The University of South Carolina Sumter is expanding summer camp options for students ages 9-14 beginning June 19 through June 30.
Typically, students have the option of attending a science and/or a writing camp on campus in the summer. This year, USC Sumter is offering a mock trial camp and a history camp in addition to the two traditional camp options.
"Write On!" writing camp with Leah Kiernan is from 9 a.m. to noon June 19 to 23, and is for students ages 9-14.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in fun, interactive and independent writing exercises that explore the techniques of mystery writing, creative fiction, realistic narrative fiction and non-fiction. Students learn how to get started, how to "reel the reader in" and how to use the five senses to unlock the power of descriptive writing.
Kiernan has 15 years of experience teaching literature and writing in both public and private schools and is currently employed as the English language arts middle school teacher at St. Anne and St. Jude Catholic School. She has taught several adult writing classes for continuing education at USC Sumter. Kiernan holds a bachelor of arts degree in English education from Columbia College.
History Camp, "From Sumter to Appomattox," with Dr. David Decker is from 1-4 p.m. June 19 to 23, and is for students ages 9-14. This camp explores the strategies and military tactics of the Civil War through a hands-on, interactive experience. Students will learn about infantry, artillery and cavalry from a leading historian and active re-enactor.
Decker holds a master's and doctoral degrees in history from Michigan State University. He teaches introductory courses in African history, Middle Eastern history, European history and geography. Outside of class, he is a Civil War re-enactor and rides in a cavalry unit. He portrays federal and Confederate cavalryman with impressions of the Federal 1st United States Cavalry Regiment and the Confederate 1st South Carolina Cavalry Regiment.
"Mad About Science" Camp with Dr. Dan "The Science Man" Kiernan is from 9 a.m. to noon June 26-30, for students ages 9-14. In "Mad About Science," students are introduced to human biology, environmental science, psychology, biochemistry and physics in fun and interactive ways. Participants conduct scientific experiments and explore first-hand the environment in which we live. USC professors from various disciplines will present as well as the Greenwood Genetic Center Mobile Science Lab.
Kiernan is a senior biology instructor at USC Sumter and has a doctorate in science education from USC Columbia and a master of science degree in biology from Central Michigan University. When not teaching or conducting research, Kiernan advises USC Sumter's Student Government Association, works with students on independent research projects, is annually involved with South Carolina Junior Academy of Science, is a reviewer for journal submissions, organizes science camps for local school children in the Sumter area and presents at various venues.
"Mock Trial" with Dr. Damien Picariello is from 1-4 p.m. June 36-30, for students ages 9-14. In Mock Trial camp, participants explore the court system from the inside, acting as lawyers, judges, witnesses and jurors as they try their own court cases. It is a great opportunity to have fun while building valuable skills, including public speaking, logic, reasoning, reading and writing.
Picariello is an assistant professor of political science at the USC Sumter. He received his master's and doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan. He enjoys teaching broadly within political science and hopes to provide students with an "education for citizenship." His research interests focus on ancient and early modern political thought, as well as literature, film and politics.
Associate Professor of English Dr. Ray McManus organized the "Summer Scholar Series" in hopes of attracting young students to the campus.
Students may participate in one or multiple camps. Lunch is included if a student stays for two camps in the same week. Details about all of the camps, including a link for online registration, is located at www.uscsumter.edu/ summer-camps-and-workshops. For more information, please contact Fran Castleberry at (803) 938-3793; Susan Brabham at (803) 938-3795; or Dr. Ray McManus at (803) 938-3817.