free program developed by MIT (see http://scratch.mit.edu/) based on the Logo programming language. Scratch makes it easy to create interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art by snapping together blocks of code. If you like, (and you get permission), share your creations on the web.
All who plan to attend must sign the behavior contract with a parent or guardian and transportation home information sheet. We operate on a Three Strikes Policy. This signed contract must be submitted before your visit indicating your child's transportation arrangements at 5:30 PM. When someone else whom you have given permission to pick up your kid is unfamiliar to the staff, we will check IDs. Please understand that this is for your child's safety. Your child will not be allowed to leave with anyone not on the list.
The typical morning program consists of a group building activity and discussion of the work we are about to do, a "Smart Moves" exercise to get our mind and bodies focused for learning, a keyboarding lesson and activity or a digital challenge (if you already know how to keyboard well), a series of mini lessons on a techniques or new concepts on topic, eat the lunch you brought from home or purchase a lunch at one of the places in town and get some physical or mental activity. We have chess and checkers.
The afternoon begins with a group activity and "Smart Moves" exercise followed by substantial "studio time" for project work. Small group, whole group, and individualized mini tutorials and on-demand instruction are provided during this time. The studio time is designed to challenge one's thinking and skills. The day ends with a reflection period.
The week will end with a showcase for families and friends. The students have worked hard in their learning adventures all week and need time to celebrate together.
Students will have the opportunity to return to Serious Fun Community Learning Center during open studio times to complete any unfinished work. Students will be given a disc of their work at the end of the week. With permission, some work may be posted on our website to be shared with our visitors.
Please note that we also provide programs for the following special days. If you need all day care for another date, please inquire.
