Kansas City Kansas Community College

Looking for something creative for that special boy or girl this summer?

From hands-on science, jazz and swing dance to Spanish for kids, babysitter training and karate, Kansas City Kansas Community College will have something for just about everyone in June and July.

The all-star lineup for Summer 2009:

CAMP INVENTION (June 20-24) – One of KCKCC’s most popular camps, youngsters in first through sixth grades will have the opportunity to brave the fury of the ocean in search of Viking treasure, uncover superhero science, craft and race a land sled and take apart a broken machine and use the parts to invent a new one. A fun hands-on science and creativity camp, it will be held from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $205.

JAZZ CAMP (June 8-12) – Open to ages 13 to adult, the 8th annual KCKCC/Kansas City Jazz Orchestra camp provides young musicians the opportunity to learn from elite instructors. All instruments are welcome. Held daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the cost of $190 includes lunch. Further details are available from camp director and Kansas City jazz icon Jim Mair at 913-288-7149.

SWING DANCE (June 15-19 – Designed for middle and high school students, the Youth Swing Dance Camp will provide instruction in the basic steps in a variety of swing dance styles, a brief history of swing dance and a performance piece. The class will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday in Room 10 of the College’s West State Plaza Center. Instructed by Shari Augustine, the cost is $65 and participants should come each day with comfortable shoes and clothing and a healthy snack.

SPANISH FOR KIDS (July 13-16) – Two four-day classes will be offered, one for children in the kindergarten through second grade from 1:30-3 p.m. and one for third through fifth graders from 3:30-5 p.m. With studies showing that learning another language comes easiest for youngsters 1-12 years of age, the fun and interactive class will provide students the chance to get a jump-start on learning the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Instructor Stephanie Marquez will provide a hands-on approach to learning age-appropriate Spanish songs, basics phrases and vocabulary in meaningful context as well as numbers, alphabet, food, colors, animals, family, body parts, days and more. The classes will be taught in Room 7 of the West State Plaza Center at a cost of $59.

BABYSITTER TRAINING (June 13) – Offered in partnership with the American Red Cross, the course is designed for prospective babysitter’s ages 11-15 and will provide instruction in safety, safe play, basic care, first aid, leadership, professionalism and Infant/Child CPR. The class will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Community Education Building on the east side of the KCKCC campus. The cost is $36 and students will receive a roomy, zippered nylon bag containing a first aid supplies pack, compact flashlight, note pads and more. Participants should bring a sack lunch.

KARATE (June 29-July 2) – Open to youngsters in kindergarten through second grade, the camp will use fun games and activities that will teach the basics of Chinese Martial Arts and fundamentals of self-defense, both verbal and physical. A high energy learning experience, instructor Chris Hutchings will enable students to gain a sense of accomplishment and renewed level of self-confidence along with the core values of martial arts such as courtesy, honesty, respect and discipline. Students completing the camp will earn a white belt, certificate, participate in a graduation ceremony and receive an invitation for a free month at AKKA in Westport. The class will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Thursday in Room 10 of the West State Plaza Center. The cost is $60.

Early registration is encouraged because classes fill quickly. KCKCC offers five ways in which to enroll – in person in the Community Education Building on the east side of the campus at 7250 State Avenue; by phone (913-288-7660) or by fax (913-288-7663) with completed registration form and credit card information; or by mail with name, address, phone, e-mail address, class and payment to KCKCC Continuing Education, 7250 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS., 66112.