The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts hosted a day camp, CLA Summer Academy, Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 7. The Academy included classes in creative writing, psychology, art and design, leadership development and much more that introduced high schoolers to the world of the liberal arts.
Monday, June 3
We started the week with a trip to Starbucks for some much-needed caffeine and started the campus tour with Megan Doyle, Associate Director of Special Events, and Simran Singh, Administrative Assistant for Special Events.
Students explored the buildings on campus and were introduced to what life would look like at college.
After the tour we all walked the labyrinth in front of the Liberal Arts Building, grabbed a snack or two and headed off to their first educational experience! They chose from Ghost Stories with Jenn Horn, Printmaking with Brett Anderson and Ceramics with Al Holen.
Tuesday, June 4
Students created and read ghost stories and went on a USI ghost tour with Jenn Horn, Instructor in English.
Students created birdhouses using woodworking skills with Rob Millard Mendez, Professor of Art.
Our campers created glow in the dark landscape paintings with Nancy Raen-Mendez, Instructor in Art.
Students created ceramic bowls with Al Holen, Associate Professor of Ceramics, while getting a lesson in different Native American designs in ceramics history.
After their classes were over, we watched a movie in the forum and worked on presentations of what they learned at the CLA Summer Academy.
Wednesday, June 5
Our campers were excited to create their own screen print designs with Brett Anderson, Associate Professor of Art, Printmaking.
Our campers created glow in the dark landscape paintings with Nancy Raen-Mendez, Instructor in Art.
Students created spears, ciphers and codes in Ancient Codes and Riddles with Dr. David O'Neil, Associate Professor of English.
During our afternoon break we took some time to explore the library and rec center. Students played sand volleyball and pickleball in the rec center and card games in the library.
Thursday, June 6
Campers learned about being a good and effective leader with Dr. Trent Engbers, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration.
Our campers enjoyed "Get Psyched", a series of stations, each with an experience highlighting a unique area in the study of psychology, with Dr. Zachary Pilot, Dr. Julie Eyink, Dr. Kristina Baker, Assistant Professors of Psychology, and Dr. Urska Dobersek, Associate Professor of Psychology.
Our campers created glow in the dark landscape paintings with Nancy Raen-Mendez, Instructor in Art.
Thursday brought a break from the heat and humidity, so we all enjoyed a nature walk and picnic at Eicher Barn.
Friday, June 7
The last day of CLA Summer Academy.
Our campers were excited to create their own screen print designs with Brett Anderson, Associate Professor of Art, Printmaking.
Students enjoyed "Get Psyched", a series of stations, each with an experience highlighting a unique area in the study of psychology, with Dr. Zachary Pilot, Dr. Julie Eyink, Dr. Kristina Baker, Assistant Professors of Psychology, and Dr. Urska Dobersek, Associate Professor of Psychology.
Our campers created a GIF using graphic design software in our design lab with Dr. Greg Blair (Mr. Greg), Assistant Professor of Art and Design.
To close our week together we watched the original Jumanji and students gave group presentations about what they learned over the week. One even wrote and performed a play!
I used to think colleges were mainly classrooms but now I know there are a lot of other fun things students have access to. - Elise
I used to think I would be learning things I know, but now I know that I learned a lot of new things. Right now, I know how to make a print and interact with new people, but I want to be able to learn different subjects. - Adonia
"My daughter, Addi, enrolled in CLA Summer Academy and absolutely loved it! She had the best time and not only that, but you just won a victory for me and for you, because now my child is interested in attending USI. While I've been working on that myself; I couldn't possibly have gotten her interest spiked the way that you did, and now she wants to audit a class on ceramics, if possible." - Kristi Hape, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy.
We had a blast and we can't wait for next year! So much so we've already started planning the 2nd Annual CLA Summer Academy! Join us again Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 6, 2025.
If you are interested in signing up your high school age child (incoming freshman to graduated senior) for the 2025 CLA Summer Academy, please fill out the form below. Registration will open early 2025.