Future Eagles build bright futures in the Division of Continuing Education
Future Eagles learn about Lego Robotics during a camp offered by the Division of Continuing Education at Georgia Southern.
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Future Eagles in the community have the opportunity to learn new skills in areas like science, technology, engineering and math, all while having fun, through the Division of Continuing Education (CE) at Georgia Southern University. For more than two decades, CE has opened their doors during the summer months to youth interested in having fun and learning. Through the wide variety of summer camps CE offers, youth are offered interactive and exciting opportunities. “Most of our camps are hands-on STEM programs,” said Program Assistant with CE, Mary Thaler, who has more than three years experience working with campers. “The greatest feeling is seeing the children enjoy the camps and return year after year. These kids get to create ideas in their brains and make them become a reality” The most popular STEM camp offered is the Lego Robotics Camp, and this year the camp saw more than 80 participants. Lego Robotics is offered every summer in three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The beginner classes focus on learning the names of different Lego parts and building skills, while the advanced classes teach the youth actual computer programming and coding to power up their Lego Robotic creations. The computer science program at the University lends programming kits to CE every summer for the children to enjoy and help make this camp possible. Lucas Mather, a former middle school teacher and Lego Robotics Coach from Metter, Georgia, is currently the lead instructor for the Lego Robotics Camps. He brings a fresh approach and new ideas to engage the children each summer. Most recently, Mather taught the young Lego Robotics campers how to use the strings from their name badges with Legos to build their own fishing poles. The “fish” were made also of Legos. Judy Hendrix-Poole, program assistant and assistant to the executive director for CE has more than 15 years of experience working with these camps. “The children are the best part of working with the camps,” said Hendrix-Poole. “They are excited because they have had a great week, and that really gives me a sense of satisfaction.” Together, Thaler and Hendrix-Poole serve more than 1,500 youth every summer during the camps and programs hosted by CE. For more information on the youth summer programs or personal and professional development programs offered by CE, visit the website at academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ce/ or call 912-478-5555. Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 118 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.