Howard Payne University closed out a successful season of summer camps recently with 106 children on campus for the weeklong Summer Scholars and Young Scholars programs. This year’s theme was “Brain Games” in honor of the 2016 Summer Olympics. The popular camps featured innovative instruction in robotics, 3D printing, music, science and physical education.

“It was a great week,” said Dr. Julie Welker, director of the programs, professor of communication and chair of HPU’s Department of Communication Studies. “Students participated in all kinds of hands-on learning activities, challenging their brains while having a fun time learning.”

Dr. Welker expressed her gratitude to education partner 3M of Brownwood.

“Six engineers from 3M gave of their time to come help teach the Summer Scholars students,” she said. “Their engineering science class was a hit with the kids.”

Additional personnel included Estevan Arbaiza, HPU head men’s soccer coach, who was in charge of recreation each day; Debby Dill, administrative assistant for HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, who assisted in multiple areas; Deanna Erxleben, former instructor of music at HPU, who taught music; Tami Hull, head of robotics at Early Middle School, who taught robotics; Dr. Kristen Hutchins, associate professor of biology at HPU, who taught science; Keith Taylor, recently retired head of robotics at Early Elementary, who taught robotics; and Dr. Lester Towell, chair of HPU’s Department of Computer Information Systems and professor of CIS, who taught 3D printing.

Pictured above:  HPU Summer Scholars participants watch as robots they have programmed “dance.”  Below:  A student climbs HPU’s rock wall during the physical education component of HPU’s Summer Scholars and Young Scholars camps.